Medical filter

Abstract

In a medical filter (10), a housing (12) has a fusion region (32), a non-fusion region (44), and a window portion (46). The non-fusion region (44) is a space different from an internal space (30) of the housing (12). The non-fusion region (44) is a region that is not fused. The non-fusion region (44) is surrounded by the fusion region (32). The window portion (46) is provided to the housing (12) in order to visually confirm the non-fusion region (44) from the outside of the housing (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to filters for medical use. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-67952 discloses a medical filter. The medical filter includes a housing, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a filter element. The housing is formed by fusing the outer edges of two flexible sheets. The inlet port and outlet port are respectively fused to the periphery of the housing. The filter element is fused to the housing and disposed within the internal space of the housing. The filter element divides the internal space of the housing into an inlet area and an outlet area. Liquid (blood) flows into the inlet area through the inlet port. The filter element prevents the passage of a specified component (white blood cells) in the liquid flowing into the inlet area. The liquid that has passed through the filter element flows into the outlet area. The liquid that has flowed into the outlet area flows out to the outside of the housing through the outlet port.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-67952 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The aim is to detect weld abnormalities (welding anomalies) in medical filters at an early stage.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] (1) The technical solution of the present invention is a medical filter, which includes: a housing formed by fusing the outer edge of a first piece and the outer edge of a second piece; an inlet port fusing to the periphery of the housing for allowing liquid to flow from the outside of the housing into the internal space of the housing; a filter element fusing to the housing and disposed in the internal space; and an outlet port fusing to the periphery for allowing the liquid that has passed through the filter element to flow out to the outside, wherein the filter element divides the internal space into an inlet area and an outlet area, the inlet area being an area for the liquid to flow in through the inlet port, and the outlet area being an area for the liquid that has passed through the filter element to flow out to the outside through the outlet port, the housing having: a non-fusing area being a space different from the internal space, being a non-fusing area, and being surrounded by the fusing area; and a window for visually confirming the non-fusing area from the outside.

[0007] According to this structure, when liquid is introduced into the internal space of the housing, a welding abnormality occurs inside the medical filter if the liquid flows into the non-welding area. Therefore, by visually confirming the inflow of liquid into the non-welding area from the outside of the housing through the window, abnormalities in the medical filter can be detected early. Furthermore, early detection of abnormalities in the medical filter can reduce liquid loss and suppress leakage of liquid to the outside of the medical filter.

[0008] (2) In the medical filter described in (1) above, the filter element may be formed in the shape of a bag, the interior of the filter element is the inflow area, the welding area includes a peripheral welding area for welding the periphery and a filter element welding area for welding the filter element, and the filter element welding area divides the interior of the housing into the internal space and the non-welding area.

[0009] Because the welded area of ​​the filter element is fused to the filter element, the bonding force generated by the weld is tends to be lower than that generated by the weld in the peripheral welded area, which is the welded portion between the first and second pieces. If a welding abnormality occurs in the welded area of ​​the filter element, liquid will flow into the non-welded area. Therefore, this is effective for the early detection of abnormalities in medical filters.

[0010] (3) In the medical filter described in (2) above, the inflow port may be inserted into the inflow area through the base end of the filter element, the welding area of ​​the filter element is welded together with the base end of the filter element and the inflow port, the non-welded area is formed between the welding area of ​​the filter element and the peripheral welding area, the base end of the filter element is located in the non-welded area, and the window is provided in the housing in a manner facing the non-welded area.

[0011] Because the housing, filter element, and inlet port are welded together, the bonding force generated by the welding at the welded area of ​​the filter element, the base of the filter element, and the welded portion of the inlet port is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the welding at the peripheral welded area. If a welding abnormality occurs at this welded portion, liquid will flow through the base of the filter element into the non-welded area. The base of the filter element extends beyond the welded area and is located in the non-welded area. Furthermore, the window faces the non-welded area. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the base of the filter element located in the non-welded area through the window. Additionally, the user can easily confirm whether liquid has flowed into the non-welded area through the window. Therefore, this method is effective for the early detection of abnormalities in medical filters.

[0012] (4) In the medical filter described in (3) above, the non-welded area may extend along the width direction of the housing, which is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the housing and the axial direction of the inflow port, and the width of the non-welded area in the width direction is larger than the width of the filter element in the width direction.

[0013] This configuration allows for an increase in the size of the window facing the non-welded area. Consequently, the non-welded area can be easily observed from the outside of the housing through the window.

[0014] (5) In the medical filter described in (4) above, the width of the outflow area in the width direction may be greater than the width of the filter element in the width direction, and the welded area of ​​the filter element separates the non-welded area from the outflow area.

[0015] If a welding abnormality occurs in the welded area of ​​the filter component, liquid will flow from the outflow area into the non-welded area. Therefore, this method is more effective for early detection of abnormalities in medical filters.

[0016] (6) In the medical filter described in (2) above, the inflow port may be inserted into the inflow region through the base end of the filter element, and at least one side edge of the filter element, the base end, and the inflow port may be fused together between the filter element welding region and the base end and end end of the filter element. The non-fusion region has: a width direction portion formed between the filter element welding region and the peripheral welding region, extending along the width direction of the housing orthogonal to the thickness direction of the housing and the axial direction of the inflow port; and an axial portion extending along the axial direction. The base end of the filter element is located in the width direction portion, and the side edge of at least one of the side edges is located in the axial portion. The window portion is provided in the housing facing the non-fusion region.

[0017] Because the housing, filter element, and inlet port are welded together, the bonding force generated by the welding at the welded area of ​​the filter element, the base end of the filter element, and the welded portion of the inlet port is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the welding at the peripheral welded area, which is the welded portion between the first and second pieces. Furthermore, because the welded area of ​​the filter element is welded to the filter element, the bonding force generated by the welding at the welded area of ​​the filter element and the welded portions of the base end and side edges of the filter element is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the welding at the peripheral welded area. If welding abnormalities occur at these welded portions, liquid will flow into the non-welded area through the base end and side edges of the filter element. The base end and side edges of the filter element extend beyond the welded area and are located in the non-welded area. Additionally, the window faces the non-welded area. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the base end and side edges of the filter element located in the non-welded area through the window. Furthermore, the user can easily confirm whether liquid has flowed into the non-welded area through the window. Therefore, it is effective for the early detection of abnormalities in medical filters.

[0018] (7) In the medical filter described in (6) above, the width of the width direction portion may be greater than the width of the filter element in the width direction.

[0019] This allows for an increase in the size of the portion of the window that faces the width section. Consequently, the width section can be easily observed from the outside of the casing through the window.

[0020] (8) In the medical filter described in (7) above, the axial portion may extend further toward the outlet port than the end portion, the outlet region may extend further toward the outlet port than the end portion, and the welded area of ​​the filter element may separate the non-welded area from the outlet region.

[0021] If a welding abnormality occurs in the welded area of ​​the filter component, liquid will flow from the outflow area into the non-welded area. This makes it more effective for early detection of abnormalities in medical filters. Additionally, the portion of the window facing the axial section can be enlarged. This allows for easy observation of the axial section from the outside of the housing through the window.

[0022] According to the present invention, when liquid is introduced into the internal space of the housing, a welding abnormality occurs inside the medical filter if the liquid flows into the non-welding area. Therefore, by visually confirming the inflow of liquid into the non-welding area from the outside of the housing via the window, abnormalities in the medical filter can be detected early. Furthermore, by detecting abnormalities in the medical filter early, liquid loss can be reduced, and leakage of liquid to the outside of the medical filter can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of the medical filter according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0025] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0026] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a partial cross-sectional view showing other structural examples of the filter component.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a front view of the medical filter according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a front view of the medical filter according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Reference Figures 1-3 The medical filter 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. The medical filter 10 is a filter for filtering liquids. The medical filter 10 is a filter for preventing the passage of specified components in a liquid. The medical filter 10 may be a filter for preventing the passage of specified components (e.g., white blood cells) in blood.

[0031] The medical filter 10 has a housing 12, an inlet port 14, an outlet port 16, and a filter element 18.

[0032] The housing 12 is a rectangular bag. The housing 12 has a first sheet 20 and a second sheet 22. The first sheet 20 and the second sheet 22 are two separate flexible sheets. The first sheet 20 and the second sheet 22 are transparent sheets. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first sheet 20 and the second sheet 22 are rectangular sheets of the same size and thickness. The first sheet 20 and the second sheet 22 are made of synthetic resin. Specifically, examples of thermoplastic elastomers that can be used as constituent materials for the first sheet 20 and the second sheet 22 include soft vinyl chloride, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer hydrogenates, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers or their hydrogenates, as well as mixtures of thermoplastic elastomers and softeners such as polyolefins and ethylene-ethyl acrylate.

[0033] The housing 12 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping the first piece 20 and the second piece 22 and fusing the outer edge 24 of the first piece 20 and the outer edge 26 of the second piece 22. The fusing of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22 can also be an external heating fusing achieved by heat sealing. Alternatively, the fusing of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22 can also be an internal fusing achieved by high-frequency fusing, ultrasonic fusing, etc. In the following description, "fusing" includes the aforementioned external heating fusing or internal fusing.

[0034] The outer edges 24 and 26 of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22, after being fused together, form the peripheral portion 28 of the housing 12. Furthermore, the fusion of the outer edges 24 and 26 of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22 creates an internal space 30 within the housing 12. In the following description, the fused portion of the housing 12 will be referred to as the fused region 32. Figure 1 In the diagram, the welded area 32 is shown with a double-dotted line.

[0035] Alternatively, the housing 12 can also be formed by bending a flexible sheet to overlap it and then welding the outer edge of the flexible sheet. In this case, one portion of the bent flexible sheet becomes the first portion 20, and the other portion becomes the second portion 22.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inflow port 14 is a cylindrical component. The inflow port 14 is located at the first end 31, which is one end of the housing 12. Specifically, the inflow port 14 penetrates the first end 31 in the peripheral portion 28 of the housing 12 and is inserted into the internal space 30 of the housing 12. The inflow port 14 is fused to the first end 31 of the housing 12. The material of the inflow port 14 is, for example, synthetic resin. The inflow port 14 is used for the inflow of liquids such as blood from the outside of the housing 12 into the internal space 30 of the housing 12.

[0037] The outflow port 16 is a cylindrical component of the same size and shape as the inflow port 14. The outflow port 16 is located at the second end 33, which is the other end of the housing 12. Specifically, the outflow port 16 penetrates the second end 33 in the peripheral portion 28 of the housing 12 and is inserted into the internal space 30 of the housing 12. The outflow port 16 is fused to the second end 33 of the housing 12. The outflow port 16 is made of the same material as the inflow port 14. The outflow port 16 allows liquid in the internal space 30 of the housing 12 to flow out to the outside of the housing 12.

[0038] The inlet port 14 and the outlet port 16 are fused to the housing 12 with their faces facing each other. That is, the inlet port 14 and the outlet port 16 are fused coaxially with respect to the housing 12. The inlet port 14 and the outlet port 16 are arranged on the central axis 34 of the inlet port 14.

[0039] The filter element 18 is disposed within the internal space 30 of the housing 12. The filter element 18 is located within... Figure 1 When viewed from the front, it forms a rectangular shape. Filter component 18 is... Figure 2 In cross-section, it is formed in a bag shape. The filter element 18 is fused to the housing 12. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the filter element 18 is coaxially fused to the housing 12 with the central axis 34. The base end 36 of the filter element 18 faces the inlet port 14. The end portion 38 of the filter element 18 faces the outlet port 16.

[0040] The filter element 18 is a porous material made of synthetic resin or synthetic fiber. Examples of materials that can be used to construct the filter element 18 include polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, and styrene-based elastomers.

[0041] The filter element 18 is formed by bending a rectangular flexible sheet 35 made of the aforementioned constituent material into a U-shape and welding the outer edge of the bent flexible sheet 35. Therefore, the filter element 18 is formed into a bag shape by welding the outer edge of a flexible sheet 35. Alternatively, the filter element 18 can also be formed into a bag shape by overlapping two flexible sheets 35 made of the aforementioned constituent material and welding the outer edges of the two flexible sheets 35 together.

[0042] Filter element 18 can also be as Figure 4A and Figure 4B That's how it's formed.

[0043] Figure 4A The filter element 18 shown is formed by bending multiple rectangular flexible sheets 35 into a U-shape and welding the outer edges of the bent flexible sheets 35 together.

[0044] Figure 4BThe filter element 18 shown is formed into a bag shape by overlapping multiple rectangular flexible sheets 35 and welding the outer edges of the multiple flexible sheets 35 together. Specifically, a sheet 39 obtained by overlapping multiple flexible sheets 35 and another sheet 39 obtained by overlapping multiple flexible sheets 35 are prepared. The filter element 18 is formed into a bag shape by welding the outer edges of one sheet 39 to the outer edges of the other sheet 39. In this case, the outer edge of one sheet 39 is the outer edge of the multiple flexible sheets 35 constituting one sheet 39. The outer edge of the other sheet 39 is the outer edge of the multiple flexible sheets 35 constituting the other sheet 39.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an inflow port 14 is inserted into the base end 36 of the bag-shaped filter element 18. That is, the inflow port 14 communicates with the interior of the filter element 18. The housing 12, the base end 36 of the filter element 18, and the inflow port 14 are fused together as one unit.

[0046] The filter element 18 divides the internal space 30 of the housing 12 into an inflow region 40 and an outflow region 42. Specifically, the inflow region 40 is the space inside the filter element 18. The inflow region 40 is connected to the outside of the housing 12 via an inflow port 14. Liquid flows into the inflow region 40 through the inflow port 14.

[0047] The filter element 18 prevents the passage of a specified component (e.g., white blood cells in blood) in the liquid flowing into the inflow area 40. The filter element 18 allows the passage of components other than the specified component in the liquid.

[0048] The outflow area 42 is the space outside the filter element 18 within the internal space 30 of the housing 12. The outflow area 42 is connected to the outflow port 16. Liquid that has passed through the filter element 18 flows into the outflow area 42. The liquid that has flowed into the outflow area 42 flows out to the outside of the housing 12 through the outflow port 16.

[0049] The housing 12 further has a welded area 32, a non-welded area 44, and a window 46.

[0050] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the non-welded region 44 is a space formed inside the housing 12. The non-welded region 44 is a space different from the internal space 30 of the housing 12. The non-welded region 44 is a non-welded space region. The non-welded region 44 is surrounded by the welded region 32.

[0051] The welding area 32 includes the peripheral welding area 50 and the filter component welding area 52.

[0052] The peripheral welding area 50 is the welding portion between the outer edge 24 of the first piece 20 and the outer edge 26 of the second piece 22 in the peripheral portion 28 of the housing 12. In the peripheral welding area 50, the outer edge 24 of the first piece 20 and the outer edge 26 of the second piece 22 are directly welded together.

[0053] The peripheral welding area 50 is welded together with the inflow port 14 and the outflow port 16.

[0054] The inlet port 14 is integrally fused to the housing 12 while being sandwiched between the peripheral fusion region 50 and the filter element fusion region 52. Specifically, the portion of the inlet port 14 located in the non-fusion region 44 is fused only to the base end 54 of the filter element 18. The portion of the inlet port 14 located in the non-fusion region 44 is not fused to the housing 12.

[0055] The opening on the outflow port 16 side of the inflow port 14 (the opening communicating with the inflow region 40) opens at the location of the filter element welding region 52. Alternatively, the opening on the outflow port 16 side of the inflow port 14 may also open at a location closer to the outflow port 16 side than the filter element welding region 52.

[0056] The welded area 52 of the filter element is the welded portion of the housing 12 to the filter element 18. The welded area 52 of the filter element is located along the width direction of the housing 12, which is orthogonal to the axial direction of the inlet port 14 and the thickness direction of the housing 12. Figure 1 and Figure 3 (Extending in the left and right direction). The filter component welding area 52 is formed at a position that is more inside the width direction of the housing 12 than the peripheral welding area 50.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the two ends of the welded area 52 of the filter component are connected to the peripheral welded area 50 in the width direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the welded area 52 of the filter component divides the interior of the housing 12 into an internal space 30 and a non-welded area 44. Specifically, the welded area 52 separates the non-welded area 44 from the outflow area 42 of the internal space 30. The welded area 52 is integrally welded to the base end 36 and the inflow port 14 of the filter component 18. Figure 2The illustration is schematic, but strictly speaking, in the filter element welding area 52, a portion of the housing 12 (first piece 20 and second piece 22) is immersed in the filter element 18. In the filter element welding area 52, the outer peripheral surface of the inflow port 14 is surrounded by the filter element 18 and also by the housing 12. Therefore, at the location of the inflow port 14 in the filter element welding area 52, the housing 12, filter element 18, and inflow port 14 are welded together by the immersion of a portion of the housing 12 in the filter element welding area 52. Outside the location of the inflow port 14 in the filter element welding area 52, the first piece 20, filter element 18, and second piece 22 are welded together by the immersion of a portion of the housing 12 in the filter element welding area 52.

[0058] A non-welded region 44 is formed between the welded region 52 of the filter element and the welded portion of the peripheral welded region 50 with the inlet port 14. The base end 54 of the filter element 18 is located in the non-welded region 44. Specifically, the base end 54 of the filter element 18 extends beyond the welded region 52 of the filter element and is located in the non-welded region 44.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the non-welded region 44 extends along the width direction of the housing 12. Width L1 is larger than width L2 (L1 > L2), where L1 is the dimension of the non-welded region 44 in the width direction, and L2 is the dimension of the filter element 18 in the width direction. Additionally, width L3 is larger than width L2 (L3 > L2), where L3 is the dimension of the outflow region 42 in the width direction, and L2 is the dimension of the filter element 18 in the width direction. The outflow region 42 extends further toward the outflow port 16 than the end portion 38 of the filter element 18.

[0060] like Figures 1-3 As shown, window 46 is part of housing 12. Window 46 is part of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22 constituting housing 12. Window 46 is a window for visually confirming the non-welded area 44 from the outside of housing 12. Window 46 is provided on housing 12 facing the non-welded area 44. Window 46 is provided on housing 12 between the non-welded area 44 and the peripheral welded area 50, facing the non-welded area 44. Therefore, in Figure 1 When viewed directly, the window 46 is the same size as the non-welded area 44. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the base 54 of the filter element 18 located in the non-welded area 44 through the window 46. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the window portion 46 is disposed on the first piece portion 20 and the second piece portion 22 respectively, facing the non-welded area 44.

[0061] Furthermore, the window portion 46 may be formed in at least one of the first portion 20 and the second portion 22.

[0062] The medical filter 10 according to the first embodiment is used as follows.

[0063] Liquids such as blood flow from the outside of the housing 12 into the inflow region 40 via the inflow port 14. The filter element 18 prevents the passage of specified components such as white blood cells from the liquid flowing into the inflow region 40, while allowing components other than the specified components to pass through. Liquid passing through the filter element 18 flows into the outflow region 42. Liquid flowing into the outflow region 42 flows out to the outside of the housing 12 via the outflow port 16.

[0064] At this time, liquid may pass through areas in the welded area 32 where the bonding force generated by the weld is low. Such weld abnormalities are prone to occur at the welded joints of the filter element welded area 52 and the filter element 18, the base end 36 of the filter element welded area 52 and the filter element 18, and the welded joints of the inlet port 14. That is, the bonding force generated by the weld at the welded joints of the filter element welded area 52 and the filter element 18 is lower than that of the peripheral welded area 50. In addition, since the filter element welded area 52, the filter element 18, and the inlet port 14 are welded, the bonding force generated by the weld is more likely to be lower than that of the peripheral welded area 50.

[0065] Therefore, if the aforementioned welding abnormality occurs, liquid will flow through the welded area 52 of the filter element into the non-welded area 44. The user can visually inspect the non-welded area 44 via the window 46 to confirm whether liquid has flowed into it. If liquid is found flowing into the non-welded area 44, the user can easily identify that an abnormality has occurred in the medical filter 10.

[0066] The first implementation method achieves the following effects.

[0067] like Figures 1-3 As shown, when liquid is introduced into the internal space 30 of the housing 12, a welding abnormality occurs inside the medical filter 10 when the liquid flows into the non-welding area 44. Therefore, by visually confirming the inflow of liquid into the non-welding area 44 from the outside of the housing 12 via the window 46, abnormalities in the medical filter 10 can be detected early. Furthermore, by detecting abnormalities in the medical filter 10 early, liquid loss can be reduced, and leakage of liquid to the outside of the medical filter 10 can be suppressed.

[0068] The filter element welded area 52 is welded to the filter element 18. Therefore, the bonding force generated by the weld is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the weld in the peripheral welded area 50, which is the welded portion of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22. If a welding abnormality occurs in the filter element welded area 52, liquid will flow into the non-welded area 44. This is effective for the early detection of abnormalities in the medical filter 10.

[0069] Because the housing 12, filter element 18, and inlet port 14 are welded together, the bonding force generated by the welding at the welded area 52 of the filter element, the base end 36 of the filter element 18, and the welded portion of the inlet port 14 is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the welding at the peripheral welded area 50. If a welding abnormality occurs at this welded portion, liquid will flow into the non-welded area 44 through the base end 54 of the filter element 18. The base end 54 of the filter element 18 extends beyond the welded area 52 and is located in the non-welded area 44. Furthermore, the window 46 faces the non-welded area 44. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the base end 54 of the filter element 18 located in the non-welded area 44 through the window 46. In addition, the user can easily confirm whether liquid has flowed into the non-welded area 44 through the window 46. Therefore, it is effective for early detection of abnormalities in the medical filter 10.

[0070] The non-welded area 44 extends along the width direction of the housing 12, and the width L1 of the non-welded area 44 is larger than the width L2 of the filter element 18 (L1 > L2). This allows for a larger window 46 facing the non-welded area 44. As a result, the non-welded area 44 can be easily observed from the outside of the housing 12 through the window 46.

[0071] The width L3 of the outflow region 42 is greater than the width L2 of the filter element 18 (L3 > L2). Furthermore, the welded region 52 of the filter element separates the non-welded region 44 from the outflow region 42. If a welding abnormality occurs in the welded region 52 of the filter element, liquid will flow from the outflow region 42 into the non-welded region 44. This makes it more effective for the early detection of abnormalities in the medical filter 10.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The medical filter 60 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the medical filter 60 according to the second embodiment, compared with the medical filter 10 according to the first embodiment (see...), Figures 1 to 4B The same constituent elements are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0073] In the medical filter 60 according to the second embodiment, the two side edges 62 between the filter element welding area 52 and the base end portion 36 and end portion 38 of the filter element 18, the base end portion 36 of the filter element 18, and the inlet port 14 are fused together. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the filter element welding area 52 is formed in a U-shape. In addition, the filter element welding area 52 can also be welded to at least one of the two side edges 62 of the filter element 18, the base end 36 of the filter element 18, and the inlet port 14.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the non-welded region 44 is formed in a U-shape between the welded region 52 of the filter element and the peripheral welded region 50. The non-welded region 44 has a width portion 64 and two axial portions 66.

[0075] The width-direction portion 64 is formed to face the base end portion 36 of the filter member 18. The width-direction portion 64 extends along the width direction. The base end 54 of the filter member 18 is located in the width-direction portion 64. That is, the base end 54 of the filter member 18 extends beyond the filter member welding area 52 and is located in the width-direction portion 64.

[0076] Each of the two axial portions 66 is formed to face the side edge portion 62 of the filter element 18. Each of the two axial portions 66 extends axially. The side edge 68 of the filter element 18 is located in the axial portion 66. That is, the side edge portion 62 of the filter element 18 extends beyond the filter element welding area 52 and is located in the axial portion 66.

[0077] The window 46 is disposed on the housing 12 facing the non-welded area 44. Therefore, the window 46 is formed in a U-shape. The user can visually confirm the base end 54 and the two side edges 62 of the filter element 18 located in the non-welded area 44 through the window 46. The width L4 of the width-direction portion 64 is larger than the width L2 of the filter element 18 in the width-direction (L4 > L2). In addition, the axial portion 66 extends further toward the outlet port 16 than the end portion 38 of the filter element 18.

[0078] Furthermore, the width portion 64 and the two axial portions 66 can also be disconnected. Additionally, if one of the two side edges 62 of the filter member 18 is integrally fused with the base end 36 of the filter member 18 and the inlet port 14 to form a filter member fusion region 52, the filter member fusion region 52 can also be formed in an L-shape. In this case, the non-fusion region 44 and the window portion 46 are correspondingly shaped to the filter member fusion region 52 in an L-shape.

[0079] The second implementation achieves the following effects.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, because the housing 12, filter element 18, and inlet port 14 are welded together, the bonding force generated by the welding at the welded area 52 of the filter element, the base end 36 of the filter element 18, and the welded portion of the inlet port 14 is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the welding at the peripheral welded area 50, which is the welded portion of the first piece 20 and the second piece 22. Furthermore, the bonding force generated by the welding at the welded area 52 of the filter element and the welded portions at the base end 36 and side edge 62 of the filter element 18 is likely to be lower than the bonding force generated by the welding at the peripheral welded area 50. If welding abnormalities occur at these welded portions, liquid will flow into the non-welded area 44 via the base end 54 and side edge 62 of the filter element 18. The base end 54 and side edge 62 of the filter element 18 extend beyond the welded area 52 and are located in the non-welded area 44. That is, the base end 54 and side edge 62 of the filter element 18 are not welded to the housing 12. The base end 54 and side edge 62 of the filter element 18 are free ends located within the non-welded area 44. Furthermore, the window 46 faces the non-welded area 44. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the base end 54 and side edge 62 of the filter element 18 located in the non-welded area 44 through the window 46. Additionally, the user can easily confirm whether liquid has flowed into the non-welded area 44 through the window 46. Therefore, this is effective for the early detection of abnormalities in the medical filter 60.

[0081] The width L4 of the width-direction portion 64 is larger than the width L2 of the filter member 18 (L4 > L2). This increases the size of the portion of the window 46 facing the width-direction portion 64. Consequently, the width-direction portion 64 is easily observed from the outside of the housing 12 through the window 46.

[0082] If a welding abnormality occurs in the welding area 52 of the filter element, liquid will flow from the outflow area 42 into the non-welded area 44. This makes early detection of abnormalities in the medical filter 60 more effective. Furthermore, the portion of the window 46 facing the axial portion 66 can be enlarged. This allows for easy observation of the axial portion 66 from the outside of the housing 12 through the window 46.

[0083] Reference Figure 7 The medical filter 70 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0084] In the medical filter 70 according to the third embodiment, the filter element welding region 52 is integrally welded to the base end 36, two side edges 62, and inlet port 14 of the filter element 18. Therefore, the filter element welding region 52 is formed in a U-shape. Furthermore, as... Figure 7As shown, the width L2 of the filter element 18 is larger than the width L1 of the non-welded area 44 (L2 > L1). In addition, the welded area 52 of the filter element can also be welded to at least one of the two side edges 62 of the filter element 18, the base end 36 of the filter element 18, and the inlet port 14.

[0085] The same effect as the first embodiment can be achieved in the third embodiment.

[0086] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but it is not limited to the various embodiments described above. These embodiments may include various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A medical filter, wherein, The medical filter comprises: The shell is formed by fusing the outer edges of the first piece and the outer edges of the second piece; An inflow port, which is fused to the periphery of the housing, is used to allow liquid to flow from the outside of the housing into the interior space of the housing; A filter element, which is fused to the housing and disposed in the internal space; as well as An outlet port, fused to the periphery, is used to allow the liquid that has passed through the filter element to flow out to the outside. The filter element divides the internal space into an inflow area and an outflow area. The inflow area is where the liquid flows in through the inflow port, and the outflow area is where the liquid that has passed through the filter element flows out to the outside through the outflow port. The housing has: The non-welded region, which is a space distinct from the interior space, is an area that is not welded and is surrounded by the welded region; and A window is provided for visually confirming the non-welded area from the outside.

2. The medical filter according to claim 1, wherein, The filter element is formed in the shape of a bag. The interior of the filter element is the inflow area. The welding area includes a peripheral welding area where the peripheral portion is welded, and a filter component welding area where the filter component is welded. The welded area of ​​the filter component divides the interior of the housing into the internal space and the non-welded area.

3. The medical filter according to claim 2, wherein, The inflow port extends through the base end of the filter element and is inserted into the inflow area. The welding area of ​​the filter component is welded together with the base end and the inlet port of the filter component. The non-welded area is formed between the welded area of ​​the filter element and the peripheral welded area. The base of the filter element is located in the non-welded area. The window is disposed on the housing in such a manner that it faces the non-welded area.

4. The medical filter according to claim 3, wherein, The non-welded area extends along the width direction of the housing, which is orthogonal to the thickness direction of the housing and the axial direction of the inflow port. The width of the non-welded region in the width direction is greater than the width of the filter element in the width direction.

5. The medical filter according to claim 4, wherein, The width of the outflow region in the width direction is greater than the width of the filter element in the width direction. The welded area of ​​the filter component separates the non-welded area from the outflow area.

6. The medical filter according to claim 2, wherein, The inflow port extends through the base end of the filter element and is inserted into the inflow area. The welded area of ​​the filter component is welded integrally with at least one of the two side edges of the filter component, the base end, and the inlet port. The two side edges are located between the base end and the end end of the filter component. The non-welded area has: A width-direction portion is formed between the welded area of ​​the filter element and the peripheral welded area, extending along the width direction of the housing, the width direction of the housing being orthogonal to the thickness direction of the housing and the axial direction of the inflow port; and The axial portion extends along the said axial direction. The base of the filter element is located in the width direction portion. At least one of the side edges is located in the axial portion. The window is disposed on the housing in such a manner that it faces the non-welded area.

7. The medical filter according to claim 6, wherein, The width of the portion in the width direction is greater than the width of the filter component in the width direction.

8. The medical filter according to claim 7, wherein, The axial portion extends further toward the outlet port than the distal portion. The outflow area extends further toward the outflow port than the end portion. The welded area of ​​the filter component separates the non-welded area from the outflow area.

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