WO2024252811A1 - Electrolytic solution generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electrolytic solution generation device capable of improving the efficiency of generating an electrolytic solution in an electrolysis unit. An electrolytic solution generation device (100) according to the present disclosure comprises an electrolysis unit (1), an elastic body (2), and a housing (3). The electrolysis unit (1) includes a first electrode (13) and a second electrode (11) that are arranged in a first direction (D1), and electrolyzes a liquid. The elastic body (2) presses the first electrode (13) of the electrolysis unit (1) in the first direction (D1). The electrolysis unit (1) and the elastic body (2) are disposed inside the housing (3). The housing (3) has an inflow port through which a liquid to be fed to the electrolysis unit (1) flows in and an outflow port through which an electrolytic solution generated in the electrolysis unit (1) flows out. The housing (3) includes a cover (32) having a plurality of protrusion rows on an inner surface (33) facing the inside. Each of the plurality of protrusion rows includes a plurality of protrusions (332) arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a second direction. The plurality of protrusion rows are arranged to be spaced apart from one another in a third direction (D3). The plurality of protrusion rows press the second electrode (11) of the electrolysis unit (1) in the first direction (D1).

Description

Electrolytic liquid generator

This disclosure relates to an electrolytic liquid generating device.

　Conventionally, an ozone water generator that generates ozone water (i.e., an example of an electrolytic liquid) in which ozone (i.e., an example of an electrolytic product) is dissolved in water is known as an electrolytic liquid generating device. The electrolysis unit has a pair of electrodes and a conductive film disposed between the pair of electrodes. Then, by generating a potential difference between the pair of electrodes while the electrolysis unit is immersed in water, an electrolytic process is performed in which an electrochemical reaction occurs in the water, and ozone water is generated (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electrolysis unit is contained in a housing that includes an electrode case lid (more specifically, a cover).

JP 2017-176993 A

In the electrolytic liquid generating device of Patent Document 1, a protrusion on the electrode case lid presses down on the electrodes of the electrolytic section. However, if the force with which the protrusion on the electrode case lid presses down on the electrolytic section is uneven in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of electrodes face each other, the electrodes may warp, causing a bias in the electrical resistance of the electrolytic section and reducing the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid.

The present disclosure aims to provide an electrolytic liquid generating device that can improve the efficiency of generating electrolytic liquid in the electrolysis section.

The electrolytic liquid generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolytic section, an elastic body, and a housing. The electrolytic section has a first electrode and a second electrode aligned in a first direction, which is a stacking direction, and electrolytically processes the liquid. The elastic body presses the first electrode of the electrolytic section in the first direction. The housing has the electrolytic section and the elastic body disposed therein. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is through which the liquid supplied to the electrolytic section flows in. The outlet is through which the electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolytic section flows out. The housing includes a cover having a plurality of rows of protrusions on an inner surface facing the interior. Each of the plurality of rows of protrusions includes a plurality of protrusions aligned at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of rows of protrusions are aligned at intervals in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The plurality of rows of protrusions presses the second electrode of the electrolytic section in the first direction.

The electrolytic liquid generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure makes it possible to improve the efficiency of generating electrolytic liquid in the electrolysis section.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrolytic liquid generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover of the electrolytic liquid production device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an end view of the electrolytic liquid production device according to the embodiment, with the second direction being the normal direction. FIG. 4 is a partial end view of the electrolytic liquid production device according to the embodiment, with the first direction being the normal direction. FIG. 5 is a partial end view of the electrolytic liquid production device according to the embodiment, with the third direction being the normal direction.

The electrolyte liquid generating device according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, each figure described in the following embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. Furthermore, the embodiment implemented below is merely one example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

(Embodiment)
(1) Overview First, an overview of the electrolytic liquid generation device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electrolytic liquid generation device 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cover 32 of the electrolytic liquid generation device 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is an end view of the electrolytic liquid generation device 100 according to the embodiment, with the second direction D2 as the normal direction.

The electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment generates an electrolytic liquid by subjecting a liquid to electrolytic processing. As an example of the present embodiment, the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 is an ozone water generating device that uses tap water supplied from a waterworks as the liquid and generates ozone water as the electrolytic liquid. The electrolytic liquid generating device 100, which is an ozone water generating device, generates ozone (i.e., an example of an electrolysis product) by electrolyzing tap water, and dissolves the ozone in the tap water to generate ozone water. Ozone water is effective for sterilization, deodorization, and decomposition of organic matter, and is therefore widely used in various fields such as water treatment, hygiene, food, and medicine.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment includes an electrolysis unit 1, an elastic body 2, a housing 3, and a power supply unit 4. The electrolysis unit 1 includes a pair of electrodes, a first electrode and a second electrode, and a conductive film 12 located between the pair of electrodes. In the embodiment, the first electrode is an anode 13, and the second electrode is a cathode 11. The electrolysis unit 1 electrolyzes the liquid. The electrolysis unit 1 is disposed inside the housing 3. The power supply unit 4 supplies power to the electrolysis unit 1 for electrolyzing the liquid.

The housing 3 includes a case 31 and a cover 32. The case 31 includes a case body 311 having a storage section 3110. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cover 32 has a plurality of rows of protrusions 331 arranged in the third direction D3 on the inner surface 33 that closes the opening 3111 of the storage section 3110 of the case body 311. Each of the plurality of rows of protrusions 331 includes a plurality of protrusions 332 arranged at intervals in the second direction D2. The plurality of rows of protrusions 331 presses against the cathode 11, which is the second electrode of the electrolysis section 1. This allows the cover 32 to hold the electrolysis section 1 so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid in the vicinity of the electrolysis section 1. This improves the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid.

(2) Details Next, the details of the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 4 is a partial end view of the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, with the first direction D1 as the normal direction. FIG. 5 is a partial end view of the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, with the third direction D3 as the normal direction. In the following description, the lamination direction of the cathode 11, the conductive film 12, and the anode 13 in the electrolytic unit 1 described later is defined as the first direction D1, the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 described later is defined as the second direction D2, and the short side direction (i.e., width direction) of the housing 3 is defined as the third direction D3. However, these directions are not intended to limit the directions when the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 is used. In addition, the arrows indicating "D1", "D2", and "D3" in the drawings are merely indicated for the purpose of explanation, and none of them have any substance.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment includes an electrolytic section 1, an elastic body 2, a housing 3, a power supply section 4, and a number of O-rings 5 (two O-rings 5 in the illustrated example).

(2.1) Housing The electrolysis unit 1 and the elastic body 2 are disposed inside the housing 3. The housing 3 includes a case 31 and a cover 32, as shown in FIG.

The case 31 includes a case body 311. The case body 311 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape with one end in the first direction D1 (see the top surface in FIG. 1) open. That is, the case body 311 has a storage section 3110. Furthermore, a connection section 312 and a connection section 313 are formed at both ends of the case 31 in the second direction D2. A liquid inlet is formed in the connection section 312, and the inlet is connected to the storage section 3110. Furthermore, an electrolytic liquid outlet is formed in the connection section 313, and the outlet is connected to the storage section 3110. That is, the liquid that flows in from the inlet is electrolytically treated in the storage section 3110, and flows out from the outlet as electrolytic liquid.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cover 32 is a rectangular plate. The cover 32 contacts the case body 311 along the first direction D1 and covers the opening 3111 of the case body 311. In addition, the inner surface 33 of the cover 32 that faces the opening 3111 of the case body 311 has a plurality of rows of protrusions 331 (see Figs. 2 and 3). Details will be described later.

The case body 311 also has a pair of through holes 3112 for passing the pair of electrode pins 41 through.

The case 31 and cover 32 are made of a non-conductive resin such as acrylic.

(2.2) Elastic body and electrolysis unit The housing section 3110 of the case 31 houses the elastic body 2, the power supply body 44 of the power supply unit 4, the anode 13, the conductive film 12, and the cathode 11. More specifically, the elastic body 2, the power supply body 44, the anode 13, the conductive film 12, and the cathode 11 are stacked in this order along the first direction D1.

The elastic body 2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape using an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic body 2 includes a rectangular parallelepiped main body 21 and a plurality of protrusions 22 and protrusions 23. The plurality of protrusions 22 (six protrusions 22 in FIG. 1) are formed at one end (i.e., the first end) of the main body 21 in the first direction D1, at the end in the third direction D3. The plurality of protrusions 23 (two protrusions 23 in FIG. 1) are formed at one end (i.e., the first end) of the main body 21 in the first direction D1, at the end in the second direction D2. One end (i.e., the first end) of the elastic body 2 is in contact with the power supply body 44 of the power supply unit 4 described later, and the other end (i.e., the second end) is in contact with the inner surface facing the storage unit 3110 of the case main body 311. The elastic body 2 presses the power supply body 44 and the anode 13 in the first direction D1.

The anode 13 is the first electrode of the electrolysis unit 1. The anode 13 is formed in a rectangular shape that is elongated in the second direction D2. One surface of the anode 13 (i.e., the first surface) is in contact with the power supply body 44 of the power supply unit 4 described below, and at least a portion of the other surface (i.e., the second surface) is in contact with the conductive film 12. The anode 13 is formed, for example, by forming a conductive diamond film on a rectangular plate-shaped conductive substrate made of silicon.

The conductive film 12 is located between the anode 13 and the cathode 11. The conductive film 12 is, for example, a proton conductive ion exchange film. The conductive film 12 has a plurality of slits extending in the third direction D3. The conductive film 12 is, for example, comb-shaped. The conductive film 12 includes a main piece 121 having a longitudinal shape in the second direction D2 and a plurality of protrusions 122 having the longitudinal direction in the third direction D3. The plurality of protrusions 122 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction D2. The extension direction of each of the plurality of protrusions 122 may be a direction intersecting the second direction D2, and does not necessarily have to coincide with the third direction D3. The length of the protrusions 122 in the third direction D3 is greater than the width of the anode 13 in the third direction D3. That is, the length of the slits of the conductive film 12 in the third direction D3 is greater than the width of the anode 13 in the third direction D3.

The cathode 11 is the second electrode of the electrolysis unit 1. The cathode 11 is molded integrally with the electrode plate 42A and the spring portion 43A described below. The cathode 11 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the second direction D2, and is in contact with the conductive film 12 in the first direction D1. The cathode 11 is made of a conductive material such as a titanium alloy.

The cathode 11 has a plurality of through holes 111 arranged at equal intervals along the second direction D2. Each of the plurality of through holes 111 has the same shape, for example, a V-shape. As a result, at least a part of the interface between the cathode 11 and the conductive film 12 comes into contact with the liquid (for example, tap water). As a result, the interface between the anode 13 and the conductive film 12 also comes into contact with the liquid (for example, tap water). Therefore, ozone generated on the surface of the anode 13 is easily dissolved in the liquid (for example, tap water) in the space between the cathode 11 and the cover 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "main flow path"). In addition, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the efficiency of ozone generation caused by ozone gas remaining inside the electrolysis unit.

Furthermore, the width of the multiple through holes 111 of the cathode 11 in the third direction D3 is greater than the width of the slits of the conductive film 12 in the third direction D3. Therefore, in a plan view from the first direction D1, the inside of the through hole 111 has a portion that does not overlap with either the conductive film 12 or the anode 13. That is, the electrolysis unit 1 has a through hole that penetrates the electrolysis unit 1 in the first direction D1. Therefore, since a liquid (e.g., tap water) can pass through the electrolysis unit 1 along the first direction D1, the ozone concentration in the ozone water in the storage portion 3110 of the case 31 is made uniform, and the generation efficiency of the ozone water is improved.

(2.3) Power Supply Unit The power supply unit 4 supplies power for electrolyzing the liquid to the electrolysis unit 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the power supply unit 4 includes a plurality of electrode pins 41 (two electrode pins 41 in the illustrated example), a plurality of electrode plates 42A, 42B (two electrode plates 42A, 42B in the illustrated example), a plurality of spring portions 43A, 43B (two spring portions 43A, 43B in the illustrated example), a power supply body 44, a plurality of nuts 45 (two nuts 45 in the illustrated example), a plurality of spring washers 46 (two spring washers 46 in the illustrated example), and a plurality of washers 47 (two washers 47 in the illustrated example). The plurality of electrode pins 41, the plurality of nuts 45, the plurality of spring washers 46, and the plurality of washers 47 correspond one-to-one.

Each of the multiple electrode pins 41 is elongated in the first direction D1. That is, the longitudinal direction of each electrode pin 41 is parallel to the first direction D1. Each electrode pin 41 has a flange portion 411, a threaded portion 412, and a shaft portion 413. In each electrode pin 41, the flange portion 411 is provided at a first end in the first direction D1 (see the upper end in FIG. 1). In each electrode pin 41, the threaded portion 412 is provided in a predetermined range including a second end in the first direction D1 (see the lower end in FIG. 1).

The electrode plates 42A and 42B have a through hole 421 through which the electrode pin 41 penetrates in the first direction D1. More specifically, in a plan view from the first direction D1, the through hole 421 has a shape that allows the shaft portion 413 to pass through but does not allow the flange portion 411 to pass through. As a result, with the shaft portion 413 of the electrode pin 41 positioned in the through hole 421, at least the flange portion 411 abuts against the electrode plates 42A and 42B. The electrode plate 42A is electrically connected to the cathode 11 via the spring portion 43A. The electrode plate 42B is electrically connected to the power supply 44 via the spring portion 43B.

(3) Configuration of the Cover (3.1) Relationship with Liquid As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cover 32 has an inner surface 33 that closes the opening 3111 of the storage section 3110 of the case body 311. That is, the inner surface 33 of the cover 32 faces the storage section 3110 of the case body 311. The cover 32 also has a plurality of convex rows 331 (three convex rows 331 in Figure 2) on the inner surface 33. The multiple convex rows 331 are aligned in the third direction D3.

Each of the multiple convex portion rows 331 includes multiple convex portions 332 aligned in the second direction D2, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the multiple convex portions 332 presses the cathode 11 in the first direction D1, as shown in FIG. 3. In other words, the electrolysis unit 1 is sandwiched between the elastic body 2 and the multiple convex portions 332 of the cover 32 in the first direction D1.

In each of the multiple convex rows 331, the multiple convex sections 332 are arranged at intervals in the second direction D2. As a result, in the main flow path 61 (see FIG. 3) of the liquid located between the electrolysis unit 1 and the inner surface 33 of the cover 32, the liquid can also flow in the third direction D3 across at least one convex row 331. As a result, the ozone water generated near the through hole 111 of the cathode 11 in the electrolysis unit 1 and the tap water and ozone water flowing in the main flow path 61 tend to mix. Therefore, the ozone diffuses in the main flow path 61, and the ozone near the through hole 111 of the cathode 11 can be diluted. Therefore, the ozone generated in the electrolysis unit 1 tends to dissolve in the tap water flowing in the main flow path 61, so the ozone concentration of the electrolytic liquid can be improved. In addition, the decrease in electrolysis efficiency caused by ozone remaining inside the electrolysis unit 1 can be reduced.

Here, of the multiple convex portion rows 331, each of the two convex portion rows 331 arranged at both ends in the third direction D3 is referred to as an end row 331A. As shown in FIG. 3, the multiple convex portions 332A included in the end row 331A are located inward of the end 34 of the inner surface 33 in the third direction D3. In other words, the end row 331A is located inward of the end 34 of the inner surface 33 in the third direction D3. Here, the end 34 refers to the edge of the inner surface 33 extending in the second direction D2, and "the end row 331A is located inward of the end 34 of the inner surface 33 in the third direction D3" means that the end row 331A is not in contact with the end 34 of the inner surface 33 in the third direction D3.

Thereby, between the end row 331A and the inner circumferential surface of the storage section 3110 of the case body 311, there is a sub-channel 62 through which the liquid flows. Here, the main liquid channel 61 and the sub-channel 62 are adjacent to each other in the third direction D3 and are partitioned by the end row 331A. The end row 331A also has convex portions 332 arranged at intervals in the second direction D2. In other words, the main liquid channel 61 and the sub-channel 62 are connected in the second direction D2. Therefore, the ozone water in the main channel 61 and the tap water in the sub-channel 62 are easily mixed. As a result, the ozone in the ozone water near the electrolysis unit 1 is diluted, so that the ozone is easily dissolved near the electrolysis unit 1. In addition, the decrease in electrolysis efficiency caused by the ozone remaining inside the electrolysis unit 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the ozone concentration of the ozone water in the sub-channel 62 increases, so that the ozone concentration of the ozone water generated by the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 can be improved.

(3.2) Relationship between the anode and the elastic body The end row 331A is arranged at a position overlapping the anode 13 in the first direction D1. Here, "the end row 331A is arranged at a position overlapping the anode 13 in the first direction D1" means that a part of the anode 13 and the end row 331A are lined up in the first direction D1 in a plan view from the second direction D2. As a result, the force with which the multiple convex rows 331 press the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1 is uniform in the third direction D3. Therefore, the warping in the first direction D1 is unlikely to occur in the cathode 11. Furthermore, the end row 331A is arranged at a position overlapping the elastic body 2 in the first direction D1. More specifically, the end row 331A is located between two imaginary lines X1 passing through both ends of the elastic body 2 in the third direction D3 in a plan view from the second direction D2.

Here, for example, if the position where the end row 331A and the cathode 11 are in contact does not overlap with the anode 13, the balance between the force with which the multiple convex rows 331 of the cover 32 press the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1 and the force with which the elastic body 2 presses the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1 will not be uniform in the third direction D3. For example, if the end row 331A and the elastic body 2 do not overlap in the first direction D1, the end row 331A is located outside the elastic body 2 in the third direction D3. That is, at a position outside the elastic body 2 in the third direction D3, the electrolytic unit 1 is weakly pressed by the elastic body 2 and is strongly pressed by the cover 32. Therefore, in a plan view from the second direction D2, the cathode 11 may be warped such that the part in contact with the multiple convex rows 331 approaches the anode 13 and the other part moves away from the anode 13.

When such a warp occurs in the cathode 11, the distance between the cathode 11 and the anode 13 in the electrolysis unit 1 becomes biased, and the current density becomes biased. Therefore, in the area where the distance between the cathode 11 and the anode 13 is wider, the current density decreases and the efficiency of ozone generation decreases. In addition, if there is a gap between the cathode 11 and the conductive film 12, or between the conductive film 12 and the anode 13, calcium compounds contained in tap water, for example, tend to accumulate in the gap as scale. Therefore, if there is a gap between the cathode 11 and the conductive film 12, or between the conductive film 12 and the anode 13, the electrical resistance in the area where the distance between the cathode 11 and the anode 13 is wider tends to increase due to the accumulation of scale. Therefore, the bias in the current density becomes more noticeable in the electrolysis unit 1, the efficiency of ozone water generation decreases, and the life of the electrolytic liquid generation device 100 becomes shorter.

In contrast, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the end row 331A is arranged at a position overlapping the anode 13 in the first direction D1. Also, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the end row 331A is arranged at a position overlapping the elastic body 2 in the first direction D1. This makes it difficult for the cathode 11 to warp in the first direction D1, which makes it possible to increase the efficiency of ozone generation.

(3.3) Relationship with Through Hole of Cathode As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of protrusions 332 included in the plurality of protrusion rows 331 press the cathode 11 in the first direction D1.

Here, in the multiple convex rows 331, the width in the second direction D2 of the multiple convex portions 332 differs between the end row 331A and the convex rows 331B other than the end rows. More specifically, the width d1 in the second direction D2 of each of the multiple convex portions 332B included in the convex rows 331B other than the end row 331A is larger than the width d2 in the second direction D2 of each of the multiple convex portions 332A included in the end row 331A. As a result, in the convex rows 331B other than the end row 331A among the multiple convex rows 331, the contact area between each of the multiple convex portions 332B and the cathode 11 is large, so that the cathode 11, the conductive film 12, and the anode 13 of the electrolysis unit 1 can be more uniformly contacted. Therefore, the current density in the electrolysis unit 1 can be made uniform. On the other hand, in the end row 331A, the distance between the two adjacent convex portions 332A in the second direction D2 is widened, which facilitates the movement of the liquid and the electrolyte between the main flow path 61 and the sub-flow path 62, and makes it easier to dissolve the ozone by making the concentration of the ozone water uniform.

Furthermore, each of the multiple protrusions 332 contacts a portion of the cathode 11 other than the through hole 111. More specifically, in each of the multiple protrusion rows 331, the width d2 of the protrusion 332A in the second direction D2 and the width d1 of the protrusion 332B in the second direction D2 are each narrower than or equal to the spacing d3 of the multiple through holes 111 in the cathode 11 in the second direction D2. As a result, the multiple protrusions 332 included in the multiple protrusion rows 331 do not block the multiple through holes 111 in the cathode 11. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 332 do not impede the flow of liquid between the interface between the cathode 11 and the conductive film 12 and the main flow path 61.

Here, the multiple convex portions 332 included in each of the multiple convex portion rows 331 are formed to have a polygonal shape with R portions formed at the vertices when viewed in a plan view from the first direction D1. This makes it difficult for the convex portions 332 to obstruct the flow of liquid.

(3.4) Relationship with the Power Supply Unit As shown in Fig. 2, a pair of protrusions 35 is formed on the inner surface 33 of the cover 32. When the multiple protrusions 332 are defined as first protrusions, the protrusions 35 correspond to second protrusions. The pair of protrusions 35 can press the power supply unit 4 in the first direction D1. One of the pair of protrusions 35 can press the electrode pin 41 of the power supply unit 4 that is electrically connected to the anode 13 in the first direction D1. The other of the pair of protrusions 35 can press the electrode pin 41 that is electrically connected to the cathode 11 in the first direction D1.

When assembling the electrolytic liquid generating device 100, the elastic body 2, the power supply unit 4, and the electrolysis unit 1 are arranged in the accommodation unit 3110 of the case body 311 of the housing 3 with the opening 3111 of the accommodation unit 3110 facing upward. After that, the cover 32 is fixed to the case 31 so as to close the opening 3111 of the accommodation unit 3110, and then the housing 3 is turned over so that the cover 32 faces downward, and the O-ring 5, the washer 47, the spring washer 46, and the nut 45 are attached to each of the pair of electrode pins 41, and each of the multiple nuts 45 is tightened. Here, when the housing 3 is turned over, since the electrode pin 41 is not fixed in the first direction D1, there is a possibility that the electrode pin 41 will move toward the cover 32. Here, if the shaft portion 413 of the electrode pin 41 comes out of the through hole 421 of the electrode plates 42A and 42B, it may become difficult to fix the electrode pin 41.

Each of the pair of protrusions 35 can press down on each of the pair of electrode pins 41. More specifically, each of the pair of protrusions 35 can hold the electrode pins 41 so that the shaft portions 413 of the electrode pins 41 do not come out of the through holes 421 of the electrode plates 42A and 42B. This makes it easier to assemble the electrolytic liquid generating device 100.

The protrusion 35 may be in contact with the electrode pin 41 so that the electrode pin 41 does not move. Alternatively, the protrusion 35 may not be in contact with the electrode pin 41. In this case, the protrusion 35 has a height that prevents the shaft portion 413 of the electrode pin 41 from coming out of the through holes 421 of the electrode plates 42A and 42B when the electrode pin 41 and the protrusion 35 are in contact. In other words, in the first direction D1, the distance between the protrusion 35 and the electrode plates 42A and 42B is shorter than the length of the shaft portion 413 of the electrode pin 41.

The height of each of the multiple protrusions 35 in the first direction D1 may be the same as the height of the multiple convex portions 332, or may be different. Also, the height of each of the multiple protrusions 35 may be the same or different from each other. In this embodiment, the height of the protrusion 35 on the electrode plate 42A side is lower than the height of the protrusion 35 on the electrode plate 42B side.

(4) Effects The electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment includes an electrolytic unit 1, an elastic body 2, and a housing 3. The electrolytic unit 1 has an anode 13 and a cathode 11 arranged in a first direction D1, and electrolyzes a liquid. The elastic body 2 presses the anode 13 (i.e., an example of a first electrode) of the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1. The electrolytic unit 1 and the elastic body 2 are arranged inside the housing 3. The housing 3 has an inlet through which tap water supplied to the electrolytic unit 1 flows in, and an outlet through which ozone water generated by the electrolytic unit 1 flows out. The housing 3 includes a cover 32 having a plurality of convex rows 331 on an inner surface 33 facing the inside. Each of the plurality of convex rows 331 includes a plurality of convex portions 332 arranged at intervals in the second direction D2. The plurality of convex rows 331 are arranged at intervals in the third direction D3. The multiple protrusion rows 331 press the cathode 11 of the electrolysis unit 1 in the first direction D1.

Therefore, according to the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 of the embodiment, flow of tap water and ozone water in the third direction D3 is likely to occur inside the housing 3, so that ozone is likely to diffuse and dissolve inside the housing 3. In addition, since the ozone generated in the electrolysis unit 1 is unlikely to remain in the vicinity of the electrolysis unit 1, the efficiency of ozone generation is unlikely to decrease. Therefore, the efficiency of ozone water generation is improved, and it is possible to generate highly concentrated ozone water.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, in the third direction D3, the two end rows 331A located at both ends of the multiple convex rows 331 are both located inside the two ends 34 of the inner surface 33. The flow path through which the liquid passes inside the housing 3 includes a main flow path 61 and a sub-flow path 62 located between the electrolysis unit 1 and the cover 32. In the third direction D3, the main flow path 61 is located between the two end rows 331A. In the third direction D3, the sub-flow path 62 is located outside the two end rows 331A. The main flow path 61 and the sub-flow path 62 are connected to each other.

Therefore, according to the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 of the embodiment, water tends to move between the main flow path 61 where the ozone water is generated and the sub-flow path 62 where tap water flows, so ozone tends to diffuse inside the housing 3. This improves the efficiency of generating ozone water, making it possible to generate highly concentrated ozone water.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, both of the two end rows 331A are positioned so as to overlap with the anode 13 in the third direction D3. This makes it difficult for the force with which the cover 32 presses the cathode 11 in the first direction D1 to become biased in the third direction. Therefore, the cathode 11 is unlikely to warp in the first direction D1, and therefore, the electrical resistance of the electrolysis unit 1 is unlikely to become biased in the third direction D3. This improves the efficiency of generating ozone water.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, both of the end rows 331A are arranged in positions that overlap the elastic body 2 in the third direction D3. This makes it difficult for a bias in the forces that the cover 32 and the elastic body 2 exert on the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1 to occur in the third direction. Therefore, it is even less likely that the cathode 11 will warp in the first direction D1.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the cathode 11 has a plurality of through holes 111 spaced apart in the second direction D2. In the second direction D2, the widths d1 and d2 of the plurality of protrusions 332 included in each of the plurality of protrusion rows 331 are narrower than or equal to the spacing d3 between the plurality of through holes 111 in the cathode 11. This makes it possible to arrange the plurality of protrusions 332 so as not to block the through holes 111 in the cathode 11. Therefore, the ozone water is more likely to move along the third direction D3, making it possible to reduce any decrease in the efficiency of generating ozone water.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, in the second direction D2, the width d1 of the convex portion 332B included in each of the convex portion rows 331B other than those at both ends in the third direction D3 among the multiple convex portion rows 331 is larger than the width d2 of each of the multiple convex portions 332A included in the end row 331A located at both ends in the third direction D3 among the multiple convex portion rows 331. As a result, the convex portion rows 331B can press the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1 to prevent the cathode 11 from warping. Furthermore, in each of the end rows 331A, it is possible to reduce the obstruction of the flow of ozone water in the third direction D3 and reduce the decrease in the generation efficiency of ozone water.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the anode 13 and the cathode 11 are connected to the power supply unit 4. The cover 32 further has a protrusion 35 on the inner surface 33 that can hold the power supply unit 4 in the first direction D1. This allows the power supply unit 4 to be temporarily held when assembling the electrolytic liquid generating device 100, improving assembly efficiency.

Furthermore, in the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the height of the protrusion 35 from the inner surface 33 of the cover 32 is different from the height of the row of protrusions 331 from the inner surface 33 of the cover 32. This makes it possible to temporarily hold the power supply unit 4 in a suitable position in the first direction D1 when assembling the electrolytic liquid generating device 100, thereby improving assembly efficiency.

(Modification)
(1) In the electrolytic liquid generation device 100 according to the embodiment, the end row 331A is located inward of the end 34 of the inner surface 33 in the third direction D3. However, the end row 331A may be provided at the end 34 of the inner surface 33. Even in this configuration, the end row 331A does not impede the movement of the liquid and the electrolytic liquid in the third direction D3. Therefore, the efficiency of generating ozone water is improved, and it is possible to generate highly concentrated ozone water.

(2) In the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the cover 32 has three rows of protrusions 331, but the cover 32 may have four or more rows of protrusions 331. In this case, the two or more rows of protrusions 331 other than the end row 331A have a configuration similar to the above-mentioned row of protrusions 331B, for example. As a result, each of the multiple rows of protrusions 331B can press the electrolytic unit 1 in the first direction D1 to prevent the cathode 11 from warping.

(3) In the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the cover 32 has a pair of protrusions 35, but the cover 32 may have only one protrusion 35.

(4) In the electrolytic liquid generating device 100 according to the embodiment, the liquid is tap water, and the electrolytic liquid is ozone water. However, the liquid and the electrolytic liquid are not limited to this, and the liquid and the electrolytic liquid may be any liquid as long as the electrolytic liquid is generated by electrolytic processing of the liquid.

(Aspects)
The electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the first aspect includes an electrolytic unit (1), an elastic body (2), and a housing (3). The electrolytic unit (1) has a first electrode (13) and a second electrode (11) arranged in a first direction (D1) that is a stacking direction, and electrolyzes a liquid. The electrolytic unit (1) has a first electrode (13) and a second electrode (11) arranged in the first direction (D1), and electrolyzes a liquid. The elastic body (2) presses the first electrode (13) of the electrolytic unit (1) in the first direction (D1). The housing (3) has the electrolytic unit (1) and the elastic body (2) arranged therein. The housing (3) has an inlet through which the liquid supplied to the electrolytic unit (1) flows in, and an outlet through which the electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolytic unit (1) flows out. The housing (3) includes a cover (32) having a plurality of convex rows (331) on an inner surface (33) facing the inside. Each of the plurality of convex rows (331) includes a plurality of convex portions (332) arranged at intervals in a second direction (D2) intersecting with a first direction (D1). The plurality of convex rows (331) are arranged at intervals in a third direction (D3) intersecting with the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2). The plurality of convex rows (331) press the second electrode (11) of the electrolysis unit (1) in the first direction (D1).

According to the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect, since the flow of the liquid and the electrolytic liquid in the third direction (D3) is likely to occur inside the housing (3), the concentration of the electrolytic liquid inside the housing (3) is likely to be uniform. In addition, since the concentration of the electrolytic liquid is unlikely to become excessively high near the electrolysis section (1), a decrease in electrolysis efficiency is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid is improved, and it is possible to generate an electrolytic liquid with a high concentration.

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, in the third direction (D3), the two end rows (331A) located at both ends of the plurality of convex rows (331) are both located inside the two ends (34) of the inner surface (33). The flow path, which is the path through which the liquid passes inside the housing (3), includes a main flow path (61) and a sub-flow path (62) located between the electrolytic section (1) and the cover (32). In the third direction (D3), the main flow path (61) is located between the two end rows (331A). In the third direction (D3), the sub-flow path (62) is located outside the two end rows (331A). The main flow path (61) and the sub-flow path (62) are connected to each other.

The electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect facilitates mixing of the liquid between the main flow path (61) where the electrolytic liquid is generated and the sub-flow path (62) through which the liquid flows, so that the concentration of the electrolytic liquid inside the housing (3) tends to be uniform. This improves the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid, making it possible to generate electrolytic liquid with a high concentration.

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, both of the two end rows (331A) are positioned so as to overlap the first electrode (13) in the third direction (D3).

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect, the force with which the cover (32) presses the second electrode (11) in the first direction (D1) is unlikely to become biased in the third direction (D3). Therefore, the cathode (11) is unlikely to warp in the first direction (D1), and therefore the electrical resistance of the electrolytic section (1) is unlikely to become biased in the third direction (D3). This improves the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid.

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, both of the two end rows (331A) are arranged in positions that overlap the elastic body (2) in the third direction (D3).

The electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect is less likely to cause bias in the force with which the cover (32) and the elastic body (2) press the electrolytic section (1) in the first direction (D1) in the third direction (D3). Therefore, the cathode (11) is even less likely to warp in the first direction (D1).

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the second electrode (11) has a plurality of through holes (111) spaced apart in the second direction (D2). In the second direction (D2), the widths (d1, d2) of the plurality of convex portions (332) included in each of the plurality of convex portion rows (331) are narrower than or equal to the spacing (d3) between the plurality of through holes (111) in the second electrode (11).

The electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect allows the multiple protrusions (332) to be arranged so as not to block the through-holes (111) of the second electrode (11). This makes it easier for the electrolytic liquid to move along the third direction (D3), making it possible to reduce the decrease in the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid.

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the plurality of convex rows (331) includes three or more convex rows (331). In the second direction (D2), the width (d1) of each of the plurality of convex portions (332B) included in the convex row (331B) other than those at both ends in the third direction (D3) among the plurality of convex rows (331) is greater than the width (d2) of each of the plurality of convex portions (332A) included in the convex row (331A) located at both ends in the third direction (D3) among the plurality of convex rows (331).

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect, the row of protrusions (331B) can hold the electrolytic portion (1) in the first direction (D1) so as to prevent the cathode (11) from warping. In addition, each row of protrusions (331A) can reduce the hindrance of the flow of the electrolytic liquid in the third direction (D3), thereby reducing the decrease in the efficiency of generating the electrolytic liquid.

In the seventh aspect of the electrolytic liquid generating device (100), in any of the first to sixth aspects, at least one of the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (11) is connected to the power supply part (4). The cover (32) further has a protrusion (35) on the inner surface (33) that can press the power supply part (4) in the first direction (D1).

The electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect allows the power supply unit (4) to be temporarily held down when assembling the electrolytic liquid generating device (100), improving assembly efficiency.

In the electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the height of the protrusion (35) from the inner surface (33) of the cover (32) is different from the height of the row of multiple protrusions (331) from the inner surface (33) of the cover (32).

The electrolytic liquid generating device (100) according to the above aspect allows the power supply section (4) to be temporarily held in a suitable position in the first direction (D1) when assembling the electrolytic liquid generating device (100), improving assembly efficiency.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Electrolytic liquid generating device 1 Electrolysis section 11 Cathode 111 Through hole 12 Conductive film 121 Main piece 122 Projection piece 13 Anode 2 Elastic body 21 Main body 22 Protrusion 23 Protrusion 3 Housing 31 Case 311 Case main body 3110 Storage section 3111 Opening 3112 Through hole 312 Connection section 313 Connection section 32 Cover 33 Inner surface 331 Convex section row 331A End row 331B Convex section row 332 Convex section 332A Convex section 332B Convex section 34 End section 35 Protrusion 4 Power supply section 41 Electrode pin 411 Flange section 412 Screw section 413 Shaft section 42A Electrode plate 42B Electrode plate 421 Through hole 43A Spring portion 43B Spring portion 44 Power supply body 45 Nut 46 Spring washer 47 Washer 61 Main flow path 62 Sub-flow path D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction d1 Width of convex portion d2 Width of convex portion d3 Distance between through holes X1 Virtual line

Claims (8)

an electrolysis unit in which the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged in a first direction that is a lamination direction and which electrolyzes a liquid;
an elastic body pressing the first electrode of the electrolysis unit in the first direction;
a housing in which the electrolysis unit and the elastic body are disposed,
The housing includes:
an inlet through which the liquid to be supplied to the electrolysis unit flows;
An outlet through which the electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolysis unit flows out,
the housing includes a cover having a plurality of rows of protrusions on an inner surface facing the interior;
Each of the plurality of convex portion rows includes a plurality of convex portions arranged at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction,
the plurality of protrusion rows are aligned at intervals in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction,
The plurality of protruding portions press the second electrode of the electrolysis unit in the first direction.
Electrolytic liquid generator. In the third direction, two end rows located at both ends of the plurality of convex portion rows are both located inside two ends of the inner surface,
a flow path through which the liquid passes through the interior of the housing includes a main flow path and a sub flow path located between the electrolysis unit and the cover,
In the third direction,
The main flow path is located between the two end rows,
The sub-flow passage is located outside the two end rows,
The main flow path and the sub flow path are in communication with each other.
The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 1 . In the third direction, each of the two end rows is disposed at a position overlapping with the first electrode.
The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 2 . In the third direction, each of the two end rows is disposed at a position overlapping the elastic body.
The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 3 . the second electrode has a plurality of through holes spaced apart from one another in the second direction;
In the second direction, a width of the plurality of protrusions included in each of the plurality of protrusion rows is narrower than or equal to an interval between the plurality of through holes of the second electrode.
The electrolytic liquid generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The plurality of protruding portions includes three or more protruding portions,
In the second direction, a width of each of the plurality of convex portions included in the convex portion rows other than those at both ends in the third direction among the plurality of convex portion rows is larger than a width of each of the plurality of convex portions included in the convex portion rows located at both ends in the third direction among the plurality of convex portion rows.
The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 5 . At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is connected to a power supply unit,
the cover further includes a protrusion on the inner surface capable of pressing the power supply unit in the first direction.
The electrolytic liquid generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. a height of the protrusion from the inner surface of the cover is different from a height of the rows of the protrusions from the inner surface of the cover;
8. The electrolytic liquid generating device according to claim 7.

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