Filter cartridge and filter device

Abstract

There is a demand for a filter cartridge that allows a fluid to spread easily to an end portion of a filter element. The problem is solved by a filter cartridge comprising: a filter material in the shape of a cylinder having a hollow part; a core having an elongated shape to be inserted into the hollow part of the filter material so as to support the hollow part of the filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the inside and the outside of the core, the plurality of holes allowing communication between the inside and the outside of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material, and sealing the one end of the core; and a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material, and having an opening in communication with the hollow part of the core.

Description

Filter cartridge and filter device

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter cartridge and a filter device that supports a filter material.

[0002] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, a filter cartridge 1 is known which is disposed in a state in which it is housed within a filter container 5 which is a filter device. A filter element 15 which is a filter material is housed within the filter cartridge 1 which is a filter support body, and is fixed and supported by the filter cartridge 1 in a removable or non-removable form.

[0003] The filter container 5 has a first fluid port 51 and a second fluid port 52. The first fluid port 51 communicates with the outer surface side of the filter element 15, and the second fluid port 52 communicates with the inner surface side of the filter element 15.

[0004] For example, typically, the first fluid port 51 can be a fluid inlet, and the second fluid port 52 can be a fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid to be filtered is introduced into the filter container 5 from the first fluid port 51, passes upstream along the outer surface of the filter element 15 disposed in the filter cartridge 1, and is discharged from the second fluid port 52 to the outside of the filter container 5 with the inner surface of the filter element 15 as the downstream side. Conversely, the second fluid port 52 can be used as a fluid inlet, and the first fluid port 51 can be used as a fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid to be filtered is introduced into the filter container 5 from the second fluid port 52, passes upstream along the inner surface of the filter element 15 disposed in the filter cartridge 1, and is discharged from the first fluid port 51 to the outside of the filter container 5 with the outer surface of the filter element 15 as the downstream side. Hereinafter, in the present specification, from the background of the invention to the detailed description, the former example in which the first fluid port 51 is a fluid inlet and the second fluid port 52 is a fluid outlet will be described. However, in the latter case, the flow direction is the same except that it is reversed.

[0005] The filter element 15 is typically cylindrical and hollow. A hollow, cylindrical core 14 is disposed in the hollow portion of the filter element 15. A cylindrical cover 11 is disposed on the outside of the filter element 15, and the filter element 15 is supported by being sandwiched between the cover 11 and the core 14. A first end plate 12 and a second end plate 13 are disposed at both ends of the filter element 15, respectively. The first end plate 12 and the second end plate 13 are fixed to the filter element 15, the cover 11, and the core 14 by welding or the like.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-99775

[0007] As disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,629,999, the integrity test requires that the filter element be thoroughly wetted with liquid in order for filtration to be performed properly.

[0008] For example, among the integrity tests for filter elements 15, such as membrane filters, the diffusion test is a test in which the upstream side of the filter element 15 is pressurized to a predetermined test pressure using gas, and the diffusion flow rate of the gas is measured downstream of the filter element 15.

[0009] A prerequisite for the diffusion test is that the entire filter element 15 be completely wetted, down to every corner. However, the decrease in wettability of the filter element 15 is concentrated at the dead-end point D at the end of the filter element 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , in the flow FL in the filter cartridge 1, a fluid flows into the filter element 15 from the outer periphery and then flows out from the inner circumferential surface of the filter into the core 14, which serves as the central flow path. Because the flow FLu at the upper vertical position of the filter element 15 flows over a longer distance, the force of the flow FLb at the lower vertical position of the filter element 15 is weaker than that of the flow FLb at the lower vertical position of the filter element 15. As a result, a uniform flow cannot be achieved throughout the entire filter element 15, and the fluid does not easily spread to the end 15a of the filter element 15. Therefore, the decrease in wettability of the filter material is concentrated at the dead-end point D at the end of the filter element 15 near the end 15a, making it difficult to ensure complete wettability.

[0010] Since the diffusion test is positioned as a confirmation test for filter manufacturing, the filter cartridge generally does not have a structure that ensures complete wettability up to the dead end point D at the end of the filter element 15, for the purpose of the diffusion test alone.

[0011] Not only when a membrane film is used as the filter element 15, but generally, a structure as a support for the filter element 15 that allows fluid to easily spread up to the dead end portion D at the end of the filter element 15 is advantageous not only for the diffusion test but also for the filter element 15 in general. A structure that allows fluid to easily spread up to the end of the filter element 15 is required.

[0012] The above problems are solved by a filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion; an elongated core with a hollow portion that is inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes that communicate between the front and back of the core; a first end plate that is joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and seals the one end of the core; and a second end plate that is joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and has an opening that communicates with the hollow portion of the core, wherein the one end of the core has a notch, and the joining of the one end of the core to the first end plate is between the end face of the core excluding the notch and the first end plate, so that the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidly connected also via the notch.

[0013] a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing the one end of the core; a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening; and a cylindrical flow path having a hollow flow path therein and disposed within the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate and the other end joined to the second end plate, wherein a space defined between the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the one end side of the cylindrical flow path and is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the other end side of the cylindrical flow path.

[0014] a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core having a hollow portion that is inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes that communicate between the front and back of the core; a first end plate that is joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and seals the one end of the core; a second end plate that is joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and has an opening; and a cylindrical flow path that has a hollow flow path therein and is disposed in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate so as to be sealed and the other end leading to the front through the opening in the second end plate. and a cylindrical flow path that is joined to the second end plate so as to form a flow path from the cylindrical flow path to the hollow flow path, wherein the one end of the core has a notch, and the joining of the one end of the core to the first end plate is by joining an end face of the core excluding the notch to the first end plate, so that the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidly connected also via the notch, and the space defined between the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the one end side of the cylindrical flow path, and is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the other end side of the cylindrical flow path.

[0015] The problem is solved by a filter device having a filter cartridge therein, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion; and an elongated core having a hollow portion that is inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the core that communicate between the front and back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing the one end of the core; and a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening that communicates with the hollow portion of the core, the one end of the core having a notch, and the joining of the one end of the core to the first end plate being between the end face of the core excluding the notch and the first end plate, so that the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are also in fluid communication via the notch.

[0016] A filter device having a filter cartridge therein, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes communicating between the front and back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing the one end of the core; and a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening. and a cylindrical flow path having a hollow flow path therein and disposed in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate and the other end joined to the second end plate, wherein a space defined between the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the side of the one end of the cylindrical flow path and is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the side of the other end of the cylindrical flow path.

[0017] A filter device having a filter cartridge therein, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core having a hollow portion that is inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes that communicate between the front and back of the core; a first end plate that is joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and seals the one end of the core; a second end plate that is joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and has an opening; and a cylindrical flow path that has a hollow flow path therein and is arranged in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the first end plate being joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material so as to seal one end of the core. and a cylindrical flow path whose other end is joined to a plate and whose other end is joined to the second end plate so that a flow path to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path is formed through the opening in the second end plate, wherein the one end of the core has a notch, and the joining between the one end of the core and the first end plate is by joining the end face of the core excluding the notch to the first end plate, so that the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidically connected also via the notch, and the space defined between the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidically connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the one end side of the cylindrical flow path and is not fluidically connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the other end side of the cylindrical flow path.

[0018] The present invention makes it possible to realize a filter cartridge in which fluid easily spreads to the ends of the filter element.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a filter cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention and a filter device including the same. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the core of the filter cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where a notch is provided. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one end of the filter cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where a notch is provided in the core. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the other end of the filter cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the core and cover of the filter cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an end of a filter cartridge according to another embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from the axial direction of the filter cartridge, where notches are provided in the core and cover. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one end portion of a cylindrical flow path of the filter cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one end portion of a cylindrical flow path of the filter cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the other end portion of the cylindrical flow path of the filter cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a filter cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of one end portion of a cylindrical flow path of the filter cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Embodiment 1] A filter cartridge 1 and a filter container (filter device) 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A to Fig. 2D. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a filter cartridge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a filter container 5 including the same. Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge 1. Fig. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the filter cartridge 1. Fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the end of the filter cartridge 1, showing one end 15a of the filter cartridge 1. Fig. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the end of the filter cartridge 1, showing the other end 15b opposite to the one end 15a of the filter cartridge 1 shown in Fig. 2C. Fig. 2C is an enlarged view of the upper side of Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2D is an enlarged view of the lower side of Fig. 2A.

[0021] As already explained in the Background of the Invention section, as shown in Fig. 1 , the filter cartridge 1 of the present invention is disposed within a filter container 5, which serves as a filter device. The filter container 5 has a first fluid port 51 and a second fluid port 52. The filter cartridge 1 has a filter element 15, which serves as a filter material, disposed therein. The filter element 15 is housed within the filter cartridge 1, which serves as a filter support, and is fixed to and supported by the filter cartridge 1 in a removable or non-removable form. The filter container 5 has a first fluid port 51 that communicates with the outer surface of the filter element 15, and a second fluid port 52 that communicates with the inner surface of the filter element 15.

[0022] Typically, the first fluid port 51 can be a fluid inlet, and the second fluid port 52 can be a fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid to be filtered is introduced into the filter container 5 through the first fluid port 51 and passes through the filter element 15, which is a filter material arranged in the filter cartridge 1. The fluid then forms a flow in which the fluid is discharged to the outside of the filter container 5 through the second fluid port 52. Conversely, the second fluid port 52 can be used as a fluid inlet, and the first fluid port 51 can be used as a fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid to be filtered is introduced into the filter container 5 through the second fluid port 52, passes upstream along the inner surface of the filter element 15 arranged in the filter cartridge 1, and forms a flow in which the fluid is discharged to the outside of the filter container 5 through the first fluid port 51 through the outer surface of the filter element 15 arranged in the filter cartridge 1. Generally, the former is used for liquid fluids, and the latter is used for gaseous fluids. In the following description, from the background of the invention to the detailed description of the embodiment, the first fluid port 51 is a fluid inlet and the second fluid port 52 is a fluid outlet, but the latter is similar in that the flow direction is reversed.

[0023] The filter cartridge 1 typically essentially comprises a filter element 15, which is a filter material, a core 14, a first end plate 12, and a second end plate 13. As will be described later, the core 14 is arranged to be inserted into the inner surface of the hollow portion inside the filter element 15, and is a member that supports the filter element 15 on the inner surface side of the filter element 15.

[0024] In addition to the above, the filter cartridge 1 can be configured to further include a cover 11. As will be described later, the cover 11 is a member that is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the filter element 15 and supports the filter element 15 on the outer surface side of the filter element 15. The following description will be given using an example in which both the cover 11 and the core 14 are disposed, but if only the core 14 is disposed, the following description will be understood to refer to a configuration in which the cover 11 is omitted.

[0025] The filter element 15, which is a filter material, is formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion. The filter element 15 is, for example, a membrane film. That is, the filter element 15 can be a membrane filter formed into a cylindrical shape by folding a membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

[0026] The filter element 15 may also be made of a nonwoven fabric, particularly a nanofiber nonwoven fabric, and may be a depth filter made of a nonwoven fabric.

[0027] The core 14 is an elongated core extending along the longitudinal axis and having a hollow portion. The elongated shape of the core 14 is typically a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section or a polygonal prism shape with a polygonal cross section. The core 14 is inserted into the hollow portion of the filter element 15 so as to support the hollow portion of the filter element 15, with the inner surface of the hollow portion of the filter element contacting the core 14.

[0028] The wall member that forms the cylindrical shape of the core 14 has a plurality of holes 14 a that allow fluid communication between the front and back of the core 14 .

[0029] The first end plate 12 is joined to one end 14b of the core 14 and one end 15a of the filter element 15. For example, the first end plate 12 seals the one end 14b of the core 14 so that the joining between the one end 14b of the core 14 and the first end plate 12 is achieved by joining the end face of the one end 14b of the core 14, excluding the notch 16a of the core 14, to the first end plate 12.

[0030] The second end plate 13 is joined to the other end 14c of the core 14, which is opposite to the one end 14b of the core 14, and to the other end 15b of the filter element 15. For example, the second end plate 13 has an opening 13a, and the inner wall surface of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13 is joined to the outer surface of the other end 14c of the core 14, with the other end 14c of the core 14 passing through the opening 13a. In another embodiment, the other end 14c of the core 14 is butt-joined to the periphery of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13 (not shown). As a result, the filter element is only in communication with the hollow portion of the core 14 via the opening 13a of the second end plate 13, and the inner surface of the hollow portion of the filter element is not in direct communication with the outer surface of the second end plate 13 but is only in communication with the hollow portion of the core 14.

[0031] When the filter cartridge 1 is equipped with a cover 11, the cover 11 is positioned on the outer surface side of the filter element 15, and the filter element 15 is inserted between the core 14 and the cover 11 so that the filter element 15 is sandwiched between the core 14 on the inner surface side of the filter element 15 and the cover 11, and the filter element 15 is supported by the cover 11 and the core 14.

[0032] The filter cartridge 1 of the first embodiment is characterized in that one end 14b of the core 14 is provided with a notch 16a. The notch 16a is recessed from the one end 14b of the core 14 in the axial direction of the core 14. A plurality of notches 16a are formed so as to repeatedly appear in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the core 14 at the one end 14b of the core 14. In other words, the notches 16a form a concave end at the one end 14b of the core 14, and the portion other than the notches 16a forms a convex end along the circumference of the one end 14b of the core 14. As a result, the one end 14b of the core 14 is formed so that concaves and convexes alternate in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the core 14 along the axial direction.

[0033] 2B , the joint between one end 14b of the core 14 and the first end plate 12 is between the convex end face of the core 14, excluding the notch 16a, and the surface of the first end plate 12. The outer surface of the filter element 15 and the hollow portion of the core 14 are fluidly connected via the notch 16a. That is, fluid flowing in from the outer surface side of the filter element 15 passes through the filter element 15 to reach the inner surface of the filter element 15, and then flows into the core 14 through the hole 14a in the core 14. In addition, the notch 16a also provides fluid communication between the outer surface of the filter element 15 and the hollow portion of the core 14, allowing the fluid to flow into the core 14 while coming into contact with the surface of the first end plate 12 at the location of the notch 16a.

[0034] Because one end 14b of core 14 is sealed by first end plate 12, the fluid that has flowed into core 14 flows within core 14 toward opening 13a of second end plate 13 and reaches the fluid port at the end of core 14 on the opening 13a side. The fluid that has reached the fluid port at the end of core 14 on the opening 13a side is discharged from second fluid port 52 via the fluid port at the end of core 14.

[0035] The effect of the notch 16a is as follows: The dead end D at one end 15a of the filter element 15 was a place where air could not flow out and fluid could not flow in, making it difficult for fluid to spread. Therefore, the dead end D of the filter element 15 was a place where wettability was poor.

[0036] In the present invention, even at the dead-end location D at one end 15a of the filter element 15, a fluid flow occurs from the inner surface of the filter element 15 to the core 14 via the cutout 16a, which makes it easier for the fluid to spread over the entire circumferential area of ​​one end 15a of the filter element 15. As a result, air that had been stagnant at one end 15a of the filter element 15 before the fluid flow began flows out, increasing the inflow of fluid and improving wettability, resulting in the effect of achieving uniform wetting in the circumferential direction.

[0037] In this embodiment, this is achieved by adding the notch 16a only to one end 14b of the core 14. However, in addition, a notch 16b can also be provided at one end 11b of the cover 11. This will be explained with reference to Figures 2E and 2F. Figure 2E is a perspective view of the end side of the filter cartridge 1 when the notch 16a is provided at one end 14b of the core 14 and the notch 16b is provided at one end 11b of the cover 11. Figure 2F is a cross-sectional view of the end of the filter cartridge 1 as viewed from the axial direction of the filter cartridge 1 when the core 14 and cover 11 of the filter cartridge 1 are provided with notches.

[0038] That is, at one end 11b of the cover 11, the notch 16b forms a recessed end, and the portion of the one end 11b of the cover 11 other than the notch 16b forms a protruding end along the circumference of the one end 11b of the cover 11. The notch 16b is recessed in the axial direction of the cover 11 from the one end 11b of the cover 11. A plurality of notches 16b are formed so as to repeatedly appear in the circumferential direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the one end 11b of the cover 11. That is, at one end 11b of the cover 11, the notch 16b forms a recessed end, and the portion other than the notch 16b forms a protruding end along the circumference of the one end 11b of the cover 11. As a result, the one end 11b of the cover 11 is formed so that concave and convex portions are alternately repeated in the axial direction on the wall surface of the cover 11. As shown in FIG. 2E, the joint between one end 11 b of the cover 11 and the first end plate 12 is the joint between the convex end face of the cover 11 excluding the notch 16 b and the surface of the first end plate 12 .

[0039] When the notch 16a is disposed at one end 14b of the core 14 and the notch 16b is disposed at one end 11b of the cover 11, it is preferable that the notch 16 and the notch 16b serving as the recessed end do not overlap at a position spaced apart by an arbitrary central angle α from the reference position R around the center of the cover 11 and the core 14. When the notch 16 and the notch 16b overlap at a position spaced apart by an arbitrary central angle α from the reference position R, the radial fluid flow of the filter element 15 becomes stronger, and the force of the fluid spreading in the circumferential direction of the filter element 15 within the filter cartridge 1 decreases.

[0040] Similarly, it is preferable that the end 11b, which is the convex end face of the cover 11, and the end 14b, which is the convex end face of the core 14, are arranged so as not to overlap at a position spaced apart by an arbitrary central angle α from the reference position R around the center of the cover 11 and the core 14. If the end 11b, which is the convex end face of the cover 11, and the end 14b, which is the convex end face of the core 14, are arranged to overlap at a position spaced apart by an arbitrary central angle α from the reference position R, no flow to the filter element 15 will occur, and the force of the flow that spreads the fluid circumferentially around the filter element 15 within the filter cartridge 1 will be reduced.

[0041] By arranging the notches 16 and 16b, which are concave ends, so that they do not overlap, and by arranging the end 11b, which is the convex end face of the cover 11, so that the end 14b, which is the convex end face of the core 14, so that they do not overlap, at any position of any central angle α from any reference position R, it is possible to form a flow of fluid that spreads in the circumferential direction of the filter element 15 inside the filter cartridge 1.

[0042] 1 and 3A to 3D, a filter cartridge 1 and a filter container (filter device) 5 according to a second embodiment will be described. The filter cartridge 1 and the filter container 5 including the same according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are the same in the second embodiment. While the first embodiment includes notches 16a and 16b, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a cylindrical flow path 17 is provided in place of the notches 16a and 16b. Below, a description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0043] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the filter cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3B is an exploded perspective view of one end portion of the cylindrical flow path 17 of the filter cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of one end portion of the cylindrical flow path 17 of the filter cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the other end portion of the cylindrical flow path 17 of the filter cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the second end plate 13 is joined to the other end 14c of the core 14 and the other end 15b of the filter element 15. In this embodiment, the second end plate 13 is provided with a cylindrical flow path 17 that is disposed in the hollow portion of the core 14 along the axial direction of the core 14. The cylindrical flow path 17 has a hollow flow path formed inside the wall surface of the cylinder.

[0045] The second end plate 13 has an opening 13a, and at the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17, the hollow portion of the cylindrical flow path 17 is fluidly connected to the outside of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13. That is, a flow path to the cylindrical flow path 17 is formed through the opening 13a of the second end plate 13. For example, typically, the cylindrical flow path 17 is inserted into the opening 13a of the second end plate 13, and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is hermetically joined to the inner surface of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13. Alternatively, the end of the cylindrical flow path 17 may be butted against the periphery of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13 and joined (not shown). Because the opening 13a of the second end plate 13 is hermetically joined to the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 located inside the core 14, the space between the core 14 and the cylindrical flow path 17 on the side of the other end 14c of the core 14 and the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17 is sealed by the second end plate 13. When the filter cartridge 1 is attached to the filter container 5 , the second fluid port 52 is in fluid communication with the cylindrical flow passage 17 via the opening 13 a of the second end plate 13 .

[0046] One end 17a of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the first end plate 12 side has an opening 17b, and at the end 17a on the first end plate 12 side, the space defined between the inner surface of the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path 17 via the opening 17b. On the other hand, at the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the second end plate 13 side, the space defined between the inner surface of the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path 17 via the opening 17b.

[0047] On the other hand, the space defined between the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is sealed by a sealing portion at the other end 14c of the core 14 on the side of the second end plate 13, and the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the side of the second end plate 13 is not in fluid communication with the core 14. As a result, the fluid that flows in from the outer surface side of the filter element 15 passes through the filter element 15 and reaches the inner surface of the filter element 15, and from there flows through the holes 14a in the core 14 into the space defined between the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17.

[0048] The fluid that has flowed into the space defined between the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 flows toward the first end plate 12 because the second end plate 13 side is sealed. Upon reaching the first end plate 12 side, the fluid flows into the interior of the cylindrical flow path 17 through the opening 17b of the cylindrical flow path 17, and is discharged from the second fluid port 52 through the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the opening 13a side of the second end plate 13.

[0049] 1 and 5 , on the side closer to the first fluid port 51 and the second fluid port 52, the fluid flow FLb that flows in from the first fluid port 51 tends to be immediately discharged from the second fluid port 52 without reaching the top of the filter element 15. Therefore, on the side farther from the first fluid port 51 and the second fluid port 52, the fluid flow FLu that flows in from the first fluid port 51 has little momentum and, in addition, falls vigorously within the cylindrical flow path 17 due to gravity and is discharged from the opening 13 a.

[0050] Furthermore, the inflow of fluid to the dead end portion D at one end 15a of the filter element 15 was small, resulting in poor wettability. However, the cylindrical flow path 17 blocks the flow of fluid that flows in from the first fluid port 51 on the side closer to the first fluid port 51 and the second fluid port 52 and is immediately discharged from the second fluid port 52. This promotes the flow of fluid through the space defined between the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 to the top of the filter element 15, increasing the inflow of fluid to the dead end portion D and improving wettability.

[0051] [Embodiment 3] Although the first and second embodiments described so far can be applied independently, they can also be applied in combination. Embodiment 3 is a combination of the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the third embodiment, a cylindrical flow path 17 is provided in addition to the notch 16a. Furthermore, a notch 16b can also be provided (not shown). By combining the first and second embodiments, a synergistic effect of the first and second embodiments can be achieved. Here, as described below, only the main parts of the third embodiment will be described, and the other parts are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and therefore will not be described again.

[0052] The filter cartridge 1 of embodiment 3 also has a notch 16a at one end 14b of the core 14. The notch 16a is recessed from the one end 14b of the core 14 in the axial direction of the core 14. A plurality of notches 16a are formed so as to repeatedly appear in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the core 14 at the one end 14b of the core 14. In other words, the notches 16a form a concave end at the one end 14b of the core 14, and the portion other than the notches 16a forms a convex end along the circumference of the one end 14b of the core 14. As a result, the one end 14b of the core 14 is formed so that concaves and convexes alternate in the circumferential direction of the wall surface of the core 14 along the axial direction.

[0053] 4B , the joint between one end 14b of the core 14 and the first end plate 12 is between the convex end face of the core 14, excluding the notch 16a, and the surface of the first end plate 12. The outer surface of the filter element 15 and the hollow portion of the core 14 are fluidly connected via the notch 16a. That is, fluid flowing in from the outer surface side of the filter element 15 passes through the filter element 15 to reach the inner surface of the filter element 15, and from there flows through the hole 14a in the core 14 and into the core 14. In addition, the notch 16a also provides fluid communication between the outer surface of the filter element 15 and the hollow portion of the core 14, allowing the fluid to flow into the core 14 while coming into contact with the surface of the first end plate 12 at the location of the notch 16a.

[0054] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a cylindrical flow path 17 is provided that is arranged in the hollow portion of the core 14 along the axial direction of the core 14. The cylindrical flow path 17 has a hollow flow path formed inside the wall surface of the cylinder.

[0055] The second end plate 13 has an opening 13a, and at the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17, the hollow portion of the cylindrical flow path 17 is fluidly connected to the outside of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13. That is, a flow path to the cylindrical flow path 17 is formed through the opening 13a of the second end plate 13. For example, typically, the cylindrical flow path 17 is inserted into the opening 13a of the second end plate 13, and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is hermetically joined to the inner surface of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13. Alternatively, the end of the cylindrical flow path 17 may be butted against the periphery of the opening 13a of the second end plate 13 and joined (not shown). Because the opening 13a of the second end plate 13 is hermetically joined to the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 located inside the core 14, the space between the core 14 and the cylindrical flow path 17 on the side of the other end 14c of the core 14 and the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17 is sealed by the second end plate 13. When the filter cartridge 1 is attached to the filter container 5 , the second fluid port 52 is in fluid communication with the cylindrical flow passage 17 via the opening 13 a of the second end plate 13 .

[0056] One end 17a of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the first end plate 12 side has an opening 17b, and at the end 17a on the first end plate 12 side, the space defined between the inner surface of the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path 17 via the opening 17b. On the other hand, at the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the second end plate 13 side, the space defined between the inner surface of the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path 17 via the opening 17b.

[0057] On the other hand, the space defined between the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17 is sealed by a sealing portion at the other end 14c of the core 14 on the side of the second end plate 13, and the other end 17c of the cylindrical flow path 17 on the side of the second end plate 13 is not in fluid communication with the core 14. As a result, the fluid that flows in from the outer surface side of the filter element 15 passes through the filter element 15 and reaches the inner surface of the filter element 15, and from there flows through the holes 14a in the core 14 into the space defined between the core 14 and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path 17.

[0058] Since the third embodiment is a combination of the first and second embodiments, the functions and effects of the first and second embodiments described above are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-195609, filed on November 17, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 filter cartridge 5 filter container (filter device) 11 cover 11a cover hole 12 first end plate 13 second end plate 13a opening in (second end plate) 14 core 14a core hole 14b one end (of core) 14c other end (of core) 15 filter material (filter element) 16 notch 17 cylindrical flow path 17a one end (of cylindrical flow path) 17b communication hole (of cylindrical flow path) 17c other end (of cylindrical flow path) 51 first fluid port 52 second fluid port

Claims

1. A filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core having a hollow portion to be inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between a front and a back of the core that communicate between the front and back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing the one end of the core; and a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening that communicates with the hollow portion of the core, wherein the one end of the core has a notch, and the joint between the one end of the core and the first end plate is a joint between an end face of the core excluding the notch and the first end plate, so that the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidly connected also via the notch.

2. A filter cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the filter material is a membrane film, and the cylindrical shape is formed by overlapping and folding the membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

3. A filter cartridge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising: an elongated cover having a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, supporting the outer surface of the cylinder of filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the cover that communicate with each other.

4. A filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in the shape of a cylinder having a hollow portion; an elongated core inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between a front and a back of the core communicating between the front and a back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing one end of the core; a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening; and a cylindrical flow path having a hollow flow path therein and disposed in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate and the other end joined to the second end plate, wherein a space defined between an inner surface of the core and an outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the one end side of the cylindrical flow path and is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the other end side of the cylindrical flow path.

5. A filter cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the filter material is a membrane film, and the cylindrical shape is formed by overlapping and folding the membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

6. A filter cartridge as claimed in claim 4, wherein the space defined between the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is not in fluid communication with the hollow flow passage of the cylindrical flow passage at any point other than the side of the one end of the cylindrical flow passage on the side of the first end plate.

7. A filter cartridge as claimed in claim 4, comprising: an elongated cover having a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, supporting the outer surface of the cylinder of filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the cover that communicate with each other.

8. A filter cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the cylindrical flow passage is inserted into the opening of the second end plate, and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is hermetically joined to the inner surface of the opening of the second end plate.

9. A filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core having a hollow portion to be inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between a front and a back of the core that communicate between the front and back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing one end of the core; a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening; and a cylindrical flow path having a hollow flow path therein and disposed in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate so as to be sealed and the other end joined to the second end plate so as to form a flow path to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path via the opening of the second end plate, a filter cartridge in which the one end of the core has a notch, and the one end of the core is joined to a first end plate by joining an end face of the core excluding the notch to the first end plate, and the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidically connected also via the notch, and a space defined between an inner surface of the core and an outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidically connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the one end side of the cylindrical flow path, but is not fluidically connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the other end side of the cylindrical flow path.

10. A filter cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the filter material is a membrane film, and the cylindrical shape is formed by overlapping and folding the membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

11. A filter cartridge as claimed in claim 9, wherein the space defined between the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is not in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the cylindrical flow passage at any point other than the side of the one end of the cylindrical flow passage on the side of the first end plate.

12. A filter cartridge as claimed in claim 9, comprising: an elongated cover having a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, supporting the outer surface of the cylinder of filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the cover that communicate with each other.

13. A filter cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the cylindrical flow passage is inserted into the opening of the second end plate, and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is hermetically joined to the inner surface of the opening of the second end plate.

14. A filter device having a filter cartridge therein, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core having a hollow portion to be inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between a front and a back of the core connecting the front and back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing the one end of the core; and a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening connecting with the hollow portion of the core, the one end of the core having a notch, and the joining of the one end of the core to the first end plate is a joining of an end face of the core excluding the notch to the first end plate, so that the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidly connected also via the notch.

15. A filter device according to claim 14, wherein the filter material is a membrane film, and the cylindrical shape is formed by overlapping and folding the membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

16. A filter device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, comprising: an elongated cover having a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, supporting the outer surface of the cylinder of the filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the cover that communicate between the front and back of the cover.

17. A filter device having a filter cartridge therein, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between a front and a back of the core communicating between the front and a back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing the one end of the core; a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening; and a cylindrical flow path having a hollow flow path therein and disposed in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate and the other end joined to the second end plate, A filter device in which a space defined between an inner surface of the core and an outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is fluidly connected to the hollow flow passage of the cylindrical flow passage on the side of the one end of the cylindrical flow passage, and is not fluidly connected to the hollow flow passage of the cylindrical flow passage on the side of the other end of the cylindrical flow passage.

18. A filter device according to claim 17, wherein the filter material is a membrane film, and the cylindrical shape is formed by overlapping and folding the membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

19. A filter device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the space defined between the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is not in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the cylindrical flow passage at any point other than the side of the one end of the cylindrical flow passage on the side of the first end plate.

20. A filter device as claimed in claim 17, comprising: an elongated cover having a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, supporting the outer surface of the cylinder of the filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the cover that communicate between the front and back of the cover.

21. A filter device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the cylindrical flow path is inserted into the opening of the second end plate, and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is hermetically joined to the inner surface of the opening of the second end plate.

22. A filter device having a filter cartridge therein, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter material formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion; an elongated core having a hollow portion to be inserted into the hollow portion of the filter material so as to support the hollow portion of the filter material, the core having a plurality of holes between a front and a back of the core that communicate between the front and the back of the core; a first end plate joined to one end of the core and one end of the filter material and sealing one end of the core; a second end plate joined to the other end of the core and the other end of the filter material and having an opening; and a cylindrical flow path having a hollow flow path therein and disposed in the hollow portion of the core along the axial direction of the core, the cylindrical flow path having one end joined to the first end plate so as to be sealed and the other end joined to the second end plate so as to form a flow path to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path via the opening of the second end plate, a filter device in which the one end of the core has a notch, and the joining of the one end of the core to a first end plate is a joining of an end face of the core excluding the notch to the first end plate, and the one end of the filter material and the hollow portion of the core are fluidically connected also through the notch, and a space defined between the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow path is fluidically connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the one end side of the cylindrical flow path, and is not fluidically connected to the hollow flow path of the cylindrical flow path on the other end side of the cylindrical flow path.

23. A filter device according to claim 22, wherein the filter material is a membrane film, and the cylindrical shape is formed by overlapping and folding the membrane film in the circumferential direction of the cylinder.

24. A filter device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the space defined between the core and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is not in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the cylindrical flow passage at any point other than the side of the one end of the cylindrical flow passage on the side of the first end plate.

25. A filter device as claimed in claim 22, comprising: an elongated cover having a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion, supporting the outer surface of the cylinder of the filter material, and having a plurality of holes between the front and back of the cover that communicate between the front and back of the cover.

26. A filter device as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the cylindrical flow passage is inserted into the opening of the second end plate, and the outer surface of the cylindrical flow passage is hermetically joined to the inner surface of the opening of the second end plate.

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