Filter device

Abstract

To provide a filter system that minimizes the outflow of insects and dust (especially insects) even when filter maintenance and replacement are performed on the outlet side of the filtered fluid. [Solution] The filter device of the present invention is a filter device that allows the filter to be replaced on the outlet side of the filtered fluid, and the filter device comprises (1) a filter consisting of a filter material and a frame surrounding the filter material, (2) a frame-shaped frame consisting of a frame material having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the filter, (3) a filter casing having an opening into which filtered fluid can be supplied and an outlet side wall surface at the periphery of the opening that can abut against the back surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame, and (4) a fixing member that can fix the frame-shaped frame to the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing, wherein gaskets exist between the back surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame and the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing, and between the frame of the filter and the bottom surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter device capable of replacing a filter on the outflow side of a filtered fluid. In particular, the present invention relates to a filter device that can suppress the outflow of insects lower than before even when the filter is replaced on the outflow side.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various filters have been used to remove insects, dust, etc. in a fluid and purify the fluid.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-290510 (Patent Document 1) discloses "a filter device that can be attached to the outer surface of a main body case having an opening in the central portion, a filter cover having an opening in the central portion, and a filter case having one side attached to the inside of the filter cover so as to be openable and closable with a case hinge and having an opening in the central portion, a contact plate fixed to the main body case and having the other side of the filter case abutting in the mounted state of the filter cover, and a filter sandwiched between the filter case and the filter cover, and packing is provided between the filter cover and the main body case and between the filter cover and the filter case, respectively". According to the filter device of this Patent Document 1, since packing is provided on the inflow side of the filtered fluid with respect to the filter, the fluid can be supplied without allowing dust, etc. to flow into the inside of an electronic device or the like, and when the dust collection performance of the filter deteriorates, the filter can be replaced to recover the filter performance.

[0004] Such filter replacement work may be carried out on the inflow side of the filtered fluid or on the outflow side of the filtered fluid. However, it is preferable that the maintenance and replacement work of the filter can be carried out inside the building, that is, on the outflow side of the filtered fluid, as in the case of supplying air inside the building after purifying the outside air with respect to the building.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-290510 (Claim 1, Claim 6, etc.) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, assuming the use of a filter device similar to that in Patent Document 1 on the outlet side of the filtered fluid, we considered a filter device in which gaskets were provided between the filter case and the main body case, and between the filter cover and the main body case, on the inlet side of the filtered fluid, and the filter replacement work was carried out on the outlet side of the filtered fluid. However, even with these double gaskets, a large amount of insects and dust were not captured by the filter and flowed out.

[0007] Upon investigating the cause of the large amount of insects and dust leaking out, it was discovered that, conventionally, four U-shaped frame pieces (12a~12d) as shown in Figure 1 were combined to form the filter case [labeled as filter frame (12) in Figure 1], making it easy for insects and dust to leak out through the four joints (12s) between the frame pieces. In particular, it was found that insects tend to leak out through the aforementioned joints (12s) as they move within the filter material that makes up the filter.

[0008] This invention is based on such findings and aims to provide a filter device that minimizes the outflow of insects and dust (especially insects) even when filter maintenance and replacement are performed on the outflow side of the filtered fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The filter device of the present invention is a filter device that allows the filter to be replaced on the outlet side of the filtered fluid, and the filter device comprises (1) a filter consisting of a filter material and a frame surrounding the filter material, (2) a frame-shaped frame consisting of a frame material having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the filter, (3) a filter casing having an opening into which filtered fluid can be supplied and an outlet side wall surface at the periphery of the opening that can abut against the back surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame, and (4) a fixing member that can fix the frame-shaped frame to the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing, wherein gaskets exist between the back surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame and the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing, and between the frame of the filter and the bottom surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the frame-shaped frame is rotatable with respect to the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing. Moreover, it is preferable that the fixing member is a pressing member pivotally attached to the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The filter device of the present invention has gaskets between the back surface of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame and the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing, and between the filter frame and the bottom surface of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame. Therefore, even when maintenance and replacement work is performed, the outflow of insects and dust is minimal. In other words, among the insects and dust that cannot flow out in the direction of the filter flow path due to the presence of the filter material, there are also insects and dust that move toward the filter frame. Among these insects and dust that move toward the filter frame, those that reach the joint of the filter frame pass through the joint and flow out of the filter. However, even if the outflowed insects and dust try to move further toward the direction of the filter flow path, the presence of a gasket between the filter frame and the bottom surface of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame prevents the insects and dust from flowing toward the filter flow path. Furthermore, even if the outflowed insects and dust try to flow out from between the filter casing and the picture frame-shaped frame, the presence of a gasket between the back surface of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame and the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing prevents the insects and dust from flowing out. Therefore, it is a filter device that minimizes the outflow of insects and dust.

[0012] If the frame-like structure is rotatable relative to the outlet side wall of the filter casing, the airtightness between the back surface of the frame material and the outlet side wall of the filter casing can be improved without damaging the gasket, and the maintenance and replacement of the filter is also improved.

[0013] Furthermore, if the fixing member is a pressing member pivotally attached to the outlet side wall of the filter casing, the frame-like structure can be fixed simply by rotating the pressing member, resulting in excellent maintenance and replacement workability for the filter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Schematic perspective view of a filter that can be used in the filter device of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the filter device of the present invention before the filter is installed. [Figure 3] A schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing the usage state of a filter device equipped with the filter of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The filter device of the present invention will be described below based on Figure 1, a schematic perspective view of a filter that can be used with the filter device of the present invention; Figure 2, a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the filter device before the filter is installed; and Figure 3, a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the filter device in use with the filter of the present invention installed. Note that "vertical direction" refers to the direction of gravity.

[0016] (i) Filter (10); As shown in Figure 1, the filter (10) constituting the filter device of the present invention consists of a filter material (11) and a frame (12) surrounding the filter material (11). The filter material (11) captures unwanted substances such as insects and dust contained in the filtered fluid (F), preventing these unwanted substances from flowing into clean spaces such as indoors.

[0017] This filter medium (11) varies depending on the target filtered fluid (F) and is not particularly limited. For example, it can be composed of a non-woven fabric. Note that it is preferably a non-woven fabric having a coarse and dense structure so that impurities can be collected even inside the non-woven fabric. In the case of such a non-woven fabric having a coarse and dense structure, it is preferable to arrange it such that the surface having the coarse structure is on the inflow side of the filtered fluid (F).

[0018] Also, when particularly disliking the inflow of insects into the clean space, it is preferable that the filter medium (11) is composed of a laminate of a fabric or knitted fabric with an average opening diameter of 350 μm or less and a non-woven fabric, which is easy to capture insects and difficult to flow into the clean space. When such a fabric or knitted fabric is provided, it is preferable to arrange the fabric or knitted fabric on the outflow side of the filtered fluid (F) so that insects are difficult to flow out.

[0019] Since the filter (10) of the present invention includes a frame (12) surrounding the periphery of the filter medium (11), not only is the handling property of the filter (10) excellent, but it can also prevent the outflow of impurities from the periphery of the filter medium (11) to some extent. As shown in FIG. 1, this frame (12) is composed of a combination of four U-shaped frame pieces (12a to 12d) and has an opening (12o) through which the filtered fluid (F) can flow in. The size of this opening (12o) is smaller than the opening (30o) of the filter casing (30) described later. Therefore, the inflowing filtered fluid (F) surely passes through the filter medium (11), and impurities can be collected. Note that since the outflow side of the frame (12) also has an opening having approximately the same size as the inflow side opening (12o), the purified filtered fluid can be supplied to the clean space.

[0020] Note that the height (12H, depth) of the U-shaped frame pieces (12a to 12d) is approximately the same as the thickness of the filter medium (11), and the shape and size formed by the inner wall surface of the frame (12) are approximately the same as the outer shape and size of the filter medium (11). Therefore, there is no gap between the frame (12) and the filter medium (11).

[0021] Such U-shaped frame pieces (12a to 12d) can be prepared by cutting a continuously extending U-shaped frame piece material to a desired length, so they have high versatility and excellent economy. The material constituting the frame pieces (12a to 12d) is not particularly limited, but since it is preferably of a certain strength, it can be composed of, for example, steel plates such as stainless steel, metals such as iron and aluminum, wood, resin, and the like.

[0022] Although not shown in FIG. 1, a rigid net (for example, a metal net) may be arranged on the outflow side of the filtration fluid (F) so that the filtration material (11) can easily exhibit the performance of collecting impurities without bending toward the outflow side due to the pressure received from the filtration fluid (F).

[0023] Although not shown in FIG. 1, a pressing member (for example, a wire) for the filter material (11) may be provided on the inflow side of the filtration fluid (F) to stabilize the position of the filter material (11).

[0024] (b) Frame-like frame (20); In the filter device (1) of the present invention, since it includes a frame-like frame (20) made of a frame material (21) having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the filter (10), the filter (10) can be housed in the tray-like portion of the frame material (21) of the frame-like frame (20). Also, one blade of the hinge (3z) is attached to one piece of the frame material (21) of this frame-like frame (20), and the other blade of the hinge (31) is attached to the outflow side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30) described later. Therefore, the frame-like frame (20) is rotatable with respect to the outflow side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30). Thus, not only can the space between the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-like frame (20) and the outflow side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30) be made to be in close contact, but the maintainability and replacement workability of the filter (10) are excellent.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the back surface (21a) of the frame material means a flange-like surface that extends in a right angle direction outward from the wall surface end of the tray-like portion capable of housing the filter (10).

[0026] This frame-shaped frame (20) also has an opening (20o) on the outlet side of the filtered fluid (F) that is about the same size as or larger than the outlet opening of the filter frame (12), so that the filtered fluid purified by the filter (10) can be supplied to the clean space.

[0027] The frame-like structure (20) not only serves to house the filter (10), but also to prevent unwanted materials that may leak out of the filter (10) from leaking out. Therefore, it is preferable that the frame-like structure (20) be virtually seamless. For example, a seamless frame-like structure (20) can be made by welding together frame materials (21) made of metal such as stainless steel, iron, or aluminum. Alternatively, the frame-like structure (20) can have its joints sealed with caulking or the like.

[0028] In Figures 2 and 3, the frame-shaped frame (20) is attached to the outlet side wall (30a) of the filter casing (30) by a hinge (31). However, it is not necessary to use a hinge (31); for example, the frame-shaped frame (20) could be attached to the outlet side wall (30a) of the filter casing (30) by screws. Nevertheless, from the standpoint of ease of maintenance and replacement of the filter (10), it is preferable that the frame-shaped frame (20) is attached to the outlet side wall (30a) of the filter casing (30) by a hinge (31).

[0029] Furthermore, although the frame-shaped frame (20) is rotatable by a hinge (31), as shown in Figure 2, if it can rotate more than necessary relative to the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), the frame-shaped frame (20) may suddenly fall on the worker during maintenance and replacement work, potentially causing injury to the worker. Therefore, it is also preferable to provide a stopper on the frame-shaped frame (20) so that its rotation stops at a certain angle.

[0030] (h) Filter casing (30); The filter device (1) of the present invention has a filter casing (30) having an opening (30o) through which a filter fluid (F) can be supplied, and an outlet side wall surface (30a) for the filter fluid (F) that can contact the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20) at the periphery of the opening (30o). Furthermore, as described above, since the other blade of the hinge (31) is attached to the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), the frame-shaped frame (20) can be brought into close contact with the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30) by rotating the frame-shaped frame (20).

[0031] The filter casing (30) can be made from, for example, a steel plate such as stainless steel, or a metal such as iron or aluminum.

[0032] (ii) Fixing member (40); The filter device (1) of the present invention has a fixing member (40) that can fix a frame-shaped frame (20) to the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30). In the filter device (1) shown in Figures 2 and 3, a pressing member (40, fixing member) is pivotally attached to the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30) to which the hinge (31) vanes are attached, on the opposite side of the opening (30o) of the outlet side wall surface.

[0033] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the pressing member (40) consists of a support portion (40a) fixed to the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30) with a rivet (41), a pressing portion (40b) protruding perpendicularly from the end of the support portion (40a) and to a height corresponding to the height (20H) of the frame-shaped frame (20), and a force application portion (40c) protruding perpendicularly from the end of the pressing portion (40b) away from the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30). Therefore, by applying force to the force application portion (40c), the pressing member (40) is rotated around the rivet (41) as an axis, and the frame-shaped frame (20) can be easily fixed or released by the pressing portion (40b).

[0034] Such pressing members (40) can be made of, for example, steel plates such as stainless steel, iron, aluminum, or other metals.

[0035] Although only one pressing member (40) is shown in Figures 2 and 3, there is no need to be only one pressing member (40). Two or more pressing members (40) may be pivotally attached to ensure that the frame-shaped frame (20) is securely fixed.

[0036] Furthermore, in Figures 2 and 3, the frame-shaped frame (20) can be fixed with a pivotally mounted pressing member (40), but it is not necessary for it to be a pivotally mounted pressing member (40); a fastener (snap lock or snap lock) or a screw may also be used. However, a pivotally mounted pressing member (40) is preferable because it has a simple structure and can securely fix the frame-shaped frame (20).

[0037] (e) Gaskets (13, 23); The filter device (1) of the present invention basically consists of the structure described above, but gaskets (13, 23) are present between the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20) and the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), and between the frame (12) of the filter (10) and the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20).

[0038] Furthermore, "bottom surface of the frame material (21b)" refers to the inner surface of the frame that extends perpendicularly inward from the end of the wall surface of the tray-shaped portion, as shown in Figure 2, and is capable of receiving the filter (10).

[0039] In the filter device (1) shown in Figures 2 and 3, a gasket (13) is fitted around the entire circumference of the outer surface on the outlet side of the frame (12) of the filter (10), so that the gasket (13) is present between the frame (12) of the filter (10) and the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20). However, a gasket may be attached around the entire circumference of the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame (20), or a gasket may be attached around the entire circumference of both the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame (20) and the outer surface on the outlet side of the frame (12) of the filter (10), or a gasket may be attached to a part of the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame (20) and a part of the outer surface on the outlet side of the frame (12) of the filter (10), so that when the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame (20) and the outer surface on the outlet side of the frame (12) of the filter (10) are brought into contact, a gasket may be attached around the entire circumference. Furthermore, considering the replacement of the filter (10) and the deterioration of the gasket over time, it is preferable that the gasket (13) is fitted around the entire circumference of the outer surface on the outlet side of the filter (10) frame (12), as shown in the filter device (1) in Figures 2 and 3, so that the gasket (13) can be replaced at the same time as the filter (10).

[0040] Furthermore, in the filter device (1) shown in Figures 2 and 3, a gasket (23) is attached around the entire circumference of the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20), so that the gasket (23) is present between the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20) and the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30). However, a gasket may be attached around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), or a gasket may be attached around the entire circumference of both the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20) and the opening edge of the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), or a gasket may be attached to a part of the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20) and a part of the opening edge of the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), so that when the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame (20) and the opening edge of the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30) are brought into contact, a gasket may be attached around the entire circumference.

[0041] The gaskets (13, 23) constituting the filter device (1) of the present invention are not particularly limited, but can be made of foam or rubber. Furthermore, the gasket (23) located between the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame (20) and the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), and the gasket (13) located between the frame (12) of the filter (10) and the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame (20) may be the same or different in terms of material, thickness, and size.

[0042] (h) Filter device (1); The filter device (1) described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the present invention has the above-described configuration, and the filter (10) can be maintained and replaced on the outlet side of the filtered fluid (F), and can be used as follows.

[0043] First, prepare a filter (10) as shown in Figure 1. Although not shown in Figure 1, the filter (10) should have a gasket (13) attached around the entire circumference of the outer surface on the outlet side of the filter (10) frame (12), as shown in Figure 2.

[0044] Furthermore, a filter casing (30) is provided, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, which includes a frame-shaped frame (20) that is rotatable and mounted by a hinge (31), and has a gasket (23) attached around the entire circumference of the back surface (21a) of the frame material, and a pressing member (40, fixing member) that is pivotally mounted and rotatable, and can press and fix the frame-shaped frame (20).

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 2, the filter (10) with the gasket (13) attached is mounted so that the gasket (13) is in contact with the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame (20).

[0046] Subsequently, the frame-shaped frame (20) is rotated around the axis of the hinge (31) to bring the gasket (23) attached to the frame-shaped frame (20) into contact with the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30). With the frame in this contact state, the pressing member (40) is rotated and the pressing member (40) presses the outlet side surface of the frame-shaped frame (20) toward the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), thereby deforming the gasket (13, 23) and fixing the frame-shaped frame (20) in a state of airtightness, that is, fixing the filter (10).

[0047] In this way, the frame-shaped frame (20) is rotated around the axis of the hinge (31), and the gasket (23) of the frame-shaped frame (20) is brought into contact with the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30). Therefore, when fixing the frame-shaped frame (20), no unnecessary stress is applied to the gasket (23) attached to the frame-shaped frame (20), so the gasket (23) can be tightly sealed without being damaged. In addition, since the frame-shaped frame (20) can be fixed simply by rotating the frame-shaped frame (20) and the pressing member (40), the filter (10) can be attached easily.

[0048] With the filter (10) fixed in place, even if unwanted materials such as insects and dust try to flow out of the filter (10) into the clean space from the four joints (12s) of the filter frame (12), a gasket (13) exists between the filter frame (12) and the bottom surface (21b) of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame (20). This prevents unwanted materials from flowing out in the direction of the filtration flow path. Furthermore, a gasket (23) also exists between the back surface (21a) of the frame material of the picture frame-shaped frame (20) and the outlet side wall (30a) of the filter casing (30). This results in a filter device (1) with minimal leakage of unwanted materials. In particular, insects are able to move on their own and tend to easily escape through the four joints (12s) of the filter frame (12). However, in the filter device (1) of the present invention, even if insects pass through the four joints (12s) of the filter frame (12), the presence of gaskets (13, 23) effectively prevents the escape of insects.

[0049] Furthermore, when the filter (10) reaches the end of its lifespan using the filter device (1) of the present invention, the filter (10) can be removed by the reverse procedure of the procedure for installing the filter (10) described above. That is, the fixing of the frame-shaped frame (20) is released by rotating the pressing member (40), and the frame-shaped frame (20) is rotated around the axis of the hinge (31) to tilt the frame-shaped frame (20) forward (same state as in Figure 2). Since the filter (10) is simply housed in the frame-shaped frame (20) in this tilted state, the filter (10) can be easily removed.

[0050] Afterward, a new filter (10) similar to the one described above is placed in the frame-shaped frame (20) in the same manner, and the frame-shaped frame (20) is brought into contact with and fixed to the outlet side wall surface (30a) of the filter casing (30), allowing the filter device (1) to be used again.

[0051] In Figures 2 and 3, the filter device (1) is equipped with one filter (10). However, the filter device may also consist of two or more filter device units, each representing a filter device (1) as shown in Figures 2 and 3, arranged horizontally (in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction) and / or vertically. For example, the filter device may consist of a total of four filter device units, two each in the horizontal and vertical directions, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. By having multiple filter device units in this way, the filtration area can be increased without increasing the size of a single filter (10), allowing for the processing of a larger volume of filtered fluid (F). This makes it possible to achieve both ease of maintenance and replacement of the filter (10) and high filtration capacity. [Industrial applicability]

[0052] The filter device of the present invention can be used as a filter device in which the filter can be maintained and replaced on the outlet side of the filtered fluid. In particular, even when the filtered fluid contains insects, the filter can be maintained and replaced on the outlet side, thereby keeping the outflow of insects lower than in conventional devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1. Filter device 10 filters 11 Filter media 12 filter frames 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d frame pieces 12s connection point 12o opening 12H Frame height 13 Gasket 20 Picture frame-like frame 21 Frame material 21a Back side of frame material 21b Frame material bottom surface 20o opening 20H Height of picture frame 23 Gasket 30 Filter Casings 30a Outlet side wall 30o opening 31 Hinge 40 Pressing member (fixing member) 40a Support part 40b Pressing part 40c point of force 41 rivets F filtration fluid D. Direction of the filtration channel

Claims

1. A filter device in which the filter can be replaced on the outlet side of the filtered fluid, the filter device comprising: (1) a filter consisting of a filter material and a frame surrounding the filter material; (2) a frame-shaped frame consisting of a frame material having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the filter; (3) a filter casing having an opening into which filtered fluid can be supplied and an outlet-side wall surface at the periphery of the opening that can abut against the back surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame; and (4) a fixing member that can fix the frame-shaped frame to the outlet-side wall surface of the filter casing, wherein gaskets exist between the back surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame and the outlet-side wall surface of the filter casing, and between the frame of the filter and the bottom surface of the frame material of the frame-shaped frame.

2. The filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame-shaped frame is rotatable with respect to the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing.

3. The filter device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the fixing member is a pressing member axially attached to the outlet side wall surface of the filter casing.

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