Filter core and filter cartridge

Abstract

A filter core is required that allows the fluid to spread easily to the edges of the filter media without reducing its rigidity. [Solution] The solution is provided by a filter core that is disposed in the hollow portion of a filter medium so as to support the hollow portion of a filter medium formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface, wherein the filter core comprises one or more column members extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter medium, and beam members that are at least partially ring-shaped and connect each of the column members between the filter medium and the column members.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter core that supports filter media and a filter cartridge. [[Background Art]]

[0002] For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is known a filter device in which a filter cartridge 101 is detachably attached to the inside of a filter container 100. A filter medium 102 is attached to the filter cartridge 101. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the XX cross-section of FIG. 6A. Generally, in the case of small-sized devices, the filter cartridge 101 is fixedly attached to the filter container 100 without assuming removal, and therefore is called a filter element. On the other hand, in the case of large-sized devices, the filter cartridge 101 is detachably fixed to the filter container 100, and is replaced as needed, hence it is referred to as a filter cartridge. In the present application, both of these are defined as filter cartridges. The filter cartridge 101 is defined as comprising at least a filter medium 102, a filter core 103, a first end plate 106, and a second end plate 107. Further, the filter core 103 is defined as a filter core for a filter that supports the filter medium 102 on the inner side thereof.

[0003] The filter media 102 is made of nonwoven fabric or a membrane, has a cylindrical shape with a hollow section inside, and is a component that has a filtering function for filtering the filter fluid. Its inside is supported by a filter core 103, and its top and bottom are supported by a first end plate 106 and a second end plate 107, respectively. Furthermore, the filter cartridge 101 may also include a cover 105 on the outside of the filter media 102 and between the first end plate 106 and the second end plate 107. Multiple core holes 103a are arranged on the circumferential surface of the filter core 103. In the configuration with a cover 105, multiple cover holes 105a are arranged on the outer circumference of the cover 105. The fluid FL1 before filtration enters the filter media 102 through multiple cover holes 105a on the outer circumference of the cover 105, passes through the filter media 102 and is filtered. The filtered fluid FL2 is introduced into the cylindrical hollow section 104 inside the core hole 103a and discharged from the core end 103b of the filter core 103. The first end plate 106 and the second end plate 107 support the filter media 102 and function to prevent the filtered fluid FL2 from mixing with the fluid FL1 before filtration. The filter cartridge 101 will be described in more detail below. Here, the filter media 102 will be described using a cylindrical shape as a representative example.

[0004] The filter cartridge 101, which is placed inside the filter container 100, has a cylindrical filter core 103 inside that is hollow and has a central axis. Numerous core holes 103a are arranged on the wall surface of the filter core 103 along the circumferential direction of the cross-section of the filter cartridge 101 and along the longitudinal direction of the hollow portion of the filter cartridge 103. In the filter cartridge 101, the filter core 103 is positioned in the hollow portion of the filter media 102, and the filter media 102 is structurally supported by the filter core 103. The filter media 102 is fixed to the first end plate 106 and the second end plate 107 by welding or the like. Furthermore, a cylindrical cover 105 may be placed on the outside of the outer circumference of the filter media 102.

[0005] The core hole 103a is a hole that allows fluid that has passed through the filter media 102 to be conducted to the cylindrical hollow portion 104 inside the filter core 103. A first end plate 106 and a second end plate 107 are positioned at both ends of the filter media 102, respectively. A cylindrical cover 105 may also be positioned on the outside of the filter media 102. The filter container 100 includes a first fluid port 100a and a second fluid port 100b. The first fluid port 100a communicates with the outer surface of the filter cartridge 101, and the second fluid port 100b communicates with the inside of the cylindrical hollow portion 104 of the filter core 103 of the filter cartridge 101.

[0006] For example, typically, the first fluid port 100a can be used as a fluid inlet and the second fluid port 100b as a fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid to be filtered is introduced into the filter container 100 from the first fluid port 101a, flows along the outside of the filter cartridge 101, passes upstream along the outer surface of the filter media 102 placed in the filter cartridge 101, and reaches the cylindrical hollow portion 104 inside the filter core 103 with the inner surface of the filter media 102 as the downstream side, forming a flow where the fluid is discharged to the outside of the filter container 100 from the second fluid port 100b. Conversely, the second fluid port 100b can be used as a fluid inlet and the first fluid port 100a as a fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid to be filtered is first introduced from the second fluid port 100b into the cylindrical hollow portion 104 of the filter core 103, passes upstream along the inner surface of the filter media 102 arranged in the filter cartridge 101, and forms a flow where the fluid is discharged from the first fluid port 100a to the outside of the filter container 100 with the outer surface of the filter media 102 as the downstream. Hereinafter, in this specification, the former example will be described, in which the first fluid port 100a is a fluid inlet and the second fluid port 100b is a fluid outlet, based on the background of the invention and embodiments for carrying out the invention. However, even in the latter case, it is the same, only the direction of the flow is reversed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-99775 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, integrity testing for proper filtration requires that the filter element be sufficiently wetted with liquid.

[0009] For example, in the integrity test of a filter media 102, such as a membrane filter, the diffusion test requires that the entire filter, including every corner of the filter media 102, be completely wetted as a prerequisite. However, the decrease in wettability of the filter media 102 is concentrated at the dead end D at the edge of the filter media 102.

[0010] In other words, as shown in Figure 6B, fluid flows into the filter media 102 from the outer periphery and out from the inner surface of the filter to the filter core 103, which is the central flow path. In the flow FL of the filter cartridge 101, the flow FLu in the upper vertical direction of the filter media 102 has a longer flow distance, so the flow force is weaker than the flow FLb in the lower vertical direction of the filter media 102, and the flow rate of the flow FLb in the lower vertical direction of the filter media 102 is greater than the flow rate of the flow FLu in the upper vertical direction. As a result, a uniform flow throughout the filter media 102 cannot be achieved, and the fluid does not easily spread to the end 102a of the filter media 102. The decrease in wettability of the filter media 102 is concentrated at the dead end D on the end 102a side of the filter media 102, making it difficult to ensure complete wettability.

[0011] Regardless of whether a membrane film is used as the filter medium 102, a structure that allows fluid to easily spread to the dead-end end D in Figure 6B of the filter medium 102 is generally advantageous not only for diffusion testing but also for the filter medium 102 itself.

[0012] In other words, areas of the filter media 102 where the fluid flows well will capture more targets, while areas of the filter media 102 where the fluid does not flow well will capture fewer targets. Since the lifespan of the filter media 102 is determined by the areas where many targets are captured, it is required that the fluid flows evenly and smoothly throughout the entire filter media 102.

[0013] However, conventional filter cores lacked a structure that allowed the flow to diffuse within the filter media 102. A structure that facilitates the spread of fluid throughout the filter media 102 is required.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to reduce the difference in flow rate between the flow FLu at the top of the vertical direction and the flow FLb at the bottom of the vertical direction in the filter media 102, and to make the filter media 102 uniform, it is necessary to increase the flow rate of the fluid passing through the core holes 103a. To achieve this, it is necessary to make the size of the core holes 103a as large as possible and to increase the number of core holes 103a as much as possible.

[0015] However, increasing the size and number of core holes 103a leads to a decrease in the rigidity of the filter core 103. In other words, in the conventional structure of the filter core 103, increasing the flow rate of fluid into the hollow part inside the filter core 103 is in conflict with maintaining the rigidity of the filter core 103, and is therefore undesirable. A structure is needed that can maintain the rigidity of the filter core 103 even when the flow rate of fluid into the hollow part inside the filter core 103 is increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The problem is solved by a filter core disposed in the hollow portion of a filter medium that is formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface, wherein the filter core comprises one or more column members extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter medium, and beam members that are at least partly ring-shaped and support each of the column members between the filter medium and the column members.

[0017] The problem is solved by a filter cartridge comprising: a filter medium formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface; and a filter core disposed in the hollow portion of the filter medium so as to support the hollow portion of the filter medium, wherein the filter core comprises one or more columnar members extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter medium; and beam members that are at least partially ring-shaped and connect each of the columnar members between the filter medium and the columnar members.

[0018] A filter cartridge comprising a first filter cartridge, a second filter cartridge, and a coupling adapter, wherein the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge each comprise a filter medium formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface, and a filter core disposed in the hollow portion of the filter medium so as to support the hollow portion of the filter medium, wherein the filter core comprises a cylindrical column member extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter medium and a helical beam member attached to the outer circumference of the cylindrical column member, and the coupling adapter comprises a central fluid hole from which the column member of the first filter cartridge can be joined from one side and the column member of the second filter cartridge can be joined from the other side, and the coupling adapter comprises a communication hole around the central fluid hole that communicates with the flow path formed by the respective helical beam members of the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge when the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge are coupled to the coupling adapter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] This invention makes it possible to realize a filter core in which fluid can easily spread throughout the filter media of a filter cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2, and an exploded view of the filter media 13. [Figure 1B] This diagram shows the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 from the perspective of arrow B in Figure 1A, illustrating an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and beam member 12. [Figure 1C] This diagram shows the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 from the perspective of arrow A in Figure 1A, illustrating an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and beam member 12. [Figure 1D]It is a view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 viewed from arrow A in FIG. 1A, showing an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and the beam member 12. [Figure 1E] It is a view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 viewed from arrow A in FIG. 1A, showing an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and the beam member 12. [Figure 1F] It is a view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 viewed from arrow A in FIG. 1A, showing an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and the beam member 12. [Figure 1G] It is a view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 viewed from arrow A in FIG. 1A, showing an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and the beam member 12. [Figure 1H] It is a view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 viewed from arrow A in FIG. 1A, showing an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and the beam member 12. [Figure 1I] It is a view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 viewed from arrow A in FIG. 1A, showing an example of the configuration of the column member 11 and the beam member 12. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing an embodiment using a cylindrical column member for the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2. [Figure 4A] It is a perspective view showing an embodiment using a helical beam member for the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2. [Figure 4B] It is a side view showing an embodiment using a helical beam member for the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2. [Figure 4C] It is a perspective view of the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2 in an embodiment using a helical beam member, when a cylindrical column member is employed. [Figure 4D]This is a side view of a configuration in which a cylindrical column member is adopted in a configuration that utilizes a spiral-shaped beam member for the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2. [Figure 4E] This is a cross-sectional view of a configuration in which a spiral-shaped beam member is used for the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2, specifically when a curved column member is employed. [Figure 5A] This is a perspective view of one configuration of the coupling adapter 4, which is configured in Embodiment 2, for the filter core 1 and the filter cartridge 2. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5C] This is an exploded view illustrating Embodiment 2 of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2. [Figure 6A] This is an exploded view showing a conventional filter core and filter cartridge. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional filter core and filter cartridge. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] [Embodiment 1] The filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 4E. Figure 1A is a perspective view of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2, showing the filter media 13 in an exploded view. Figure 1B is a side view of the filter core 1 taken from arrow B in Figure 1A. In Figure 1B, the filter media 13 is shown as a cross-section so that the filter core 1 is easily visible. Figures 1C to 1I are views of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 taken from arrow A in Figure 1A, showing the relationship between the column member 11 and the beam member 12 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL.

[0022] As already explained in the background of the invention, the filter core 1 of the present invention shown in Figures 1A and 1B is arranged as part of the inside of the filter cartridge 2 which is built into the filter container 100, which is a filter device.

[0023] The filter core 1 comprises a column member 11 and a beam member 12. The filter cartridge 2 comprises the filter core 1 and a filter media 13. The filter media 13 is positioned outside the filter core 1. The column member 11 and the beam member 12 are typically made of resin. The filter media 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a central axis CL and a hollow portion 13a on its inner surface. Hereinafter, in this application, with respect to the column member 11 and the beam member 12, the side of the filter media 13 closer to the central axis CL is defined as the inside of the column member 11 or beam member 12 when the filter media 13 is attached, and the side of the filter media 13 closer to the inner surface is defined as the outside of the column member 11 or beam member 12.

[0024] A filter core 1 is placed in the hollow portion of the filter media 13, and the filter core 1 supports the filter media 13. In the following description of the filter core 1, column member 11, and beam member 12, the central axis CL of the filter media 13 will be referred to as a reference as necessary when the filter media 13 is attached to the filter core 1. The filter core 1 and the filter media 13 are supported at both ends in the direction of the central axis CL of the filter media 13 by end plates 14 and 15. For example, typically, the filter core 1 and the filter media 13 are fixed at both ends to the end plates 14 and 15 by heat welding. A hole 14a is provided in the end plate 14, and the hole 14a functions as a flow channel hole that communicates with the center of the filter core 1. At least a part or all of the filter core 1 is joined to the end plate 14 at the portion of the hole 14a in the end plate 14. In the following description, the filter media 13 will be described as a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section as a typical example of a cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited to a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Here, if the cross-section of the filter media 13 is not circular, the center is a point that can be used as a substitute for the center. For example, in the cross-section of the filter media 13, the central axis CL may be the centroid or center of gravity assuming it is a uniform material. Also, if the cross-section of the filter media 13 is elliptical, it can be the center of the ellipse. If the cross-section of the filter media 13 is a polygonal cylindrical shape, the center can be the intersection point of the polygon.

[0025] The filter core 1 comprises one or more column members 11 extending along the central axis CL of the filter media 13 in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13. There may be one column member 11 or two or more. Typically, the column member 11 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13 that extends from the inside of the column member 11 to the outside of the column member 11, passing through the central axis CL of the filter media 13. In the case of two or more column members 11, typically, the cross-sections of each column member 11 extend radially, passing through the central axis CL of the filter media 13, from the inside of the column member 11 to the outside of the column member 11.

[0026] The filter core 1 comprises beam members 12 that form a complete ring shape, or beam members 12 that form part of a ring shape. The beam members 12 may form a complete ring. There may be one beam member 12, but typically there are multiple beam members 12. Each beam member 12 consists of multiple ring-shaped beam members, and each of the multiple beam members 12 is arranged in a line along the direction in which the column member 11 extends. The inner surface of each of the multiple beam members 12 is fixed and supported by the column member 11. The spacing between adjacent beam members 12 among the multiple beam members 12 forms a flow path that promotes circumferential flow within the filter media 13. Each of the multiple beam members 12 may be arranged at a constant equal interval, or at different intervals. The spacing between each of the multiple beam members 12 along the direction around the central axis CL of the filter media 13 becomes the flow path cross-sectional area, so the spacing can be freely set as needed, such as for flow rate control. The column member 11 and the beam members 12 are joined by welding or adhesive. Furthermore, the joining may be done by integral molding using resin.

[0027] The column members 11 and beam members 12 can take various forms. For example, as shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the column members 11 are arranged so that four column members 11 extend longitudinally along the central axis CL of the filter media 13. In the case of four column members 11, each column member 11 can be arranged such that the central angles are equal at 90 degrees on a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13. The angles do not have to be equal. Then, multiple beam members 12 are arranged along the central axis CL of the filter media 13, and the column members 11 and beam members 12 are joined together. The joining can be done by welding, adhesive, or integral molding with resin. In the examples of Figures 1A to 1I, the column members 11 are solid members. For example, Figures 1A to 1F and 1I show examples of plate-shaped column members 11, and Figures 1G and 1H show examples of rod-shaped column members 11. Here, if the cross-section of the filter media 13 is not circular, the center is a point that can be used as a substitute for the center. For example, in the cross-section of the filter media 13, the central axis CL may be the centroid or center of gravity assuming it is a uniform material. Also, if the cross-section of the filter media 13 is elliptical, the center can be the intersection of the major and minor axes of the ellipse. If the cross-section of the filter media 13 is a polygonal cylinder, the center can be the intersection of the diagonals of the polygon.

[0028] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the beam member 12 is shown to form a complete ring shape, but as shown in Figure 1E, the cross-section may be a curved shape that forms part of a ring shape (a curved shape with a discontinuous portion in a part of the complete ring cross-section). Furthermore, the beam member 12 may have a curved shape that is not ring-shaped in cross-section, and it is sufficient that at least a part of the cross-section has a curved shape.

[0029] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1E, four column members 11 are shown, but various forms of column members 11 can be applied as long as there is one or more, as long as the beam members 12 and the column members 11 can be connected and an integrated structure can be formed. For example, as shown in Figure 1C, when multiple column members 11 are used, the multiple column members 11 can be arranged such that, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL, the multiple column members 11 do not intersect at the central axis CL, and a space exists at the central axis CL. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1D, for example, the multiple column members 11 can also be arranged such that, in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL, each of the multiple column members 11 intersects in the vicinity of the central axis CL, and the multiple column members 11 are fixed to each other. Furthermore, in some locations along the longitudinal direction of the column member 11, as shown in Figure 1C, the multiple column members 11 do not intersect at the central axis CL, and a space exists at the central axis CL. In other locations along the longitudinal direction of the column member 11, as shown in Figure 1D, the multiple column members 11 intersect in the vicinity of the central axis CL on a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL, and the multiple column members 11 are fixed to each other.

[0030] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1F, three column members 11 can be used. In this case, the central angles can be freely set around the central axis CL on a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13, and the central angles do not have to be equal. However, each of the multiple column members 11 may be arranged so that they have the same angle equally. For example, in the case of three column members 11, the three column members 11 may be arranged so that each has a central angle of 120 degrees.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1G, for example, eight column members 11 can be used. In this case, each column member 11 may be arranged such that the central angles are equal at 45 degrees on a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13. However, the central angles do not have to be equal.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1G, for example, it is also possible to use only one column member 11.

[0033] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the column member 11 can be of various forms. The column member 11 may be a column member 11 with a polygonal cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13, or it may be a column member 11 with a non-polygonal cross-section. Here, a typical example of a column member 11 with a polygonal cross-section is a column member 11 with a rectangular cross-section, and a typical example of a column member 11 with a non-polygonal cross-section is a column member 11 with a curved cross-sectional contour. A typical example of a column member 11 with a curved cross-sectional contour is a cylindrical column member 11. Examples of a column member 11 with a rectangular cross-section are shown in Figures 1C to 1F, and examples of a column member 11 with a circular cross-section are shown in Figures 1G and 1H. The beam members 12 and column members 11 can be connected to form an integrated structure, and the spacing between adjacent beam members 12 within the filter media 13 can form a flow path that promotes circumferential flow. As long as this allows for the application of one or more column members 11 and column members 11 with various cross-sectional shapes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1I, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the column member 11 is such that the inner width t2 of the cross-section of the column member 11 is smaller than the outer width t1 of the cross-section of the column member 11. The side of the filter media 13 with its central axis CL (inside the column member 11) tends to have worse fluid wettability over time than the side closer to the filter media 13 (outside the column member 11). Therefore, it is advantageous to minimize the inner width t2 of the cross-section of the column member 11 to reduce the area in contact with the fluid. Furthermore, the inner width t2 of the cross-section of the column member 11 can be set to zero, i.e., to have a pointed shape. In addition, the outer cross-sectional shape of the column member 11 can be a curved surface. This makes it possible to improve the wettability of the column member 11 over the entire area, both inside and outside.

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the beam member 12 forming a complete ring shape, or a beam member 12 forming part of a ring shape, can be formed to have an inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the beam member 12 can be formed to have an inclination that rises in the direction toward the central axis CL from the inner surface of the filter media 13. Conversely to Figure 2, the beam member 12 can be formed to have an inclination that falls in the direction toward the central axis CL from the inner surface of the filter media 13. This allows for the formation of a flow path that promotes flow in the circumferential direction, and since this flow path is inclined toward the central axis CL of the filter media 13, it can promote flow in both the direction of the central axis CL and the circumferential direction of the filter media 13.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when there is only one column member 11, the column member 11 can be a cylindrical column member 11 with a perfectly ring-shaped cross-section. In this case, the beam member 12 that forms a perfectly ring shape, or the beam member 12 that forms part of the ring shape, can be formed around the cylindrical column member 11. That is, the outer circumference of the column member 11 can be made curved and defined to match the ring shape of the beam member 12. In other words, the ring shape of the beam member 12 is defined to follow the outer circumference of the cylindrical shape of the column member 11.

[0036] In the case where the cross-section of the column member 11 shown in Figure 3 is a cylindrical shape with a perfect ring shape, it is preferable not to arrange core holes 103a in the filter core 1, as in the conventional filter core 103 (Figures 6A and 6B). The same applies to the cylindrical form of the column member 11 shown in Figures 4C and 4D, which will be described later. Even if core holes 103a are arranged, it is preferable that their number be limited. That is, if core holes 103a are arranged, the fluid will flow through the core holes 103a into the interior of the filter core 1 (inside the cylindrical column member 11) before the fluid can flow in the direction along the central axis CL of the cylindrical filter core 1, and the fluid will not sufficiently reach the end of the filter core 1, nor the end of the filter media 13. In addition, since the end of the filter core 1 is in contact with the end plate 15, there is no flow path into the interior of the filter core 1 (inside the cylindrical column member 11), and there is a problem that liquid wetting of the end of the filter media 13 corresponding to the end of the filter core 1 is unlikely. In particular, wetting of the filter media 13 is less likely to occur at the ends of the filter media 13 that are far from the liquid inlet and outlet (corresponding to the first fluid port 101a and second fluid port 101b of the filter container 100 in Figure 6A) that introduce fluid into the filter container. Therefore, in the case where fluid is introduced and discharged into the filter container at the lower vertical part of the filter container, at one end of the filter media 13 that is the upper vertical part in the longitudinal direction, the fluid that has passed through the filter media 13 needs to be introduced into the inside of the filter core 1 (inside the cylindrical column member 11). Therefore, when a perfectly ring-shaped cylindrical shape (Figure 3) is adopted as the cross section of the column member 11, a notch 16a can be placed at one end of the column member 11 that is the upper vertical part in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13. The notch 16a is a notch that is intermittently placed along the circumferential direction at the circumferential end of the cylindrical column member 11 that abuts against the end plate 15. The notch 16a has the effect of introducing the fluid flowing in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13 into the interior of the filter core 1 at the end of the filter media 13, and therefore, by placing it there, it particularly promotes wetting of the end of the filter media 13. Furthermore, a notch 16b can also be placed at the other end of the column member 11 which is the lower vertical part in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13.The notch 16b located at the other end of the column member 11, which is the lower vertical part of the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13, functions to facilitate the discharge of any remaining fluid between the filter media 13 and the column member 11 when the flow of liquid into the filter container is stopped at the end of filtration. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which notches 16a and 16b are placed at both ends of the cylindrical column member 11, but notch 16b does not have to be placed.

[0037] Furthermore, in terms of the technical significance of the beam member 12 forming a complete ring shape, the complete ring shape may be a helical shape which is completed by the adjacent beam member 12. That is, as shown in Figures 4A to 4D, the beam member 12 can be a helical beam member which forms a helical shape inclined around the central axis CL of the filter media 13. Figure 4A is a perspective view of a portion of the filter core 1, with the filter media 13 separated from the filter core 1. Figure 4B is a view of arrow B in Figure 4A, and Figure 4D is a view of arrow B in Figure 4C. Figures 4A and 4C are perspective views of a portion of the filter core 1, with the filter media 13 separated from the filter core 1. Figures 4B and 4D are side views of the filter core 1 as seen from arrow B in Figure 1A. In Figures 4B and 4D, the filter core 1 is installed, and the filter media 13 is shown in cross-section so that the filter core 1 is easily visible. Figures 4A to 4D show a single helical beam member 12, but the helical beam member 12 can be two or more helical beam members 12. In other words, one or more beam members 12 can be selected as the helical beam member 12. Figures 4A and 4B are examples of plate-shaped column members 11 where the column member 11 is a solid column member 11, and Figures 4C and 4D are examples of cylindrical column members 11 where the column member 11 has a hollow section. In other words, the helical beam member 12 can be one or more helical beam members 12. This one or more helical beam members 12 can form a flow path inside the filter media 13 between adjacent beam members 12. This one or more helical beam members 12 can promote the circumferential flow of the filter media 13, and can also promote the flow of the filter media 13 in the direction of the central axis CL and in the circumferential direction. In this case as well, the spacing between adjacent spiral-shaped beam members 12 forms a liquid flow path along the spiral shape. In this configuration, each of the multiple spiral-shaped beam members 12 may be arranged at equal intervals or at different intervals. The spacing between the multiple beam members 12 becomes the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, so the spacing can be freely set as needed, such as for flow rate control.The spiral-shaped beam member 12 has the effect of promoting the flow of fluid in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13.

[0038] Furthermore, when a spiral-shaped beam member 12 is used, the column member 11 can have a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis CL of the filter media 13, extending from the inside to the outside of the column member 11 through the central axis CL of the filter media 13. If there are two or more column members 11, each cross-section can have a radial shape extending from the inside to the outside of the column member 11 through the central axis CL of the filter media 13, and these radial shapes can extend along the central axis CL. For example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a spiral-shaped beam member 12 can be attached around four column members 11 that have a cross-sectional shape extending from the inside to the outside of the column member 11 and extend along the central axis CL. That is, the column member 11 is in the form shown in Figure 1A, and the spiral-shaped beam member 12 is arranged around it.

[0039] Furthermore, when a spiral-shaped beam member 12 is used, the outer shape of the column member 11 can be made curved, and this curved surface can be defined to match the spiral shape of the beam member 12. The curved surface can be freely set as long as it matches the spiral shape of the beam member 12. In addition, the column member 11 defined by this curved surface may be a cylindrical column member 11 with a ring-shaped cross-section, as shown in Figure 4C. In this case, the spiral shape of the beam member 12 is defined to follow the outer circumference of the cylindrical shape of the column member 11.

[0040] The column member 11 may have a perfectly ring-shaped cylindrical cross-section (Figure 4C), or a portion of its cross-section may be at least a ring-shaped cylindrical cross-section (Figure 4E). Figure 4E is a cross-sectional view taken from a direction along the central axis CL. The cross-section of the column member 11 is an example of a shape that lacks a portion of a perfectly ring-shaped cylindrical cross-section, and is a shape that is separated at two points in the cylindrical shape.

[0041] When the column member 11 has a cylindrical shape with a perfectly ring-shaped cross-section (Figures 4C and 4D), it is preferable not to arrange core holes 103a in the filter core 1, as in the conventional filter core 103 (Figures 6A and 6B), as described in the embodiment of Figure 3. In particular, since the spiral-shaped beam member 12 has the effect of allowing fluid to flow along its spiral to both ends of the filter core 1, no communication holes are arranged on the circumferential surface of the filter core 1 so as to allow sufficient use of the filter media 13 in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13 along the central axis CL. On the other hand, if the end of the filter core 1 is in contact with the end plate 15 around the entire circumference of the column member 11, which has a perfectly ring-shaped cross-section, the flow path to the inside of the filter core 1 (inside the cylindrical column member 11) is lost, and there is a problem that fluid does not sufficiently reach the end of the filter media 13 corresponding to the end of the filter core 1, making it difficult for the end of the filter media 13 to wet. In particular, wetting of the filter media 13 is less likely to occur at the ends of the filter media 13 that are far from the liquid inlet and outlet (corresponding to the first fluid port 101a and second fluid port 101b of the filter container 100 in Figure 6A) that introduce fluid into the filter container. Therefore, in the case where fluid is introduced and discharged into the filter container at the lower vertical part of the filter container, at one end of the filter media 13 that is the upper vertical part in the longitudinal direction, the fluid that has passed through the filter media 13 needs to be introduced into the inside of the filter core 1 (inside the cylindrical column member 11). Therefore, when a perfectly ring-shaped cylindrical shape (Figures 4C and 4D) is adopted as the cross section of the column member 11, a notch 16a can be placed at one end of the column member 11 that is the upper vertical part in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13. The notch 16a is a notch that is intermittently placed along the circumferential direction at the circumferential end of the cylindrical column member 11 that abuts against the end plate 15. The notch 16a has the effect of introducing the fluid flowing in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13 into the interior of the filter core 1 at the end of the filter media 13, and by placing it therein, it particularly promotes wetting of the end of the filter media 13. Furthermore, a notch 16b can also be placed at the other end of the column member 11 which is the lower vertical part in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13.The notch 16b located at the other end of the column member 11, which is the lower vertical portion of the filter media 13 in the longitudinal direction, functions to facilitate the discharge of any remaining fluid between the filter media 13 and the column member 11 when the flow of liquid into the filter container is stopped at the end of filtration. Figures 4C and 4D show a configuration in which notches 16a and 16b are placed at both ends of a cylindrical column member 11, but notch 16b is not required. The various configurations of the beam member 12 described above can be applied to any of the various configurations of the column member 11 described above. That is, the above configurations of the column member 11 are applied to all of the above configurations, not to mention the above configurations of the column member 11. As a result, the beam member 12 also facilitates the flow along the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13 along the central axis CL of the filter media 13. The filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 of the present invention provide a structure with high wettability, enabling the filter media 13 and filter core 1 to be sufficiently wetted with fluid even with a small amount of filtration fluid and short-term flow. Furthermore, it suppresses uneven flow of the filtration fluid to specific areas of the filter media 13, thereby extending the filter life. Even if the inside of the filter core 1 is not completely filled with water, the front and back surfaces of the beam member and column member are more easily brought into contact with the filtration fluid, thus reducing contamination that occurs in dry areas where the fluid does not come into contact with the filter media 13, filter core 1, beam member 12, and column member 11.

[0042] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5A to 5C. Figure 5B is a perspective view of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 of the second embodiment. Figure 5A is a perspective view showing an example of a coupling adapter 4 used in Embodiment 2. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 of the second embodiment. Figure 5C is an exploded perspective view of the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2 of the second embodiment.

[0043] Embodiment 2 is an embodiment in which two filter cores 1 and filter cartridges 2 can be connected when the cylindrical column member 11 and the spiral beam member 12 from Embodiment 1 are applied to the filter core 1 and filter cartridge 2.

[0044] The filter cartridge 2 of Embodiment 2 comprises a first filter cartridge 2a, a second filter cartridge 2b, and a coupling adapter 4. In Embodiment 1, the first filter cartridge 2a and the second filter cartridge 2b each comprise a cylindrical column member 11 extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter media 13 and a spiral beam member 12 attached to the outer circumference of the cylindrical column member 11. The rest is the same as in the embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5A, the coupling adapter 4 is a component that connects the first filter cartridge 2a and the second filter cartridge 2b. The coupling adapter 4 is typically disc-shaped, but its shape is not limited to a disc shape.

[0046] As shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the coupling adapter 4 has a central fluid hole 41, which is a through hole in the center. The inner diameter of the central fluid hole 41 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical column members 11 of the first filter core 1a of the first filter cartridge 2a and the second filter core 1b of the second filter cartridge 2b, respectively, so that the column member of the first filter core 1a can be firmly fitted into it from one side of the coupling adapter 4. The column member 11 of the second filter core 1b of the second filter cartridge 2b can be fitted into the central fluid hole 41 from the other side of the coupling adapter 4. When the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are fitted into the central fluid hole 41, the internal conduit of the column member 11 of the first filter core 1a and the internal conduit of the column member 11 of the second filter core 1b communicate with each other in a fluidically sealed state via the central fluid hole 41.

[0047] Furthermore, when the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are coupled to the coupling adapter 4, a communication hole 42 is provided around the central fluid hole 41, which communicates with the flow path formed by adjacent helical beam members 12 in the respective helical beam members 12 of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b. The central fluid hole 41 is a tubular hole through which a flow path defined inside the column member 11 communicates. The communication hole 42 is a hole defined by the wall 41a and the outer wall of the coupling adapter 4, outside of the wall 41a formed to surround the communication hole 42 outside the central fluid hole 41. The inner edge of the communication hole 42 is the wall 41a that defines the outer surface of the tubular central fluid hole 41. In other words, the central fluid hole 41 and the communication hole 42 are a double flow path, with fluid communication between the central fluid hole 41 and the communication hole 42 being isolated by the wall 41a. The central fluid hole 41 is shaped to be held in the communication hole 42 by a rib 42a that connects the outer edge of the communication hole 42 to the inner edge of the communication hole 42. The communication hole 42 is divided into multiple parts by the rib 42a. For example, the end 111b of the column member 111 of the first filter core 1a is joined to the wall 41a of the coupling adapter 4, and the end 112b of the column member 112 of the second filter core 1b is joined to the wall 41a of the coupling adapter 4. The end 111a opposite to the end 111b of the column member 111 of the first filter core 1a is joined to the end plate 15, and the end 112a opposite to the end 112b of the column member 112 of the second filter core 1b is joined to the end plate 14. The central fluid hole 41 ensures communication between the flow path defined on the inner surface of the column member 111 of the first filter core 1a and the flow path defined on the inner surface of the column member 112 of the second filter core 1b. The communication hole 42 ensures communication between the flow path 17a defined between the outer circumference of the beam member 121 of the first filter core 1a and the outer surface of the column member 111 and the flow path 17b defined between the outer circumference of the beam member 122 of the second filter core 1b and the outer surface of the column member 112. The coupling adapter 4 achieves the effect of coupling the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b after separating the flow path defined on the inner surface of the column member 11 and the flow path defined on the outer surface of the column member 111 by the beam member 12 of the column member 111 as isolated flow paths by means of the central fluid hole 41 and the communication hole 42.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5C, the communication hole 42 can be configured to have an inclined surface 42b oriented in the same direction as the helical shape of the beam member 12. The inclined surface 42b reduces the resistance of the helical flow in the beam member 12, making the flow inside the communication hole 42 smoother. In particular, the inclination of the inclined surface 42b can be the same angle of inclination as the inclination of the helix of the helical beam member 12 near the communication hole 42, and it is preferable to form the inclined surface 42b so that it becomes part of the helix of the helical beam member 12 near the communication hole 42. This further reduces the fluid resistance of the fluid flowing through the channels formed by the helical beam members 12 of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b.

[0049] As a result, the flow channels formed on the outer surfaces of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are connected by the communication hole 42, and the flow channels formed on the inner surfaces of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are connected via the central fluid hole 41. By configuring the central fluid hole 41 and the communication hole 42 not to communicate with each other, the flow channels formed on the outer surfaces of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are connected by the communication hole 42, and the flow channels remain isolated from the interior of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b until they reach the end where the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are assembled. At the end where the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b are assembled, a flow channel can be formed that flows into the interior of the first filter core 1a and the second filter core 1b.

[0050] Furthermore, with the end 111a opposite to the end 111b of the column member 111 of the first filter core 1a joined to the end plate 15, and the end 112a opposite to the end 112b of the column member 112 of the second filter core 1b joined to the end plate 14, a notch 16a can be placed at the end 111a of the column member 111 of the first filter core 1a where it joins to the end plate 15. The effect of the notch 16a is as described above.

[0051] As a result, even when multiple filter cartridges are combined, the flow in the circumferential direction can be promoted in the filter core of each filter cartridge, even when they are combined, and the flow in the direction of the central axis CL of the filter media 13 and in the circumferential direction can also be promoted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 filter core 2 filter cartridges 4 coupling adapters 11 Column members 12 Beam members 13 Filter Media 100 filter containers 101 Filter Cartridge 102 Filter Media 103 filter cores

Claims

1. A filter core is disposed in the hollow portion of a filter medium so as to support the hollow portion of a filter medium that is formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface, wherein the filter core is One or more columnar members extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter media, A filter core comprising a beam member that supports each of the column members between the filter media and the column member, with at least a portion of the beam member being ring-shaped.

2. A filter core according to claim 1, The aforementioned beam member consists of multiple beam members, each of which is ring-shaped. A filter core in which each of the plurality of beam members is arranged in a line along the direction in which the column member extends, and each of the plurality of beam members is fixed to the column member.

3. A filter core according to claim 2, The ring shape of the beam member is a filter core having an inclination with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the filter media.

4. A filter core according to claim 1, The beam member is one or more spiral beam members along the direction in which the column member extends. The aforementioned spiral beam member is a filter core in which the spiral beam member is fixed to the column member.

5. A filter core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The column members are a filter core composed of a plurality of column members extending radially from the central axis of the filter media.

6. A filter core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The column member is a filter core having a curved shape in at least part of it.

7. A filter core according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The cross-sectional shape of the column member is such that the inner width of the column member is smaller than the outer width of the column member.

8. A filter core according to claim 6, The column member having a curved shape in at least a portion thereof is a filter core that is cylindrical in shape with an annular cross-section.

9. A filter core according to claim 8, A filter core having a notch at at least one end of the cylindrical column member.

10. A filter media formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface, A filter cartridge comprising: a filter core disposed in the hollow portion of the filter media so as to support the hollow portion of the filter media, The aforementioned filter core is One or more columnar members extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter media, A filter cartridge comprising a beam member that is at least partially ring-shaped and connects each of the column members between the filter media and the column members.

11. A filter cartridge according to claim 10, The aforementioned beam member consists of multiple beam members, each of which is ring-shaped. A filter cartridge in which each of the plurality of beam members is arranged in a line along the direction in which the column member extends, and the inner surface of each of the plurality of beam members is fixed to the column member.

12. A filter cartridge according to claim 11, The ring shape of the beam member is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the filter media, forming a filter cartridge.

13. A filter cartridge according to claim 10, The beam member is one or more spiral beam members along the direction in which the column member extends. The spiral beam member is a filter cartridge to which the spiral beam member is fixed to the column member.

14. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 12, The column members are a filter cartridge composed of a plurality of column members extending radially from the central axis of the filter media.

15. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 12, The column member is a filter cartridge having a curved shape in at least part of it.

16. A filter cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 13, The cross-sectional shape of the column member is such that the inner width of the column member is smaller than the outer width of the column member.

17. A filter cartridge according to claim 15, The column member having a curved shape in at least a portion thereof is a filter cartridge with a cylindrical shape and an annular cross-section.

18. A filter cartridge according to claim 17, A filter cartridge having a notch at at least one end of the cylindrical column member.

19. A filter cartridge comprising a first filter cartridge, a second filter cartridge, and a coupling adapter, The first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge are, respectively, A filter media formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis and a hollow portion on its inner surface, A filter cartridge comprising: a filter core disposed in the hollow portion of the filter media so as to support the hollow portion of the filter media, The aforementioned filter core is A cylindrical columnar member extending in the longitudinal direction of the filter media, The cylindrical column member comprises a spiral beam member attached to the outer circumference of the cylindrical column member, The coupling adapter is provided with a central fluid hole defined by a wall that allows the column member of the first filter cartridge to be joined from one side and the column member of the second filter cartridge to be joined from the other side. The coupling adapter is a filter cartridge having a communication hole around the central fluid hole that communicates with the flow path formed by the helical beam members of the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge when the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge are coupled to the coupling adapter.

20. A filter cartridge according to claim 19, The communication hole is provided in a filter cartridge having an inclined surface that is oriented in the same direction as the helical shape of at least one of the beam members of the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge.

21. A filter cartridge according to claim 20, A filter cartridge in which the angle of inclination of the inclined surface is the same as the angle of inclination of the helical shape of the beam member.

Images