Filters and filter units

Abstract

To facilitate increasing the area of a filter.SOLUTION: A bag-shaped filter 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape or in a bag shape, and comprises an opening part 232 formed at least at one end part and a filtration surface 234 arranged to circle around a circumference thereof. A filtering / blowing device 2 comprises the bag-shaped filter 23 and a connection body 21 mounted with the bag-shaped filter 23. The connection body 21 comprises an air intake hole 211 for taking in air into the connection body 21. The bag-shaped filter 23 is mounted on the connection body 21 so that the opening part 232 of the bag-shaped filter 23 is connected to the air intake hole 211 of the connection body 21. A protective tool 100 comprises the filtering / blowing device 2 and a protective tool main body 1 that covers the face of a wearer W.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to filters, filter units, protective equipment, filter assemblies, masks, methods for manufacturing filter units, and methods for manufacturing filter assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, items such as fan-equipped clothing and fan-equipped mats, which use fans to introduce air into the interior for purposes such as cooling the user's body, have rapidly become popular. For example, fan-equipped clothing consists of a garment made of a material with low breathability, to which a fan is attached to blow air into the garment. As the air blown into the garment by the fan circulates to air outlets formed in the collar and sleeves, it evaporates sweat from the wearer's body, and the body is cooled by the heat of vaporization during this process.

[0003] Articles that use a fan to introduce air into their interior may be used in environments where particles that are preferable to remove from the air introduced into the article, such as dust and droplets, are suspended. In such cases, filters are known for filtering the air blown by the fan to prevent dust, droplets, and other particles from being taken into the article (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2007 / 061088 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In filters used for filtering fluids such as air, a larger surface area of ​​the filter is preferable because it reduces the flow rate per unit area, thereby reducing the amount of particles to be removed that pass through the filter, and also reduces pressure loss. However, when using a planar filter as described in Patent Document 1, the size of the filter in plan view increases in proportion to the expansion of the filter area. Therefore, the area that can be expanded is often limited by the filter's usage conditions, such as the size of the fan, and there is a limit to how much the filter area can be expanded.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to make it easier to enlarge the filter area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a filter, Formed in a cylindrical or bag-like shape, An opening formed at least at one end, A filter surface that filters the fluid passing through, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the filter described in claim 1, The filtration surface is characterized by being formed in a columnar shape with a height of 0.1 times or more its circumference.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a filter according to claim 1 or 2, The invention is characterized by having only one of the aforementioned openings.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The filtration surface is characterized by having one or two seal lines, which are portions to which the filter paper constituting the filtration surface is adhered, extending in the vertical direction.

[0011] The invention according to claim 5 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filtering surface is formed by winding a tape-shaped filter paper so that a part thereof overlaps, and is characterized in that.

[0012] The invention according to claim 6 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein compared with the case of stretching in the vertical direction, the length in the vertical direction is compressed, and is characterized in that.

[0013] The invention according to claim 7 is a filter according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes a shape-retaining cloth which is a bag-shaped member covering the periphery of the filtering surface.

[0014] The invention according to claim 8 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein compared with the case of stretching in the vertical direction, the length in the vertical direction of the filter can be compressed to 1 / 5 or less, and is characterized in that.

[0015] The invention according to claim 9 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the angle formed by the center line at the upper end and the center line at the lower end is 20 degrees or more, and is characterized in that.

[0016] The invention according to claim 10 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filtering surface has a shape in which the outer shape of the cross section in plan view has a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, and is characterized in that.

[0017] The invention according to claim 11 is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filtering surface includes a filter paper formed of polypropylene fibers, and is characterized in that.

[0018] The invention according to claim 12 is a filter unit, wherein A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A filter mounting member to which the filter is attached, Equipped with, The filter mounting member is provided with a flow hole, which is an opening through which fluid can flow. The filter is attached to the filter mounting member such that the opening of the filter and the flow hole of the filter mounting member are connected.

[0019] The invention described in claim 13 is the filter unit described in claim 12, The filter mounting member is a connecting body having a space inside, and the flow hole is a hole that allows fluid to flow inside and outside the connecting body.

[0020] The invention described in claim 14 is the filter unit described in claim 13, The flow hole is characterized by being an intake hole for taking in fluid into the connecting body.

[0021] The invention described in claim 15 is the filter unit described in claim 13, The aforementioned flow hole is characterized by being a discharge hole for discharging fluid from the connecting body.

[0022] The invention described in claim 16 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 13 to 15, The filter is provided with a sealing portion around the opening, which is a connection portion with the connector. The connecting body is provided with a sealing portion around the flow hole, which is a connection portion with the filter. The filter is attached to the connector such that the sealing portion covers the corresponding sealing portion.

[0023] The invention described in claim 17 is the filter unit described in claim 16, The invention is characterized in that, when the area of ​​the filtration surface is S square centimeters and the sealing length when the sealing portion covers the corresponding sealing portion is L centimeters, L / √S is less than √2.

[0024] The invention described in claim 18 is a filter unit according to claim 16 or 17, The sealing portion of the connecting body is characterized in that, in a plan view, its outer circumference is convex outward over its entire circumference.

[0025] The invention described in claim 19 is the filter unit described in claim 18, The sealing portion is characterized in that, in plan view, the outer circumference is formed from a curve that is convex outward over its entire circumference, and at any point on the outer circumference in plan view, the radius of curvature is less than or equal to the circumference of the outer circumference.

[0026] The invention described in claim 20 is a filter unit according to claim 18 or 19, The sealing portion is characterized by comprising a ring-shaped member that brings the sealing portion into close contact with the sealing corresponding portion.

[0027] The invention described in claim 21 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 16 to 19, The sealing portion includes a sealing plate, which is a ring-shaped member formed of a material harder than the filtration surface, surrounding the opening. The filter is attached to the connector by attaching the sealing plate to the sealing portion.

[0028] The invention described in claim 22 is the filter unit described in claim 21, The sealing plate is characterized by having a handle portion formed to protrude from its outer surface.

[0029] The invention described in claim 23 is a filter unit according to claim 21 or 22, The sealing plate is characterized by being attached to the sealing portion by frictional force.

[0030] The invention described in claim 24 is a filter unit according to claim 21 or 22, The sealing plate is characterized by being attached to the sealing portion by screws.

[0031] The invention described in claim 25 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 16 to 24, The outer surface of the sealing portion is characterized by being formed of a material that has greater elasticity compared to other parts of the connector.

[0032] The invention described in claim 26 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 13 to 25, The filter is characterized by comprising a pre-filter, which is a bag-shaped filter that covers the filtration surface of the aforementioned filter from the outside.

[0033] The invention described in claim 27 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 13 to 26, The invention is characterized by comprising multiple filters.

[0034] The invention described in claim 28 is the filter unit described in claim 27, The connector is characterized by having a number of flow holes corresponding to the number of filters, and the filters being attached so as to cover each of the flow holes.

[0035] The invention described in claim 29 is a protective device, A filter unit according to any one of claims 13 to 28, The protective device itself covers the wearer's face, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0036] The invention described in claim 30 is the filter unit described in claim 12, The filter mounting member is a bottom plate formed in the shape of a plate, and the flow hole is a hole that allows fluid to flow between one side of the bottom plate and the other side.

[0037] The invention described in claim 31 is the filter unit described in claim 30, The bottom plate is provided with a plurality of the flow holes, The invention is characterized in that multiple filters are attached to the bottom plate.

[0038] The invention described in claim 32 is a filter unit according to claim 30 or 31, The invention is characterized by comprising a top plate attached so as to cover the end of the filter opposite to the end in which the opening is formed.

[0039] The invention described in claim 33 is the filter unit described in claim 32, The top plate is characterized by having a filter connection portion to which the filter is connected, and having a top plate opening formed around the filter connection portion through which air circulates.

[0040] The invention described in claim 34 is a filter unit according to claim 32 or 33, The invention is characterized by comprising a connecting rod, which is a rod-shaped member that connects the bottom plate and the top plate.

[0041] The invention described in claim 35 is a filter unit according to claim 32 or 33, The device is characterized by having side plates that connect the bottom plate and the top plate and cover the sides of the filter unit.

[0042] The invention described in claim 36 is the filter unit described in claim 35, The aforementioned side plates are characterized in that they are formed to form a cylindrical shape when multiple plates are combined together.

[0043] The invention described in claim 37 is a filter unit according to claim 35 or 36, The side plate is characterized by having a groove on its inner surface for fixing the bottom plate or the top plate.

[0044] The invention described in claim 38 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 30 to 37, The bottom plate is provided with grooves around the flow holes, The filter is characterized in that the area around the opening is inserted into the groove and attached to the bottom plate.

[0045] The invention described in claim 39 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 30 to 37, The bottom plate is provided with an inner ring, which is a ring-shaped projection, around the flow hole. The filter is characterized in that the area around the opening is sandwiched between the inner ring and the outer ring, which is a ring-shaped member placed over the outer circumference of the inner ring, and is attached to the bottom plate.

[0046] The invention described in claim 40 is the filter unit described in claim 39, The aforementioned outer ring is characterized in that multiple rings are connected to form an outer ring connecting plate.

[0047] The invention described in claim 41 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 30 to 37, The bottom plate is provided with an inner ring, which is a ring-shaped projection, around the flow hole. The filter is characterized in that the periphery of the opening is placed over the inner ring, and then wrapped with a string-like member and attached to the bottom plate.

[0048] The invention described in claim 42 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 30 to 41, The invention is characterized by comprising a retainer plate having a restricting portion that restricts the position of the filter by passing the filter through it.

[0049] The invention described in claim 43 is the filter unit described in claim 42, The present invention is characterized by having a retainer base attached to the retainer plate, for installing the filter unit with the retainer plate standing perpendicular to the mounting surface.

[0050] The invention described in claim 44 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 30 to 43, The filter is characterized in that the filter paper is formed such that it is thicker near the opening compared to the portion further away from the opening.

[0051] The invention described in claim 45 is a filter unit according to any one of claims 30 to 44, The filter has a filtration surface that is compressed. The filter is characterized by having a welded portion formed by welding the filter paper in a compressed state.

[0052] The invention described in claim 46 is the filter unit described in claim 45, The welded portion is formed in a linear shape, The filter is characterized by having two of these formed at opposing positions.

[0053] The invention described in claim 47 is the filter unit described in claim 30 or 31. The base plate is characterized by being formed in such a way that it can cover the wearer's nose and mouth.

[0054] The invention described in claim 48 is the filter unit described in claim 47, The device is characterized by having a top panel cloth, which is a fabric material that covers the filter and is connected to the bottom plate.

[0055] The invention described in claim 49 is a filter unit according to claim 30 or 31, The bottom plate is characterized by being formed in a tape-like shape.

[0056] The invention described in claim 50 is a filter set, The present invention is characterized in that a plurality of filter units according to any one of claims 30 to 46 are connected.

[0057] The invention described in claim 51 is a set filter described in claim 50, The bottom plate is formed in a rectangular shape and is characterized by being connected to other bottom plates.

[0058] The invention described in claim 52 is a set filter described in claim 51, The aforementioned bottom plate is connected to the bottom plate of another filter unit by tape. The tape is attached to the base plate such that a tape extending in one direction is positioned on top of a tape extending in one direction, and a tape extending in another direction perpendicular to the first direction is positioned on top of the tape extending in one direction. The width of the tape extending in the other direction is wider than the width of the tape extending in the first direction.

[0059] The invention described in claim 53 is a set filter described in claim 50, The filter unit is connected to a connecting plate which is a plate-shaped member, Each of the filter units is connected to the connecting plate, and a plurality of the filter units are connected via the connecting plate.

[0060] The invention described in claim 54 is a mask, The filter unit according to claim 47 or 48 is characterized by having ear loops attached.

[0061] The invention described in claim 55 is, A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A bottom plate having a flow hole formed therein, which is an opening through which fluid can flow, A manufacturing method for producing a filter unit comprising: The invention is characterized by including a first step of attaching the filter to the bottom plate such that the opening of the filter and the flow holes of the bottom plate are connected.

[0062] The invention described in claim 56 is a method for manufacturing the filter unit described in claim 55, The first step is characterized in that the molding column of a molding apparatus equipped with a columnar molding column is inserted into the flow hole, and the filter is attached to the bottom plate with the molding column inserted into the opening of the filter.

[0063] The invention described in claim 57 is a method for manufacturing the filter unit described in claim 55 or 56, The invention further includes a second step of attaching a top plate to the end of the filter opposite to the end attached to the bottom plate.

[0064] The invention described in claim 58 is a method for manufacturing a filter unit according to any one of claims 55 to 57, The present invention further includes a third step of compressing the filtration surface of the filter.

[0065] The invention described in claim 59 is a method for manufacturing the filter unit described in claim 58, A fourth step involves heating the compressed filtration surface, A fifth step involves stretching the heated filtration surface to a state shorter than it was before compression in the third step, It is characterized by further including the following.

[0066] The invention described in claim 60 is a method for manufacturing the filter unit described in claim 58 or 59, The third step is characterized by compressing the filtration surface while covering its periphery with an outer cylinder, which is a cylindrical member.

[0067] The invention described in claim 61 is a method for manufacturing a filter unit according to any one of claims 58 to 60, The third step is characterized by compressing the filtration surface by lifting the bottom plate.

[0068] The invention described in claim 62 is a method for manufacturing a filter unit according to any one of claims 58 to 60, The third step is characterized by compressing the filtration surface by pressing the roller against it.

[0069] The invention described in claim 63 is a method for manufacturing a filter unit according to any one of claims 55 to 57, The first step is characterized by installing the filter, whose filtration surface has been compressed in advance.

[0070] The invention described in claim 64 is a method for manufacturing a filter assembly, The method is characterized by including a step of connecting a plurality of filter units manufactured using the method for manufacturing a filter unit described in any one of claims 55 to 63. [Effects of the Invention]

[0071] According to the present invention, the filter area can be easily enlarged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] [Figure 1] This figure shows the protective equipment according to the first embodiment being worn by a person, with (a) being a front view and (b) being a side view. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a filtration and air blowing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]This figure shows a connector according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing a case where the connecting body according to the first embodiment is equipped with a support portion. [Figure 5] This figure shows a bag-shaped filter according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a cross-sectional view of the cc portion of (a). [Figure 6] This figure shows the filter paper used to manufacture the bag-shaped filter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a bag-shaped filter made from filter paper tape. [Figure 8] This figure shows the airflow when the fan of the filtration and blowing device according to the first embodiment is operated. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the filtration and air blowing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the filtration surface of the bag-shaped filter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a front view of a bag-shaped filter according to the first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a front view of a bag-shaped filter according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows a bag-shaped filter according to a third modified example of the second embodiment, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view. [Figure 14] This is a front view of a bag-shaped filter according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a front view of a filtration and air blowing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows a connector according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a top view. [Figure 17] This is a plan view showing a case where the connector has only one sealing portion. [Figure 18] This figure shows how to fold the filtration surface of a modified bag-shaped filter. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the filter set according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the filter unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of the bag-shaped filter according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] This figure shows the bottom plate according to the fourth embodiment, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view of section bb in (a). Note that, corresponding to the 100 bag-shaped filters provided in the filter unit, the bottom plate according to this embodiment is originally provided with 100 bottom plate openings, but for the sake of simplification, the figure shows only 9 openings. [Figure 23] This figure shows a high-speed cylindrical filter paper manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] This figure shows a cylindrical filter paper with bottom fusion according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of a molding apparatus used in the manufacturing process of a filter unit according to the fourth embodiment. Note that, corresponding to the 100 bag-shaped filters in the filter unit, the molding apparatus according to this embodiment would normally have 100 molding columns; however, for the sake of simplification, the diagram shows a configuration with 9 columns. [Figure 26] This figure shows a bulk cylindrical bag setting device used in the manufacturing process of the filter unit according to the fourth embodiment. Although the filter unit according to this embodiment is originally equipped with 10 rows of bag-shaped filters when viewed from the front, for the sake of simplification of the figure, the figure here shows a case with 3 rows. [Figure 27] This figure shows the manufacturing process of the filter unit according to the fourth embodiment. While the filter unit according to this embodiment originally has 10 rows of bag-shaped filters in a front view, for the sake of simplification, the figure shows a case with 3 rows. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view showing multiple filter units connected by tape. [Figure 29](a) is a magnified plan view of the portion where the tapes intersect, with multiple filter units connected by tapes, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the bb portion in (a). [Figure 30] This diagram shows the shape of each type of filter, with (a) being a pleated type, (b) a parallel plate type, (c) a cylindrical type, and (d) a parallel plate type with support material. [Figure 31] This diagram shows the shape of the filters in filter units made using each type of filter, with (a) being a parallel plate type and (b) being a cylindrical type. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for attaching a bag-shaped filter to the bottom plate according to a second modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 33] This is a plan view showing an outer ring connecting plate according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment. While the outer ring connecting plate would normally have 100 outer rings corresponding to the 100 bag-shaped filters in the filter unit, for the sake of simplification, the diagram shows a case with 9 rings. [Figure 34] This is a plan view showing a method for attaching a bag-shaped filter to the bottom plate according to a third modified example of the fourth embodiment. While the bottom plate can originally accommodate 100 bag-shaped filters, for the sake of simplicity, the diagram shows an example with 9 filters. [Figure 35] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for attaching a bag-shaped filter to the bottom plate according to a fourth modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a front view showing the top of a cylindrical filter paper bag with tabs formed on it. [Figure 37] This is a front view showing the portion near the bottom-fused portion of a bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper according to a fifth modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] This figure shows a connecting plate according to the sixth modified example of the fourth embodiment, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a part of the cross-sectional view of section bb in (a). [Figure 39] This is a perspective view of the filter unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 40]This is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting portion of the bottom plate and top plate to the side plate according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a front view of a filter unit according to the first modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 42] This figure shows a retainer plate according to the first modified example of the fifth embodiment, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 43] This is a perspective view showing a mask according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 44] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for attaching a bag-shaped filter to the bottom plate according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 45] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 46] This figure shows a filter unit according to the seventh embodiment, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a cross-sectional view of section bb in (a). [Figure 47] This is a front view showing a method for compression molding a bag-shaped filter as a first modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 48] This is a front view showing a method for compression molding a bag-shaped filter as a second modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 49] This figure shows a third modified example of the seventh embodiment, illustrating a method for compression molding a bag-shaped filter. [Figure 50] This figure shows the manufacturing process of the filter unit according to the eighth embodiment. While the filter unit according to this embodiment originally has 10 rows of bag-shaped filters in a front view, for the sake of simplification, the figure shows a case with 3 rows. [Figure 51] This is a front view of a filter unit according to the first modified example of the eighth embodiment. While the filter unit according to this embodiment originally has 10 rows of bag-shaped filters in a front view, for the sake of simplification, the diagram shows a case with 3 rows. [Figure 52] This is a front view of a filter unit according to a second modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 53] This is a perspective view of a filter unit according to a third modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 54] This is a front view of a modified filter unit common to the fourth to eighth embodiments. [Figure 55] This figure shows a method for curving a bag-shaped filter according to a modified example common to the fourth to eighth embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0073] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 55. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0074] [1 First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In this embodiment, the case in which the filter according to the present invention is used in protective equipment to provide the wearer with air filtered by the filter will be described as an example.

[0075] Furthermore, in the following explanation, we will use the state in which the wearer is wearing protective equipment as the basis and define the wearer's front direction as front, the wearer's rear direction as rear, the wearer's upper direction as up, the wearer's lower direction as down, the wearer's right hand direction as right, and the wearer's left hand direction as left. In this case, as will be described later, for the bag-shaped filter, the side with the bottom is at the top and the side with the opening is at the bottom. Also, for the filtration and air blowing device, the bag-shaped filter is positioned at the top and the connecting body is positioned at the bottom when they are connected.

[0076] [(1) Explanation of the structure] The protective device 100 according to this embodiment is for providing the wearer with air filtered by a filter, and as shown in Figure 1, comprises a protective device body 1, a filtering and blowing device 2, and a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to the fan 22 in the filtering and blowing device 2.

[0077] [a Protective equipment body] As shown in Figure 1, the protective device body 1 comprises a facepiece 11 which covers the eyes, nose, and mouth of the wearer W, a sponge member 12 which prevents air leakage from around the facepiece 11, a mounting belt 13 which attaches the facepiece 11 to the wearer W's face, and an exhaust filter 14 which covers the air exhaust holes 111 formed in the facepiece 11. Furthermore, the protective device body 1 is not limited to covering only the wearer's face; depending on the purpose of use, it may be designed to cover parts other than the wearer's face. Also, while it is not essential to cover the entire face of the wearer, it is necessary to cover at least the nostrils through which the wearer breathes.

[0078] [(a) Plane] The facepiece 11 is molded from, for example, a flexible, transparent plastic material with a thickness of about 0.5 mm, so as shown in Figure 1, it conforms to the shape of the wearer's face.

[0079] Furthermore, the portion of the facepiece 11 that covers the wearer's mouth is cut out and opened to form an air exhaust hole 111. The air exhaust hole 111 is an opening for exhausting air from the space between the facepiece 11 and the wearer's head, and is covered by an exhaust filter 14.

[0080] Furthermore, the facepiece 11 is provided with two mask hanging portions 112 on each side of the air outlet 111, which are protrusions configured to allow the strings of the mask-shaped exhaust filter 14 to be attached, as described later.

[0081] Furthermore, the facepiece 11 is provided with a purified air intake hole 113 at its top, which is an opening connected to the air outlet hole 212 of the connecting body 21 of the filtration and air blowing device 2, as described later.

[0082] [(b) Sponge material] The sponge member 12 is a component that, due to the elasticity of the sponge, adheres closely to the wearer W's face, maintaining airtightness in the space between the facepiece 11 and the wearer W's head, and preventing air leakage from that space. As shown in Figure 1, it is attached around the facepiece 11, near the ends of the facepiece 11, in the portion that comes into contact with the wearer W's face. The sponge member 12 is attached to the side of the facepiece 11 facing the wearer W's face, for example, by covering the sponge with a flexible plastic film and then attaching it using double-sided tape or the like.

[0083] [(c) Attachment belt] The attachment belt 13 is a belt-shaped member for attaching the protective equipment body 1 to the wearer W's head, and as shown in Figure 1(b), it is attached to the left and right sides of the facepiece 11 so as to wrap around the back of the wearer W's head.

[0084] [(d) Discharge filter] As shown in Figure 1, the discharge filter 14 is a filter that covers the air discharge holes 111 of the facepiece 11.

[0085] Figure 1 illustrates a case where the filter is formed in a shape similar to a mask, with string-like members on both sides of the filter, and is attached to the facepiece 11 so as to cover the air exhaust holes 111 from the outer surface of the facepiece 11 by hanging it on the mask hanging parts 112 provided on both sides of the facepiece 11. However, the diagram does not limit the case to this, and the filter that covers the air exhaust holes 111 of the facepiece 11 may be attached in a way that prevents it from being removed, such as by adhesive.

[0086] Furthermore, the type of filter used in the exhaust filter should be appropriately selected according to the target object to be removed, such as dust, droplets, or chemical substances, and how to prevent them from entering the space between the facepiece 11 and the wearer's head W.

[0087] [b Filtration blower] When the filtration and air supply device 2 is used with the protective equipment 100, as shown in Figure 1, the air outlet hole 212 formed on the lower surface of the connector 21 is attached to the upper part of the facepiece 11 of the protective equipment body 1 so as to cover the purified air intake hole 113 formed in the facepiece 11, and is used to provide filtered air to the space between the facepiece 11 and the wearer W's head.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the filtration and air blowing device 2 comprises a connector 21, a fan 22, a bag-shaped filter 23, and a rubber belt 24.

[0089] [(a) Conjunction] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connector 21 is a cylindrical member in which a fan 22 is housed. An air intake hole 211 is formed on the upper surface, which is an opening for taking air into the connector 21 when the fan 22 is operating. An air outlet hole 212 is formed on the lower surface, which is an opening for sending air out of the connector 21 when the fan 22 is operating. Furthermore, the connector 21 includes a fan housing section 213 at the bottom where the fan 22 is housed, and a sealing section 214 at the top for connecting the bag-shaped filter 23 while sealing it without any gaps.

[0090] Both the fan housing section 213 and the sealing section 214 are formed in a cylindrical shape, but the fan housing section 213 has a larger diameter in plan view than the sealing section 214. As a result, the connecting body 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with its thickness changing near the center in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figure 1, the connecting body 21 is attached to the facepiece 11 of the protective device body 1 such that the air outlet hole 212 covers the purified air intake hole 113 formed in the facepiece 11, and the bag-shaped filter 23 is attached so as to cover the air intake hole 211. In this case, the air intake hole 211 of the connecting body 21 corresponds to the air circulation hole in the present invention, which is connected to the opening 232 of the bag-shaped filter 23.

[0091] Because the sealing portion 214 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the rubber belt 24 can press the sealing portion 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23 against the sealing portion 214 with uniform force around its entire circumference, as described later, making it less likely for a gap to form between the sealing portion 214 and the sealing portion 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23. Furthermore, the outer surface of the sealing portion 214 may be formed of a material (such as rubber) that has greater elasticity than other parts of the connecting body 21 which is made of resin material or the like. In this case, the rubber belt 24 bites into the sealing portion 214, further improving the airtightness.

[0092] Furthermore, in order to prevent a gap from forming between the sealing portion 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23 and the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21 due to the tension of the rubber belt 24, as in this embodiment, it is required that the entire circumference of the portion of the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21 that is tightened by the rubber belt 24 be convex outwards and that no recess is formed. In this regard, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the sealing portion 214 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a circular outer circumference in a plan view. However, it is also possible to form it in a columnar shape, such as a rectangular prism with a square or pentagonal outer circumference in a plan view.

[0093] Furthermore, if the sealing portion 214 is formed from a curve whose outer circumference is convex outward over its entire circumference in a plan view, it is preferable that the radius of curvature at any point on the outer circumference is less than or equal to the circumference of the outer circumference.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the connector 21A may be provided with a support portion 215 located above the sealing portion 214, inside the bag-shaped filter 23, to support the bag-shaped filter 23. The support portion 215 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example as shown in Figure 4, whose outer shape substantially matches the shape of the inner surface of the bag-shaped filter 23, and which has a mesh-like structure with openings formed throughout.

[0095] The support part 215 is intended to prevent the bag-shaped filter 23 from collapsing by supporting it from the inside when negative pressure is created inside the bag-shaped filter 23. However, even when the fan 22 is running, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag-shaped filter 23 is small, so the bag-shaped filter 23 will not normally collapse even without the support part 215. Therefore, the support part 215 is not an essential component. For example, when using a very soft filter paper to form the bag-shaped filter 23, it is preferable for the connector 21A to have a support portion 215 to prevent the bag-shaped filter 23 from collapsing. However, even in this case, since the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the bag-shaped filter 23 is small, the support portion 215 does not need to be very strong.

[0096] [(b) Fan] The fan 22 is a component that introduces air filtered by the bag-shaped filter 23 through the air intake hole 211 of the connector 21 and discharges it through the air outlet hole 212. As shown in Figure 2, it is housed in the fan housing section 213 of the connector 21.

[0097] The fan 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate an upward and downward airflow and perform the functions described above; any fan, such as a general-purpose propeller fan, can be used.

[0098] [(c) Bag-shaped filter] The bag-shaped filter 23 is a filter for filtering the air taken into the connector 21 from the air intake hole 211, and as shown in Figure 2, it is attached to the connector 21 so as to cover the air intake hole 211. Thus, a device with a bag-shaped filter attached to a connector, regardless of whether or not a fan is housed inside, falls under the category of a filter unit in this invention.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, the bag-shaped filter 23 is a filter formed in the shape of a bag, with the upper end closed to form the bottom 231 and the lower end open to form the opening 232. In this invention, the term "bag-shaped" as a filter shape broadly includes shapes that have only one opening and have a space inside that connects to the opening.

[0100] The portion near the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 23 is used to attach to the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21 and seal it, as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the portion of the bag-shaped filter 23 whose length from the lower end matches the vertical length of the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21 is used to attach the bag-shaped filter 23 to the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21. This portion is referred to as the sealing portion 233.

[0101] As shown in Figure 2, the bag-shaped filter 23 is attached to the connector 21 such that the sealing portion 233 covers the sealing corresponding portion 214 of the connector 21, and the opening 232 connects to the air intake hole 211 of the connector 21. As a result, the fan 22 positioned inside the connector 21 draws air from the bag-shaped filter 23 through the air intake hole 211 of the connector 21 and the opening 232 of the bag-shaped filter 23, and blows this air downwards.

[0102] Furthermore, the portion of the bag-shaped filter 23 other than the sealing portion 233 on its side functions as a filter material that filters outside air and draws it into the bag-shaped filter 23. This portion is referred to as the filtration surface 234. As shown in Figure 5, the filtration surface 234 is formed in the portion between the bottom portion 231 and the sealing portion 233, so as to circle the bag-shaped filter 23 horizontally. The size of the filtration surface 234 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be formed in a cylindrical shape such that its height (length in the vertical direction) is 0.1 times or more the circumference of the cross-section.

[0103] The bottom portion 231 may be formed from filter paper so that it also functions as a filter material that filters outside air and takes it into the bag-shaped filter 23, or it may be formed from a separate material that does not allow air to pass through. In the former case, the bottom portion 231 will also function as part of the filtration surface.

[0104] Furthermore, on one side of the bag-shaped filter (Figure 5 shows the case where it is formed on the left side, but it is not limited to this), a sealing piece 235, which is the portion to which the filter paper F is fused during the formation of the bag-shaped filter 23, is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction, as will be described later.

[0105] The bag-shaped filter 23 is formed from, for example, a rectangular filter paper F as shown in Figure 6. The filter paper F can be of an appropriate type depending on the object to be removed, such as dust, droplets, or chemical substances, which is introduced into the connector 21 by the fan 22 and then introduced from the connector 21 into the space between the facepiece 11 of the protective equipment body 1 and the wearer W's head. For example, if the target object for preventing infectious diseases is to remove droplets, then, similar to a general nonwoven mask, a mask made by sandwiching a filter paper layer made of polypropylene fibers or polyethylene fibers between two sheets of polypropylene nonwoven fabric or polyethylene nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0106] The simplest method for producing a bag-shaped filter 23 by forming filter paper F into a bag shape will be explained using the example of producing a bag-shaped filter 23 having a cylindrical filtration surface 234 with a diameter of 2R and a height of H.

[0107] In this case, first, as shown in Figure 6, a rectangular filter paper F is prepared, having a filtration surface corresponding surface F1 (height H, width 2πR) that will become the filtration surface 234 of the bag-shaped filter 23, a sealing part corresponding surface F2 that will become the sealing part 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23 below the filtration surface corresponding surface F1, sealing piece corresponding surfaces F3 that will become the sealing pieces 235 of the bag-shaped filter 23 on both sides of the filtration surface corresponding surface F1, and a bottom corresponding surface F4 that will become the bottom 231 of the bag-shaped filter 23 above the filtration surface corresponding surface F1.

[0108] By folding such a filter paper F so that the sealing surface F3 on both sides of the filtration surface F1 overlap, and then heat-sealing the entire surface F3, the bottom surface F4 is heat-sealed along the sealing line F41 shown in Figure 6 and simultaneously cut, thereby forming a bag-shaped filter 23 with the top end closed to form the bottom 231 of the filter paper F.

[0109] As described above, when a single rectangular filter paper F is used, as shown in Figure 5, a sealing piece 235 extending in the vertical direction is formed in only one location. In contrast, it is also possible to form a bag-shaped filter by using two rectangular filter papers, each slightly more than half the width of the filter paper F shown in Figure 6, and welding both sides of the filter papers together to form two sealing pieces.

[0110] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, a filter paper tape T, formed from filter paper into a tape shape, may be rolled diagonally with some overlap to form a cylindrical shape and create a filtration surface, and then the opening at the upper end may be closed to form a bag-shaped filter. In this case, a sealing piece extending in the vertical direction can be avoided.

[0111] [(d) Rubber belt] The rubber belt 24 is a ring-shaped component made of rubber, and is a component for bringing the sealing portion 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23 into close contact with the sealing corresponding portion 214 of the connector 21. As shown in Figure 2, the bag-shaped filter 23 is placed over the sealing portion 214 so that the sealing portion 233 is positioned around the sealing portion 214, and then the sealing portion 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23 is tightly pressed against the sealing portion 214 with the rubber belt 24, thereby allowing the bag-shaped filter 23 to be attached to the connector 21 in a state of being sealed without any gaps.

[0112] Alternatively, instead of the rubber belt 24, a ring with low elasticity, formed such that the inner circumference is approximately the same as the outer circumference of the sealing portion 214, may be fitted onto the sealing portion 214 from above the sealing portion 233, thereby ensuring that the sealing portion 233 is in close contact with the sealing portion 214.

[0113] [c Power supply section] The power supply unit (not shown) is a component for supplying power to the fan 22, and may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery pack with a safety protection circuit. The location of the power supply unit is arbitrary as long as it can supply power to the fan 22, and may be built into the connector 21 of the filtration and air blowing device 2, or it may be provided on the outside of the connector 21 and connected to the fan 22 by a cable.

[0114] [(2) Explanation of the effect] According to the bag-shaped filter 23 of this embodiment, the entire structure is formed in the shape of a bag and includes an opening 232 and a filtration surface 234 positioned above the opening 232 so as to encircle the bag-shaped filter 23. When the fan 22 is positioned to draw in air from the opening 232, the air filtered by the filtration surface 234 and introduced into the bag-shaped filter 23 is discharged from the opening 232 and taken in by the fan 22. This makes it easier to increase the surface area of ​​the filter used to filter the air blown by the fan 22 (in this case, the air introduced into the connector 21 from the air intake hole 211 of the connector 21, blown downward by the fan 22, and discharged from the air outlet hole 212).

[0115] In other words, with conventional planar filters, the only way to increase the area is to expand it planarly, and in this case, as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the limit of area expansion is to the extent that it covers the entire outer surface of the fan. In contrast, if the bag-shaped filter 23 is formed entirely in a bag shape, the area of ​​the filtration surface 234 used for filtering outside air can be increased three-dimensionally as the volume of the bag increases. Therefore, the filter area can be increased without being limited by the area of ​​the outer surface of the fan, and it is clear that it is easier to increase the filter area compared to conventional flat filters.

[0116] Furthermore, by increasing the filter area, it is possible to improve the filter's performance accordingly. In other words, if the percentage of the material to be removed that passes through the filter at a constant flow rate (hereinafter referred to as the "leakage rate") is 0.01 (1%), then stacking two filters will result in a leakage rate of 0.0001, and stacking three filters will result in a leakage rate of 0.000001. However, in this case, the pressure loss doubles or triples depending on the number of filters stacked, so in order to ensure a constant flow rate, the pressure applied to the filter must be increased in proportion to the pressure loss.

[0117] In contrast, if the filter area is doubled, the airflow rate passing through the filter per unit area is halved, thus achieving the same effect in terms of leakage rate as stacking two filters. Furthermore, in this case, the pressure that needs to be applied to the filter to obtain a constant flow rate is halved.

[0118] From this perspective, it can be seen that increasing the filter area can reduce the pass-through rate of the substances to be removed while suppressing an increase in pressure loss, and therefore, increasing the filter area is an effective way to improve filter performance.

[0119] The extent to which the area can be expanded depends on the specific shape and size of the bag-shaped filter 23, but by using the bag-shaped filter 23, it is easy to achieve an area expansion of approximately three times compared to using a conventional flat filter.

[0120] The percentage increase in the filtration surface area compared to a flat filter, for each filter shape, is generally as follows. Details other than the bag-like structure will be explained in the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments. Furthermore, the first number represents the area expansion rate when used alone, while the second cumulative number represents the area expansion rate when all the previously described methods are used in combination, from top to bottom. 1. Bag-like or tubular formation: 3 times, cumulative 3 times 2. Compression: 3x, cumulative 9x 3. Star-shaped cross section: 1.5 times, total 13.5 times 4.Multi-tube (4 pieces): 2 times, total 27 times

[0121] Furthermore, when attaching a filter to a connector as in this embodiment, a shorter sealing length between the filter and the connector (the length required to seal the space between the filter and the connector; in this embodiment, this corresponds to the length of the outer circumference of the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21) is preferable in reducing the risk of gaps forming and air entering the connector without going through the filter.

[0122] According to the bag-shaped filter 23 of this embodiment, the filtration surface 234 used for filtering outside air can be made wider while shortening the sealing length. This point will be explained below by comparing the relationship between the area and sealing length in each filter shape.

[0123] First, for each filter shape, the area of ​​the filtration surface is measured in S (unit: cm²). 2 ), with the sealing length set to L (unit: cm), calculate L / √S (hereinafter, the value calculated according to this calculation formula will be called the "sealing coefficient"). The smaller the sealing coefficient, the shorter the sealing length relative to the area of ​​the filtration surface, which is preferable. Although the top surface of the bag-shaped filter (the bottom 231 in the bag-shaped filter 23 according to the above embodiment) may contribute to filtering outside air, here it is not considered a filtration surface, and only the side surface is considered a filtration surface when calculating the sealing coefficient.

[0124] The sealing coefficients for each filter shape are as follows: • Flat filter with a square filtration surface: 4 • A flat filter with a circular filtration surface: π • A prismatic bag-shaped filter with filtration surfaces on the four sides of a cube: 2 • A rectangular prism-shaped bag filter where the filtration surface is the four sides of a rectangular prism (a rectangle with a height twice the base): 1.41 • A rectangular bag-shaped filter with a filtration surface consisting of four sides of a rectangular prism (a rectangle with a height four times the base): 1 • A cylindrical bag-shaped filter where the filtration surface is the side of the cylinder (the height and base diameter are the same): √π = 1.77 • A cylindrical bag-shaped filter where the filtration surface is the side of the cylinder (height is 4 times the diameter of the base): 0.885

[0125] As described above, in both the case of prismatic and cylindrical shapes, it is clear that using a bag-shaped filter significantly reduces the sealing coefficient compared to a flat filter. As mentioned above, by using a bag-shaped filter, the sealing coefficient can easily be set to 1.5 or less. Specifically, setting it to less than √2 is preferable from the viewpoint of achieving both ease of achievement and reduction of the risk of gaps. If preventing air intrusion through gaps is a priority, setting it to 1 or less is even preferable.

[0126] Furthermore, according to the bag-shaped filter 23 of this embodiment, the sealing portion 214 of the connecting body 21 is formed to have a shape such as a cylinder that does not produce a recess on the outer circumference in a plan view, and the sealing portion 233 of the bag-shaped filter 23 is placed over it, and then the sealing portion 233 is pressed against the sealing portion 214 by the rubber belt 24, thereby further reducing the risk of a gap forming between the connecting body 21 and the bag-shaped filter 23.

[0127] Furthermore, according to the filtration and blowing device 2 of this embodiment, when the fan 22 housed in the fan housing section 213 of the connecting body 21 is operated, the fan 22 rotates in a direction that takes in air from the air intake hole 211 on the upper surface of the connecting body 21 and blows out air from the air outlet hole 212 on the lower surface of the connecting body 21. As a result, air is drawn in through the air intake hole 211, creating negative pressure inside the bag-shaped filter 23. As shown in Figure 8, air flows into the bag-shaped filter 23 from the outside through the filtration surface 234. At this time, particles contained in the air are adsorbed onto the filter paper, and the air is filtered. Therefore, air filtered and purified by the bag-shaped filter 23 can be taken in through the air intake hole 211 and discharged through the air outlet hole 212.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the protective device 100 of this embodiment, the protective device body 1 and a filtration and air blowing device 2 are provided, and the filtration and air blowing device 2 is installed such that the air outlet 212 covers the purified air intake hole 113 formed in the facepiece 11 of the protective device body 1, so that air filtered by the bag-shaped filter 23 is introduced from the air outlet 212 of the connecting body 21 into the space between the facepiece 11 of the protective device body 1 and the head of the wearer W. As a result, the space between the facepiece 11 and the wearer W's head is filled with air filtered and purified by the bag-shaped filter 23, allowing the wearer W to breathe the purified air.

[0129] [2 Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Note that the description of parts other than the filtration and air supply device will be omitted.

[0130] [(1) Explanation of the structure] As shown in Figure 9, the filtration and air blowing device 2A according to the second embodiment comprises a connector 21, a fan 22, a bag-shaped filter 23A, and a rubber belt 24. Of these, all except the bag-shaped filter 23A are the same as those of the filtration and air blowing device 2 according to the first embodiment, so only the bag-shaped filter 23A will be described below.

[0131] The bag-shaped filter 23A is characterized by being compressed in the vertical direction.

[0132] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the bag-shaped filter 23A according to the second embodiment has its side portion corresponding to the filtration surface 234A compressed in the vertical direction. During compression, the filter paper forming the filtration surface 234A is folded. The method of folding is not particularly limited; for example, it can be folded in an accordion-like manner, with alternating mountain and valley folds, as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, the filter may be folded in such a way that a large number of cells 2341 are formed, as shown in Figure 10. Note that cells 2341 refer to each portion surrounded by the folds formed when the filter is compressed.

[0133] The extent to which the bag-shaped filter 23A is compressed compared to when it is stretched vertically is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the overall height of the bag-shaped filter is compressed to 70% or less compared to when it is stretched vertically.

[0134] One method for compressing the bag-shaped filter 23A is to place an uncompressed bag-shaped filter over a cylindrical base that has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the bag-shaped filter 23A in a plan view and a height shorter than the height of the bag-shaped filter 23A, and then compress the bag-shaped filter vertically to match the height of the base, thereby creating a vertically compressed bag-shaped filter 23A. The folding method in this case may be an accordion fold as shown in Figure 9, or it may be such that a large number of cells 2341 are formed as shown in Figure 10.

[0135] Alternatively, the user may be provided with a bag-shaped filter that is not compressed vertically, similar to the first embodiment, and then the user may compress the filter vertically before use. In this case, since the uncompressed bag-shaped filter can be flattened before use, it does not take up much space during storage or transport.

[0136] [(2) Explanation of the effect] According to the bag-shaped filter 23A of this embodiment, since the filtration surface 234A is compressed in the vertical direction, the height is reduced while the area of ​​the filtration surface used for filtering air is increased, thereby improving the performance of the filter (reducing the pass-through rate of the substances to be removed while suppressing an increase in pressure loss).

[0137] Furthermore, only the filtration surface 234A is compressed in the vertical direction, and the sealing portion 233 used for connection with the connector 21 is not compressed in the vertical direction and maintains the same state as in the first embodiment. Therefore, while increasing the area of ​​the filtration surface to improve the performance of the filter, it is also possible to prevent gaps from easily forming between the sealing portion 233 and the sealing corresponding portion 214 of the connector 21.

[0138] Furthermore, by compressing the bag-shaped filter 23A vertically even further than when in use, the bag-shaped filter can be made even more compact, making it easier to store. Specifically, when using the same material as commonly used nonwoven masks, the vertical length of the bag-shaped filter 23A can be compressed to less than one-fifth of its vertical length when stored, compared to when it is stretched vertically.

[0139] [(3) Variant Example] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0140] [a First variation] As shown in Figure 11, the bottom portion 231, the sealing portion 233, and the periphery of the filtration surface 234A may be covered with a shape-retaining cloth 236 formed in a bag shape.

[0141] The material of the shape-retaining cloth 236 is required to have sufficient air permeability so as not to obstruct the introduction of air by the fan 22, and sufficient strength to maintain the compressed shape of the filtration surface 234A. Furthermore, it is preferable that it be easy to connect to the sealing portion 233. Specifically, it is particularly preferable to use the same material as the filter paper that constitutes the filtration surface 234A.

[0142] As shown in Figure 11, the shape-retaining cloth 236 is formed to be slightly larger than the combined size of the bottom 231, the compressed filtration surface 234A, and the sealing portion 233. It is placed over the bottom 231, the filtration surface 234A, and the sealing portion 233 from above, and its lower end is bonded to the vicinity of the lower end of the sealing portion 233.

[0143] The vertically compressed filter surface 234A will gradually expand back to its pre-compression shape after the pressure from compression molding is released. However, by covering it with the shape-retaining cloth 236, the combined vertical length of the bottom 231, filter surface 234A, and sealing portion 233 is prevented from expanding beyond the vertical length of the shape-retaining cloth 236, making it easier to maintain the compressed shape of the filter surface 234A.

[0144] Alternatively, instead of the shape-retaining cloth 236, a shape-retaining member may be manufactured by molding a material such as plastic to create a bag-like shape slightly larger than the combined size of the bottom portion 231, the compressed filtration surface 234A, and the sealing portion 233. This shape-retaining member can then be placed over the bag-shaped filter 23A, which does not have the shape-retaining cloth 236, and fixed to the connector 21, thereby maintaining the compressed shape of the filtration surface 234A.

[0145] [b. Second variation] As shown in Figure 12, the bag-shaped filter 23C may be formed to be curved rather than straight in the vertical direction. Figure 12 illustrates the case where the bag-shaped filter 23B curves to the right as it goes upwards, but the direction of curvature is not limited to this. As in the first embodiment, it is possible to make the filter, in a stretched state, curved in shape, but it is preferable that the filter surface 234B is compressed vertically and curved, as in the bag-shaped filter 23C, in order to increase the area of ​​the filter surface as described above and to make it easier to maintain the curved shape.

[0146] By curving the bag-shaped filter 23C in this way, it is possible to increase the filtration surface area while keeping the vertical height even lower than when only compressed, thereby improving the filter's performance.

[0147] If the height after compression is three times or more the diameter of the cylindrical filtration surface (measured in the unfolded state), it is preferable to bend it so that the angle between the center line at the upper end and the center line at the lower end (θ in Figure 12) is 20 degrees or more. Furthermore, if the filter is designed with the intention of bending it in mind, for example, by making one side of the filter longer and the other side shorter, it is possible to form the bag-shaped filter 23C such that the angle between the center line at the upper end and the center line at the lower end is approximately 90 degrees.

[0148] [c Third variation] The cross-sectional shape (outer shape in plan view) of the filtration surface of the bag-shaped filter is not limited to a circle; for example, it may be elliptical or rectangular, or, as shown in Figure 13, a bag-shaped filter 23D with multiple convex and concave sections arranged alternately, such as a star shape or a petal shape.

[0149] Figure 13 illustrates a case where the cross-sectional shape of the filtration surface 234C is formed by alternating four convex and four concave sections, resulting in a petal-like shape with an overall curved form. However, the design is not limited to this; for example, it may be formed by alternating five convex and five concave sections, resulting in a star shape with an overall straight line form.

[0150] By having an uneven cross-sectional shape like this for the filtration surface 234C, the area of ​​the filtration surface can be further increased compared to when the cross-section is circular.

[0151] Although Figure 13 illustrates the case where the filter is compressed in the vertical direction, it is also possible to make the cross-sectional shape of the filtration surface of a bag-shaped filter that is not compressed in the vertical direction, as in the first embodiment, such that multiple convex and concave portions are arranged alternately.

[0152] [d. Fourth modified example] As shown in Figure 14, the bag-shaped filter 23E may be configured such that the sealing portion 233A includes a sealing plate 2331. The sealing plate 2331 is formed in a cylindrical shape with open top and bottom, using a material that is harder than the filter paper that constitutes the filtration surface 234A, such as a resin material.

[0153] The sealing plate 2331 is attached to the filter paper below the filtration surface 234A without any gaps by adhering the filter paper below the filtration surface 234A to the upper part of the sealing plate 2331, with the upper part of the sealing plate 2331 covered from the outside by the filter paper below the filtration surface 234A. Alternatively, the sealing plate 2331 may be installed such that it covers the filter paper below the filtration surface 234A from the outside.

[0154] Furthermore, the sealing plate 2331 is formed such that its inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the sealing portion 214 of the connecting body 21. As a result, by inserting the sealing portion 214 of the connecting body 21 into the sealing plate 2331, the bag-shaped filter 23E can be attached to the connecting body 21 by the frictional force generated between the inner surface of the sealing plate 2331 and the outer surface of the sealing portion 214. Thus, by providing the sealing plate 2331 in the sealing portion 233A, the sealing method can be changed from directly contacting the sealing portion of the connecting body with the filter paper forming the filter described above, to a deformation-free sealing method by bringing rigid members into close contact with each other.

[0155] In this case as well, it is preferable that the outer surface of the sealing portion 214 of the connector 21 is made of an elastic material such as rubber (a material with greater elasticity than other parts of the connector 21 made of resin material, etc.). This allows the rigid sealing plate 2331 to bite into the outer surface of the elastic sealing portion 214 when the sealing portion 214 is inserted into the lower part of the sealing plate 2331, making it less likely for gaps to form and making it less likely for the connection between the sealing plate 2331 and the sealing portion 214 to come loose.

[0156] Furthermore, the portion of the lower outer surface of the sealing plate 2331 that is not covered by the filter paper may be made to protrude outwards, providing a handle portion that can be grasped by the user. This makes it easier and more reliable to connect the bag-shaped filter 23E to the connector 21.

[0157] Alternatively, for example, female threads may be provided on the inner surface of the lower part of the sealing plate 2331, and male threads may be provided on the outer surface of the sealing corresponding part 214 of the connecting body 21, so that the sealing plate 2331 and the sealing corresponding part 214 are connected by screws. As for the method of connecting the sealing plate 2331 and the sealing corresponding part 214, it is sufficient to connect them so that no gaps are created at the connection point, and other general connection methods may also be used.

[0158] Although Figure 14 illustrates a case where the filtration surface 234A is compressed in the vertical direction, it is also possible to provide a sealing plate in a bag-shaped filter that is not compressed in the vertical direction, as in the first embodiment.

[0159] [3 Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Note that the description of parts other than the filtration and air blowing device will be omitted.

[0160] [(1) Explanation of the structure] As shown in Figure 15, the filtration and air blowing device 2B according to the third embodiment is equipped with a connector 21B with a plurality of sealing corresponding parts 214A and a plurality of bag-shaped filters 23F attached to it.

[0161] As shown in Figure 16, the connector 21B is formed such that the fan housing 213A is square in plan view, and four sealing corresponding portions 214A, which are square in plan view, are provided on the upper surface. In addition, an air intake hole 211A, which is a square opening, is formed on the upper surface of each sealing corresponding portion 214A, and an air outlet hole 212A, which is a square opening, is formed on the lower surface of the fan housing 213A.

[0162] Furthermore, the bag-shaped filter 23F is a rectangular prism that is square in plan view, and the bottom 231A, opening 232A, sealing portion 233B, and filtration surface 234D are all formed to be square in plan view.

[0163] Furthermore, the bag-shaped filter 23F is formed such that the length of the inner circumference of the sealing portion 233B is approximately the same as the length of the outer circumference of the sealing corresponding portion 214A of the connecting body 21B. Similar to the first embodiment, the sealing portion 233B is attached to each of the sealing corresponding portions 214A without any gaps by using the rubber belt 24 to make them tightly adhere to each of the sealing corresponding portions 214A. Therefore, in this embodiment, in correspondence with the four sealing portions 214A provided on the connector 21B, four bag-shaped filters 23F are also provided.

[0164] [(2) Explanation of the effect] According to the filtration and air blowing device 2B of this embodiment, the connector 21B is equipped with multiple sealing corresponding parts 214A, and multiple bag-shaped filters 23F are attached, thereby further increasing the filtration surface area of ​​the filters.

[0165] In other words, for example, with respect to the connector 21B shown in Figure 16, if the fan housing section 213A is formed to be a square with side length A+2B in a plan view, and the four sealing corresponding sections 214A are formed to be squares with side length A / 2 in a plan view, and then four rectangular prism-shaped bag-shaped filters 23F with side length A / 2 in a plan view are attached, and assuming the thickness of the filter is 0 and the height of the filter is H, then the area of ​​the filtration surface of the four bag-shaped filters 23F is the sum of the areas of their sides, A / 2 × H × 4 × 4 = 8AH.

[0166] In contrast, as shown in Figure 17, for a connector 21C that has a fan housing section 213A similar to Figure 16 which is square in plan view, and only one sealing section 214B which is square in plan view, if the length of one side of the fan housing section 213A in plan view is A+2B and the length of one side of the sealing section 214B in plan view is A, and then a rectangular prism-shaped bag filter with a side length of A in plan view is attached, if the thickness of the filter is 0 and the height of the filter is H, then the area of ​​the filtration surface of the bag filter is A × H × 4 = 4AH.

[0167] Thus, when the surface area of ​​the top of the connector is constant, it can be seen that the filtration surface area of ​​the filter can be increased by providing multiple sealing parts and connecting multiple small bag-shaped filters, compared to providing only one sealing part and connecting only one large bag-shaped filter.

[0168] Furthermore, by connecting multiple bag-shaped filters to a single connector, the number of bag-shaped filters can be increased without increasing the number of fans. Compared to having multiple filtration and air-blowing systems, this configuration allows for increased filter area while keeping costs down.

[0169] Furthermore, if we do not consider the thickness of the filter paper, and if N is the number of divisions in the front, back, left, and right directions of a bag-shaped filter that is square in plan view, then the number of bag-shaped filters is N compared to the case where a single bag-shaped filter is installed without division. 2Therefore, the length of each side in a plan view becomes 1 / N, and the area of ​​the filtration surface becomes N times larger. Furthermore, even when considering the thickness of the filter paper, depending on the size of the connector, etc., the filtration surface area can be increased by increasing the number of divisions, up to a certain number.

[0170] The number of bag-shaped filters connected to the connector should be determined appropriately, taking into account the balance between improved filtration function and manufacturing costs.

[0171] [4 Modifications common to the first to third embodiments] The following describes modifications common to the first to third embodiments described above.

[0172] [(1) Attachment of a bag-shaped filter to the air outlet side] In the above description of the embodiment, we described a case where the bag-shaped filter is attached to the air intake side of the connector such that the opening of the bag-shaped filter is connected to the air intake side of the connector, thereby creating negative pressure inside the bag-shaped filter and filtering the air as it flows in from the outside to the inside of the bag-shaped filter. However, depending on the application of the bag-shaped filter, it is also possible to do the opposite and attach the bag-shaped filter to the air outlet side of the connector such that the opening of the bag-shaped filter is connected to the air outlet side of the connector, thereby creating positive pressure inside the bag-shaped filter and filtering the air as it flows out from the inside to the outside of the bag-shaped filter. In this case, the air outlet of the connector corresponds to the air circulation hole in the present invention, which is connected to the opening of the bag-shaped filter.

[0173] Furthermore, when a bag-shaped filter is attached to the air outlet side of the connector in this manner, the sealing portion of the connector will be provided around such air outlet.

[0174] [(2) Change of Use] In the above description of the embodiments, an example of the use of the bag-shaped filter according to the present invention was described as its use in protective equipment intended to cover the wearer's face and provide filtered air to the space around the wearer's face. However, the use of the bag-shaped filter is not limited to this, and it can be widely used in applications such as filtering air blown by a fan.

[0175] For example, in the case of a filtration and air blowing device, the fan housed inside the connector may be excluded, and a cover body that does not obstruct airflow and has a shape that can cover the entire bag-shaped filter may be placed over the bag-shaped filter, and such a cover body and the connector body may be connected. The cover can be made, for example, by molding a material such as plastic, into a component that is slightly larger than the bag-shaped filter and has a large opening formed in a mesh pattern. This cover can then be placed over the bag-shaped filter, and the lower end can be joined to the connector by adhesive or other means.

[0176] This integrates a bag-shaped filter with a connector that does not house a fan, resulting in an easy-to-handle, replaceable cartridge-type filter unit that can be used, for example, in air purifiers.

[0177] Alternatively, a panel-like structure may be formed in which the connector has a large surface area in plan view, a large number of sealing parts are provided on the upper surface of the connector, a bag-shaped filter with a short vertical length is attached to each sealing part, and each bag-shaped filter is covered with a cover to integrate it with the connector, so that the connector is located on the lower surface and the large number of covers are located on the upper surface. In this case, a replaceable filter unit suitable for use in cleanrooms and similar environments can be realized.

[0178] Even when there is no fan inside the connected device, the air blown by a fan in an external device is filtered, and the bag-shaped filter still filters the air blown by the fan.

[0179] Furthermore, for example, if a hole is made in the wall of a house, and the filtration and air blowing device 2 according to the first embodiment is installed on the outside of the house such that the air outlet hole 212 side of the connecting body 21 faces inward, and the hole is covered, the bag-shaped filter 23 can be positioned on the outside of the house. In this way, the filtration and air blowing device 2 can be used to introduce filtered air into the room. The same applies when using the filtration and air blowing device 2A according to the second embodiment or the filtration and air blowing device 2B according to the third embodiment.

[0180] Furthermore, for example, by attaching the filtration and air blowing device 2 according to the first embodiment to the garment body of the fan-equipped garment with the air outlet hole 212 side of the connector 21 facing the inner surface of the garment, it is possible to realize a fan-equipped garment that can effectively filter the air introduced into the garment body. The same applies when using the filtration and air blowing device 2A according to the second embodiment or the filtration and air blowing device 2B according to the third embodiment.

[0181] Furthermore, the material to be filtered by a bag-type filter can be any fluid, not just air (gas). For example, by using a type of filter paper suitable for filtering liquids, it can be attached to the intake port of an underwater fan or pump to filter out contaminants from water.

[0182] When used for filtering liquids, it is preferable to apply a pressure of 2 kPS or less from inside or outside the bag-shaped filter to cause the liquid to pass through the filter and filter the liquid. Furthermore, when used for gas filtration, it is preferable to apply a pressure of 500 PS or less from inside or outside the bag-shaped filter to allow the gas to pass through the filter and filter the gas. The specific type of filter paper used to manufacture the bag-shaped filter for gas filtration can be appropriately selected depending on the application, but it is preferable to use one with performance equal to or better than a HEPA filter (JIS Z8122:2000).

[0183] [(3) Changing the shape of the bag-shaped filter] In the above description of the embodiment, the bag-shaped filter was described as being formed in a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section and circumference that is the same throughout the vertical direction, or in a rectangular prism shape with a square cross-section. However, the shape of the bag-shaped filter is not limited to these, and for example, it may be a prism shape with a triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross-section.

[0184] Furthermore, regardless of the cross-sectional shape, the filtration surface may be compressed vertically, as described in the second embodiment. When the cross-section is a rectangular prism shape, and it is further compressed in the vertical direction, it is preferable to fold it as shown in Figure 18, as shown in the filtration surface 234E, in order to efficiently improve the filtration surface area.

[0185] Furthermore, the bag-shaped filter may have different cross-sectional shapes and / or perimeters depending on its position in the vertical direction, for example, by having a larger cross-sectional perimeter near the upper end than near the lower end. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the filtration surface, which is arranged to encircle the bag-shaped filter, may be made larger than the area of ​​the opening. In this case, the area of ​​the filtration surface can be further increased, and the performance of the filter can be further improved.

[0186] Furthermore, as long as the bag-like shape is maintained, the shape of the bag-shaped filter can be changed as appropriate depending on its intended use.

[0187] [(4) Use of a pre-filter or protective bag] In any embodiment, the filtration function may be improved by attaching a bag-shaped pre-filter on top of the bag-shaped filter, which can cover the filtration surface of the bag-shaped filter. The filter paper used for the pre-filter may be the same as that used for the bag-shaped filter, or it may be a filter paper with inferior filtration function to that of the bag-shaped filter. Preferably, the pre-filter covers at least the entire filtration surface of the bag-shaped filter, and is not connected to the bag-shaped filter but is replaceable independently.

[0188] Alternatively, instead of such a pre-filter, it is possible to attach a protective bag made of a highly permeable fabric that does not have a filtering function, thereby protecting only the bag-shaped filter.

[0189] [(5) Change to cylindrical filter] In the above description of the embodiments, we have described a case in which a bag-shaped filter having only one opening at its lower end and a space connected to the opening is formed inside. However, in all embodiments, instead of such a bag-shaped filter, a cylindrical filter having two openings arranged at opposing positions (upper end and lower end) (hereinafter referred to as "cylindrical filter") may be used. In this invention, the term "cylindrical" as a filter shape broadly includes shapes that have only two openings positioned opposite each other, with a space formed inside that connects to these openings.

[0190] When using such a cylindrical filter, the opening at the upper end can be covered by attaching a plate-shaped member, and it can be used in the same manner as described in each of the embodiments above.

[0191] Furthermore, by attaching connectors to both ends and using fans to expel air from both ends of the cylindrical filter, it is possible to create negative pressure inside the cylindrical filter, or to use positive pressure inside the cylindrical filter by introducing air from both ends of the cylindrical filter using fans.

[0192] Note that the cross-section does not have to be circular, the shape and / or perimeter of the cross-section may vary depending on the vertical position, and the cross-sectional area of the filter surface may be made larger than the area of the opening. The fact that the shape can be appropriately changed according to the application while maintaining the cylindrical shape is the same for the cylindrical filter as in the case of the bag-shaped filter.

[0193] [5 Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 19 to 38. In the following, regardless of the actual usage state, the side where the bottom of the bag-shaped filter is formed is set as the upper side, the side where the opening is formed is set as the lower side, and one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-back direction is defined as the left-right direction for explanation.

[0194] The combined filter 3 according to this embodiment is a filter assumed to be used as a filter for a clean room. Specifically, as a high-performance HEPA filter for a clean room, since a filter formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape of 610 mm × 610 mm × 290 mm is widely distributed, the case of forming a filter having the same outer shape as this will be described.

[0195] [(1) Description of the Configuration] The combined filter 3 assumes that the size of the filter paper housing portion of a rectangular parallelepiped filter of 610 mm × 610 mm × 290 mm is a rectangular parallelepiped shape of 600 mm in the left-right direction, 600 mm in the front-back direction, and 280 mm in the vertical direction in FIG. 19, and filter units 31 formed in the left-right direction of 100 mm, the front-back direction of 100 mm, and the vertical direction of 280 mm are combined in a total of 36 in 6 in the left-right direction and 6 in the front-back direction.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 20, the filter unit 31 is such that a large number of bag-shaped filters 311 are arranged between a bottom plate 312 and a top plate 313, and the bottom plate 312 and the top plate 313 are connected by a connecting rod 314. Specifically, the bag-shaped filters 311 are arranged in a total of 100 units, with 10 rows in the front-to-back direction and 10 rows in the left-to-right direction.

[0197] [a bag-shaped filter] As shown in Figure 21, the bag-shaped filter 311 is equipped with a cylindrical filtration surface 3113 that filters the air passing through its sides, and is formed in a bag shape with the upper end closed to form the bottom 3111 and the lower end open to form the opening 3112.

[0198] Furthermore, the bag-shaped filter 311 has a bottom portion 3111 formed at its upper end that is fixed to the bag bottom storage portion 3132 of the top plate 313, and an opening 3112 formed at its lower end that is connected to the bottom plate opening 3121 of the bottom plate 312.

[0199] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the bag-shaped filter 311 has its filtration surface 3113 compressed in the vertical direction.

[0200] [b Bottom plate] The bottom plate 312 is a plate-shaped member positioned on the underside of the filter unit 31, as shown in Figure 20, and is formed to be a square in plan view with dimensions of 100 mm in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The bottom plate 312 may be formed using a hard resin material, for example, by vacuum forming or injection molding.

[0201] As shown in Figure 22, the bottom plate 312 has a bottom plate opening 3121 which is a circular opening with a diameter of 7 mm, and around the bottom plate opening 3121, a ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122 is formed, which is a groove for bonding the bag-shaped filter 311 as described later. The bottom plate openings 3121 are formed in a total of 100 locations, with 10 rows in the front-to-back direction and 10 rows in the left-to-right direction, corresponding to the number of bag-shaped filters 311 provided in the filter unit 31.

[0202] The bag-shaped filter 311 is bonded to the bottom plate 312 by inserting the edge of the opening 3112 at its lower end into the ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122 into which the first adhesive is injected. It is preferable to use a low-viscosity adhesive as the first adhesive used to bond the bag-shaped filter 311 to the bottom plate 312, as it is easy to pour into the ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122.

[0203] Furthermore, connecting glue grooves 3123, which connect the ring-shaped glue grooves 3122, are formed in the portion between the bottom plate openings 3121, and glue injection portions 3124, which are recesses for injecting glue into the ring-shaped glue grooves 3122 and the connecting glue grooves 3123, are formed in appropriate locations within the connecting glue grooves 3123.

[0204] The number of adhesive injection sections 3124 to be formed can be determined according to the viscosity of the first adhesive used to bond the bag-shaped filter 311 to the bottom plate 312. That is, if the viscosity of the first adhesive is sufficiently low, the adhesive spreads easily, so it may suffice to provide only one adhesive injection section 3124, while as the viscosity increases, the number of adhesive injection sections 3124 that need to be formed increases.

[0205] Furthermore, connecting rod holes 3125, which are holes for connecting connecting rods 314, are formed at the four corners of the base plate 312.

[0206] Furthermore, as in the first to third embodiments, the connecting body does not have an internal space, but rather a bottom plate which is a plate-shaped member with a bottom plate opening to which a bag-shaped filter is attached. In any case, a bag-shaped filter is attached to a member which has an opening that allows fluids such as air to flow, such that the opening of the bag-shaped filter is connected to the opening of the member, and this constitutes a filter unit.

[0207] [c Top plate] The top plate 313 is a plate-shaped component positioned on the upper surface of the filter unit 31, and is formed to be a square in plan view with dimensions of 100 mm in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The top plate 313, like the bottom plate 312, may be formed using a hard resin material, for example, by vacuum forming or injection molding.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 20, the top plate 313 includes a frame portion 3131 formed around the top plate 313, a bag bottom storage portion 3132 which is a portion where a concave portion is formed on the lower surface side and which adheres and holds the bottom portion 3111 of the bag-shaped filter 311, and a connecting portion 3133 that connects the bag bottom storage portions 3132 to each other or connects the bag bottom storage portion 3132 and the frame portion 3131. The other portions are formed as a top plate opening portion 3134 through which air circulates.

[0209] The top plate 313 is provided with 100 bag bottom storage portions 3132 in total, arranged in 10 rows in the front-rear direction and 10 rows in the left-right direction, corresponding to the number of bag-shaped filters 311 provided in the filter unit 31. The bottom portion 3111 of the bag-shaped filter 311 is adhered and connected to the lower surface of each of the bag bottom storage portions 3132. As the second adhesive used for adhering the bag bottom storage portion 3132 and the bottom portion 3111 of the bag-shaped filter 311, it is preferable to use an adhesive with high viscosity. Note that the connection method between the bag bottom storage portion 3132 and the bottom portion 3111 of the bag-shaped filter 311 is not limited to adhesion with the second adhesive. For example, instead of adhesion with the second adhesive, ultrasonic welding may be used for adhesion.

[0210] In addition, at the four corners of the top plate 313 (the four corners of the frame portion 3131), connecting rod holes 31311 which are holes for connecting the connecting rods 314 are formed.

[0211] [d Connecting rod] The connecting rod 314 is a member that connects the bottom plate 312 and the top plate 313, is formed in a rod shape with a length of 280 mm, and as shown in FIG. 20, four connecting rods 314 are provided so as to connect the connecting rod holes 3125 of the bottom plate 312 and the connecting rod holes 31311 of the top plate 313.

[0212] [(2) Explanation of the manufacturing method] Subsequently, the manufacturing method of the combined filter 3 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0213] [a Devices required for manufacturing] First, let's explain the equipment required for manufacturing filter assembly 3.

[0214] [(a) Thimble filter paper high-speed manufacturing equipment] The cylindrical filter paper high-speed manufacturing apparatus 200 is a device that produces cylindrical filter paper with a diameter of 8 mm by continuously rolling up a filter paper tape T with a width of 28 mm and then heat-sealing the overlapping portion of slightly less than 3 mm in width. In the cylindrical filter paper high-speed manufacturing apparatus 200, the front of the filter paper tape T in the direction of travel is considered the front, and the rear of the filter paper tape T in the direction of travel is considered the rear.

[0215] As shown in Figure 23, the cylindrical filter paper high-speed manufacturing apparatus 200 comprises two cylinders (outer cylinder 220 and inner cylinder 230) connected at an outer cylinder-inner cylinder connecting section 210 near the rear end. Furthermore, the inner cylinder 230 is equipped with a feed roller 240 located near the front end for pulling the filter paper tape T forward, a welding roller 250 located near the center of the inner cylinder 230 in the front-rear direction for welding the overlapping portions of the filter paper tape T together, and a molding section 260 connected to the outer cylinder 220 is located at the rear of the outer cylinder 220 for gradually rounding the filter paper tape T.

[0216] When the filter paper tape T is fed forward by the feed roller 240 located near the front end of the inner cylinder 230, the filter paper tape T enters the entrance of the molding section 260 from the rear of the cylindrical filter paper high-speed manufacturing apparatus 200 and is gradually rolled up, forming a cylindrical shape between the outer cylinder 220 and the inner cylinder 230 with an overlapping portion of slightly less than 3 mm in width. Furthermore, the cylindrical filter paper tape T is welded together at its overlapping portions by a welding roller 250 positioned on a welding window 2201 opening in the outer cylinder 220, forming a welded section Y, and the cylindrical filter paper C1 is discharged forward.

[0217] Alternatively, instead of using the high-speed cylindrical filter paper manufacturing apparatus 200 to produce cylindrical filter paper C1 from filter paper tape T, the filter paper can be manufactured in a cylindrical shape from the beginning to produce cylindrical filter paper C1. In this case, since there is no welded portion Y, the accuracy of the compression molding described later is improved.

[0218] [(b) Cylindrical filter sealing processing device] The cylindrical filter paper sealing apparatus is a device that uses an ultrasonic fusion machine to perform sealing fusion on cylindrical filter paper C1 at regular intervals corresponding to the bottom 3111 of a bag-shaped filter 311, forming a bottom fused portion C21 as shown in Figure 24, and processing it into a bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2.

[0219] [(c) Molding equipment] As shown in Figure 25, the molding apparatus 300 is a device on which cylindrical molding columns 320 are formed on a base plate 310. The molding columns 320 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 6.5 mm and a height of 880 mm, and 100 of them are formed at 10 mm intervals.

[0220] [(d) Batch bag setting device] The bulk cylindrical bag setting device 400 is a device for placing 100 bottom-fused cylindrical filter papers C2 onto 100 molding columns 320 of the molding device 300. As shown in Figure 26, it includes an entrance guide section 410 into which the bottom-fused cylindrical filter papers C2 enter, a feeding section 420 that sends the bottom-fused cylindrical filter papers C2 toward the molding columns 320 of the molding device 300, and a cutting section 430 that cuts the upper part of the bottom-fused portion C21 after the bottom-fused portion C21 reaches the upper end of the molding column 320.

[0221] The feeding unit 420 is equipped with a rotating roller 4201 that feeds the bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2, and the part of the rotating roller 4201 that contacts the bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2 is equipped with a member made of a soft material, such as a blade 4202. As a result, when the bottom-fused portion C21 reaches the upper end of the molded column 320, the blade 4202 and the bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2 slide against each other, causing the rotating roller 4201 to spin freely and aligning the positions of the bottom-fused portions C21 of the 100 bottom-fused cylindrical filter papers C2.

[0222] [(e) Up / Down sliding device] The vertical sliding device slides parallel to the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the molding column 320 of the molding apparatus 300, and moves the bottom plate 312 up and down while the molding column 320 of the molding apparatus 300 has passed through the bottom plate opening 3121.

[0223] [(f) Adhesive injection device] The adhesive injection device 500 is a device that injects an appropriate amount of adhesive into the adhesive injection section 3124 of the bottom plate 312.

[0224] [(g) Thermoforming furnace] The thermoforming furnace is used to fix the folds created by the compression molding of the filter paper that constitutes the bag-shaped filter 311 using heat. When the material of the filter paper that constitutes the bag-shaped filter 311 is polypropylene fiber, an appropriate furnace temperature of approximately 110 degrees Celsius is used.

[0225] [b. Manufacturing Procedure] Next, we will explain the manufacturing procedure for filter assembly 3.

[0226] [(a) Manufacturing procedure for bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper] First, we will explain the manufacturing procedure for bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2.

[0227] A 28mm wide filter paper tape T is continuously rolled up by a high-speed cylindrical filter paper manufacturing device 200, and the overlapping portion of slightly less than 3mm is welded to form a welded section Y, thereby producing a cylindrical filter paper C1 with a diameter of 8mm. Then, by performing sealing and fusion processing at regular intervals using a cylindrical filter paper sealing device, a bottom fused section C21 is formed every 850mm as shown in Figure 24, thereby producing a bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2.

[0228] [(b) Manufacturing procedure for the filter unit] Next, we will explain the manufacturing procedure for the filter unit 31.

[0229] [Step 1: Set up the filter paper tube] As shown in Figure 27(a), the bottom plate 312 is set in the molding apparatus 300, and the bulk cylindrical bag setting device 400 is installed on top of the molding column 320. The feed section 420 of the bulk cylindrical bag setting device 400 places the bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper C2 over the molding column 320, and after the bottom-fused section C21 reaches the upper end of the molding column 320, the upper part of the bottom-fused section C21 is cut by the cutting section 430, so that the molding column 320, which is 880 mm long, is covered with a bag-shaped filter 311 that is 840 mm long and not compressed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the cylindrical filter paper C2 with the bottom fused is cut at the top of the bottom fused portion C21 to form a bag shape, and the resulting bag-shaped filter 311, which is not compressed in the vertical direction, is referred to as the cylindrical bag filter paper C3.

[0230] [Step 2: Injecting the adhesive] The first adhesive is injected into the adhesive injection section 3124 of the bottom plate 312 using the adhesive injection device 500. As shown in Figure 27(a), when a cylindrical filter paper bag C3 with a height (vertical length) of 840 mm is placed over a molded column 320 with a height (vertical length) of 880 mm, the distance between the bottom plate 312 and the lower end of the cylindrical filter paper bag C3 is about 30 mm, assuming the thickness of the bottom plate 312 is about 10 mm. This allows for easy injection of an appropriate amount of the first adhesive from the injection nozzle of the adhesive injection device 500 into the adhesive injection section 3124 located at a suitable position on the bottom plate 312.

[0231] [Step 3: Connecting to the top panel] The upper end of the molded column 320 is tapered to facilitate the placement of the tip of the cylindrical filter paper bag C3, and a recess corresponding to this tapered shape is formed on the lower surface of the bag bottom storage section 3132 of the top plate 313.

[0232] A second adhesive, which is a high-viscosity adhesive, is applied to the lower surface of the bag bottom storage section 3132. Then, the upper end of the cylindrical filter paper bag C3 (the part corresponding to the bottom 3111 of the bag-shaped filter 311) is pressed against the upper end of the molded column 320, so that the upper end of the cylindrical filter paper bag C3 is stored in the lower surface of the bag bottom storage section 3132 and connected to the top plate 313.

[0233] [Step 4: Adhesive sealing and compression molding] As shown in Figure 27(b), the bottom plate 312 is moved upward by an up-and-down sliding device (not shown), so that the lower end of the cylindrical filter paper C3 (the part corresponding to the area around the opening 3112 at the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 311) is inserted into the ring-shaped adhesive groove into which the adhesive has been injected.

[0234] By moving the bottom plate 312 further upward from the above state, the side of the cylindrical filter paper C3 (the part corresponding to the filtration surface 3113 of the bag-shaped filter 311) is compressed vertically, forming many cells. In this embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical filter paper C3 is 8 mm, and the diameter of the molded column 320 is 6.5 mm. Therefore, the distance between the molded column 320 and the side of the cylindrical filter paper C3 is 0.75 mm, which is sufficient space for the side of the cylindrical filter paper C3 to fold, thus enabling the formation of good cells.

[0235] After compressing the 840mm long bag-shaped filter 311 to about 140mm in the vertical direction, it is returned to about 160mm. Then, as shown in Figure 27(c), connecting rods 314 are inserted into the four corners in a plan view, passing through the connecting rod holes 3125 in the bottom plate 312 and the connecting rod holes 31311 in the top plate 313. The friction between the connecting rods 314 and the holes maintains a distance of approximately 160mm between the bottom plate 312 and the top plate 313, integrating them together.

[0236] [Step 5: Thermoforming] After removing the molding device 300 from the integrated bag-shaped filter 311, bottom plate 312, top plate 313, and connecting rod 314 (hereinafter referred to as the "semi-finished product"), the device is placed in a thermoforming furnace at approximately 110 degrees Celsius for several minutes to stabilize the folds between adjacent cells on the filtration surface 3113 of the bag-shaped filter 311. Furthermore, in order to prevent the compressed bag-shaped filter 311 from losing its shape during thermoforming, a simpler thermoforming device may be used that has a base and a molding column similar to the molding device 300, but with a shorter molding column compared to the molding device 300. The semi-finished product may then be attached to this device before being placed into the thermoforming furnace.

[0237] [Step 6: Final Step] After removing the semi-finished product from the thermoforming furnace and allowing the adhesive to harden to some extent, the top plate 313 is raised so that the gap between the bottom plate 312 and the top plate 313 becomes 280 mm, thereby completing the filter unit 31 shown in Figure 27(d). The timing for placing the semi-finished product into the thermoforming furnace and the timing for removing it from the furnace and lifting the top plate 313 should be determined considering the characteristics of the adhesive used.

[0238] [(c) Manufacturing procedure for assembled filters] The manufacturing procedure for producing a filter assembly 3 will be described by connecting 36 of the filter units 31 formed as described above, as shown in Figure 19.

[0239] A filter assembly 3 is formed by connecting 36 filter units 31, each measuring 100 mm on each side and approximately 280 mm in height, in a total of 6 units arranged in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0240] Specifically, the filter units 31 are inverted upside down so that the bottom plates 312 face upwards, and 36 filter units 31 are arranged without gaps. The bottom plates 312 are then connected to each other using first adhesive tape T1 and second adhesive tape T2, which are tapes that minimize air leakage. In this process, as shown in Figure 28, first, the first connection line CL1, which is the connection line in the left-right direction (the line where adjacent bottom plates 312 touch), is sealed with the first adhesive tape T1, which is narrower than the second adhesive tape T2. Then, the second connection line CL2, which is the connection line in the other perpendicular direction, the front-to-back direction, is sealed with the second adhesive tape T2, which is wider than the first adhesive tape T1, over the first adhesive tape T1, thereby integrating the bottom plates 312 of the 36 filter units 31.

[0241] The reason for first applying a narrow first adhesive tape T1, and then applying a wider second adhesive tape T2 on top of it in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first adhesive tape T1 extends, is as follows:

[0242] In other words, because tape has thickness, when tape is applied perpendicularly to a plane, the tape applied on top is perpendicular to the thicker tape applied underneath. As a result, as shown in Figure 29(b), small gaps are created on both sides of the tape applied underneath due to the thickness of the tape underneath.

[0243] In this regard, by making the width of the second adhesive tape T2, which is applied later, wider than the width of the first adhesive tape T1, which is applied earlier, the distance from the edge of the second adhesive tape T2 to the second connecting line CL2 can be increased, as shown in Figure 29(a), thereby reducing air leakage due to the gap.

[0244] Furthermore, in order to strengthen the filter assembly 3, it is preferable to also tape together the top plates 313 of the filter unit 31. Unlike the connection of the bottom plate 312, there is no need to take precautions to prevent air leaks when connecting the top plates 313, so you can choose the tape to use only based on strength.

[0245] By placing the 36 filter units 31, which are connected in this manner with adhesive tape, into an aluminum frame 32, which is a rectangular aluminum frame whose inner dimensions match those of the connected 36 filter units, the filter assembly 3 is completed as shown in Figure 19.

[0246] [(3) Explanation of the effects] Next, the effects of the filter set 3 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0247] In this embodiment, the filter assembly 3 is installed such that, for example, the bottom plate 312 faces into the cleanroom and the top plate 313 faces into the external space, with no gaps around the bottom plate 312. Then, a fan or the like installed on the bottom plate 312 side is used to draw air out from the bottom plate opening 3121, and the air filtered by the bag-shaped filter 311 is introduced into the cleanroom. Alternatively, for example, the top plate 313 may face into the cleanroom and the bottom plate 312 may face into the external space, with no gaps around the bottom plate 312. Then, a fan or the like installed on the bottom plate 312 side may be used to blow air through the bottom plate opening 3121, and the air filtered by the bag-shaped filter 311 may be introduced into the cleanroom.

[0248] Regardless of how it is installed, this embodiment makes it possible to obtain a filter with a large filtration surface area and a stable shape, having an external shape equivalent to that of a high-performance HEPA filter for cleanrooms.

[0249] First, we will explain the stability of the compressed shape of the compressed bag-shaped filter 311.

[0250] In other words, as described above, a bag-shaped filter 311 with a height of 840 mm is compressed to a height of 160 mm and then thermoformed. At this time, the thermoforming conditions are set so that the natural length of the compressed bag-shaped filter 311 (height when the vertical pressure is released) is approximately 200 mm. By extending the bag-shaped filter 311, which is formed to a natural length of 200 mm, to 280 mm, the pressure pressing on the bottom plate 312 and top plate 313 as the bag-shaped filter 311 attempts to stretch is eliminated, and conversely, tension is generated pulling on the bottom plate 312 and top plate 313, thus stabilizing the shape of the bag-shaped filter 311. In other words, it is possible to prevent the bag-shaped filter 311 from bending due to the pressure that the compressed bag-shaped filter 311 presses on the bottom plate 312 and top plate 313.

[0251] Next, I will explain the surface area of ​​the filtration area.

[0252] In other words, the effective surface area of ​​the filtration surface 3113 of the 100 bag-shaped filters 311 provided in the filter unit 31 manufactured through the above steps 1 to 6 can be calculated as follows.

[0253] First, calculating the surface area of ​​the filtration surface 3113 before compression, since it is composed of 100 cylinders with a diameter of 8 mm and a height of 840 mm, the surface area S1 of the filtration surface 3113 before compression is: S1=8×π×840×100≒2111000mm 2 = 2.111m 2 This is the result.

[0254] By compressing the height from 840mm to one-third, resulting in 280mm, the effective surface area of ​​the filtration surface 3113 (the area actually used for air filtration) decreases to approximately 83% (2.5 / 3) depending on the cell molding conditions. Even in this case, the effective surface area is approximately 2.111 × 2.5 / 3 ≈ 1.76m². 2 This is the result.

[0255] In contrast, the area of ​​the base plate 312, which is 100mm in the front, back, left, and right directions, is 0.01m². 2 Therefore, the area can be increased by 176 times compared to a flat filter of the same size as the bottom plate 312. When using the same filter paper, the performance of the filter is determined by the effective surface area of ​​the filtration surface; therefore, this allows for improved filter performance compared to conventional flat filters.

[0256] The fact that this embodiment can increase the effective surface area of ​​the filtration surface is evident from the following comparison with the conventional three-dimensional filters of various shapes.

[0257] Conventionally, methods for increasing the filtration surface area of ​​a filter include, for example, the pleated method shown in Figure 30(a) or the parallel plate method shown in Figure 30(b).

[0258] To increase the surface area of ​​a three-dimensional filter, it is necessary to increase the height while narrowing the spacing between the folded filter paper Rs. However, in the case of a pleated shape, if the height is increased without changing the spacing between the filter paper Rs, it becomes difficult to maintain the spacing between the filter paper near the top and bottom edges, causing the filter paper to touch each other. Therefore, when folding at a practical pitch to create a pleated shape, the height is usually limited to approximately 30 mm.

[0259] The method developed to solve the problems of the pleat method as described above is the parallel plate method shown in Fig. 30(b). According to the parallel plate method, a constant interval can be maintained between the filter papers R at any height, and the height limitation is eliminated. In the case of the parallel plate method, since it is often difficult to maintain the interval between the filter papers R only with the filter papers R, as shown in Fig. 30(d), it is normal to maintain the interval between the filter papers R by arranging the corrugated support material S between the adjacent filter papers R.

[0260] However, even when compared with the parallel plate method that can obtain the maximum area with such a conventional technique, as follows, the cylindrical method (Fig. 30(c)) as in this embodiment is superior.

[0261] Compare the filter area when the filter is provided at a 10 mm pitch in a rectangular parallelepiped space with a front-back direction of 100 mm, a left-right direction of 100 mm, and a height of 280 mm, between the parallel plate method and the cylindrical method as in this embodiment. In the case of the cylindrical method, in order to make the cross-sectional area inside the cylinder and the cross-sectional area outside the cylinder substantially the same (to make the cross-sectional areas of the air inlet and outlet the same), the diameter of the cylinder is calculated as 8 mm. In calculating the filter area, for both methods, the areas of the filter papers located on the upper and lower surfaces are ignored and only the side surface areas are calculated.

[0262] When the parallel plate method is used as shown in Fig. 31(a), the filter area is, 100 mm (front-back) × 280 mm (height) × 20 (number of surfaces) [[ID=2"2]] = 560000 mm 2 = 5600 cm 2

[0263] When the cylindrical method is used as shown in Fig. 31(b), even when not compressed in the vertical direction, the filter area is, 8 mm (diameter) × π × 280 mm (height) × 100 (number) ≒ 703718 mm 2 ≈7037cm 2

[0264] In the case of a flat filter with no vertical height, the area of ​​filters that can be placed within a 10cm x 10cm area is 100cm². 2 That is the case.

[0265] Thus, in the case of a 10mm pitch, the filter area is 56 times larger with a parallel plate system compared to a flat filter, but can be increased to approximately 70.37 times with a cylindrical system.

[0266] Furthermore, in the cylindrical type, if a bag-shaped filter 311 having a height of 840 mm (three times 280 mm) is compressed to 1 / 3 of its height to a height of 280 mm, as in this embodiment, the increase in effective surface area is slightly less than three times that when formed to a height of 280 mm from the beginning, and is about 2.5 times. Therefore, the compressed cylindrical filter method (compression cylinder method) can obtain an effective filter surface area that is 70.37 × 2.5 ≈ 176 times that of a flat filter, and approximately 3.14 times that of a parallel plate method.

[0267] Furthermore, in the parallel plate method, as shown in Figure 30(d), a corrugated support material S is required to maintain the shape, which reduces the effective surface area of ​​the filter, resulting in a difference in effective surface area greater than 3.14 times.

[0268] [(4) Variant] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0269] [a First variation: Changing the timing of adhesion] In the above description of the manufacturing method, we described a case in step 2 of the filter unit manufacturing procedure in which the first adhesive is injected into the adhesive injection section 3124 of the bottom plate 312 from an injection nozzle located on the bottom plate 312 of the adhesive injection device 500 immediately after the cylindrical filter paper C3 is set on the molding column 320 and before it is put into the thermoforming furnace. However, the timing of the injection of the first adhesive is not limited to this.

[0270] For example, regardless of whether the first adhesive is injected or not, after compression molding the lower edge of the cylindrical filter paper C3 is in the ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122. Therefore, after thermoforming in step 5, the semi-finished product in which the bag-shaped filter 311, bottom plate 312, top plate 313, and connecting rod 314 are integrated may be cooled, and then the first adhesive may be injected into the adhesive injection section 3124 to bond the bag-shaped filter 311 and the bottom plate 312.

[0271] In this case, instead of injecting the adhesive into the adhesive injection section 3124 of the bottom plate 312 from an injection nozzle located on the bottom plate 312 of the adhesive injection device 500 as described in step 2 above, one or more injection holes (not shown) may be made in the bottom of the bottom plate 312 after thermoforming in step 5, and the adhesive may be injected under pressure through these injection holes. In this case, the size and number of injection holes should be determined considering the viscosity and other characteristics of the adhesive, the injection pressure, etc., in order to prevent the adhesive from leaking from the injection holes after injection, or air from leaking from the injection holes during use after manufacturing. Alternatively, the first adhesive may be injected into the adhesive injection section 3124 of the base plate 312 in advance, and then the base plate 312 after the injection of the first adhesive may be set on the molding column 320 of the molding device 300.

[0272] [b. Second variation: Change in sealing method] In the above description of the configuration and manufacturing method, the case in which adhesive is used as a means of connecting the edge portion around the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311 to the edge portion of the bottom plate opening 3121 of the bottom plate 312 to seal it without gaps was described. However, instead, two ring-shaped members may be used to connect the edge portion around the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311 to the edge portion of the bottom plate opening 3121 of the bottom plate 312A to seal it without gaps.

[0273] In other words, in this case, as shown in Figure 32, instead of a ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122, an inner ring 3126 is formed on the edge of the bottom plate opening 3121 of the bottom plate 312A, which is a portion that protrudes upward so as to be ring-shaped in a plan view. By inserting the inner ring 3126 into the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311, the inner ring 3126 is covered with the edge around the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311.

[0274] Then, an outer ring 315, which is a ring-shaped member whose inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the inner ring 3126, is pressed onto the inner ring 3126 from above, and the bag-shaped filter 311 is placed over the inner ring 3126 so that the portion of the bag-shaped filter 311 near the lower end is sandwiched between the inner ring 3126 and the outer ring 315. In this way, the bag-shaped filter 311 can be attached to the bottom plate 312 without any gaps, with the opening 3112 covering the bottom plate opening 3121.

[0275] Furthermore, it is preferable that all of the outer rings 315 that can be attached to one filter unit 31 are connected. Specifically, as shown in Figure 33, a rectangular outer frame 316 is provided whose outer shape matches the shape of the bottom plate 312 in a plan view. The outer rings 315 are then connected to each other and to the outer frame 316 by connecting bands 317, thereby forming an outer ring connecting plate 318, which is a plate-shaped member with a large opening. This makes it possible to handle the outer rings 315 for one filter unit 31 all at once.

[0276] In the manufacturing process, if the vertical length of the molding column 320 of the molding apparatus 300 is made the same as or slightly shorter than the vertical length of the uncompressed bag-shaped filter 311 (cylindrical bag filter paper C3), then when the cylindrical bag filter paper C3 is placed over the molding column 320, the lower edge of the bag-shaped filter 311 will cover the inner ring 3126 of the bottom plate 312A.

[0277] To achieve this state, after covering the molded column 320 with the cylindrical filter paper C3, an outer ring connecting plate 318 having 100 outer rings 315 is lowered from above the molded column 320 so that the molded column 320 is inserted into each outer ring 315. After the outer rings 315 reach the upper end of the inner ring 3126 of the bottom plate 312A, pressure is further applied to the entire outer ring connecting plate 318 toward the bottom plate 312A side (downward), so that the edge of the opening 3112 near the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 311 completely covers the inner ring 3126, and all 100 outer rings 315 can be fitted at once.

[0278] The outer ring connecting plate 318 can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding, so that the inner diameter of each outer ring 315 is formed with sufficient precision to fit and fix into the inner ring 3126.

[0279] Although the accuracy of the positional alignment of the outer rings 315 on the outer ring connecting plate 318 may decrease due to thermal expansion or thermal deformation, if the connecting band 317 that connects the outer rings 315 is made of an expandable material and the outer rings 315 are loosely connected, then when the outer ring connecting plate 318 is placed over the molding apparatus 300, the individual outer rings 315 will be guided by the molding column 320 and automatically positioned in the optimal location.

[0280] By connecting the outer rings 315 in this way to form a plate-shaped outer ring connecting plate 318, the effort required to install the outer rings 315 can be reduced. In other words, if the 100 outer rings 315 are independent, it takes the effort of 100 people to install the outer rings 315 onto the inner rings 3126, but if the 100 outer rings 315 are connected to form an outer ring connecting plate 318, the installation of all 100 outer rings 315 can be done at once.

[0281] Furthermore, if an elastic material is used for the outer ring connecting plate 318, the outer ring 315 only needs to have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter 3116 of the inner ring, within a range that allows the inner ring 3126 to pass through when the outer ring 315 is stretched. This makes it possible to form the outer ring connecting plate 318 with low precision. Furthermore, by heating the outer ring connecting plate 318 before installation to increase the diameter of the outer ring 315 through thermal expansion, the outer ring 315 can be pressed into the inner ring 3126 with less pressure.

[0282] [c Third variation: Sealing with string] In the second modified example, the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 311 may be sealed with a string 319 instead of the outer ring 315. In this case, the inner ring 3126 is inserted into the opening 3112 at the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 311, so that the portion of the bag-shaped filter 311 near the lower end covers the inner ring 3126. Then, as shown in Figure 34, a string 319 made of an elastic material such as rubber is wrapped around the inner ring 3126 from above the bag-shaped filter 311, thereby making the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 311 tightly attached to the inner ring 3126. The bag-shaped filter 311 can then be attached to the bottom plate 312 with the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311 covering the bottom plate opening 3121 of the bottom plate 312.

[0283] As for the string 319, 100 ring-shaped pieces may be used to individually seal the lower end of each bag-shaped filter 311. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 34, a single long string 319 may be used to tightly seal the area near the lower end of each of the 100 bag-shaped filters 311 to the inner ring 3126 in a single continuous line. In this case, the effort required for sealing is reduced, and the process can be completed in a short time.

[0284] [d. Fourth variation: Ultrasonic sealing] In the above description of the configuration and manufacturing method, the case in which an adhesive is used as a means of connecting the edge portion around the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311 to the edge portion of the bottom plate opening 3121 of the bottom plate 312 to seal it without gaps was described. However, instead, the bag-shaped filter 311 and the bottom plate may be connected by ultrasonic welding. In this case, the bottom plate is a bottom plate 312A equipped with an inner ring 3126, similar to the second modified example, in order to facilitate welding with the bag-shaped filter 311. However, the inner ring 3126 needs to be made thin in order to facilitate welding with the filter paper constituting the bag-shaped filter 311. For this reason, it is preferable to form the bottom plate 312A by vacuum forming.

[0285] Furthermore, a special jig (base connecting plate) is used to ensure that the uncompressed bag-shaped filter 311 (cylindrical bag filter paper C3) is tightly sealed against the inner ring 3126 until it is welded with ultrasound. The base connecting plate consists of 100 connected ring-shaped bases 600, which are ring-shaped members with an L-shaped cross-section as shown in Figure 35.

[0286] The manufacturing procedure in this case will be explained.

[0287] [Step 1] After placing the cylindrical filter paper bag C3 over the molded column 320, a base connecting plate having 100 ring-shaped bases 600 is lowered from above the molded column 320 so that the molded column 320 is inserted into each ring-shaped base 600, and as shown in Figure 35, the lower edge of the bag-shaped filter 311 is sandwiched and fixed by the ring-shaped bases 600 and the inner ring 3126 of the bottom plate 312A.

[0288] [Step 2] The semi-finished product, along with the base connecting plate, is removed upward from the molding device 300 and set in the ultrasonic welding device. As shown in Figure 35, the horn 700, which is the welding part of the ultrasonic welding device, is inserted from the inside of the inner ring 3126 and rotated once, thereby ultrasonically welding the thin inner ring 3126 and the bag-shaped filter 311 that are in contact with the ring-shaped base 600.

[0289] [Step 3] Return to the molding device 300.

[0290] [e Fifth modification: Formation of a bag-shaped filter without a protrusion at the upper end] In the above description of the manufacturing method, a cylindrical filter paper C2 with a bottom fused section C21 formed by linear fusion at 850 mm intervals as shown in Figure 24 is produced using a cylindrical filter paper sealing device, and after covering it with a molded column 320, it is cut at the top of the bottom fused section C21 to produce a cylindrical bag filter paper C3. In this case, since the cut is made at a certain distance from the bottom fused section C21, protrusions (hereinafter referred to as "ears") are formed at the top of both ends of the bottom fused section C21, as shown in Figure 36.

[0291] Such tabs may obstruct airflow around the top plate 313 when it is attached, so it is preferable to eliminate the tabs. However, changing the shape of the bottom storage section 3132 of the top plate 313 tends to increase the thickness of the top plate 313.

[0292] Therefore, it is preferable to form the bottom-fused portion C21A by fusing it so that both the left and right ends are lower, as shown in Figure 37, and then make cuts C22 as shown in the figure. This allows the upper parts of both the left and right ends of the bottom-fused portion C21A, which tend to form "ears" when cut along the horizontal cutting line C23, to be separated, thereby making it difficult for ears to form on the upper parts of both ends of the bottom-fused portion C21A.

[0293] [f. Modification 6: Changing the connection method of the filter set] In the above description of the manufacturing method, an example was given in which adhesive tape is used to connect the filter units 31 to each other in order to produce a filter assembly 3 by connecting 36 filter units 31. However, instead, a connecting plate 33 may be used to connect the filter units 31 to each other.

[0294] As shown in Figure 38, the connecting plate 33 has a number of openings 331 that match the number of filter units 31 it connects to (36 in this case), and a frame edge 332 that is recessed downwards is formed around the openings 331. The outer shape of the frame edge 332 in plan view matches the outer shape of the bottom plate 312 of the filter unit 31.

[0295] By applying adhesive to the upper surface of the frame edge 332 of the connecting plate 33 and then fitting the bottom plate 312 of the filter unit 31 into the frame edge 332, the filter unit 31 is connected to the connecting plate 33, and multiple filter units 31 can be connected via the connecting plate 33.

[0296] Furthermore, the shape of the opening 331 and frame edge 332 of the connecting plate 33 can be appropriately changed to match the shape of the bottom plate 312 of the filter unit 31.

[0297] Alternatively, unlike the above, the outer shape of the frame 332 in plan view may be made to match the outer diameter of the top plate 313 of the filter unit 31, and the top plate 313 may be connected to the connecting plate 33 so that the filter unit 31 is connected to the connecting plate 33, and multiple filter units 31 are connected via the connecting plate 33.

[0298] [6. Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 39 to 42. Parts identical to those of the fourth embodiment will not be described.

[0299] This embodiment aims to provide a filter for use in air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, car air cleaners, etc., and, unlike the fourth embodiment which combines multiple filter units, it consists of a single filter unit 31A formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 100 mm and a height of 100 mm, as shown in Figure 39.

[0300] [(1) Explanation of the structure] First, the configuration of the filter unit 31A according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 39 shows a case where seven bag-shaped filters 311 are provided inside, but the number of bag-shaped filters 311 is not limited to this.

[0301] [a bottom plate] As shown in Figure 39, the bottom plate 312B is formed to be a circular disc with a diameter of 100 mm. Although not shown, the bottom plate 312B has seven bottom plate openings 3121 corresponding to the number of bag-shaped filters 311. Similar to the fourth embodiment, ring-shaped adhesive grooves 3122 are formed around the bottom plate openings 3121, and connecting adhesive grooves 3123 and adhesive injection sections 3124 are also provided.

[0302] [b Top plate] As shown in Figure 39, the top plate 313A is formed to be a circular disc with a diameter of 100 mm. As shown in Figure 39, the top plate 313A is formed so that the frame portion 3131A is circular in plan view, and seven bag bottom storage compartments 3132 are provided inside it. The bag bottom storage compartments 3132 are connected to each other and to the frame portion 3131A by connecting portions 3133. An opening 3134 is also formed between these components.

[0303] [c side plate] As shown in Figure 39, the side plates 3010 are each formed in a semi-cylindrical shape, and when the two are combined, they form a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 40, grooves extending horizontally are formed on the inner surface of the side plate 3010 at three locations: the upper, middle, and lower parts. The upper groove is designated as the upper fitting groove 30101, the middle groove as the middle fitting groove 30102, and the lower groove as the lower fitting groove 30103.

[0304] The upper fitting groove 30101 is a groove formed on the upper part of the side plate 3010, as shown in Figure 40, for fitting and fixing the top plate 313A. The lower fitting groove 30103 is a groove formed in the lower part of the side plate 3010, as shown in Figure 40, for fitting and fixing the bottom plate 312B. The central fitting groove 30102 is formed in the vertical center of the side plate 3010, as shown in Figure 40, and is a groove for temporarily fitting and fixing the top plate 313A during thermoforming, as will be described later.

[0305] Since the bottom plate 312B and the top plate 313A are connected by such side plates 3010, the filter unit 31A according to this embodiment does not have a connecting rod 314 between the bottom plate 312B and the top plate 313A.

[0306] By replacing the connecting rod 314 with the side plate 3010 to connect the bottom plate 312B and the top plate 313A, the sides of the filter unit 31A are covered, protecting the internal bag-shaped filter 311.

[0307] Furthermore, the number of divisions in the side plate 3010 is not limited to two; for example, it may be composed of a single cylinder, or it may be divided into three or more parts.

[0308] [d Outer layer film] The outer layer film 3020 is a film that is attached to the outer surface of the side plate 3010 so as to span both side plates 3010, and the two side plates 3010 are integrated by the outer layer film 3020. Figure 39 illustrates a case where the outer layer film 3020 is transparent and covers the entire outer surface of the two side plates 3010. However, the outer layer film can be configured in a way that allows the two side plates 3010 to be seamlessly integrated.

[0309] [(2) Explanation of the manufacturing method] Next, a description of the manufacturing method for the filter unit 31A according to this embodiment will be provided.

[0310] The manufacturing procedure for the bottom-fused cylindrical filter paper and the manufacturing procedure for the filter unit are the same as in the fourth embodiment up to step 3 (connecting the top plate). The manufacturing apparatus is also the same as in the fourth embodiment, except that it has a shape that corresponds to the cylindrical filter unit 31A.

[0311] In step 4 (adhesive sealing and compression molding), the bottom plate 312B is fitted into the lower fitting groove 30103, and the top plate 313A is fitted into the central fitting groove 30102, thereby attaching the two side plates 3010 so as to wrap around the bottom plate 312B and the top plate 313A from both sides.

[0312] As described above, the bag-shaped filter 311, bottom plate 312B, top plate 313A, and side plate 3010 are integrated into one unit and placed in a thermoforming furnace for thermoforming in the same manner as described in step 5 of the fourth embodiment. After that, the mounting position of the top plate 313A is changed so that the top plate 313B can be attached to the upper fitting groove 30101, as shown in Figure 40.

[0313] In the state shown in Figure 40, the side of the bottom plate 312B functions as a gasket to maintain airtightness. Furthermore, if sufficient airtightness is maintained between the bottom plate 312B and the side plate 3010, the side plate 3010 also functions as a gasket.

[0314] In the state described above, the cylindrical filter unit 31A is completed by attaching the outer layer film 3020 to the outer surface of the two side plates 3010 so that it spans both side plates 3010, thereby integrating the two side plates 3010. The appearance of the filter unit can be changed depending on the application, and is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, a rectangular tube shape is also acceptable.

[0315] [(3) Variant Example] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0316] [a First variation: Change for liquid use] The filter unit according to this embodiment may be installed in a pipe and used for filtering liquids.

[0317] In this case, in order to allow installation inside the pipe, the filter unit 31B is formed into an elongated shape as shown in Figure 41. Specifically, it is preferable that the bottom plate 312C and top plate 313B be cylindrical with a diameter of 50 mm and a height (length) of 1000 mm.

[0318] Furthermore, in this case, the internal bag-shaped filter 311 becomes very elongated, and there is a risk that its shape may collapse during use. To prevent this, a retainer plate 3030 is added to support the bag-shaped filter.

[0319] As shown in Figure 42(a), the retainer plate 3030 is a member with a large opening degree that has a regulating portion 30301, which is a ring-shaped member that regulates the position of each bag-shaped filter 311 by passing the bag-shaped filter 311 through it. In a plan view, its outer diameter is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the side plate 3010A, and as shown in Figure 42(b), it is a member that is thin and plate-like when viewed from the horizontal direction. The retainer plate 3030 includes, in addition to the restricting portion 30301, an outer frame portion 30302 that forms a circular outer frame, and a connecting portion 30303 that connects the restricting portions 30301 to each other and the restricting portions 30301 to the outer frame portion 30302, and is configured to be fixed inside the side plate 3010A.

[0320] The retainer plate 3030 can be easily manufactured, for example, by cutting a long columnar member manufactured by extrusion molding into a plate shape with a width of about 5 mm.

[0321] As shown in Figure 41, the retainer plates 3030 are provided in a predetermined number (3 in Figure 41) at intervals between the bottom plate 312C and the top plate 313B of the filter unit 31A, which is covered by the side plate 3010A. The retainer plate 3030 has a width of approximately 5 mm in the height (length) direction of the filter unit 31B, but this does not significantly obstruct the flow of liquid.

[0322] Such a filter unit 31B can be housed without any gaps in a pipe whose inner diameter is approximately the same as that of the bottom plate 312C and the top plate 313B, and by flowing the liquid through it, for example, from the bottom plate 312C side to the top plate 313B side, the liquid can be efficiently filtered.

[0323] During the manufacturing of the filter unit 31B, the required number of retainer plates 3030 are placed inside the side plate 3010A before attaching the top plate 313B to the side plate 3010A. If the inner diameter of the restricting portion 30301, which is positioned to surround the compressed filtration surface 3113 of the bag-shaped filter 311, is made to be a certain extent larger than the outer diameter of the filtration surface 3113, then even if the bag-shaped filter 311 is compressed while the retainer plate 3030 is present, the retainer plate 3030 will not hinder the compression molding process. In the final step after thermoforming, the top plate 313B is attached to the upper fitting groove 30101, and each retainer plate 3030 is moved to the appropriate position as shown in Figure 41 and fixed in place.

[0324] If necessary, the retainer plate 3030 and the portion of the bag-shaped filter 311 that passes through the restricting portion 30301 may be fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0325] Furthermore, the retainer plate can be added as needed not only in this modified example, but also in other embodiments and modifications where the retainer plate is not described.

[0326] [b. Second modification: Adjustment of the filter paper in the bag-type filter] For example, as in the first modified example, when the length of the bag-shaped filter 311 is increased, depending on the flow rate and pressure during use, a large difference in flow rate may occur at both ends of the filtration surface 3113 of the bag-shaped filter 311 (near the opening 3112 and near the bottom 3111). Such differences in flow rate are undesirable because they cause differences in particle capture rate depending on the position within the bag-shaped filter 311.

[0327] Therefore, the difference in flow rate and the difference in particle capture rate may be reduced by making the number and thickness of filter paper used in the longitudinal direction of the filtration surface 3113 of the bag-shaped filter 311 different (that is, making the filter paper thicker near the opening 3112 into which the fluid to be filtered flows compared to the bottom 3111 area away from the opening 3112, for example, by increasing the number of stacked filter paper sheets or using thicker filter paper).

[0328] [7 Sixth Embodiment] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 43 to 45. Parts identical to those of the fourth embodiment will not be described.

[0329] This embodiment relates to a mask filter that uses a shape-removable base plate (flexible base plate).

[0330] [(1) Explanation of the structure] First, the configuration of the mask 4 according to this embodiment will be described. The mask 4 is configured with a filter unit 31C and a pair of left and right ear loops 41.

[0331] The filter unit 31C has a base plate 312D that is shaped like a mask covering the wearer's nose and mouth. The base plate 312D is formed to be thin, flexible, and foldable by vacuum forming, for example, using a polypropylene sheet with a thickness of 0.2 mm.

[0332] Furthermore, similar to the second modification of the fourth embodiment, an inner ring 3126A is provided around the bottom plate opening 3121, and the bag-shaped filter 311A ​​is fixed to the bottom plate 312D by fitting the outer ring 315A onto the inner ring 3126A. Furthermore, the bag-shaped filter 311A ​​is formed to have a low height, less than 20 mm.

[0333] As shown in Figure 44, the inner ring 3126A is formed in a cylindrical shape with a sloping lower section, and the outer ring 315A is also formed in a correspondingly sloping shape. The outer ring 315A can be formed, for example, by vacuum forming using a polypropylene sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm.

[0334] Furthermore, the filter unit 31C does not have a top plate, and as shown in Figure 43, the entire bag-shaped filter 311A ​​is covered with a top plate cloth 3040 made of a breathable nonwoven fabric or the like. Furthermore, without using connecting rods 314, the top plate fabric 3040 is directly fixed to the bottom plate 312D by point-like fusion at multiple locations, as shown in Figure 45. These fixing points are referred to as point-fusion points 3050.

[0335] Furthermore, the filter unit 31C is formed so that its height (thickness) is approximately 20 mm by reducing the height of the bag-shaped filter 311A ​​as described above.

[0336] The ear loops 41 are not particularly limited, and any elastic, string-like material, such as those used in general masks, may be used.

[0337] [(2) Explanation of the effect] With this type of mask 4, the filter area can be significantly increased compared to conventional masks that use flat filters. Specifically, if the thickness is around 20 mm, it is easy to achieve more than 10 times the surface area.

[0338] Furthermore, the base plate 312D is formed using a polypropylene sheet with a thickness of 0.2 mm so that its shape can be changed, and the top plate fabric 3040 is also a nonwoven fabric, so it can be easily folded or distorted.

[0339] [(3) Explanation of the manufacturing method] Next, a description of the manufacturing method for the filter unit 31C according to this embodiment will be provided.

[0340] [Step 1] The table on which the base plate 312D is placed is set into the molding machine 300A. The molding machine 300A is equipped with numerous molding columns 320A, each of which is 60 mm high and inclined so that its lower end flares outwards.

[0341] [Step 2] The bulk cylindrical bag setting device 400 sets cylindrical bag filter paper C3 (uncompressed bag-shaped filters 311A) for one filter unit 31C into the molding device 300A all at once.

[0342] [Step 3] An outer ring connecting plate, to which multiple outer rings 315A are connected, is set, and the area near the lower end of each cylindrical filter paper bag C3 is sandwiched between the inner ring 3126A and the outer ring 315A, as shown in Figure 44.

[0343] [Step 4] An ultrasonic welding device is used to weld the inclined portion of the inner ring 3126A, the area near the lower end of the cylindrical filter paper C3, and the inclined portion of the outer ring 315A together. Furthermore, since the molding column 320A of the molding device 300A is short, as shown in Figure 44, it is possible to fuse the horn 700 of the ultrasonic welding device by applying it from above to the inclined part at the base of the molding column 320A, which serves as a base.

[0344] [Step 5] The stopper plate is pressed and fixed to the molded column 320A.

[0345] [Step 6] The table is raised using an up-and-down sliding device, and the cylindrical filter paper C3 is compressed and molded.

[0346] [Step 7] The stopper plate and the table are connected by using connectors to sandwich the stopper plate from both the left and right sides.

[0347] [Step 8] The assembly is placed into the thermoforming furnace with the connectors and stopper plates attached.

[0348] [Step 9] The connector and stopper plate are removed, and the top cloth 3040 is placed over the compressed cylindrical filter paper C3, i.e., the bag-shaped filter 311A. Then, using a multi-point fusion device, predetermined locations of the top cloth 3040 are fused to the bottom plate 312D in a dotted manner to form dotted fused sections 3050.

[0349] [8 Seventh Embodiment] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 46 to 49. Parts identical to those of the fourth embodiment will not be described.

[0350] This embodiment relates to a filter unit 31D as a multi-purpose, multi-use filter module for use in various units and products, and a method for mass-producing the same.

[0351] [(1) Explanation of the structure] As shown in Figure 46, the filter unit 31D according to this embodiment consists of a single bag-shaped filter 311B connected to a connector 3060 formed in a cylindrical shape from a rigid material. In this case, as shown in Figure 46, the bag-shaped filter 311B is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape, the filtration surface 3113A is compressed, and a linear welded portion 31131 is formed on the compressed filtration surface 3113A, in which the filter paper forming the filtration surface 3113A in the compressed state is linearly welded.

[0352] Furthermore, the connector 3060 comprises a cylindrical inner cylinder 30602 and a cylindrical outer cylinder 30601 whose inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 30602. The bag-shaped filter 311B is fixed to the connector 3060 by sandwiching the portion of the opening 3112 of the bag-shaped filter 311B between the inner cylinder 30602 and the outer cylinder 30601.

[0353] [(2) Explanation of the manufacturing method] Next, a description of the manufacturing method for the filter unit 31D according to this embodiment will be provided.

[0354] [a Equipment necessary for manufacturing] First, let's describe the equipment required for manufacturing the filter unit 31D.

[0355] [(a) Pedestal moving device] It is a conveyor-like device that moves the base to the next processing position.

[0356] [(b) Pedestal with molded pillar It consists of a single 320mm molded aluminum column standing in the center of a plate-shaped base.

[0357] [(c) Connector Plug-in Machine] It is located in the first machining position.

[0358] [(d) Tube bag filter paper insertion machine] It is located in the second processing position.

[0359] [(e) Insertion press machine] It is located in the third machining position.

[0360] [(f) Upper end fixing machine] It is located in the fourth machining position.

[0361] [(g) Up / Down Slider] It is located in the fourth machining position.

[0362] [(h) Ultrasonic linear welding machine] It is located in the fourth machining position.

[0363] [(i) Dispenser] It is located in the fifth machining position.

[0364] [b. Manufacturing Procedure] The following describes the manufacturing procedure for producing the filter unit 31D according to this embodiment using the above-described apparatus. The filter unit 31D is manufactured continuously by moving the base from a first processing position to a fifth processing position using a base moving device.

[0365] [Step 1] The internal cylinder 30602 of the connector 3060 is inserted into the molded column of the base with the molded column using a connector insertion machine.

[0366] [Step 2] The cylindrical filter paper insertion machine inserts the cylindrical filter paper C3 (uncompressed bag-shaped filter 311B) into the molded column of the molded column base, so that the internal cylinder 30602 of the connecting body 3060 is covered with filter paper.

[0367] [Step 3] The outer cylinder 30601 is inserted into the molded column of the molded column base using an insert press-fitting machine, and the inner cylinder 30602 is positioned inside the outer cylinder 30601, with the lower edge of the filter paper bag C3 positioned between them, and then press-fitted.

[0368] [Step 4] The upper end fixing machine presses the upper end of the cylindrical filter paper C3 (the part corresponding to the bottom 3111 of the bag-shaped filter 311B) against the upper end of the molding column of the base with the molding column. Then, the connecting body 3060 is moved upward by the upper and lower sliders to compress the cylindrical filter paper C3 vertically. After that, the left and right ultrasonic linear welding machines weld the opposing positions on the sides of the compressed cylindrical filter paper (compressed cylindrical filter paper C4) in a linear shape extending vertically, forming a linear welded portion 31131.

[0369] [Step 5] The fabricated filter unit 31D is removed from the molded column of the molded column base.

[0370] [(3) Explanation of the effects] According to the filter unit 31D of this embodiment, since linear welded portions 31131 are formed at positions opposite to the filtration surface 3113A of the bag-shaped filter 311B, it is possible to prevent the compressed filtration surface 3113A from stretching and changing in length during use of the filter unit 31D.

[0371] The number of linear welded portions 31131 is not necessarily limited to two formed at opposing positions as described above, but this arrangement is the most preferred.

[0372] The differences in the characteristics of the bag-shaped filter depending on the number of linear welded sections 31131 are as follows: 0 strands: Easy to bend and stretch in any direction. 1 strand: When formed at either the top or bottom end, it tends to curl in the vertical direction. Two (opposite positions): Easily bendable in a specific direction (for example, the front-to-back direction when linear welded portions 31131 are formed at opposite positions on both the left and right ends), and difficult to bend in a specific direction (for example, the left-to-right direction when linear welded portions 31131 are formed at opposite positions on both the left and right ends). Three or more strands (evenly spaced): Difficult to bend.

[0373] [(4) Variant] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0374] [a First variation: Outer cylinder used for compression molding] During the compression molding process (step 4) described above, the cylindrical filter paper bag C3 placed over the molding column 320 may be covered with an outer cylinder 800, which is a cylindrical tubular member, as shown in Figure 47, before the compression molding is performed.

[0375] As shown in Figure 47, the outer cylinder 800 is used with an appropriately optimal inner diameter depending on the outer diameter of the molded column 320, the diameter of the filter paper bag C3, the thickness of the filter paper, the degree of compression after compression, etc., so that it can cover the periphery of the filter paper bag C3 placed over the molded column 320.

[0376] By limiting the compression space with the outer cylinder 800, the uniformity of the cells formed by compression can be improved.

[0377] [b. Second variation: Compression rollers are used for compression molding] Instead of compressing the filter paper by moving the connector 3060 upward in step 4, the filter paper C3 may be compressed using a rotating roller 900 that presses the filter paper forming the filter paper C3 against the molding column 320, as shown in Figure 48. In this case, the upper end of the filter paper C3 is held down by the stopper 910 while the roller 900 is rotated to perform the compression. In this case as well, the uniformity of the cells formed by compression can be improved.

[0378] [c Third variation: Compression without using a molded column] In each embodiment, the method of using a molded column to compress the filtration surface of the bag-shaped filter was described. However, with the method using a molded column, the longer the bag-shaped filter, the longer the molded column used becomes, which may hinder the compression of bag-shaped filters beyond a certain length. For example, when manufacturing a bag-shaped filter with a compressed length of 1m, the length of the molded column used would be about 3m.

[0379] Therefore, in order to facilitate compression when the length of the bag-shaped filter is long, the bag-shaped filter may be manufactured as follows.

[0380] Specifically, a manufacturing apparatus 1000 as shown in Figure 49 is used.

[0381] As shown in Figure 49, the manufacturing apparatus 1000 has a cylindrical manufacturing section 1010 having the same configuration as the high-speed cylindrical filter paper manufacturing apparatus 200 shown in Figure 23 (however, it has been modified to produce cylindrical filter paper with a diameter of 20 mm by continuously rolling up a tape-shaped filter paper with a width of 66 mm while overlapping by a little over 3 mm), and a thermoforming section 1040 which is provided in front of the resistance section 1030, with a resistance section 1030 located in front of the feed roller 240 of the high-speed cylindrical filter paper manufacturing apparatus 200 having a thermoforming heater.

[0382] By using such a manufacturing apparatus 1000, when the feed roller 240 rotates, a filter paper tape with a width of 66 mm enters the rear end of the cylindrical manufacturing section 1010, is formed into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 20 mm, and the overlapping portion of slightly more than 3 mm is joined by the welding roller 250 to form a cylindrical shape.

[0383] After being formed into a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical filter paper (cylindrical filter paper C1) is pushed forward by the feed roller 240, compressed in the resistance section 1030, and then enters the thermoforming section 1040, where the compression folds are fixed, completing a bag-shaped filter with a compressed filtration surface.

[0384] [9 Eighth Embodiment] An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 50 to 53. Parts identical to those of the fourth embodiment will not be described.

[0385] The filter unit 31E according to this embodiment is manufactured according to the fourth embodiment, but instead of compressing the bag-shaped filter placed over the molded column, it uses a pre-compressed bag-shaped filter, thus eliminating the need for compression-related processes. Furthermore, the bag-shaped filter used is a bag-shaped filter 311C having a vertically compressed filtration surface 3113B and three linear welded sections 31131 formed at 120° intervals. The bag-shaped filter 311C is less prone to bending due to the formation of three linear welded sections 31131 in this manner.

[0386] [(1) Explanation of the structure] As shown in Figure 50(d), the filter unit 31E according to this embodiment is composed of the following components.

[0387] Bag-shaped filter 311C: As described above, it is pre-compressed. Note that it is compressed and shorter than the final product. It will be slightly stretched when it is made into a product.

[0388] Bottom plate 312: Same as in the fourth embodiment. However, the groove width of the ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122 is wider to correspond to the bag-shaped filter 311C.

[0389] Top plate 313: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0390] Connecting rod 314: Same as in the fourth embodiment. Four rods are provided.

[0391] First adhesive: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0392] Second adhesive: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0393] [(2) Explanation of the manufacturing method] Next, a description of the manufacturing method for the filter unit 31E according to this embodiment will be provided.

[0394] [a Equipment necessary for manufacturing] First, let's describe the equipment required for manufacturing the filter unit 31E.

[0395] Molding apparatus 300B: As shown in Figure 50(a), it comprises a base plate 310 and a molding column 320B. The molded column 320B is shorter in length compared to the molding apparatus 300 of the fourth embodiment. Specifically, if the bag-shaped filter 311C is compressed to 1 / 3 of its length compared to its uncompressed state, the length of the molded column 320B may also be 1 / 3 of that of the molded column 320 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0396] Batch compression cylindrical bag setting device: The batch cylindrical bag setting device 400 in the fourth embodiment is configured to set compressed bag-shaped filters 311C.

[0397] Adhesive injection device: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0398] [b. Manufacturing Procedure] Next, we will explain the manufacturing procedure for the filter unit 31E.

[0399] [Step 1] The bottom plate 312 is set in the molding apparatus 300B (same as in the fourth embodiment).

[0400] [Step 2] The bag-shaped filter 311C is placed on the molded column 320B. This results in the state shown in Figure 50(b).

[0401] [Step 3] The top plate 313 is set and the connecting rod 314 is driven in. As with the fourth embodiment, the second adhesive is applied to the top plate 313 in advance. This results in the state shown in Figure 50(c). Furthermore, the short length of the molded column 320B and the narrow gap between the bottom plate 312 and the top plate 313 ensure that the lower end of the bag-shaped filter 311C is securely inserted into the ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122.

[0402] [Step 4] The first adhesive is injected into the adhesive injection section 3124. The timing of the injection of the first adhesive differs from that of the fourth embodiment.

[0403] [Step 5] After the first adhesive has hardened, it is removed from the molding device 300B, and the position of the bottom plate 312 is lowered to the product position. This results in the state shown in Figure 50(d). By lowering the position of the bottom plate 312 in this way and stretching the bag-shaped filter 311C vertically, tension is applied to the filtration surface 3113B of the bag-shaped filter 311C, making it less likely for the shape of the filtration surface 3113B to collapse.

[0404] [(3) Variant Example] Next, a modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0405] [a First variation: Omission of the top panel] As shown in Figure 51, the filter unit 31F may be configured without a top plate 313. The filter unit 31F shown in Figure 51, which does not have a top plate 313, can be used as is, but it may also be manufactured and then various filter units and filters, such as those with a top plate or side plates, can be manufactured by adding components such as a top plate and side plates as appropriate.

[0406] [b. Second variation: Extra-long horizontal filter] This modified version is intended for use as a filter in an air purifier installed on the floor of a large workspace.

[0407] [(a) Description of the structure] As shown in Figure 52, the filter unit 31G according to this embodiment is composed of the following components.

[0408] Bag-type filter 311D: 100mm in diameter, 10m in length.

[0409] Bottom plate 312: Same as in the fourth embodiment. When the filter unit 31G is installed and used, it is positioned perpendicular to the installation surface as shown in Figure 52. Also, the fan section 3080, which houses the fan, is attached to the opposite side of the bottom plate 312 from where the bag-shaped filter 311D is connected.

[0410] Retainer plate 3030: Same as the first modified example of the fifth embodiment. A large number are installed at predetermined intervals in the bag-shaped filter 311D.

[0411] Retainer base 3070: This is a base for holding the retainer plate 3030 perpendicular to the mounting surface. As shown in Figure 52, the same number of bases are provided as the retainer plate 3030, and they are installed below the retainer plate 3030.

[0412] First adhesive: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0413] [(b) Description of the manufacturing method] Next, a method for manufacturing the filter unit 31G according to this embodiment will be described.

[0414] [Equipment required for manufacturing] First, let's describe the equipment required for manufacturing the filter unit 31G.

[0415] Molding apparatus: Equipped with a molding column approximately 50 cm in length. It also has a retainer plate housing enclosure that surrounds the retainer plate 3030 and determines the position of the stacked retainer plates 3030 as described later.

[0416] Adhesive injection device: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0417] [Manufacturing Procedure] Next, we will explain the manufacturing procedure for the filter unit 31G.

[0418] [Step 1] The bottom plate 312 is set into the molding machine.

[0419] [Step 2] The required number of retainer plates 3030 are stacked on the bottom plate 312. At this time, the retainer plates 3030 are stacked in the correct position by the retainer plate storage enclosure, which creates a gap around the molded column, thus preventing it from interfering with subsequent work such as setting the bag-shaped filter 311D. By inserting the retainer plate 3030 in advance in this way, the installation of the retainer plate 3030 becomes easier.

[0420] [Step 3] The bag-shaped filter 311D is placed over the molded column so that the lower edge fits into the ring-shaped adhesive groove 3122 of the bottom plate 312.

[0421] [Step 4] The first adhesive is injected into the adhesive injection section 3124.

[0422] [(c) Instructions for installation] Next, we will describe the installation method of the filter unit 31G according to this embodiment before use. First, the base plate 312 is installed so that it is perpendicular to the mounting surface, and the fan unit 3080 is connected to the base plate 312. Next, the retainer plates 3030 are inserted into the retainer bases 3070, which are arranged at predetermined intervals (for example, 1m intervals), so that the bag-shaped filter 311D is held in place by the vertically standing retainer plates 3030.

[0423] [c. Third variation: Continuous production of tape-shaped filter units] This modification involves the continuous production of filter units formed in a tape-like shape.

[0424] [(a) Description of the structure] As shown in Figure 53, the filter unit 31H according to this modified example is constructed from the following components to form a long, tape-like structure.

[0425] Bottom plate sheet tape 3090: A continuous tape made of resin or aluminum with a width of 100 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm. It has a bottom plate opening, ring-shaped adhesive groove, connecting adhesive groove, and adhesive injection section, similar to the bottom plate 312 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0426] Bag-shaped filter 311E: A filter with a compressed filtration surface and a low height. It is arranged in multiple rows at equal intervals on the upper surface of the bottom plate sheet tape 3090. Note that bag-shaped filters 311E arranged at the same position along the length of the bottom plate sheet tape are referred to as a "row".

[0427] First adhesive: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0428] [(b) Description of the manufacturing method] Next, a description of the manufacturing method for the filter unit 31H according to this embodiment will be provided.

[0429] [Equipment required for manufacturing] First, let's explain the equipment required for manufacturing the filter unit 31H.

[0430] Conveyor with molded columns: A belt conveyor with molded columns already formed on it.

[0431] Single-row cylindrical bag setting device: A modified version of the bulk cylindrical bag setting device 400 in the fourth embodiment, in which compressed bag-shaped filters 311E are set row by row.

[0432] Adhesive injection device: Same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0433] [Manufacturing Procedure] Next, the manufacturing procedure for the filter unit 31H will be explained. The tape-shaped filter unit 31H is continuously manufactured by performing the following steps one row at a time.

[0434] [Step 1] A continuous tape made of resin or aluminum, 100 mm wide and 0.3 mm thick, is processed to form a single row of bottom plate openings, ring-shaped adhesive grooves, connecting adhesive grooves, and adhesive injection sections for the bottom plate sheet tape 3090.

[0435] [Step 2] Inject the first adhesive into the adhesive injection area formed in step 1.

[0436] [Step 3] In step 1, the molded columns formed on the molded column conveyor are inserted into the single row of bottom plate openings.

[0437] [Step 4] A cylindrical filter paper C1 is placed over a molded column inserted into the opening of the bottom plate for one row.

[0438] [Step 5] Wait for the adhesive to harden.

[0439] [10 Modifications common to the fourth to eighth embodiments] The following describes modifications common to the fourth to eighth embodiments described above.

[0440] [(1) Changes to the use and configuration of bag-shaped filters] The bag-shaped filters used in each embodiment can be used for a variety of purposes other than those described, such as the following:

[0441] [a. Use as a filter module for various applications] By attaching connectors, it can also be used as a filter module for various applications.

[0442] [b. Use inside clothing] It may also be used by placing it inside clothing made of fabrics with low air permeability, such as protective suits, to allow clean air to circulate inside the clothing.

[0443] [c. Use in air purifiers for confined spaces] As shown in Figure 54, the filter unit 31I can be configured such that the elongated bag-shaped filter 311F is attached to the connector 21D housing the fan 22, and it can be used as an externally exposed, long filter for use in an air purifier, and can be placed in narrow, confined, or intricate spaces.

[0444] [d. For use in cleanrooms] Filter units other than those of the fourth embodiment may also be used as high-performance filters for cleanrooms. In this case, they can be used, for example, by laying them out on the ceiling or under the floor.

[0445] [e. Use as a container lid] A bag-shaped filter may be used as a long lid for a cylindrical container, and the container may be used for storing food, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, etc., or for maturing food products during fermentation and maturation. While air and water vapor molecules can easily enter and exit through the filter paper of a bag-shaped filter, a larger surface area of ​​the bag-shaped filter can prevent the entry of viruses and other microorganisms.

[0446] [f Other uses] Furthermore, this technology enables the manufacture of long, flexible filters that were impossible to create with conventional technology, as well as ultra-high-performance filters that were virtually impossible to produce due to manufacturing costs and other issues. By using such filters, it becomes possible to manufacture various products that were previously impossible to produce.

[0447] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 55, the manufacturing apparatus 1000A used for manufacturing the bag-shaped filter may be modified so that the extension inner cylinder 1020A is curved, and a thermoforming section 1040A is provided in that section, allowing the cylindrical filter paper C1 to be rolled up and thermoformed, and the thermoformed bag-shaped filter can be formed into a coiled or spiral shape. This makes the bag-shaped filter easier to use even in places where installation space is limited.

[0448] Furthermore, for the bag-shaped filter of any embodiment, instead of thermoforming, the compressed state may be fixed by a linear weld similar to that described in the seventh embodiment, or thermoforming and a linear weld may be used in combination.

[0449] [(2) Change to cylindrical filter] Similar to the first to third embodiments, the fourth to eighth embodiments also describe a case in which a bag-shaped filter having only one opening at its lower end and a space connected to that opening is formed inside is used. However, in any of these embodiments, instead of such a bag-shaped filter, a cylindrical filter having two openings positioned at opposing locations (upper and lower ends) may be used.

[0450] When using such a cylindrical filter, the opening at the upper end can be covered by attaching a plate-shaped member, and it can be used in the same manner as described in each of the embodiments above. For example, the top plate can be shaped to close the opening at the top of the cylindrical filter, so that the opening at the top of the bag-shaped filter is closed when the top plate is attached. Of course, both ends may be used as openings. In this case, for example, the inside of the cylindrical filter can be made negatively pressurized by discharging fluid from both ends of the cylindrical filter with a fan, or positively pressurized by introducing fluid from both ends of the cylindrical filter with a fan. In this case, since no fluid flow occurs in the middle section of the cylindrical filter in the vertical direction, the fluid flow in that section becomes the same as the bottom section of a bag-shaped filter.

[0451] [(3) Change to a set filter] In the fourth to eighth embodiments, only the fourth embodiment described a case where multiple filter units are connected to form a filter assembly. However, it is also possible to connect multiple filter units described in the fifth to eighth embodiments to form a filter assembly.

[0452] [(4) Change of Use] For example, the description of its use in cleanrooms, etc., in the fourth embodiment is merely illustrative, and it can be used for various other applications suitable for the filter described in each embodiment.

[0453] [(5) Incorporation of the configurations of the first to third embodiments] Each configuration of the bag-shaped filter, etc., described in the first to third embodiments can also be applied to the fourth to eighth embodiments, to the extent that it does not contradict the purpose of each embodiment. Conversely, each configuration relating to the bag-shaped filter, etc., described in the fourth to eighth embodiments can also be applied to the first to third embodiments, to the extent that it does not contradict the purpose of each embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0454] 100 Protective equipment 1. Protective equipment body 2, 2A, 2B Filtration and air blowing device (filter unit) 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D Connectors (filter mounting components) 211, 211A Air intake holes (flow holes) 212, 212A Air outlet (flow hole) 213, 213A Fan storage compartment 214, 214A, 214B Sealing compatible section 22 Fans 23, 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F Bag-shaped filters 231, 231A bottom 232, 232A opening 233, 233A, 233B Sealing part 2331 Sealing plate 234, 234A, 234B, 234C, 234D, 234E filtration surface 235 stickers 236 Shape-retaining cloth 24. Rubber belt (ring-shaped member) 3 sets of filters 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, 31E, 31F, 31G, 31H, 31I Filter Unit 311, 311A, 311B, 311C, 311D, 311E, 311F Bag-type filters 3111 Bottom 3112 Opening 3113, 3113A, 3113B filtration surface 31131 Linear weld (weld) 312, 312A, 312B, 312C, 312D Bottom plate (filter mounting component) 3121 Bottom plate opening (flow hole) 3122 Ring-shaped adhesive groove (groove portion) 3126, 3126A Inner Ring 313, 313A, 313B Top plate 3132 Bottom storage section of the bag (filter connection section) 3134 Top panel opening 314 Connecting rod 315, 315A outer ring 318 Outer ring connecting plate 319 String 3010, 3010A side plate 30101 Upper fitting groove (groove) 30102 Central recess groove (groove) 30103 Lower fitting groove (groove) 3030 Retainer Plate 30301 Regulatory Department 3040 Tabletop Fabric 3060 connector 3070 Retainer base 3090 Bottom Plate Sheet Tape 33 Connecting plate 4 Masks 41 Ear loops 300, 300A, 300B molding equipment 320, 320A, 320B Molded Column 800 Outer cylinder T1 First adhesive tape (tape) T2 Second Adhesive Tape (Tape)

Claims

1. It is formed into a cylindrical or bag-like shape, an opening formed in at least one end; a filtering surface for filtering a fluid passing therethrough; A filter comprising:

2. 2. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the filtering surface is formed in a columnar shape having a height of at least 0.1 times the perimeter.

3. 3. The filter according to claim 1, further comprising only one opening.

4. A filter as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a seal line, which is the part where the filter paper that constitutes the filtration surface is adhered, extending in the vertical direction in one or two places.

5. 4. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the filtering surface is formed by winding tape-like filter paper so that the tape-like filter paper partially overlaps the filter paper.

6. 6. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the length in the vertical direction is compressed as compared with a case where the filter is extended in the vertical direction.

7. The filter according to claim 6, further comprising a shape-retaining cloth which is a bag-like member that covers the periphery of the filtering surface.

8. The filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the length of the filter in the vertical direction can be compressed to one-fifth or less compared to when the filter is stretched in the vertical direction.

9. 9. The filter according to claim 1, wherein an angle between a center line at the upper end and a center line at the lower end is 20 degrees or more.

10. 10. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the filtering surface has a cross-sectional outer shape having a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions in a plan view.

11. 11. The filter of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filtering surface comprises filter paper formed from polypropylene fibers.

12. A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a filter mounting member to which the filter is attached; Equipped with The filter mounting member has a flow hole which is an opening through which a fluid can flow, a filter unit comprising: a filter unit configured to attach the filter to the filter mounting member such that the opening of the filter is connected to the flow hole of the filter mounting member;

13. The filter unit according to claim 12, wherein the filter attachment member is a connector having an internal space, and the communication hole is a hole portion that allows fluid to circulate inside and outside the connector.

14. A filter unit as described in Claim 12, characterized in that the filter mounting member is a bottom plate formed in a plate shape, and the flow hole is a hole portion that allows fluid to flow between one side of the bottom plate and the other side of the bottom plate.

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