JP5134146B1 - Particle detector - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a particle detection device capable of easily and stably exchanging a collecting member.
A lid 111 having an inlet 111a and a housing having a discharge port facing the inlet 111a and including a main body 112 combined with the lid 111 into a box shape. A discharge unit that charges particles contained in the air, and a collection unit that collects particles charged by the discharge unit by attaching them to the collection substrate 170 by electrostatic force. An irradiation unit 130 that irradiates excitation light toward particles attached to the collection substrate 170, a fluorescence detection unit 160 that detects fluorescence emitted from the particles irradiated with the excitation light, and particles attached to the collection substrate 170. A heating unit for heating. The discharge unit, the irradiation unit 130, and the fluorescence detection unit 160 are attached to the lid unit 111. The collection part and the heating part are attached to the main body part 112. The lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are detachably combined.
[Selection] Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a particle detection device, and more particularly, to a particle detection device that detects biologically derived particles.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-081427 (Patent Document 1) is a prior art document that discloses a bacteria counting device that detects bacteria from a change in fluorescence emission intensity. In the bacteria counting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a microorganism collection filter is placed on an observation fixing table of an inspection table and fixed with a filter press. In this state, the examination table is moved in the horizontal direction, and the microorganism collection filter is moved between the lower part of the ultraviolet irradiation part and the lower part of the light receiving part.

JP 2006-081427 A

  A collection member such as a filter for collecting microorganisms is replaced for each detection. Therefore, the structure which can replace | exchange a collection member easily is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a particle detection device in which a collecting member can be easily replaced.

  The particle detector according to the present invention is a particle detector that detects biologically derived particles. The particle detection apparatus includes a first member having an introduction port, a housing having a discharge port facing the introduction port, the second member being combined with the first member and having a box shape, and the housing from the discharge port. And exhaust means for exhausting the air. In addition, the particle detection device is located in the enclosure, and discharges the particles contained in the air introduced into the enclosure from the introduction port by the exhaust of the exhaust means. And a collecting part that collects by adhering to the collecting member. Furthermore, the particle detection device includes an irradiation unit that irradiates the excitation light toward the particles attached to the collection member and located in the enclosure, and fluorescence emitted from the particles that are located in the enclosure and irradiated with the excitation light. A fluorescence detection unit for detection; and a heating unit that is located in the housing and heats the particles attached to the collection member. In addition, the particle detector is configured such that the difference between the amount of fluorescence detected from particles irradiated with excitation light before heating by the heating unit and the amount of fluorescence detected from particles irradiated again with excitation light after heating by the heating unit. And calculating means for calculating the amount of biologically-derived particles contained in the particles, and a moving mechanism for moving the collection member. The moving mechanism positions the collection member at the first position when the charged particles are attached to the collection member while charging the particles by the discharge unit, and the irradiation unit irradiates the particles attached to the collection member with the excitation light. However, when the fluorescence is detected by the fluorescence detection unit, the collection member is positioned at a second position different from the first position. The discharge part, the irradiation part, and the fluorescence detection part are attached to the first member. The collection part and the heating part are attached to the second member. The first member and the second member are detachably combined.

Preferably, the moving mechanism is attached to the first member.
In one aspect of the present invention, the moving mechanism includes a rotation driving unit and an engagement unit that transmits a driving force of the rotation driving unit. The collecting part has an engaged part engaged with the engaging part, and a collecting member at a position separated in the radial direction with the engaged part as a rotation center. The collecting member is rotated by driving the rotation driving unit and moves between the first position and the second position.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the particle detection device includes a biasing member that is interposed between the engaging portion and the engaged portion and biases the engaging portion and the engaged portion away from each other. Further prepare.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the biasing member has elasticity and attaches the collection portion toward the second member by the elastic force in a state where the first member and the second member are combined and elastically deformed. Rush.

  In one form of this invention, a 2nd member has a female screw part for attaching a collection part. The collection part has a shaft part to be attached to the second member at a position facing the engaged part. A space | interval between 2nd members is adjusted by supporting a shaft part via the bearing member which has the external thread part screwed together with the said internal thread part on an outer surface.

  According to the present invention, the collecting member can be easily replaced.

It is a graph which shows the fluorescence intensity of the particle | grains of biological origin before a heating and after a heating. It is a graph which shows the fluorescence intensity of the dust before a heating and after a heating. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a collection process. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the fluorescence measurement process before a heating. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a heating process. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the fluorescence measurement process after a heating. It is a graph which shows the correlation with the increase amount of the fluorescence amount by heating, and the density | concentration of the particle | grains of biological origin. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the particle | grain detection apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the particle | grain detection apparatus of FIG. 8 from another direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the fan from the particle | grain detection apparatus of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the particle | grain detection apparatus of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the attachment state of each structure of a particle | grain detection apparatus. It is the figure which looked at the particle | grain detection apparatus of FIG. 12 from the arrow XIII direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attaches a collection part to a main-body part. It is a disassembled perspective view which expands and shows the attachment structure of a collection part and a main-body part. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attached the collection part to the main-body part. It is a partial cross section perspective view which shows the state which fitted the bearing member to the axial part of the collection part. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which adjusts the space | interval between a collection part and a main-body part with a bearing member. It is a perspective view which shows the state to which the collection part and the moving mechanism were connected. It is sectional drawing which looked at the state where the collection board | substrate is located in the 1st position from the downward direction of the collection board | substrate. It is sectional drawing which looked at the state where the collection board | substrate is located in the 2nd position from the downward direction of the collection board | substrate. It is sectional drawing which looked at the state where the collection board | substrate is located in the 3rd position from the downward direction of the collection board | substrate. It is sectional drawing which looked at the state where a collection board is located in the 4th position from the lower part of a collection board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the particle | grain detection apparatus which concerns on the same embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the attachment state of each structure of the particle | grain detection apparatus which concerns on the modification of the embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the assembly | attachment relationship of the biasing member in the modification of the embodiment. It is a partial sectional view showing typically energizing force by an energizing member in the state where a lid part and a main part were assembled in a modification of the embodiment.

  First, a method for detecting biologically derived particles in the particle detection apparatus of the present invention will be described. The biological particles are particles derived from organisms including microorganisms and fungi such as molds and pollen, and do not include dusts such as minerals and refined petroleum products.

  Particles floating in the air are mixed with dusts such as minerals and petroleum refined products and biological particles. In order to measure the amount of biological particles contained in the mixed particles, when the mixed particles are irradiated with ultraviolet light or blue light, the biological particles emit fluorescence. However, the mixed particles include chemical fiber dust that emits fluorescence (hereinafter also referred to as dust) in addition to biologically derived particles. Therefore, the amount of biologically derived particles cannot be measured only by detecting the fluorescence emitted from the mixed particles.

  Therefore, the present inventors have made use of the fact that the fluorescence intensity (fluorescence amount) changes when heated, and the fluorescence intensity does not change when dust such as chemical fibers is heated. A particle detection method was developed to measure the amount of particles.

  FIG. 1 is a graph showing fluorescence intensity of biological particles before and after heating. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the fluorescence intensity of the dust before and after heating. 1 and 2, the vertical axis represents the fluorescence intensity, and the horizontal axis represents the wavelength of the fluorescent light.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the biological particles, the amount of fluorescence after heating is remarkably increased in comparison with the amount of fluorescence before heating in a wide wavelength range. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, in the dust, the amount of fluorescence after heating is substantially the same as the amount of fluorescence before heating.

  Therefore, by measuring the amount of fluorescence before heating of the mixed particles and the amount of fluorescence after heating, and obtaining the difference between the amount of fluorescence before heating and the amount of fluorescence after heating, the biological particles contained in the mixed particles The amount of can be calculated.

  Hereinafter, each step of the particle detection method will be described. The particle detection method includes a step of collecting mixed particles, a step of measuring mixed particles before heating, a step of heating mixed particles, a step of measuring mixed particles after heating, and a step of calculating the amount of biological particles. including.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the collection process. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fluorescence measurement process before heating. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the heating step. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fluorescence measurement process after heating. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the correlation between the amount of increase in fluorescence due to heating and the concentration of biological particles. In FIG. 7, the vertical axis indicates the amount of increase in fluorescence due to heating, and the horizontal axis indicates the concentration of biological particles.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the mixed particles floating in the air are collected on a collection substrate 510 in the collection step. In this step, the collection substrate 510 is disposed to face the electrostatic needle 530. A DC power source 540 is connected to the collection substrate 510 and the electrostatic needle 530, and a potential difference is generated between the collection substrate 510 and the electrostatic needle 530. For example, the positive electrode of the DC power source 540 is connected to the electrostatic needle 530, and the negative electrode of the DC power source 540 is connected to the collection substrate 510.

  By driving the fan 500 positioned below the collection substrate 510, external air is introduced so as to pass through the periphery of the electrostatic needle 530 toward the collection substrate 510. The mixed particles 600 floating in the air are charged with a positive charge around the electrostatic needle 530. The collection substrate 510 has a charge opposite to that of the charged mixed particles 600. Therefore, the charged mixed particles 600 are collected by adhering to the surface of the collection substrate 510 by electrostatic force. The mixed particles 600 collected on the collection substrate 510 include biological particles 600A and dust 600B such as chemical fiber dust.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the fluorescence measurement step before heating, excitation light is irradiated from the light emitting element 550 such as a semiconductor laser toward the mixed particles 600 collected on the collection substrate 510. The fluorescence emitted from the mixed particles 600 irradiated with the excitation light is condensed by the lens 560 and received by the light receiving element 565.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the heating step, the mixed particles 600 collected on the collection substrate 510 are heated by heating the collection substrate 510 with a heater 520 attached to the lower surface of the collection substrate 510. After heating, the collection substrate 510 is air-cooled.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the fluorescence measurement step after heating, excitation light is irradiated from the light emitting element 550 toward the mixed particles 600 collected on the collection substrate 510. The fluorescence emitted from the mixed particles 600 irradiated with the excitation light is condensed by the lens 560 and received by the light receiving element 565.

As shown in FIG. 7, based on the relationship between the increase amount ΔF of the fluorescence amount and the biological particle concentration N, the fluorescence measured in the fluorescence measurement step before heating from the fluorescence amount measured in the fluorescence measurement step after heating. From the difference ΔF1 obtained by subtracting the amount, the concentration (particles / m ³ ) of organism-derived particles is calculated. Note that the correlation between the increase ΔF and the biological particle concentration N is obtained by conducting an experiment in advance.

  Hereinafter, a particle detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention that detects biologically derived particles using the particle detection method described above will be described. In the drawings referred to in the following embodiments, the same or corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. For convenience of explanation, the upper and lower expressions are used, but this is based on the referenced drawings and does not limit the configuration of the invention.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the particle detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the particle detector of FIG. 8 as seen from another direction. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state where the fan is removed from the particle detection apparatus of FIG. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the particle detection apparatus of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the particle detection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 110, an exhaust unit, a discharge unit, a collection unit, an irradiation unit 130, a fluorescence detection unit 160, and a heating unit. , A calculating means, a moving mechanism, and a cleaning unit.

  The casing 110 has a lid 111 that is a first member having an introduction port 111a, and a discharge port 112a that faces the introduction port 111a, and a main body that is a second member that is combined with the lid 111 and has a box shape. Part 112 is included.

  The casing 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and houses a discharge part, a collection part, an irradiation part, a fluorescence detection part, a heating part, a moving mechanism, and a cleaning part. The main body 112 has an opening on the side opposite to the discharge port 112a. The lid portion 111 has a flat plate shape that closes the opening of the main body portion 112. For example, the housing 110 has a size of 60 mm × 50 mm (length and width of the lid portion 111) × 30 mm (height).

  The collection tube 190 is connected to the lid portion 111 so as to be orthogonal to each other. In the casing 110, the collection tube 190 extends in a cylindrical shape toward the main body 112 so as to be continuous with the introduction port 111a. The collection tube 190 is provided so as to surround an electrostatic needle 140 described later. The collection tube 190 guides air containing mixed particles toward the collection substrate 170 positioned facing the electrostatic needle 140.

  The fan 120, which is an exhaust unit, exhausts the air in the housing 110 from the exhaust port 112a. The fan 120 can be driven to rotate in the forward direction and the reverse direction. By driving the fan 120 in the forward rotation direction, the air inside the casing 110 is discharged to the outside of the casing 110 through the fan 120. By driving the fan 120 in the reverse direction, air outside the casing 110 is introduced into the casing 110 through the fan 120. The fan 120 is attached to the position of the discharge port 112a of the main body 112.

  The discharge unit is located in the casing 110 and charges the mixed particles contained in the air introduced into the casing 110 from the introduction port 111a by the exhaust of the fan 120. The discharge unit includes a high-voltage DC power supply 141 as a power supply unit and an electrostatic needle 140 as a discharge electrode. The electrostatic needle 140 extends from the high-voltage DC power supply 141, passes through the collection tube 190, and reaches the inside of the collection tube 190. The tip of the electrostatic needle 140 extends in the axial direction of the collection tube 190.

  The positive electrode of the high-voltage DC power supply 141 is connected to the electrostatic needle 140, and the negative electrode is connected to the collection substrate 170 by a wiring (not shown). Note that the negative electrode of the high-voltage DC power supply 141 may be connected to the electrostatic needle 140 and the positive electrode may be connected to the collection substrate 170. Further, the collection substrate 170 may be fixed to the ground potential. A potential difference is generated between the collection substrate 170 and the electrostatic needle 140 by the high-voltage DC power supply 141.

  The collection unit has a collection substrate 170 that is a collection member, and collects the charged mixed particles by attaching them to the collection substrate 170 by electrostatic force. The collection substrate 170 is formed from a glass plate. A conductive transparent film is formed on the surface of the glass plate.

  The collection substrate 170 is not limited to glass, and may be formed of ceramic or metal. A film is not limited to a transparent film, For example, a metal film may be formed. Moreover, when the collection board | substrate 170 is formed from a metal, it is not necessary to form a film on the surface.

  The collection substrate 170 is fixed on the substrate holder 171. The substrate holder 171 is connected to a rotation base 172 connected to a moving mechanism described later. An arm portion 176 bulges from the rotation base 172. The substrate holder 171, the rotation base 172, and the arm portion 176 are integrally formed of a resin material. The collection unit includes a substrate holder 171, a rotation base 172, and an arm unit 176.

  The irradiation unit 130 is located in the housing 110 and irradiates excitation light toward the mixed particles attached to the collection substrate 170. The irradiation unit 130 includes a light emitting element 131 as a light source, an element frame 132, a lens frame 133, a condenser lens 134, and a lens holder 135.

  As the light emitting element 131, a semiconductor laser, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element, or the like is used. The light emitted from the light emitting element 131 may have a wavelength in either the ultraviolet or visible region as long as it excites biological particles to emit fluorescence.

  The fluorescence detection unit 160 is located in the housing 110 and detects fluorescence emitted from the mixed particles irradiated with excitation light. The fluorescence detection unit 160 includes a noise shield 161, an amplifier circuit 162, a light receiving element 163, a light receiving frame 164, a Fresnel lens 165, and a lens presser 166. As the light receiving element 163, a photodiode or an image sensor is used.

  The heater 180 serving as a heating unit is located in the housing 110 and heats the mixed particles attached to the collection substrate 170. In the present embodiment, the heater 180 is attached to the lower surface of the collection substrate 170. The heater 180 includes a power supply line to the heater 180 and a signal line of a temperature sensor built in the heater 180. The power supply line and the signal line are drawn out of the casing 110 through a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the rotation base 172.

  The moving mechanism moves the collection substrate 170. The moving mechanism includes a motor holder 175, a rotation motor 174 as a rotation drive unit, and a motor presser 173. The rotation motor 174 is connected to the rotation base 172 of the collection unit.

  The cleaning unit removes the mixed particles that have undergone the fluorescence detection from the collection substrate 170. The cleaning unit includes a brush 150, a brush press 151, and a brush fixing unit 152. The brush 150 is sandwiched between a brush press 151 and a brush fixing portion 152 and fixed at one end. The cleaning unit is fixed to the lower surface of the high-voltage DC power supply 141.

  The brush 150 is formed from a fiber assembly. The brush 150 is formed from a fiber assembly having conductivity. The brush 150 is made of, for example, carbon fiber. The fiber aggregate forming the brush 150 preferably has a diameter of φ0.05 mm or more and φ0.2 mm or less. By using the conductive brush 150, the charge of the charged mixed particles can be removed.

  Hereinafter, the attachment state of each component will be described. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an attachment state of each component of the particle detection device. FIG. 13 is a view of the particle detection device of FIG. 12 as viewed from the direction of arrow XIII.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the collecting portion is attached to the main body portion. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged attachment structure of the collection part and the main body part. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the collection unit is attached to the main body unit. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the bearing member is fitted to the shaft portion of the collecting portion. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the interval between the collection portion and the main body portion is adjusted by the bearing member.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the discharge unit, the irradiation unit 130, the fluorescence detection unit 160, and the cleaning unit are attached to the lid 111. In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism is also attached to the lid 111. However, the moving mechanism may be attached to the main body 112. An output shaft 174 a that is an engaging portion that transmits the driving force of the rotary motor 174 protrudes below the rotary motor 174.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 18, the collecting part is attached to the main body part 112. Since the heater 180 that is a heating unit is attached to the lower surface of the collection substrate 170, the heater 180 is attached to the main body 112 together with the collection unit.

  The collection part has an engagement hole 172a, which is an engaged part engaged with the output shaft 174a of the rotation motor 174, in the rotation base 172. Moreover, the collection part has the collection board | substrate 170 in the position away in radial direction centering | focusing on the engagement hole 172a.

  The main body portion 112 has a female screw portion 112d for attaching the collecting portion at the bottom. The rotation base 172 of the collection part has a shaft part 172b to be attached to the main body part 112 at a position facing the engagement hole 172a. The central axis of the engagement hole 172a and the central axis of the shaft portion 172b substantially coincide with each other.

  The bearing member 177 has a male screw portion 177a that is screwed with the female screw portion 112d on the outer surface. By inserting the shaft portion 172 b through the bearing member 177, the shaft portion 172 b is supported by the main body portion 112 via the bearing member 177. The shaft portion 172b is rotatably supported with respect to the bearing member 177. As a result, the collection part is made rotatable in a plane parallel to the bottom part of the main body part 112 with the shaft part 172b as the rotation center axis.

  As indicated by an arrow 20 in FIG. 18, by adjusting the screwing length between the male screw portion 177 a of the bearing member 177 and the female screw portion 112 d of the main body portion 112, the collection portion and the bottom portion of the main body portion 112 are adjusted. The interval between can be adjusted. As a result, as indicated by the arrow 30, the position of the engagement hole 172a can be adjusted up and down.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the arm portion 176 extends in the radial direction with the engagement hole 172 a of the rotation base 172 as the rotation center. The arm portion 176 is provided at a position shifted in the circumferential direction from the substrate holder 171 around the axis of the shaft portion 172b. The arm portion 176 has a thin arm tip 176a at the tip.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the main body 112, the proximity sensor 112b and the proximity sensor 112c are arranged on inner walls that are orthogonally adjacent to each other. The proximity sensor 112b and the proximity sensor 112c are provided in the same plane orthogonal to the central axis of the female screw portion 112d. Each of the proximity sensor 112 b and the proximity sensor 112 c has a pair of terminal portions extending from the inner wall of the main body portion 112 toward the inside of the main body portion 112.

  The collection part is attached to the main body part 112 so that the arm tip part 176a passes between the pair of terminal parts when the shaft part 172b is rotated about the rotation center axis. The proximity sensor 112b and the proximity sensor 112c are sensors that detect the position of the collection substrate 170 by detecting the proximity of the arm tip 176a.

  By combining the lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112, the collecting portion and the moving mechanism are connected. The lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are detachably combined. For example, the lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are detachably combined with a fastening member or a biasing member to constitute the casing 110.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the collecting unit and the moving mechanism are connected. In FIG. 19, the casing 110 is not shown. By engaging the engagement hole 172a of the rotation base 172 with the output shaft 174a of the rotation motor 174, as shown in FIG. 19, the collection part and the moving mechanism are connected. As the rotation motor 174 is driven, the rotation base 172 rotates (forward rotation, reverse rotation) about the engagement hole 172a.

  Hereinafter, the arrangement of the components of the particle detection device and the position of the collection substrate 170 in plan view will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the collection substrate is located at the first position, as viewed from below the collection substrate. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the collection substrate is located at the second position, as viewed from below the collection substrate. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the collection substrate is located at the third position, as viewed from below the collection substrate. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the state where the collection substrate is located at the fourth position, as viewed from below the collection substrate.

  20-23, in this embodiment, the discharge part, the fluorescence detection part, and the cleaning part are arrange | positioned along with the circumferential direction centering on the axial part 172b of the rotation base 172. As shown in FIG. Specifically, a fluorescence detection unit, a discharge unit, and a cleaning unit are arranged in order counterclockwise. The irradiation unit 130 is disposed adjacent to the fluorescence detection unit.

  The first position is the position of the collection substrate 170 when the charged particles are attached to the collection substrate 170 while charging the mixed particles by the discharge unit. The second position is the position of the collection substrate 170 when the fluorescence is detected by the fluorescence detection unit while irradiating excitation light to the mixed particles attached to the collection substrate 170 by the irradiation unit 130.

  The third position is the position of the collection substrate 170 when the cleaning unit starts removing the mixed particles on the collection substrate 170. The fourth position is the position of the collection substrate 170 when the removal of the mixed particles on the collection substrate 170 by the cleaning unit is completed. A turning range around the shaft portion 172b from the first position to the fourth position is within about 180 °.

  The collection substrate 170 is rotated by driving the rotation motor 174 to move between the first position and the second position. Further, the collection substrate 170 is rotated by driving the rotation motor 174 and moves between the second position and the third position. Further, the collection substrate 170 is rotated by driving the rotation motor 174 to move between the third position and the fourth position.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the particle detection apparatus 100 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the particle detection apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the following description, in FIGS. 20 to 23, clockwise rotation around the shaft portion 172b is referred to as normal rotation direction, and counterclockwise rotation is referred to as reverse direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, first, the collection substrate 170 is disposed at the first position, which is the collection position. In this state, as the collection process, the fan 120 is driven in the forward rotation direction to introduce air into the housing 110 from the introduction port 111a, and between the electrostatic needle 140 and the collection substrate 170 by the high-voltage DC power supply 141. A potential difference is generated between them, and the mixed particles floating in the air are charged and attached to the surface of the collection substrate 170 for collection (S101).

  In the present embodiment, since the needle-shaped electrostatic needle 140 is used as the discharge electrode, the charged mixed particles are irradiated on the surface of the collection substrate 170 facing the electrostatic needle 140 and irradiated by the irradiation unit 130. It can be attached to a very narrow area corresponding to the area. Thereby, in the fluorescence measurement process of a post process, the fluorescence emitted from the collected mixed particles can be detected efficiently.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24, the rotation motor 174 is driven to rotate the rotation base 172 in the normal rotation direction, and the collection substrate 170 is moved to the second position which is the fluorescence detection position (S102).

  Thereafter, as a fluorescence measurement step of the mixed particles before heating, the irradiation unit 130 irradiates the excitation light toward the mixed particles that are attached to the collection substrate 170 and collected, and the fluorescence detection unit irradiates the excitation light. Fluorescence emitted from the mixed particles is received. Thereby, the amount of fluorescence before heating of the mixed particles collected by being attached to the collection substrate 170 is measured (S103).

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, next, the rotation motor 174 is driven to rotate the rotation base 172 in the reverse direction, and the collection substrate 170 is moved from the second position to the first position (S104).

  Next, as a heating process, the mixed particles collected by being attached to the collection substrate 170 are heated by energizing the heater 180 to heat the collection substrate 170 (S105).

  Thereafter, the energization to the heater 180 is stopped, and the collection substrate 170 is cooled (S106). At this time, by driving the fan 120 in the reverse direction, air may be introduced into the housing 110 from the discharge port 112a to promote cooling of the collection substrate 170.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24, the rotation motor 174 is driven to rotate the rotation base 172 in the forward rotation direction, and the collection substrate 170 is moved from the first position to the second position (S107).

  Thereafter, as a fluorescence measurement process of the mixed particles after heating, the irradiation unit 130 irradiates excitation light toward the mixed particles that are attached to the collection substrate 170 and collected, and the fluorescence detection unit irradiates excitation light. Fluorescence emitted from the mixed particles is received. Thereby, the amount of fluorescence after heating of the mixed particles collected on the collection substrate 170 is measured (S108).

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, next, as a cleaning process, the rotation motor 174 is driven to rotate the rotation base 172 in the reverse direction, and the collection substrate 170 is moved from the second position to the third position. Further, the collection base 170 is moved from the third position to the fourth position by rotating the rotation base 172 in the reverse direction. While the collection substrate 170 moves from the third position to the fourth position, the surface of the collection substrate 170 slides with the tip of the brush 150. Thereby, the mixed particles are removed from the collection substrate 170 (S109).

  During the cleaning process, the fan 120 is driven in the normal direction to discharge the mixed particles removed from the collection substrate 170 to the outside of the housing 110 from the discharge port 112a. At this time, as the collection substrate 170 approaches the third position from the first position, a range in which the collection substrate 170 and the collection cylinder 190 overlap with each other decreases, and thus the opening area of the collection cylinder 190 increases. Thereby, mixed particles can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the casing 110. On the other hand, since the opening area of the collection cylinder 190 is reduced by being shielded by the collection substrate 170 during the collection process, it is possible to reduce air introduction loss.

  In this embodiment, since the cleaning process is performed by moving the collection substrate 170 while the cleaning unit is stationary, there is no need to separately provide a moving mechanism for the cleaning unit. For this reason, size reduction and cost reduction of the particle | grain detection apparatus 100 can be achieved.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 24, the rotation motor 174 is driven to rotate the rotation base 172 in the forward rotation direction, and the collection substrate 170 is moved from the fourth position to the first position (S110). By repeating the above steps S101 to S110, it is possible to continuously detect biological particles.

  The detection of biological particles is measured in the fluorescence measurement process before heating and the fluorescence measurement process after heating by a calculation means such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) connected to the fluorescence detection unit. This is done by calculating the amount of biologically-derived particles contained in the mixed particles from the difference from the fluorescence amount. The calculating means may be attached to the lid portion 111 inside or outside the housing 110, or may be arranged outside the housing 110.

  In the particle detection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the adhesion of the mixed particles to the collection substrate 170 and the removal of the mixed particles from the collection substrate 170 are repeatedly performed as described above. It may be necessary to replace the collection substrate 170.

  Therefore, the particle detection apparatus 100 is provided with a main body 112 to which a collection unit including the collection substrate 170 is attached and other main components (a discharge unit, an irradiation unit 130, a fluorescence detection unit, a moving mechanism). The lid portion 111 is detachably combined.

  Therefore, when exchanging the collection substrate 170, the lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are removed, and the main body portion to which the removed lid portion 111 and the collection portion including the new collection substrate 170 are attached. In combination with 112, the collection substrate 170 can be easily replaced. That is, the main body part 112 to which the collecting part is attached can be configured as a replacement unit.

  Further, when the lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are combined, the lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are engaged by engaging the engagement hole 172a of the rotation base 172 of the collection portion with the output shaft 174a of the rotary motor 174. Therefore, the position of the collection substrate 170 in the housing 110 can be stabilized. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in detection accuracy of biologically derived particles.

  Furthermore, the position of the engagement hole 172a can be adjusted up and down by adjusting the screwing length between the male screw portion 177a of the bearing member 177 and the female screw portion 112d of the main body portion 112. Therefore, even when the position of the output shaft 174a is shifted in the vertical direction due to stacking of parts crossing and assembly tolerances of the moving mechanism attached to the lid 111, the position of the engagement hole 172a is adjusted by adjusting the position of the engagement hole 172a. The hole 172a and the output shaft 174a can be engaged with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the collection position (first position), the fluorescence detection position (second position), and the cleaning position (third to fourth positions) are arranged side by side on the circumference, and the collection substrate 170 is By rotating in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction, these positions are moved. With this configuration, the particle detector 100 can be downsized.

  In the present embodiment, the heating step of heating the mixed particles collected on the collection substrate 170 is the same position (first position) as the collection step of collecting the particles on the collection substrate 170 and collecting them. By implementing in, it can attain size reduction of the particle | grain detection apparatus 100. FIG.

  In this embodiment, the engaging portion of the rotary motor 174 is configured by the output shaft 174a and the engaged portion of the rotating base 172 is configured by the engaging hole 172a. You may comprise the to-be-engaged part of the rotation base 172 with an input shaft.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the particle | grain detection apparatus which concerns on the modification of this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing an attachment state of each component of the particle detection device according to the modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembling relationship of the urging member in the modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the urging force by the urging member in a state where the lid portion and the main body portion are assembled in the modification of the present embodiment.

  Since the particle detection apparatus 100a according to this modification is different from the particle detection apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment only in that the biasing member 178 is provided, the description of other configurations will not be repeated.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the particle detector 100a according to the present modification is interposed between the output shaft 174a of the rotation motor 174 and the engagement hole 172a of the rotation base 172, and engages with the output shaft 174a. A biasing member 178 that biases the holes 172a away from each other is provided.

  As the urging member 178, for example, a spring such as a leaf spring or a helical spring, or an elastic member such as foaming resin or rubber can be used. Preferably, as the urging member 178, a high-functional urethane foam such as a microcell polymer sheet (PORON (registered trademark) manufactured by Roger Sinoac Co., Ltd.) can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 to 27, the urging member 178 has elasticity, and the rotation base 172 of the collection part is made into a main body by an elastic force in a state where the cover part 111 and the main body part 112 are combined and elastically deformed. It urges toward the part 112.

  Specifically, in a state where the lid portion 111 and the main body portion 112 are combined, the output shaft 174a and the engagement hole 172a are engaged, and the biasing force interposed between the output shaft 174a and the engagement hole 172a. The member 178 is elastically deformed so as to be compressed. As a result, an urging force composed of an elastic force is generated in the direction indicated by the arrow 40.

  Since the rotary motor 174 having the output shaft 174a is fixed to the lid portion 111, the biasing force of the biasing member 178 biases the rotation base 172 of the collecting portion toward the main body portion 112. Works.

  In the present modification, the main body 112 has a protruding portion 112e for attaching the collecting portion at the bottom. A bearing portion 112f is formed inside the protruding portion 112e. The protrusion 112e supports the rotation base 172 in a rotatable manner.

  With the shaft portion 172b of the rotation base 172 inserted through the bearing portion 112f of the main body portion 112, the rotation base 172 is urged by the urging member 178, so that the step portion 172c of the rotation base 172 and the protruding portion 112e are It is positioned in contact with the upper end surface 112g. Thus, by using the biasing member 178, the rotation base 172 can be positioned in the height direction with respect to the main body 112.

  With the above configuration, even when the position of the output shaft 174a is shifted in the vertical direction due to stacking of parts crossing and assembly tolerances of the moving mechanism attached to the lid portion 111, the engagement hole 172a is interposed via the biasing member 178. And the output shaft 174a can be engaged with each other.

  Specifically, when the position of the output shaft 174a is shifted downward, the biasing member 178 is elastically deformed to absorb the shift. When the position of the output shaft 174a is shifted upward, the urging member 178 returns to its original shape and abuts both the end surface of the output shaft 174a and the bottom surface of the engagement hole 172a, and the end surface of the output shaft 174a and the engagement hole Maintain indirect contact with the bottom surface of 172a.

  As a result, the driving force of the rotary motor 174 can be stably transmitted to the collection unit. Moreover, it can suppress that a collection part inclines and can rotate a collection part stably. The urging member 178 may be used in combination with the bearing member 177.

  Moreover, the particle | grain detection apparatus 100,100a in this embodiment and a modification may be used as an apparatus single-piece | unit for detecting the particle | grains derived from a living body, an air cleaner, an air conditioner, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, You may incorporate in household appliances, such as a vacuum cleaner, a refrigerator, and a television.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  100, 100a Particle detector, 110 housing, 111 lid, 111a inlet, 112 body, 112a outlet, 112b, 112c proximity sensor, 112d female screw, 112e protrusion, 112f bearing, 112g upper end surface, 120 , 500 Fan, 130 Irradiation unit, 131,550 Light emitting element, 132 Element frame, 133 Lens frame, 134 Condensing lens, 135,166 Lens holder, 140,530 Electrostatic needle, 141 High-voltage DC power supply, 150 brush, 151 brush Presser, 152 Brush fixing part, 160 Fluorescence detection part, 161 Noise shield, 162 Amplifying circuit, 163, 565 Light receiving element, 164 Light receiving frame, 165 Fresnel lens, 170, 510 Collection substrate, 171 Substrate holder, 172 Rotating base, 1 72a engagement hole, 172b shaft portion, 172c stepped portion, 173 motor holding, 174 rotation motor, 174a output shaft, 175 motor holder, 176 arm portion, 176a arm tip portion, 177 bearing member, 177a male screw portion, 178 biasing Member, 180, 520 Heater, 190 Collection cylinder, 540 DC power supply, 560 lens, 600 mixed particles, 600A Biological particles, 600B dust.

Claims (3)

A particle detection device for detecting biological particles,
A first member having an inlet, and a housing including a second member having a box shape in combination with the first member, having a discharge port facing the inlet;
Exhaust means for exhausting air in the housing from the exhaust port;
A discharge part that is located in the casing and charges particles contained in the air introduced into the casing from the inlet by exhausting the exhaust means;
A collection unit for collecting particles charged by the discharge unit by electrostatic force attached to the collection member; and
An irradiation unit that is located in the housing and irradiates excitation light toward the particles attached to the collection member;
A fluorescence detection unit that is located within the housing and detects fluorescence emitted from the particles irradiated with the excitation light;
A heating unit that is located in the housing and heats the particles attached to the collection member;
From the difference between the amount of fluorescence detected from the particles irradiated with the excitation light before heating by the heating unit and the amount of fluorescence detected from the particles irradiated again with the excitation light after heating by the heating unit, the particles A calculating means for calculating the amount of biological particles contained in
A moving mechanism for moving the collecting member,
The moving mechanism positions the collecting member at a first position when the charged particles are attached to the collecting member while charging the particles by the discharge unit, and the irradiation of the particles attached to the collecting member is performed. When detecting fluorescence by the fluorescence detection unit while irradiating the excitation light by the unit, the collection member is positioned at a second position different from the first position,
The discharge unit, the irradiation unit, and the fluorescence detection unit are attached to the first member,
The collection unit and the heating unit are attached to the second member,
The first member and the second member are detachably combined ,
The moving mechanism includes a rotation driving unit and an engagement unit that transmits a driving force of the rotation driving unit,
The collection portion includes an engagement portion to be engaged with the engagement portion, and the collection member at a position away from the engagement portion in the radial direction with the engagement portion as a rotation center,
The collection member is rotated by driving the rotation driving unit to move between the first position and the second position,
A particle detection device further comprising a biasing member interposed between the engaging portion and the engaged portion and biasing the engaging portion and the engaged portion away from each other . The urging member has elasticity and urges the collection portion toward the second member by an elastic force in a state where the first member and the second member are combined and elastically deformed. The particle | grain detection apparatus of Claim 1 . A particle detection device for detecting biological particles,
A first member having an inlet, and a housing including a second member having a box shape in combination with the first member, having a discharge port facing the inlet;
Exhaust means for exhausting air in the housing from the exhaust port;
A discharge part that is located in the casing and charges particles contained in the air introduced into the casing from the inlet by exhausting the exhaust means;
A collection unit for collecting particles charged by the discharge unit by electrostatic force attached to the collection member; and
An irradiation unit that is located in the housing and irradiates excitation light toward the particles attached to the collection member;
A fluorescence detection unit that is located within the housing and detects fluorescence emitted from the particles irradiated with the excitation light;
A heating unit that is located in the housing and heats the particles attached to the collection member;
From the difference between the amount of fluorescence detected from the particles irradiated with the excitation light before heating by the heating unit and the amount of fluorescence detected from the particles irradiated again with the excitation light after heating by the heating unit, the particles A calculating means for calculating the amount of biological particles contained in
A moving mechanism for moving the collecting member;
With
The moving mechanism positions the collecting member at a first position when the charged particles are attached to the collecting member while charging the particles by the discharge unit, and the irradiation of the particles attached to the collecting member is performed. When detecting fluorescence by the fluorescence detection unit while irradiating the excitation light by the unit, the collection member is positioned at a second position different from the first position,
The discharge unit, the irradiation unit, and the fluorescence detection unit are attached to the first member,
The collection unit and the heating unit are attached to the second member,
The first member and the second member are detachably combined,
The moving mechanism includes a rotation driving unit and an engagement unit that transmits a driving force of the rotation driving unit,
The collection portion includes an engagement portion to be engaged with the engagement portion, and the collection member at a position away from the engagement portion in the radial direction with the engagement portion as a rotation center,
The collection member is rotated by driving the rotation driving unit to move between the first position and the second position ,
The second member has a female screw part for attaching the collecting part,
The collecting part has a shaft part to be attached to the second member at a position facing the engaged part, and a bearing member having a male screw part screwed with the female screw part on an outer surface. The particle | grain detection apparatus by which the space | interval between the said 2nd member is adjusted by the said shaft part being supported via .

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