JP7552466B2 - Breath collection device and breath collection apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an exhaled breath collection device and an exhaled breath collection apparatus.

Patent Document 1 describes a breath collection bag. As shown in Patent Document 1, the breath collection bag includes a main body, an inlet tube guide, and an outlet tube guide. The main body, the inlet tube guide, and the outlet tube guide are integrally formed from a sheet material. The inlet tube guide and the outlet tube guide are connected to the main body.

When collecting exhaled air and when supplying the collected exhaled air to an external gas component detection device, a suction tube is inserted into the suction tube guide section. Then, the exhaled air is collected and supplied to the external gas component detection device via this suction tube.

Patent No. 6132578

However, when trying to seal the gaps between the inlet and outlet tubes and the sheet material in a breath sampling bag with a structure such as that shown in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to use an elastic material such as silicone rubber. Here, if the sensor of the gas component detection device is a specific sensor, the sensor will be poisoned by the gas generated from the elastic material, and the performance of the sensor will deteriorate.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a breath collection device that can suppress poisoning of the sensor used to detect components.

The breath collection device of this invention comprises a main body member, an intake member, an exhaust member, and an intake side auxiliary member.

The main body member has a main body space in which the exhaled air is stored, and is bag-shaped, and its volume can change with the stored exhaled air. The suction member has an suction space that communicates with the main body space and an suction port that communicates with the outside, and is cylindrical, and its volume can change with the flowing exhaled air. The discharge member has an exhaust space that communicates with the main body space and an exhaust port that communicates with the outside, and is cylindrical, and its volume can change with the flowing exhaled air. The suction side auxiliary member is disposed outside the suction member, and can regulate an increase in the volume of the suction space. The main body member, suction member, and discharge member do not contain siloxane gas, chlorine gas, or sulfide gas, which poison the sensor that detects the exhaled air. The suction member covers the surface of the suction side auxiliary member on the suction space side and the surface on the suction port side.

In this configuration, when exhaled air is supplied to the sensor from the suction port side, gas (e.g., poisonous gas) generated from the suction side auxiliary member is prevented from being supplied to the sensor.

This invention can prevent the poisoning of sensors used to detect components.

1(A), 1(B), and 1(C) are perspective views of an exhaled air collecting device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a plan view, a side view, and a front view of the breath collection device. 3(A), 3(B), 3(C) and 3(D) are enlarged views showing the suction member of the exhaled air collecting device according to the first embodiment. 4(A) and 4(B) are two-sided views of an exhaled air collecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views of an exhaled air collecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view showing a state in which an exhaled air collecting implement is attached to a housing in an exhaled air collecting device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7A is an external perspective view of a housing in an exhaled air collecting device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the housing in the exhaled air collecting device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8(A) is an enlarged two-sided view of the shape of the vicinity of the outlet of the breath collection device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is a three-sided view of the cover member of the breath collection device according to the fifth embodiment. 9(A), 9(B), 9(C) and 9(D) are diagrams showing the positional relationship between a discharge amount adjusting member for adjusting the discharge amount and a cover member. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a variation of the outer shape of the exhaled air collecting device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an exhaled air collecting device and a gas component detection device in which the exhaled air collecting device according to the embodiment of the present invention is used. FIG. 12 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an exhaled breath collecting device including an exhaled breath collecting implement to which individual identification information is assigned.

First Embodiment
An exhaled air collection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 (A), Fig. 1 (B), and Fig. 1 (C) are perspective views of the exhaled air collection device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 (A) shows a state in which exhaled air is not collected, Fig. 1 (B) shows a state in which exhaled air is collected, and Fig. 1 (C) shows an actual use state (exhaled air storage state). Fig. 2 is a three-view diagram of the exhaled air collection device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a plan view, a side view, and a front view of the exhaled air collection device.

As shown in Figures 1(A), 1(B), 1(C), and 2, the breath collection device 10 includes a storage bag 11 and an inhalation side auxiliary member 12.

The storage bag 11 comprises a main body member 111, an intake member 112, and an exhaust member 113. The storage bag 11 is connected to an instrument (gas component detection device) that analyzes exhaled breath components, and is used to analyze the exhaled breath contained within the storage bag 11. The storage bag 11 is made of a material that does not react with the components detected by a component detection sensor included in the instrument that analyzes the exhaled breath components.

For example, if the component detection sensor is a semiconductor sensor, the semiconductor sensor may be poisoned by siloxane (siloxane gas), but the material that does not cause such poisoning is polyvinyl fluoride resin. In addition to siloxane gas, gases that can poison the component detection sensor include chlorine gas, sulfide gas, methyl mercaptan, and freon gas.

In addition, the storage bag 11 is flexible and can be folded to reduce its external shape.

The main body member 111 is a bag-shaped member formed by a membrane, and has a main body space 111S on the inside, which is covered by the membrane forming the bag. The volume of the main body space 111S can change depending on the amount of exhaled air contained therein.

More specifically, as shown in Figures 1(A) and 2, for example, the main body member 111 is rectangular in plan view when no exhaled air is contained, and the volume of the main body space 111S is approximately 0. On the other hand, when exhaled air is contained, the volume of the main body space 111S increases, and the main body member 111 becomes cylindrical, as shown in Figures 1(B) and 1(C), for example.

The discharge member 113 is cylindrical and formed by a membrane, and has a discharge space 113S inside, covered by the membrane that forms the cylinder. The end of the discharge member 113 opposite to the connection end to the main body member 111 (the end where the discharge space 113S communicates with the main body space 111S) is the discharge port 10op of the breath collection device 10. The volume of the discharge space 113S can change depending on the amount of breath flowing (the amount of breath discharged).

More specifically, as shown in Figures 1(A) and 2, for example, the exhaust member 113 is rectangular in plan view when no exhaled air is contained in the main body space 111S, and the volume of the exhaust space 113S is approximately zero. On the other hand, when exhaled air is exhausted from the main body space 111S, the volume of the exhaust space 113S increases, and the exhaust member 113 becomes cylindrical, as shown in Figures 1(B) and 1(C), for example.

The suction member 112 is cylindrical and formed by a membrane, and has an suction space 112S inside, covered by the membrane that forms the cylindrical shape. The end of the suction member 112 opposite to the connection end to the main body member 111 (the end where the suction space 112S communicates with the main body space 111S) is the suction port 10ip of the breath collection device 10.

In the portion of the suction member 112 where the suction side auxiliary member 12 is not arranged, the volume of the suction space 112S can change depending on the amount of flowing exhaled air (the amount of exhaled air discharged). On the other hand, in the portion of the suction member 112 where the suction side auxiliary member 12 is arranged, the change (increase) in the volume of the suction space 112S is suppressed by the suction side auxiliary member 12.

More specifically, when the suction member 112 is in a state where no exhaled air is contained in the main body space 111S, no exhaled air is being sucked in, and no exhaled air is being supplied to the outside, as shown in, for example, Figures 1(A) and 2, the portion of the suction member 112 where the suction side auxiliary member 12 is not positioned is rectangular in plan view, as shown in, for example, Figures 1(A) and 2, and the volume of the suction space 112S is approximately zero.

On the other hand, when exhaled air is being sucked in and supplied to the outside, the volume of the suction space 112S increases in the portion of the suction member 112 where the suction side auxiliary member 12 is not positioned, and this portion becomes cylindrical, for example, as shown in Figures 1(B) and 1(C).

However, the shape of the portion of the suction member 112 where the suction side auxiliary member 12 is located is restricted by the suction side auxiliary member 12.

More specifically, the suction side auxiliary member 12 is an elastic ring shape, and has a cylindrical hollow portion 120. For example, the elasticity of the suction side auxiliary member 12 is such that when the introduction tube 13 is inserted into the suction port 10ip as described below, the suction member 112 is pressed against the peripheral surface of the introduction tube 13. Specifically, the suction side auxiliary member 12 is made of, for example, silicone rubber.

The suction member 112 is positioned so as to pass through the hollow section 120 of the suction side auxiliary member 12. Here, the cross-sectional area of the hollow section 120 in a steady state (when no external force is applied) is smaller than the maximum flow path cross-sectional area of the suction member 112. As a result, the flow path cross-sectional area of the suction member 112 is regulated to be approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of the hollow section 120 of the suction side auxiliary member 12. Then, when exhaled air is sucked in through the suction member 112 or is supplied to the outside from the suction member 112, the shape of the suction side auxiliary member 12 does not change due to the pressure from the inside caused by the flow of exhaled air.

As a result, the shape (cross-sectional area of the flow path) of the portion of the suction member 112 where the suction side auxiliary member 12 is located is maintained constant by the suction side auxiliary member 12 regardless of the state of suction of exhaled air or supply to the outside.

Furthermore, a cylindrical introduction tube 13 is inserted into the suction member 112. At this time, the introduction hole 130 at the tip of the introduction tube 13 is inserted up to the main body space 111S of the main body member 111, for example as shown in FIG. 1(C), and the end of the introduction tube 13 opposite the tip on the introduction hole 130 side is exposed to the outside of the suction member 112. The user injects exhaled air into the storage bag 11 through this introduction tube 13. Note that the user may inject exhaled air into the storage bag 11 by blowing exhaled air directly into the suction member 112 without using this introduction tube 13.

The introduction tube 13 is made of a material that hardly changes shape due to external forces. Here, the flow path cross-sectional area of the introduction tube 13 is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of the hollow section 120 of the suction side auxiliary member 12. As a result, the suction member 112 is pressed against the circumferential surface of the introduction tube 13 by the suction side auxiliary member 12. This biasing force is set so that the exhaled air does not get between the introduction tube 13 and the suction member 112 when the exhaled air is supplied to the outside.

As a result, when the collected breath is supplied to the gas component detection device 2 (see FIG. 11) via the introduction tube 13, the gas (poisonous gas) generated by the suction side auxiliary member 12 does not mix with the breath. Specifically, for example, if the suction side auxiliary member 12 is made of silicone rubber, the silicone rubber generates gas (siloxane, etc.) that can poison the semiconductor sensor. However, by providing the configuration of the breath collection device 10, poisonous gas such as siloxane does not mix with the breath and is not supplied to the gas component detection device 2.

The breath collection device 10 also has the following features. Figures 3(A), 3(B), 3(C), and 3(D) are enlarged views showing the suction member of the breath collection device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3(A) is a plan view, Figure 3(B) is a front view, Figure 3(C) is a B-B cross-sectional view (plan cross-sectional view), and Figure 3(D) is an A-A cross-sectional view (front cross-sectional view).

As shown in Figures 3(A), 3(B), 3(C), and 3(D), the suction side auxiliary member 12 is a ring-shaped tube having a cylindrical hollow portion 120. The suction side auxiliary member 12 has a main surface 121 at one end in the axial direction of the ring, and a main surface 122 at the other end. The main surfaces 121 and 122 are ring-shaped and face each other. The suction side auxiliary member 12 also has cylindrical inner and outer circumferential surfaces 123 and 124. The inner and outer circumferential surfaces 123 and 124 are connected to the main surfaces 121 and 122.

The suction side auxiliary member 12 is disposed outside the suction member 112, and the suction member 112 is inserted into the hollow portion 120 of the suction side auxiliary member 12. In this case, the main surface 121 is disposed on the suction port 10ip side of the breath collection device 10, and the main surface 122 is disposed on the main body member 111 side.

The suction member 112 covers the entire suction side auxiliary member 12. More specifically, the suction member 112 covers the suction side auxiliary member 12 so that its outer surface is in contact with the main surface 121, the main surface 122, the inner peripheral surface 123, and the outer peripheral surface 124 of the suction side auxiliary member 12. In other words, the suction member 112 is folded back from the inner peripheral surface 123 to the main surface 122 and the outer peripheral surface 124.

With this configuration, the suction space 112S of the suction member 112 is spatially isolated from the suction side auxiliary member 12. As a result, even if poisonous gas is generated from the suction side auxiliary member 12, it is confined within the space covered by the outer surface of the suction member 112. Therefore, the breath collection device 10 can more reliably prevent poisonous gas from being supplied to the gas component detection device 2.

In addition, if at least the inner circumferential surface 123 and the main surface 121 of the suction side auxiliary member 12 are covered by the suction member 112, the intrusion of gases and other substances that act on the components of the exhaled air into the suction space 112S can be suppressed. In other words, the suction member 112 only needs to be folded back from at least the inner circumferential surface 123 to the main surface 122.

The breath collection device 10 can also achieve the following effects. By changing the diameter of the introduction tube 13, the flow path cross-sectional area for suctioning breath can be adjusted according to age, sex, and lung capacity. Regardless of the flow path cross-sectional area, a structure can be realized in which the suction member 112 abuts and is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the introduction tube 13 by the elastic suction side auxiliary member 12. This prevents unnecessary leakage of breath, the inclusion of toxic gases in breath, and the supply of breath to the gas component detection device 2.

In addition, as shown in Figures 1(A), 1(B), 1(C), and 2, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of the suction member 112, which is restricted by the suction side auxiliary member 12, is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of the discharge member 113. This allows the exhaled breath collection device 10 to collect end-tidal gas more effectively and reliably.

As shown in Figures 1(A), 1(B), 1(C) and 2, the suction member 112 is connected to one end of the main body member 111, and the discharge member 113 is connected to the other end opposite the one end of the main body member 111. Furthermore, the central axis of the suction space 112S of the suction member 112 and the central axis of the discharge space 113S of the discharge member 113 coincide with each other. This allows the exhaled air collection device 10 to efficiently draw in exhaled air.

Second Embodiment
The exhaled air collecting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4(A) and Fig. 4(B) are two-sided views of the exhaled air collecting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4(A) and Fig. 4(B) show a plan view and a side view. Fig. 4(A) shows a state in which the discharge space 113S is not sealed, and Fig. 4(B) shows a state in which the discharge space 113S is sealed.

As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the breath collection device 10A according to the second embodiment differs from the breath collection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a sealing member 141 and a sealing member 142. The other configuration of the breath collection device 10A is the same as that of the breath collection device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

The sealing member 141 and the sealing member 142 are, for example, a pair of Velcro tapes (registered trademark) or the like, and are fixed to each other by overlapping them. The sealing member 141 is attached to the discharge member 113. The sealing member 142 is attached to the main body member 111.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when exhaled air is being drawn in, the sealing member 141 is not fixed to the sealing member 142. This allows the main body space 111S and the exhaust port 10op to communicate via the exhaust space 113S, and the exhaust member 113 can exhaust the exhaled air that is surplus to collection.

As shown in FIG. 4B, after the intake of the exhaled air is completed, the sealing member 141 is fixed to the sealing member 142. At this time, the discharge member 113 is bent in the middle of the flow path. As a result, the main body space 111S and the discharge port 10op are substantially not in communication with each other, and the exhaled air collection device 10A can prevent the exhaled air from leaking to the outside from the discharge port 10op via the discharge space 113S of the discharge member 113.

As a result, the breath collection device 10A achieves the same effects as the breath collection device 10, while further suppressing unnecessary leakage of breath, thereby achieving efficient breath collection.

Third Embodiment
An exhaled air collecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views of the exhaled air collecting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5(A) shows a state in which exhaled air is not collected, and Figure 5(B) shows a state in which exhaled air is collected.

As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the breath collection device 10B according to the third embodiment differs from the breath collection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a main body member 111B. The other configuration of the breath collection device 10B is the same as that of the breath collection device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

The main body member 111B has a pleated portion 1111. As shown in Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B), the pleated portion 1111 has a structure in which multiple continuous membrane bodies are folded so as to partially overlap each other when no exhaled air is contained.

In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5(A), when exhaled air is not contained, the main body member 111B is approximately the same size as a structure that does not have pleats 1111 (main body member 111 shown in FIG. 1(A)). Then, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when exhaled air is contained, the main body member 111B is larger by the amount of the bend caused by the pleats 1111. Therefore, the main body space 111BS of the main body member 111B is larger than the main body space 111S of the main body member 111.

This allows the breath collection device 10B to increase the amount of breath it can hold while preventing the device from becoming too large when not in use. Note that the pleat shape of the pleat portion 1111 is not limited to those shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), and various shapes can be used.

Fourth Embodiment
The fourth embodiment of the exhaled air collecting device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a plan sectional view showing the state in which an exhaled air collecting tool is attached to a housing of the exhaled air collecting device of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 7(A) is an external perspective view of the housing of the exhaled air collecting device of the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 7(B) is a sectional perspective view of the housing of the exhaled air collecting device of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in Figures 6, 7(A), and 7(B), the exhaled air collection device 1 includes an exhaled air collection device 10C and a housing 15. The exhaled air collection device 10C differs from the exhaled air collection device 10 according to the first embodiment in that a fixing member 12X is attached to the discharge member 113C. The other configuration of the exhaled air collection device 10C is the same as that of the exhaled air collection device 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

The fixing member 12X is a cylindrical ring having a hollow portion. The discharge member 113 is inserted through the hollow portion of the fixing member 12X and is fixed to the fixing member 12X. The fixing member 12X is made of a material that does not generate gases that act on the exhaled breath. Alternatively, if the fixing member 12X is made of a material that generates gases that act on the exhaled breath, the fixing member 12X may be covered by the discharge member 113, similar to the suction side auxiliary member 12 on the suction member 112 side. With this configuration, the discharge member 113 can steadily maintain the discharge space 113S having a constant flow path cross-sectional area.

The housing 15 has a cylindrical first storage space 151, a cylindrical second storage space 152, and a cylindrical third storage space 153. The second storage space 152 and the third storage space 153 are connected to the first storage space 151. The housing 15 is made of a material that is hardly deformed by external forces expected during normal use.

More specifically, the second storage space 152 has a cylindrical space 1521 and a space 1522. The diameter of the space 1521 is larger than the diameter of the space 1522. The spaces 1521 and 1522 are in communication with each other. The space 1521 is in communication with the outside of the housing 15, and the space 1522 is in communication with the first storage space 151. The third storage space 153 has a cylindrical space 1531, a space 1532, and a space 1533. The diameter of the space 1531 is larger than the diameter of the space 1532 and the diameter of the space 1533. The spaces 1531 and 1532 are in communication with each other, and the spaces 1531 and 1533 are in communication with each other. Space 1532 communicates with the first storage space 151, and space 1533 communicates with the outside of the housing 15.

As shown in FIG. 6, the body member 111 of the exhaled air collection device 10C is accommodated in the first accommodation space 151 of the housing 15. It is preferable that the volume of the first accommodation space 151 is larger than the maximum volume of the body space 111S of the body member 111. This ensures that the exhaled air accommodation capacity of the exhaled air collection device 10C is not reduced by the housing 15.

The portion of the suction member 112 of the breath collection device 10C to which the suction side auxiliary member 12 is attached is accommodated in the space 1521 in the second accommodation space 152 of the housing 15. The suction side auxiliary member 12 is held in the housing 15 so as to abut against the step between the space 1521 and the space 1522.

The portion of the discharge member 113C of the breath collection device 10C to which the fixing member 12X is attached is accommodated in the space 1531 in the third accommodation space 153 of the housing 15. The fixing member 12X is held in the housing 15 so as to abut against the step between the space 1531 and the space 1532.

Generally, after collecting exhaled air, the storage bag of the breath collection device may lose its plug or become damaged due to external forces. In order to minimize the effects of such external forces, it is necessary to measure the components of the breath using a gas component detection device as soon as possible after the breath is collected by the breath collection device.

In contrast, in this embodiment, with this configuration, the breath collection device 10C is housed inside the housing 15. The housing 15 is hardly deformed by external forces. Therefore, deformation of the breath collection device 10C due to external forces is suppressed. This suppresses unnecessary leakage of breath from the breath collection device 10C due to external forces.

It is preferable that the housing 15 has sufficient hardness to protect the bag member from external pressure. For example, it is preferable that the housing 15 is made of a metal case member that can block outside air, or a resin case member that is thicker than the storage bag. When using a resin case member, it is preferable to use one whose inner surface is coated with metal foil.

The breath collection device 1 preferably includes a cover member 159 as shown in FIG. 7(A). The cover member 159 includes a plug member 1591 and an auxiliary mounting plate 1592. The auxiliary mounting plate 1592 is flat. The plug member 1591 is cylindrical. The plug member 1591 is shaped to protrude from the flat surface of the auxiliary mounting plate 1592. When sealing the third storage space 153, the plug member 1591 is inserted into the space 1533 of the third storage space 153.

As a result, the exhaled air collection device 1 can put the outlet 10op of the exhaled air collection device 10C into a non-communicating state with the outside without operating the exhaled air collection device 10C. In other words, it is possible to prevent unnecessary leakage of the exhaled air contained in the exhaled air collection device 10C from the outlet 10op.

Fifth Embodiment
The fifth embodiment of the exhaled air collecting device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8(A) is a two-sided view showing an enlarged shape of the vicinity of the outlet of the exhaled air collecting device according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 8(A) shows a top view and a side view. Fig. 8(B) is a three-sided view of the cover member of the exhaled air collecting device according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 8(B) shows a top view, a side cross-sectional view, and a bottom view.

The breath collection device according to the fifth embodiment differs from the breath collection device according to the fourth embodiment in that it includes an exhaust amount adjustment member 154 and a cover member 155. The other configuration of the breath collection device according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the breath collection device according to the fourth embodiment, and a description of the similar parts will be omitted.

The breath collection device is provided with a discharge amount adjustment member 154 at the opening to the outside of the third storage space 153 of the housing 15 shown in the above-mentioned Figures 6, 7 (A), and 7 (B). The discharge amount adjustment member 154 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion 1540. One end of the hollow portion 1540 communicates with the third storage space 153. The other end of the hollow portion 1540 is open. The outer peripheral surface of the discharge amount adjustment member 154 is provided with a spiral convex portion 1541.

The lid member 155 is a cylinder having opposing main surfaces Fu and Fd, and an outer circumferential surface. The lid member 155 has a cylindrical hollow portion 1550 recessed from the main surface Fd. The lid member 155 has a spiral recess 1552 recessed from the inner wall surface that forms the hollow portion 1550.

The cover member 155 has a communication hole 1551 that connects the bottom of the hollow portion 1550 to the outside on the main surface Fd side. The flow path cross-sectional area of the communication hole 1551 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the hollow portion 1540 of the discharge amount adjustment member 154.

By being provided with such a configuration, the breath collection device according to the fifth embodiment adjusts the discharge amount as follows. Figures 9(A), 9(B), 9(C), and 9(D) are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the discharge amount adjustment member and the cover member for adjusting the discharge amount.

As shown in Figures 9(B), 9(C), and 9(D), the convex portion 1541 of the discharge amount adjustment member 154 and the concave portion 1552 of the lid member 155 are screwed together, so that the lid member 155 is attached to the discharge amount adjustment member 154. The depth to which the lid member 155 covers the discharge amount adjustment member 154 is adjusted by the amount of screwing.

In the case of FIG. 9(A), the cover member 155 is not attached to the discharge amount adjustment member 154. In this case, the exhaled air is discharged directly to the outside from the hollow portion 1540 of the discharge amount adjustment member 154. Therefore, the discharge amount of the exhaled air collection device depends on the flow path cross-sectional area of the hollow portion 1540 of the discharge amount adjustment member 154.

In the case of FIG. 9(B), the cover member 155 is attached to the discharge amount adjustment member 154. In this case, the opening surface of the communication hole 1551 on the hollow portion 1550 side does not overlap with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge amount adjustment member 154. Therefore, the discharge amount of the breath collection device depends on the flow path cross-sectional area of the communication hole 1551.

In the case of FIG. 9(C), the cover member 155 is attached to the discharge amount adjustment member 154. At this time, a part of the opening surface of the communication hole 1551 on the hollow portion 1550 side overlaps with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge amount adjustment member 154, and the other part does not overlap. Therefore, the discharge amount as an exhaled breath collection device depends on the cross-sectional area of the part of the opening surface of the communication hole 1551 on the hollow portion 1550 side that does not overlap with the discharge amount adjustment member 154.

In the case of FIG. 9 (D), the cover member 155 is attached to the discharge amount adjustment member 154. In this case, the opening surface of the communication hole 1551 on the hollow portion 1550 side overlaps with the outer peripheral surface of the discharge amount adjustment member 154. Therefore, the discharge port of the breath collection device is sealed.

In this way, the breath collection device according to the fifth embodiment has the same effect as the breath collection device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, and can easily adjust the discharge amount.

(Examples of variations in external shapes of breath collection devices)
Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a variation of the external shape of an exhaled air collection device. The exhaled air collection device 10D shown in Fig. 10 includes a storage bag 11D. The storage bag 11D differs from the storage bag 11 according to the first embodiment in the shape of a main body member 111D. Other configurations of the storage bag 11D are similar to those of the storage bag 11, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

The main body member 111D is elliptical in plan view. Even with this configuration, the breath collection device 10D can achieve the same effects as the breath collection device 10. The shape of the main body member 111D is not limited to an ellipse, and may be other shapes such as a circle, an oval, a rectangle with rounded edges, a polygon, etc.

(Examples of use of breath collection devices and breath collection equipment)
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of an exhaled air collection device and a gas component detection device in which the exhaled air collection device is used according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the gas component detection device using functional blocks, etc.

As shown in FIG. 11, the gas component detection device 2 includes a first flow path 21 and a column 30. In addition, the gas component detection device 2 includes a second flow path 22, a third flow path 23, a fourth flow path 24, a fifth flow path 25, a sixth flow path 26, a sensor device 40, a component detection unit 43, a blower 51, a filter 52, an input container 60, a valve 231, and a drive unit 510.

The first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, the third flow path 23, the fourth flow path 24, the fifth flow path 25, and the sixth flow path 26 are tubular with a constant diameter.

One end of the first flow path 21 is connected to the sensor device 40, and the other end of the first flow path 21 is connected to the column 30. One end of the second flow path 22 is connected to the column 30, and the other end of the second flow path 22 is connected to the outlet of the blower 51.

One end of the third flow path 23 is connected to the second flow path 22, and the other end of the third flow path 23 is connected to the input container 60. A valve 231 is provided in the third flow path 23. The communication state between the second flow path 22 and the input container 60 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 231.

One end of the fourth flow path 24 is connected to the sensor device 40, and the other end of the fourth flow path 24 is the outlet 240.

One end of the fifth flow path 25 is connected to the suction port of the blower 51, and the other end of the fifth flow path 25 is connected to the filter 52. One end of the sixth flow path 26 is connected to the filter 52, and the other end of the sixth flow path 26 is connected to the carrier gas intake port 260.

The column 30 is tubular, with an adsorbent or carrier disposed on the inner wall surface. The column 30 is made of a flexible material that does not react with the gas to be detected.

The sensor device 40 includes a cavity 41 and a semiconductor sensor 42. The cavity 41 is a space formed by the housing of the sensor device 40, and includes an inlet 411 and an outlet 412. The inlet 411 is connected to the first flow path 21, and the outlet 412 is connected to the fourth flow path 24.

The semiconductor sensor 42 has a detection surface 420. The semiconductor sensor 42 is disposed in the housing of the sensor device 40 so that the detection surface 420 is exposed within the cavity 41. The semiconductor sensor 42 outputs a voltage from the output terminal 421, the voltage having a strength corresponding to the concentration of the gas component in contact with the detection surface 420.

The component detection unit 43 detects the components and their concentrations of the gas to be detected using the output voltage of the semiconductor sensor 42.

The blower 51 is a device that transports fluid in one direction, and is, for example, a blower that uses a piezoelectric body. By using a piezoelectric body, the blower 51 can be made smaller. A drive unit 510 is connected to the blower 51. The drive unit 510 supplies drive power to the blower 51. The blower 51 is driven by this drive power and transports the fluid from the suction port to the discharge port.

Filter 52 is a gas purification filter that filters out impurities such as dust and fine particles contained in the air.

The input container 60 contains the gas to be detected. This input container 60 is realized by the various breath collection tools or breath collection devices described above. The suction port 10ip of the breath collection tool is connected to the third flow path 23. For example, the introduction tube 13 is inserted into the tubular body that forms the third flow path 23. Instead of inserting the introduction tube 13 into the tubular body, the introduction tube provided on the gas component detection device 2 side may be inserted into the suction port 10ip of the breath collection tool. In this way, when the introduction tube is provided on the gas component detection device 2 side, the suction side auxiliary member 12 can be pressed against the introduction tube provided on the gas component detection device 2 side, so that the outflow (leakage) of breath within the gas component detection device 2 is suppressed.

(Method of Transporting Target Gas and Detecting Component in Gas Component Detection Device 2)
In the above configuration, the blower 51 is driven to open the valve 231. As a result, the air that is the source of the carrier gas flows from the carrier gas inlet 260 into the sixth flow path 26 and is filtered by the filter 52. As a result, the carrier gas is generated. The carrier gas is transported from the filter 52 to the fifth flow path 25 and is sucked into the blower 51. The blower 51 discharges the carrier gas into the second flow path 22.

When the carrier gas flows into the second flow path 22, the gas to be detected flows into the second flow path 22 from the input container 60 via the third flow path 23. As a result, the gas to be detected mixes with the carrier gas, and the carrier gas mixed with the gas to be detected (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, referred to as mixed gas) is transported from the second flow path 22 to the column 30.

The mixed gas introduced into the column 30 is transported at different speeds for each component. The mixed gas transported through the column 30 is then transported into the first flow path 21.

The mixed gas that has flowed through the first flow path 21 flows into the cavity 41 from the inlet 411, passes through the outlet 412 and the fourth flow path 24, and is discharged from the outlet 240. At this time, the mixed gas comes into contact with the detection surface 420 of the semiconductor sensor 42 in the cavity 41, and the components of the gas to be detected are detected.

In this case, as described above, the flow rate in the column 30 differs for each component, allowing the semiconductor sensor 42 to individually detect multiple components of the gas to be detected.

(Desired usage of the storage bag)
The storage bag of the breath collection device is typically a bag made of a general resin, and therefore, after a certain period of time, the gas (breath) stored in the storage bag gradually permeates out and escapes. For this reason, the gas (breath) stored in the storage bag basically needs to be measured by a gas component detection device immediately after being stored in the storage bag. Therefore, in order to enable measurement without error even after a certain period of time has passed, it is preferable to use a resin bag whose exterior is coated with, for example, metal foil.

(Counting the number of uses)
The storage bag of the breath collection device becomes dirty on the inside and deteriorates due to wear caused by friction when attaching and detaching the device to the gas component detection device after repeated use. For this reason, the storage bag needs to be replaced periodically. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to count how many times the storage bag has been used.

Figure 12 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an exhaled air collection device equipped with an exhaled air collection device to which individual identification information has been assigned. The exhaled air collection device 10E shown in Figure 12 differs from the exhaled air collection device 10C shown in Figure 6 in that it is equipped with an individual identification member 119. The other configuration of the exhaled air collection device 10E is the same as that of the exhaled air collection device 10C, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, an individual identification member 119 is placed on the breath collection device 10E, which is made of a storage bag. The individual identification member 119 is, for example, a sticker with a barcode printed on it, and is attached to the outer surface of the main body member 111 of the breath collection device 10E.

Instead of a barcode, the individual identification member 119 may be another ID member such as a semiconductor ID chip or an RFID tag. The individual identification member 119 may also be disposed on the housing 15 of the breath collection device 1.

This allows you to count how many times the breath collection device 10E has been used, and you can replace the breath collection device 10E after an appropriate number of uses.

The configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined as appropriate, and each combination can produce different effects.

1: Exhaled breath collection device 2: Gas component detection device 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E: Exhaled breath collection device 10ip: Intake port 10op: Exhaust port 11, 11D: Storage bag 12: Intake side auxiliary member 12X: Fixing member 13: Inlet tube 15: Housing 21: First flow path 22: Second flow path 23: Third flow path 24: Fourth flow path 25: Fifth flow path 26: Sixth flow path 30: Column 40: Sensor device 41: Cavity 42: Semiconductor sensor 43: Component detection unit 51: Blower 52: Filter 60: Input container 111, 111B, 111D: Main body member 111BS, 111S: Main body space 112: Intake member 112S: Intake space 113, 113C: Exhaust member 113S: Exhaust Space 119: Individual identification member 120: Hollow portion 121: Main surface 122: Main surface 123: Inner peripheral surface 124: Outer peripheral surface 130: Inlet hole 141: Sealing member 142: Sealing member 151: First storage space 152: Second storage space 153: Third storage space 154: Discharge amount adjustment member 155, 159: Cover member 231: Valve 240: Discharge port 260: Carrier gas inlet 411: Inlet 412: Outlet 420: Detection surface 421: Output terminal 510: Drive unit 1111: Pleated portion 1521, 1522: Space 1531, 1532, 1533: Space 1540: Hollow portion 1541: Convex portion 1550: Hollow portion 1551: Communication hole 1552: Concave portion 1591: Plug member 1592: Mounting auxiliary plate

Claims (14)

A bag-shaped main body member having a main body space for accommodating exhaled air and capable of changing in volume according to the exhaled air accommodated therein;
a cylindrical suction member having a suction space communicating with the main body space and a suction port communicating with the outside, the suction member being capable of changing in volume due to the flow of exhaled air;
a cylindrical exhaust member having an exhaust space communicating with the main body space and an exhaust port communicating with the outside, the volume of which can be changed by the flow of exhaled air;
a suction side auxiliary member arranged outside the suction member and capable of restricting an increase in the volume of the suction space;
Equipped with
The body member, the suction member, and the exhaust member do not contain siloxane gas, chlorine gas, and sulfide gas that may poison a sensor that detects the breath;
The suction member covers a surface of the suction side auxiliary member on the suction space side and a surface of the suction port side.
Breath collection device. a cylindrical introduction tube is provided that is inserted into the suction member from the suction port side;
The introduction pipe abuts against the inner wall surface of the suction member over the entire circumference of the cylindrical shape.
2. The breath collection device of claim 1. The suction side auxiliary member is an elastic body.
3. The breath collection device according to claim 1 or 2. The suction side auxiliary member is made of silicone.
The breath collection device of claim 3. The suction member covers the entire surface of the suction side auxiliary member.
5. The breath collection device according to claim 1 or 4. The suction member and the discharge member are disposed at positions facing each other via the main body member,
The axis of the suction space and the axis of the discharge space are aligned.
6. The breath collection device according to claim 1. the body member is pleated;
7. The breath collection device according to claim 1. a sealing member for switching between communication and non-communication between the discharge space in the discharge member and the outside;
8. The breath collection device according to claim 1. The main body member, the suction member, and the discharge member are configured as a single storage bag.
9. The breath collection device according to claim 1. An individual identification member is provided on the main body member.
10. The breath collection device according to claim 1. A breath collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
A housing in which the breath collection device is housed;
Equipped with
Breath collection device. The housing includes:
a first accommodation space in which the main body member is accommodated;
a second accommodation space in which the suction member is accommodated and which communicates with the first accommodation space and the outside;
a third accommodation space in which the discharge member is accommodated and which communicates with the first accommodation space and the outside;
Equipped with
12. The breath collection device of claim 11. A cover member is provided for adjusting an opening amount of the communication port to the outside of the third storage space.
13. The breath collection device of claim 12. An individual identification member is provided in the housing.
14. A breath collection device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

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