JP2023155576A - Odor detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an odor detection device with which it is possible to project a sensor element from particulate matter and moisture.SOLUTION: An odor detection device comprises a container 2 in which a sample S is accommodated, a gas supply unit 3 that sends a gas into the container 2 through a first passage 21a, and a detection unit 4 that detects odor pushed out from inside the container 2 together with the gas sent into the container 2 through a second passage 22a, the detection unit 4 including a plurality of sensor elements 40. The sensor elements 40 have an adsorption film 41 that adsorbs an odor substance included in the gas, and a detection unit 42 that detects the state of adsorption of the odor substance to the adsorption film 41, the adsorption film 41 being composed so that an odor substance adsorption characteristic is different for each of the plurality of sensor elements 40. A first filter 11 and a second filter 12 to collect particulate matter and moisture contained in the gas that is pushed out from inside the container 2 to the detection unit 4 are provided to the second passage 22a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an odor detection device.

In Patent Document 1, two syringe needles are provided in the upper space of a sample bottle containing a liquid sample, dry air is sent into the sample bottle through one of the syringe needles, and the dry air and the sample are removed. An odor measuring device has been disclosed in which odor gas, which is an evaporated gas, is mixed and discharged from another syringe needle to be sent to a parallel sensor cell.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-271204

However, in the odor measuring device described in Patent Document 1, for example, if the sample in the sample bottle is solid, particulate matter attached to the sample is likely to be blown up by dry air sent into the sample bottle; There is a risk that particulate matter may be sent into the parallel sensor cell together with the dry air.

Further, for example, if the sample in the sample bottle is a hot food or the like, steam may be generated and the steam may be sent into the parallel sensor cell together with dry air. For example, when food that has just been cooked in a frozen food manufacturing process is stored in a sample bottle as a sample to be measured, the sample bottle is filled with steam generated from the food that has just been cooked, and the odor measuring device is also exposed to a large amount of steam. steam is sent in. On the other hand, although no steam is generated from food after freezing, it is preferable to measure the odor while the food is still warm.

In this way, if particulate matter or moisture is sent to the parallel sensor cells, even if the odor sensor selectively responds to a specific odor, the measured values will fluctuate and errors will occur. Exposure to an atmosphere containing moisture causes irreversible destructive damage to the sensor itself, which is undesirable from the viewpoint of sensor protection.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an odor detection device that can protect a sensor element from particulate matter and moisture.

The odor detection device according to the present invention includes a container in which a sample is stored, a gas supply section that feeds gas into the container through a first passage, and a second gas supply section from inside the container together with the gas sent into the container. a detection unit that detects an odor pushed out through a passageway, the detection unit includes a sensor element, the sensor element includes an adsorption film that adsorbs an odorant contained in the gas, and an adsorption film that adsorbs an odor substance contained in the gas; a detection section that detects the adsorption state of the odorant to the membrane, and the second passage includes a detection section that captures particulate matter and moisture contained in the gas pushed from inside the container to the detection section. It has a configuration in which a filter is provided to collect the information.

With this configuration, the odor detection device according to the present invention is provided with a filter in the second passage between the container containing the sample and the detection section that detects the odor, so that the odor detection device detects gases and odors from inside the container. Particulate matter and moisture that are forced out can be collected by a filter. Thereby, the sensor element can be protected from particulate matter and moisture.

Furthermore, in the odor detection device according to the present invention, the filter includes a first filter that collects the particulate matter and a second filter that collects the moisture.

With this configuration, the odor detection device according to the present invention has two filters each having a different collection target, the first filter that collects particulate matter and the second filter that collects moisture. Therefore, the ability to remove particulate matter and moisture can be enhanced.

The odor detection device according to the present invention includes a container in which a sample is stored, a gas supply section that feeds gas into the container through a first passage, and a second gas supply section from inside the container together with the gas sent into the container. a detection unit that detects an odor pushed out through a passageway, the detection unit includes a sensor element, the sensor element includes an adsorption film that adsorbs an odorant contained in the gas, and an adsorption film that adsorbs an odor substance contained in the gas; a detection section that detects the state of adsorption of the odorant to the membrane; the first passage is provided with a dehumidification section that dehumidifies the gas supplied from the gas supply section; The first passage is provided with a filter that collects particulate matter contained in the gas pushed out from the inside of the container to the detection section, and the first passage is provided with a filter that collects particulate matter contained in the gas pushed out from the inside of the container to the detection section. It has a configuration in which it is connected to the passage of No. 2 through a bypass passage.

With this configuration, the odor detection device according to the present invention is provided with a filter in the second passage between the container containing the sample and the detection section that detects the odor, so that the odor detection device detects gases and odors from inside the container. Particulate matter that is forced out can be collected by a filter. In addition, since the first passage is connected to the second passage through the bypass passage downstream of the dehumidification part, the gas that has passed through the dehumidification part is sent into the container, and is also supplied to the detection part through the bypass passage for mixing. Therefore, the humidity of the gas flowing into the detection section can be lowered and stabilized. Thereby, the odor detection device according to the present invention can eliminate measurement errors due to fluctuations in the humidity of the gas flowing into the detection section, and can protect the sensor element from particulate matter and moisture.

Further, in the odor detection device according to the present invention, in the second passage, an electromagnetic valve for communicating or blocking the second passage is provided upstream of the connection point with the bypass passage, The solenoid valve is configured to block the second passage except when detecting the odor of the sample.

With this configuration, in the odor detection device according to the present invention, the electromagnetic valve blocks the second passage except when detecting the odor of the sample, so that the odor is always connected to the detection section through the bypass passage except when detecting the odor of the sample. Dehumidified gas can be introduced. For this reason, for example, after the odor detection device is activated, it is possible to prevent the supply of odor substances generated from the sample to the detection unit until the output of the detection unit becomes stable. This can prevent a situation where an accurate output cannot be obtained due to odor being detected in a state where the output of the detection section is not stable.

Further, in the odor detection device according to the present invention, the second passage includes an upstream passage on the upstream side and a downstream passage on the downstream side with the solenoid valve in between, and the solenoid valve includes: A discharge passage for discharging gas to the outside of the apparatus is connected, and the electromagnetic valve communicates the upstream passage and the downstream passage when the odor of the sample is detected, and communicates with the downstream passage when the odor of the sample is detected. The upstream passage and the discharge passage are configured to communicate with each other.

With this configuration, in the odor detection device according to the present invention, the electromagnetic valve communicates the upstream passage and the discharge passage except when detecting the odor of the sample, so that the humidity inside the container is reduced except when detecting the odor of the sample. be able to. Thereby, when the upstream passage and the downstream passage are brought into communication by the electromagnetic valve when detecting the odor of the sample, the gas with reduced humidity can be sent to the detection section through the second passage together with the odor substance of the sample.

Moreover, the odor detection device according to the present invention has a configuration in which the odor of the sample is detected after a predetermined period of time has passed since the gas supply section and the dehumidification section start driving.

With this configuration, the odor detection device according to the present invention detects the odor of the sample after a predetermined period of time has passed after the gas supply section and the dehumidification section start driving, so the odor detection device detects the odor while the output of the detection section is stable. can be detected. This allows accurate output to be obtained in the detection section.

Further, the odor detection device according to the present invention includes a calculation unit that analyzes the output value of the detection unit and converts the odor into a numerical value, and a calculation unit that determines whether or not the odor digitized by the calculation unit is within a predetermined value range. The apparatus further includes a determination section and an output section that outputs the determination result by the determination section to the outside.

With this configuration, the odor detection device according to the present invention can quantitatively determine the odor by quantifying the odor of the sample.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an odor detection device that can protect a sensor element from particulate matter and moisture.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an odor detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an odor detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of gas when detecting odors in the odor detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the odor detection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the odor detection device 1 of this embodiment includes a container 2, a gas supply section 3, a detection section 4, and a control device 5. Note that the expression "odor" is used to refer to the characteristic or state of an object that affects the sense of smell, such as "smell", "odor", or "aroma", which has a subjective meaning, but it does not necessarily mean that it is a characteristic or state of an object that affects the human sense of smell. It is not limited by whether or not it is significantly discernible in the sense of smell, but also includes, for example, organoleptic properties that are generally said to impart flavor in foods and beverages.

[container]
The container 2 accommodates a sample S whose odor is to be detected. Examples of the sample S include solid substances, such as warm foods such as fried rice as foods immediately after cooking in the manufacturing process of frozen foods, but are not limited thereto.

As the container 2, a reusable glass bottle, a disposable container made of heat-resistant resin, or the like can be used. The container 2 is sealed with a lid (not shown) when detecting the odor of the sample S.

[Gas supply section]
The gas supply unit 3 is constituted by a discharge type air pump, and is connected to the container 2 via a piping member 21 such as a silicon tube. A first passage 21a through which gas passes is formed within the piping member 21.

The gas supply section 3 includes a suction port, a discharge port, and a fan motor (not shown), and discharges air sucked in from the suction port to the first passage 21a from the discharge port.

In this way, the gas supply section 3 is configured to feed gas into the container 2 through the first passage 21a. The gas supply section 3 is connected to a control device 5, and its driving is controlled by the control device 5.

[Detection unit]
The detection unit 4 is connected to the container 2 via a passage member 22. As the passage member 22, for example, one that is integrally formed with the lid (not shown) of the container 2, or one that is separate from the lid can be used. A second passage 22a through which gas passes is formed within the passage member 22.

When gas is sent into the container 2 by the gas supply section 3, the odor of the sample S is pushed out from the inside of the container 2 to the detection section 4 side through the second passage 22a along with the sent gas.

The detection unit 4 is constituted by an odor sensor that detects the odor of the sample S pushed out from the container 2 through the second passage 22a together with the gas sent into the container 2.

The detection unit 4 includes a casing (not shown), and a second passage 22a is connected to an inlet provided in the casing. The detection unit 4 includes a plurality of sensor elements 40 for detecting odors within the housing. The number of sensor elements 40 is set to an arbitrary number depending on the type of odor to be detected, accuracy, etc.

The plurality of sensor elements 40 are arranged on a sensor substrate (not shown) in a grid, in a line, or in a ring. The plurality of sensor elements 40 may be randomly arranged on the sensor substrate. Note that in the case of a configuration in which only a specific odor is detected, the number of sensor elements 40 may be one.

The sensor element 40 includes an adsorption film 41 that adsorbs odorants contained in gas, and a detection section 42 that detects the adsorption state of the odorants to the adsorption film 41.

The adsorption film 41 is provided on the surface of the detection section 42 so as to cover the surface of the detection section 42 . The adsorption film 41 is configured so that the adsorption characteristics of odorant substances differ for each sensor element 40. It is preferable that the adsorption film 41 is configured so that the adsorption characteristics between the sensor elements 40 are not the same.

As the adsorption film 41, other known films such as a thin film formed of an n-electron conjugated polymer can be used. The adsorption properties of each adsorption film 41 can be made to differ from each other by adjusting the type and content of the dopant. Furthermore, the adsorption films 41 may have different adsorption characteristics by using different types of n-electron conjugated polymers.

The detection unit 42 is connected to the control device 5. The detection unit 42 detects changes in the physical, chemical, or electrical characteristics of the adsorption film 41 caused by the odorant adsorbed on the adsorption film 41. The detection unit 42 converts the detection result into an electrical signal as an output value and outputs it to the control device 5.

As the detection unit 42, other known sensors such as a crystal oscillator sensor can be used, for example. In other words, the detection section 42 is not limited to a crystal resonator sensor as long as it can detect the physical, chemical, or electrical characteristics of the adsorption film 41.

[Control device]
The control device 5 is configured by a computer unit including at least a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input port, and an output port.

The control device 5 includes a calculation section 51, a determination section 52, and an output section 53. In this embodiment, the control device 5 is configured by a personal computer separate from the detection section 4. In addition, when the odor detection apparatus 1 is integrated into a housing|casing as one unit, the control apparatus 5 may be comprised in the housing|casing of the odor detection apparatus 1 as the same unit as the detection part 4.

The calculation unit 51 is configured to receive the output value of each detection unit 42 from each sensor element 40 as input. The calculation unit 51 analyzes the output value of each detection unit 42 and converts the odor of the sample S into a numerical value.

For example, when the detection unit 42 is composed of a crystal oscillator sensor, the calculation unit 51 calculates a multidimensional quantity corresponding to the number of sensor elements 40 from the frequency data obtained as an output value from each sensor element 40. Analyze and extract features.

The determining unit 52 determines whether the odor digitized by the calculating unit 51 is within a predetermined value range. Specifically, the determination unit 52 analyzes the multidimensional quantities corresponding to the number of sensor elements 40, converts the top two extracted feature quantities into two dimensions, and determines the sample based on the two-dimensional data. Determine whether S's odor is appropriate. For example, when the sample S is cooked fried rice, if the determination unit 52 determines that the odor quantified by the calculation unit 51 is not within the predetermined value range, the fried rice of the sample S may be seasoned, for example. It can be determined that food is missing or has been burnt.

The output unit 53 is configured by, for example, a flat panel display, a touch panel display, or the like. The output unit 53 outputs the determination result by the determination unit 52 to the outside in a visualized state. Examples of visualization formats include displays that indicate whether the odor is appropriate (e.g., OK or NG displays), various graphs, radar charts, matrices, and any other display format that can be objectively evaluated. Any display format may be adopted, these display formats may be combined, or each display format may be switchable.

In this way, odor detection is achieved by the detection unit 4 and the control device 5 working together. That is, the detection unit 4 detects the characteristics of the adsorption film 41 that have changed due to the adsorption of odorous substances using the detection unit 42, outputs the detection result to the control device 5, and in the control device 5, this output value is analyzed by the calculation unit 51. The odor of the sample S is detected by converting it into numerical values.

[filter]
The above-mentioned second passage 22a includes a first filter 11 that collects particulate matter contained in the gas pushed out from inside the container 2 to the detection section 4, and a first filter 11 that collects particulate matter contained in the gas pushed out from inside the container 2 to the detection section 4. A second filter 12 that collects moisture contained in the gas is provided. The first filter 11 and the second filter 12 of this embodiment constitute a filter.

As the first filter 11, various filters can be used, such as a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) filter, a quartz fiber filter, or a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Further, a filter configured by stacking a plurality of nonwoven fabrics, a charged filter, or a filter configured of a nonwoven fabric made of a porous filter material and charged positively or the like in advance may be used.

The first filter 11 is capable of collecting fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), which is contained in the gas pushed out from the inside of the container 2 to the detection unit 4. Any filter may be used as long as it is capable of transmitting odorous substances.

The second filter 12 is disposed on the second passage 22a on the downstream side of the first filter 11 with respect to the gas flow direction.

The second filter 12 is composed of an electronically cooled dehumidifier, and includes an inlet, an outlet, a drain, a fan motor, and a dehumidifying unit (not shown), and uses the dehumidifying unit to dehumidify the gas sucked in from the inlet. By doing this, water is removed or kept below a certain amount.

Note that the arrangement of the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 in this embodiment is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement of the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 may be reversed.

Further, instead of the first filter 11 and the second filter 12, a filter having both the functions of the first filter 11 and the functions of the second filter 12 may be used. For example, a filter that combines the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 may be used, or a compressed air filter that compresses gas and removes moisture and particulate matter from the compressed air by centrifugation. , may also be used.

[Effect]
As described above, the odor detection device according to the present embodiment includes the first filter 11 and the second filter in the second passage 22a between the container 2 containing the sample S and the detection unit 4 that detects the odor. Since the filter 12 is provided, the first filter 11 and the second filter 12 can collect particulate matter and moisture that are pushed out from inside the container 2 together with gas and odor. Thereby, the sensor element 40 can be protected from particulate matter and moisture.

Further, the odor detection device according to the present embodiment is provided with two stages of filters for different collection targets, the first filter 11 that collects particulate matter and the second filter 12 that collects moisture. Therefore, the ability to remove particulate matter and moisture can be improved.

The odor detection device according to the present embodiment also includes a calculation unit 51 that analyzes the output value of the detection unit 42 and converts the odor into a numerical value, and a calculation unit 51 that determines whether or not the numerical value of the odor is within a predetermined value range. Since the determination unit 52 is provided, the odor of the sample S can be quantitatively determined by quantifying the odor.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

The odor detection device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a container 2, a gas supply section 13, a detection section 4, a control device 5, a dehumidification section 6, a solenoid valve 7, and a controller 8. ing. Each of these components is housed within the housing 101.

Here, each configuration of the container 2, the detection unit 4, the control device 5, and the first filter 11 is the same as each configuration described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, each of these components that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The first filter 11 in this embodiment constitutes a filter.

[Gas supply section]
In this embodiment, the gas supply unit 13 is configured by a discharge type air pump, and includes an inlet 13a, an outlet 13b, and a fan motor (not shown). The suction port 13a communicates with the outside of the housing 101.

The discharge port 13b is connected to the dehumidifier 6 via a passage member 61. A first upstream passage 61a through which gas passes is formed within the passage member 61. The gas supply unit 13 discharges air taken in through the suction port 13a to the first upstream passage 61a from the discharge port 13b. The air discharged into the first upstream passage 61a passes through the dehumidifying section 6 and is sent into the container 2 through a first downstream passage 62a, which will be described later.

In this way, the gas supply section 13 is configured to constantly feed gas into the container 2 through the first upstream passage 61a and the first downstream passage 62a. Note that the gas supply section 13 may be connected to the controller 8 and its driving may be controlled. The first upstream passage 61a and the first downstream passage 62a in this embodiment constitute a first passage.

[Dehumidification section]
The dehumidifying section 6 is constituted by an electronically cooled dehumidifier, and includes an inlet 6a, an outlet 6b, a drain 6c, and a fan motor and a dehumidifying unit (not shown). The dehumidifier 6 uses a dehumidifying unit to dehumidify the gas sucked in through the suction port 6a, thereby removing moisture or reducing the amount to a certain amount or less, and then sending the gas out through the discharge port 6b. The moisture removed by the dehumidification unit is drained through the drain port 6c.

The dehumidifier 6 is connected to the container 2 via a passage member 62. A first downstream passage 62a is formed within the passage member 62, through which dehumidified gas passes.

A bypass passage member 63 that is connected to the middle of a passage member 72, which will be described later, is connected to an intermediate portion of the passage member 62. A bypass passage 63a is formed within the bypass passage member 63, through which dehumidified gas passes.

Therefore, the first downstream passage 62a is connected downstream of the dehumidifying section 6 to a second downstream passage 72a, which will be described later, through a bypass passage 63a. The gas dehumidified by the dehumidifier 6 is supplied not only to the container 2 but also to a second downstream passage 72a, which will be described later, through the bypass passage 63a.

A passage member 71 is connected to the container 2 . The passage member 71 is connected to the container 2 on the upstream side and to the electromagnetic valve 7 on the downstream side. A second upstream passage 71a is formed in the passage member 71, through which gas sent out from the container 2 passes. When gas is fed into the container 2 by the gas supply section 13, the odor of the sample S is pushed out from the container 2 to the electromagnetic valve 7 side through the second upstream passage 71a along with the fed gas.

Passage member 71 is connected to passage member 72 and passage member 73 via electromagnetic valve 7 . The passage member 72 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 7 on the upstream side, and connected to the detection unit 4 via the first filter 11 on the downstream side. A bypass passage member 63 is connected to an intermediate portion of the passage member 72.

A second downstream passage 72a through which gas passes is formed within the passage member 72. The gas that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 7 passes through the passage member 72, and the gas that has been dehumidified through the bypass passage 63a joins the passage member 72.

In this embodiment, the second upstream passage 71a on the upstream side and the second downstream passage 72a on the downstream side with the solenoid valve 7 in between constitute a second passage. Further, the second upstream passage 71a constitutes an upstream passage, and the second downstream passage 72a constitutes a downstream passage.

The passage member 73 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 7 on the upstream side, and communicates with the outside of the device, that is, the outside of the casing 101 on the downstream side. A discharge passage 73 a is formed in the passage member 73 for discharging the gas that has passed through the electromagnetic valve 7 to the outside of the housing 101 .

[solenoid valve]
The solenoid valve 7 is provided upstream of the connection point with the bypass passage 63a in the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a through which the gas pushed out from the container 2 passes. The electromagnetic valve 7 is connected to a controller 8, and communicates the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a or connects the second upstream passage 71a to the second upstream passage 71a according to a command from the controller 8. and the discharge passage 73a, and in an initial state such as when there is no command from the controller 8, a closed passage 74 is formed that does not communicate with any passage, and the solenoid valve 7 acts as a cutoff valve. It would be good if it could function as a function as well. In this embodiment, the outlet of the closed passage 74 is sealed.

That is, the electromagnetic valve 7 is configured to be able to switch the communication destination with the second upstream passage 71a to either the second downstream passage 72a or the discharge passage 73a, and more preferably the second upstream passage 71a. 71a can be shut off.

Here, in FIG. 2, when the electromagnetic valve 7 switches the communication destination with the second upstream passage 71a from the closed passage 74 whose discharge port is sealed to the discharge passage 73a, that is, when the odor of the sample S is It shows the flow of gas in cases other than during detection. When the second upstream passage 71a and the discharge passage 73a communicate with each other, as shown by the dotted line arrow in FIG. It is discharged to the outside. The flow path of the gas pushed out from the container 2 at this time is referred to as a first flow path.

When the second upstream passage 71a and the discharge passage 73a are communicated with each other by the electromagnetic valve 7, the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a are cut off. That is, except when detecting the odor of the sample S, the solenoid valve 7 shuts off the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a. This prevents the gas pushed out from the container 2 from being introduced into the detection section 4 except when detecting the odor of the sample S.

On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows a case where the solenoid valve 7 switches the communication destination with the second upstream passage 71a from the closed passage 74 whose discharge port is sealed to the second downstream passage 72a, that is, when the solenoid valve 7 switches the communication destination with the second upstream passage 71a, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of gas when detecting S odor. When the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a communicate with each other, as shown by the dotted line arrow in FIG. flows to the detection unit 4 through the downstream passage 72a. The flow path of the gas pushed out from the container 2 at this time is referred to as a second flow path.

[controller]
The controller 8 is connected to the control device 5, and controls the operation of the solenoid valve 7 according to a program based on signals input from the control device 5.

[motion]
Next, the operation of the odor detection device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the odor detection device 100, when the sample S is set in the container 2 in step S1 and the power is turned on in step S2, the flow of gas pushed out from the container 2 is transmitted through the first flow path ( The solenoid valve 7 is switched so that the flow path shown in FIG. 2 is established (step S3). Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the gas supply section 13 and the dehumidification section 6 also start driving.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the gas pushed out of the container 2 is discharged to the outside of the device through the second upstream passage 71a and the discharge passage 73a, and the interior of the container 2 is ventilated.

After that, the odor detection device 100 is operated for a predetermined period of time (step S4). Here, the reason why the operation is performed for a predetermined period of time after the power is turned on is to wait for the output of the detection section 4 to become stable after the gas supply section 13 and the dehumidification section 6 start driving.

For example, the odor detection device 100 may be configured to determine that a predetermined time has elapsed by counting a preset time, or to determine when the output value of the detection unit 4 stabilizes and reaches a predetermined value. The configuration may be such that it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed.

Next, after the odor detection device 100 has been operated for a predetermined period of time, the solenoid valve 7 is switched so that the gas pushed out from the container 2 flows through the second flow path (the flow path shown in FIG. 3) (step S5). ).

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3, the odor-containing gas pushed out from the container 2 is introduced into the detection section 4 through the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a. At this time, the dehumidified gas through the bypass passage 63 a joins the odor-containing gas pushed out from the container 2 and is introduced into the detection section 4 . That is, the dehumidified gas and the gas containing the odor of the sample S are introduced into the detection unit 4 in a mixed state.

Next, the odor detection device 100 detects the odor contained in the gas pushed out from the container 2 in the detection unit 4 (step S6).

Thereafter, the odor detection device 100 analyzes the output values of each detection unit 42 (see FIG. 1), digitizes the odor of the sample S, and determines whether the digitized odor is within a predetermined value range ( Step S7).

Next, the odor detection device 100 outputs the determination result of the determination made in step S7 to the outside via the output unit 53 (see FIG. 1) (step S8).

[Effect]
As described above, in the odor detection device according to the present embodiment, the first filter 11 is provided in the second downstream passage 72a between the container 2 containing the sample S and the detection unit 4 that detects the odor. Therefore, particulate matter pushed out from inside the container 2 together with gas and odor can be collected by the first filter 11.

Further, since the first downstream passage 62a is connected to the second downstream passage 72a through the bypass passage 63a downstream of the dehumidification part 6, the gas that has passed through the dehumidification part 6 is sent into the container 2, and the bypass passage 63a Since the gas is also supplied to the detection section 4 through the gas and mixed therein, the humidity of the gas flowing into the detection section 4 can be lowered and stabilized. Thereby, the odor detection device according to the present embodiment can eliminate measurement errors caused by fluctuations in the humidity of the gas flowing into the detection section 4, and can protect the sensor element 40 from particulate matter and moisture.

Further, in the odor detection device according to the present embodiment, the electromagnetic valve 7 shuts off the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a except when detecting the odor of the sample S. Dehumidified gas can be allowed to flow into the detection section 4 through the bypass passage 63a at all times except when detecting an odor. Therefore, for example, after the odor detection device 100 is started up, the odor substance generated from the sample S can be prevented from being supplied to the detection unit 4 until the output of the detection unit 4 becomes stable. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation where an accurate output cannot be obtained due to odor being detected in a state where the output of the detection section 4 is not stable.

Further, in the odor detection device according to the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 7 communicates the second upstream passage 71a and the discharge passage 73a except when the odor of the sample S is detected. can lower the humidity inside the container 2. As a result, when the second upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a are brought into communication by the electromagnetic valve 7 when the odor of the sample S is detected, the gas with reduced humidity is transferred to the second upstream passage along with the odorant of the sample S. It can be sent to the detection unit 4 through the upstream passage 71a and the second downstream passage 72a.

In addition, the odor detection device according to the present embodiment detects the odor of the sample S after a predetermined period of time has passed after the gas supply section 13 and the dehumidification section 6 start driving, so that the output of the detection section 4 is stable. can detect odors. Thereby, accurate output can be obtained in the detection section 4.

Although embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it is apparent that modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to be included in the following claims.

1, 100 Odor detection device 2 Container 3, 13 Gas supply section 4 Detection section 5 Control device 6 Dehumidification section 7 Solenoid valve 8 Controller 11 First filter (filter)
12 Second filter (filter)
21 Piping member 21a First passage 22 Passage member 22a Second passage 40 Sensor element 41 Adsorption film 42 Detection section 51 Arithmetic section 52 Judgment section 53 Output section 61, 62, 71, 72, 73 Passage member 61a First upper part Distribution path (first path)
62a First downstream passage (first passage)
63 Bypass passage member 63a Bypass passage 71a Second upstream passage (second passage, upstream passage)
72a Second downstream passage (second passage, downstream passage)
73a Discharge passage 74 Closed passage 101 Housing S Sample

Claims (8)

a container (2) containing the sample (S);
a gas supply unit (3) that feeds gas into the container through a first passage (21a);
a detection unit (4) that detects the odor pushed out from the container through the second passage (22a) together with the gas sent into the container,
The detection unit includes a sensor element (40),
The sensor element includes an adsorption film (41) that adsorbs an odorant contained in the gas, and a detection section (42) that detects the adsorption state of the odorant to the adsorption film,
The second passage is provided with a filter (11, 12) that collects particulate matter and moisture contained in the gas pushed out from inside the container to the detection section. Detection device. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter includes a first filter (11) that collects the particulate matter and a second filter (12) that collects the moisture. Odor detection device. a container (2) containing the sample (S);
a gas supply unit (13) that feeds gas into the container through the first passage (61a, 62a);
a detection unit (4) that detects an odor pushed out from inside the container through the second passage (71a, 72a) together with the gas sent into the container,
The detection unit includes a sensor element (40),
The sensor element includes an adsorption film (41) that adsorbs an odorant contained in the gas, and a detection section (42) that detects the adsorption state of the odorant to the adsorption film,
The first passage is provided with a dehumidifying part (6) that dehumidifies the gas supplied from the gas supply part,
The second passage is provided with a filter (11) that collects particulate matter contained in the gas pushed out from inside the container to the detection unit,
The odor detection device, wherein the first passage is connected to the second passage through a bypass passage (63a) downstream of the dehumidifying section. In the second passage, an electromagnetic valve (7) for communicating or blocking the second passage is provided upstream of the connection point with the bypass passage,
The odor detection device according to claim 3, wherein the solenoid valve blocks the second passage except when detecting the odor of the sample. The second passage includes an upstream passage (71a) on the upstream side and a downstream passage (72a) on the downstream side with the solenoid valve in between,
A discharge passage (73a) for discharging gas to the outside of the device is connected to the solenoid valve,
The electromagnetic valve is characterized in that the upstream passage and the downstream passage are communicated when the odor of the sample is detected, and the upstream passage and the discharge passage are communicated except when the odor of the sample is detected. The odor detection device according to claim 4. 6. The odor detection device according to claim 4, wherein the odor of the sample is detected after a predetermined period of time has passed since the gas supply section and the dehumidification section start driving.
. a calculation unit (51) that analyzes the output value of the detection unit to quantify the odor;
a determination unit (52) that determines whether the odor digitized by the calculation unit is within a predetermined value range;
The odor detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an output unit (53) that outputs the determination result by the determination unit to the outside. a calculation unit (51) that analyzes the output value of the detection unit to quantify the odor;
a determination unit (52) that determines whether the odor digitized by the calculation unit is within a predetermined value range;
The odor detection device according to claim 6, further comprising an output section (53) that outputs the determination result by the determination section to the outside.

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