Hollow fiber membrane module

Abstract

This invention provides a hollow fiber membrane assembly that achieves stable sealing even under a wide temperature range in the operating environment. The hollow fiber membrane assembly includes a cylindrical housing (100), a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (200) disposed within the housing (100), sealing and fixing portions (310, 320) that fix the hollow fiber membranes to each other at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (200), and sealing portions (410, 420) that seal the annular gap between the housing (100) and the sealing and fixing portions (310, 320). The hollow fiber membrane assembly is characterized in that the sealing portions (410, 420) are allowed to expand and contract in the direction of varying intervals of the gap between the housing (100) and the sealing and fixing portions (310, 320), while engaging the inner circumferential surface of the housing (100) and the outer circumferential surface of the sealing and fixing portions (310, 320).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hollow fiber membrane modules comprising multiple hollow fiber membranes. Background Technology

[0002] Hollow fiber membrane modules are used for purposes other than filtration, such as humidification. In a hollow fiber membrane module, multiple hollow fiber membranes are arranged in a bundle within a housing. A sealing and fixing portion is provided at the end of each bundle of hollow fiber membranes. This sealing and fixing portion, through the injection of a material, opens the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane while simultaneously blocking the gaps between the membranes and fixing them together. This sealing and fixing portion can also be directly joined to the housing for fixation. However, in operating environments where a gap exists between the sealing and fixing portion and the housing, leading to leakage, sometimes an additional sealing portion is provided in the annular gap between the sealing and fixing portion and the housing. For example, a sealing portion is provided by using a rubber sealing member for joining and fixing, or by injecting a liquid sealant and then allowing it to solidify. Thus, the annular gap between the sealing and fixing portion and the housing is sealed by the sealing portion.

[0003] However, when the temperature of the operating environment varies greatly, the difference in thermal expansion between the sealed fixing part and the shell increases, leading to situations where the existing sealing structure cannot provide sufficient sealing. For example, in fuel cells, hollow fiber membrane modules are appropriately used to pre-wet the electrolyte membrane, but the temperature range required for the operation of fuel cells is gradually expanding.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-208013

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-70934 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane module that can achieve stable sealing even under a wide temperature range of the operating environment.

[0010] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention employs the following means.

[0012] That is, the hollow fiber membrane module of the present invention includes:

[0013] A cylindrical shell that is open at at least one end;

[0014] Multiple hollow fiber membranes are disposed within the housing;

[0015] A sealing and fixing part is provided at the opening side of the housing and at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, while keeping the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, to block the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes and fix the hollow fiber membranes to each other; and

[0016] The sealing part seals the annular gap between the housing and the sealing fixing part.

[0017] The hollow fiber membrane module is characterized in that...

[0018] The closure portion, while being allowed to extend and retract in the direction of varying intervals between the housing and the closure fixing portion, engages with the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the outer circumferential surface of the closure fixing portion.

[0019] According to the present invention, even if the gap between the housing and the sealing part changes due to the difference in thermal expansion, the annular gap between the housing and the sealing part can be maintained by the expansion and contraction of the sealing part.

[0020] Alternatively, the closure can be allowed to extend or retract in a direction that varies with the gap between the housing and the closure fixing part by allowing at least a portion of the part in contact with the housing to be free from the constraint of the housing.

[0021] Alternatively, the closure can be allowed to expand and contract in a direction that varies with the gap between the housing and the closure fixing part by ensuring that at least a portion of the part that contacts the housing is not engaged with the housing.

[0022] Alternatively, an annular cut is provided on the end face side of the housing. The annular cut has: a planar portion adjacent to the inner circumferential surface that contacts the sealing and fixing part; and an inner circumferential surface portion opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the sealing and fixing part. The sealing part is provided in the annular cut. The sealing part is allowed to expand and contract in the direction of the interval between the housing and the sealing and fixing part by at least a portion of the portion that contacts the planar portion not engaging.

[0023] Alternatively, the shell may be made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing and fixing part may be made of epoxy resin, and the sealing part may be made of a material cured from liquid silicone. When observing the cross-section formed by the sealing and fixing part and the sealing part with the center of the opening as a plane, when the width of the sealing and fixing part in the vertical direction relative to the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane is set as L1 and the length in the vertical direction of the planar part and the unconnected part in the sealing part is set as L2, the condition 0.01×L1≦L2≦0.1×L1 is satisfied.

[0024] Alternatively, the shell may be made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing and fixing part may be made of epoxy resin, and the sealing part may be made of a material cured from liquid silicone. When observing the cross-section formed by the sealing and fixing part and the sealing part with the center of the opening as a cut, when the width of the sealing and fixing part in the vertical direction relative to the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane is set as L1 and the length in the vertical direction of the planar part and the unconnected part in the sealing part is set as L2, the following condition is satisfied: 0.02×L1≦L2≦0.05×L1.

[0025] Alternatively, an annular recess may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that connects with the sealing and fixing part.

[0026] This can suppress the misalignment of the sealing and fixing part relative to the shell.

[0027] Alternatively, a step difference may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing where it connects with the sealing and fixing part.

[0028] This can suppress the misalignment of the sealing and fixing part relative to the shell.

[0029] It should be noted that the above structures can be used in combination as much as possible.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] As described above, according to the present invention, stable sealing performance can be achieved even under a wide temperature range of the operating environment. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate how to implement the invention. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the structural components described in these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0039] (Example 1)

[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hollow fiber membrane module of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hollow fiber membrane module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane module cut with the center of the opening of the shell included. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The magnified view is a magnified view of the vicinity of the closed part.

[0041] <Overall Structure of Hollow Fiber Membrane Module>

[0042] The hollow fiber membrane assembly 10 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical shell 100 open at both ends, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200 disposed within the shell 100, and sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 provided at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200. In this embodiment, sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are respectively provided at both ends of the bundle-shaped hollow fiber membranes 200. These sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are configured to block the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes when the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane 200 are open, and to fix the hollow fiber membranes to each other. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 10 of this embodiment is provided with sealing portions 410 and 420 that respectively seal the annular gaps between the shell 100 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320. In addition, cover members 510 and 520 are respectively provided at both ends of the shell 100.

[0043] The housing 100 is constructed from metals such as aluminum and resin materials such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The housing 100 has through holes 121 and 122 serving as inlets and outlets for fluids. In the illustrated example, although through holes are provided at two locations, the number of through holes can be appropriately set. Additionally, annular cutouts 131 and 132 are provided on the end faces of the housing 100. In this embodiment, cutouts 131 and 132 are provided at both ends of the housing. These cutouts 131 and 132 have: a planar portion adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 110 of the housing 100 that connects with the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320; and an inner circumferential surface portion opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 (see reference). Figure 2 (The planar portion 131a and the inner circumferential portion 131b). It should be noted that the shape of the shell 100 can be various shapes such as cylindrical or box-shaped.

[0044] Regarding the raw materials for the hollow fiber membrane 200, when the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is used in a humidification device or a dehumidification device, materials such as PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), which have the characteristic of allowing water to permeate through a capillary condensation mechanism based on pore size control, can be appropriately used. It should be noted that when adjusting the membrane-forming solution (the raw material for the hollow fiber membrane), a hydrophilic hollow fiber membrane can be obtained by spinning a membrane-forming solution in which PPSU and a hydrophilic polymer (polyvinylpyrrolidone) are added to a solvent. Alternatively, Nafion (registered trademark), a hydrophilic material with the characteristic of permeating water through dissolution and diffusion, can also be used. Such materials are suitable for use in humidification devices and dehumidification devices due to their low solubility and high strength. In this embodiment, all the hollow fiber membranes 200 are bundled in a linear extension and housed in the housing 100.

[0045] The sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are made of potting materials such as epoxy resin and polyurethane resin. It should be noted that after filling the ends of the hollow fiber membrane bundles 200 with liquid potting material and allowing the potting material to cure, the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are obtained by cutting off a portion of the potting material that has cured along with the hollow fiber membrane bundles 200. Therefore, with the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 in a state where the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane 200 are open, the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes can be blocked, and the hollow fiber membranes can be fixed together. Furthermore, in this embodiment, with the hollow fiber membrane bundles 200 arranged in the housing 100, liquid potting material is filled in, and after the cured sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 are formed, the housing 100 is peeled off from the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320. Figure 2In this diagram, the portion of the inner circumferential surface 110 of the housing 100 that contacts the sealing and fixing portion 310 (the portion shown by the double-dotted line in the figure) is a peelable portion. The reason for this peeling is briefly explained. When the housing 100 is used with the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 engaged, peeling may occur locally due to differences in the linear expansion of each component, depending on the material and size of each component and the operating conditions. As a result, stress caused by linear expansion concentrates on the unpeeled portion, potentially leading to a decrease in sealing performance. Therefore, by pre-peeling the entire surface, such adverse conditions can be prevented.

[0046] The closures 410 and 420 are constructed from sealing components containing elastomeric materials such as rubber or from components cured from liquid seals (e.g., liquid silicone). These closures 410 and 420 are respectively provided in the cutouts 131 and 132 of the housing 100.

[0047] The cover members 510 and 520 are respectively provided with through holes 511 and 521 serving as inlets and outlets for fluid. In this embodiment, the gap between the cover members 510 and 520 and the housing 100 is closed by the sealing portions 410 and 420. However, the gap between the cover members 510 and 520 and the housing 100 can also be closed by other sealing members, or it can be closed by both the sealing portions 410 and 420 and other sealing members.

[0048] The case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10 configured as described above is used as a humidification device will be explained. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, a humidifying gas (such as dry air) is supplied to the interior of the housing 100 through the through-hole 511 of the cover member 510. The humidifying gas then passes through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200 and is discharged through the through-hole 521 of the cover member 520 (refer to arrow R1). Additionally, a humidifying gas is supplied to the interior of the housing 100 through the through-hole 122. The humidifying gas then passes through the outside of each hollow fiber membrane 200 and flows to the outside of the housing 100 through the through-hole 121 (refer to arrow R2). Thus, through the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membranes 200, moisture in the humidifying gas moves to the humidifying gas side, and the humidifying gas is humidified.

[0049] <Closed Section>

[0050] The closing portions 410 and 420 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the closing portions 410 and 420 are respectively allowed to extend and retract in the direction of varying gap between the housing 100 and the closing fixing portions 310 and 320, while engaging the inner peripheral surface 110 of the housing 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the closing fixing portions 310 and 320. More specifically, the closing portions 410 and 420 are configured such that at least a portion of the parts in contact with the housing 100 is not constrained by the housing 100, thereby allowing them to extend and retract in the direction of varying gap between the housing 100 and the closing fixing portions 310 and 320. More specifically, the closing portions 410 and 420 are configured such that at least a portion of the parts in contact with the housing 100 is not engaged with the housing 100, thereby allowing them to extend and retract in the direction of varying gap between the housing 100 and the closing fixing portions 310 and 320. Hereinafter, in this regard, reference will be made to an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the closing portion 410. Figure 2 The following explanation is provided. It should be noted that the structure and function of the closing part 420 are the same as those of the closing part 410, therefore its explanation is omitted.

[0051] Regarding the closure portion 410, its outer peripheral surface 410S is fully engaged with the inner peripheral surface 110 (inner peripheral surface portion 131b of the cutout 131) of the housing 100, and its inner peripheral surface 410T is fully engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the closure fixing portion 310. However, the closure portion 410 is configured not to engage with at least a portion of the planar portion 131a of the cutout 131. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the surface 410U of the closure portion 410 opposite to the planar portion 131a and the planar portion 131a are configured to not engage with each other. Thus, the closure portion 410 is allowed to extend and retract in the direction of the change in the gap between the housing 100 and the closure fixing portion 310.

[0052] When the sealing portion 410 is constructed from a sealing member including an elastomeric material such as rubber, an adhesive is applied to the outer peripheral surface 410S and the inner peripheral surface 410T (or the inner peripheral surface 110 of the housing 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing fixing portion 310) of the sealing portion 410, and only the outer peripheral surface 410S and the inner peripheral surface T are joined. Alternatively, when the sealing portion 410 is constructed from a component formed by curing a liquid sealant, before filling with the liquid sealant, a material that does not adhere to the liquid sealant is applied to or used to mask the planar portion 131a of the cut 131. For example, a fluorine-based material such as Teflon (registered trademark) can be used for application. In this case, after applying the coating to the planar portion 131a, the sealing fixing portion 310 is formed, and the liquid sealant is filled into the cut 131, thereby enabling the sealing portion 410 to be installed.

[0053] <Advantages of the hollow fiber membrane module in this embodiment>

[0054] According to the hollow fiber membrane assembly 10 of this embodiment, when the gap between the housing 100 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 changes due to the difference in thermal expansion, the sealing portions 410 and 420 expand and contract. This maintains the annular gap between the housing 100 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 in a closed state. Therefore, stable sealing performance can be obtained even under a wide temperature range in the operating environment. Furthermore, even if the housing 100 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 exhibit relative misalignment with the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane 200, the expansion and contraction of the sealing portions 410 and 420 can suppress the stress load acting on the joints between the sealing portions 410 and 420 and the sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320, the joints between the sealing portions 410 and 420 and the inner peripheral surface 110 of the housing 100, and the sealing portions 410 and 420 themselves.

[0055] Here, in the enclosures 410 and 420, the range of the portion not constrained by the housing 100 (unjoined) can be appropriately set according to the temperature range of the operating environment and the dimensions and coefficients of thermal expansion of various components. An example will be described below. It should be noted that although enclosure 410 is described here, it goes without saying that the same applies to enclosure 420.

[0056] The case where the housing 100 is made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), the sealing and fixing part 310 is made of epoxy resin, and the sealing part 410 is made of liquid silicone cured material will be described.

[0057] When observing the closed fixing portion 310 and the closing portion 410 in a cross-section with the center of the opening of the housing 100 included, the width of the closed fixing portion 310 in the vertical direction relative to the direction of extension of the hollow fiber membrane 200 is defined as L1, and the length in the same vertical direction of the planar portion 131a and the unconnected portion of the closing portion 410 is defined as L2 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0058] Therefore, it is desirable to satisfy 0.01×L1≦L2≦0.1×L1, and further desirable to satisfy 0.02×L1≦L2≦0.05×L1. It should be noted that the lower limit is set based on the difference in thermal expansion between the sealing and fixing part 310 and the housing 100, and is based on the viewpoint that the expansion and contraction of the sealing part 410 will not adversely affect the joint between the sealing part 410 and the sealing and fixing part 310, the joint between the sealing part 410 and the housing 100, or the extensibility of the sealing part 410. Furthermore, the upper limit is set based on the viewpoint of not requiring the housing 100 to be larger than necessary.

[0059] For example, if the housing 100 is cylindrical with an inner diameter of 160 mm, then L1 = 160 mm. In this case, it is desirable to set L2 to be 1.6 mm or more and 16 mm or less, and more preferably 3.2 mm or more and 8 mm or less. Alternatively, if the housing 100 is box-shaped with an opening of 200 mm × 160 mm, then when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the long side, L1 = 200 mm. In this case, it is desirable to set L2 to be 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Then, when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the short side, L1 = 160 mm. In this case, it is desirable to set L2 to be 1.6 mm or more and 16 mm or less, and more preferably 3.2 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

[0060] If configured as described above, stable sealing can be maintained even when the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is used in a vehicle-mounted fuel cell in a cold environment below -30°C. It should be noted that the hollow fiber membrane module 10 is exposed to environments above 100°C during fuel cell operation. Therefore, the hollow fiber membrane module 10 of this embodiment can be appropriately used even in environments with operating temperatures between approximately -40°C and 120°C.

[0061] (Example 2)

[0062] exist Figure 3 Embodiment 2 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the structure of the housing is shown to be different from that of Embodiment 1 described above. Since other structures and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same structural parts are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sealing portion. In this embodiment, an annular recess 111 is provided in the portion of the inner peripheral surface 110 of the housing 100 that contacts the sealing fixing portion 310. Therefore, an annular protrusion 311 is provided in the sealing fixing portion 310 so as to enter the annular recess 111. Therefore, misalignment of the sealing fixing portion 310 relative to the housing 100 is suppressed. As a result, the shear stress acting on the sealing portion 410 can be mitigated. It should be noted that, since the structure of the sealing portion 410, etc., is the same as in Embodiment 1, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, the housing 100 is also peeled away from the sealing fixing portions 310 and 320 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 In the figure, the part where the inner circumferential surface 110 of the housing 100 meets the closed fixing part 310 (the part with double dashed lines in the figure) is a peelable part.

[0064] (Example 3)

[0065] exist Figure 4 Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the structure of the housing differs from that of Embodiment 1 described above. Since other structures and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same structural parts are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the sealing portion. In this embodiment, a step difference is provided in the portion of the inner peripheral surface 110 of the housing 100 that contacts the sealing fixing portion 310, the step difference having an inner side surface 110a and an outer side surface 110b. Therefore, the sealing fixing portion 310 is provided with a step difference in a manner similar to this step difference. Therefore, misalignment of the sealing fixing portion 310 relative to the housing 100, particularly towards the inner side, is suppressed. As a result, the shear stress acting on the sealing portion 410 can be mitigated. It should be noted that, regarding the structure of the sealing portion 410, etc., since it is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, the housing 100 is also peeled away from the sealing fixing portions 310 and 320 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 In the figure, the part where the inner circumferential surface 110 of the housing 100 meets the closed fixing part 310 (the part with double dashed lines in the figure) is a peelable part.

[0067] (Example 4)

[0068] exist Figure 5 Embodiment 4 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a structure including an inner shell (inner tube) is shown. Since other structures and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same structural parts are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The cross-sectional view is taken with the center of the opening of the housing included. The hollow fiber membrane assembly 10X of this embodiment includes a cylindrical housing 100X and an inner housing (inner tube) 150 disposed inside the housing 100X. In this embodiment, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200 are disposed in the annular gap between the housing 100X and the inner housing 150. Regarding the provision of sealing and fixing portions 310 and 320 at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200, it is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above. The inner housing 150 is provided with a through hole 151 serving as an inlet and outlet for fluid.

[0070] The case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10X configured as described above is used as a humidification device will be explained. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, a humidifying gas (such as dry air) is supplied to the interior of the housing 100X through the through-hole 511 of the cover member 510. The humidifying gas then passes through the hollow interior of each hollow fiber membrane 200 and is discharged through the through-hole 521 of the cover member 520 (refer to arrow R1). Additionally, humidifying gas is supplied to the interior of the inner housing 150 from its end. The humidifying gas enters the housing 100X through the through-hole 151 of the inner housing 150, passes through the membrane exterior of each hollow fiber membrane 200, and flows to the exterior of the housing 100 through the through-hole 120 (refer to arrow R2). Thus, through the membrane separation action of the hollow fiber membranes 200, moisture in the humidifying gas moves to the humidifying gas side, and the humidifying gas is humidified.

[0071] In this embodiment, the structure of the closing parts 410, 420, etc., is the same as in Embodiment 1, thus achieving the same effect as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the structures shown in Embodiments 2 and 3 can also be used in this embodiment. Additionally, in this embodiment, the housing 100X is detached from the closing and fixing parts 310, 320 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0072] (Example 5)

[0073] exist Figure 6 Embodiment 5 of the present invention is shown. In Embodiment 1 above, a structure was shown in which a sealing and fixing portion was provided on both sides of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. However, in this embodiment, a structure is shown in which the hollow fiber membrane bundle is bent into a U-shape and a sealing and fixing portion is provided at one end of the hollow fiber membrane bundle. Since other structures and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1, the same structural parts are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0074] Figure 6This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hollow fiber membrane assembly according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The cross-sectional view is taken with the center of the opening of the housing included. The hollow fiber membrane assembly 10Y of this embodiment includes a cylindrical housing 100Y with one open end, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200Y disposed within the housing 100Y, and a sealing and fixing portion 300 disposed at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes 200Y. In this embodiment, the bundled hollow fiber membranes 200Y are bent into a U-shape, and the sealing and fixing portion 300 is provided on the open side of the housing 100Y. The sealing and fixing portion 300 is configured such that, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane 200Y are open, the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes are blocked, and the hollow fiber membranes are fixed together. Furthermore, the hollow fiber membrane assembly 10Y of this embodiment includes a sealing portion 400 for sealing the annular gap between the housing 100Y and the sealing and fixing portion 300. Additionally, a cover member 500 is provided at one end of the housing 100Y.

[0075] In this embodiment, a through hole 123 serving as an inlet and outlet for fluid is provided on the side of the housing 100Y opposite to the opening. Additionally, a through hole 501 serving as an inlet and outlet for fluid is also provided on the cover member 500.

[0076] The case where the hollow fiber membrane module 10Y configured as described above is used as a filtration device will be explained. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the target liquid for filtration is supplied to the interior of the housing 100Y through the through-hole 123. Consequently, the target liquid flows from the outside of each hollow fiber membrane 200Y to its hollow interior, and is discharged from the end of the sealing and fixing portion 300, and further discharged from the through-hole 501 of the cover member 500 (refer to arrow R). Thus, impurities and other contaminants in the target liquid are removed by the hollow fiber membranes 200Y, and the filtered liquid is discharged from the housing 100Y and the cover member 500.

[0077] In this embodiment, the structure of the closure portion 400 is the same as in Embodiment 1, thus achieving the same effect. Furthermore, the structures shown in Embodiments 2 and 3 can also be used in this embodiment. Additionally, in this embodiment, the housing 100Y is detached from the closure fixing portion 300 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0078] (other)

[0079] In the above embodiments, the closure is configured such that at least a portion of the part that contacts the housing is not engaged with the housing, thereby allowing expansion and contraction in the direction of varying intervals between the housing and the closure fixing part. However, for example, a structure may also be adopted in which a gap is provided between the closure and the planar portion in the cutout, thereby allowing expansion and contraction in the direction of varying intervals between the housing and the closure fixing part.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 100, 100X, 100Y housings

[0082] 110 Inner circumferential surface

[0083] 111 Annular Recess

[0084] Through holes 120, 121, 122, and 123

[0085] Incisions 131 and 132

[0086] 131a Planar portion

[0087] 131b Inner circumferential surface portion

[0088] 150 Inner Shell

[0089] 151 Through Hole

[0090] 200 and 200Y hollow fiber membranes

[0091] 300, 310, 320 Enclosed Fixing Parts

[0092] 311 convex part

[0093] 400, 410, 420 Enclosed Section

[0094] 410S outer peripheral surface

[0095] 410T inner circumferential surface

[0096] 500, 510, 520 cover components

[0097] Through holes 501, 511, and 521

Claims

1. A hollow fiber membrane module, comprising: A cylindrical shell that is open at at least one end; Multiple hollow fiber membranes are disposed within the housing; A sealing and fixing part is provided at the opening side of the housing and at the ends of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, blocking the gaps between the hollow fiber membranes while keeping the hollow interiors of each hollow fiber membrane open, and fixing the hollow fiber membranes to each other; and The sealing part seals the annular gap between the housing and the sealing fixing part. The hollow fiber membrane module is characterized in that... The closure portion, while being allowed to extend and retract in a direction varying according to the gap between the housing and the closure fixing portion, engages with the inner circumferential surface of the housing and the outer circumferential surface of the closure fixing portion. An annular cut is provided on the end face side of the housing. The annular cut has: a planar portion adjacent to the inner circumferential surface that contacts the sealing and fixing part; and an inner circumferential surface portion opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the sealing and fixing part. The sealing part is provided in the annular cut. The sealing part is allowed to expand and contract in the direction of the interval between the housing and the sealing and fixing part by at least a portion of the portion that contacts the planar portion not being engaged.

2. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The closure is allowed to extend or retract in a direction that varies with the gap between the housing and the closure fixing part by allowing at least a portion of the part in contact with the housing to be free from the constraint of the housing.

3. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The closure is allowed to expand and contract in a direction that varies with the gap between the housing and the closure fixing part by ensuring that at least a portion of the part that contacts the housing is not engaged with the housing.

4. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing and fixing part is made of epoxy resin, and the sealing part is made of a material cured from liquid silicone. When observing the cross-section formed by cutting the sealing and fixing part and the sealing part with the center of the opening, when the width of the sealing and fixing part in the vertical direction relative to the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane is set as L1 and the length in the vertical direction of the planar part and the unconnected part in the sealing part is set as L2, 0.01×L1≦L2≦0.1×L1 is satisfied.

5. The hollow fiber membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is made of polyphenylene sulfide, the sealing and fixing part is made of epoxy resin, and the sealing part is made of a material cured from liquid silicone. When observing the cross-section formed by cutting the sealing and fixing portion and the sealing portion with the center of the opening, when the width of the sealing and fixing portion in the vertical direction relative to the extension direction of the hollow fiber membrane is set as L1 and the length in the vertical direction of the planar portion and the unconnected portion in the sealing portion is set as L2, 0.02×L1≦L2≦0.05×L1 is satisfied.

6. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, An annular recess is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing that is in contact with the sealing and fixing part.

7. The hollow fiber membrane module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, A step difference is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing where it connects with the closed fixing part.

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