JP6937043B2 - Sterilization air filter for compressed pneumatic circuit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sterilizing air filter for a compressed air pressure circuit, and more particularly to a sterilizing air filter disposed in a compressed air pressure circuit to separate and remove harmful microorganisms in compressed air discharged by an air compressor. be.

Conventionally, sterilization air filters have been used for the purpose of separating and removing harmful microorganisms such as mold, yeast, and bacteria contained in compressed air at predetermined intermediate points of compressed air pressure circuits used for dentistry, food processing, etc. Has been done. According to such applications, the use of compressed air containing foreign substances, especially microorganisms harmful to the application, may injure humans and animals, unless safety is guaranteed in any case. It doesn't become.

By the way, the sterilization air filter generally separates and removes microorganisms harmful to the intended use by a sterilization filter element composed of a cylindrical body having a bottom surface closed, an upper surface open, and a filter medium arranged on a side surface.

The first structure of the sterilization filter element is a structure in which compressed air introduced from the inflow port is ventilated from the outside to the inside of the sterilization filter element, and the compressed air is exhausted from an outlet communicating with the inside. Conceivable.

Further, as the second structure of the sterilization filter element, the compressed air introduced from the inflow port is ventilated from the inside to the outside of the sterilization filter element, and the compressed air is exhausted from the outflow port communicating with the outside. The structure is conceivable.

The technical proposal according to Patent Document 1 is known for the first structure, and the technical proposal according to Patent Document 2 is known for the second structure.

However, the following problems still exist in the technical proposals based on Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

That is, as the first issue, in the technical proposals relating to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a countermeasure against the microorganism is provided in addition to the main body of the sterilization filter element that separates and removes the microorganism harmful to the application. No. Therefore, the microorganisms that have adhered to and proliferated on the surface of other structures constituting the filter in front of the sterilization filter element are likely to cause clogging of the sterilization filter element, and the life of the sterilization filter element may be shortened. Was what existed.

Further, as a second problem, in the technical proposals relating to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the compressed air that has passed through the sterilization filter element adheres to and proliferates on the surface of other structures constituting the filter. There is a possibility that the above-mentioned microorganisms may be re-mixed, and there is a possibility that the original performance as a sterilization filter cannot be exhibited.

Further, as a third problem, in the technical proposal according to Patent Document 2, a hydrophobic material is often used, and sterilization consisting of a tubular body having a closed bottom surface, an open top surface, and a filter medium on the side surface is used. There was a possibility that drainage would accumulate inside the filter element.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-204440 JP-A-2007-237154

The sterilization air filter for a compressed air pressure circuit according to the present invention has an object to improve the functionality of the sterilization air filter for a compressed air pressure circuit in view of the first to third problems.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a sterilization air filter for a compressed air pressure circuit arranged in a compressed air pressure circuit using compressed air discharged by an air compressor, and is attached to a body and the body. Consisting of a sterilization filter element and a housing, the body has an inlet and an outlet for compressed air, and the sterilization filter element forms a penetrating tubular body and is removed at a predetermined position inside the sterilization filter element. A hollow fiber membrane for fungi is loaded, and the upper end is configured to be connectable to the outlet side of the body. The compressed air that is configured to be connectable to the lower surface of the body and that has flowed in from the inflow port of the body passes through the gap between the sterilization filter element and the housing and flows into the inside of the sterilization filter element from the lower end. Then, a means for sterilizing by flowing out from the outlet of the body through the hollow fiber membrane for sterilization loaded inside the sterilization filter element is adopted.

Further, in the present invention, a mass formed of a plurality of metal linear objects coated with an antibacterial agent on the surface is loaded in front of the hollow fiber membrane for sterilization in the sterilization filter element. Adopt the means of

Further, the present invention employs a means in which an antibacterial film having an antibacterial action is attached or an antibacterial agent is applied to a predetermined portion on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the disinfectant filter element.

Furthermore, the present invention employs a means in which an antibacterial film having an antibacterial action is attached or an antibacterial agent is applied to a predetermined portion on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall or / and the inner bottom surface of the housing.

Furthermore, the present invention employs a means in which a drain outlet is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the housing.

According to the sterilization air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention, the sterilization hollow fiber membrane loaded inside the sterilization filter element is effective for harmful microorganisms existing in the compressed air discharged by the air compressor. By separating and removing the air, it is possible to send out clean compressed air that has been sterilized.

Further, according to the sterilization air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention, a lump body coated with an antibacterial agent is loaded on the front stage of the sterilization hollow fiber membrane in the sterilization filter element. Even when microorganisms adhere to the inside of the sterilization filter element, which is the flow path of compressed air, and the hollow fiber membrane for sterilization, the growth of the microorganisms can be suppressed, which is an excellent effect. Is.

Further, according to the sterilizing air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention, an antibacterial film having an antibacterial action is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilizing filter element, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall or the inner bottom surface of the housing, or an antibacterial agent. Is applied, so that even if microorganisms adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element in contact with the compressed air, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the housing, or the inner bottom surface, it is possible to suppress the growth of the microorganisms. It has an excellent effect such as.

Furthermore, according to the sterilization air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention, by providing a drain discharge port at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the housing, the drain can be appropriately discharged and the growth of microorganisms in the drain can be suppressed. It has excellent effects such as being able to discharge harmful microorganisms or their dead bodies to the outside together with drainage.

It is a block diagram of the compressed pneumatic circuit which concerns on this invention. It is a side sectional view which shows the embodiment of the sterilization air filter for a compression pneumatic circuit which concerns on this invention. It is a side sectional view which shows the other embodiment of the sterilization air filter for a compression pneumatic circuit which concerns on this invention.

The present invention is a sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed air pressure circuit arranged in a compressed air pressure circuit using compressed air discharged by an air compressor 9, and is a body 2 and a sterilization filter element mounted on the body 2. 3 and a housing 4, the body 2 has an inlet 2a and an outlet 2b for compressed air, and the sterilization filter element 3 forms a penetrating tubular body, and a predetermined portion inside the sterilization filter element 3. sterilized hollow fiber membrane 3a is loaded into Rutotomoni, in front of the hollow fiber membranes 3a for該除bacteria, an antibacterial agent 7 formed on a surface thereof a metallic linear material coated plurality of collectively bulk The body 5 is loaded, and the upper end portion is configured to be connectable to the outlet 2b side of the body 2, and the housing 4 forms a tubular body having an open upper surface and a closed bottom surface, and the upper end portion is formed. The biggest feature is that a means configured to be connectable to the lower surface of the body 2 is adopted.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention is not particularly limited to the examples described below, and exhibits the same effects within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. It can be changed as appropriate within the range of the shape, structure, operation, etc. that can be made.

First, the configuration of the compressed pneumatic circuit provided with the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention.
The air compressor 9 takes in the atmosphere from the intake port 9a and compresses it to produce compressed air. Compressed air passes through each of the pipes 14 and is used for various purposes at the ends.

In the air compressor 9, there are the following problems before the atmosphere is compressed and used at the end through the pipe 14.
The first problem is that by compressing the atmosphere, the amount of saturated water vapor per unit volume is reduced, and drainage is likely to occur in each device or in the pipe 14.
The second problem is that the air contains a lot of dust and microorganisms, and when they are compressed, their amount per unit volume increases by the compression ratio, and the mist-like form generated from the air compressor 9 As a result, there is a problem that a large amount of foreign substances and microorganisms are contained in the compressed air discharged by the air compressor 9 due to the inclusion of fine powders of lubricating oil and metals.

In order to solve the first problem, it is common to provide a freezing type air dryer 10 and an air tank 11. The refrigerating air dryer 10 is used for dehumidifying compressed air, and the air tank 11 is used for storing and dehumidifying compressed air or smoothing pulse pressure.
Further, in order to solve the second problem, it is effective to provide various air filters 12 (pre-filter, mist filter, activated carbon filter, etc.) and a sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention. For example, the pre-filter separates and removes dust and fine powder having a large particle size and mist-like water and oil, and the mist filter separates and removes dust and fine powder and mist-like water and oil having a smaller particle size. In this way, it is possible to prevent clogging in the subsequent stage by separating and removing the one having a larger particle size with various filters 12.

The sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit is preferably provided when harmful microorganisms should not be contained in the compressed air in applications such as dentistry and food processing, and separates and removes microorganisms harmful to the application. Be prepared for the purpose.

Further, each device in the circuit is provided with a drain trap 13, a manual valve 15 or an electric valve 16 for draining the drain of condensed water generated in the circuit or inside each device, and the drain is the drain trap. It is appropriately discharged from the drain discharge port of 13. Since the discharged drain often contains lubricating oil caused by the air compressor 9, it is desirable to connect an oil-water separation device for separating / removing the lubricating oil.

Next, an embodiment of the sterilization filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing an embodiment of a sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention. The sterilization filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit includes a body 2, a sterilization filter element 3 mounted on the body 2, and a housing 4.

The body 2 has a substantially legislative shape and is provided for the purpose of forming a flow path in the filter. The body 2 has an inflow port 2a, an outflow port 2b, a sterilization filter element mounting portion 2c, and a housing mounting portion 2d.
The inflow port 2a is provided for the purpose of injecting compressed air, and has a connecting portion for connecting the inflow port 2a and the pipe 14. Compressed air contains microorganisms that are harmful to the application. Further, the outlet 2b is provided for the purpose of sending compressed air from which harmful microorganisms have been separated and removed by the sterilization filter element 3, and has a connecting portion for connecting the outlet 2b and the pipe 14. Have. The sterilization filter element mounting portion 2c is provided for the purpose of mounting the sterilization filter element 3 by, for example, screwing or fitting, and is provided with an O-ring that seals each other as needed. The housing mounting portion 2d is provided for the purpose of mounting the housing 4 by, for example, screwing or fitting, and is provided with an O-ring that seals each other as needed.

The body 2 is provided with a sterilization filter element mounting portion 2c communicating with the outflow port 2b at the center thereof, and is provided with a hole portion 2e outside the sterilization filter element mounting portion 2c for allowing compressed air introduced from the inflow port 2a to be ventilated toward the housing 4. It is desirable to adopt the configuration. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to allow the compressed air to flow from the lower end of the sterilization filter element 3 to the inside after descending in the housing 4 along the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3. Become.

Sterilizing the filter element 3, a hollow cylindrical body the upper and lower ends are penetrated, the interior sterilizing hollow fiber membrane 3a is loaded Rutotomoni, in front of the hollow fiber membranes 3a for該除bacteria, A mass 5 formed of a plurality of metal linear objects coated with an antibacterial agent 7 on the surface is loaded, and is provided for the purpose of separating and removing microorganisms harmful to the purpose from compressed air. The upper end portion of the sterilization filter element 3 is configured to be connectable to the sterilization filter element mounting portion 2c existing on the outlet 2b side of the body 2 by, for example, screwing or fitting. The sterilization filter element mounting portion 2c is provided with an O-ring that seals each other as needed.

Here, the sterilization filter element 3 has a configuration mode in which the inside of the housing 4 is lowered along the outer peripheral surface of the side wall, and then the air is ventilated from the lower end to the inside. The reason for adopting such a configuration mode is as follows.
That is, the smaller the flow path area of the compressed air after passing through the sterilization filter element 3 and separating and removing the microorganisms harmful to the intended use, the smaller the possibility of re-mixing of the microorganisms is reduced. When the compressed air is ventilated from the lower end to the inside of the sterilization filter element 3, the compressed air does not touch the housing 4 at all, and the surface area of the flow path of the compressed air after passing through the sterilization filter element 3 is significantly increased. This is because it can be reduced.

The hollow fiber membrane 3a for sterilization is a collection of filamentous bodies having a hollow fiber structure in which the inside penetrates like a straw, and has a plurality of pores on the surface, and microorganisms harmful to the use are separated by the pores. -At the same time as removing it, only clean compressed air is passed through the hollow inside, and the clean compressed air that has passed is an external pressure type that is sent out from the end of the filament. Each filament is folded back in the middle and both ends overlap, so that compressed air is sent out from both ends in one direction. Then, the plurality of filaments are converged at the polymerization portion at the end to form a film, and the convergence portion 3b is loaded on the upper end side of the sterilization filter element 3. At this time, the thread-like body is loaded with the end portion facing upward (outlet 2b side) so that clean compressed air is sent to the outlet 2b of the body 2.

The material of the filamentous body in the hollow fiber membrane 3a for sterilization is not particularly limited, and a conventional method may be used. For example, polypropylene, polysulfone, polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, etc. can be considered, but the generated drain adheres. From the viewpoint of prevention and the like, those molded from a hydrophobic material such as polyolefin are also suitable.
The diameter of the pores existing in each filament is sufficient as long as it can separate and remove microorganisms harmful to the intended use, preferably 10 μm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm or less, still more preferably 0.01 μm or less. A hole diameter can be adopted.

The housing 4 forms a hollow cylindrical body having an open upper surface and a closed bottom surface, and is provided for the purpose of blocking compressed air entering and exhausting from the body 2 from the outside atmosphere. The upper end portion of the housing 4 is configured to be connectable to the housing mounting portion 2d existing on the lower surface of the body 2 by, for example, screwing or fitting. The housing mounting portion 2d is provided with an O-ring that seals each other as needed.

It is desirable that a drain discharge port 4a is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the housing 4. The drain discharge port 4a is a discharge port for discharging the drain that has flowed into the inside of the sterilization air filter 1 or the drain that has been generated inside, and the manual valve 15 and the drain trap 13 are connected to the drain discharge port 4a. By providing the drain discharge port 4a on the bottom surface of the housing 4, the growth of microorganisms due to the accumulated drain is suppressed, and harmful microorganisms or their dead bodies can be discharged to the outside together with the drain.

The manual valve 15 connected to the drain discharge port 4a is provided for the purpose of preventing the compressed air from being discharged from the drain discharge port 4a at the time of trouble prevention, installation, and replacement of the drain trap 13, and fulfills the purpose. Any structure can be used as long as it can be used, and the valve is usually left open.
The drain trap 13 connected to the drain discharge port 4a is preferably a snap action type float type drain trap. In the compressed pneumatic circuit, it is often difficult to obtain power at the location where the filter is connected, and even if it is obtained, it is assumed that the power line will be an obstacle. The snap action type float type drain trap obtains the timing and power of valve opening by the amount of drain stored inside and its buoyancy. It belongs to the float type drain trap and does not require a power supply and automatically and reliably filters. The drain generated inside can be discharged together with harmful microorganisms.

As described above, the compressed air flowing in from the inflow port 2a contains microorganisms harmful to the intended use. Most microorganisms can be separated and removed by the sterilization hollow fiber membrane 3a of the sterilization filter element 3, but some microorganisms are transferred from the inflow port 2a of the body 2 which is the flow path of the compressed air to the housing 4. It adheres to the conduit and the hole 2e, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the housing 4, and the inner bottom surface. Normally, a spray-like drain is also attached to the surface of the flow path of the compressed air, and therefore, the pipeline and the hole 2e, the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3, and the inside of the housing 4. Microorganisms are more likely to adhere to the surface than a surface without water, and it can cause the growth of microorganisms.

When the inflow and exhaust of the compressed air of the sterilization air filter 1 for the compressed air pressure circuit is stopped by stopping the operation of the air compressor 9, the sterilization hollow fiber of the sterilization filter element 3 is used by wind pressure. Some of the microorganisms that were attached to the surface of the membrane 3a and are harmful to the intended use will also fall, and the microorganisms can also adhere to the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3 and the inner surface of the housing 4. Become.

Further, when the inflow and exhaust of the compressed air of the sterilizing air filter 1 for the compressed air pressure circuit is started by restarting the operation of the air compressor 9, the conduit from the inflow port 2a of the body 2 to the housing 4 Microorganisms or their dead bodies that adhere to the holes 2e, the outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the housing 4, and the inner bottom surface are the wind pressure of the compressed air that has been introduced. It is peeled off by such means, flows into the inside of the sterilization filter element 3 again, and is separated / removed again by the sterilization hollow fiber membrane 3a. In this case, the separation / removal in the sterilization hollow fiber membrane 3a It increases the burden of action and may cause clogging by microorganisms.

Therefore, when microorganisms harmful to the application flow into the inside of the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit, particularly the inside of the sterilization filter element 3, it is effective to kill or suppress the growth of the microorganisms in advance. , A mode having such an action effect is required.
In the present invention, in order to obtain the above-mentioned effects, first, a mass 5 having an antibacterial agent 7 coated on its surface is loaded in front of the hollow fiber membrane 3a for sterilization in the sterilization filter element 3. Is adopted.

First, a mode in which the mass 5 is loaded in the front stage of the sterilization hollow fiber membrane 3a, which is the first configuration, will be described with reference to FIG.
The lump body 5 is formed by forming a plurality of linear metal objects together, and if it is made of metal, the material thereof is not particularly limited, but in consideration of prevention of rust and corrosion due to the generated drain. It is preferable to use a metal having rust prevention properties such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. Since the massive body 5 is formed of one or a plurality of metal linear objects together, it has a void inside, and the void functions as a flow path through which compressed air passes.

As for the form of the linear object constituting the mass 5, it is conceivable that the form is not only a straight line, but also a spiral shape, a bent shape, a flat tape shape, or the like. With such a form, it is possible to make the agglomerate 5 have a complicated internal structure to promote irregularity of the voids through which the compressed air passes, or to increase the area where the compressed air collides. Therefore, the collision probability of the compressed air with the agglomerate 5 can be improved.

An antibacterial agent 7 is applied to the surface of the linear object constituting the mass 5. The antibacterial agent 7 is applied for the purpose of countering the adhesion and proliferation of microorganisms contained in compressed air. By applying the antibacterial agent 7 to the lump body 5, harmful microorganisms adhere to the surface of the linear object when the compressed air passes through the lump body 5, and are separated and removed by the hollow fiber membrane 3a for sterilization. It is possible to prevent the growth of the microorganisms even when the microorganisms fall and adhere to the agglomerate 5.

Here, the antibacterial substance contained in the antibacterial agent 7 is not limited, but for example, silver, zinc, copper or the like that emit metal ions are supported on powders such as zeolite, ceramics, silica gel, zirconia and glass. The configuration consisting of the above is preferable, and the reasons for the above are as follows.

First of all, the inside of the filter is free of ultraviolet rays, and the antibacterial agent 7 using a photocatalyst that obtains an antibacterial action by reacting titanium oxide or the like with ultraviolet rays is meaningless. This is because the antibacterial action of silver, zinc, copper and the like is almost unchanged under both non-ultraviolet rays and with ultraviolet rays, and the physical properties are hardly changed and the antibacterial action can be sustained for a long period of time.

Secondly, it is not possible to use substances that are harmful to the human body, animals and other uses. Silver, zinc, copper, etc. are substances that are harmless to humans and animals, and powders such as zeolite, ceramics, silica gel, zirconia, and glass that support them do not immediately become harmful substances, and they are coating films. This is because it is sufficiently fixed by.

And thirdly, the reason why silver, zinc, copper, etc. are supported on powders such as zeolite, ceramics, silica gel, zirconia, and glass is fine for the purpose of increasing the surface area of silver, zinc, copper, etc. in order to increase the ion concentration. This is because when the powder is prepared and mixed directly with the antibacterial agent 7, the fine powder is easily peeled off from the coating film. This is because powders such as zeolite, ceramics, silica gel, zirconia, and glass are more difficult to peel off from the coating film, and silver, zinc, copper, and the like are easily supported.

The mass 5 is loaded so as to be sandwiched between the punching plates 6 at the top and bottom inside the sterilization filter element 3. The punching plate 6 is a flat plate provided with a plurality of through holes, and the material is not particularly limited, such as made of metal or resin. Arranged to be sandwiched. As a result, the compressed air enters through the hole of the punching plate 6 arranged below, passes through the mass 5, and is sent out from the hole of the punching plate 6 arranged above.

It is effective that the antibacterial agent 7 is also applied to the punching plate 6. This is because it is assumed that the microorganisms contained in the compressed air naturally come into contact with and adhere to the upper and lower punching plates 6, and the microorganisms separated and removed by the sterilizing hollow fiber membrane 3a are above. This is because it can be assumed that the punching plate 6 is dropped onto the punching plate 6 and adheres to and proliferates.

Next, the operation of the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit including the massive body 5 according to the present invention will be described below.
The sterilizing air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention receives compressed air containing microorganisms harmful to the intended use from the inflow port 2a, passes through the conduit of the body 2 following the inflow port 2a of the body 2, and has a hole. Air enters the inside of the housing 4 from 2e, passes through the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the housing 4, and flows into the inside from the lower end of the sterilization filter element 3. At this time, by first passing through the agglomerate 5 loaded inside the sterilization filter element 3, a part of the microorganisms contained in the compressed air adheres to the agglomerate 5, but the agglomerate The antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent 7 applied to 5 kills or suppresses the growth of the microorganism. After that, the compressed air that has passed through the agglomerate 5 is separated and removed from microorganisms harmful to the intended use through the sterilization hollow fiber membrane 3a loaded inside the sterilization filter element 3, and the outlet 2b of the body 2 is removed. Clean compressed air that does not contain microorganisms harmful to the application is sent out from the outlet 2b via the conduit leading to.

The drain that has flowed into the inside of the sterilization air filter 1 or the drain that has been generated inside is a device together with microorganisms harmful to the purpose or their dead bodies through a drain trap 13 from a drain discharge port 4a provided on the bottom surface of the housing 4. Since it is appropriately discharged to the outside, the growth of microorganisms caused by drainage inside the sterilizing air filter 1 is also suppressed.

Further, it is assumed that the microorganisms separated and removed by the hollow fiber membrane 3a for sterilization then fall and adhere to the agglomerate 5 and the punching plate 6, but the microorganisms are applied to the agglomerate 5 and the punching plate 6. Due to the antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent, it will die or its growth will be suppressed.

As described above, according to the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed air pressure circuit according to the present invention, harmful microorganisms existing in the compressed air discharged by the air compressor 9 are sterilized by being loaded inside the sterilization filter element 3. By effectively separating and removing the hollow thread film 3a for bacteria and the agglomerate 5, it is possible to send out clean compressed air that has been sterilized, and the drain or drain that has flowed into the inside of the sterilization air filter 1. It is possible to appropriately discharge the drain generated inside together with harmful microorganisms and their dead bodies to suppress the growth of microorganisms caused by the drain.

Next, another embodiment of the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention will be described. The same part as in the first embodiment will not be described.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment of the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention.

As described above, when microorganisms harmful to the application flow into the inside of the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit, particularly the inside of the sterilization filter element 3, it is effective to kill or suppress the growth of the microorganisms in advance. It is a target, and a mode having such an action effect is required.
In this embodiment, in order to obtain the above-mentioned effects, as a second means, an antibacterial film 8 having an antibacterial action is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3 and the inner peripheral surface and inner bottom surface of the side wall of the housing 4. Or, an embodiment in which the antibacterial agent 7 is applied is adopted. Such an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The antibacterial film 8 is provided with an antibacterial layer capable of imparting antibacterial properties to the surface of the resin film, and suppresses the growth of microorganisms adhering to the surface. Sufficient. The material of the film to be the base material is not particularly limited as long as it is made of resin, but a soft film is preferable so that it can be easily attached. It is preferable that the back surface of the film is provided with an adhesive layer that can be attached to the sterilization filter element 3 or the housing 4.
Further, the antibacterial agent 7 is the same as the antibacterial agent 7 applied to the mass 5 described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The attachment points of the antibacterial film 8 are predetermined locations on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3, and predetermined locations on the inner peripheral surface and inner bottom surface of the side wall of the housing 4, and some or all of these are selected. It is attached to. The same applies to the portion to which the antibacterial agent 7 is applied. At this time, it is desirable that the antibacterial film 8 and the antibacterial agent 7 are evenly attached or applied to the entire surface so that the antibacterial action can be exerted no matter where the microorganisms adhere.

The antibacterial film 8 and the antibacterial agent 7 can be selectively attached or applied depending on the location, and the attachment location and the application location can be arbitrarily set, for example, shown in the figure. An antibacterial film 8 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the disinfectant filter element 3, and an antibacterial agent 7 is applied to the inner peripheral surface and the inner bottom surface of the side wall of the housing 4, and all of these parts are covered with the antibacterial film 8. Various modes are possible, such as a mode in which the film is attached.

In adopting this configuration, it is a configuration mode in which it can be arbitrarily determined whether or not to coexist the first configuration, that is, the configuration loaded with the massive body 5, but both configurations are coexisted as shown in the figure. It is more preferable to adopt the embodiment, which makes it possible to exert an antibacterial action no matter where the microorganism adheres.

Here, the operation of the sterilizing air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit to which the antibacterial film 8 and the antibacterial agent 7 according to the present invention are attached or applied will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the operation when the configuration in which the lump body 5 which is the first configuration is loaded is adopted in addition to the present configuration will be described.
The sterilizing air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention receives compressed air containing microorganisms harmful to the intended use from the inflow port 2a, passes through the conduit of the body 2 following the inflow port 2a of the body 2, and the housing 4 It enters the inside of the sterilization filter element 3, passes through the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall of the housing 4, and flows into the inside from the lower end of the sterilization filter element 3. At this time, some of the microorganisms contained in the compressed air adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilization filter element 3 and the inner peripheral surface and inner bottom surface of the side wall of the housing 4, but the antibacterial film 8 and antibacterial When the agent 7 is attached or applied, the microorganism is killed or its growth is suppressed by their antibacterial action. Next, the compressed air flowing in from the lower end of the sterilization filter element 3 first passes through the mass 5 loaded inside the sterilization filter element 3, and at that time, a part of the microorganisms contained in the compressed air. Will adhere to the mass 5, but the microorganism will be killed or its growth will be suppressed by the antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent 7 applied to the mass 5. After that, the compressed air that has passed through the agglomerate 5 is separated and removed from microorganisms harmful to the intended use through the sterilization hollow fiber membrane 3a loaded inside the sterilization filter element 3, and the outlet 2b of the body 2 is removed. Clean compressed air that does not contain microorganisms harmful to the application is sent out from the outlet 2b via the conduit leading to.

It is assumed that the microorganisms separated / removed by the hollow fiber membrane 3a for sterilization and the microorganisms attached to the agglomerate 5 then fall and adhere to the inner bottom surface of the housing 4, but the inner bottom surface of the housing Due to the antibacterial action of the antibacterial film 8 or the antibacterial agent 7 attached or applied to, the film is killed or its growth is suppressed.

Summarizing the above, the sterilization air filter 1 for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to the present invention relates to microorganisms adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the mass 5 and the sterilization filter element 3 and the inner peripheral surface and inner bottom surface of the side wall of the housing 4. It is possible to kill or suppress the growth by antibacterial action, thereby reducing the flow rate of microorganisms to the sterilizing hollow fiber membrane 3a and preventing or delaying the clogging of the sterilizing hollow fiber membrane 3a. At the same time, it is possible to maintain a safe and long-term antibacterial action for the application even in an environment without ultraviolet rays.

As described in "Effects of the Invention", the present invention exhibits many excellent effects, and is connected to a compressed pneumatic circuit using compressed air discharged by an air compressor to separate and remove harmful microorganisms. As a disinfectant air filter for pneumatic circuits, it can be used in many situations such as for dentistry, food processing, and machining. Therefore, it is considered that the industrial applicability of the "sterilization air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit" according to the present invention is great.

1 Bactericidal air filter for compressed pneumatic circuit 2 Body 2a Inlet 2b Outlet 2c Bactericidal filter element mounting part 2d Housing mounting part 2e Hole 3 Bactericidal filter element 3a Bactericidal hollow fiber membrane 3b Convergence point 4 Housing 4a Drain Discharge port 5 Massive body 6 Punching plate 7 Antibacterial agent 8 Antibacterial film 9 Air compressor 9a Intake port 10 Refrigeration air dryer 11 Air tank 12 Various filters 13 Drain trap 14 Piping 15 Manual valve 16 Electric valve

Claims (4)

A sterilization air filter for a compressed air pressure circuit that is arranged in a compressed air pressure circuit using compressed air discharged by an air compressor.
It consists of a body, a sterilization filter element attached to the body, and a housing.
The body comprises an inlet and an outlet for compressed air.
The disinfectant filter element forms a through-cylindrical body, inside a predetermined location in the eradication hollow fiber membrane loaded Rutotomoni, in front of the hollow fiber membrane for該除bacteria, an antibacterial agent on the surface coating A lump body formed by aggregating a plurality of metal linear objects is loaded, and the upper end portion is configured to be connectable to the outlet side of the body.
The housing forms a tubular body with an open upper surface and a closed bottom surface, and the upper end portion is configured to be connectable to the lower surface of the body.
The compressed air flowing in from the inflow port of the body passes through the gap between the sterilization filter element and the housing, flows into the inside of the sterilization filter element from the lower end, and is a mass loaded inside the sterilization filter element. A sterilization air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit, characterized in that sterilization is performed by sending out from the outlet of the body via a body and a hollow fiber membrane for sterilization. The sterilizing air for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to claim 1, wherein an antibacterial film having an antibacterial action is attached or an antibacterial agent is applied to a predetermined portion on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall of the sterilizing filter element. filter. The first or second aspect of the housing, wherein an antibacterial film having an antibacterial action is attached or an antibacterial agent is applied to a predetermined portion on the inner peripheral surface and / or the inner bottom surface of the side wall. Sterilization air filter for compressed pneumatic circuit. The sterilization air filter for a compressed pneumatic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a drain outlet is provided at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the housing.

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