JP7617535B2 - Electrolytic liquid generator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrolytic liquid generating device.

Conventionally, an electrolytic liquid generating device has been known that has an electrolytic electrode device composed of an anode, a conductive film, and a cathode, and that generates ozone (electrolytic product) using the electrolytic electrode device to obtain ozone water (electrolytic liquid) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The electrolysis electrode device described in Patent Document 1 has a groove formed with a hole formed in the cathode and a hole formed in the conductive film, and water is electrolyzed by introducing the water into the groove.

JP 2012-012695 A

However, in the above conventional technology, the electrolytic liquid generating device is formed by supporting the electrolytic electrode device on a support structure formed on the piping, which may complicate the assembly process of the electrolytic liquid generating device.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology and to provide an electrolytic liquid generating device that can be assembled more easily.

To achieve the above object, the electrolytic liquid generating device of the present invention has a laminate in which adjacent electrodes are stacked with a conductive film interposed between them, and is equipped with an electrolytic unit that electrolytically processes the liquid, and a housing in which the electrolytic unit is disposed.

In addition, the housing has a flow path through which the liquid passes in a direction that intersects with the stacking direction of the laminate.

The flow path also has an inlet that is connected to an external flow path on the upstream side and through which the liquid supplied to the electrolysis unit flows in, and an outlet that is connected to an external flow path on the downstream side and through which the electrolytic liquid produced in the electrolysis unit flows out.

In addition, the electrolysis section has a groove that opens into the flow path and exposes at least a portion of the interface between the conductive film and the electrode.

The housing also includes a case that has an opening through which the electrolysis unit can be inserted and that houses the electrolysis unit, and a lid that covers the opening of the case.

A welded portion is formed around the periphery of the opening in the housing, where the case and the lid are welded together.

The present invention provides an electrolytic liquid generating device that can be assembled more easily.

1 is a perspective view of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. 1 is a perspective view of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view showing an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the electrolytic water generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view showing an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 5. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG. 5. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrode case of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side. 2 is an oblique view of the electrode case of the electrolytic water generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the other side. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrolysis unit of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of an electrolysis unit of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the electrolysis units of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked within an electrode case. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the electrolysis unit of the electrolytic water generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention is accommodated in the second recess of the electrode case. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a groove portion and a flow path of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic relationship between a groove portion and a protrusion portion of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a first modified example of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a second modified example of an electrolytic water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The electrolytic liquid generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a laminate in which adjacent electrodes are stacked with a conductive film between them, and is equipped with an electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the liquid, and a housing in which the electrolytic unit is disposed.

In addition, the housing has a flow path through which the liquid passes in a direction that intersects with the stacking direction of the laminate.

The flow path also has an inlet that is connected to an external flow path on the upstream side and through which the liquid supplied to the electrolysis unit flows in, and an outlet that is connected to an external flow path on the downstream side and through which the electrolytic liquid produced in the electrolysis unit flows out.

In addition, the electrolysis section has a groove that opens into the flow path and exposes at least a portion of the interface between the conductive film and the electrode.

The housing also includes an electrode case having a recess with an opening through which the electrolysis unit can be inserted, the electrode case containing the electrolysis unit within the recess, and an electrode case lid that covers the opening of the electrode case.

The electrolysis unit is housed in the recess with the stacking direction of the stack roughly aligned with the opening direction of the opening.

In this way, the attachment direction of the electrode case lid to the electrode case can be made to roughly coincide with the stacking direction of the laminate, and the electrolytic liquid generating device can be assembled by moving each component relative to the stacking direction. As a result, the electrolytic liquid generating device can be assembled more easily.

The flow path is also formed between the electrolysis section and the electrode case lid.

In this way, a flow path can be formed by covering the opening of the electrode case with the electrode case lid while the electrolysis unit is housed in the recess, making it easier to assemble an electrolytic liquid generating device with a flow path.

In addition, the electrodes and the conductive film are stacked so that at least the side surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction are substantially flush with each other.

In this way, the stack is positioned in the width direction of the flow path by making the side surfaces of each component extending in the longitudinal direction flush, making it easier to position the stack in the width direction of the flow path.

The electrode case is also provided with an introduction guide portion that extends in the stacking direction of the laminate and guides the insertion of the electrolysis portion into the recess.

This prevents the components that make up the stack from shifting position during assembly, making it easier to assemble the electrolytic liquid generating device.

In addition, an elastic body is disposed within the housing, contacting one side of the stack in the stacking direction in the electrolysis section.

In this way, by pressing one side of the electrolytic section in the stacking direction with an elastic body, it becomes possible for the elastic body to absorb dimensional variations in the electrolytic section in the stacking direction, making it easier to position the stack in the stacking direction.

The elastic body is also disposed between the electrolysis section and the electrode case.

This makes it possible to place an elastic body inside the electrode case, making it easier to assemble the electrolytic liquid generating device.

In addition, a welded portion is formed around the periphery of the opening in the housing, where the electrode case and the electrode case lid are welded together.

This makes it easier to attach the electrode case lid to the electrode case, making it easier to assemble the electrolyte liquid generating device.

The electrodes include an anode and a cathode, and the electrolysis unit includes an anode-side power supply shaft that is electrically connected to the anode and applies a voltage to the anode, and a cathode-side power supply shaft that is electrically connected to the cathode and applies a voltage to the cathode.

The anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft extend in the stacking direction.

This makes it possible to uniquely determine the size and position of each component that makes up the electrolysis unit, and prevents the components from becoming misaligned when stacked. As a result, it becomes easier to assemble the electrolysis unit and align the components, and the electrolysis product can be generated more stably.

The anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft extend toward the opposite side of the flow path.

This prevents the anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft from being positioned within the flow path, thereby preventing the liquid flowing through the flow path from becoming stagnant.

In addition, one of the anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft is provided on the inlet side of the electrolysis section, and the other is provided on the outlet side of the electrolysis section.

In this way, the distance between the anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft can be maximized while preventing the electrolytic liquid generating device from becoming too large. As a result, it is possible to prevent the anode and cathode from shorting out while preventing the electrolytic liquid generating device from becoming too large.

When viewed from the stacking direction, the electrolysis section has a generally rectangular shape with the liquid flow direction being the longitudinal direction, and the anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft are provided at diagonal corners of the electrolysis section.

This makes it possible to eliminate the directionality between the inlet and outlet sides of the electrode case, allowing the electrolyte liquid generating device to be assembled more efficiently.

In addition, at least one of the anode side power supply shaft and the cathode side power supply shaft is provided separately from the electrode.

This eliminates the need to weld the anode power feed shaft and the cathode power feed shaft. As a result, the components that make up the electrolysis section can be processed more easily, which can lead to cost reductions.

In addition, at least one of the members constituting the electrolysis section has a curved shape in the stacking direction.

In this way, when the electrolytic liquid generating device is assembled, a stable pressing pressure can be generated against the electrodes. As a result, the current-carrying area can be secured more stably, and the generation capacity of the electrolytic product can be made more stable. In addition, since there is no need to tighten the electrolytic section arranged inside the electrode case with screws or the like, the occurrence of assembly variations can be suppressed, and the generation capacity of the electrolytic product can be made more stable. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

The groove is formed to have a depth smaller than at least one of the opening width of the groove in the liquid passage direction and the height of the flow path in the stacking direction.

This makes it possible to prevent the liquid flowing through the flow path from stagnating in the grooves, thereby further improving the concentration of dissolved electrolysis products in the liquid.

The flow path is formed so that its height in the stacking direction is smaller than its width.

This makes it possible to increase the surface flow rate at the interface, which in turn makes it possible to dissolve the electrolytic products more quickly and to further increase the dissolved concentration of the electrolytic products in the liquid.

In addition, the protrusions are in contact with the surface of the electrolysis section on the flow path side.

In this way, the protrusions can press against the electrolysis section, so that contact between the conductive film and the electrode can be more reliably maintained. As a result, the current density of the current flowing through the electrolysis section can be made more uniform, and the efficiency of generating electrolysis products can be improved.

The protrusion is formed in the center of the flow path in the width direction.

In this way, by pressing the center of the electrolysis section with the protrusion, it is possible to achieve more uniform contact between the conductive film and the electrode. As a result, the current density of the current flowing through the electrolysis section can be made more uniform, and the efficiency of generating electrolysis products can be improved.

In addition, multiple protrusions are formed so as to be aligned in the liquid passage direction.

In this way, the protrusions press the electrolysis section along the direction of the liquid flow, allowing for more uniform contact between the conductive film and the electrodes. As a result, the current density of the current flowing through the electrolysis section can be made more uniform, further improving the efficiency of generating electrolysis products.

The protrusion is formed so that at least the contact portion with the electrolytic portion does not overlap with the groove portion when viewed from the stacking direction.

By doing this, it is possible to prevent protrusions from being placed on the grooves, which makes it possible to prevent the flow of liquid in the grooves from being impeded by the protrusions. As a result, the retention of air bubbles near the interface of the grooves is prevented, and the dissolved concentration of the electrolysis product in the liquid can be further improved.

In addition, a plurality of the grooves are formed so as to be aligned in the liquid passage direction, and the width of the protrusions in the liquid passage direction at least at the contact portion with the electrolysis section is smaller than the width of the liquid passage direction between adjacent grooves in the electrolysis section.

In this way, even if the position of the protrusion is slightly misaligned when assembling the electrolyte liquid generating device, the protrusion will not be positioned above the groove.

The protrusions are formed so that when viewed from the stacking direction, their contours are polygonal with rounded vertices.

In this way, by forming an R-shaped portion at the apex of the contour shape of the protrusion, the flow of liquid near the protrusion can be made smoother, preventing the accumulation of air bubbles and further improving the dissolved concentration of electrolysis products in the liquid.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Below, an example of an electrolytic liquid generating device is an ozone water generating device that generates ozone (electrolytic product) and dissolves the ozone in water (liquid) to generate ozone water (electrolytic liquid). Ozone water is effective for sterilization and decomposition of organic matter, and is therefore widely used in the fields of water treatment, food, and medicine, and has the advantages of being non-residual and not generating by-products.

In the following, the extension direction of the flow path will be described as the liquid flow direction (front-back direction) X, the width direction of the flow path as the width direction (flow path width direction) Y, and the direction in which the electrodes and conductive films are stacked as the stacking direction (up-down direction) Z. The up-down direction when the electrolytic liquid generating device is positioned so that the electrode case lid is on the upper side will be described as the up-down direction Z.

(Embodiment)
The ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 of this embodiment has a housing 10 with a flow path 11 formed therein, and is configured so as to be connectable midway (between an upstream pipe 71 and a downstream pipe 72) of a pipe 70 that supplies liquid to an electrical device, a liquid reforming device, etc. (see Figure 7).

Then, by connecting the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 to the middle of the piping 70 and connecting the flow path 11 to an external flow path (the water passage 71a of the upstream piping 71 and the water passage 72a of the downstream piping 72), the ozone water (electrolytic water: electrolytic liquid) generated in the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 can be supplied to electrical equipment, liquid reforming devices, etc.

The ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 does not need to be connected midway through the piping 70. For example, it is also possible to connect the downstream side of the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 directly to an electrical device, a liquid reforming device, or the like. In this case, the flow path formed inside the electrical device, the liquid reforming device, or the like becomes the downstream external flow path.

The electrolysis unit 80 is disposed inside the housing 10 in which the flow path 11 is formed, facing the flow path 11, so that the water (liquid) flowing through the flow path 11 is electrolyzed by the electrolysis unit 80.

In this embodiment, the electrolysis unit 80 is disposed within the housing 10 so that the upper surface (one side surface in the stacking direction Z) 80a faces the flow path 11 (see FIG. 20).

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the electrolysis unit 80 has a laminate 81 that is laminated so that a conductive film 86 is interposed between an anode (electrode) 84 and a cathode (electrode) 85 (between adjacent electrodes).

On the other hand, the flow path 11 is formed in the housing 10 so that the liquid flow direction X intersects with the stacking direction Z of the laminate 81.

This flow path 11 has an inlet 11a that is connected to the water passage (upstream external flow path) 71a of the upstream piping 71 and through which the liquid supplied to the electrolysis unit 80 flows in, and an outlet 11b that is connected to the water passage (downstream external flow path) 72a of the downstream piping 72 and through which the ozone water (electrolytic liquid) generated in the electrolysis unit 80 flows out.

Furthermore, the laminate 81 has a groove 82 that opens to the flow path 11 and exposes at least a portion of the interfaces 87, 88 between the conductive film 86 and the electrodes (anode 84 and cathode 85) (see Figure 20).

In this embodiment, by forming such a groove portion 82 in the laminate 81, water (liquid) supplied into the flow path 11 from the inlet 11a can be introduced into the groove portion 82.

Then, the power supplied from the power supply unit 100 is used to perform an electrolytic process that causes an electrochemical reaction in the water (liquid) introduced mainly into the groove portion 82, thereby generating ozone water (electrolyzed water: electrolytic liquid) in which ozone (electrolysis product) is dissolved.

In this way, the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 according to this embodiment generates ozone water (electrolytic water: electrolytic liquid) in which ozone (electrolytic product) is dissolved by performing an electrolytic process on water (liquid) that causes an electrochemical reaction.

The ozone water (electrolyzed water: electrolytic liquid) generated in the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 flows out of the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 (into the water channel 72a of the downstream piping 72) from the outlet 11b via the flow path 11.

The housing 10 can be formed, for example, using a non-conductive resin such as acrylic, and is provided with a recess 34 having an opening 332a through which the electrolysis unit 80 can be inserted, an electrode case 20 in which the electrolysis unit 80 is housed within the recess 34, and an electrode case lid 60 that covers the opening 332a of the electrode case 20 (see Figures 12 and 13).

As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the electrode case 20 includes a substantially hollow box-shaped main body 30 in which an electrolysis unit 80 is disposed. A substantially cylindrical first connection part (upstream connection part) 40 that is connected to an upstream piping 71 is formed on one side (upstream side) of the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) of the main body 30. A substantially cylindrical second connection part (downstream connection part) 50 that is connected to a downstream piping 72 is formed on the other side (downstream side) of the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) of the main body 30.

Furthermore, the first connection part (upstream connection part) 40 has a first connection flow path (upstream flow path) 12 that is connected to the water channel 71a of the upstream pipe 71 when the first connection part (upstream connection part) 40 is connected to the upstream pipe 71 (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, this first connection flow path (upstream flow path) 12 constitutes a part of the flow path 11, and the upstream end of the first connection flow path (upstream flow path) 12 is the inlet 11a. In addition, a tapered part 40a that becomes wider toward the upstream side is formed at the upstream end of the first connection part (upstream connection part) 40. Thus, in this embodiment, the inlet 11a is formed to be wider than the downstream flow path of the first connection flow path (upstream flow path) 12.

On the other hand, the second connection part (downstream connection part) 50 has a second connection flow path (downstream flow path) 16 that is connected to the water channel 72a of the downstream pipe 72 when the second connection part (downstream connection part) 50 is connected to the downstream pipe 72 (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the second connection flow path (downstream flow path) 16 also constitutes a part of the flow path 11, and the downstream end of the second connection flow path (downstream flow path) 16 is the outlet 11b. In addition, a tapered part 50a that becomes wider toward the downstream side is also formed at the downstream end of the second connection part (downstream connection part) 50. Thus, in this embodiment, the outlet 11b is also formed to be wider than the upstream flow path of the second connection flow path (downstream flow path) 16.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connection portion (upstream connection portion) 40 and the second connection portion (downstream connection portion) 50 are formed so that their respective upper ends (ends on the electrode case lid 60 side) 41, 51 protrude upward from the main body portion 30. In this manner, by making each upper end portion 41, 51 protrude upward from the main body portion 30, the electrode case lid 60 is sandwiched between the upper end portion 41 and the upper end portion 51 when the electrode case lid 60 is attached to the electrode case 20.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the main body 30 includes a bottom wall 31, a peripheral wall 32 connected to the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 31, and a top wall 33 connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall 32. A through hole 332 is formed in the top wall 33, penetrating it in the vertical direction Z.

Then, inside the main body 30, a recess 34 is formed, which is defined by the inner surface 311 of the bottom wall 31, the inner surface 321 of the peripheral wall 32, which is the width direction inner surface 321a and the length direction inner surface 321b, and the inner surface 331 of the top wall 33. Thus, in this embodiment, the recess 34 is formed so as to open upward. Therefore, the opening 332a formed in the top wall 33 is the opening of the recess 34.

The electrolysis unit 80 is inserted into the recess 34 from the opening 332a side, so that the electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated in the recess 34. The opening 332a is formed to be larger than the contour shape of the electrolysis unit 80 as viewed from the stacking direction Z, so that the electrolysis unit 80 with its stacking direction aligned with the vertical direction Z can be inserted into the recess 34 in that position.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a step portion 35 is formed at each end of the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) inside the main body portion 30.

This step portion 35 is formed integrally with the bottom wall portion 31 and the peripheral wall portion 32, and is located between the inner surface 311 of the bottom wall portion 31 and the opening 332a in the vertical direction Z, and has an intermediate surface 351 extending horizontally, and a step surface 352 extending vertically to connect the intermediate surface 351 and the inner surface 311 of the bottom wall portion 31.

By forming this step portion 35, the recess 34 has a two-step recess structure.

Specifically, the recess 34 has a first recess (space intended to form a flow path) 341 formed on the opening side in which a part of the flow path 11 is formed, and a second recess (space to accommodate the electrolysis unit) 342 formed further back (lower) than the first recess (space intended to form a flow path) 341 in which the electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated.

Furthermore, the second recess (electrolysis unit accommodating space) 342 has a main body unit accommodating recess 342a in which the main body unit 80b of the electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated, and a power supply unit accommodating space 342b that is connected to one side in the width direction Y at both ends of the longitudinal direction (liquid flow direction: front-rear direction X) of the main body unit accommodating recess 342a and that accommodates the power supply unit 80c of the electrolysis unit 80 described later.

That is, the step surface 352 of the step portion 35 has an inner step surface 352a located on the inside in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X), an outer step surface 252b located on the outside in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X), and a connecting step surface 352c connecting the inner step surface 352a and the outer step surface 252b. The intermediate surface 351 is formed such that the inner boundary line in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) has a crank-shaped bent shape when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the first recess (space for forming the flow path) 341 is defined by the inner surface 331 of the top wall portion 33, the upper portion of the width direction inner surface 321a and the longitudinal direction inner surface 321b of the peripheral wall portion 32, and the intermediate surface 351 of the step portion 35.

The second recess (electrolysis unit storage space) 342 is defined by the inner surface 311 of the bottom wall portion 31, the step surface 352 of the step portion 35, and the lower part of the width direction inner surface 321a.

The electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated in this second recess (electrolysis unit accommodation space) 342, as described above. At this time, the electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated with the stacking direction aligned with the vertical direction Z.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated in the second recess (electrolysis unit accommodation space) 342 via the elastic body 90. That is, the electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated in the second recess (electrolysis unit accommodation space) 342 with the elastic body 90 interposed between the electrolysis unit 80 and the electrode case 20 and with the elastic body 90 abutting against the lower surface 80d of the electrolysis unit 80. This elastic body 90 can be formed using an elastic material such as rubber, plastic, or a metal spring.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the electrode case lid 60 is attached to the electrode case 20, an electrolysis section side flow path 14 is formed on the upper surface (one side surface in the stacking direction Z) 80a of the electrolysis section 80 and on the intermediate surface 351. In this manner, in this embodiment, a flow path 11 is formed between the electrolysis section 80 and the electrode case lid 60.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, guide protrusions (introduction guide portions) 353 that protrude upward are formed on both sides in the width direction Y at the inner boundary portion in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) of the intermediate surface 351 of the step portion 35. That is, guide protrusions (introduction guide portions) 353 that guide the insertion of the electrolysis portion 80 into the second recess (electrolysis portion housing space) 342 are provided at the four corners of the second recess (electrolysis portion housing space) 342.

A first main body side flow path 13 that communicates with a first connecting flow path (upstream flow path) 12 is formed on the peripheral wall 32 on one side (upstream side) in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X). A second main body side flow path 15 that communicates with a second connecting flow path (downstream flow path) 16 is formed on the peripheral wall 32 on the other side (downstream side) in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X).

In this manner, in this embodiment, the flow path 11 is formed by the first connecting flow path (upstream flow path) 12, the first main body side flow path 13, the electrolysis section side flow path 14, the second main body side flow path 15, and the second connecting flow path (downstream flow path) 16 (see FIG. 7). At this time, the flow path 11 is formed so that the cross-sectional area is approximately the same except for the portion where the inlet 11a is formed and the portion where the outlet 11b is formed.

As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the flow path 11 is formed in a rectangular shape that is wider in the width direction Y. That is, the flow path 11 is formed so that the height in the stacking direction Z is a height H1 that is smaller than the flow path width W1. In this embodiment, the flow path 11 is formed so that the flow path width W1 is about 10 mm and the height H1 in the stacking direction Z is about 2 mm. In this way, for example, when water (liquid) is supplied into the flow path 11 at a flow rate of 2 L/min, the flow velocity of the water (liquid) flowing through the flow path is about 1.67 m/s.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply unit accommodating space 342b located on one side (upstream side) in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) is formed on one side in the width direction Y, and the power supply unit accommodating space 342b located on the other side (downstream side) in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) is formed on the other side in the width direction Y. In other words, a pair of power supply unit accommodating spaces 342b are formed in diagonal portions of the main body accommodating recess 342a.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the recess 34 is formed so as to be point symmetrical with respect to the center of the main body 30 when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

In this embodiment, the housing 10 itself (electrode case 20 and electrode case lid 60) is also formed to be point symmetrical with respect to the center of the housing 10 when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

The electrode case lid 60 comprises a generally rectangular plate-shaped lid body 61 and a fitting protrusion 62 that protrudes downward from the center of the lower part of the lid body 61 and fits into the opening 332a of the electrode case 20.

A welding projection 63 that projects downward is formed around the entire periphery of the fitting protrusion 62 on the lid body 61. When the electrode case lid 60 is attached to the electrode case 20, this welding projection 62 is inserted into a groove 333a that is formed around the entire periphery of the periphery 333 of the opening 332a in the top wall 33 of the electrode case 20.

Then, while fitting the fitting protrusion 62 into the opening 332a, the welding protrusion 62 is inserted into the groove 333a, and the electrode case lid 60 and the electrode case 20 are welded together by vibration welding, heat welding, or the like, so that the recess 34 of the electrode case 20 is sealed by the electrode case lid 60. At this time, a welding portion 17 is formed at the portion of the welding protrusion 62 and the groove 333a.

It is also possible to screw the electrode case lid 60 to the electrode case 20 with a sealant between the electrode case lid 60 and the electrode case 20, so that the recess 34 of the electrode case 20 is sealed by the electrode case lid 60.

In addition, extension walls 62b extending in the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X) are formed on both ends of the underside 62a of the fitting protrusion 62 in the width direction Y, and when the electrode case lid 60 is attached to the electrode case 20, these extension walls 62b define both ends of the electrolysis section side flow path 14 in the width direction Y.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the extension wall 62b is formed so as to be positioned inside the guide protrusions (introduction guide portions) 353 provided at the four corners of the second recess (electrolysis unit storage space) 342 in the longitudinal direction (liquid passage direction: front-rear direction X). The extension wall 62b is formed so as to overlap the guide protrusions (introduction guide portions) 353 when viewed from the longitudinal direction (liquid passage direction: front-rear direction X).

In this embodiment, by providing such an extension wall 62b, it is possible to suppress the generation of turbulence near the guide protrusion (introduction guide portion) 353.

In addition, multiple protrusions 64 are formed in the center of the width direction Y on the underside 62a of the fitting protrusion 62 and aligned along the longitudinal direction (fluid flow direction: front-rear direction X).

The electrolysis unit 80 is accommodated in the second recess (electrolysis unit accommodation space) 342 via the elastic body 90, and when the electrode case lid 60 is attached to the electrode case 20, the electrolysis unit 80 is pressed downward by the protrusion 64 provided on the electrode case lid 60.

In this manner, in this embodiment, by pressing the electrolysis unit 80 downward, a constant pressure is applied to the entire electrolysis unit 80 by the elastic body 90, thereby further increasing the adhesion between the components that make up the electrolysis unit 80.

When the electrode case lid 60 is attached to the electrode case 20, the upper surface (surface on one side in the stacking direction Z) 80a of the electrolysis section 80 is made to be approximately flush with the intermediate surface 351. This prevents a step from being formed in the flow path 11. Also, the cross-sectional area of the flow path (electrolysis section side flow path 14) formed in the upper part of the electrolysis section 80 is made to be approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of the other flow paths.

In this way, by making the cross-sectional area of the flow path 11 approximately the same, it is possible to prevent the flow of water (liquid) flowing through the flow path 11 from becoming turbulent. As a result, the occurrence of stagnation areas within the flow path 11 is prevented, and the generated ozone (electrolysis product) is prevented from growing into bubbles, which makes it possible to further improve the concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the ozone water (electrolysis liquid) flowing out from the outlet 11b.

Next, the specific configuration of the electrolysis unit 80 will be described.

As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the electrolysis unit 80 has a generally rectangular shape with the liquid flow direction X as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the stacking direction Z. The electrolysis unit 80 includes a laminate 81 formed by stacking an anode 84, a conductive film 86, and a cathode 85 in this order. Thus, in this embodiment, the laminate 81 is stacked such that the conductive film 86 is interposed between adjacent electrodes (anode 84 and cathode 85). In this embodiment, a power supply 83 made of, for example, titanium is stacked below the anode 84, and electricity is supplied to the anode 84 via the power supply 83.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the laminate 81 is formed with a groove portion 82 having an opening 82a that opens into the flow path 11, and this groove portion 82 is configured so that at least a portion of the interface 88 between the conductive film 86 and the cathode 85 can come into contact with water (liquid). Also, at least a portion of the interface 87 between the conductive film 86 and the anode 84 can come into contact with water (liquid).

Specifically, the cathode 85 has a cathode side hole 85c, and the conductive film 86 has a conductive film side hole 86c. When the cathode 85 and the conductive film 86 are laminated, the cathode side hole 85c and the conductive film side hole 86c are arranged to communicate with each other.

Therefore, the inner surface 86d of the conductive film 86 and the inner surface 85d of the cathode 85 become the side surface 82c of the groove 82, and the upper surface (surface) 84a of the anode 84 becomes the bottom surface 82b of the groove 82 (see FIG. 20). By forming such a groove 82, at least a part of the interface 88 between the conductive film 86 and the cathode 85 (interface between the conductive film and the electrode) is exposed to the groove 82, and water can freely come into contact with the interface 87 exposed to the groove 82. In addition, at least a part of the interface 87 between the conductive film 86 and the anode 84 (interface between the conductive film and the electrode) is also exposed to the groove 82, and water can freely come into contact with the interface 87 exposed to the groove 82.

In this embodiment, the groove 82 is formed so that both ends of the elongated groove extending in the width direction Y are bent toward the upstream side. That is, the cathode side hole 85c formed in the cathode 84 and penetrating in the stacking direction Z is formed so that the bent portion is V-shaped and located downstream.

The conductive film side hole 86c that is formed in the conductive film 86 and penetrates in the stacking direction Z is also formed so that it has a V-shape with the bending point located downstream, and the cathode side hole 85c and the conductive film side hole 86c are connected to each other to form a V-shaped groove portion 82.

The shape of the groove 82 is not limited to the V-shape described above, and can be a variety of shapes. For example, it can be a rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction Y.

In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 82 are formed in a line along the longitudinal direction X, but it is sufficient that at least one groove 82 is formed.

In this embodiment, the interface 88 between the conductive film 86 and the cathode 85 is the boundary between the side of the cathode 85 and the side of the conductive film 86. The interface 87 between the conductive film 86 and the anode 84 is the intersection between the surface of the anode 84 and the side of the conductive film 86.

The conductive film 86 and the cathode 85 may be the same size or different sizes, but at least their holes (cathode side hole 85c and conductive film side hole 86c) must be in communication with each other, and a sufficient electrical contact area must be ensured. Therefore, taking these factors into consideration, it is preferable that the conductive film 86 and the cathode 85 have approximately the same projected dimensions (approximately the same size when viewed from the stacking direction Z).

The anode 84 may be the same size as the conductive film 86 and the cathode 85, or may be different in size, but it is preferable that the anode 84 is large enough to be visible from all of the grooves 82 when viewed from the stacking direction Z.

In this embodiment, the anode 84, cathode 85, and conductive film 86 are made to have approximately the same projected dimensions.

By doing this, when the laminate 81 is formed, the sides of the anode 84, cathode 85, and conductive film 86 are approximately flush with each other.

In other words, when the laminate 81 is formed, at least the longitudinally extending side surfaces 84b, 85b, and 86b of the anode 84, cathode 85, and conductive film 86 are arranged to be substantially flush with each other.

In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply body 83 and the elastic body 90 are also designed to have approximately the same projected dimensions as the anode 84, the cathode 85, and the conductive film 86.

The electrolysis unit 80 receives ions from the conductive film 86 and current from the power supply unit 100, and performs an electrolysis process to electrochemically generate ozone at the interface 87 between the anode 84 and the conductive film 86.

The electrochemical reaction is as follows:

Anode side: 3H ₂ O → O ₃ +6H ⁺ +6e-
2H ₂ O→O ₂ +4H ⁺ +4e-
Cathode side: 2H ⁺ +2e-→H ₂
The power supply body 83 can be made of, for example, titanium, and is configured to contact the anode 84 on the side opposite to the conductive film 86. The anode side power supply shaft 83b is attached to the shaft attachment piece 83a by welding or the like. A power supply portion 80c is formed.

The power supply 83 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 100 via the conductor 102a on the anode 102 side, which is connected to the anode side power supply shaft 83b.

In this embodiment, the anode side power supply shaft 83b is attached to the shaft attachment piece 83a so as to extend in the stacking direction Z. The power supply body 83 is inserted into the second recess (electrolysis unit storage space) 342 with the anode side power supply shaft 83b extending toward the opposite side (lower side) from the flow path 11. At this time, a pair of power supply unit insertion holes 313a through which the shaft of the power supply unit 80c is inserted are formed in the bottom wall portion 31 of the electrode case 20 so as to communicate with each power supply unit storage space 342b, and the anode side power supply shaft 83b is inserted into one of the power supply unit insertion holes 313a. The conductor 102a is connected to the part of the anode side power supply shaft 83b exposed to the outside of the electrode case 20.

The anode 84 can be formed, for example, by depositing a conductive diamond film on a conductive substrate made of silicon with a width of about 10 mm and a length of about 50 mm. This conductive diamond film has boron-doped conductivity. The conductive diamond film is formed on the conductive substrate with a thickness of about 3 μm by the plasma CVD method.

In this embodiment, the anode 84 and the cathode 85 are plate-shaped, but the anode 84 and the cathode 85 may be film-shaped, mesh-shaped, or linear.

The conductive film 86 is disposed on the anode 84 on which the conductive diamond film is formed. This conductive film 86 is a proton conductive ion exchange film, and has a thickness of about 100 to 200 μm. Furthermore, this conductive film 86 has a plurality of conductive film side holes 86c formed therein, penetrating in the thickness direction (Z direction), as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

In this embodiment, each conductive film side hole 86c is provided in the same shape. Furthermore, the multiple conductive film side holes 86c are provided so as to be aligned in a row along the longitudinal direction X. However, the shape and arrangement of the conductive film side holes 86c may be in a different form.

The cathode 85 is disposed on the conductive film 86. The cathode 86 is, for example, a stainless steel electrode plate having a thickness of about 0.5 mm. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the cathode 85 has multiple cathode side holes 85c formed therein, which penetrate the cathode 85 in the thickness direction.

The cathode side holes 85c have the same or similar opening shape as the conductive membrane side holes 86c. The cathode side holes 85c are arranged in a row with the same pitch and in the same direction as the conductive membrane side holes 86c.

A shaft attachment piece 85e is formed at one end of the cathode 85, and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f is attached to this shaft attachment piece 85e by welding or the like. In this way, the cathode side power supply section 80c is formed by attaching the cathode side power supply shaft 85f to the shaft attachment piece 85e.

The cathode 85 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 100 via the cathode 101 side conductor 101a connected to the cathode side power supply shaft 85f.

In this embodiment, the cathode side power supply shaft 85f is also attached to the shaft attachment piece 85e so as to extend in the stacking direction Z. The cathode 85 is inserted into the second recess (electrolysis unit storage space) 342 with the cathode side power supply shaft 85f extending toward the opposite side (lower side) from the flow path 11. At this time, the cathode side power supply shaft 85f is inserted into the other power supply unit insertion hole 313a, and the conductor 101a is connected to the part of the cathode side power supply shaft 85f exposed to the outside of the electrode case 20.

In this embodiment, as described above, a pair of power supply unit accommodating spaces 342b are formed at diagonal corners of the main body unit accommodating recess 342a.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f are provided at the diagonal portion 80e of the electrolysis section 80.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anode side power supply shaft 83b, which is either the anode side power supply shaft 83b or the cathode side power supply shaft 85f, is provided on the inlet 11a side of the electrolysis unit 80. And the other, the cathode side power supply shaft 85f, is provided on the outlet 11b side of the electrolysis unit 80.

The electrolysis unit 80 is disposed in the recess 34 with the direction in which the grooves 82 are arranged generally in the front-rear direction X.

The power supply unit 100 generates a potential difference between the anode 84 and the cathode 85 via the conductive film 86. The anode 84 is electrically connected to the anode 102 side of the power supply unit 100 via a conductor 102a, and the cathode 85 is electrically connected to the cathode 101 side of the power supply unit 100 via a conductor 101a (see FIG. 4). The power supply unit 100 can be electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) via wiring (not shown). By connecting to the control unit, the power supply unit 100 can be switched on and off and its output can be changed.

In this embodiment, the groove portion 82 is formed to have a depth D1 that is smaller than at least one of the opening width L1 of the groove portion 82 in the liquid flow direction X and the height H1 of the flow path 11 in the stacking direction Z (see Figures 8 and 20).

That is, the groove portion 82 is formed so that the height H1 of the flow path 11 in the stacking direction Z>the depth D1 of the groove portion 82, or the opening width L1 of the groove portion 82 in the liquid flow direction X>the depth D1 of the groove portion 82.

In this embodiment, the height H1 of the flow path 11 in the stacking direction Z is set to approximately 2 mm as described above.

The depth D1 of the groove 82 is the sum of the thickness of the conductive film 86 and the thickness of the cathode 85, and is approximately 0.6 mm to approximately 0.7 mm in this embodiment.

The opening width L1 of the groove portion 82 in the liquid passage direction X is approximately 1.5 mm.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the groove portion 82 is formed so that the height H1 of the flow path 11 in the stacking direction Z>the depth D1 of the groove portion 82, and the opening width L1 of the groove portion 82 in the liquid flow direction X>the depth D1 of the groove portion 82.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is made to contact only the upper surface (one surface in the stacking direction Z) 80a of the electrolysis unit 80. In other words, when viewed from the stacking direction Z, at least the contact portion 64a of the protrusion 64 that contacts the electrolysis unit 80 does not overlap the groove portion 82.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the liquid passage direction width L2 at least at the contact portion 64a of the protrusion 64 with the electrolysis unit 80 is made smaller than the liquid passage direction width L3 between adjacent groove portions 82 in the electrolysis unit 80, so that the protrusion 64 is in contact only with the upper surface 80a (the surface on one side in the stacking direction Z) of the electrolysis unit 80.

In this embodiment, the liquid passage direction width L2 at the contact portion 64a of the protrusion 64 with the electrolysis unit 80 is approximately 1.5 mm.

The width L3 in the liquid flow direction between adjacent grooves 82 in the electrolysis section 80 is approximately 2.0 mm.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is formed so that the width in the liquid passage direction at all points from the tip (lower end) to the base (upper end) of the protrusion 64 is smaller than the width L3 in the liquid passage direction between the grooves 82.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface (one side surface in the stacking direction Z) 80a of the electrolytic section 80 exists so as to surround the entire periphery of the contact portion 64a of the protrusion 64 with the electrolytic section 80. This makes it possible for the entire surface of the contact portion 64a of the protrusion 64 with the electrolytic section 80 to be in contact with the upper surface (one side surface in the stacking direction Z) 80a of the electrolytic section 80 even if the protrusion 64 is misaligned in any direction on the XY plane.

In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is formed so that the contour shape 64b is a quadrangle (polygon) with an R portion 64d formed at the vertex portion 64c when viewed from the stacking direction Z.

An ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 having such a configuration can be assembled, for example, by the method shown below.

First, insert the elastic body 90 into the recess 34 from the opening 332a side of the electrode case 20, and place the elastic body 90 in the second recess (electrolysis unit housing space) 342.

Next, with the tip of the anode side power supply shaft 83b facing downward, the power supply body 83 is inserted into the recess 34 from the opening 332a side of the electrode case 20 while the anode side power supply shaft 83b is inserted into one of the power supply part insertion holes 313a, so that the main body of the power supply body 83 is layered on the elastic body 90.

Next, the anode 84 is inserted into the recess 34 from the opening 332a side of the electrode case 20, and the anode 84 is stacked on the power supply body 83.

Next, the conductive film 86 is inserted into the recess 34 from the opening 332a side of the electrode case 20, and the conductive film 86 is laminated on the anode 84.

Next, the cathode 85 is inserted into the recess 34 from the opening 332a side of the electrode case 20 with the tip of the cathode side power supply shaft 85f facing downward, while the cathode side power supply shaft 85f is inserted into the other power supply insertion hole 313a, so that the main body of the cathode 85 is laminated on the conductive film 86.

At this time, the elastic body 90 and the components constituting the electrolysis unit 80 are inserted into the second recess (electrolysis unit storage space) 342 while being guided by the guide protrusion (introduction guide portion) 353.

However, simply stacking the components constituting the elastic body 90 and the electrolysis section 80 within the recess 34 leaves the elastic body 90 in a nearly free state (a state in which it is barely elastically deformed).

Therefore, at least the cathode 85 of the electrolysis unit 80 is in a state of floating above the intermediate surface 351 (see FIG. 18). However, the relative movement of the cathode 85 floating above the intermediate surface 351 in the longitudinal direction X is suppressed by the guide protrusion (introduction guide portion) 353. In this embodiment, the elastic body 90 and each member constituting the electrolysis unit 80 are positioned in the width direction Y by the width direction side inner surface 321a.

Then, the electrode case lid 60 is moved relative to the electrode case 20 in the stacking direction Z, so that the fitting protrusion 62 fits into the opening 332a while the welding protrusion 62 is inserted into the groove 333a.

Then, while fitting the fitting protrusion 62 into the opening 332a and inserting the welding protrusion 62 into the groove 333a, the electrode case lid 60 and the electrode case 20 are welded together by vibration welding, heat welding, or the like.

In this way, the recess 34 of the electrode case 20 is sealed by the electrode case lid 60.

At this time, the upper surface (one side surface in the stacking direction Z) 80a of the electrolysis unit 80 is pressed downward by the extension wall 62b and the protrusion 64, so that the electrolysis unit 80 is entirely inserted into the second recess (electrolysis unit storage space) 342 while elastically deforming the elastic body 90 (see FIG. 19).

Next, an O-ring 314 is inserted into the tip of the shaft (anode side power supply shaft 83b or cathode side power supply shaft 85f) of the power supply part 80a exposed to the outside of the tip electrode case 20, and placed in the O-ring insertion groove 313b formed in the retaining plate accommodating recess 313.

Then, the tip of the shaft of the power supply unit 80a (the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f) is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 316a formed in the pressure plate 316, and the pressure plate 316 is accommodated in the pressure plate accommodating recess 313.

Then, the retainer plate 316 is fixed to the electrode case 20 by inserting and fastening the screw 315 into the screw insertion hole 316b formed in the retainer plate 316 and the screw hole 313c formed in the retainer plate accommodating recess 313.

In this manner, the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled. In this manner, the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 according to this embodiment can be assembled simply by moving each component relative to the electrode case 20 in the stacking direction Z.

In the above embodiment, the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f are welded to the shaft attachment pieces 83a and 85e, but it is also possible to use a configuration as shown in Figure 22.

In FIG. 22, the anode side power supply shaft 83b is provided separately from the power supply body 83 (anode 84), and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f is provided separately from the cathode 85.

When the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled, each shaft is made to come into contact with the power supply 83 and the cathode 85.

Note that, although FIG. 22 illustrates an example in which both the anode side power feed shaft 83b and the cathode side power feed shaft 85f are separate, it is also possible to have only one of the anode side power feed shaft 83b and the cathode side power feed shaft 85f be separate.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 23, it is also possible for at least one of the members constituting the electrolysis unit 80 to have a curved shape in the stacking direction Z.

Figure 23 illustrates an example in which the power supply 83 and the cathode 85, which are components that make up the electrolysis unit 80 and are arranged at both ends in the stacking direction Z, are curved in the stacking direction Z. Although not shown in Figure 23, the cathode 85 has a cathode side hole that communicates with the conductive membrane side hole 86c.

When the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled using the curved members in this manner, the curved members are made to have an almost flat plate shape.

By doing this, when the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled, a pressing pressure is generated against the conductive film 86.

In other words, in FIG. 23, the power supply 83 and the cathode 85 are curved in the stacking direction Z, so that the power supply 83 and the cathode 85 have the function of the elastic body 90 shown in the above embodiment.

In this way, by making the shape of the power supply 83 and the cathode 85 curved in the stacking direction Z and making the power supply 83 and the cathode 85 generate a pressing pressure against the conductive film 86, it becomes possible to further increase the adhesion between the components that make up the electrolysis unit 80, even if the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled without using the elastic body 90, as shown in FIG. 23.

Note that FIG. 23 shows an example of assembling the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 without using the elastic body 90, but it is also possible to arrange the elastic body 90 below the power supply body 83 while making the shapes of the power supply body 83 and the cathode 85 curved in the stacking direction Z.

The curved shape of the members constituting the electrolysis unit 80 may be any shape as long as it generates a pressing pressure against the conductive film 86 when the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled. For example, in FIG. 23, the members are curved in a direction (stacking direction Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X (flow direction) and are curved so as to be convex toward the conductive film 86 side, but they may also be curved so as to be convex toward the side opposite the conductive film 86 side. They may also be curved in multiple places, such as a wave shape.

It is also possible to curve only one of the power supply 83 and the cathode 85, or to curve other components constituting the electrolysis unit 80. In other words, as long as the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is configured to generate a pressing pressure against the conductive film 86 when assembled, any of the components constituting the electrolysis unit 80 can be curved.

Next, we will explain the operation and function of the ozone water generator (electrolytic liquid generator) 1 configured as described above.

First, to supply water (liquid) to the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1, water (liquid) is supplied from the inlet 11a to the flow path 11.

Then, a portion of the water supplied to the flow path 11 flows into the groove portion 82 and comes into contact with the interfaces 87 and 88 of the groove portion 82.

In this state (electrolysis unit 80 is immersed in water by the supplied water), when power supply unit 100 is turned on and a voltage is applied between anode 84 and cathode 85 of electrolysis unit 80 by power supply unit 100, a potential difference is generated between anode 84 and cathode 85 via conductive film 86. In this way, by generating a potential difference between anode 84 and cathode 85, electricity flows through anode 84, conductive film 86, and cathode 85, electrolysis is performed in the water in groove 82, and ozone (electrolysis product) is generated near interfaces 87, 88 between conductive film 86 and anode 84.

The voltage applied at this time ranges from several volts to several tens of volts, and the higher the voltage (the higher the current value), the greater the amount of ozone (electrolysis product) generated.

Then, the ozone (electrolysis product) generated near the interfaces 87, 88 between the conductive film 86 and the anode 84 is carried downstream of the flow path 11 along the flow of the water (liquid) and dissolves in the water (liquid). In this way, dissolved ozone water (ozone water: electrolytic liquid) is generated by dissolving the ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid).

Such an ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 can be applied to electrical equipment that uses the electrolytic liquid generated by the electrolytic liquid generating device, liquid reforming devices that include the electrolytic liquid generating device, etc.

Examples of electrical equipment and liquid reforming devices include water treatment equipment such as water purification systems, washing machines, dishwashers, warm water washing toilet seats, refrigerators, hot water supply systems, sterilization equipment, medical equipment, air conditioning equipment, and kitchen equipment.

As described above, the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 according to this embodiment has a laminate 81 in which adjacent electrodes 84, 85 are stacked with a conductive film 86 interposed between them, and is equipped with an electrolysis unit 80 that electrolyzes water (liquid), and a housing 10 in which the electrolysis unit 80 is disposed.

In addition, the housing 10 is formed with a flow path 11 in which the liquid flow direction X intersects with the stacking direction Z of the laminate 81.

This flow path 11 has an inlet 11a that is connected to the water passage (upstream external flow path) 71a of the upstream piping 71 and through which the liquid supplied to the electrolysis unit 80 flows in, and an outlet 11b that is connected to the water passage (downstream external flow path) 72a of the downstream piping 72 and through which the ozone water (electrolytic liquid) generated in the electrolysis unit 80 flows out.

In addition, the electrolysis section 80 has a groove 82 that opens to the flow path 11 and exposes at least a portion of the interfaces 87, 88 between the conductive film 86 and the electrodes 84, 85.

The housing 10 further includes an electrode case 20 having a recess 34 with an opening 332a through which the electrolysis unit 80 can be inserted, the electrode case 20 containing the electrolysis unit 80 within the recess 34, and an electrode case lid 60 that covers the opening 332a of the electrode case 20.

The electrolysis unit 80 is housed in the recess 34 with the stacking direction Z of the stack 81 approximately aligned with the opening direction of the opening 332a.

This allows the attachment direction of the electrode case lid 60 to the electrode case 20 to be approximately aligned with the stacking direction Z of the laminate 81. As a result, the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 can be assembled by moving each member constituting the electrolysis unit 80 and the electrode case lid 60 relative to the electrode case 20 in the stacking direction Z. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain an ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 that can be assembled more easily.

In addition, in this embodiment, the flow path 11 is formed between the electrolysis unit 80 and the electrode case lid 60.

In this way, the flow path 11 can be formed by covering the opening 332a of the electrode case 20 with the electrode case lid 60 while the electrolysis unit 80 is housed in the recess 34. Therefore, it becomes easier to assemble the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 having the flow path 11.

However, in the electrolytic liquid generating device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, an electrolytic electrode device is formed by simply stacking an anode, a conductive film, and a cathode. Therefore, when stacking the anode, the conductive film, and the cathode, there is a risk that the positional relationship of each component will be shifted in a direction intersecting the stacking direction Z (on the XY plane).

When stacking the anode, conductive film, and cathode, if the relative positions of the components are shifted in a direction intersecting the stacking direction Z (on the XY plane), the contact area between the anode, conductive film, and cathode will increase or decrease, and the concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the ozone water (electrolytic liquid) may become unstable.

In particular, if each component is misaligned in the flow path width direction Y, the amount of exposed interface in the groove portion will vary significantly, which may cause the concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the ozone water (electrolytic liquid) to become more unstable.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the electrodes 84, 85 and the conductive film 86 are stacked so that at least the side surfaces 84b, 85b, and 86b extending in the longitudinal direction are substantially flush with each other.

In this way, the stack 81 can be positioned in the flow path width direction Y simply by flushing the side surfaces 84b, 85b, and 86b that extend in the longitudinal direction of each member, making it easier to position the stack 81 in the flow path width direction Y.

By suppressing misalignment in the flow path width direction Y, which has a large impact on the ability to generate ozone (electrolysis product), the concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the ozone water (electrolysis liquid) can be made more stable.

The electrode case 20 is also provided with an introduction guide portion 353 that extends in the stacking direction Z of the laminate 81 and guides the insertion of the electrolysis portion 80 into the recess 34.

In this way, by providing the introduction guide portion 353, the position of each component constituting the laminate 81 is prevented from shifting during assembly of the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1, making it easier to assemble the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1.

In addition, as described above, in the electrolytic liquid generating device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the electrolytic electrode device is formed by simply stacking the anode, conductive film, and cathode, so there is a risk of gaps being formed between the stacked components. If gaps are formed between the components, there is a risk of the current flowing unevenly on the stacked surfaces of the stack. If the current flowing unevenly on the stacked surfaces of the stack in this way, there is a risk of the efficiency of ozone (electrolytic product) generation decreasing, and there is a risk of the life of the electrodes and conductive film being shortened.

Therefore, in this embodiment, an elastic body 90 is arranged in the housing 10 so as to contact one side of the laminate 81 in the electrolysis section 80 in the stacking direction Z.

In this way, by providing the elastic body 90, one side of the electrolysis unit 80 in the stacking direction Z can be pressed by the elastic body 90, and the dimensional variation of the electrolysis unit 80 in the stacking direction Z can be absorbed by this elastic body 90. As a result, it becomes easier to position the electrolysis unit 80 in the stacking direction Z.

In addition, by providing the elastic body 90, a constant pressure can be applied to the entire electrolysis section 80, which further improves the adhesion between the various components. Increasing the adhesion between the various components in this way not only improves the efficiency of ozone (electrolysis product) generation, but also extends the life of the electrodes and conductive film.

In addition, by using the elastic body 90 to increase the adhesion between the various components, it becomes possible to more easily assemble an electrolysis unit 80 with increased adhesion between the various components while simplifying the configuration.

In addition, in this embodiment, an elastic body 90 is disposed between the electrolysis unit 80 and the electrode case 20.

In this way, when assembling the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1, the elastic body 90 can be placed inside the electrode case 20 (inside the recess 34), making it easier to assemble the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1.

In addition, a welded portion 17 is formed at the peripheral portion 333 of the opening 332a in the housing 10, where the electrode case 20 and the electrode case lid 60 are welded together.

This makes it easier to attach the electrode case lid 60 to the electrode case 20, making it easier to assemble the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1.

In this embodiment, the electrodes include an anode 84 and a cathode 85. Furthermore, the electrolysis unit 80 includes an anode-side power supply shaft 83b that is electrically connected to the anode 84 and applies a voltage to the anode 84, and a cathode-side power supply shaft 85f that is electrically connected to the cathode 85 and applies a voltage to the cathode 85.

The anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f extend in the stacking direction Z.

In this way, it becomes possible to uniquely determine the size and position of each component that constitutes the electrolysis unit 80, and it becomes possible to prevent the components from becoming misaligned when stacked. As a result, it becomes easier to assemble the electrolysis unit 80 and align the components, and it becomes possible to generate ozone (electrolysis product) more stably.

In addition, in this embodiment, the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f extend toward the side opposite the flow path 11.

This prevents the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f from being positioned within the flow path 11, thereby preventing the water (liquid) flowing within the flow path 11 from stagnating.

In this embodiment, the anode side power feed shaft 83b, which is either the anode side power feed shaft 83b or the cathode side power feed shaft 85f, is provided on the inlet 11a side of the electrolysis unit 80. The other, the cathode side power feed shaft 85f, is provided on the outlet 11b side of the electrolysis unit 80.

In this way, the distance between the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f can be maximized while preventing the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 from becoming too large. As a result, it is possible to prevent the anode 84 and the cathode 85 from shorting out while preventing the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 from becoming too large.

When viewed from the stacking direction Z, the electrolysis section 80 has a generally rectangular shape with the liquid flow direction X as its longitudinal direction, and the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f are provided at the diagonal portion 80b of the electrolysis section 80.

This makes it possible to eliminate the directionality of the inlet and outlet sides of the electrode case 20, allowing the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 to be assembled more efficiently.

In this case, it is possible to provide at least one of the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f separately from the electrodes 84, 85.

This eliminates the need to weld the anode side power supply shaft 83b and the cathode side power supply shaft 85f. As a result, each member that makes up the electrolysis unit 80 can be processed more easily, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

It is also possible for at least one of the components constituting the electrolysis section 80 (the power supply 83 and the cathode 85) to have a curved shape in the stacking direction Z.

In this way, when the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1 is assembled, a stable pressing pressure can be generated against the electrodes 84, 85. As a result, the current-carrying area of the electrolysis unit 80 can be secured more stably, and the generation capacity of ozone (electrolysis product) can be made more stable. In addition, since there is no need to tighten the electrolysis unit 80 arranged in the electrode case 20 with screws or the like, the occurrence of assembly variations can be suppressed, and the generation capacity of ozone (electrolysis product) can be made more stable. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 also discloses an electrolytic liquid generating device that is provided with a baffle structure for turbulentizing tap water passing through an electrolytic electrode device, and by providing such a baffle structure, tap water can be electrolyzed more efficiently.

However, simply generating turbulence does not provide enough hydraulic force to forcibly remove the fine bubbles of the electrolysis product from the electrode interface, and the generated electrolysis product may grow into large bubbles without peeling off from the electrode interface.

In this way, if the bubbles of the electrolysis product grow large, even if they peel off from the electrode interface, they may not dissolve in the liquid and may end up drifting in the liquid, which may reduce the dissolved concentration of the electrolysis product in the liquid.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the groove portion 82 is formed so that the depth D1 is smaller than at least one of the opening width L1 of the groove portion 82 in the liquid flow direction X and the height H1 of the flow path 11 in the stacking direction Z.

In this way, if the height H1 in the stacking direction Z of the flow path 11 is greater than the depth D1 of the groove portion 82, or the opening width L1 in the liquid flow direction X of the groove portion 82 is greater than the depth D1 of the groove portion 82, the water flow will be faster in the area where ozone (electrolysis product) is generated (near the interface 87), making it possible to strip off the generated ozone (electrolysis product) in the form of ultrafine bubbles. As a result, the ozone (electrolysis product) is prevented from floating in the liquid without being dissolved in the liquid, and the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid) can be further improved.

In addition, it is possible to prevent the water (liquid) flowing through the flow path 11 from stagnating in the groove portion 82, which also makes it possible to further improve the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid).

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 also discloses an electrolytic liquid generating device in which an anode, a conductive film, and a cathode are laminated, and water holes are provided in the conductive film and the cathode, forming a single water passage (flow path). This configuration makes it possible to reduce the size and cost of the electrolytic liquid generating device.

However, in Patent Document 1, there are no specifications for the height of the flow path. Therefore, depending on the configuration of the flow path, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow path may become significantly slower. Thus, with the structure of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the dissolved concentration of the electrolysis product in the liquid may decrease.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow path 11 is formed so that its height in the stacking direction Z is a height H1 that is smaller than the flow path width W1.

In this way, by forming the flow path 11 so that the height in the stacking direction Z is a height H1 that is smaller than the flow path width W1, the surface flow velocity in the vicinity of the interfaces 87, 88 can be made faster. As a result, the generated ozone (electrolysis product) can be dissolved in water (liquid) more quickly, and the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid) can be further improved.

In addition, as described above, the structure of Patent Document 1 simply stacks the anode, conductive film, and cathode, so there is a risk that the contact between the anode and conductive film and the contact between the conductive film and the cathode will be uneven.

In this way, if the contact between the anode and the conductive film and between the conductive film and the cathode becomes uneven, the dissolved concentration of the electrolysis products may become unstable, and the efficiency of generating the electrolysis products may decrease.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is made to contact the surface 80a of the electrolysis unit 80 on the flow path 11 side.

By bringing such protrusions 64 into contact with the surface 80a of the electrolysis unit 80 on the flow path 11 side, the protrusions 64 can press the electrolysis unit 80, thereby making the contact between the conductive film 86 and the electrodes 84, 85 more uniform. As a result, the current density of the current flowing through the electrolysis unit 80 can be made more uniform, and the generation efficiency of ozone (electrolysis product) can be improved. In addition, the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in water (liquid) can be made more stable.

In addition, in this embodiment, a protrusion 64 is formed in the center of the flow path 11 in the flow path width direction Y.

In this way, by pressing the center of the electrolysis unit 80 with the protrusion 64, the conductive film 86 and the electrodes 84, 85 can be brought into more uniform contact. As a result, the current density of the current flowing through the electrolysis unit 80 can be made more uniform, and the generation efficiency of ozone (electrolysis product) can be improved. In addition, the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in water (liquid) can be made more stable.

In addition, in this embodiment, multiple protrusions 64 are formed so as to be aligned in the liquid passage direction X.

In this way, by making the protrusions 64 press the electrolysis unit 80 along the liquid flow direction X, it becomes possible to make the conductive film 86 and the electrodes 84, 85 come into more uniform contact with each other. As a result, it becomes possible to make the current density of the current flowing through the electrolysis unit 80 more uniform, and it becomes possible to further improve the efficiency of generating ozone (electrolysis product). In addition, it becomes possible to make the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid) more stable.

In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is formed so that at least the contact portion 64a with the electrolysis portion 80 does not overlap the groove portion 82 when viewed from the stacking direction Z.

By doing so, the protrusions 64 can be prevented from being positioned above the grooves 82, and the flow of water (liquid) in the grooves 82 can be prevented from being impeded by the protrusions 64. As a result, the retention of air bubbles near the interfaces 87, 88 of the grooves 82 can be prevented, and the concentration of dissolved ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid) can be further improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of grooves 82 are formed so as to be aligned in the liquid passage direction X. And, the liquid passage direction width L2 at least at the contact portion 64a of the protrusion 64 with the electrolysis unit 80 is made smaller than the liquid passage direction width L3 between adjacent grooves 82 in the electrolysis unit 80.

In this way, even if the position of the protrusion 64 is slightly misaligned when assembling the ozone water generating device (electrolytic liquid generating device) 1, the protrusion 64 can be prevented from being positioned above the groove 82. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent air bubbles from being trapped near the interfaces 87, 88 of the groove 82, and further improve the concentration of dissolved ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid).

In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 64 is formed so that, when viewed from the stacking direction Z, the contour shape 64b is a polygon with an R portion 64d formed at the apex portion 64c.

In this way, by forming an R portion 64d at the apex portion 64c of the contour shape 64b of the protrusion 64, the flow of liquid in the vicinity of the protrusion 64 can be made smoother, so that the occurrence of air bubble retention can be more reliably suppressed, and the dissolved concentration of ozone (electrolysis product) in the water (liquid) can be further improved.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, an ozone water generating device is exemplified that generates ozone and dissolves the ozone in water to generate ozone water, but the substance to be generated is not limited to ozone. For example, hypochlorous acid may be generated and used for sterilization, water treatment, etc. It is also possible to make the device into one that generates oxygen water, hydrogen water, chlorine-containing water, hydrogen peroxide water, etc.

The anode 84 can also be made of, for example, conductive silicon, conductive diamond, titanium, platinum, lead oxide, tantalum oxide, etc. Any material can be used as long as the electrode has the conductivity and durability to generate electrolytic water. Furthermore, when the anode 84 is a diamond electrode, the manufacturing method is not limited to the manufacturing method by film formation. It is also possible to construct the substrate using materials other than metals.

The cathode 85 may be any electrode that is conductive and durable, and may be made of, for example, platinum, titanium, stainless steel, or conductive silicon.

In addition, the specifications of the housing, electrolytic section, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can also be changed as appropriate.

As described above, the electrolytic liquid generating device of the present invention is capable of increasing the concentration of electrolytic products in the electrolytically treated liquid, and can therefore be used in, for example, water treatment equipment such as water purification devices, washing machines, dishwashers, warm water cleaning toilet seats, refrigerators, hot water supply systems, sterilizers, medical equipment, air conditioning equipment, kitchen equipment, and other applications.

1. Ozone water generator (electrolytic liquid generator)
10 Housing (electrode case 20 and electrode case lid 60)
11 Flow path 11a Inlet 11b Outlet 17 Welded part 20 Electrode case 34 Recess 60 Electrode case cover 71a Water channel (external flow path)
72a Downstream waterway (external flow path)
80 Electrolysis section 80a Surface 80e Diagonal section 81 Laminated body 82 Groove section 82a Opening 83b Anode side power supply shaft 84 Anode (electrode)
85 Cathode (electrode)
85f Cathode side power supply shaft 86 Conductive film 87 Interface between anode 84 and conductive film 86 88 Interface between cathode 85 and conductive film 86 90 Elastic body 332a Opening 333 Peripheral edge 353 Introduction guide portion D1 Depth of groove H1 Height of flow path in stacking direction L1 Opening width of groove in liquid passage direction L2 Width in liquid passage direction at contact portion of protrusion L3 Width in liquid passage direction between grooves in electrolysis portion W1 Flow path width X Liquid passage direction (longitudinal direction: front-rear direction)
Y: Width direction (channel width direction)
Z Stacking direction (vertical direction)

Claims (2)

an electrolysis unit that has a laminate in which electrodes adjacent to each other are laminated such that a conductive film is interposed between the electrodes, and that performs electrolysis on a liquid;
A housing in which the electrolysis unit is disposed;
Equipped with
The housing has a flow path formed therein, the flow path having a liquid passing direction intersecting with a stacking direction of the laminate,
the flow path has an inlet communicating with an external flow path on an upstream side and through which a liquid to be supplied to the electrolysis unit flows in, and an outlet communicating with an external flow path on a downstream side and through which an electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolysis unit flows out,
a groove portion is formed in the electrolysis portion, the groove portion being open to the flow path and exposing at least a part of an interface between the conductive film and the electrode;
The housing includes a case having an opening through which the electrolysis unit can be inserted and in which the electrolysis unit is housed, and a lid covering the opening of the case,
The lid includes a lid body and a fitting protrusion that protrudes from a center portion of the lid body and fits into the opening,
An electrolytic liquid generating device characterized in that a welded portion is formed on the peripheral edge of the opening in the housing, where the case and the peripheral edge of the fitting protrusion in the lid main body are welded to each other. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the case and the lid have a structure in which a protrusion on one side is inserted into a groove on the other side, and the welding part is formed between the protrusion and the groove.

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