Electrolysis device

Abstract

To provide an electrolysis device capable of preventing short circuiting between an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly.SOLUTION: An electrolysis tank unit 4 of an electrolysis device 2 comprises an anode chamber assembly 6 and a cathode chamber assembly 8. The anode chamber assembly 6 includes a first separation wall 10, a first flange 12 disposed on the peripheral edge of the first separation wall 10, and a first gasket 14 attached to the first flange 12. The cathode chamber assembly 8 includes a second separation wall 26, a second flange 28 disposed on the peripheral edge of the second separation wall 26, and a second gasket 30 attached to the second flange 28. Short circuit prevention means is provided between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28 to prevent short circuiting between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolysis apparatus in which a plurality of electrolysis cell units, each having an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly, are arranged. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an electrolysis device in which a plurality of electrolysis cell units, each having an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly, are arranged. The anode chamber assembly of the electrolysis cell unit includes a first partition wall, a first flange provided on the periphery of the first partition wall, and a first gasket attached to the first flange. The cathode chamber assembly includes a second partition wall, a second flange provided on the periphery of the second partition wall, and a second gasket attached to the second flange.

[0003] A membrane (for example, a diaphragm in the case of an alkaline water electrolysis device, or an ion exchange membrane in the case of a salt electrolysis device) is sandwiched between the first gasket and the second gasket. Then, a required pressure is applied to a plurality of electrolytic cell units arranged in a predetermined direction to form an electrolytic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP2019-99845A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the electrolysis device, the first and second gaskets prevent leakage of gas and liquid from inside the electrolytic cell unit to the outside. However, if gas and liquid leak from inside the electrolytic cell unit to the outside due to deterioration of the gaskets, a short circuit may occur between the anode chamber assembly and the cathode chamber assembly. A short circuit may also occur if a small animal such as a mouse gets between the anode chamber assembly and the cathode chamber assembly.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolysis apparatus capable of preventing a short circuit between an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided an electrolysis device that solves the above problems. "An electrolysis device in which a plurality of electrolysis cell units each having an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly are arranged, the anode chamber assembly includes a first partition wall, a first flange provided on a periphery of the first partition wall, and a first gasket attached to the first flange, the cathode chamber assembly includes a second partition wall, a second flange provided on a periphery of the second partition wall, and a second gasket attached to the second flange, Between the first flange and the second flange, a short circuit prevention means is provided for preventing a short circuit between the first flange and the second flange. And, the first gasket has a thick portion that sandwiches the membrane together with the second gasket, and a thin portion that serves as the short circuit prevention means; The thin portion extends from an upper end of the thick portion to an upper end of the first flange. An electrolysis device for electrolysis is provided.

[0008] before The first gasket The thick portion The first flange may be provided with a linear projection extending over an entire circumference of the first gasket. a sloped portion extending downward from a lower end of the first partition wall in a direction away from the first partition wall, and a straight portion extending downward from the lower end of the sloped portion and a protrusion for The thin portion of the first gasket is attached to the straight portion and the inclined portion of the first flange, and the thick portion of the first gasket is attached to the protruding portion of the first flange. It is preferable to

[0009] According to the present invention, there is also provided an electrolysis device that solves the above problems. "An electrolysis device in which a plurality of electrolysis cell units each having an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly are arranged, the anode chamber assembly includes a first partition wall, a first flange provided on a periphery of the first partition wall, and a first gasket attached to the first flange, the cathode chamber assembly includes a second partition wall, a second flange provided on a periphery of the second partition wall, and a second gasket attached to the second flange, a short-circuit prevention means is provided between the first flange and the second flange to prevent a short circuit between the first flange and the second flange, the second gasket has a thick portion that sandwiches the membrane together with the first gasket, and a thin portion that serves as the short circuit prevention means, the thin-walled portion extends from an upper end of the thick-walled portion to an upper end of the second flange." before The second gasket The thick portion It is preferable that the second flange has a linear projection extending over the entire circumference of the second gasket. a sloped portion extending downward from a lower end of the second partition wall in a direction away from the second partition wall, and a straight portion extending downward from the lower end of the sloped portion and a protrusion for The thin portion of the second gasket is attached to the straight portion and the inclined portion of the second flange, and the thick portion of the second gasket is attached to the protruding portion of the second flange. obtain. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the electrolysis device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the anode chamber assembly and the cathode chamber assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a simplified diagram of an electrolysis device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of the II-II cross section in Figure 1. [Diagram 3] Schematic diagram of cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] Schematic diagram of VV cross section in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line VI-VI in Figure 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the electrolytic cell unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the electrolytic cell unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electrolysis device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Electrolyzer 2) Referring to Figure 1, an electrolysis device 2 of a configuration known as a zero-gap type includes a plurality of electrolysis cell units 4. The plurality of electrolysis cell units 4 are arranged along an X-axis direction (thickness direction of the electrolysis cell units 4) indicated by arrow X in Figure 1, and a required pressure is applied in the X-axis direction by a known fluid pressure clamping device (not shown), such as a hydraulic press device.

[0014] The Z-axis direction indicated by the arrow Z in Fig. 1 is the up-down direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis direction indicated by the arrow Y in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is the direction (the width direction of the electrolytic cell unit 4) perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions.

[0015] (Electrolyzer unit 4) As shown in Fig. 4, the electrolytic cell unit 4 has an anode chamber assembly 6 and a cathode chamber assembly 8. The components of the anode chamber assembly 6 and the cathode chamber assembly 8 are actually in close contact with each other, but in Fig. 4, the components are shown separated from each other in order to clearly illustrate the components.

[0016] (Anode chamber assembly 6) The anode chamber assembly 6 includes a first partition 10, a first flange 12 provided on the periphery of the first partition 10, a first gasket 14 attached to the first flange 12, and an anode 16 arranged at a distance from the first partition 10 in the X-axis direction.

[0017] (First partition wall 10) The first partition 10 of the anode chamber assembly 6 has a rectangular shape, and can be made of a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni) or titanium (Ti).

[0018] (First flange 12) The first flange 12 of the anode chamber assembly 6 has a rectangular frame shape (rectangular picture frame shape) overall, and is provided along the periphery of the rectangular first partition wall 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper portion of the first flange 12 (a portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the upper portion of the first flange 12) includes an upper plate 18 protruding in the X-axis direction from the upper end of the first partition wall 10, a vertical plate 20 extending downward from the protruding end portion of the upper plate 18, and a lower plate 22 extending in the X-axis direction from the lower end of the vertical plate 20 toward the first partition wall 10.

[0019] The vertical plate 20 of the first flange 12 has a straight portion 20a extending straight downward from the protruding end of the upper plate 18, an inclined portion 20b extending downward from the lower end of the straight portion 20a at an angle in the X-axis direction (direction away from the first partition wall 10), and a protruding portion 20c extending straight downward from the lower end of the inclined portion 20b.

[0020] 4, the protruding portion 20c protrudes further than the straight portion 20a in the direction away from the first partition wall 10. However, unlike the embodiment shown in the drawing, the entire vertical plate 20 may be straight.

[0021] The first flange 12 may be formed of a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni) or titanium (Ti) similarly to the first partition wall 10. The first flange 12 is fixed to the first partition wall 10 by an appropriate joining means (not shown) such as welding, adhesive, or screws.

[0022] One widthwise side portion and the other widthwise side portion of the first flange 12 (portions extending along the Z-axis direction at the widthwise ends of the first flange 12) can be formed by appropriately bending the first partition wall 10.

[0023] That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the first partition wall 10 may include a rectangular main portion 10a, an inner peripheral portion 10b protruding in the X-axis direction from the end of the main portion 10a, an extending portion 10c extending from the protruding end of the inner peripheral portion 10b toward the outer periphery of the electrolytic cell unit 4, and an outer peripheral portion 10d extending in the X-axis direction from the extending end of the extending portion 10c toward the main portion 10a, and one and other widthwise side portions of the first flange 12 may have the inner peripheral portion 10b, the extending portion 10c and the outer peripheral portion 10d of the first partition wall 10.

[0024] Moreover, the lower portion of the first flange 12 (a portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the lower portion of the first flange 12) may also be formed by appropriately bending the first partition wall 10, similar to the one and other widthwise side portions of the first flange 12. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the lower portion of the first flange 12 may include an inner peripheral portion 10b, an extending portion 10c, and an outer peripheral portion 10d of the first partition wall 10.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 , No. 1 bulkhead 10 is bent The first flange 12 When formed, reinforcing materials (not shown) may be provided to reinforce one side portion, the other side portion and the lower portion of the first flange 12 in the width direction.

[0026] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the widthwise one and other side portions and the lower portion of the first flange 12 do not have to be formed by bending the first partition wall 10 .

[0027] (First gasket 14) 2, the first gasket 14 has a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the first flange 12, and is attached along the outer surface of the first flange 12. The first gasket 14 is adhered to the outer surface of the first flange 12 by an adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or the like.

[0028] 4, the upper portion of the first gasket 14 in the illustrated embodiment (the portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the top of the first gasket 14) has a thin portion 14a and a thick portion 14b that is thicker than the thin portion 14a. The thin portion 14a is attached to the straight portion 20a and the inclined portion 20b of the vertical plate 20, and the thick portion 14b is attached to the protruding portion 20c of the vertical plate 20. The thickness of the upper portion of the first gasket 14 may be constant.

[0029] 5, one and other widthwise side portions of the first gasket 14 (portions extending along the Z-axis direction at the widthwise ends of the first gasket 14) are attached to the extension portion 10c of the first partition wall 10 which is a part of the components of the first flange 12. The thicknesses of the one and other widthwise side portions of the first gasket 14 are constant and are the same as the thickness of the thick portion 14b.

[0030] 6, a lower portion of the first gasket 14 (a portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the lower portion of the first gasket 14) is attached to the extension portion 10c of the first partition wall 10 which is a part of the components of the first flange 12. The thickness of the lower portion of the first gasket 14 is also constant and is the same as the thickness of the thick portion 14b.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first gasket 14 is preferably provided with linear protrusions 14c extending around the entire circumference of the first gasket 14. The linear protrusions 14c extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figures 4 to 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear protrusions 14c are disposed on the surface on the first flange 12 side. There may be one linear protrusion 14c, or multiple linear protrusions 14c may be provided as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0032] The material of the first gasket 14 is an insulating material, and examples of such materials include alkali-resistant elastomers such as natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), butadiene rubber (BR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), silicone rubber (SR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPT), ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM), fluororubber (FR), isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR), urethane rubber (UR), or chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber (CSM).

[0033] (Anode 16) The anode 16 is formed into a rectangular shape from a sheet-like member having many openings, such as an expanded metal or a plain woven wire mesh. As shown in Fig. 4, the anode 16 is disposed at a distance from the first partition wall 10 in the X-axis direction, and is positioned closer to the inner periphery of the electrolytic cell unit 4 than the first flange 12. The anode 16 may be formed from a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni) or titanium (Ti). An anode chamber 24 is defined between the anode 16 and the first partition wall 10.

[0034] Although not shown, a plurality of ribs protruding in the X-axis direction (leftward in FIG. 4) are provided on the inner surface of the first partition wall 10, and the anode 16 is fixed to the protruding ends of the plurality of ribs. The ribs, like the first partition wall 10, may be made of a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni) or titanium (Ti).

[0035] (Cathode chamber assembly 8) Continuing the explanation with reference to Figure 4, the cathode chamber assembly 8 includes a second partition wall 26, a second flange 28 provided on the periphery of the second partition wall 26, a second gasket 30 attached to the second flange 28, and a cathode 32 arranged at a distance from the second partition wall 26 in the X-axis direction.

[0036] (Second bulkhead 26) The second partition wall 26 of the cathode chamber assembly 8 has a rectangular shape and faces the first partition wall 10 in the X-axis direction. The second partition wall 26 may be formed from a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni).

[0037] (Second flange 28) The second flange 28 of the cathode chamber assembly 8 has a rectangular frame shape (rectangular frame shape) as a whole, similar to the first flange 12 of the anode chamber assembly 6. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second flange 28 is provided along the periphery of the rectangular second partition wall 26 and faces the first flange 12.

[0038] The upper portion of the second flange 28 (the portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the top of the second flange 28) includes an upper plate 34 protruding in the X-axis direction from the upper end of the second partition 26, a vertical plate 36 extending downward from the protruding end of the upper plate 34, and a lower plate 38 extending in the X-axis direction from the lower end of the vertical plate 36 toward the second partition 26.

[0039] The vertical plate 36 of the second flange 28 has a straight portion 36a extending straight downward from the protruding end of the upper plate 34, an inclined portion 36b extending downward from the lower end of the straight portion 36a at an angle in the X-axis direction (direction away from the second partition 26), and a protruding portion 36c extending straight downward from the lower end of the inclined portion 36b.

[0040] The protruding portion 36c protrudes further than the straight portion 36a in the direction away from the second partition wall 26. However, unlike the embodiment shown in the drawings, the entire vertical plate 36 may be straight.

[0041] The second flange 28 may be formed of a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni) similarly to the second partition wall 26. The second flange 28 is fixed to the second partition wall 26 by an appropriate joining means (not shown) such as welding, adhesive, or screws.

[0042] One widthwise side portion and the other widthwise side portion of the second flange 28 (portions extending along the Z-axis direction at the widthwise ends of the second flange 28) can be formed by appropriately bending the second partition wall 26.

[0043] That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the second partition wall 26 may include a rectangular main portion 26a, an inner peripheral portion 26b protruding in the X-axis direction from the end of the main portion 26a, an extending portion 26c extending from the protruding end of the inner peripheral portion 26b to the outer periphery side of the electrolytic cell unit 4, and an outer peripheral portion 26d extending in the X-axis direction from the extending end of the extending portion 26c toward the main portion 26a, and one and other widthwise side portions of the second flange 28 may have the inner peripheral portion 26b, the extending portion 26c and the outer peripheral portion 26d of the second partition wall 26.

[0044] Moreover, a lower portion of the second flange 28 (a portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the lower portion of the second flange 28) may also be formed by appropriately bending the second partition wall 26, similar to the one and other widthwise side portions of the second flange 28. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the lower portion of the second flange 28 may include an inner periphery 26b, an extension 26c, and an outer periphery 26d of the second partition wall 26.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 , No. 2. The bulkhead 26 is bent The second flange 28 When formed, reinforcing materials (not shown) may be provided to reinforce one side portion, the other side portion and the lower portion of the second flange 28 in the width direction.

[0046] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the widthwise one and other side portions and the lower portion of the second flange 28 do not have to be formed by bending the second partition wall 26 .

[0047] (Second gasket 30) 3 and 4, the second gasket 30 in the illustrated embodiment has a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the second flange 28, and is attached along the outer surface of the second flange 28. The second gasket 30 is adhered to the outer surface of the second flange 28 by an adhesive, a double-sided adhesive tape, or the like.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, an upper portion of the second gasket 30 (a portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the upper portion of the second gasket 30) is attached to the protrusion 36c of the vertical plate 36 and faces the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5 , one and other widthwise side portions of the second gasket 30 (portions extending along the Z-axis direction at the widthwise ends of the second gasket 30) are attached to the extension portion 26c of the second partition wall 26 which is a part of the components of the second flange 28, and face one and other widthwise side portions of the first gasket 14.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a lower portion of the second gasket 30 (a portion extending along the Y-axis direction at the lower portion of the second gasket 30) is also attached to the extension portion 26c of the second partition wall 26 which is a part of the components of the second flange 28, and faces the lower portion of the first gasket 14.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the second gasket 30 is preferably provided with linear protrusions 30c extending around the entire circumference of the second gasket 30. The linear protrusions 30c extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figures 4 to 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear protrusions 30c are disposed on the surface facing the first gasket 14. There may be one linear protrusion 30c, or multiple linear protrusions 30c may be provided as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0052] The thickness of the second gasket 30 is constant and may be the same as that of the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14. The material of the second gasket 30 is an insulating material and may be selected from the multiple materials listed above as examples of the material of the first gasket 14.

[0053] (Cathode 32) The cathode 32 is formed into a rectangular shape from a sheet-like member having many openings, such as expanded metal or plain woven wire mesh. The cathode 32 is disposed at a distance from the second partition wall 26 in the X-axis direction, and is positioned closer to the inner periphery of the electrolytic cell unit 4 than the second flange 28. The cathode 32 may be formed from a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni).

[0054] 4 to 6, a cushion member 40 and a current collector 42 are disposed between the cathode 32 and the second partition wall 26. The cushion member 40 may be an elastic mat having a generally rectangular shape that may be formed as an assembly of metal wires. The current collector 42 is a rectangular sheet-like member having a large number of openings, such as an expanded metal or a plain woven wire mesh. The cushion member 40 and the current collector 42 may be formed from a conductive metal material, such as nickel (Ni).

[0055] Although not shown, a plurality of ribs protruding in the X-axis direction (to the right in FIG. 4) are provided on the inner surface of the second partition wall 26, and the current collectors 42 are fixed to the protruding ends of the plurality of ribs. The ribs may be made of a conductive metal material such as nickel (Ni).

[0056] The cushion member 40 can be fastened to the rib (or a bracket attached to the rib) by a plurality of screws penetrating the current collector 42. The cathode 32 can be fastened to the rib or the bracket by a plurality of screws penetrating the cushion member 40 and the current collector 42. A cathode chamber 44 is defined between the current collector 42 and the second partition wall 26.

[0057] 4 to 6, for the sake of convenience, the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30 are depicted spaced apart in the X-axis direction, but in the actual electrolysis device 2, the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30 are pressed against each other by the required pressure applied by the fluid pressure type fastening device. This brings the anode chamber 24 and the cathode chamber 44 into a sealed state.

[0058] In the upper portion of the first gasket 14, the thick portion 14b presses against the second gasket 30, and the thin portion 14a does not contact the second gasket 30 or the second flange .

[0059] (membrane 46) 4 to 6, a rectangular membrane 46 is sandwiched between the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30. The membrane 46 is configured as a diaphragm or ion exchange membrane made of an ion-permeable material when the electrolysis device 2 is an alkaline water electrolysis device, for example, and is configured as an ion exchange membrane when the electrolysis device 2 is a salt electrolysis device.

[0060] 4, the upper end of the membrane 46 in the illustrated embodiment protrudes upward beyond the upper end of the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14 and the upper end of the second gasket 30. Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the widthwise ends and the lower end of the membrane 46 protrude toward the outer periphery of the electrolytic cell unit 4 beyond the outer peripheries of the first and second gaskets 14, 30.

[0061] However, the size of the membrane 46 need only be such that the entire circumference of the membrane 46 is sandwiched between the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30, and the peripheral portion of the membrane 46 does not need to protrude beyond the outer periphery of the first and second gaskets 14, 30 toward the outer periphery of the electrolytic cell unit 4.

[0062] (Short circuit prevention means) In the electrolysis device 2, between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28, short-circuit prevention means for preventing a short circuit between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28 is provided.

[0063] The short-circuit prevention means in the illustrated embodiment is constituted by the first gasket 14. Specifically, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 functions as the short-circuit prevention means.

[0064] As described above, in the upper portions of the first and second gaskets 14, 30, the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30 press against each other to seal the anode chamber 24 and the cathode chamber 44. In this manner, the thick portion 14b of the first flange 12 and the second gasket 30 provide the electrolytic cell unit 4 with liquid-tightness and air-tightness.

[0065] On the other hand, even when the required pressure is applied to the electrolytic cell unit 4 from the fluid pressure fastening device, the thin-walled portion 14a of the first gasket 14 does not come into contact with components of the cathode chamber assembly 8, such as the second flange 28 or the second gasket 30, and does not provide liquid-tightness or air-tightness to the electrolytic cell unit 4.

[0066] However, since the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 is attached to the straight portion 20a and the inclined portion 20b of the vertical plate 20 of the first flange 12, a short circuit between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28 is prevented.

[0067] For example, if gas and / or liquid leaks from the anode chamber 24 or the cathode chamber 44 between the vertical plate 20 of the first flange 12 and the vertical plate 36 of the second flange 28 due to deterioration of the first and second gaskets 14, 30, or if a small animal such as a mouse gets between the vertical plate 20 of the first flange 12 and the vertical plate 36 of the second flange 28, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 prevents a short circuit between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28.

[0068] If the upper end of the membrane 46 is located above the upper ends of the vertical plates 20, 36 of the first and second flanges 12, 28, the membrane 46 can also prevent a short circuit between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28. However, if the membrane 46, which is a relatively expensive component of the electrolytic cell unit 4, is used as a short circuit prevention means, which is not the intended use of the membrane 46, this will result in an increase in manufacturing costs. On the other hand, the first gasket 14 is a relatively inexpensive component of the electrolytic cell unit 4. Therefore, even if the first gasket 14 is used as a short circuit prevention means, it will not result in an excessive increase in manufacturing costs.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical plates 20, 36 of the first and second flanges 12, 28 are provided with protrusions 20c, 36c, and when a required pressure is applied to the electrolytic cell unit 4 from the fluid pressure fastening device, the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14 attached to the protrusion 20c and the second gasket 30 attached to the protrusion 36c are pressed against each other. On the other hand, as described above, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 does not contact the second flange 28 or the second gasket 30.

[0070] For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the area of ​​the sealing surface between the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30 is smaller than when the vertical plates 20, 36 do not have protrusions 20c, 36c, the entire vertical plates 20, 36 are straight, and gaskets are attached to the entire surfaces of the vertical plates 20, 36.

[0071] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface pressure of the sealing surfaces between the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30 is high, making it difficult for gas and liquid to leak from the anode chamber 24 and the cathode chamber 44. In this manner, in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible to prevent a short circuit between the first flange 12 and the second flange 28, and to realize high surface pressure on the sealing surfaces.

[0072] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first gasket 14 and the second gasket 30 are pressed against each other, the linear protrusions 14c of the first gasket 14 and the linear protrusions 30c of the second gasket 30 are locally crushed, thereby further improving the liquid-tightness and air-tightness of the electrolytic cell unit 4.

[0073] In addition, contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the linear protrusions 14c of the first gasket 14 may be provided on the surface facing the second gasket 30, and the linear protrusions 30c of the second gasket 30 may be provided on the surface facing the second flange 28.

[0074] In addition, while the provision of either the linear protrusions 14c of the first gasket 14 or the linear protrusions 30c of the second gasket 30 contributes to improving liquid-tightness and air-tightness, the provision of both linear protrusions 14c, 30c is preferable in terms of improving liquid-tightness and air-tightness.

[0075] As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the membrane 46 protrudes upward beyond the upper end of the thick portion 14b of the first gasket 14 and the upper end of the second gasket 30. In addition, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 and the second flange 28 are not in contact with each other.

[0076] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, when assembling the electrolytic cell unit 4, the position of the membrane 46 can be adjusted by utilizing the space between the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 and the second flange 28, making it easy to assemble.

[0077] As described above, in the electrolysis device 2 of the illustrated embodiment, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 can prevent a short circuit between the anode chamber assembly 6 and the cathode chamber assembly 8.

[0078] (Modification) In the electrolytic cell unit 4 of the above-described embodiment, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 of the anode chamber assembly 6 serves as the short-circuit prevention means, but as shown in FIG. 7, the second gasket 30 of the cathode chamber assembly 8 may also serve as the short-circuit prevention means.

[0079] 7, the second gasket 30 has a rectangular frame shape corresponding to the second flange 28, and is attached along the outer surface of the second flange 28. The upper portion of the second gasket 30 has a thin portion 30a and a thick portion 30b that is thicker than the thin portion 30a, the thin portion 30a being attached to the straight portion 36a and the inclined portion 36b of the vertical plate 36, and the thick portion 30b being attached to the protruding portion 36c of the vertical plate 36. The thin portion 30a constitutes a short circuit prevention means.

[0080] 8, the thin portion 14a of the first gasket 14 and the thin portion 30a of the second gasket 30 may each constitute a short circuit prevention means. In this case, the first and second gaskets 14, 30 may have the same shape, and parts management is simplified by the use of standardized parts.

[0081] Although not shown, in both the first and second modified examples, the thickness of the second gasket 30 may be constant, similar to the first gasket 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 2: Electrolyzer 4: Electrolyzer unit 6:Anode chamber assembly 8: Cathode chamber assembly 10: First bulkhead 12: First flange 14: First gasket 14a: Thin section 14b: Thick wall part 14c: Linear process 20: Vertical board 20a: Straight section 20b: Inclined part 20c:Protrusion 26: Second bulkhead 28: Second flange 30: Second gasket 30a: Thin wall part 30b: Thick wall part 30c: Linear projection 36: Vertical board 36a: Straight part 36b: Inclined part 36c:Protrusion

Claims

1. An electrolysis apparatus in which a plurality of electrolysis cell units each having an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly are arranged, the anode chamber assembly includes a first partition wall, a first flange provided on a periphery of the first partition wall, and a first gasket attached to the first flange, the cathode chamber assembly includes a second partition wall, a second flange provided on a periphery of the second partition wall, and a second gasket attached to the second flange, a short-circuit prevention means is provided between the first flange and the second flange to prevent a short circuit between the first flange and the second flange, the first gasket has a thick portion that sandwiches the membrane together with the second gasket, and a thin portion that serves as the short circuit prevention means; The thin-walled portion extends from an upper end of the thick-walled portion to an upper end of the first flange.

2. The electrolysis device according to claim 1 , wherein the thick portion of the first gasket is provided with a linear protrusion extending around an entire periphery of the first gasket.

3. the first flange includes a straight portion, an inclined portion extending downward from a lower end of the straight portion at an incline in a direction away from the first partition wall, and a protruding portion extending straight downward from the lower end of the inclined portion, The thin-walled portion of the first gasket is attached to the straight portion and the inclined portion of the first flange, 2. The electrolysis device according to claim 1, wherein the thick portion of the first gasket is attached to the protruding portion of the first flange.

4. An electrolysis apparatus in which a plurality of electrolysis cell units each having an anode chamber assembly and a cathode chamber assembly are arranged, the anode chamber assembly includes a first partition wall, a first flange provided on a periphery of the first partition wall, and a first gasket attached to the first flange, the cathode chamber assembly includes a second partition wall, a second flange provided on a periphery of the second partition wall, and a second gasket attached to the second flange, a short-circuit prevention means is provided between the first flange and the second flange to prevent a short circuit between the first flange and the second flange, the second gasket has a thick portion that sandwiches the membrane together with the first gasket, and a thin portion that serves as the short circuit prevention means, The thin-walled portion extends from an upper end of the thick-walled portion to an upper end of the second flange.

5. The electrolysis device according to claim 4 , wherein the thick portion of the second gasket is provided with a linear projection extending over an entire periphery of the second gasket.

6. the second flange includes a straight portion, an inclined portion extending downward from a lower end of the straight portion at an incline in a direction away from the second partition wall, and a protruding portion extending straight downward from the lower end of the inclined portion, The thin-walled portion of the second gasket is attached to the straight portion and the inclined portion of the second flange, 5. The electrolysis device according to claim 4, wherein the thick portion of the second gasket is attached to the protruding portion of the second flange.

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