Medical filter

Abstract

A medical filter (10A) comprises a plurality of inflow members (16A) that introduce a liquid (L) into an internal space (28) of a housing (12), a filter material (14) that is provided in the internal space (28), and an outflow member (18A) that discharges liquid (L) that has passed through the filter material (14) to the outside. The internal space (28) comprises a plurality of inflow regions (36) and a plurality of outflow regions (38). The plurality of inflow regions (36) are separated from the plurality of outflow regions (38) by respective pieces of the filter material (14).

Description

Medical Filter

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical filter.

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5329437 discloses a medical filter. The medical filter comprises a housing, one inflow member, two outflow members, and a filter medium. The one inflow member communicates with an inflow region inside the filter medium in an internal space of the housing. The two outflow members each communicate with an outflow region outside the filter medium in the internal space of the housing. Liquid (blood) flows into the inflow region via the inflow member. The liquid that has passed through the filter medium flows into the outflow region. The liquid that has flowed into the outflow region flows out of the housing via each of the two outflow members.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5329437

[0004] In the medical filter as described above, there is a demand for improving the liquid filtration rate. However, since the medical filter disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5329437 has only one inflow member, the supply amount of liquid into the housing cannot be increased, and accordingly, it is difficult to improve the filtration rate of liquid through the filter medium.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-described problem.

[0006] (1) An aspect of the present disclosure is a medical filter comprising: a housing formed of a sheet and having an internal space; an inlet member connected to the housing and introducing liquid into the internal space of the housing from outside the housing; a filter material disposed in the internal space; and an outlet member connected to the housing and leading the liquid that has passed through the filter material to the outside, wherein the filter material is fixed to either the inlet member or the outlet member, a plurality of inlet members are provided, and one or more outlet members are provided, and the internal space comprises a plurality of inlet regions into which the liquid is introduced from the plurality of inlet members, and a plurality of outlet regions provided on the opposite side of the plurality of inlet regions with the filter material in between, and leading the liquid that has passed through the filter material to the outside through the outlet member, wherein each of the plurality of inlet regions and each of the plurality of outlet regions are partitioned from each other by a plurality of the filter material.

[0007] This medical filter allows for improved filtration speed of the liquid by the filter material by directing the liquid into multiple inflow areas from multiple inflow components.

[0008] (2) In the medical filter described in (1) above, the housing may be provided with partitions that separate the plurality of inflow areas from each other.

[0009] This configuration allows for the separation of the inflow area into multiple sections within the housing with a simple design, effectively suppressing uneven filtration performance across these multiple inflow areas.

[0010] (3) In the medical filter described in (2) above, the plurality of outflow regions may be separated from each other by the partition wall.

[0011] This configuration allows for the effective separation of the inflow and outflow regions with a simple design.

[0012] (4) In the medical filter described in any one of (1) to (3) above, each of the plurality of inlet members is arranged in each of the plurality of inlet regions and has an inlet end that opens in the inlet region, and the outlet member has an outlet end that is connected to and opens in the outlet region, and the plurality of inlet ends may be arranged below the outlet ends.

[0013] This configuration allows the liquid to flow from the bottom of the inflow area to the top of the outflow area within the internal space, thus enabling efficient use of the filter material.

[0014] (5) In the medical filter described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the outflow member is located in the outflow region and has an outflow end that opens in the outflow region, each of the plurality of inflow members has an inflow end that is connected to and opens in each of the plurality of inflow regions, and the outflow end may be located above the inflow ends of the plurality of inflow members.

[0015] This configuration allows the liquid to flow from the bottom of the inflow area to the top of the outflow area within the internal space, thus enabling efficient use of the filter material.

[0016] (6) In the medical filter described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the multiple inflow members may overlap in the thickness direction of the sheet.

[0017] This configuration allows for miniaturization of medical filters in the width direction, which intersects the thickness direction.

[0018] (7) In the medical filter described in any one of (1) to (6) above, a plurality of outlet members are provided, the plurality of outlet members are connected to a plurality of outlet regions, and the plurality of outlet members may overlap in the thickness direction of the sheet.

[0019] This configuration allows for miniaturization of medical filters in the width direction, which intersects the thickness direction.

[0020] (8) In the medical filter described in (2) or (3) above, the partition wall may be formed in a corrugated cross-section that is uneven in the thickness direction of the sheet when viewed from the direction in which the inflow member extends.

[0021] (9) In the medical filter described in (2) or (3) above, the partition wall consists of a plurality of partition wall sheets arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the sheet, and a space in which fluid can be introduced may be provided between the plurality of partition wall sheets.

[0022] This configuration allows the fluid introduced into the space to push the partition sheet toward the outlet area, thereby facilitating the discharge of liquid into the outlet area.

[0023] (10) In the medical filter described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the sheet may be formed from a flexible sheet.

[0024] This configuration effectively minimizes damage to the medical filter when separating the liquid within the medical filter using a centrifuge.

[0025] According to this disclosure, the filtration rate of the liquid by the filter material can be improved by allowing the liquid to flow from multiple inflow members into multiple inflow areas.

[0026] Figure 1 is a front view of a medical filter according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modified medical filter. Figure 5A is a first explanatory diagram showing the connection between the discharge member of the medical filter shown in Figure 1 and the second medical bag. Figure 5B is a second explanatory diagram showing the connection between the discharge member of the medical filter shown in Figure 1 and the second medical bag. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a medical filter having a partition according to a modified example. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a medical filter according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a medical filter according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a medical filter according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the medical filter 10A according to the first embodiment is a filter for filtering liquid L (see Figure 2). The medical filter 10A is a filter for preventing the passage of a predetermined component in liquid L. The medical filter 10A is a filter for preventing the passage of a predetermined component in blood (for example, white blood cells).

[0028] The medical filter 10A comprises a housing 12, a filter medium 14, a plurality of inlet members 16A, and an outlet member 18A. Hereinafter, the direction in which the inlet members 16A extend (arrow Z direction) in the medical filter 10A shown in Figure 1 will be referred to as the vertical direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 12 is a rectangular bag-shaped body. The housing 12 has a sheet 20 and a partition wall 22A.

[0030] The sheet 20 is composed of a first sheet portion 201 and a second sheet portion 202. The first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 are each two separate flexible sheets S. The first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 are transparent sheets. The first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 are rectangular sheets of the same size and thickness (see Figure 1).

[0031] The constituent materials of the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 are synthetic resins. Specifically, the constituent materials of the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 include thermoplastic elastomers such as polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer or its hydrogenated counterpart, and mixtures of thermoplastic elastomers with softeners such as polyolefins and ethylene-ethyl acrylate.

[0032] The housing 12 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 and fusing the outer edge 241 of the first sheet portion 201 and the outer edge 242 of the second sheet portion 202. The fusion of the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 may be external heat fusion by heat sealing. Alternatively, the fusion of the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 may be internal fusion by a high-frequency welder, ultrasonic welder, etc. In the following description, "fusion" includes the above-mentioned external heat fusion or internal fusion.

[0033] The fused outer edges 241 of the first sheet portion 201 and 242 of the second sheet portion 202 form the peripheral edge 26 of the housing 12. The fusion of the outer edges 241 of the first sheet portion 201 and 242 of the second sheet portion 202 forms an internal space 28 inside the housing 12.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 12 comprises a first end 301 (hereinafter also referred to as the "top 30T") which is one end in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction), a second end 302 (hereinafter also referred to as the "bottom 30B") which is the other end in the vertical direction, a first width end 321 which is one end in the width direction (arrow X direction in Figure 1) which is perpendicular to the vertical direction and the thickness direction of the housing 12 (arrow Y direction in Figure 2), and a second width end 322 which is the other end in the width direction. The peripheral edge 26 of the housing 12 is formed in an annular shape from the first end 301, the first width end 321, the second end 302, and the second width end 322.

[0035] The housing 12 may also be formed from a single sheet 20. In this case, it may be formed by folding and overlapping a single sheet 20 (flexible sheet S) and fusing the outer edges of the flexible sheet S. In this case, one portion of the folded flexible sheet S becomes the first sheet portion 201, and the other portion becomes the second sheet portion 202.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the partition wall 22A is provided inside the housing 12. The partition wall 22A is formed in sheet form from a resin material. Preferably, the partition wall 22A is formed from a flexible sheet. The partition wall 22A is formed flat and extends in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction) of the housing 12. The partition wall 22A is provided between the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202. The partition wall 22A is positioned in the center of the thickness direction (arrow Y direction) of the housing 12. At least a portion of the partition wall 22A is fused to the peripheral edge portion 26 of the housing 12. Specifically, the partition wall 22A is fused to the first end portion 301, the first width end portion 321, and the second width end portion 322 of the housing 12, respectively (see Figure 1). The lower end of the partition wall 22A is positioned above and spaced apart from the second end portion 302 of the housing 12. The lower end of the partition wall 22A is not fused to the second end 302 of the housing 12.

[0037] The internal space 28 comprises a first space 281, a second space 282, and a connecting portion 283. As shown in Figure 3, the first space 281 is the space partitioned between the partition wall 22A and the first sheet portion 201. The second space 282 is the space partitioned between the partition wall 22A and the second sheet portion 202. In the thickness direction of the housing 12, the first space 281 and the second space 282 are arranged in parallel with the partition wall 22A in between. As shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 283 is provided between the lower end of the partition wall 22A and the housing 12. The connecting portion 283 connects the lower part of the first space 281 and the lower part of the second space 282 to each other.

[0038] Furthermore, the internal space 28 is not limited to a configuration comprising a first space 281 and a second space 282 separated by a single partition wall 22A. For example, the internal space 28 may be divided into three or more spaces by two or more partition walls.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the partition wall 22A is not limited to being formed flat along the vertical direction (arrow Z direction) and the width direction (arrow Y direction) of the housing 12. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the width direction of the housing 12, the partition wall 22A1 may be formed in a corrugated cross-section that is uneven in the thickness direction (arrow Y direction) of the sheet 20.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the filter material 14 is placed in the internal space 28 of the housing 12. The filter material 14 divides the internal space 28 into an inlet area 36 and an outlet area 38. The filter material 14 is fixed (for example, fused) to the inlet member 16A and the partition wall 22A. As shown in Figure 1, in a front view of the medical filter 10A, the filter material 14 is formed in a rectangular shape. The filter material 14 is a porous body of synthetic resin or synthetic fiber. Examples of constituent materials for the filter material 14 include polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, and styrene-based elastomer. The filter material 14 is formed by fusing the outer edge of a rectangular flexible sheet S. The filter material 14 may be a single piece, or multiple pieces of filter material 14 may be stacked in the thickness direction. The filter material 14 may also be formed from a nonwoven fabric.

[0041] The filter media 14 are respectively provided in the first space portion 281 and the second space portion 282. That is, there are a plurality of filter media 14. Hereinafter, a case where two filter media 14 are provided will be described. The filter medium 14 provided in the first space portion 281 is referred to as "first filter medium 141", and the filter medium 14 provided in the second space portion 282 is referred to as "second filter medium 142". It should be noted that the number of filter media 14 is not limited to two. The number of filter media 14 may be the same as the number of inflow members 16A.

[0042] A distal end portion of the first filter medium 141 faces the second end portion 302 of the housing 12 in the first space portion 281. The distal end portion of the first filter medium 141 is fused to the first surface 341 of the partition wall 22A. A proximal end portion of the first filter medium 141 faces the first end portion 301 of the housing 12 in the first space portion 281. One of the plurality of inflow members 16A described later is inserted into the proximal end portion of the first filter medium 141. The proximal end portion of the first filter medium 141 is integrally fused to the first end portion 301 of the housing 12 via the two inflow members 16A and the partition wall 22A described later.

[0043] The first filter medium 141 divides the first space portion 281 into a first inflow region 361 and a first outflow region 381. In the first space portion 281, the space inside the first filter medium 141 is the first inflow region 361. The first inflow region 361 is surrounded by the first filter medium 141 and the first surface 341 of the partition wall 22A (see FIG. 3). In the first space portion 281, the space outside the first filter medium 141 is the first outflow region 381. The first outflow region 381 is provided on the opposite side to the first inflow region 361 with the first filter medium 141 interposed therebetween.

[0044] The first filter medium 141 is provided between the first sheet portion 201 and the first surface 341 of the partition wall 22A. That is, the first space portion 281 of the internal space 28 includes the first inflow region 361 and the first outflow region 381.

[0045] The tip of the second filter material 142 faces the second end 302 of the housing 12 in the second space 282. The tip of the second filter material 142 is fused to the second surface 342 of the partition wall 22A. The base end of the second filter material 142 faces the first end 301 of the housing 12 in the second space 282. One of the multiple inflow members 16A, which will be described later, is inserted into the base end of the second filter material 142. The base end of the second filter material 142 is integrally fused to the first end 301 of the housing 12 via two inflow members 16A and the partition wall 22A, which will be described later. In the thickness direction of the housing 12, the first filter material 141 and the second filter material 142 are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the partition wall 22A in between.

[0046] The second filter material 142 divides the second space 282 into a second inflow region 362 and a second outflow region 382. The space inside the second filter material 142 within the second space 282 is the second inflow region 362. The second inflow region 362 is surrounded by the second filter material 142 and the second surface 342 of the partition wall 22A (see Figure 3). The space outside the second filter material 142 within the second space 282 is the second outflow region 382. The second outflow region 382 is located on the opposite side of the second filter material 142 from the second inflow region 362. The second filter material 142 is located between the second sheet portion 202 and the second surface 342 of the partition wall 22A. That is, the second space 282 of the internal space 28 comprises the second inflow region 362 and the second outflow region 382.

[0047] The first inflow region 361 and the second inflow region 362 are separated from each other by a partition wall 22A in the thickness direction (arrow Y direction) of the housing 12. The first inflow region 361 and the second inflow region 362 are divided into approximately the same volume. That is, the inflow region 36 is divided into two equal parts in the thickness direction by the partition wall 22A. Note that the configuration is not limited to dividing the inflow region 36 into two parts with one partition wall 22A. For example, the inflow region 36 may be divided into three or more parts with two or more partition walls 22A.

[0048] Each of the first inflow region 361 and the second inflow region 362 communicates with the outside of the housing 12 via a plurality of inflow members 16A, respectively. The liquid L flows into each of the first inflow region 361 and the second inflow region 362 via each of the plurality of inflow members 16A. The first filter medium 141 blocks the passage of a predetermined component (for example, leukocytes in blood) in the liquid L that has flowed into the first inflow region 361. The second filter medium 142 blocks the passage of a predetermined component (for example, leukocytes in blood) in the liquid L that has flowed into the second inflow region 362. Each of the first filter medium 141 and the second filter medium 142 allows passage of components other than the predetermined component in the liquid L. The first inflow region 361 and the second inflow region 362 are partitioned from each other by a partition wall 22A.

[0049] Each of the first outflow region 381 and the second outflow region 382 communicates with the outside of the housing 12 via a plurality of outflow members 18A, respectively. The liquid L that has passed through the first filter medium 141 and the second filter medium 142 flows into each of the first outflow region 381 and the second outflow region 382, respectively. The liquid L that has flowed into each of the first outflow region 381 and the second outflow region 382 flows out to the outside of the housing 12 via each of the plurality of outflow members 18A.

[0050] The first outflow region 381 and the second outflow region 382 communicate with each other via a communication portion 283. Parts of the first outflow region 381 and the second outflow region 382 are partitioned from each other by the partition wall 22A.

[0051] Each of the plurality of inflow members 16A is connected to an upper portion of the housing 12. Each of the plurality of inflow members 16A is fixed to a first end 301 of the housing 12. Specifically, each of the plurality of inflow members 16A is fused to a top portion 30T of the housing 12.

[0052] Each inflow member 16A is a tubular member. Each inflow member 16A is formed of, for example, a bendable elastic material. Each of the plurality of inflow members 16A penetrates through the first end 301 in the peripheral edge portion 26 of the housing 12 and is inserted into the internal space 28 of the housing 12. The constituent material of the inflow member 16A is, for example, a synthetic resin. Each inflow member 16A introduces the liquid L such as blood from the outside of the housing 12 into the internal space 28 of the housing 12.

[0053] Each of the multiple inlet members 16A includes an inlet end 171 and a first connecting end 172. Each inlet end 171 is provided at the tip of each inlet member 16A. Each inlet end 171 is open and positioned in the inlet region 36 of the housing 12. The inlet members 16A and the inlet region 36 communicate with each other via each inlet end 171. Each first connecting end 172 is provided at the base end of the inlet member 16A and is provided to which a first medical bag BG1, which is sealed with a liquid L such as blood, can be connected.

[0054] In this embodiment, we will describe a case in which the medical filter 10A has two inlet members 16A (hereinafter referred to as "first inlet member 161" and "second inlet member 162"). However, the medical filter 10A is not limited to having two inlet members 16A (first inlet member 161 and second inlet member 162). For example, the medical filter 10A may be configured to have three or more inlet members 16A.

[0055] The first inlet member 161 is connected to and communicates with the first inlet region 361. The first inlet end 1611 of the first inlet member 161 is provided inside the first filter material 141 and positioned below the first inlet region 361. The second inlet member 162 is connected to and communicates with the second inlet region 362. The second inlet end 1621 of the second inlet member 162 is provided inside the second filter material 142 and positioned below the second inlet region 362.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 overlap in the thickness direction (arrow Y direction) of the housing 12 (first sheet portion 201 and second sheet portion 202). However, this is not limited to the case where the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 overlap in the thickness direction of the housing 12.

[0057] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 are not limited to a circular shape. For example, the cross-sections of the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 may be semicircular, and the planar portions of the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 may be arranged facing each other across the partition wall 22A. By doing so, the medical filter 10A can be made smaller in the width direction, and the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 can be positioned relative to the partition wall 22A.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, in the medical filter 10A1, the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 may be offset in the width direction (arrow X direction) of the housing 12. In this case, it is preferable that the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 overlap in the width direction of the housing 12. In a plan view taken from the extending direction of the inlet member 16A, the partition wall 22A1 is formed in a corrugated cross-section. The partition wall 22A1 is positioned in a curved state between the first inlet member 161 and the second filter material 142, and then curves in the opposite direction at the center of the width direction of the housing 12, and is positioned in a curved state between the second inlet member 162 and the first filter material 141. By doing so, the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 can be positioned with respect to the partition wall 22A1, and the medical filter 10A1 can be made smaller in the thickness direction. That is, it is possible to suppress the medical filter 10A1 from becoming thicker.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the outflow member 18A is a tubular member. The outflow member 18A is formed from, for example, a flexible elastic material. The outflow member 18A includes an outflow end 191 and a second connecting end 192. As shown in Figure 2, the outflow end 191 is provided at the tip of the outflow member 18A. The outflow end 191 opens and connects to the outflow region 38 of the internal space 28, communicating with the outflow region 38. The constituent material of the outflow member 18A is the same as that of the inflow member 16A. The outflow member 18A causes the liquid L in the internal space 28 of the housing 12 to flow out of the housing 12.

[0060] The outflow member 18A is fixed between the first end 301 and the second end 302 in the vertical direction of the housing 12. The outflow member 18A allows liquid L such as blood to pass through the filter material 14 in the internal space 28 and be discharged to the outside.

[0061] The discharge members 18A are fixed to the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202, respectively. In other words, there are multiple discharge members 18A. The following describes the case in which the medical filter 10A has two discharge members 18A (hereinafter referred to as "first discharge member 181" and "second discharge member 182"). Note that the medical filter 10A is not limited to a configuration having multiple discharge members 18A. For example, the medical filter 10A may have a configuration having one discharge member 18A. In that case, the one discharge member 18A is connected to either the first sheet portion 201 or the second sheet portion 202 and communicates with the discharge area 38.

[0062] The first outflow member 181 is fixed to the first sheet portion 201. The first outflow end 1811 of the first outflow member 181 is connected to and communicates with the first outflow region 381 in the first space portion 281. The first outflow end 1811 is positioned above the first inflow end 1611 of the first inflow member 161. In other words, the first inflow end 1611 of the first inflow member 161 is positioned below the first outflow end 1811. However, the first outflow end 1811 may also be positioned below the first inflow end 1611 of the first inflow member 161.

[0063] The second outflow member 182 is fixed to the second sheet portion 202. The second outflow end 1821 of the second outflow member 182 is connected to and communicates with the second outflow region 382 in the second space portion 282. The second outflow end 1821 is positioned above the second inflow end 1621 of the second inflow member 162. In other words, the second inflow end 1621 of the second inflow member 162 is positioned below the second outflow end 1821. However, the second outflow end 1821 may also be positioned below the second inflow end 1621 of the second inflow member 162.

[0064] The second connecting end 192 is provided at the base end of the first outflow member 181 and the second outflow member 182. Each second connecting end 192 is provided to which a second medical bag BG2, which contains the liquid L filtered by the filter material 14, can be connected.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the first outflow member 181 and the second outflow member 182 overlap in the thickness direction (arrow Y direction) of the housing 12 (first sheet portion 201 and second sheet portion 202). However, it is not limited to the case where the first outflow member 181 and the second outflow member 182 overlap in the thickness direction of the housing 12. For example, the first outflow member 181 and the second outflow member 182 may be offset in the width direction of the housing 12.

[0066] The second connection end 192 is not limited to a configuration to which one second medical bag BG2 can be connected. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the second connection end 192A of the outflow member 18A may have a configuration that includes branched sections 1931 and 1932 that branch downward. A second medical bag BG2 can be connected to each of the branched sections 1931 and 1932. In other words, two second medical bags BG2 can be connected to one outflow member 18A.

[0067] The outflow member 18A is not limited to being connected to the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202, one to each. As shown in Figure 5B, the outflow member 18A may be configured to include multiple first outflow members 183. Figure 5B illustrates a configuration in which the housing 12 includes two first outflow members 183. The second connection end 192 of each first outflow member 183 can be connected to the second medical bag BG2.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the multiple inlet members 16A and the multiple outlet members 18A are arranged in a straight line along the vertical direction (arrow Z direction). The multiple inlet members 16A and the multiple outlet members 18A are each positioned at the center of the width direction of the housing 12. However, the configuration is not limited to the multiple inlet members 16A and the multiple outlet members 18A being positioned at the center of the width direction of the housing 12. For example, the multiple inlet members 16A and the multiple outlet members 18A may be arranged eccentrically in the width direction (arrow X direction). The multiple inlet members 16A and the multiple outlet members 18A may be arranged offset from each other in the width direction.

[0069] The medical filter 10A according to the first embodiment is used as follows.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, a first medical bag BG1 containing a sealed liquid L such as blood is connected to the first connection ends 172 of the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162, respectively. The medical filter 10A is positioned such that the first connection ends 172 of the first inlet member 161 and the second inlet member 162 are above the housing 12.

[0071] Then, liquid L (hereinafter also referred to as "first liquid L1") flows from the first medical bag BG1 into the first inlet region 361 via the first inlet member 161, and liquid L (hereinafter also referred to as "second liquid L2") flows into the second inlet region 362 via the second inlet member 162. The first liquid L1 is introduced from the bottom of the first inlet region 361. The second liquid L2 is introduced from the bottom of the second inlet region 362.

[0072] In the first inflow region 361, the first liquid L1 passes through the first filter material 141. As the first liquid L1 passes through the first filter material 141, the first filter material 141 prevents the passage of predetermined components such as white blood cells in the liquid L, while allowing the passage of components other than the predetermined components. In the second inflow region 362, the second liquid L2 passes through the second filter material 142. As the second liquid L2 passes through the second filter material 142, the second filter material 142 prevents the passage of predetermined components such as white blood cells in the liquid L, while allowing the passage of components other than the predetermined components.

[0073] The first liquid L1, having passed through the first filter medium 141, flows into the first outlet region 381. In the initial stages of introducing the first liquid L1, it flows out from the bottom of the first filter medium 141 into the first outlet region 381. The second liquid L2, having passed through the second filter medium 142, flows into the second outlet region 382. In the initial stages of introducing the second liquid L2, it flows out from the bottom of the second filter medium 142 into the second outlet region 382.

[0074] The first liquid L1 in the first outlet region 381 accumulates upward in the first outlet region 381, and after the liquid level LS1 of the first liquid L1 reaches the height of the first outlet member 181 (first outlet end 1811), the first liquid L1 flows out of the housing 12 through the first outlet member 181 from the first outlet end 1811. The second liquid L2 in the second outlet region 382 accumulates upward in the second outlet region 382, ​​and after the liquid level LS2 of the second liquid L2 reaches the height of the second outlet member 182 (second outlet end 1821), the second liquid L2 flows out of the housing 12 through the second outlet member 182 from the second outlet end 1821. At this time, since the first outlet region 381 and the second outlet region 382 are in communication with each other by the communication part 283, the liquid levels LS1 and LS2 are at the same height.

[0075] In this way, the first liquid L1 that has passed through the first filter material 141 is contained in the second medical bag BG2 connected to the second connection end 192 of the first outlet member 181. The second liquid L2 that has passed through the second filter material 142 is contained in the second medical bag BG2 connected to the second connection end 192 of the second outlet member 182.

[0076] Note that the partition wall 22A is not limited to being formed from a single sheet-like member. As shown in Figure 6, the partition wall 222 may be composed of a plurality of partition wall sheets 223, 224. The plurality of partition wall sheets 223, 224 are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction (arrow Y direction) of the housing 12. Each of the plurality of partition wall sheets 223, 224 is a sheet-like member made of resin material. A space 225 into which fluid can be introduced is provided between the partition wall sheet 223 separating the first inflow region 361 (hereinafter referred to as "first partition wall sheet 223") and the partition wall sheet 224 separating the second inflow region 362 (hereinafter referred to as "second partition wall sheet 224").

[0077] Space 225 opens at the upper ends of the partition sheets 223 and 224, and an introduction pipe P is connected to it. The introduction pipe P is connected to a fluid supply source (not shown) capable of supplying fluid. The fluid introduced into space 225 from the introduction pipe P is, for example, air.

[0078] When using the medical filter 10A, with the first liquid L1 introduced into the first inlet region 361 and the second liquid L2 introduced into the second inlet region 362, air is introduced into the space 225 of the partition wall 222 through the introduction pipe P from a fluid supply source (not shown). The air in the space 225 pushes the first partition sheet 223 and the second partition sheet 224 apart from each other. The first partition sheet 223 pushes the first liquid L1 toward the first filter material 141. The pressure in the first inlet region 361 increases, which promotes the passage of the first liquid L1 through the first filter material 141. This promotes the discharge of liquid L (first liquid L1) to the first outlet region 381.

[0079] Similarly, the second partition sheet 224 pushes the second liquid L2 toward the second filter material 142. The increased pressure in the second inlet region 362 facilitates the passage of the second liquid L2 through the second filter material 142. This facilitates the discharge of liquid L (second liquid L2) into the second outlet region 382.

[0080] The first embodiment provides the following effects.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, the medical filter 10A comprises a plurality of inlet members 16A for introducing liquid L into the internal space 28 of the housing 12, a filter material 14 arranged in the internal space 28, and an outlet member 18A for guiding the liquid L that has passed through the filter material 14 to the outside. The internal space 28 comprises a plurality of inlet regions 36 and a plurality of outlet regions 38. Each of the plurality of inlet regions 36 and each of the plurality of outlet regions 38 are separated from each other by a plurality of filter materials 14.

[0082] This medical filter 10A allows the liquid L to flow from multiple inlet members 16A (first inlet member 161, second inlet member 162) into multiple inlet areas 36, thereby improving the filtration speed of the liquid L by the filter material 14.

[0083] The housing 12 includes partition walls 22A that separate the multiple inflow areas 36 from each other.

[0084] This configuration allows for the separation of the inflow region 36 into multiple sections within the housing 12 with a simple structure, effectively suppressing unevenness in filtration performance across the multiple inflow regions 36.

[0085] Each of the multiple inlet members 16A is positioned in each of the multiple inlet regions 36 and has an inlet end 171 that opens in the inlet region 36. The outlet member 18A has an outlet end 191 that is connected to and opens in the outlet region 38. The multiple inlet ends 171 are positioned below the outlet ends 191.

[0086] This configuration allows the liquid L to flow from the lower part of the inflow region 36 to the upper part of the outflow region 38 within the internal space 28, thus enabling efficient (effective) use of the filter material 14.

[0087] As shown in Figure 3, the multiple inflow members 16A overlap in the thickness direction of the housing 12 (first sheet portion 201 and second sheet portion 202). This configuration allows the medical filter 10A to be made smaller in the width direction.

[0088] Multiple discharge members 18A are provided, and each of the multiple discharge members 18A (first discharge member 181, second discharge member 182) is connected to a plurality of discharge regions 38 (first discharge region 381, second discharge region 382). The multiple discharge members 18A overlap in the thickness direction of the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202. This configuration makes the medical filter 10A smaller in the width direction.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6, the partition wall 222 consists of a plurality of partition wall sheets 223 and 224 arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the housing 12 (first sheet portion 201 and second sheet portion 202). A space 225 into which fluid can be introduced is provided between the plurality of partition wall sheets 223 and 224. With this configuration, the fluid introduced into the space 225 pushes the partition wall 222 toward the outlet region 38, thereby effectively promoting the discharge of the liquid L in the outlet region 38 to the outside.

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, the first sheet portion 201 and the second sheet portion 202 are each formed from a flexible sheet S. This configuration effectively suppresses damage caused by multiple medical filters 10A coming into contact with each other when multiple medical filters 10A are housed in a centrifuge (not shown) to separate a liquid L.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the medical filter 10B according to the second embodiment includes a housing 12, a partition wall 22B, a filter medium 14, a plurality of inlet members 16A, and a plurality of outlet members 18A. In the medical filter 10B according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the medical filter 10A according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0092] The partition wall 22B is fused to the peripheral edge 26 of the housing 12. The partition wall 22B is fused to the first end 301, the second end 302, the first width end 321 (see Figure 1), and the second width end 322 (see Figure 1), respectively, of the housing 12.

[0093] The internal space 28 of the housing 12 comprises a first space 281 and a second space 282. The first space 281 and the second space 282 are separated by a partition wall 22B.

[0094] A first filter material 141 is provided in the first space 281. The first filter material 141 separates the first inlet area 361 and the first outlet area 381. A second filter material 142 is provided in the second space 282. The second filter material 142 separates the second inlet area 362 and the second outlet area 382.

[0095] The multiple inflow regions 36 consist of a first inflow region 361 and a second inflow region 362. A first inflow member 161 is connected to the first inflow region 361. A second inflow member 162 is connected to the second inflow region 362. The first inflow region 361 and the second inflow region 362 are separated by a partition wall 22B.

[0096] The multiple outflow regions 38 consist of a first outflow region 381 and a second outflow region 382. A first outflow member 181 is connected to the first outflow region 381. A second outflow member 182 is connected to the second outflow region 382. The first outflow region 381 and the second outflow region 382 are separated by a partition wall 22B.

[0097] The second embodiment provides the following effects.

[0098] As shown in Figure 7, the multiple outflow regions 38 (first outflow region 381, second outflow region 382) are separated from each other by a partition wall 22B. This configuration allows for the effective separation of the outflow regions 38 together with the inflow region 36 with a simple structure.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8, the medical filter 10C according to the third embodiment includes a housing 12, a partition wall 22B, a filter medium 14, a plurality of inlet members 16C, and a plurality of outlet members 18C. In the medical filter 10C according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the medical filter 10B according to the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0100] The internal space 28 of the housing 12 comprises a first space 281 and a second space 282. The first space 281 and the second space 282 are separated by a partition wall 22B.

[0101] A first filter material 141 is provided in the first space 281. The first filter material 141 separates the first inflow region 361C from the first outflow region 381C. The space outside the first filter material 141 in the first space 281 is the first inflow region 361C. The first inflow region 361C is surrounded by the first filter material 141 and the first sheet portion 201. The space inside the first filter material 141 in the first space 281 is the first outflow region 381C. The first outflow region 381C is provided on the opposite side from the first inflow region 361C, with the first filter material 141 in between. The first outflow region 381C is surrounded by the first filter material 141 and the first surface 341 of the partition wall 22B.

[0102] A second filter material 142 is provided in the second space 282. The second filter material 142 separates the second inflow region 362C from the second outflow region 382C. The space outside the second filter material 142 in the second space 282 is the second inflow region 362C. The second inflow region 362C is surrounded by the second filter material 142 and the second sheet portion 202. The space inside the second filter material 142 in the second space 282 is the second outflow region 382C. The second outflow region 382C is provided on the opposite side from the second inflow region 362C, with the second filter material 142 in between. The second outflow region 382C is surrounded by the second filter material 142 and the second surface 342 of the partition wall 22B.

[0103] The multiple inlet members 16C consist of a first inlet member 161C and a second inlet member 162C. The first inlet member 161C is fixed to the first sheet portion 201. The first inlet end 1611C of the first inlet member 161C is connected to the first inlet region 361C in the first space portion 281 and communicates with the first inlet region 361C. The second inlet member 162C is fixed to the second sheet portion 202. The second inlet end 1621C of the second inlet member 162C is connected to the second inlet region 362C in the second space portion 282 and communicates with the second inlet region 362C.

[0104] Each of the multiple outflow members 18C is fixed to the second end 302 of the housing 12. Each of the multiple outflow members 18C is inserted into the internal space 28 of the housing 12, passing through the second end 302 from the peripheral edge 26 of the housing 12. Each of the multiple outflow members 18C has an outflow end 191. Each outflow end 191 is provided at the tip of each outflow member 18C. Each outflow end 191 is open and positioned in the outflow region 38 of the housing 12. The outflow members 18C and the outflow region 38 communicate with each other through each outflow end 191.

[0105] The multiple discharge members 18C are composed of a first discharge member 181C and a second discharge member 182C.

[0106] The first outflow member 181C is connected to and communicates with the first outflow region 381C. The first outflow end 1811C of the first outflow member 181C is located inside the first filter material 141 and is positioned above the first outflow region 381C. The first outflow end 1811C is positioned above the first inflow end 1611C of the first inflow member 161C.

[0107] The second outflow member 182C is connected to and communicates with the second outflow region 382C. The second outflow end 1821C of the second outflow member 182C is located inside the second filter material 142 and is positioned above the second outflow region 382C. The second outflow end 1821C is positioned above the second inflow end 1621C of the second inflow member 162C.

[0108] The medical filter 10C according to the third embodiment is used as follows.

[0109] The first liquid L1 is introduced into the first inlet region 361C of the housing 12 from the first inlet member 161C. At this time, the first liquid L1 is introduced from the bottom of the first inlet region 361C through the first inlet end 1611C of the first inlet member 161C. In the first inlet region 361C, the first liquid L1 passes through the first filter material 141. The first liquid L1 that has passed through the first filter material 141 flows into the first outlet region 381C. Since the first outlet end 1811C is located above the first inlet end 1611C, the first liquid L1 in the first outlet region 381C gradually accumulates upwards in the first outlet region 381C.

[0110] Therefore, the accumulated first liquid L1 passes through the first filter material 141 from the bottom upwards. The first liquid L1 in the first outlet region 381C accumulates upwards within the first outlet region 381C, and after the liquid level LS1 of the first liquid L1 reaches the height of the first outlet member 181C (first outlet end 1811C), the first liquid L1 flows out of the housing 12 through the first outlet member 181C from the first outlet end 1811C. Since the first outlet end 1811C is positioned above the first inlet end 1611C, the first liquid L1 is filtered over a wide area of ​​the first filter material 141 from the bottom upwards.

[0111] The second liquid L2 is introduced from the second inlet member 162C into the second inlet region 362C of the housing 12, and the second liquid L2 passes through the second filter material 142 and is led to the second outlet region 382C. The second liquid L2 in the second outlet region 382C accumulates upward in the second outlet region 382C, and after the liquid level LS2 of the second liquid L2 reaches the height of the second outlet member 182C (second outlet end 1821C), the second liquid L2 flows out of the housing 12 through the second outlet member 182C from the second outlet end 1821C. Since the second outlet end 1821C is located above the second inlet end 1621C, the second liquid L2 is filtered over a wide area of ​​the second filter material 142 from the bottom upward.

[0112] The third embodiment provides the following effects.

[0113] As shown in Figure 8, the first outlet end 1811C of the first outlet member 181C is positioned above the first inlet end 1611C of the first inlet member 161C. With this configuration, liquid L (first liquid L1) can be circulated in the first space 281 (internal space 28) from the lower part of the first inlet region 361C to the upper part of the first outlet region 381C, thus allowing the first filter material 141 to be used efficiently (effectively). The second outlet end 1821C of the second outlet member 182C is positioned above the second inlet end 1621C of the second inlet member 162C. With this configuration, liquid L (second liquid L2) can be circulated in the second space 282 (internal space 28) from the lower part of the second inlet region 362C to the upper part of the second outlet region 382C, thus allowing the second filter material 142 to be used efficiently (effectively).

[0114] As shown in Figure 9, the medical filter 10D according to the fourth embodiment includes a housing 12D, a partition wall 22D, a filter medium 14D, a plurality of inlet members 16D, and a plurality of outlet members 18D. In the medical filter 10D according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the medical filter 10A according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0115] The housing 12D is formed in an annular shape when viewed from above or below. The internal space 28D of the housing 12D is divided into multiple sections by partition walls 22D. The following describes the case in which the internal space 28D is divided into four sections by partition walls 22D. Note that the internal space 28D is not limited to being divided into four sections.

[0116] The partition wall 22D comprises a partition wall body 40 and a separation wall portion 42. The partition wall body 40 is formed in an annular shape and is located in the center of the internal space 28D. Multiple separation wall portions 42 are provided. The number of separation wall portions 42 corresponds to the number of spaces in the internal space 28D. That is, four separation wall portions 42 are provided. Each of the four separation wall portions 42 extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the partition wall body 40. The four separation wall portions 42 are connected to the partition wall body 40 and the inner surface of the housing 12D.

[0117] The internal space 28 is separated into four spaces (hereinafter referred to as "first space 281D", "second space 282D", "third space 283D", and "fourth space 284D") by four separation wall sections 42. The first space 281D, second space 282D, third space 283D, and fourth space 284D are arranged side by side along the inner surface of the housing 12D. The first space 281D and the third space 283D face each other with the partition wall body 40 in between. The second space 282D and the fourth space 284D face each other with the partition wall body 40 in between.

[0118] The filter media 14D are provided in the first space 281D, the second space 282D, the third space 283D, and the fourth space 284D, respectively. In other words, there are multiple filter media 14D. In the first space 281D, the second space 282D, the third space 283D, and the fourth space 284D, each filter media 14D is connected to two circumferentially adjacent separation wall portions 42 of the housing 12D. The inside of each filter media 14D is each inlet region 36D. Each inlet region 36D is surrounded by the filter media 14D, two adjacent separation wall portions 42, and the partition wall body 40. The outside of each filter media 14D is each outlet region 38D. Each outlet region 38D is surrounded by the filter media 14D, two adjacent separation wall portions 42, and the housing 12D.

[0119] Multiple inlet members 16D are fixed to the housing 12D and connected to each inlet region 36D. The first inlet member 161D is connected to and communicates with the first inlet region 361D of the first space 281D. The second inlet member 162D is connected to and communicates with the second inlet region 362D of the second space 282D. The third inlet member 163D is connected to and communicates with the third inlet region 363D of the third space 283D. The fourth inlet member 164D is connected to and communicates with the fourth inlet region 364D of the fourth space 284D.

[0120] Multiple outflow members 18D are fixed to the housing 12D and connected to each outflow region 38D. The first outflow member 181D is connected to and communicates with the first outflow region 381D of the first space 281D. The second outflow member 182D is connected to and communicates with the second outflow region 382D of the second space 282D. The third outflow member 183D is connected to and communicates with the third outflow region 383D of the third space 283D. The fourth outflow member 184D is connected to and communicates with the fourth outflow region 384D of the fourth space 284D.

[0121] The inlet ends of the first inlet member 161D, the second inlet member 162D, the third inlet member 163D, and the fourth inlet member 164D are positioned below the outlet ends 191D of the first outlet member 181D, the second outlet member 182D, the third outlet member 183D, and the fourth outlet member 184D. However, the inlet ends of the first inlet member 161D, the second inlet member 162D, the third inlet member 163D, and the fourth inlet member 164D may be positioned above the outlet ends 191D of the first outlet member 181D, the second outlet member 182D, the third outlet member 183D, and the fourth outlet member 184D.

[0122] When using the medical filter 10D, the liquid L introduced from the first inlet member 161D into the first inlet region 361D passes through the filter material 14D of the first space 281D and is led out from the first outlet region 381D to the first outlet member 181D. The liquid L introduced from the second inlet member 162D into the second inlet region 362D passes through the filter material 14D of the second space 282D and is led out from the second outlet region 382D to the second outlet member 182D. The liquid L introduced from the third inlet member 163D into the third inlet region 363D passes through the filter material 14D of the third space 283D and is led out from the third outlet region 383D to the third outlet member 183D. The liquid L introduced into the fourth inlet region 364D from the fourth inlet member 164D passes through the filter material 14D of the fourth space 284D and is led out from the fourth outlet region 384D to the fourth outlet member 184D.

[0123] The fourth embodiment provides the following effects.

[0124] The internal space 28D of the housing 12D is separated by multiple separation wall portions 42 in the partition wall 22D, and by providing filter material 14D in each of the separated spaces (first space portion 281D, second space portion 282D, third space portion 283D, fourth space portion 284D), the liquid L can be efficiently filtered in the multiple spaces.

[0125] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A medical filter comprising: a housing formed of a sheet and having an internal space; an inlet member connected to the housing and introducing liquid into the internal space of the housing from outside the housing; a filter material disposed in the internal space; and an outlet member connected to the housing and leading the liquid that has passed through the filter material to the outside, wherein the filter material is fixed to either the inlet member or the outlet member, a plurality of inlet members are provided, and one or more outlet members are provided, and the internal space comprises: a plurality of inlet regions into which the liquid is introduced from the plurality of inlet members; and a plurality of outlet regions provided on the opposite side of the plurality of inlet regions with the filter material in between, and leading the liquid that has passed through the filter material to the outside through the outlet member, wherein each of the plurality of inlet regions and each of the plurality of outlet regions are partitioned from each other by a plurality of the filter material.

2. A medical filter according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises partitions that separate a plurality of inflow regions from each other.

3. A medical filter according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of outflow regions are separated from each other by the partition wall.

4. A medical filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the plurality of inlet members is arranged in each of the plurality of inlet regions and has an inlet end that opens in the inlet region, the outlet member has an outlet end that is connected to and opens in the outlet region, and the plurality of inlet ends are arranged below the outlet ends.

5. A medical filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outflow member is located in the outflow region and has an outflow end that opens in the outflow region, each of the plurality of inflow members has an inflow end that is connected to and opens in each of the plurality of inflow regions, and the outflow end is located above the inflow ends of the plurality of inflow members.

6. A medical filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of inflow members overlap in the thickness direction of the sheet.

7. A medical filter according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of discharge members are provided, the plurality of discharge members are connected to a plurality of discharge regions, and the plurality of discharge members overlap in the thickness direction of the sheet.

8. A medical filter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when viewed from the extending direction of the inlet member, the partition wall is formed in a corrugated cross-section that is uneven in the thickness direction of the sheet.

9. A medical filter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the partition wall consists of a plurality of partition wall sheets arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the sheet, and a space for introducing fluid is provided between the plurality of partition wall sheets.

10. A medical filter according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is formed from a flexible sheet.

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