阅读说明：本技术 电解用器件 (Device for electrolysis ) 是由 田中喜典 白水久德 山本泰士 乾亮子 于 2018-12-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：电解用器件包括阳极(2A)、阴极(2C)、离子交换膜(3)及间隔件(S)。阴极(2C)具有阴极用供电体和对阴极用供电体的表面进行覆盖的阴极用表面材料。离子交换膜(3)接触于阳极(2A)并且自阴极用表面材料分离开地配置在阳极(2A)和阴极(2C)之间。间隔件(S)设于阴极用表面材料和离子交换膜(3)之间的阴极用通水路径。(The electrolysis device comprises an anode (2A), a cathode (2C), an ion exchange membrane (3), and a spacer (S). The cathode (2C) has a cathode power supply body and a cathode surface material for covering the surface of the cathode power supply body. The ion exchange membrane (3) is in contact with the anode (2A) and is disposed between the anode (2A) and the cathode (2C) so as to be separated from the surface material for the cathode. The spacer (S) is provided in the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane (3).)

1. A device for electrolysis, wherein,

the device for electrolysis includes:

an anode;

a cathode having a cathode power feeder and a cathode surface material covering a main surface of the cathode power feeder;

an ion exchange membrane that is in contact with the anode and is disposed between the anode and the cathode separately from the surface material for the cathode; and

and a spacer provided on the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane.

2. The electrolytic device of claim 1,

a gap through which water flows is provided between the spacer and the surface material for the cathode.

3. The electrolytic device of claim 1,

the separator is disposed in the cathode water passage so that a longitudinal direction thereof extends along a longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage.

4. The electrolytic device of claim 1,

the separator is in contact with the surface material for a cathode in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the separator extends along the longitudinal direction of the surface material for a cathode.

5. The electrolytic device of claim 1,

the cathode-use power supply body has at least either one of pits and through-holes on at least a main surface facing the ion exchange membrane,

at least a part of an inner surface of at least one of the recess and the through-hole is covered with the surface material for the cathode.

6. The electrolytic device of claim 1,

an area of a portion of the spacer in contact with the surface material for the cathode is smaller than an area of a portion of the spacer in contact with the ion exchange membrane.

7. A device for electrolysis, wherein,

the device for electrolysis includes:

an anode;

a cathode having a through hole extending toward the anode;

an ion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and

and two cathode water flow paths provided on both sides of the cathode and communicating with each other through the through-hole.

8. The electrolytic device of claim 7,

in the two cathode water passage paths, a flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage path on a surface side of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage path on a back surface side of the surface of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane.

9. The electrolytic device of claim 7,

in the two cathode water passage paths, a flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage path on a back surface side of a surface of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage path on a front surface side of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane.

10. The electrolytic device of claim 8,

the cathode includes a power supply body for a cathode and a surface material for a cathode covering a main surface of the power supply body for a cathode opposite to the ion exchange membrane,

at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is also covered with the surface material for the cathode.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electrolytic device for electrolyzing water between an anode and a cathode.

Background

Conventionally, as disclosed in patent document 1, for example, an electrolytic device has been developed in which water is electrolyzed between an anode and a cathode. The conventional electrolytic device comprises: an anode having a power feeder for an anode and a surface material for an anode covering a main surface of the power feeder for an anode; and a cathode having a cathode power feeder and a cathode surface material covering a main surface of the cathode power feeder.

In the conventional electrolytic device described above, the ion exchange membrane may be disposed between the anode and the cathode so as to be in contact with the surface material for the anode and to be separated from the surface material for the cathode.

In the conventional electrolytic device, water having a high flow velocity flows along the main surface of the surface material for the cathode in contact with the main surface on the ion exchange membrane side. This promotes dissolution of hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the surface material for the cathode into water.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the conventional electrolytic device described above, the ion exchange membrane may swell toward the surface material for the cathode, and the ion exchange membrane may locally contact the surface material for the cathode. In this case, current concentration occurs at the portion where the ion exchange membrane and the surface material for the cathode are in contact with each other. As a result, the surface material for the cathode may be deteriorated.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrolytic device capable of reducing the possibility of deterioration of a surface material for a cathode.

An electrolysis device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and a spacer. The cathode has a cathode power supply body and a cathode surface material covering a main surface of the cathode power supply body. The ion exchange membrane is in contact with the anode and is disposed between the anode and the cathode separately from the surface material for the cathode. The spacer is provided in the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane.

The device for electrolysis of another technical scheme of this disclosure includes positive pole, negative pole, ion exchange membrane and two negative pole are with logical water route. The cathode has a through hole extending toward the anode. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The two cathode water passage paths are provided on both sides of the cathode and communicate with each other through the through-hole.

According to the present invention, the possibility of deterioration of the surface material for the cathode can be reduced.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrolytic device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an anode case of the electrolytic device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cathode casing of the electrolysis device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device for electrolysis of the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device for electrolysis of the embodiment, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the anode, the ion exchange membrane, the spacer, and the cathode of the electrolysis device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the anode, the ion exchange membrane, the spacer and the cathode of the electrolysis device according to the embodiment, and is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4.

Detailed Description

The electrolysis device according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and a separator.

The cathode has a cathode power supply body and a cathode surface material covering a main surface of the cathode power supply body. The ion exchange membrane is in contact with the anode and is disposed between the anode and the cathode separately from the surface material for the cathode. The spacer is provided in the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 2 of the present disclosure, in addition to the device according to claim 1, a gap through which the feed water flows is provided between the spacer and the surface material for the cathode.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 3 of the present disclosure, in addition to the aspect 1, the separator is disposed in the cathode water passage so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage.

In the electrolytic device according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in aspect 1, the separator is in contact with the surface material for a cathode so that the longitudinal direction of the separator extends along the longitudinal direction of the surface material for a cathode.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 5 of the present disclosure, in addition to the device according to claim 1, the cathode current carrier has at least one of pits and through holes on at least a main surface facing the ion exchange membrane. At least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the recess and the through hole is covered with a surface material for the cathode.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 6 of the present disclosure, in addition to the device according to claim 1, an area of a portion where the spacer and the surface material for a cathode are in contact is smaller than an area of a portion where the spacer and the ion exchange membrane are in contact.

The electrolysis device according to claim 7 of the present disclosure includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and two water passage paths for the cathode.

The cathode has a through hole extending toward the anode. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The two cathode water passage paths are provided on both sides of the cathode and communicate with each other through the through-hole.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 8 of the present disclosure, in addition to the 7 th aspect, of the two cathode water passage paths, the cathode water passage path on the front surface side of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane has a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than the cathode water passage path on the back surface side of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 9 of the present disclosure, in addition to the 7 th aspect, of the two cathode water passage paths, the flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage path on the back side of the surface of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage path on the front side of the cathode facing the ion exchange membrane.

In the electrolysis device according to claim 10 of the present disclosure, in addition to the aspect 8, the cathode includes a cathode power feeder and a surface material for the cathode covering a main surface of the cathode power feeder facing the ion exchange membrane. At least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is also covered with the surface material for the cathode.

Hereinafter, an electrolytic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, the portions denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the functions of the portions denoted by the same reference numerals will not be repeatedly described.

The electrolytic device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 7.

(integral construction of device for Electrolysis)

As shown in fig. 1, the electrolytic device 1 includes a rectangular flat plate-like anode casing 1A and a rectangular flat plate-like cathode casing 1C. The anode casing 1A shown in fig. 2 and the cathode casing 1C shown in fig. 3 are integrated so that their inner side faces face each other to constitute the electrolytic device 1.

(Anode case)

As shown in fig. 2, 4, and 5, the anode case 1A houses the anode 2A and forms a part of the outer shell of the electrolytic device 1. The material of the anode case 1A is acrylic resin. The anode case 1A has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a case recess 1 AC. The case concave portion 1AC is formed on the main surface constituting the inner side surface of the device for electrolysis 1 by grooving.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the housing recess 1AC has an inlet hole 1AI and an outlet hole 1 AO. The water inlet holes 1AI are disposed near one end in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the electrolysis device 1. The water outlet holes 1AO are disposed in the vicinity of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the electrolysis device 1. The case recess 1AC has a lead wire insertion hole 1AL, and the lead wire insertion hole 1AL is disposed between the center of the inner surface of the electrolytic device 1 in the longitudinal direction and the water outlet hole 1 AO.

As shown in fig. 2, 4, and 5, the case recess 1AC is disposed substantially at the center of the inner surface of the electrolysis device 1 in the longitudinal direction, and has a planar pit 1 AD. The planar pit 1AD includes an inlet hole 1AI, an outlet hole 1AO, and a lead wire insertion hole 1 AL.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the case recess 1AC has an annular seal pit 1 AP. The seal pit 1AP is disposed outside the planar pit 1AD so as to surround the planar pit 1 AD.

In the area including the water outlet hole 1AO and not including the wire insertion hole 1AL, the housing recess 1AC has a buffer recess 1 AB. The buffer pits 1AB are deeper than the land pits 1 AD.

As shown in fig. 2, the anode case 1A has a plurality of fixing holes 1 AF. The fixing hole 1AF is disposed outside the annular seal pit 1AP, and the seal pit 1AP is disposed outside the buffer pit 1AB and the surface pit 1 AD.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, a plurality of disc-shaped case ribs 1AR are disposed inside the planar recess 1 AD. AS shown in fig. 2 and 4, the planar pit 1AD and the buffer pit 1AB are connected to each other by a case inclined surface 1 AS.

(cathode casing)

As shown in fig. 3 to 5, the cathode casing 1C houses a cathode 2C and a plurality of (for example, 3) spacers S, and the cathode casing 1C constitutes a part of the outer frame of the electrolytic device 1. The material of the cathode casing 1C is acrylic resin.

As shown in fig. 3, cathode casing 1C has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided with casing recess 1 CC. The case concave portion 1CC is formed on the main surface constituting the inner side surface of the electrolytic device 1 by grooving.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the case recess 1CC has a water inlet hole 1CI, and the water inlet hole 1CI is disposed in the vicinity of one end in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the electrolytic device 1. The case recess 1CC has a water outlet hole 1CO, and the water outlet hole 1CO is disposed in the vicinity of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface of the electrolytic device 1.

As shown in fig. 4, the case recess 1CC has a lead wire insertion hole 1CL, and the lead wire insertion hole 1CL is disposed between the center of the inner surface of the electrolytic device 1 in the longitudinal direction and the water outlet hole 1 CO.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the case recess 1CC is disposed substantially at the center of the inner surface of the electrolytic device 1 and has a planar pit 1 CD. The planar recess 1CD includes an inlet hole 1CI, an outlet hole 1CO, and a lead wire insertion hole 1 CL. The annular seal pit 1CP is disposed outside the planar pit 1CD so as to surround the planar pit 1 CD.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the housing recess 1CC includes a water outlet hole 1 CO. However, the case recess 1CC has a buffer recess 1CB in a region not including the wire insertion hole 1 CL. The buffer pits 1CB are deeper than the land pits 1 CD.

The case recess 1CC has a fixing hole 1 CF. The fixing hole 1CF is disposed outside the annular seal pit 1CP, and the seal pit 1CP is provided outside the buffer pit 1CB and the surface pit 1 CD.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, a plurality of disc-shaped case ribs 1CR are disposed inside the planar pit 1 CD. The disk-shaped case rib 1CR and the disk-shaped case rib 1AR are provided so that the respective circular distal end surfaces face each other. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the planar pocket 1CD and the buffer pocket 1CB are connected to each other by a case inclined surface 1 CS.

(ion exchange Membrane)

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the ion exchange membrane 3 is disposed between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. More specifically, AS shown in fig. 6, the ion-exchange membrane 3 is in contact with the surface material 2AS for the anode and is separated from the surface material 2CS for the cathode.

The ion exchange membrane 3 is a cation exchange membrane for passing hydrogen ions, unavoidable metal ions, water molecules, and oxygen molecules generated in the vicinity of the anode 2A, but not passing cations. Examples of the cation exchange membrane include "nafion (r)" which is a trade name of dupont. The thickness of the ion exchange membrane 3 is 0.01 mm-0.2 mm. The ion exchange membrane 3 has a thin planar shape.

The ion exchange membrane 3 is a copolymer of a fluororesin called perfluorosulfonic acid having perfluoroethylene as a main chain and having a side chain containing a sulfonic acid group. Specifically, the ion exchange membrane 3 is polyvinyl fluoride sulfonic acid (polyfluoroethylenesulfonic acid). In addition, the amount of ion exchange groups "EW (equivalent weight)" indicating the ease of passage of electric power is about 1000. AS shown in fig. 6 and 7, one main surface of the ion exchange membrane 3 is in contact with the entirety of one main surface of the anode surface material 2 AS.

As shown in fig. 5, a part of the other main surface of the ion exchange membrane 3 is in contact with a plurality of spacers S provided apart from each other. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the end of the ion exchange membrane 3 extends outward from the outer peripheral edges of the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. The end of the ion exchange membrane 3 is sandwiched by the seal P on the anode casing 1A side and the seal P on the cathode casing 1C side.

(Power supply for anode & lttitanium panel & gt)

The anode power supply body 2AF shown in fig. 6 and 7 receives negative charges from the anode surface material 2 AS. The thickness of the anode current carrier 2AF was 0.5 mm. The anode power supply body 2AF has a thin planar shape.

Through holes THA having a diameter of 1mm are formed at intervals of, for example, 1mm on the main surface of the anode current-supplying element 2AF facing the ion-exchange membrane 3. The through-hole THA may have a diameter of about 1nm to 1mm, for example. The anode power supply body 2AF is made of titanium and inevitable impurities.

The anode surface material 2AS is provided on one main surface of the anode current-supplying body 2 AF. In the present embodiment, the surface material 2AS for the anode is also provided in a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole THA. However, the anode surface material 2AS may be provided on the entire inner peripheral surface of the through-hole THA. The lead wire 2AE (see fig. 4) is inserted into the lead wire insertion hole 1AL and electrically connected to the other main surface of the anode current-feeding body 2 AF.

As shown in fig. 4 to 6, case rib 1AR protrudes from planar recess 1AD of anode case 1A. The case rib 1AR abuts the other main surface of the anode power supply body 2 AF.

(surface material for anode < Pt and Pt-series metal and alloy thereof)

2H at surface Material 2AS for Anode₂O→4H⁺+O₂+4e^－"is used herein. The thickness of the surface material 2AS for an anode was 0.1. mu.m. The surface material 2AS for the anode has a thin planar shape. The surface material 2AS for the anode has fine irregularities (not shown) on its main surface and has a large number of fine and continuous voids (not shown).

The surface material 2AS for the anode is an alloy of platinum and iridium. AS shown in fig. 6 and 7, the surface material for anode 2AS is provided so AS to be in contact with the entire one main surface of the power feeding member for anode 2 AF. When the anode casing 1A and the cathode casing 1C are combined, the surface material 2AS for the anode is in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3. The anode surface material 2AS may be formed on the entire surface of the anode current collector 2 AF.

(Power supply body for cathode & lttitanium panel & gt)

The cathode current-supplying body 2CF supplies negative electric charges to the cathode surface material 2CS (see fig. 6). The thickness of the cathode electrode assembly 2CF was 0.5 mm. The cathode power supply body 2CF has a thin planar shape. Pits D having a diameter of 1mm are formed at 1mm intervals on the main surface of the cathode current carrier 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3.

Through holes THC having a diameter of 1mm are formed at 1mm intervals at positions not including the recesses D in the main surface of the cathode current carrier 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3. Only one of the recess D and the through hole THC may be provided in the cathode current-supplying body 2 CF. The through-hole THC may have a diameter of about 1nm to 1 mm. The material of the cathode current carrier 2CF contains titanium and inevitable impurities.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, a cathode surface material 2CS is provided on one main surface of the cathode current-supplying body 2 CF. The surface material 2CS for a cathode is also formed in a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole THC and the recess D. The cathode surface material 2CS may be provided on the entire inner circumferential surface of the through hole THC.

A lead wire 2CE (see fig. 4) is inserted into the lead wire insertion hole 1CL and connected to the other main surface of the cathode current-supplying body 2 CF. When anode casing 1A and cathode casing 1C are combined, casing rib 1CR protruding from planar recess 1CD of cathode casing 1C abuts against the other main surface of power feeding body for cathode 2 CF.

(surface material for cathode < Pt and Pt-based metals and alloys thereof)

2H at surface material 2CS for cathode⁺+2e^－→H₂"is used herein. The thickness of the surface material 2CS for a cathode is 0.1 μm to 1 μm. The surface material 2CS for a cathode has a thin planar shape. The surface material 2CS for a cathode has fine irregularities (not shown) on its main surface and has a large number of fine and continuous voids (not shown).

The material of the surface material 2CS for the cathode is an alloy of platinum and iridium. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the surface material 2CS for cathode is formed so as to be in contact with the entire one main surface of the power feeding body 2CF for cathode, and when the anode casing 1A and the cathode casing 1C are combined, the surface material 2CS for cathode is in contact with the spacer S. The surface material for cathode 2CS may be formed on the entire surface of the power supply for cathode 2 CF.

(spacer)

As shown in fig. 6, the spacer S is provided in the cathode water passage 10B between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3. The spacer S can suppress contact between the ion-exchange membrane 3 and the cathode surface material 2CS due to swelling of the ion-exchange membrane 3. Therefore, deterioration of the surface material 2CS for a cathode can be suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of current concentration at the portion where the spacer S and the ion exchange membrane 3 are in contact can be suppressed.

A gap C through which water flows is provided between the spacer S and the cathode surface material 2 CS. Water also flows into the portion of the surface material 2CS for cathode covered with the spacer S through the gap C. Therefore, the reduction amount of the area of the surface material 2CS for a cathode in contact with water can be made small. As a result, the amount of decrease in hydrogen generated in the cathode 2C due to the spacer S can be made small.

In the present embodiment, the concave portion formed on the surface of the spacer S facing the surface material 2CS for a cathode functions as the gap C. The pits D formed in the surface of the surface material 2CS for a cathode also function in the same manner as the gaps C.

The gap C may be formed not by intentionally forming irregularities on the spacer S or the surface material 2CS for a cathode but by naturally forming irregularities on the surface material 2CS for a cathode or the spacer S. For example, pores (pores of plating layers of Pt and Pt-based metals and alloys thereof) naturally formed on the main surface of the surface material 2CS for a cathode during the production process may have the same function as the clearance C.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the spacers S are disposed in the cathode water passage 10B so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage 10B. Therefore, the water passage resistance due to the spacer S can be made small.

The separator S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2 CS. Therefore, the deflection of the ion-exchange membrane 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2CS can be made small. As a result, the possibility of the cathode surface material 2CS contacting the ion-exchange membrane 3 can be further reduced.

The cathode current carrier 2CF has recesses D and through-holes THC at least on the surface facing the ion-exchange membrane 3. Part of the inner surface of the through-hole THC and the inner surface of the recess D are covered with the surface material 2CS for the cathode. Therefore, the flow rate of water is slightly slower at the positions of the dimples D and the through holes THC than at other positions. As a result, more hydrogen can be generated locally in the through-holes THC and at the positions of the pits D.

As shown in fig. 6, the area of the portion where the spacer S and the ion exchange membrane 3 are in contact is larger than the area of the portion where the spacer S and the surface material 2CS for cathode are in contact. By making the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS in contact with the spacer S small, the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS that effectively functions to generate hydrogen can be made large.

The spacer S is provided between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3, and maintains the distance between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3, that is, the width of the cathode water passage 10B. The spacer S suppresses local contact of the ion exchange membrane 3 and the cathode surface material 2CS to avoid current concentration occurring at the contact site.

The spacer S is a rod-shaped member having a trapezoidal cross section. Both ends of the spacer S are bent to form hook portions (see fig. 2). The spacer S may be a rod-shaped member having a rectangular or circular cross section. The material of the spacer S is a resin having a resistivity higher than that of water, for example, tap water.

As described above, the area of the portion where the spacer S and the cathode surface material 2CS are in contact is smaller than the area of the portion where the spacer S and the ion exchange membrane 3 are in contact. Specifically, the width of the portion of the spacer S in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3 is, for example, 3 mm. The width of the portion of the spacer S in contact with the surface material 2CS for cathode is, for example, 2 mm.

Therefore, even if the spacer S is present in the cathode water passage 10B, the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS that effectively functions to generate hydrogen can be made larger.

The surface material 2CS for a cathode has a recess D formed in a portion thereof facing the spacer S. A gap C is formed at a portion of the spacer S facing the cathode surface material 2 CS. The spacer S is sandwiched between the ion exchange membrane 3 and the cathode surface material 2 CS. In this state, hook portions (see fig. 2) at both ends of the spacer S are in contact with the cathode casing 1C.

(Water passage for cathode)

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the cathode water passage paths 10B and 10C are provided so as to face the two main surfaces of the cathode 2C, respectively, and communicate with each other through the through-hole THC. The water moves through the through-holes THC to generate turbulence in the vicinity of the through-holes THC. This turbulent flow can be used to prevent hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C from staying there and accumulating. As a result, the dissolution of hydrogen into water is promoted.

As shown in fig. 6, in the cross section of the flow path passing through the through-hole THC, the cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3.

Therefore, the flow velocity V1 of water on the surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3 is larger than the flow velocity V2 of water on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3. As a result, water flows into the cathode water passage 10B through the through-holes THC, and dissolution of the generated hydrogen into water is promoted.

In the cross section of the flow path passing through the through-hole THC, the cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10B on the front side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3.

In this case, the flow velocity V2 of water on the back surface side of the cathode 2C on the surface side facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 is larger than the flow velocity V1 of water on the surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3. Therefore, a part of the hydrogen generated in the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3 passes through the through holes THC and contacts the water in the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3.

As a result, the accumulation of hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C can be suppressed. Therefore, in this case, the dissolution of hydrogen into water can be promoted.

The cathode 2C includes a cathode power supply body 2CF and a cathode surface material 2CS that covers a surface of the cathode power supply body 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3. The inner peripheral surface of the through-hole THC is partially or entirely covered with the surface material 2CS for the cathode. Therefore, hydrogen is also generated inside the through-holes THC. As a result, the area of the hydrogen generating portion of the cathode 2C can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generated can be increased.

(Assembly of electrolytic device)

The surface material for cathode 2CS is deposited on one main surface of the power supply for cathode 2CF by electrolytic plating. At this time, the surface material 2CS for the cathode is also deposited on the surface of the pits D and the surface of the through-holes THC of the power supply body 2CF for the cathode. The surface material 2CS for a cathode may be deposited on a part or all of the through-holes THC.

The electrolytic plating also includes a case where a solution obtained by dissolving a platinum chloride or complex or a platinum-group metal chloride or complex is directly applied and then thermally sintered to deposit the platinum chloride or complex on the surface of the cathode.

The cathode power supply body 2CF is provided in the planar recess 1CD so as to expose the cathode surface material 2 CS. Lead wire 2CE is inserted from lead wire insertion hole 1CL to the further inside of the inner side surface of cathode casing 1C and connected to cathode power supply body 2 CF.

As shown in fig. 3, the three spacers S are arranged on the cathode 2C at substantially equal intervals at both ends and at the center in the width direction of the cathode 2C so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the longitudinal direction of the cathode 2C.

The hook portion of the spacer S is fixed to the cathode casing 1C with an adhesive. The area of the portion of the spacer S in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3 is larger than the area of the portion of the spacer S in contact with the surface material 2CS for cathode (see fig. 6).

The seal P is inserted into the seal recess 1 AP. The ion exchange membrane 3 is superposed on the cathode 2C. The peripheral edge of the ion exchange membrane 3 is located outside the seal pocket 1 AP.

The anode power supply body 2AF is disposed in the planar pit 1AD so AS to expose the anode surface material 2 AS. The lead wire 2AE is inserted from the lead wire insertion hole 1AL to the further inner side of the inner side surface of the anode case 1A and electrically connected to the anode power feeding body 2 AF.

As shown in fig. 4, the seal P is inserted into the seal recess 1 AP. In a state where the anode surface material 2AS faces the ion exchange membrane 3, the inner surface of the cathode casing 1C and the inner surface of the anode casing 1A overlap. The disk-shaped case rib 1CR and the disk-shaped case rib 1AR are arranged substantially opposite to each other.

In the state shown in fig. 1, screws and nuts, not shown, are inserted into the fixing holes 1CF and the fixing holes 1AF to fix the cathode casing 1C and the anode casing 1A.

As shown in fig. 4 to 7, the vicinity of the outer periphery of the ion exchange membrane 3 is sandwiched by the seal P. The vicinity of the center of the ion exchange membrane 3 is supported by the anode surface material 2AS and the spacer S. The ion exchange membrane 3 is provided separately from the cathode surface material 2 CS.

(Assembly of an electrolytic device into an electrolytic water generating apparatus)

The electrolysis device 1 is mounted on an electrolyzed water forming apparatus. The water inlet pipe is attached to the water inlet hole 1AI and the water inlet hole 1 CI. The water outlet pipe is installed in the water outlet hole 1AO and the water outlet hole 1 CO.

The water outlet holes 1AO, 1CO are arranged higher than the water inlet holes 1AI and 1 CI. In this state, the longitudinal direction of the spacer S is the same as the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage 10B, 10C. The external wires are connected to the wires 2AE, 2CE and to the power supply.

(action of Electrolysis of the electrolyzing device)

The confirmation of the initial operation of the electrolysis device 1 is started by supplying power to the operation power source. For example, the presence or absence of the detachment of the external lead, the improper contact between the ion exchange membrane 3 and the cathode 2C, and the deterioration of the surface material 2CS for the cathode is determined based on the current value when a predetermined voltage is applied between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. When an abnormality is detected in the test, the abnormality is notified and the operation of the electrolytic water generator is stopped.

As shown in fig. 4, the water flows from the inlet hole 1AI and the inlet hole 1CI toward the outlet hole 1AO and the outlet hole 1CO after flowing into the device for electrolysis 1 and fills the internal space of the device for electrolysis 1.

As shown in fig. 7, water flows through the cathode water passage paths 10B and 10C via the through holes THC. Water flows through the anode water passage 10A.

In this case, the flow velocity V1 of water flowing on the main surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 (the flow velocity on the exposed surface side of the surface material 2CS for cathode) is larger than the flow velocity V2 of water flowing on the back surface side of the main surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 (the flow velocity on the exposed surface side of the power supply body 2CF for cathode).

When the power supply of the electrolysis device 1 is turned on, hydrogen is generated mainly on the main surface of the cathode surface material 2CS facing the ion exchange membrane 3 by electrolysis. Specifically, hydrogen is generated on the surface material 2CS for cathode attached to the through-hole THC and the recess D of the power supply body 2CF for cathode, and on the surface material 2CS for cathode attached to the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole THC.

The characteristic structure of the electrolysis device 1 according to the present embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

(1) The electrolytic device 1 includes an anode 2A, a cathode 2C, an ion exchange membrane 3, and a spacer S. The cathode 2C includes a cathode current carrier 2CF and a cathode surface material 2CS covering a main surface of the cathode current carrier 2 CF. The ion exchange membrane 3 is in contact with the anode 2A and is disposed between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C while being separated from the cathode surface material 2 CS. The spacer S is provided in the cathode water passage 10B between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3.

With the above configuration, contact between the ion-exchange membrane 3 and the cathode surface material 2CS due to swelling of the ion-exchange membrane 3 can be suppressed. As a result, deterioration of the surface material 2CS for a cathode can be suppressed.

(2) Preferably, a gap C through which water flows is provided between the spacer S and the cathode surface material 2 CS. With this structure, water also flows into the surface of the region covered with the spacer S in the entire surface of the surface material 2CS for a cathode via the gap C.

Therefore, the amount of reduction of the area of the cathode surface material 2CS in contact with water due to the spacer S can be reduced. As a result, the amount of decrease in hydrogen generated in the cathode 2C due to the spacer S can be made small.

(3) Preferably, the spacer S is disposed in the cathode water passage 10B so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage 10B. With this configuration, the water passage resistance due to the spacer S can be made small.

(4) Preferably, the separator S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2 CS. With this structure, the deflection of the ion-exchange membrane 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2CS can be made small. Therefore, the possibility of the cathode surface material 2CS contacting the ion exchange membrane 3 can be further reduced.

(5) Preferably, the cathode current carrier 2CF has at least one of the pits D and the through holes THC on at least a main surface thereof facing the ion-exchange membrane 3. At least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the recess D and the through hole THC is covered with the surface material 2CS for a cathode.

With this structure, the flow rate of water is slower at the position of at least one of the pit D and the through hole THC than at the other positions. Therefore, more hydrogen can be generated at the position of at least either one of the pit D and the through-hole THC.

(6) Preferably, the area of the portion where the spacer S and the surface material 2CS for cathode contact is smaller than the area of the portion where the spacer S and the ion exchange membrane 3 contact. By making the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS in contact with the spacer S small, the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS that effectively functions to generate hydrogen can be made large.

(7) The electrolysis device 1 includes an anode 2A, a cathode 2C, an ion exchange membrane 3, and water passages 10B and 10C for the cathode. The cathode 2C has a through hole THC extending toward the anode 2A. The ion exchange membrane 3 is disposed between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. The cathode water passage paths 10B and 10C are provided on both sides of the cathode 2C and communicate with each other through the through-hole THC.

The water moves between the cathode water passage paths 10B and 10C through the through-holes THC, and turbulence is generated in the vicinity of the through-holes THC. This turbulent flow can suppress hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C from staying there and accumulating. As a result, the dissolution of the generated hydrogen into water is promoted.

(8) The cross-sectional flow area of the cathode water passage 10B on the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 may be smaller than the cross-sectional flow area of the cathode water passage 10C on the back surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3.

With this configuration, the flow velocity V1 of water flowing through the cathode water passage 10B on the front surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 is greater than the flow velocity V2 of water flowing through the cathode water passage 10C on the back surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3.

Therefore, water flows from the cathode water passage 10C on the back side facing the front surface of the ion exchange membrane 3 to the cathode water passage 10B on the front surface facing the ion exchange membrane 3 through the through-holes THC. This promotes the dissolution of the generated hydrogen into water.

(9) The cross-sectional flow area of the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3 may be smaller than the cross-sectional flow area of the cathode water passage 10B on the front side of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3.

With this configuration, the flow velocity V2 of water flowing through the cathode water passage 10C on the front surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 is greater than the flow velocity V1 of water flowing through the cathode water passage 10B on the back surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3.

Therefore, a part of the hydrogen generated in the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3 passes through the through-holes THC and contacts the water in the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C facing the ion-exchange membrane 3. Therefore, the accumulation of hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C can be suppressed. As a result, the dissolution of the generated hydrogen into water can be promoted.

(10) The cathode 2C may include a cathode power supply 2CF and a cathode surface material 2CS that covers a main surface of the cathode power supply 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3. Preferably, at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole THC is also covered with the surface material 2CS for a cathode. With this structure, hydrogen is also generated inside the through-holes THC. Therefore, the area of the hydrogen generating portion of the cathode 2C can be made large.

Description of the reference numerals

1. A device for electrolysis; 1A, an anode shell; 1AB, 1CB, a buffer pit; 1AC, 1CC, shell recess; 1AD, 1CD, planar pit; 1AF, 1CF, fixation holes; 1AI, 1CI and a water inlet hole; 1AL, 1CL, a wire insertion hole; 1AO, 1CO and a water outlet hole; 1AP, 1CP, a sealing member pit; 1AR, 1CR, shell rib; 1AS, 1CS, shell inclined plane; 1C, cathode casing; 2A, an anode; 2AE, 2CE, wire; 2AF, an anode-use power-supplying body; 2AS, surface material for anode; 2C, a cathode; 2CF, a cathode-use power-supplying body; 2CS, a surface material for a cathode; 3. an ion exchange membrane; 10A, a water passage for anode; 10B and 10C, and a water passage for cathode; C. a gap; D. a pit; p, a sealing element; s, a spacer; THA, THC, through-hole; v1, V2, flow rate of water.