JP2011212529A - Filter apparatus and application apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A filter device capable of grasping a clogged state of an element of a filter device used in a liquid flow path from the outside, and detecting a filter clogged state to notify a filter replacement time. And a coating apparatus.
A filter device (10) is inserted into a hollow portion (24B) of an element (24) by extending a discharge flow path (32) provided in a lid portion (20) vertically downward. A gap (36) is provided between the lower end (24C) of the element and the lower opening (32C) of the extension pipe (32A), and the liquid outside the element (24A) passes through the gap. It flows into the hollow part. When the deposit (40) adheres to the position corresponding to the gap on the outside of the element, the liquid gets over the deposit and enters the element from the top of the deposit, so that the water level on the outside of the element rises. It is possible to grasp the clogging state of the element from the water level outside of.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a filter device and a coating device, and more particularly to a structure of a filter device provided in a liquid flow path and a clogging detection technique.

  First, the form of the general fluid filter based on a prior art is demonstrated using FIG. The filter device 200 shown in the figure has a structure in which a hollow element 204 is provided inside a housing portion 202. The liquid flows from the inflow port 206 to the outer side 204A of the element 204, and foreign matter such as dust contained in the liquid does not pass through the element 204 but adheres to the outer side 204A of the element 204. It flows into 204B. The filtered liquid that has passed through the element 204 passes through the hollow portion 204B and is discharged to the outside via the connection port 207 provided in the upper portion of the housing portion 202.

  Since the water level (liquid level) outside the element 204 always reaches the top of the element 204, the filtered foreign matter 208 always adheres over the entire height of the element 204, and the contamination level of the entire element 204 is visually observed. , Will check the clogging situation. As another general method for grasping the clogging situation, the pressure on the inlet side of the filter (the inlet 206 side in the filter device 200 shown in FIG. 9) and the pressure on the outlet side (in the filter device 200 shown in FIG. 9). There is a method of measuring the pressure at the connection port 207 side) and grasping the clogging state by the differential pressure.

  To obtain the differential pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the filter device, measure the pressure by branching the pipe from the inlet side and the outlet side of the filter, and indirectly calculate the differential pressure from the measurement result. There are a calculation method and a method of directly obtaining a differential pressure by connecting a pipe on the inlet side and a pipe on the outlet side to a differential pressure sensor. However, since the structure for obtaining the differential pressure is complicated and increases costs, the clogging situation is indirectly estimated from information such as operation time, and the filter replacement time is determined. The method of exchanging with is commonly used.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid separation device interposed in a fuel supply path that connects a fuel tank and an internal combustion engine. The liquid separation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical filter that allows liquid to permeate from the outside to the inside, and the cover for the filter arrangement portion where the filter is arranged has a filter clogging amount. A scale for judgment is provided.

  Patent Document 2 is a filter that has a hollow portion, includes a filtration unit that removes dust and the like in the liquid, flows liquid into the hollow portion from below, passes through the filtration unit, and is discharged to the side of the filtration unit. A filter clogging detection device that detects clogging of a filtration unit is disclosed. The filter clogging detection device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured to detect clogging in the filtration unit by detecting an increase in the liquid level in the hollow portion caused by clogging.

JP 2008-25391 A JP-A-11-128628

  However, the method of indirectly grasping the clogging condition of the filter indirectly from information such as the operating time is that the clogging progresses unexpectedly due to a change in the usage situation, or the clogging progresses too much. Despite the fact that the filter is usable, the variation is large. Moreover, when the color of the filtered substance and the color of the surface of the element are similar colors or transparent, it is difficult to make a visual judgment.

  Although the liquid separation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can grasp the clogging state of the filter with reference to the scale, it does not have a configuration for detecting the liquid level of the hollow portion, so the clogging state Cannot be notified.

  Further, in the filter clogging detection device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the removed foreign matter adheres in the hollow portion of the filter, so it is difficult to determine the foreign matter adhesion state by visual inspection from the outside. In addition, in the method in which the sensor for detecting the water level is in direct contact with the liquid, the usable liquid is limited. For example, when a liquid having corrosive properties is used, a material having corrosion resistance must be used in a portion in contact with the liquid. Furthermore, when the water level of the liquid is detected by a conduction state between a pair of electrodes provided in the sensor, a liquid having no electrical conductivity such as oil cannot be used.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can detect the clogging state of an element of a filter device used in a liquid flow path from the outside, and can replace the filter by detecting the clogging state of the filter. An object of the present invention is to provide a filter device and a coating device that can notify the time.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the filter device according to the present invention has an inflow port into which a liquid to be filtered flows in, an inflow channel communicating with the inflow port, and an outer surface communicating with the inflow channel. A translucent housing part, an element disposed inside the housing part, having a hollow cylindrical shape and having a structure for allowing liquid to pass from the outer peripheral part to the hollow part, and one opening in the hollow part And a discharge passage having an extension portion inserted so as to be positioned, and a discharge port communicating with the other opening of the discharge passage.

  According to the present invention, since the water level in the housing portion changes due to foreign matters adhering to the outer peripheral portion of the element, it is possible to visually determine the state of clogging of the element from the outside, and the change in the water level due to clogging of the element Thus, it becomes possible to determine the replacement time of the element.

The perspective view which shows the whole structure of the filter apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the filter apparatus shown in FIG. The figure explaining the water level change of the filter apparatus shown in FIG. The figure explaining the element exchange time of the filter apparatus shown in FIG. The figure explaining the modification of the filter apparatus shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the filter apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the modification of the filter apparatus shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the liquid supply apparatus (coating apparatus) to which the filter apparatus shown in FIGS. Explanatory drawing of the filter apparatus concerning a prior art

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The filter device 10 shown in the figure is a filtration filter that removes foreign matters contained in a liquid, and includes an inlet 14 to which an inflow tube 12 is connected, an outlet 18 to which an outlet tube 16 is connected, and an inlet. 14 and the discharge port 18, a housing part 22 having a structure that can be joined to the lid part 20, and an element 24 disposed inside the housing part 22.

  A screw thread portion (not shown) that is engaged with a screw thread portion (not shown) formed at the upper end portion of the outer face 22A of the housing portion 22 is formed on the inner side surface of the lid portion 20. The housing portion 22 is screwed and joined to the inner surface of the 20.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the filter device 10. In the filter device 10 shown in the figure, the inflow side tube 12 and the discharge side tube 16 shown in FIG. 1 are omitted, and the detailed shapes of the lid portion 20 and the housing portion 22 are simplified. Yes. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid portion 20 is provided with an opening 30 that allows the inflow port 14 and the housing portion 22 to communicate with each other, and a discharge channel 32 that communicates with the discharge port 18. The discharge channel 32 has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and a vertically downward extension pipe (vertical part) 32A is inserted into the hollow part 24B of the cylindrical element 24 having a hollow structure.

  Further, the lower opening 32C of the extension pipe 32A of the discharge flow path 32 is inserted into the hollow portion 24B of the element 24 so as to reach a position near the lower end portion 24C of the element 24, and the lower end portion of the element 24 A predetermined gap 36 is secured between 24C and the lower opening 32C of the extension pipe 32A of the discharge channel 32 so that liquid can pass through.

  As described above, the element 24 is supported by the lid portion 20 in a state of being connected to the discharge flow path 32 provided in the lid portion 20 and is disposed inside the housing portion 22. The element 24 has a structure in which the lower end portion 24C seals the hollow portion 24B, and is configured such that liquid passes from the outer surface 24A to the hollow portion 24B through the gap portion 36. In FIG. 2, the direction of the liquid passing through the gap 36 is illustrated by the arrow line with the symbol A.

  That is, the liquid that has flowed into the housing portion 22 through the inflow channel 37 and the opening 30 communicating with the inlet 14 enters the element 24 from the outer surface 24A of the element 24, and the foreign matter contained in the liquid is Captured by the element. The filtered liquid flows into the hollow portion 24B of the element 24, and is connected to the discharge port 18 from the lower opening 32C of the discharge flow channel 32 inserted into the hollow portion 24B via the discharge flow channel 32 and the discharge port 18. It is sucked out by a pump (not shown) and discharged to the outside of the filter device 10.

  Here, the gap portion 36 provided between the lower end portion 24C of the element 24 and the lower opening 32C of the extension pipe 32A of the discharge passage 32 only needs to have a space for allowing the liquid to pass therethrough. The length in the direction may be 10% or more and 50% or less of the length of the element 24 in the vertical direction (axial direction).

  An example of the internal structure of the element 24 applied to the filter device 10 shown in this example is a structure in which a plurality of cylinders having meshes formed on the surface are arranged concentrically. A resin material is preferably used for the cylinder constituting the element 24. An efficient filtration process is realized by providing meshes of different sizes.

  The housing 22 has a semitransparent outer side surface (side surface) 22A so that the water level of the liquid inside can be visually confirmed. The outer surface 22A of the housing portion 22 may be transparent or may be a color different from the internal liquid (a color lighter than the internal liquid).

  The filter device 10 shown in this example is configured so that the clogging state of the element 24 (the amount of foreign matter attached to the outer surface 24A of the element 24) can be visually grasped by the water level of the liquid in the housing portion 22. Yes. In a state where the element 24 is not clogged, the water level of the liquid in the housing portion 22 becomes substantially the same height as the lower opening 32 </ b> C of the discharge channel 32. An arrow line B in FIG. 2 indicates this water level.

  Since the liquid passes between the lower end 24C of the element 24 and the lower opening 32C of the discharge channel 32, the deposit 40 adheres to the area outside the element 24 for a predetermined period from the start of use. In the area where the deposit 40 on the outer surface 24A of the element 24 is adhered, the passage of the liquid is inhibited by the deposit 40. Therefore, when the clogging of the element 24 progresses, the liquid gets over the deposit 40 of the element 24. It flows into the element 24 and the liquid level rises above the deposit 40. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the adhesion range of the deposit 40 reaches the entire range of the gap portion 36, and when the clogging of the element 24 further proceeds, the liquid level of the liquid in the housing portion 22 rises.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the clogging of the element 24 has progressed and the liquid level in the housing portion 22 has reached the vicinity of the upper end 24D of the element 24. When the water level in the housing portion 22 reaches the height shown with the symbol C, the element 24 cannot exhibit a predetermined filtration performance, and it is determined that it is time to replace it. The filter device 10 shown in this example is provided with a scale indicating the replacement timing of the element 24 at the position indicated by the reference symbol C on the outer surface of the housing portion 22. According to such an aspect, it is possible to determine the replacement time of the element 24 accurately and objectively with little individual difference. On the other hand, as a modification of the filter device 10 shown in FIG. 4, there may be a mode in which a scale 48 or the like indicating the replacement time is provided on the outer surface 24 </ b> A of the element 24 as in the filter device 10 ′ shown in FIG. 5. When the scale 48 is provided on the outer surface 24 </ b> A of the element 24, it is preferable that the scale 48 be colored with a color that can be visually recognized from the outer surface of the housing portion 22 and can be distinguished from the color of the liquid and the element 24.

  According to the filter device 10 configured as described above, an element having a hollow structure so that one opening of the discharge flow path 32 reaches a position in the vicinity of the lower end 24C from a substantially intermediate position in the vertical direction of the element 24. Since the discharge flow path 32 (extension pipe 32A) is inserted into the hollow portion 24B of 24, it is possible to grasp the clogging state of the element 24 from the water level of the liquid to be filtered flowing into the outside of the element 24 in the housing portion 22. it can. Further, by making the outer surface of the housing part 22 transparent or translucent, the water level of the liquid in the housing part 22 can be visually observed, and it can be determined whether it is time to replace the element 24. it can.

  Further, when removing the element 24 for inspection or cleaning, the amount of liquid stored in the housing portion 22 is smaller than that in which the entire amount is stored as in the filter device 200 shown in FIG. There are advantages that the amount of liquid to be used is small and the handling is easy.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a filter device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment described below, the same or similar parts as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The filter device 100 according to the second embodiment includes notification means for detecting the water level in the housing portion 22 and notifying the replacement timing of the element 24 (see FIGS. 2 to 5) based on the detection result.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram (sectional view) showing a schematic structure of the filter device 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the filter device 100, a ring-shaped float 102 is inserted between an inner surface 22D of the housing portion 22 and an outer surface 24A of the element 24. The float 102 rises as the liquid level of the liquid in the housing portion 22 rises, and the state of clogging of the element 24 can be grasped by the position (height) of the float 102.

  Further, since the proximity sensor 104 is disposed on the outer surface 22A of the housing portion 22 at a position corresponding to the water level height indicating the replacement time of the element 24, the replacement of the element 24 is performed based on the detection signal obtained from the proximity sensor 104. You can grasp the time. In the aspect shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic body 106 is attached to a part of the float 102 (the surface facing the inner side surface 22 </ b> D of the housing portion 22), and a reed switch or a Hall element is applied to the proximity sensor 104. The water level height of the float 102 can be detected by the proximity sensor 104.

  A configuration is preferred in which, based on the detection signal obtained from the proximity sensor 104, when it is determined that it is time to replace the element due to clogging, the operator is notified of this. Examples of notification forms include visual forms such as lighting (flashing and extinguishing) of LEDs and lamps, and displaying character information on a monitor device, and auditory forms such as buzzers and voice messages. For example, it is conceivable that a detection signal obtained from the proximity sensor 104 is sent to the control system, and a command signal for turning on (or blinking, turning off) the LED or the lamp is generated from the control system.

  According to the filter device 100 according to the second embodiment, the proximity sensor 104 provided on the outer surface 22A of the housing part 22 is inserted between the inner surface 22D of the housing part 22 and the outer surface 24A of the element 24. From the position of the float 102, the water level height of the liquid in the housing portion 22 can be grasped. Further, when the replacement time of the element 24 is grasped, the notification means notifies the replacement time of the element 24.

  The proximity sensor 104 is non-contact detection that does not come into contact with the liquid in the housing portion 22, and the detection portion of the proximity sensor 104 is not corroded by the component of the liquid to be filtered. In addition, if the housing part 22 is a non-magnetic body, it may not be transparent etc. so that the inside can be visually observed, and the range of the material selection of the housing part 22 can be expanded.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a filter device 100 ′ according to a modification of the filter device 100 illustrated in FIG. 6. A filter device 100 ′ according to this modification includes a photosensor (reflection photosensor) 124 instead of the proximity sensor 104, and the float 122 is provided with a reflector 126. According to such a modification, it is possible to reduce the weight of the detection object attached to the float 122 as compared with the aspect shown in FIG.

  Note that the photosensor 124 applied to this example is not limited to a reflective sensor, and a transmissive sensor or an image sensor can be applied corresponding to the configuration of the float 122.

[Application example to coating equipment]
Next, an example in which the filter device 10 (10 ′, 100, 100 ′) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 is applied to a roller coating type coating device will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a coating apparatus 150 to which the filter device according to the present invention is applied. The coating apparatus 150 shown in the figure includes a coating unit 152 that applies a coating solution to a medium, a supply unit 154 that supplies the coating solution to the coating unit 152, and a circulation unit that circulates the coating solution from the coating unit 152 to the supply unit 154. 156.

  The application unit 152 includes a pressure drum 158 that supports the medium on the peripheral surface, an application roller 160 that applies a predetermined application liquid in contact with the medium, and an anilox roller 162 that supplies a predetermined amount of the application liquid to the application roller 160. The application tray 164 in which the application liquid supplied to the application roller 160 is stored is included.

  In addition, the supply unit 154 includes a tank 166 that stores the application liquid supplied to the application unit 152, a buffer tank 168 that temporarily stores the application liquid supplied from the tank 166 to the application unit 152, and a buffer tank 168. A supply channel 170 that communicates with the application unit 152, a supply pump 172 provided in the supply channel 170, a concentration sensor 174 that detects the concentration of the coating liquid that passes through the supply channel 170, and a supply channel 170. A thermistor 176 that detects the temperature of the coating liquid that passes through and a heater 178 that heats the coating liquid that passes through the supply flow path 170 are included.

  The coating liquid in the tank 166 is sent to the buffer tank 168 when the replenishment pump 180 is operated. The coating solution temporarily stored in the buffer tank 168 is sent to the coating unit 152 (coating plate 164) via the concentration sensor 174, the heater 178, and the thermistor 176 when the valve 181 is opened and the supply pump 172 is operated. Is done. The concentration of the coating liquid passing through the supply flow path 170 is detected by the concentration sensor 174, the temperature is detected by the thermistor 176, and the physical properties thereof are monitored.

  For example, based on the concentration information obtained from the concentration sensor 174, if it is determined that the concentration of the coating liquid passing through the supply flow path 170 exceeds a predetermined range, the valve 182 is opened to supply the supply flow from the diluent tank 183. Diluent is supplied to the path 170. Further, based on the temperature information obtained from the thermistor 176, when the temperature of the coating liquid passing through the supply flow path 170 falls below a predetermined temperature, the heater 178 is operated to change the coating liquid in the supply flow path 170 to the coating liquid. Heat treatment is performed.

  The circulation unit 156 includes a discharge channel 184 connected to the drain port 164A of the application tray 164, a filter device 185 provided in the discharge channel 184, a circulation pump 186 connected to the discharge side of the filter device 185, and a circulation A circulation channel 187 that communicates the filter device 185 and the buffer tank 168 via the pump 186 is configured.

  When the valve 189 provided in the discharge flow path 184 and the valve 190 provided in the circulation flow path 187 are opened and the circulation pump 186 is operated, the coating liquid discharged from the application tray 164 is buffered via the filter device 185. The liquid is sent to the tank 168. 8 is applied to the filter device 10 (10 ′, 100, 100 ′) described with reference to FIGS. That is, the inlet of the filter device 185 is connected to the opposite end of the discharge channel 184 connected to the drain port 164A of the application tray 164, and the discharge port of the filter device 185 is connected to the circulation pump 186 via a predetermined pipe line. Is connected.

  The coating liquid discharged from the application tray 164 is mixed with foreign matter adhering to the medium to be applied, debris of the surface treatment layer of the medium, debris of the medium, and the like. These foreign substances accumulate by repeating circulation and contaminate the coating solution. The contaminated coating solution becomes abnormal when passing through the concentration sensor 174, and adheres to the inside of the concentration sensor 174 to deteriorate the accuracy. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the contaminated coating solution before passing through the concentration sensor 174. is there.

  A filter device 185 is provided to remove this foreign matter, but the pressure in the pipe increases when the processing liquid contained in the buffer tank 168 is kept clean and when the element of the filter device 185 is clogged. In order to prevent this, it is connected to the suction side of the circulation pump 186. By being connected to the suction side of the circulation pump 186, there is less contamination inside the circulation pump 186 due to crushing when foreign matter passes through the circulation pump 186, and the piping system including the filter device 185 does not become high pressure. There are advantages in that it is advantageous in terms of strength, and even if the element of the filter device 185 is clogged, it does not leak from the piping system and contaminate the surroundings.

  The coating apparatus 150 described above can be applied to a treatment liquid coating section in a two-liquid aggregation type ink jet recording apparatus. Here, the “treatment liquid” is a liquid having a function of aggregating or insolubilizing the color material contained in the ink, and examples of compositions shown in Table 1 below are given.

  As a result of adjusting the treatment liquid with the composition of [Table 1] and measuring the physical properties of the obtained liquid, the viscosity was 4.9 (mPa · s), the surface tension was 24.3 (mN / m), and the pH value. 1.5. Such a treatment liquid can be said to be excellent in ink cohesion and applicability by a roller and excellent in wetness of a recording medium.

  When an image is drawn on a recording medium based on predetermined image data after applying the treatment liquid, a high-quality image that does not cause density unevenness or color misregistration can be formed. In addition, as a configuration example of the ink jet recording apparatus, a paper feeding unit that stores a recording medium before processing, a processing liquid application unit that applies the above-described processing liquid to a recording medium before drawing, and recording after processing liquid application A drawing unit that draws an image on a medium, a drying processing unit that performs drying processing on the recording medium after drawing, a fixing processing unit that performs fixing processing on the recording medium after drying processing, and a recording medium after fixing processing The structure provided with the outside and the discharge part is mentioned.

  In the apparatus configuration example described above, an example of application to a treatment liquid application unit in an inkjet recording apparatus that records color images by discharging color ink onto a recording medium has been shown. However, mask pattern formation, wiring drawing on a printed wiring board, and the like The filter device according to the present invention can also be applied to a functional liquid application portion in another image forming apparatus that forms a predetermined pattern shape on a substrate with a resin liquid or the like.

  The filter device according to the present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course.

[Appendix]
As will be understood from the description of the embodiments of the invention described in detail above, the present specification includes disclosure of various technical ideas including at least the invention described below.

  (Invention 1): Inflow port through which a liquid to be filtered flows in, an inflow channel communicating with the inflow port, a housing portion whose outer surface communicating with the inflow channel is configured to be transparent or translucent, An element that is disposed inside the housing part and has a hollow cylindrical shape and has a structure that allows liquid to pass from the outer peripheral part to the hollow part, and an extension part that is inserted so that one opening is located in the hollow part A filter device comprising: a discharge channel having a discharge port, and a discharge port communicating with the other opening of the discharge channel.

  According to the present invention, since the water level in the housing portion is changed by the foreign matter adhering to the outer peripheral portion of the element, it is possible to visually determine the state of clogging of the element from the outside, and from the change in the water level due to clogging of the element It becomes possible to determine the replacement time of the element.

  The discharge port is preferably connected to suction means (for example, a pump) through a predetermined flow path.

  A lid part that is joined to the housing part and seals the upper part thereof is provided, and an inflow port, an inflow channel, a discharge channel, and a discharge port are provided in the lid unit, and extend vertically downward from the discharge channel provided in the lid unit. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the formed extension tube is inserted into the hollow portion of the element.

  (Invention 2): In the filter device according to Invention 1, the extension portion has a length in which one opening reaches the vicinity of the lower end of the element.

  According to this aspect, the closer the one opening of the extension portion (discharge flow path) inserted into the hollow portion is to the lower end of the element, the less liquid is stored in the housing. The clogging area is small.

  (Invention 3): In the filter device according to Invention 1 or 2, the element allows the liquid to be filtered to pass between the lower end and the position of the one opening of the extension portion inserted into the hollow portion. For this purpose, a gap is provided.

  According to this aspect, since the liquid passes from the outer periphery of the element to the inside through the gap between the lower end of the element and the position of one opening of the discharge flow path, the liquid passes through the outer periphery of the element corresponding to the gap. Foreign matter removed when the liquid is filtered adheres, and when the clogging of the element further proceeds, the liquid level inside the housing rises so that the liquid gets over the height of the foreign matter. The clogging state of the element can be grasped by observing the water level of the liquid in the housing part.

  (Invention 4): The filter device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the housing portion is provided with a scale indicating a water level at the replacement time of the element.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to visually determine that the element has reached the replacement time due to clogging, based on the scale provided on the housing portion.

  (Invention 5): In the filter device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, the element is characterized in that a scale indicating a water level at the time of replacement of the element is provided on an outer peripheral portion.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to visually determine that the element has reached the replacement time due to clogging, based on the scale provided on the element.

  (Invention 6): The filter device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, further comprising water level detection means for detecting the water level of the liquid in the housing portion.

  In such an aspect, it is possible to visually determine that the element has reached the replacement time due to clogging based on the detection result of the water level detection means.

  (Invention 7): In the filter device according to Invention 6, the water level detection means includes a magnetic field sensor provided outside the housing part and an inside of the housing part, and detects the liquid level in the housing part. And a member to be detected to which a magnetic body that moves in response is attached.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to visually determine that the element has reached the replacement time due to clogging based on the detection signal obtained from the magnetic field type sensor.

  A non-contact sensor such as a reed switch or a Hall element can be applied to the magnetic field sensor.

  (Invention 8): In the filter device according to Invention 6, the water level detection means includes an optical sensor provided outside the housing part and an inside of the housing part, and adjusts the liquid level in the housing part. And an optical type detection member that moves in response to this.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to visually determine that the element has reached the replacement time due to clogging based on the detection signal obtained from the optical sensor. Moreover, the optical type detection member in this aspect can be lighter than the detection target to which the magnetic body is attached.

  The aspect which makes the to-be-detected member in the invention 7, 8 the ring shape provided with the opening of the size corresponding to an element is preferable.

  (Invention 9): In the filter device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 8, when the water level of the liquid in the housing part exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a notification that it is time to replace the element. Means are provided.

  The notification means in such an embodiment includes visual things such as LEDs and lamps, and auditory things such as buzzers and sounds.

  (Invention 10): a liquid application unit that applies a liquid to a predetermined application object, a circulation channel that circulates the liquid from the liquid application unit, and a filter device that is provided in the circulation channel, The filter device includes an inflow port into which a liquid to be filtered flows in, a housing portion that communicates with the inflow port and has an outer surface that is configured to be transparent or translucent, and is disposed inside the housing portion. An element having a shape and a structure for allowing liquid to pass from the outer peripheral part to the hollow part, a discharge flow path having an extension inserted so that one opening is positioned in the hollow part, and the other of the discharge flow paths And a discharge port communicating with the opening.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the condition of the clogging of the element in the filter apparatus provided in the circulation flow path can be grasped visually from the outside of the filter apparatus.

  (Invention 11): The coating apparatus described in Invention 10 is characterized in that it is provided with a suction means that is connected to the discharge port and sucks the filtered liquid through the discharge port.

  The suction means in such an embodiment includes a pump.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10'100,100 ', 185 ... Filter apparatus, 14 ... Inflow port, 18 ... Discharge port, 22 ... Housing part, 24 ... Element, 24C ... Lower end part, 32 ... Discharge flow path, 32C ... Lower side Opening, 36 ... Gap, 48 ..., Scale, 102, 122 ... Float, 104 ... Proximity sensor, 106 ... Magnetic material, 124 ... Photo sensor, 126 ... Reflector, 150 ... Applicator, 152 ... Applicator, 156 ... Circulation unit, 186 ... circulation pump

Claims (11)

An inlet into which the liquid to be filtered flows,
An inflow channel communicating with the inflow port;
A housing part whose outer surface communicating with the inflow channel is configured to be transparent or translucent;
An element disposed inside the housing part, having a hollow cylindrical shape and having a structure for allowing liquid to pass from the outer peripheral part to the hollow part;
A discharge flow path having an extension portion inserted so that one opening is positioned in the hollow portion;
A discharge port communicating with the other opening of the discharge channel;
A filter device comprising: The filter device according to claim 1,
The extension device has a length in which the one opening reaches the vicinity of the lower end of the element. The filter device according to claim 1 or 2,
The filter device is characterized in that a gap for allowing the liquid to be filtered to pass through is provided between the lower end and the position of the one opening of the extension portion inserted into the hollow portion. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The said housing part is provided with the scale which shows the water level of the replacement | exchange time of the said element, The filter apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The filter device according to claim 1, wherein the element is provided with a scale indicating a water level at the time of replacement of the element on an outer peripheral portion. The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A filter device comprising a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the liquid in the housing part. The filter device according to claim 6, wherein
The water level detection means includes a magnetic field sensor provided outside the housing part,
A member to be detected, which is provided inside the housing part, and attached with a magnetic body that moves according to the water level of the liquid in the housing part;
A filter device comprising: The filter device according to claim 6, wherein
The water level detection means includes an optical sensor provided outside the housing part,
An optical type detection member that is provided inside the housing part and moves in accordance with a water level of the liquid in the housing part;
A filter device comprising: The filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A filter device comprising: a notifying means for notifying that it is time to replace the element when the water level of the liquid in the housing part exceeds a predetermined threshold value. A liquid application unit for applying a liquid to a predetermined application object;
A circulation channel for circulating the liquid from the liquid application part;
A filter device provided in the circulation channel;
With
The filter device includes an inlet into which a liquid to be filtered flows,
A housing portion that communicates with the inflow port and has an outer surface configured to be transparent or translucent;
An element disposed inside the housing part, having a hollow cylindrical shape and having a structure for allowing liquid to pass from the outer peripheral part to the hollow part;
A discharge flow path having an extension portion inserted so that one opening is positioned in the hollow portion;
A discharge port communicating with the other opening of the discharge channel;
A coating apparatus comprising: The coating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
An application apparatus comprising: a suction unit that is connected to the discharge port and sucks the filtered liquid through the discharge port.

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