JP6880928B2 - Gas component measuring mechanism and measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a gas component measuring mechanism and a measuring device.

A technique for measuring a gas component in a flow path is known.

Special Table 2014-522973 Gazette Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-26939 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-8742

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, a gas component measuring mechanism having a simple structure is used to realize highly accurate measurement based on a relatively small amount of gas (for example, exhaled gas) introduced into the flow path. Difficult to do. For example, when the user's exhaled breath is introduced into the flow path and a specific gas component contained in the exhaled breath is measured by a sensor, it may be difficult to secure a sufficient amount of exhaled breath due to the user's vital capacity or the like. is there. If a sufficient amount of exhaled breath cannot be secured, it is less likely that a specific gas component contained in the exhaled breath will be adsorbed on the sensor as it passes through the sensor.

Therefore, on one aspect, it is an object of the present invention to realize highly accurate measurement based on a relatively small amount of introduced gas by using a gas component measuring mechanism having a simple structure.

On one side, the rotating body and
A driving device that generates a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and
The formed annularly in contact with the rotating body, viewed contains an annular passage sensor for sensing is provided in a predetermined gas component,
Further including a non-rotating body provided on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the rotating body and forming the annular flow path with the rotating body in the radial direction.
The non-rotating body is provided with a gas component measuring mechanism in which a first opening that opens to the outside and a first gas flow path that connects the first opening to the annular flow path are formed.

On one side, according to the present invention, a gas component measuring mechanism having a simple structure can be used to realize highly accurate measurement based on a relatively small amount of introduced gas.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the gas component measurement mechanism by one Example. It is another cross-sectional view which shows typically the gas component measurement mechanism by one Example. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the rotating body by another Example. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the rotating body by another Example. It is a figure which shows typically the schematic structure of the measuring apparatus. It is a top view of the exhalation sensor. It is sectional drawing which follows the line AA of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the characteristic of an exhalation sensor. It is explanatory drawing of the resistance value. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between an annular flow path and a sensitive membrane of an exhalation sensor. It is explanatory drawing of the comparative example. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of a processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional structure of a processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows typically an example of the measurement processing realized by the measurement processing unit. It is explanatory drawing of the state of the measuring apparatus during a measurement process. It is explanatory drawing of the state of the measuring apparatus during a measurement process. It is explanatory drawing of the alternative example.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A and 1B are cross-sectional views schematically showing a gas component measuring mechanism 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view when cut in a plane passing through the annular flow path 70 described later (a plane perpendicular to the center of rotation I), and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view when cut in a plane passing through the center of rotation I. is there. In FIG. 1B, a Z axis parallel to the center of rotation I is defined. In the following, for the sake of explanation, the Z1 side in the Z direction is referred to as “upper side”. Further, the terms "axial direction", "diameter direction" and "circumferential direction" refer to the center of rotation I. For example, the radial inner side refers to the side closer to the rotation center I, and the radial outer side refers to the side far from the rotation center I.

The gas component measuring mechanism 100 includes a rotating body 110, a motor 120 (an example of a driving device), and a case 140 (an example of a non-rotating body).

The rotating body 110 is formed of, for example, a resin or the like. It can rotate around the center of rotation I. The rotating body 110 has an annular shape, and the rotating center member 142 forming the rotating center I is inserted into the through hole 110a on the center side. The case 140 can rotate around the rotation center member 142. Although not shown, a bearing (bush) may be provided between the rotating body 110 and the rotating center member 142 in the radial direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotation center member 142 is formed by a part of the case 140.

The rotating body 110 includes a main body portion 111 having a small diameter and a flange portion 112 having a large diameter.

In the rotating body 110, as shown in FIG. 1B, the main body 111 faces the outer peripheral 144 of the case 140 in the radial direction. An annular flow path 70 is formed between the main body portion 111 and the outer peripheral portion 144 in the radial direction. That is, an annular annular flow path 70 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 144 of the case 140 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111 when viewed in the axial direction. The annular flow path 70 is provided with an exhalation sensor 80 or the like, which will be described later.

In the rotating body 110, as shown in FIG. 1B, the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion 112 faces the outer peripheral portion 144 of the case 140 in the axial direction. Sealing means (not shown) that maintains the airtightness of the annular flow path 70 between the flange portion 112 and the outer peripheral portion 144 of the case 140 while allowing relative rotation between the flange portion 112 and the outer peripheral portion 144. ) Is provided.

The motor 120 is, for example, an electric motor, and generates a driving force for rotating the rotating body 110. The implementation mode of the motor 120 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, as an example, the motor 120 is an axial gap type motor, and includes a magnet 121 facing in the axial direction and a coil 122. In this case, the axial length of the gas component measuring mechanism 100 can be shortened as compared with the radial gap type motor. However, the motor 120 may be realized by a radial gap type motor.

The case 140 is formed of, for example, resin or the like. The case 140 is a fixed member that rotatably supports the rotating body 110 around the center of rotation I. As described above, the case 140 has an outer peripheral portion 144, and the outer peripheral portion 144 cooperates with the rotating body 110 to form an annular flow path 70.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the case 140 includes a lid portion 148 formed around the rotation center member 142. The lid portion 148 extends from the rotation center member 142 to the outer peripheral portion 144 in the radial direction and is connected to the outer peripheral portion 144. A spacer 130 is provided between the lid portion 148 and the main body portion 111 of the rotating body 110 in the axial direction. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the inner side in the radial direction is defined by the outer peripheral surface of the main body 111, and the outer side in the radial direction is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral portion 144. Further, the annular flow path 70 is defined by the lower surface of the spacer 130 on the upper side in the axial direction and by the upper surface of the flange portion 112 on the lower side in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the case 140 is formed with a first opening 151 and a first gas flow path 161. The first opening 151 opens to the outside. The outside is the outside of the gas component measuring mechanism 100 at the place where the gas component measuring mechanism 100 is installed. The first gas flow path 161 connects the first opening 151 to the annular flow path 70.

The first solenoid valve 171 (an example of the first valve) is provided in the first gas flow path 161 as schematically shown in FIG. 1A. When the first solenoid valve 171 is in the open state, the annular flow path 70 communicates with the outside through the first opening 151 and the first gas flow path 161, but when the first solenoid valve 171 is in the closed state. The annular flow path 70 is blocked from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the case 140 is further formed with a second opening 152 and a second gas flow path 162. The second opening 152 opens to the outside. The second gas flow path 162 connects the second opening 152 to the annular flow path 70. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the second opening 152 and the second gas flow path 162 are provided on the same side as the first opening 151 and the first gas flow path 161 when viewed in the axial direction. Not limited to. For example, the second opening 152 and the second gas flow path 162 and the first opening 151 and the first gas flow path 161 may be arranged diagonally when viewed in the axial direction.

The second gas flow path 162 is provided with a second solenoid valve 172 (an example of the second valve) as schematically shown in FIG. 1A. When the second solenoid valve 172 is in the open state, the annular flow path 70 communicates with the outside via the second opening 152 and the second gas flow path 162, but when the second solenoid valve 172 is in the closed state. The annular flow path 70 is blocked from the outside.

Next, a gas circulation mode that can be realized by the gas component measuring mechanism 100 will be described.

When the rotating body 110 is rotated by the motor 120 (see arrow R1 in FIG. 1A), a gas flow circulating in the annular flow path 70 is formed (see arrow R2 in FIG. 1A). The gas circulates because the gas receives a force in the rotation direction of the rotating body 110 due to the viscous resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the main body 111 of the rotating body 110 and the gas in the annular flow path 70. In other words, when the rotating body 110 rotates, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 111 of the rotating body 110 receives a viscous resistance from the gas in the annular flow path 70 in a direction that hinders the rotation, and the reaction force is generated in the annular flow path 70. The gas is circulated in the rotation direction of the rotating body 110.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a simple gas component measuring mechanism 100 in which the rotating body 110 is rotated to circulate the gas in the annular flow path 70. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 111 of the rotating body 110 is the wall of the annular flow path 70 (the inner wall in the radial direction), and the gas in the annular flow path 70 circulates due to the movement of the wall of the annular flow path 70. It is a structure to do.

By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, the circulation of gas in the annular flow path 70 is realized by the viscous resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the main body 111 of the rotating body 110 and the gas in the annular flow path 70. Will be done. When the viscous resistance becomes high, gas circulation in the annular flow path 70 is efficiently realized. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 111 of the rotating body 110 is preferably formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the axial direction in order to increase the viscous resistance. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111 of the rotating body 110 may include at least one of a concave portion, a convex portion, a step portion, and a wavy portion. Specifically, as in the gas component measuring mechanism 100B shown in FIG. 2B, the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111B of the rotating body 110B may have convex portions 77 periodically along the circumferential direction. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111B of the rotating body 110B becomes uneven when viewed in the axial direction. Alternatively, as in the gas component measuring mechanism 100C shown in FIG. 2C, the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 111C of the rotating body 110C may have a wave-shaped portion 78 that is uneven in a sine wave shape when viewed in the axial direction.

Next, an embodiment of the measuring device 1 including the gas component measuring mechanism 100 described above will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the measuring device 1.

The measuring device 1 measures a predetermined gas component. The predetermined gas component is optional, but in this embodiment, it is ammonia gas (gaseous ammonia). The measurement result of a predetermined gas component by the measuring device 1 may be directly used as the concentration of ammonia gas contained in the exhaled breath. Further, the measurement result of the predetermined gas component by the measuring device 1 is used for determining the presence or absence of ammonia gas in the exhaled breath, inspecting the health condition of the user based on the ammonia gas concentration, and analyzing and analyzing the tendency of a large number of users. May also be used.

The measuring device 1 includes a sensor main body 200 and a processing device 300 (an example of a control device).

As will be described later, the sensor body 200 includes the gas component measuring mechanism 100 described above, an exhaled breath sensor 80, and a temperature / humidity sensor 90. Further, the sensor main body 200 may include lamps 201, 202 and the like outside the housing 210. A part of the housing 210 may be formed by the case 140 of the gas component measuring mechanism 100. In FIG. 3, the housing 210 shows the first opening 151 and the second opening 152. Further, instead of the gas component measuring mechanism 100, the gas component measuring mechanism 100B shown in FIG. 2A or the gas component measuring mechanism 100C shown in FIG. 2B may be used.

4 and 5 are explanatory views of the exhalation sensor 80, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the exhalation sensor 80, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

The exhalation sensor 80 includes a substrate 81, electrodes 82 and 83, and a sensitive film 84. The substrate 81 is, for example, a silicon substrate, and the electrodes 82, 83 are formed of, for example, gold or the like. The electrodes 82 and 83 are formed at intervals (gap G), and the sensitive film 84 is formed so as to straddle the electrodes 82 and 83. That is, the sensitive film 84 extends from the electrode 82 to the electrode 83.

In this embodiment, as an example, the gas component to be measured is ammonia gas, and the exhaled breath sensor 80 is a sensor that is sensitive to the ammonia gas in the exhaled gas of the user. In this case, the sensitive film 84 is, for example, a sensitive film of cuprous bromide (CuBr or Copper (I) bromide). The health condition of the user can be determined by obtaining the ammonia gas information (concentration, etc.) in the exhaled gas of the user. Therefore, in this case, the measuring device 1 can be used to determine the health condition of the user.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristics of the exhalation sensor 80. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the ammonia gas concentration (ppb: parts per billion), the vertical axis represents the index value Rratio, and as a characteristic of the breath sensor 80, an example of the relationship C1 between the ammonia gas concentration and the index value Rratio. Is shown. The index value Rratio is Rratio = (R _measurement- R0) / R0, R0 is the resistance value (initial value) of the breath sensor 80 in a state where there is almost no gas component to be _measured , and the R measurement is the concentration. It is a resistance value (measured value) of the exhalation sensor 80 used for derivation. As shown in FIG. 7, the resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80 includes the current value flowing between the electrodes 82 and 83 (for example, the output of the ammeter A) and the voltage value (voltage V) applied between the electrodes 82 and 83. Obtained based on the relationship of.

In FIG. 6, the index value Rratio represents the sensor sensitivity (the relative change in the resistance value with respect to the gas component to be measured). As shown in FIG. 6, in the exhalation sensor 80, when ammonia gas is adsorbed on the sensitive membrane 84, the index value R ratio increases. In FIG. 6, the index value R ratio increases substantially in proportion to the amount of ammonia gas adsorbed on the sensitive film 84. When the exhalation sensor 80 is arranged in the annular flow path 70, the amount of ammonia gas adsorbed on the sensitive membrane 84 is determined according to the concentration of the ammonia gas contained in the gas in the annular flow path 70. Therefore, when the exhalation sensor 80 is arranged in the annular flow path 70, the index value Rratio correlates with the concentration of ammonia gas contained in the gas in the annular flow path 70. Therefore, the concentration of ammonia gas can be derived by utilizing such a characteristic (relationship C1). The relationship C1 may be expressed by an approximate expression based on a plurality of plot points 600.

The exhalation sensor 80 is provided in the annular flow path 70 in such a manner that the sensitive membrane 84 is exposed to the gas in the annular flow path 70. The exhalation sensor 80 is preferably provided in the annular flow path 70 in such a manner that all or most of the sensitive membrane 84 is exposed to the gas in the annular flow path 70 in order to enhance the sensitivity. The exhalation sensor 80 is fixed to, for example, the lid 148 of the case 140 and is exposed in the annular flow path 70 through a through hole (not shown) formed in the spacer 130 or the like. It may be attached to. In this case, the exhalation sensor 80 may be housed in a sensor housing (not shown) where the sensitive membrane 84 is exposed, and the sensor housing may be attached to the gas component measuring mechanism 100.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the relationship between the annular flow path 70 and the sensitive film 84 of the exhalation sensor 80, and is a plan view showing the relationship between the annular flow path 70 and the sensitive film 84 of the exhalation sensor 80 in the axial direction. .. Note that FIG. 8 shows only a part of the exhalation sensor 80 (particularly, the portion of the sensitive film 84 between the electrodes 82 and 83 in the exhalation sensor 80).

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the sensitive membrane 84 is provided in the annular flow path 70 in such a manner that substantially the entire surface is exposed to the gas in the annular flow path 70.

In FIG. 8, as an example, it is assumed that the gap G between the electrodes 82 and 83 of the exhalation sensor 80 is 1 mm, and the cross section of the annular flow path 70 is a rectangle of 2 mm × 2 mm. Assuming that the diameter d of the main body 111 of the rotating body 110 is 18 mm, the volume of the annular flow path 70 is 2 × 2 × (19 × 3.14) = 238.6 (mm ³ ) = 2.3 × 10 ^-4 (L). Become.

Similar to the exhalation sensor 80, the temperature / humidity sensor 90 is also provided in the annular flow path 70 in such a manner that the sensing portion is exposed to the gas in the annular flow path 70.

Here, the effect of this embodiment will be described while comparing with the comparative example. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a comparative example.

Currently, lifestyle-related diseases are becoming younger, while they are accelerating toward an aging society. Therefore, early detection of illness is becoming more important than before. Based on this current situation, it is becoming necessary to carry out simple inspections. Recently, it has been said that a specific gas component contained in a person's exhaled breath serves as an index showing the health condition of the person. Sensor analysis is attracting attention as a method for easily inspecting a specific gas component contained in human exhaled gas.

When measuring the exhaled gas component, a method of temporarily storing the exhaled gas in a collection bag or a chamber and then sucking out a certain amount for sensing is often performed. This method requires an extra volume of the exhaled breath storage portion, which increases the size of the entire sensor system.

On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 9, the exhaled air is directly blown to the exhaled air sensor in the chamber 901, and the concentration of the target gas is detected based on the change in the resistance of the exhaled air sensor. However, when the measurement target of the exhaled gas is, for example, ammonia gas, in the comparative example, it is necessary to continuously blow the exhaled breath for about 15 seconds (about 350 mL) for a sufficient time for the exhaled breath sensor to respond. However, it is actually difficult to breathe in continuously for 15 seconds, and some people cannot breathe. Therefore, it is desired that highly accurate measurement can be realized based on a relatively small amount of exhaled gas.

In this regard, as described above, in this embodiment, the gas in the annular flow path 70 can be circulated by rotating the rotating body 110. That is, the exhaled gas can circulate in the annular flow path 70 a plurality of times. At this time, since the same component and the same concentration of gas repeatedly pass on the sensitive film 84 of the exhalation sensor 80 in the annular flow path 70, the gas component to be measured is adsorbed on the sensitive film 84 with high probability. .. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the gas in the annular flow path 70 can be circulated by rotating the rotating body 110, so that even a relatively small amount of exhaled gas can be exhaled with high sensitivity. It becomes possible to sense the gas component to be measured in the gas.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the rotating body 110 itself forms the annular flow path 70, the structure is simple as compared with the case where the exhaled gas is circulated by a diaphragm type pump or the like. Further, in this embodiment, since the structure is simple, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience caused by the exhaled gas coming into contact with a portion other than the flow path. For example, in a diaphragm type pump, there is a part where a part of the exhaled gas tends to stay, such as a driving part inside the pump, and the exhaled gas tends to adhere or remain inside the pump. If the exhaled gas component adhering to and remaining inside the pump is desorbed at the next measurement and mixed with the exhaled gas introduced at the next measurement, the measurement accuracy at the next measurement deteriorates. In particular, when the sampling amount of the exhaled gas at the time of the next measurement is small, the amount of change in the concentration of the gas component to be measured due to the desorbed component becomes large, and a significant error occurs. According to this embodiment, since the rotating body 110 itself forms the annular flow path 70, there is substantially no portion where exhaled gas adheres and remains (a portion where exhaled gas tends to stay), and multiple measurements are performed. Highly accurate measurements can be maintained when doing so.

Next, the processing device 300 in the measuring device 1 will be described.

The processing device 300 is connected to the sensor body 200 (to be exact, the motor 120 inside the sensor body 200, the exhalation sensor 80, the temperature / humidity sensor 90, etc.). The connection between the processing device 300 and the sensor main body 200 may be realized by a wired communication path, a wireless communication path, or a combination thereof. For example, when the processing device 300 is arranged relatively close to the sensor body 200, the wireless communication path is realized by short-range wireless communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), or the like. May be good. Alternatively, the processing device 300 may be built in the sensor main body 200.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing device 300.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the processing device 300 includes a control unit 301, a main storage unit 302, an auxiliary storage unit 303, a drive device 304, a network I / F unit 306, and an input unit 307.

The control unit 301 is an arithmetic unit that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 302 or the auxiliary storage unit 303, receives data from the input unit 307 or the storage device, performs calculation and processing, and then outputs the data to the storage device or the like. To do.

The main storage unit 302 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The main storage unit 302 is a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS (Operating System) and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 301.

The auxiliary storage unit 303 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device for storing data related to application software or the like.

The drive device 304 reads a program from the recording medium 305, for example, a flexible disk, and installs it in the storage device.

The recording medium 305 stores a predetermined program. The program stored in the recording medium 305 is installed in the processing device 300 via the drive device 304. The installed predetermined program can be executed by the processing device 300.

The network I / F unit 306 is an interface between the processing device 300 and a peripheral device having a communication function connected via a network constructed by a data transmission line such as a wired and / or wireless line.

The input unit 307 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, and the like provided with cursor keys, number input, various function keys, and the like.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, various processes and the like described below can be realized by causing the processing device 300 to execute the program. It is also possible to record the program on the recording medium 305 and have the processing device 300 read the recording medium 305 on which the program is recorded to realize various processes described below. As the recording medium 305, various types of recording media can be used. For example, the recording medium 305 is a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) -ROM, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like that optically, electrically, or magnetically records information, a ROM, a flash memory, or the like. It may be a semiconductor memory or the like that electrically records. The recording medium 305 does not include a carrier wave.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the processing device 300. In FIG. 11, the exhalation sensor 80, the temperature / humidity sensor 90, the motor 120, the lamps 201 and 202, and the display device 400 are shown together with the processing device 300. The display device 400 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and functions as an output device.

As shown in FIG. 11, the processing device 300 includes a sensor information acquisition unit 330, a valve control unit 332, a motor control unit 334, a lamp control unit 336, a measurement processing unit 340, and a characteristic storage unit 350. .. The sensor information acquisition unit 330, the valve control unit 332, the motor control unit 334, the lamp control unit 336, and the measurement processing unit 340 include one or more programs in which the control unit 301 is stored in the main storage unit 302 or the auxiliary storage unit 303. It can be realized by executing. Further, the characteristic storage unit 350 can be realized by the main storage unit 302 and the auxiliary storage unit 303.

The sensor information acquisition unit 330 acquires each detection result (sensor information) from the exhalation sensor 80 and the temperature / humidity sensor 90.

The valve control unit 332 controls each opening / closing state of the first solenoid valve 171 and the second solenoid valve 172. For example, the valve control unit 332 shuts off the communication between the annular flow path 70 and the outside by closing both the first solenoid valve 171 and the second solenoid valve 172 during measurement.

The motor control unit 334 controls the motor 120. For example, the motor control unit 334 keeps the motor 120 in a rotating state during measurement to form a gas circulation flow in the annular flow path 70.

The lamp control unit 336 controls the lighting state of the lamps 201 and 202. For example, the lamp control unit 336 transmits the state of the measuring device 1 to the user by controlling the lighting state of the lamps 201 and 202. Here, as an example, the lamp 201 functions as a “READY” lamp that lights up to indicate that the measuring device 1 is in a ready state. Hereinafter, the lamp 201 is also referred to as a READY lamp 201. Further, the lamp 202 functions as an "OK" lamp that indicates that the measurement by the measuring device 1 is possible (that is, the introduction of exhaled breath is detected) by turning on the lamp 202. Hereinafter, the lamp 202 is also referred to as an OK lamp 201.

The measurement processing unit 340 cooperates with the sensor information acquisition unit 330, the valve control unit 332, the motor control unit 334, and the lamp control unit 336 to realize the measurement processing of the ammonia gas concentration. Specific examples of the measurement process will be described below.

The characteristic storage unit 350 stores information representing the relationship between the index value Rratio and the concentration of ammonia gas (see FIG. 6) as the characteristics of the exhalation sensor 80. For example, the relationship C1 as shown in FIG. 6 can be represented by an approximate expression based on a plurality of plot points 600. Therefore, the characteristic storage unit 350 may store an approximate expression based on the relationship between the index value Rratio and the concentration of ammonia gas.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of measurement processing realized by the measurement processing unit 340. 13A and 13B are explanatory views of the measurement process, and are schematic cross-sectional views when cut in a plane passing through the annular flow path 70. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of an alternative example, and is a schematic cross-sectional view when cut in a plane passing through the annular flow path 70. The breath sensor 80 and the temperature / humidity sensor 90 are schematically shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14.

The process shown in FIG. 12 is activated, for example, when the power of the measuring device 1 is turned on. In FIG. 12, as an example, the first solenoid valve 171 and the second solenoid valve 172 are assumed to be in an open state as an initial state when the power of the measuring device 1 is turned on.

In step S1200, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to rotate the motor 120 to the motor control unit 334. Upon receiving such an instruction, the motor control unit 334 starts rotating the motor 120. When the motor control unit 334 starts rotating the motor 120, the motor control unit 334 maintains the rotating state of the motor 120 until, for example, an instruction to stop the motor 120 is received (see step S1238).

In step S1202, the measurement processing unit 340 introduces the purge gas into the measurement device 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13A, the measurement processing unit 340 opens both the first solenoid valve 171 and the second solenoid valve 172. As a result, due to the rotation of the rotating body 110 (see arrow R20 in FIG. 13A), outside air is introduced as purge gas from the first opening 151 (see arrow R41 in FIG. 13A), and outside air is introduced from the second opening 152. It is discharged (see arrow R42 in FIG. 13A). In the modified example, a flow path 163 for exhausting the purge gas may be formed in the case 140A as in the gas component measuring mechanism 100A of the measuring device 1A shown in FIG. In this case, a solenoid valve (not shown) is similarly provided in the flow path 163. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the first solenoid valve 171 is opened, the second solenoid valve 172 is opened, and the solenoid valve of the flow path 163 is opened. As a result, due to the rotation of the rotating body 110 (see arrow R20 in FIG. 14), outside air is introduced as purge gas from the second opening 152 (see arrow R44 in FIG. 14), and outside air is discharged from the flow path 163. (See arrow R46 in FIG. 14). When the purge gas circulates in the annular flow path 70 in this way, the state inside the annular flow path 70 becomes close to the same state as the outside air.

In step S1204, the measurement processing unit 340 determines whether or not the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 is less than the predetermined temperature Tth1 based on the latest detection result from the temperature / humidity sensor 90 acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 330. To judge. The predetermined temperature Tth1 is a threshold value set with reference to the exhaled temperature, and is 35 degrees as an example in FIG. The fact that the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 is less than the predetermined temperature Tth1 means that the state in the annular flow path 70 is in the same state as the outside air (a state in which purging is completed). From this point of view, the predetermined temperature Tth1 may be set to a temperature slightly higher than the temperature of the outside air. If the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 is less than the predetermined temperature Tth1, the process proceeds to step S1206, and in other cases, the process returns to step S1202. That is, the process of step S1202 is continued until the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 becomes less than the predetermined temperature Tth1.

In step S1206, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to the lamp control unit 336 to turn on the READY lamp 201. Upon receiving such an instruction, the lamp control unit 336 turns on the READY lamp 201. The lighting state of the READY lamp 201 indicates that the measuring device 1 is in a measurable ready state as described above. Upon lighting of the READY lamp 201, the user introduces exhaled air through the introduction tube 180 as shown in FIG. At this time, the user may directly blow the exhaled air into the introduction pipe 180, or may introduce the exhaled air stored in the collection bag into the introduction pipe 180.

In step S1210, the measurement processing unit 340 determines whether or not the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tth1 based on the latest detection result from the temperature / humidity sensor 90 acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 330. To judge. When the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tth1, it means that the exhaled air is introduced into the annular flow path 70. If the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tth1, the process proceeds to step S1212, and if not, the process returns to step S1210. That is, the standby state is established until the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 reaches the predetermined temperature Tth1 or higher.

In step S1212, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to the valve control unit 332 to close the first solenoid valve 171 and the second solenoid valve 172. Upon receiving such an instruction, the valve control unit 332 shifts both the first solenoid valve 171 and the second solenoid valve 172 to the closed state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13B, the exhaled air introduced into the annular flow path 70 is annular due to the rotation of the rotating body 110 (see arrow R20 in FIG. 13B) in the closed annular flow path 70. It circulates in the flow path 70 (see arrow R32 in FIG. 13B).

In step S1214, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to the lamp control unit 336 to turn off the READY lamp 201. Upon receiving such an instruction, the lamp control unit 336 turns off the READY lamp 201.

In step S1216, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to the lamp control unit 336 to turn on the OK lamp 202. Upon receiving such an instruction, the lamp control unit 336 turns on the OK lamp 202. The lighting state of the OK lamp 202 indicates that the introduction of exhaled breath has been detected as described above.

In step S1218, the measurement processing unit 340 activates the timer Tm and sets the initial value R0 of the resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80 to the current resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80. When the timer Tm is started, it times out after a predetermined time ΔT. The predetermined time ΔT corresponds to the measurement time, and the exhaled gas circulates in the closed annular flow path 70 over the predetermined time ΔT (see FIG. 13B). The longer the predetermined time ΔT, the higher the possibility that ammonia gas, which is a gas component to be measured, of the exhaled air introduced into the annular flow path 70 is adsorbed on the sensitive film 84 of the exhalation sensor 80. The predetermined time ΔT is set in consideration of the upper limit value and the like allowed as the measurement time. The predetermined time ΔT is, for example, 10 seconds.

In step S1218, the measurement processing unit 340 sets the initial value R0 to the current resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the initial value R0 is the resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80 in a state where there is almost no ammonia gas, which is a gas component to be measured, as described above, and a value prepared in advance may be used. Further, the initial value R0 may be set to the resistance value of the exhaled sensor 80 (that is, the resistance value after the completion of purging and before the introduction of exhaled breath) obtained when the determination result “YES” in step S1204.

In step S1220, the measurement processing unit 340 determines whether or not the timer Tm has timed out. If the timer Tm times out, the process proceeds to step S1222, and in other cases, the standby state waits for the timer Tm to time out.

In step S1222, the measurement processing unit 340 sets the resistance value R _measurement used for deriving the concentration to the current resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80. That is, the measurement processing unit 340 sets the resistance value R _measurement to the resistance value of the exhalation sensor 80 when the value of the timer Tm times out.

In step S1224, the measurement processing unit 340 calculates the index value R ratio based on the initial value R0 obtained in step S1218 and the resistance value R _{measurement obtained in step S1222.} The index value Rratio is _{calculated as Rratio = (R measurement-} R0) / R0 as described above.

In step S1226, the measurement processing unit 340 calculates the ammonia gas concentration based on the index value Rratio obtained in step S1224. The relationship between the index value R ratio and the ammonia gas concentration has a correlation as shown in FIG. The measurement processing unit 340 calculates the ammonia gas concentration from the index value RRatio obtained in step S1224 by using the information in the characteristic storage unit 350 (for example, an approximate expression based on the characteristics shown in FIG. 6).

In step S1228, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to the lamp control unit 336 to turn off the OK lamp 202. Upon receiving such an instruction, the lamp control unit 336 turns off the OK lamp 202. The extinguishing of the OK lamp 202 from the lit state indicates that the measurement is completed.

In step S1230, the measurement processing unit 340 outputs (displays) the ammonia gas concentration (measurement result) obtained in step S1226 on the display device 400.

In step S1232, the measurement processing unit 340 determines whether or not to continue the measurement. For example, when the measurement processing unit 340 outputs the ammonia gas concentration in step S1230, the measurement processing unit 340 outputs an inquiry on the display device 400 as to whether or not to continue the measurement. In this case, the measurement processing unit 340 may determine whether or not to continue the measurement based on the input (response) from the user via the input unit 307 or the like in response to the inquiry. At this time, the measurement processing unit 340 determines that the measurement is not continued when the input from the user via the input unit 307 or the like cannot be detected for a certain period of time or longer. If the measurement is to be continued, the process proceeds to step S1234, and if the measurement is not to be continued, the process proceeds to step S1236.

In step S1234, the measurement processing unit 340 erases (that is, changes to the non-display state) the measurement result on the display device 400. When step S1234 is completed, the processing from step S1202 is continued.

In step S1236, the measurement processing unit 340 introduces the purge gas into the measuring device 1 in the same manner as in step S1202 described above. The measurement processing unit 340 may introduce the purge gas into the measuring device 1 until the temperature T in the annular flow path 70 becomes less than the predetermined temperature Tth1.

In step S1238, the measurement processing unit 340 gives an instruction to the motor control unit 334 to stop the motor 120. Upon receiving such an instruction, the motor control unit 334 stops the rotation of the motor 120. As a result, the rotation of the rotating body 110 is stopped. When step S1238 is completed, the power of the measuring device 1 is turned off and the measurement is completed.

According to the process shown in FIG. 12, the exhaled air introduced into the annular flow path 70 circulates in the annular flow path 70 for a predetermined time ΔT due to the rotation of the rotating body 110. As a result, the ammonia gas repeatedly passes over the sensitive membrane 84 of the exhaled sensor 80 in the annular flow path 70 a plurality of times, and the ammonia gas is adsorbed on the sensitive membrane 84 with high probability. As a result, it is possible to sense the concentration of ammonia gas in the exhaled gas with high sensitivity even if the amount of exhaled gas introduced into the annular flow path 70 is relatively small.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the gas component to be measured is ammonia gas in the exhaled gas, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the annular flow path 70 may be provided with sensors that respond to other components in the exhaled gas, or may be provided with a plurality of sensors that respond to different components in the exhaled gas. Further, the gas introduced into the annular flow path 70 is not limited to the exhaled gas. For example, gas from the environmental atmosphere, a specific measurement object such as food, gas such as the surface of human skin, or the like may be introduced into the annular flow path 70. In this case, the annular flow path 70 may be provided with a sensor that responds to the gas component to be measured, and may be provided with, for example, a sensor that measures a specific reducing gas or a volatile organic compound gas component.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the measuring device 1 is schematically shown in a single item state, but the measuring device 1 may be incorporated in any electronic device. For example, the measuring device 1 may be incorporated in an electronic device having a communication function, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In this case, the case 140 or the like of the measuring device 1 may be realized by the housing of the electronic device. Further, the processing device 300 of the measuring device 1 may be realized by a computer provided in the electronic device. Further, the first opening 151 of the measuring device 1 may communicate with the sound path of the electronic device (sound path for voice communication). In this case, the measuring device 1 can be realized by utilizing the sound path of the electronic device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the annular flow path 70 has a rotating body (rotating body 110) on the inner peripheral side, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a mode in which the rotating body is provided on the outer peripheral side, an annular flow path whose outer peripheral side is in contact with the rotating body may be used. That is, the annular flow path may be defined by the inner peripheral surface (diametrically inner surface) of the rotating body on the outer side in the radial direction. Further, in a mode in which the rotating body is provided on the upper side in the axial direction, an annular flow path in which the upper side in the axial direction is in contact with the rotating body may be used. That is, the annular flow path may be defined by the lower surface of the rotating body (lower surface in the axial direction) on the upper side in the axial direction. Further, in a mode in which the rotating body is provided on the lower side in the axial direction, an annular flow path in which the lower side in the axial direction is in contact with the rotating body may be used. That is, the annular flow path may be defined by the upper surface of the rotating body (upper surface in the axial direction) on the lower side in the axial direction.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the annular flow path 70 has a circular shape in the axial direction, but may have an elliptical shape or another shape.

The following additional notes will be further disclosed with respect to the above examples.
[Appendix 1]
With a rotating body,
A driving device that generates a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and
A gas component measuring mechanism including an annular flow path formed in an annular shape in contact with the rotating body and provided with a sensor that is sensitive to a predetermined gas component.
[Appendix 2]
The gas component measuring mechanism according to Appendix 1, wherein the rotating body forms a flow of gas circulating in the annular flow path when rotating.
[Appendix 3]
It is formed on the outer peripheral side or the inner peripheral side of the rotating body, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the rotating body.
The gas component measuring mechanism according to Appendix 2, wherein the rotating body is formed so that the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface receives viscous resistance from the gas in the annular flow path during rotation.
[Appendix 4]
The gas component measuring mechanism according to Appendix 3, wherein the rotating body has an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body.
[Appendix 5]
Further including a non-rotating body provided on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the rotating body and forming the annular flow path with the rotating body in the radial direction.
The non-rotating body is formed with a first opening that opens to the outside and a first gas flow path that connects the first opening to the annular flow path. The gas component measuring mechanism according to item 1.
[Appendix 6]
The gas component measuring mechanism according to Appendix 5, further comprising a first valve provided in the first gas flow path.
[Appendix 7]
The non-rotating body is further formed with a second opening that opens to the outside and a second gas flow path that connects the second opening to the annular flow path.
The gas component measuring mechanism according to Appendix 6, further comprising a second valve provided in the second gas flow path.
[Appendix 8]
The exhaled gas from the user's mouth is the gas to be inspected,
The gas component measuring mechanism according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 7, wherein the sensor includes a sensitive film of cuprous bromide (CuBr), and the predetermined gas component is ammonia gas.
[Appendix 9]
With a rotating body,
A driving device that generates a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and
A control device that controls the drive device and
An annular flow path that is in contact with the rotating body and is formed in an annular shape,
A measuring device including a sensor provided in the annular flow path and sensitive to a predetermined gas component.
[Appendix 10]
The exhaled gas from the user's mouth is the gas to be inspected,
The measuring device according to Appendix 9, wherein the sensor includes a sensitive film of cuprous bromide (CuBr), and the predetermined gas component is ammonia gas.
[Appendix 11]
A non-rotating body provided on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the rotating body and forming the annular flow path between the rotating body and the rotating body in the radial direction.
Further including a temperature / humidity sensor provided in the annular flow path,
The non-rotating body includes a first opening that opens to the outside, a first gas flow path that connects the first opening to the annular flow path, a second opening that opens to the outside, and the second opening. A second gas flow path that connects the opening to the annular flow path is formed.
The first valve provided in the first gas flow path and
Further including a second valve provided in the second gas flow path,
The measuring device according to Appendix 10, wherein the control device controls the first valve and the second valve based on the information from the temperature / humidity sensor.
[Appendix 12]
The control device is based on a transition from a temperature / humidity state of less than a predetermined temperature and less than a predetermined humidity to a temperature / humidity state of the predetermined temperature or more and the predetermined humidity or more in the open state of the first valve and the second valve. The measuring device according to Appendix 11, wherein the first valve and the second valve are switched to a closed state and the rotating body is rotated.
[Appendix 13]
The measuring device according to Appendix 12, wherein the control device further outputs the concentration of the predetermined gas component based on the information from the sensor.

1, 1A measuring device 70 annular flow path 80 exhalation sensor 81 substrate 82 electrode 83 electrode 84 sensitive film 90 temperature / humidity sensor 100, 100A, 100B, 100C gas component measuring mechanism 110, 110B, 110C rotating body 110a through hole 111 main body 112 Flange 120 Motor 121 Magnet 122 Coil 130 Spacer 140, 140A Case 142 Rotation center member 144 Outer circumference 148 Lid 151 First opening 152 Second opening 161 First gas flow path 162 Second gas flow path 163 Flow path 171 1st solenoid valve 172 2nd solenoid valve 180 Introduction tube 200 Sensor body 201, 202 Lamp 300 Processing device 330 Sensor information acquisition unit 332 Valve control unit 334 Motor control unit 336 Lamp control unit 340 Measurement processing unit 350 Characteristic storage unit 400 Display device

Claims (9)

With a rotating body,
A driving device that generates a driving force for rotating the rotating body, and
The formed annularly in contact with the rotating body, viewed contains an annular passage sensor for sensing is provided in a predetermined gas component,
Further including a non-rotating body provided on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the rotating body and forming the annular flow path with the rotating body in the radial direction.
A gas component measuring mechanism in which a first opening that opens to the outside and a first gas flow path that connects the first opening to the annular flow path are formed in the non-rotating body. The gas component measuring mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the rotating body forms a flow of gas circulating in the annular flow path when rotating. The annular flow path is formed on the outer peripheral side or the inner peripheral side of the rotating body, and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface of the rotating body.
The gas component measuring mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the rotating body has an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface formed in an uneven shape when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating body. The gas component measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first valve provided in the first gas flow path. The non-rotating body is further formed with a second opening that opens to the outside and a second gas flow path that connects the second opening to the annular flow path.
The gas component measuring mechanism according to claim 4 , further comprising a second valve provided in the second gas flow path. The exhaled gas from the user's mouth is the gas to be inspected,
The gas component measuring mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the sensor includes a sensitive film of cuprous bromide (CuBr), and the predetermined gas component is ammonia gas. The gas component measuring mechanism according to claim 1 and
A control device for controlling the drive device,
Provided in front Symbol annular channel, and a sensor sensitive to said predetermined gas component, measuring device. The exhaled gas from the user's mouth is the gas to be inspected,
The measuring device according to claim 7 , wherein the sensor includes a sensitive film of cuprous bromide (CuBr), and the predetermined gas component is ammonia gas. Further comprising a temperature and humidity sensor provided in front Symbol annular channel,
The non-rotating body is further formed with a second opening that opens to the outside and a second gas flow path that connects the second opening to the annular flow path.
The first valve provided in the first gas flow path and
Further including a second valve provided in the second gas flow path,
The measuring device according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the control device controls the first valve and the second valve based on the information from the temperature / humidity sensor.

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