JPH08122330A - Method and apparatus for sampling of expiration - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To execute a series of processes from the sampling process of expiration up to its analytical process quickly and without any trouble by a method wherein the inside of an expiration sampler is cleaned so as to be evacuated and the expiration which has been blown into the sampler is supplied to a prescribed expiration analyzer. CONSTITUTION: A vacuum pump 8 is driven. A residual gas inside a chamber 1 for expiration-sampling is evacuated to the outside of a thermostatic bath 12 via a solenoid valve 7 and a pipe 6. After that, a solenoid valve 10 is opened. A purge gas is introduced into the chamber 1. The inside of the chamber 1 is cleaned so as to be evacuated via the valve 7 and the pipe 6. Then, a subject holds an expiration blowing tube 20 in his mouth, he presses a switch for sampling so as to open a solenoid valve 3, and he blows his expiration into the chamber 1. At this time, since the blowing tube 20 has been heated 37, moisture in the expiration is not condensed. The expiration which has been blown into the chamber 1 is sucked into a sample loop by means of a suction pump for an expiration analyzer. After that, an expiration process, a cleaning process and a purge-gas evacuation process inside the chamber 1 are executed again. As a result, the expiration of a next subject can be analyzed precisely.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exhalation sampling method and apparatus for sampling exhaled breath for component analysis, and in particular, clinical examination, work environment measurement, drug investigation, drunk driving enforcement, fire cause investigation, etc. The present invention relates to an exhaled breath collection method and an apparatus thereof suitable for use in.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in the case of clinical examination in the medical field or alcohol examination at the time of enforcement of drunk driving, when exhaled breath of a subject is collected and metabolic components contained in the exhaled breath are analyzed. A breath collection bag (Tedlar bag) into which breath has been exhaled by a subject is attached to a breath analyzer, and part of the breath (gas sample) is sucked from the breath collection bag to analyze the components of the breath. It was

FIG. 14 shows a schematic structure of a breath collection bag in the conventional example and a main part of a breath analyzer equipped with the breath collection bag.
It is composed of an expiratory air inlet 91 through which exhaled air is blown from the subject M and a bag body 92. Further, the essential part of the exhalation analyzer is that the exhaled breath collection bag 90 is connected via the expiratory air inlet 91. First pipe line 93, a second pipe line 95 to which the suction pump 94 is connected, and a sample loop 96a in the middle.
And the first to third pipelines 93,
A switching valve 97 to which 95 and 96 are connected is provided.

In the case of analyzing the constituents of the exhaled breath inside the exhaled breath collection bag 90, the exhaled breath collection bag 90 in which the exhaled breath has been blown by the subject M is inserted through the exhalation blow port 91 into the first tube of the exhalation analyzer. When the suction pump 94 is driven after being connected to the passage 93, a part of the exhaled air (gas sample) in the exhalation collection bag 90 is filled in the sample loop 96a of the third conduit 96 through the switching valve 97 by a predetermined amount. It is like this. After that, the exhaled air filled in the sample loop 96a by a predetermined amount is introduced into an analysis unit (not shown) through the column to analyze the component of the exhaled air.

[0005]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. Once the exhaled breath of the subject has been collected in the exhalation collection bag,
Since the breath collection bag was connected to the breath analyzer to analyze the components of the breath, there was a problem that it was very troublesome and complicated when the number of subjects was large. Further, it is difficult for the conventional technique to measure the discharge amount of the exhaled air blown into the exhalation collection bag by the subject,
On the other hand, there is also a problem that the subject does not know how much exhaled air should be blown into the exhalation collection bag. In addition, after the subject blows the exhaled breath into the exhaled breath collection bag, the exhaled breath component and water are adsorbed to the inner surface of the exhaled breath collection bag, and the adsorbed exhaled breath component and water are completely removed. Since it is extremely difficult to collect samples (breaths) from a large number of subjects, it is necessary to prepare a large number of breath collection bags according to the number of subjects,
In the long term, there was a problem that the cost was high. Furthermore, when the subject blows the exhaled air into the exhalation collection bag, the temperature of the exhaled air falls from the subject's body temperature level to the inspection environment temperature level, so water droplets adhere to the inner surface of the exhalation collection bag. However, as a result of the water droplets evaporating and mixing in the exhaled breath component, there is a problem that the breath analysis of the subject cannot be performed accurately.

[0006]

It is an object of the present invention to improve the disadvantages of the above-mentioned conventional example, and in particular, a series of procedures from collecting exhaled air with an exhalation sampler to analyzing the exhaled air with an exhalation analyzer is troublesome. It is an object of the present invention to provide an exhaled breath collection method and device that can be rapidly performed without any action and that suppresses adsorption of exhaled breath components and water inside the exhaled breath collector.

[0007]

According to the present invention of claim 1, there is provided a first step of exhausting the inside of an exhalation sampler housed in a constant temperature bath, and introducing a cleaning gas into the exhalation sampler. And a third step of exhausting the inside of the exhalation sampler, and a fourth step of introducing exhaled air blown from an exhalation insufflation port attached to the exhalation sampler into the exhalation sampler. The method comprises a step and a fifth step of supplying the breath in the breath sampling device to a predetermined breath analyzer. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an exhalation sampler having an exhalation breathing port for inhaling exhalation, an exhalation introducing mechanism for introducing the exhalation exhaled from the exhalation exhalation port into the exhalation sampling device, An exhalation supply mechanism for supplying the exhaled breath in the exhaled breath collector to a predetermined exhaled breath analyzer, an exhaust mechanism for exhausting the exhaled breath collector, and a cleaning gas introduction mechanism for introducing a cleaning gas into the exhaled breath collector. In addition, at least the exhalation sampling device among the respective constituent members is housed inside a constant temperature bath. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the exhalation sampling device according to the second aspect, the exhalation sampling device is equipped with a heating means for heating the exhalation sampling device to a predetermined temperature. .

[0010]

According to the present invention of claim 1, first, the inside of the exhalation sampler is evacuated, and then the inside of the exhalation sampler is washed with a cleaning gas,
Next, exhaust the inside of the exhalation sampler, then introduce the exhaled air blown from the exhalation inlet into the exhalation sampler, and then supply the exhaled gas introduced into the exhalation sampler to a predetermined exhalation analyzer. The exhaled breath is collected and the collected exhaled breath is supplied through a series of steps. As a result, exhaled breath is collected by the exhaled breath collection bag as in the conventional case, and the exhaled breath is collected and analyzed in comparison with the case where the exhaled breath collection bag is attached to the exhalation analyzer to perform exhaled breath analysis.
It can be carried out promptly without any troublesome work. Further, as in the case where the exhalation collection bag is washed and used repeatedly as in the past, the exhalation of the previous subject remains inside the exhalation collection bag and the exhalation exhaled by the subject this time is exhaled. Since the problem that the breath of the subject is mixed can be solved, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.
Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of having to prepare as many expiratory collection bags as the number of subjects as in the case where the expiratory collection bag is disposable each time expiratory sampling as in the past, and it is possible to eliminate long-term problems. From the viewpoint, cost can be reduced. Furthermore, if each process is executed under predetermined control, the collection and analysis of exhaled breath can be automated.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since at least the exhalation sampler is housed in the thermostatic chamber, the exhaled breath blown by the subject from the exhalation inlet is introduced into the exhalation sampler. In this case, it is possible to prevent the water contained in the exhaled breath from adhering to the inner surface of the exhaled breath collector as water droplets. As a result, as in the case of collecting exhaled air with the exhaled air collection bag as in the past, the exhaled breath component and water droplets of the previous subject remaining on the inner surface of the exhalation collection bag evaporate and this test is performed. Since it is possible to prevent the problem of being mixed into the exhaled air component of the person,
The breath analysis of the subject can be performed accurately.

According to the present invention of claim 3, since the exhalation sampler is equipped with a heating means for heating the exhalation sampler to a predetermined temperature, the exhaled breath exhaled by the subject from the exhalation inhalation port is exhaled. If the exhalation sampler is preheated to a predetermined temperature, for example, about the same as body temperature, by heating means before introduction into the exhalation sampler, the water contained in the exhaled breath introduced into the exhalation sampler will be transferred to the inner surface of the exhalation sampler. The phenomenon of adhesion can be more reliably prevented. Thereby, the breath analysis of the subject can be performed more accurately.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments to which the exhalation sampling method and apparatus of the present invention are applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the structure of the main part of the exhalation sampling device in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The main parts of the exhalation sampling device 40 are the exhalation sampling chamber 1 and the exhalation sampling chamber 1. A solenoid valve 3 attached to a pipe 2 connected to one end, a solenoid valve 5 attached to a pipe 4 connected to the inside of the exhalation collection chamber 1, and the other end of the exhalation collection chamber 1. Solenoid valve 7 and vacuum pump 8 attached to a pipe 6 connected to the pipe 6, and a solenoid valve 10 attached to a pipe 9 connected to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1
And a pressure sensor 11 attached to the exhalation sampling chamber 1.
It is configured to include and. Each of the above parts is housed inside a thermostatic chamber 12 whose inner wall surface has a heat insulating structure,
The constant temperature bath 12 is housed inside a case 28 described later.

Explaining this in detail, the exhalation sampling chamber 1
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second funnel-shaped chamber parts 13 and 13 are made of, for example, aluminum and have the same shape.
It is composed of a chamber portion 14 and is arranged inside the constant temperature bath 12 via a support member 12 a. The inner wall surfaces of the first chamber portion 13 and the second chamber portion 14 are Teflon processed, and the corners inside the first chamber portion 13 and the second chamber portion 14 are rounded. As a result, adsorption of exhaled breath components and water on the inner wall surface of the exhaled breath collection chamber 1 is suppressed.

Further, a plurality of bolt mounting holes 13a to 13h are formed on the end surface of the first chamber portion 13, and
An O-ring groove 13j is formed. Second chamber section 1
The end faces of 4 also have the same structure. First chamber section 13
The second chamber portion 14 and the O-ring groove 13j on each end face.
..Multiple bolts 1 with O-ring 15 attached to
6 and 17 and nuts 18 and 19 are fixed to form the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

A disposable expiratory blow-in tube 20 into which expiratory air is blown by the subject M is detachably connected to the pipe 2 connected to one end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 through a heating pipe 37. The exhalation blow tube 20 is arranged outside the constant temperature bath 12. The exhaled air blown from the exhaled air blowing tube 20 is introduced into the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 via the solenoid valve 3. By attaching the exhalation-breathing pipe 20 to the heating pipe 37,
It is designed to prevent the liquefaction of water contained in exhaled breath from 0. The pipe 4 connected to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is connected to an exhalation analyzer (see FIG. 10) described later via an electromagnetic valve 5 and introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1. The exhaled air is supplied to the exhalation analyzer via the pipe 4.

A vacuum pump 8 is communicatively connected to a pipe 6 which is communicatively connected to the other end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 through an electromagnetic valve 7 so that the exhaled gas or purge gas inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is When the vacuum pump 8 is driven, it is exhausted to the outside of the constant temperature bath 12 through the pipe 6. A purge gas supply unit (not shown) is connected to the pipe 9 that is connected to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 through an electromagnetic valve 10, and the purge gas is supplied from the purge gas supply unit through the pipe 9. It is adapted to be introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

A pressure sensor 11 attached to the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detects the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1, and outputs a pressure detection value to a control unit 24 described later. As a result, the control unit 24 measures the amount of the exhaled gas introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1 based on the pressure change in the exhalation sampling chamber 1 before and after the exhalation is introduced. Further, a U-shaped fin heater 21 is installed inside the constant temperature bath 12 in the mounting member 12b,
It is arranged so as to surround one end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 via 12c, and the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12 is controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 40 [degrees C]) under the control of the controller 24.
The moisture in the exhaled air introduced into the exhaled air sampling chamber 1 is prevented from liquefying and adhering to the inner wall surface of the chamber by heating before and after).

Further, an electric fan 22 and a temperature adjusting thermocouple 23 are arranged inside the constant temperature bath 12 so as to face the other end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1. Electric fan 22
Is circulated in the constant temperature bath 12 under the control of the control unit 24. Further, the temperature adjustment thermocouple 23 measures the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12, and the control unit 24
The temperature measurement value is output to. As a result, the control section performs temperature control control for keeping the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12 constant.

Outside the constant temperature bath 12, the constant temperature bath 12 is provided.
A control unit 24 for controlling the above-mentioned internal sections, an operation unit 25 having various switches, and a display unit 26 having various lamps are provided. The control unit 24 will be described later based on a predetermined sequence control program.
The steps of, and are executed in the order. Further, the control unit 24 sets the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 to a predetermined pressure based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 11, and sets the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12 to a predetermined temperature based on the detection value of the temperature adjustment thermocouple 23. It is supposed to be set.

In this case, the electric fan 22, the thermocouple 23 for temperature control, etc. are not shown in FIG. 1, and the solenoid valve 10, the pressure sensor 11, etc. are not shown in FIG.

Next, the overall structure of the exhalation sampling device will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the exhalation sampling device 40, the thermostat 12 and the control unit 24 are provided inside the case 28 having the operation panel 27. It is configured to be stored. The operation panel 27 includes an exhalation blow tube 20, a power switch 29, a sampling switch 30, a stop switch 31, and a constant temperature bath 1.
2 a temperature display section 32 for displaying the temperature inside, a purge number display section 33 for displaying the number of purges for the exhalation sampling chamber 1, a first lamp 34 for displaying the expiratory breathable state in green, for example, and an exhalation sampling chamber There is provided a second lamp 35 for displaying an inhalation-breathing state into the inside of the inside 1 for example in orange, a third lamp 36 for displaying an exhalation-breathing completion state in red, and the like.

The power switch 29, the sampling switch 30, and the stop switch 31 constitute the operation section 25 described above, and the temperature display section 32 and the purge count display section 3 are provided.
3, first lamp 34, second lamp 35, third lamp 36
Constitutes the display unit 26 described above. In this case, the power switch 29, the sampling switch 30, and the stop switch 31 are pressed by the subject or the measurer when the breath sampling device 40 is used.

Further, between the outer wall surface of the constant temperature chamber 12 and the inner wall surface of the case 28, there is connected a heating pipe 37, both ends of which are connected to the pipe 2 and the exhalation blow pipe 20, respectively.
The heating tube 37 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 7, and includes an exhalation introduction tube portion 37a (see FIG. 8) and a surface heater portion 37b attached to the outer periphery of the exhalation introduction tube portion 37a.
And the heat insulating material portion 3 mounted on the outer periphery of the surface heater portion 37b
And 7c.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the exhalation sampling control circuit disposed inside the control unit 24 described above. The exhalation sampling control circuit includes an AC power source 38 and a power switch 29 (SW).
The contact 39, which is closed by the ON operation of 1), the solenoid valve 7, the vacuum pump 8, the first relay 41, the second relay 42, the solenoid valve 10, the third relay 43, and the fourth relay A relay 44, a counter 45 that counts the number of purges for the exhalation sampling chamber 1, a first lamp 34, a fifth relay 46, a contact 47 that opens and closes based on the operation of the sampling switch 30 (SW2), and a solenoid valve. 3, the second lamp 35, the sixth relay 48, the seventh relay 49, etc., and various contacts described later.

The contact 39 of the power switch 29 (SW1) has a normally open contact 41a of the first relay 41 and the fourth relay 4
No. 4 normally open contact 44a and third relay 43 normally closed contact 43
a is connected in parallel, and the solenoid valve 7, the vacuum pump 8 and the first relay 41, which are connected in parallel, are connected via the normally open contact 11a of the pressure sensor 11. Also,
The normally open contact 41b of the first relay 41 and the normally open contact 42a of the second relay 42, which are connected in parallel, are connected to the contact 39, and the pressure sensor 11 is connected via the normally open contact 41b.
The normally-closed contact 11b and the second relay 42 are connected in series.

Further, the contact 39 has a second connection connected in parallel.
The normally open contact 42b of the relay 42 and the normally open contact 43b of the third relay 43 are connected, and the normally closed contact 11c of the pressure sensor 11 and the fifth relay 4 are connected via the normally open contact 42b.
6 normally closed contacts 46a and the first relay 41 normally closed contacts 41
c is connected in series, and the solenoid valve 10, the third relay 43, and the fourth relay 44, which are connected in parallel, are further connected via a normally closed contact 41c.

The contact 39 has a third connection connected in parallel.
The normally open contact 43c of the relay 43 and the normally open contact 44b of the fourth relay 44 are connected, and the fourth relay 44 is connected in series via the normally closed contact 41d of the first relay 41. The contact 45 is connected to the counter 45 via the normally open contact 41e of the first relay 41 and the normally open contact 45a of the counter 45, and is connected in parallel via the normally open contact 45b of the counter 45. The first lamp 34 and the fifth relay 46 are connected.

The sampling switch 30 (SW
The contact 47 of 2) is the normally open contact 48a of the sixth relay 48.
Are connected in series and the normally closed contact 4 of the seventh relay 49 is connected.
The solenoid valve 3 connected in parallel, the second lamp 35, and the sixth relay 48 are connected via 9a. Further, to the contact 47, the normally open contact 48b of the sixth relay 48, the normally open contact 11b of the pressure sensor 11, and the normally open contact 49b of the seventh relay 49, which are connected in parallel, are connected and connected in parallel. The third lamp 36 and the seventh relay 49 are connected. In this case, each relay is controlled based on the above sequence control program.

When the examinee or the measurer turns on the power switch 29 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40, the contact 39 is closed, so that the solenoid valve 8 is opened and the vacuum pump 7 is opened.
It is designed to drive. As a result, the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is exhausted. The solenoid valve 8 is closed when the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 reaches a predetermined pressure (for example, about 500 [mmHg] in absolute pressure) as the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is exhausted. At the same time, the vacuum pump 7 is stopped and the solenoid valve 10 is opened. This allows
Purging gas is introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1 for cleaning.

The counter 45 counts the number of times the solenoid valve 8 is opened, the number of times the vacuum pump 7 is driven, and the number of times the solenoid valve 10 is opened based on the number of times the normally open contact 41e of the first relay 41 is turned on. The completion signal is output when the number of times reaches the set number. That is, the counter 45
Is configured to count the number of purges in the breath collection chamber 1. The purge count is displayed on the purge count display section 33 described above. In addition, after the completion of purging inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1,
The lamp 34 is turned on to display the exhalation breathable state.

When the examinee or the measurer presses the sampling switch 30 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40, the contact 47 is closed and the solenoid valve 3 is opened. As a result, the exhalation breath tube 20 and the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 are brought into communication with each other. When the subject inhales the exhalation through the exhalation inhalation tube 20, the second lamp 35 is turned on to display a state in which the exhalation is being infused with respect to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1. As the exhaled air is blown into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the pressure sensor 11
When the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the method reaches a predetermined pressure (for example, 760 [mmHg] in absolute pressure), the solenoid valve 3 is closed and the third lamp 36 is turned on to display the exhalation completion state. It is supposed to do.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exhalation analyzer 50 to which the exhalation sampling device 40 is connected. In the exhalation analyzer 50, the pipe 4 inside the thermostat 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is connected via a solenoid valve 5. Pipeline 51, pipeline 52 having sample loop 52a, and pipeline 53 having pre-column 53a
A pipe 54 having a main column 54a, a pipe 55 to which a suction pump 56 is connected, a switching valve 57 to which the pipes 51 to 55 are connected, and a detector 5 connected to the pipe 54.
8 and an analysis control circuit (see FIG. 13).

Here, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the switching valve 57 during the expiration suction from the exhalation sampling device 40 by the exhalation analyzer 50. During the expiration suction, the ports P1 to P10 of the switching valve 57 are shown. It is designed to switch to the state. Thereby, the exhaled breath sample is introduced from the exhalation sampling device 40 into the sample loop 52a of the conduit 52, the carrier gas (nitrogen / helium, etc.) is discharged from the conduit 60 through the conduit 59 and the pre-column 53a of the conduit 53, Another carrier gas is supplied to the detector 58 through the conduit 61 and the main column 54a of the conduit 54.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the switching valve 57 during the breath analysis in the breath analyzer 50. During the breath analysis, the ports P1 to P10 of the switching valve 57 are switched to the illustrated state. . As a result, the carrier gas (nitrogen, helium, etc.) is supplied to the sample loops 52a of the conduits 59 and 52, so that the sample loops 52a
The breath sample in the pre-column 53a of the conduit 53, the conduit 54
The gas is supplied to the detector 58 through the main column 54a, and another carrier gas is discharged from the pipe 60 through the pipe 61. As a result, the detector 58 detects the component of the exhaled breath.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the analysis control circuit provided side by side with the above-described breath analyzer 50. The analysis control circuit includes an AC power source 62 and an instruction to introduce a breath sample into the sample loop 52a. And the switching valve 57, a contact 63 that is closed when the switch SW3 for switching instruction is turned on.
An eighth relay 64, a solenoid valve 5, a first timer relay 65, a contact 66 that is closed when the suction pump 56 operation instruction switch SW4 is pressed, a ninth relay 67, Suction pump 56, tenth relay 68,
Contact 70 that closes when the second timer relay 69 and the switch SW5 for switching the port of the switching valve 57 are turned on.
, An eleventh relay 71, a twelfth relay 72, a third timer relay 73, and various contacts described later.

In this case, the switch SW3, the switch SW4, and the switch SW5 described above are arranged on an operation panel (not shown) provided in the breath analyzer 73.

The normally open contact 64a of the eighth relay 64 is connected in parallel to the contact 63 of the switch SW3, and the first contact
0 relay 68 via normally closed contact 68a, 8th relay 64 connected in parallel, solenoid valve 5, 1st timer relay 6
And 5 are connected. Also, the contact 6 of the switch SW4
6, the normally open contact 64b of the eighth relay 64 is connected in parallel, and the ninth relay 67 is connected in series.

A normally open contact 67a of the ninth relay 67 and a suction pump 56 are connected in series to the contact 66 of the switch SW4. Further, the contact 66 is connected to the normally open contact 65a of the first timer relay 65 and the normally open contact 64c of the eighth relay 64, which are connected in parallel, and also to the second contact.
The tenth relay 68 and the second timer relay 69, which are connected in parallel, are connected via the normally closed contact 69a of the timer relay 69.

A normally open contact 71a of the eleventh relay 71 and a normally open contact 69b of the second timer relay 69 are connected in parallel to the contact 70 of the switch SW5, and the third contact is also provided.
The eleventh relay 71, the twelfth relay 72, and the third relay 71, which are connected in parallel, via the normally closed contact 73a of the timer relay 73.
The timer relay 73 is connected. In this case, each relay is controlled based on the above sequence control program.

When the subject or the measurer confirms the exhalation completion state based on the lighting of the third lamp 36 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40, and then presses the switch SW3 on the operation panel of the exhalation analyzer 50. Since the solenoid valve 5 inside the constant temperature chamber 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is opened and the suction pump 56 of the exhalation analyzer 50 is driven, the exhalation inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is transmitted through the pipe 4 to the exhalation analyzer 50. Is filled in the sample loop 52a.

In this case, the exhalation introduced from the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is in a standby state for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) from the time when the exhalation analyzer 50 fills the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50, and the inside of the sample loop 52a is at atmospheric pressure. And is to be balanced. By equilibrating the inside of the sample loop 52a with the atmospheric pressure, reproducibility of sampling of exhaled air from the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 to the exhalation analyzer 50 is ensured.

While the subject or the measurer continues to press the switch SW4, the suction pump 56 continues to be driven, so that the inside of the suction pump 56 can be purged. It has become. The switch SW is activated when a predetermined time elapses from the time when the subject or the measurer fills the sample loop 52a of the breath analyzer 50 with the expired air
When 5 is pressed, the switching valve 57 is switched from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the state shown in FIG. Thereby, the exhaled air in the sample loop 52a is pre-column 53a.
And to the detector 58 via the main column 54a. The examinee or the measurer uses the switching valve
Switch SW5 after a certain time has elapsed from the switching point
When is pressed, the switching valve 57 is changed from the state of FIG.
The state can be switched to 1. This prepares for the next breath sampling.

Next, a method for performing exhalation sampling with the exhalation sampling device according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. The following control is performed by the control unit 24 of the exhalation sampling device 40.
This is performed by an internal breath collection control circuit and an analysis control circuit of the breath analyzer 50.

Exhaust process. First, when the power switch 29 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on, the solenoid valve 7 inside the constant temperature chamber 12 is opened, and
Since the vacuum pump 8 is driven, the gas remaining inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is exhausted to the outside of the constant temperature bath 12 through the pipe 6. The pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 is increased by a predetermined pressure (eg, an absolute pressure of 500 [m
mHg]), the solenoid valve 7 is closed and the driving of the vacuum pump 8 is stopped. As a result, the exhaust of the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is completed.

Washing step. Next, the solenoid valve 10 inside the thermostat 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40.
Is opened, the purge gas (nitrogen or pure air) supplied from the purge gas supply unit is introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1 to clean the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1. With the introduction of the purge gas into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 is a predetermined pressure (for example, 760 in absolute pressure).
[MmHg]) is reached, the solenoid valve 10 is closed. This completes the cleaning of the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

Exhaust process. Next, the solenoid valve 7 inside the thermostat 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is opened and the vacuum pump 8 is driven, so that the purge gas inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 passes through the pipe 6 to the outside of the thermostat 12. Exhausted to. As a result, the exhaust of the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is completed. Along with this, the first lamp 34 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on to notify the subject that the “exhalation can be blown”.

Exhalation introduction step. Based on the lighting of the first lamp 34 on the side of the exhalation sampling device 40, the subject holds the exhalation sampling tube 20 in his mouth, and then depresses the sampling switch 30. Along with this, the electromagnetic valve 3 inside the constant temperature bath 12 is opened, so that the exhaled air blown from the exhaled air sampling tube 20 by the subject is the exhaled air sampling chamber 1
It is introduced inside. Along with this, the second lamp 35 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on to notify the subject that the "exhalation is being infused". At this time, heating tube 3
Since the exhalation sampling tube 20 is heated by 7, the liquefaction of the water in the exhaled air blown from the exhalation sampling tube 20 is prevented. The pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 is a predetermined pressure (for example, 760 [mmH in absolute pressure].
g]), the solenoid valve 3 is closed. This completes the introduction of the exhaled air into the exhaled breath collection chamber 1. Along with this, the third lamp 36 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on to notify the subject of being in the “expiration completion state”.

Exhalation suction step. The subject depresses the switch SW4 on the exhalation analyzer 50 side based on the lighting of the third lamp 36 on the exhalation sampling device 40 side. Along with this, the solenoid valve 5 inside the constant temperature chamber 12 is opened and the suction pump 56 of the exhalation analyzer 50 is driven, so that the exhalation inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 passes through the pipe 4 and the exhalation analyzer 50. Of the sample loop 52a. The suction pump 56 automatically stops when a predetermined time (for example, a short time of about 5 seconds) has elapsed, and the solenoid valve 5 is closed. This completes the suction of the exhaled air from the exhalation sampling chamber 1 of the exhalation sampling device 40 to the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50.

Evacuation / cleaning process. When the suction of the exhaled breath from the exhaled breath collecting chamber 1 of the exhaled breath collecting device 40 to the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50 is completed, the above-described exhausting step, cleaning step, and exhausting step are executed again. Thereby, the exhalation collection chamber 1
After exhausting and cleaning the inside, the exhalation of the next subject can be collected. Along with this, the operation panel 2 of the exhalation sampling device 40
The first lamp 34 of No. 7 is turned on, and "expiration is possible"
The subject is informed that

The above is a series of steps consisting of exhalation sampling by the exhalation sampling device 40 corresponding to one subject and suction of exhalation to the exhalation analyzer 40. The series of steps is
It is repeated for each subject. In this case, the above-described exhausting step corresponds to the first step of claim 1, the cleaning step corresponds to the second step of claim 1, and the exhausting step corresponds to the third step of claim 1. Correspondingly, the exhalation introduction step of claim 1
Corresponds to the fourth step, and the exhalation suction step of corresponds to the fifth step of claim 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, after the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is exhausted, the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is washed with a purge gas, and the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is further cleaned. 1 After exhausting the inside,
The exhaled air blown by the subject from the exhaled air inhalation tube 20 is introduced into the exhaled air sampling chamber 1, and the exhaled air sampling chamber 1 is introduced.
In order to supply the exhalation introduced into the exhalation analyzer 50,
Compared to the conventional case where breath is collected with a breath collection bag and the breath collection bag is attached to a breath analyzer, breath collection and analysis are performed automatically without any troublesome work. Can be done.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the exhaled breath of the previous subject remains inside the exhaled breath collection bag as in the case where the exhaled breath collection bag is washed and used repeatedly as in the conventional case, and this time Since it is possible to solve the problem that the exhaled breath of the previous examinee is mixed in the exhaled breath blown by the examiner, the exhaled breath analysis of the examinee can be accurately performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to prepare as many breath collection bags as there are examinees, as in the conventional case where the breath collection bags are disposable each time breath collection is performed. The complexity can be eliminated, and the cost can be reduced in the long term.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is housed inside the thermostatic chamber 12, and the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature (40
When the breath exhaled by the subject is exhaled from the exhalation insufflation tube 20 into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the water contained in the exhaled breath is used for exhalation sampling. It is possible to prevent the phenomenon that water drops adhere to the inner surface of the chamber 1. As a result, as in the case of collecting exhaled air with the exhaled air collection bag as in the past, the exhaled breath component and water droplets of the previous subject remaining on the inner surface of the exhalation collection bag evaporate and this test is performed. Since it is possible to prevent the problem of being mixed in the breath component of the subject, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, after exhausting and cleaning the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is set to a negative pressure (for example, about 500 [mmHg]). If the subject easily blows the exhaled air into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, and the pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure before the start of exhalation blowing and the pressure after the end of exhalation blowing in the exhalation sampling chamber 1. It is possible to indirectly measure the exhaled breath amount of the subject based on the pressure increase.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is made of aluminum and the inner wall surface is Teflon processed, the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 can be cleaned in a clean state. Thus, it is possible to collect only the exhaled breath of the subject. Further, since the corners inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 are rounded, it is possible to suppress adsorption of exhalation components and water on the inner wall surface of the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 lights up and displays the "expiration-blown ready state", the "expiration-blown state", and the "expiration-blown completed state".
-Equipped with the third lamps 34-36, the subject can visually check the timing of the start and end of the exhalation of breath, thereby improving the usability of the exhalation sampling device 40. be able to.

In the present embodiment, the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the electromagnetic valves 3, 5, 7, 10, the vacuum pump 8, the pressure sensor 11 and the like are housed in the thermostat 12, but It is not limited to the above, but at least the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is housed inside the thermostatic chamber, and the solenoid valve 3,
The configuration may be such that 5, 7, 10, the vacuum pump 8, the pressure sensor 11, etc. are arranged outside the constant temperature bath 1. This allows
The miniaturization of the constant temperature bath 12 can be achieved. in this case,
It is sufficient to take measures to prevent dew condensation by covering the solenoid valves 3, 5, 7, 10 and the vacuum pump 8 with a heat insulating material.

[0061]

As described above, according to the exhalation sampling device of the invention of claim 1, after the inside of the exhalation sampling device is exhausted, the inside of the exhalation sampling device is washed with a cleaning gas, and the exhalation sampling is further performed. After exhausting the inside of the device, the exhaled air blown from the exhalation inlet is introduced into the exhalation sampling device, and the exhalation introduced into the exhalation sampling device is supplied to a predetermined exhalation analyzer. Compared with the case where breath is collected with a bag for use and the breath collection bag is attached to the breath analyzer to carry out breath analysis, the collection and analysis of breath can be performed promptly and without any trouble. Further, as in the case where the exhalation collection bag is washed and used repeatedly as in the past, the exhalation of the previous subject remains inside the exhalation collection bag and the exhalation exhaled by the subject this time is exhaled. Since the problem that the breath of the subject is mixed can be solved, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of having to prepare as many expiratory collection bags as the number of subjects as in the case where the expiratory collection bag is disposable each time expiratory sampling as in the past, and it is possible to eliminate long-term problems. From the viewpoint, cost can be reduced. Further, if each process is executed under predetermined control, there is an effect that exhalation collection and analysis can be automated.

According to the exhalation sampling device of the invention of claim 2,
Since at least the exhalation sampler is stored inside the thermostatic chamber, when the exhaled breath blown from the exhalation insufflation port by the subject is introduced into the exhalation sampler, the water contained in the exhaled breath is collected in the exhalation sampler. The phenomenon of water droplets adhering to the inner surface can be prevented. As a result, as in the case of collecting exhaled breath with a breath sampling bag as in the conventional case, the previous test object that remains on the inner surface of the breath sampling bag remains. Since it is possible to prevent the problem that the breath component and water droplets of the subject evaporate and mix into the breath component of the subject this time, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.

According to the exhalation sampling apparatus of the invention of claim 3,
Since the exhalation sampler is equipped with a heating means for heating the exhalation sampler to a predetermined temperature, the exhalation sampler should be installed before the exhaled breath blown into the exhalation sampler by the subject. By preheating to a predetermined temperature similar to the body temperature by the heating means, it is possible to more reliably prevent the phenomenon that the water contained in the exhaled breath introduced into the exhaled breath collector adheres to the inner surface of the exhaled breath collector. Thus, there is an effect that the breath analysis of the subject can be performed more accurately.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a main part of an exhalation sampling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a part is a cross section and a part is omitted.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view with a part omitted showing an internal configuration of a thermostatic chamber of the exhalation sampling apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an exhalation sampling chamber in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first chamber portion of the exhalation sampling chamber in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an external view of an exhalation sampling device according to this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view, partly in section, showing the internal structure of the exhalation sampling apparatus according to this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an external view showing the configuration of a heating tube in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an external view showing the configuration of an exhalation gas introducing tube portion of the heating tube in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an exhalation sampling control circuit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an exhalation analyzer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an operating state of the switching valve at the time of exhalation exhalation by the exhalation analyzer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an operating state of a switching valve at the time of exhalation analysis by the exhalation analyzer according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an analysis control circuit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which exhalation is collected by an exhalation collection bag and a state in which the exhalation collection bag is attached to an exhalation analyzer in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Exhalation sampling chamber as an exhalation sampler 3 Solenoid valve as an exhalation introduction mechanism 5 Solenoid valve as an exhalation supply mechanism 7 Solenoid valve as an exhaust mechanism 8 Vacuum pump as an exhaust mechanism 10 Solenoid valve as a cleaning gas introduction mechanism 12 Constant temperature bath 20 Breath inhalation tube as an expiratory air inlet 21 Fin heater as a heating means 40 Breath sampling device 50 Breath analyzer

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 13, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Detailed explanation of the invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exhalation sampling method and apparatus for sampling exhaled breath for component analysis, and in particular, clinical examination, work environment measurement, drug investigation, drunk driving enforcement, fire cause investigation, etc. The present invention relates to an exhaled breath collection method and an apparatus thereof suitable for use in.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, when an exhaled breath of a subject is collected and a metabolic component contained in the exhaled breath is analyzed at the time of an alcohol test at the time of enforcement of drunk driving , the breath is exhaled by the subject. A breath collection bag (Tedlar bag) into which was blown was attached to the breath analyzer, and part of the breath (gas sample) was sucked from the breath collection bag to analyze the components of the breath.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic structure of a breath collection bag in the conventional example and a main part of a breath analyzer equipped with the breath collection bag.
It is composed of an expiratory air inlet 91 through which exhaled air is blown from the subject M and a bag body 92. Further, the essential part of the exhalation analyzer is that the exhaled breath collection bag 90 is connected via the expiratory air inlet 91. First pipe line 93, a second pipe line 95 to which the suction pump 94 is connected, and a sample loop 96a in the middle.
And the first to third pipelines 93,
A switching valve 97 to which 95 and 96 are connected is provided.

In the case of analyzing the constituents of the exhaled breath inside the exhaled breath collection bag 90, the exhaled breath collection bag 90 in which the exhaled breath has been blown by the subject M is inserted through the exhalation blow port 91 into the first tube of the exhalation analyzer. When the suction pump 94 is driven after being connected to the passage 93, a part of the exhaled air (gas sample) in the exhalation collection bag 90 is filled in the sample loop 96a of the third conduit 96 through the switching valve 97 by a predetermined amount. It is like this. After that, the exhaled air filled in the sample loop 96a by a predetermined amount is introduced into an analysis unit (not shown) through the column to analyze the component of the exhaled air.

[0005]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems. Once the exhaled breath of the subject has been collected in the exhalation collection bag,
Since the breath collection bag was connected to the breath analyzer to analyze the components of the breath, there was a problem that it was very troublesome and complicated when the number of subjects was large. Further, it is difficult for the conventional technique to measure the discharge amount of the exhaled air blown into the exhalation collection bag by the subject,
On the other hand, there is also a problem that the subject does not know how much exhaled air should be blown into the exhalation collection bag. In addition, after the subject blows the exhaled breath into the exhaled breath collection bag, the exhaled breath component and water are adsorbed to the inner surface of the exhaled breath collection bag, and the adsorbed exhaled breath component and water are completely removed. Is extremely difficult, so to solve this
When collecting samples (exhaled breath) from a large number of subjects ,
Must be kept to prepare a large number of breath sampling bag in accordance with the number of the subject, this is looking at the long term, there has been a problem that the cost becomes high. Furthermore, when the subject blows the exhaled air into the exhalation collection bag, the temperature of the exhaled air falls from the subject's body temperature level to the inspection environment temperature level, so water droplets adhere to the inner surface of the exhalation collection bag. However, as a result of the water droplets evaporating and mixing in the exhaled breath component, there is a problem that the breath analysis of the subject cannot be performed accurately.

[0006]

It is an object of the present invention to improve the disadvantages of the above-mentioned conventional example, and in particular, a series of procedures from collecting exhaled air with an exhalation sampler to analyzing the exhaled air with an exhalation analyzer is troublesome. It is an object of the present invention to provide an exhaled breath sampling method and an apparatus thereof that can perform swiftly and quickly and accurately perform exhaled breath analysis .

[0007]

According to the present invention of claim 1, there is provided a first step of exhausting the inside of an exhalation sampler housed in a constant temperature bath, and introducing a cleaning gas into the exhalation sampler. And a third step of exhausting the inside of the exhalation sampler, and a fourth step of introducing exhaled air blown from an exhalation insufflation port attached to the exhalation sampler into the exhalation sampler. The method comprises a step and a fifth step of supplying the breath in the breath sampling device to a predetermined breath analyzer. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an exhalation sampler having an exhalation breathing port for inhaling exhalation, an exhalation introducing mechanism for introducing the exhalation exhaled from the exhalation exhalation port into the exhalation sampling device, An exhalation supply mechanism for supplying the exhaled breath in the exhaled breath collector to a predetermined exhaled breath analyzer, an exhaust mechanism for exhausting the exhaled breath collector, and a cleaning gas introduction mechanism for introducing a cleaning gas into the exhaled breath collector. In addition, at least the exhalation sampling device among the respective constituent members is housed inside a constant temperature bath. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the exhalation sampling device according to the second aspect, the exhalation sampling device is equipped with a heating means for heating the exhalation sampling device to a predetermined temperature. .

[0010]

According to the present invention of claim 1, first, the inside of the exhalation sampler is evacuated, and then the inside of the exhalation sampler is washed with a cleaning gas,
Next, exhaust the inside of the exhalation sampler, then introduce the exhaled air blown from the exhalation inlet into the exhalation sampler, and then supply the exhaled gas introduced into the exhalation sampler to a predetermined exhalation analyzer. The exhaled breath is collected and the collected exhaled breath is supplied through a series of steps. As a result, exhaled breath is collected by the exhaled breath collection bag as in the conventional case, and the exhaled breath is collected and analyzed in comparison with the case where the exhaled breath collection bag is attached to the exhalation analyzer to perform exhaled breath analysis.
It can be carried out promptly without any troublesome work. Further, as in the case where the exhalation collection bag is washed and used repeatedly as in the past, the exhalation of the previous subject remains inside the exhalation collection bag and the exhalation exhaled by the subject this time is exhaled. Since the problem that the breath of the subject is mixed can be solved, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.
Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of having to prepare as many expiratory collection bags as the number of subjects as in the case where the expiratory collection bag is disposable each time expiratory sampling as in the past, and it is possible to eliminate long-term problems. From the viewpoint, cost can be reduced. Furthermore, if each process is executed under predetermined control, the collection and analysis of exhaled breath can be automated.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since at least the exhalation sampler is housed in the thermostatic chamber, the exhaled breath blown by the subject from the exhalation inlet is introduced into the exhalation sampler. In this case, the phenomenon in which the water contained in the exhaled air adheres to the inner surface of the exhaled breath collector as water droplets, that is, the condensation is prevented. As a result, as in the case of collecting exhaled air with the exhaled air collection bag as in the past, the exhaled breath component and water droplets of the previous subject remaining on the inner surface of the exhalation collection bag evaporate and this test is performed. Since it is possible to prevent the problem of being mixed in the breath component of the subject, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.

According to the present invention of claim 3, since the exhalation sampler is equipped with a heating means for heating the exhalation sampler to a predetermined temperature, the exhaled breath exhaled by the subject from the exhalation inhalation port is exhaled. If the exhalation sampler is preheated to a predetermined temperature, for example, about the same as body temperature, by heating means before introduction into the exhalation sampler, the water contained in the exhaled breath introduced into the exhalation sampler will be transferred to the inner surface of the exhalation sampler. It is possible to more reliably prevent the phenomenon of adhesion (condensation) . Thereby, the breath analysis of the subject can be performed more accurately.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments to which the exhalation sampling method and apparatus of the present invention are applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the structure of the main part of the exhalation sampling device in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The main parts of the exhalation sampling device 40 are the exhalation sampling chamber 1 and the exhalation sampling chamber 1. A solenoid valve 3 attached to a pipe 2 connected to one end, a solenoid valve 5 attached to a pipe 4 connected to the inside of the exhalation collection chamber 1, and the other end of the exhalation collection chamber 1. Solenoid valve 7 and vacuum pump 8 attached to a pipe 6 connected to the pipe 6, and a solenoid valve 10 attached to a pipe 9 connected to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1
And a pressure sensor 11 attached to the exhalation sampling chamber 1.
It is configured to include and. Each of the above parts is housed inside a thermostatic chamber 12 whose inner wall surface has a heat insulating structure,
The constant temperature bath 12 is housed inside a case 28 described later.

Explaining this in detail, the exhalation sampling chamber 1
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second funnel-shaped chamber parts 13 and 13 are made of, for example, aluminum and have the same shape.
It is composed of a chamber portion 14 and is arranged inside the constant temperature bath 12 via a support member 12 a. The inner wall surfaces of the first chamber portion 13 and the second chamber portion 14 are Teflon processed, and the corners inside the first chamber portion 13 and the second chamber portion 14 are rounded. As a result, adsorption of exhaled breath components and water on the inner wall surface of the exhaled breath collection chamber 1 is suppressed.

Further, a plurality of bolt mounting holes 13a to 13h are formed on the end surface of the first chamber portion 13, and
An O-ring groove 13j is formed. Second chamber section 1
The end faces of 4 also have the same structure. First chamber section 13
The second chamber portion 14 and the O-ring groove 13j on each end face.
..Multiple bolts 1 with O-ring 15 attached to
6 and 17 and nuts 18 and 19 are fixed to form the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

A disposable expiratory blow-in tube 20 into which expiratory air is blown by the subject M is detachably connected to the pipe 2 connected to one end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 through a heating pipe 37. The exhalation blow tube 20 is arranged outside the constant temperature bath 12. The exhaled air blown from the exhaled air blowing tube 20 is introduced into the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 via the solenoid valve 3. By attaching the exhalation-breathing pipe 20 to the heating pipe 37,
It is designed to prevent the liquefaction (condensation) of the moisture in the exhaled air blown from 0. The pipe 4 connected to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is connected to an exhalation analyzer (see FIG. 10) described later via an electromagnetic valve 5 and introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1. The exhaled air is supplied to the exhalation analyzer via the pipe 4.

A vacuum pump 8 is communicatively connected to a pipe 6 which is communicatively connected to the other end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 through an electromagnetic valve 7 so that the exhaled gas or purge gas inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is When the vacuum pump 8 is driven, it is exhausted to the outside of the constant temperature bath 12 through the pipe 6. A purge gas supply unit (not shown) is connected to the pipe 9 that is connected to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 through an electromagnetic valve 10, and the purge gas is supplied from the purge gas supply unit through the pipe 9. It is adapted to be introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

A pressure sensor 11 attached to the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detects the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1, and outputs a pressure detection value to a control unit 24 described later. As a result, the control unit 24 measures the amount of the exhaled gas introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1 based on the pressure change in the exhalation sampling chamber 1 before and after the exhalation is introduced. Further, a U-shaped fin heater 21 is installed inside the constant temperature bath 12 in the mounting member 12b,
It is arranged so as to surround one end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 via 12c, and the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12 is controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 40 [degrees C]) under the control of the controller 24.
Before and after), the phenomenon in which the moisture in the exhaled air introduced into the exhaled air sampling chamber 1 is condensed and adheres to the inner wall surface of the chamber is prevented.

Further, an electric fan 22 and a temperature adjusting thermocouple 23 are arranged inside the constant temperature bath 12 so as to face the other end of the exhalation sampling chamber 1. Electric fan 22
Is circulated in the constant temperature bath 12 under the control of the control unit 24. Further, the temperature adjustment thermocouple 23 measures the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12, and the control unit 24
The temperature measurement value is output to. As a result, the control section performs temperature control control for keeping the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12 constant.

Outside the constant temperature bath 12, the constant temperature bath 12 is provided.
A control unit 24 for controlling the above-mentioned internal sections, an operation unit 25 having various switches, and a display unit 26 having various lamps are provided. The control unit 24 will be described later based on a predetermined sequence control program.
The steps of, and are executed in the order. Further, the control unit 24 sets the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 to a predetermined pressure based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 11, and sets the temperature inside the constant temperature bath 12 to a predetermined temperature based on the detection value of the temperature adjustment thermocouple 23. It is supposed to be set.

In this case, the electric fan 22, the thermocouple 23 for temperature control, etc. are not shown in FIG. 1, and the solenoid valve 10, the pressure sensor 11, etc. are not shown in FIG.

Next, the overall structure of the exhalation sampling device will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the exhalation sampling device 40, the thermostat 12 and the control unit 24 are provided inside the case 28 having the operation panel 27. It is configured to be stored. The operation panel 27 includes an exhalation blow tube 20, a power switch 29, a sampling switch 30, a stop switch 31, and a constant temperature bath 1.
2 a temperature display section 32 for displaying the temperature inside, a purge number display section 33 for displaying the number of purges for the exhalation sampling chamber 1, a first lamp 34 for displaying the expiratory breathable state in green, for example, and an exhalation sampling chamber There is provided a second lamp 35 for displaying an inhalation-breathing state into the inside of the inside 1 for example in orange, a third lamp 36 for displaying an exhalation-breathing completion state in red, and the like.

The power switch 29, the sampling switch 30, and the stop switch 31 constitute the operation section 25 described above, and the temperature display section 32 and the purge count display section 3 are provided.
3, first lamp 34, second lamp 35, third lamp 36
Constitutes the display unit 26 described above. In this case, the power switch 29, the sampling switch 30, and the stop switch 31 are pressed by the subject or the measurer when the breath sampling device 40 is used.

Further, between the outer wall surface of the constant temperature chamber 12 and the inner wall surface of the case 28, there is connected a heating pipe 37, both ends of which are connected to the pipe 2 and the exhalation blow pipe 20, respectively.
The heating tube 37 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 7, and includes an exhalation introduction tube portion 37a (see FIG. 8) and a surface heater portion 37b attached to the outer periphery of the exhalation introduction tube portion 37a.
And the heat insulating material portion 3 mounted on the outer periphery of the surface heater portion 37b
And 7c.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the exhalation sampling control circuit disposed inside the control unit 24 described above. The exhalation sampling control circuit includes an AC power source 38 and a power switch 29 (SW).
The contact 39, which is closed by the ON operation of 1), the solenoid valve 7, the vacuum pump 8, the first relay 41, the second relay 42, the solenoid valve 10, the third relay 43, and the fourth relay A relay 44, a counter 45 that counts the number of purges for the exhalation sampling chamber 1, a first lamp 34, a fifth relay 46, a contact 47 that opens and closes based on the operation of the sampling switch 30 (SW2), and a solenoid valve. 3, the second lamp 35, the sixth relay 48, the seventh relay 49, etc., and various contacts described later.

The contact 39 of the power switch 29 (SW1) has a normally open contact 41a of the first relay 41 and the fourth relay 4
No. 4 normally open contact 44a and third relay 43 normally closed contact 43
a is connected in parallel, and the solenoid valve 7, the vacuum pump 8 and the first relay 41, which are connected in parallel, are connected via the normally open contact 11a of the pressure sensor 11. Also,
The normally open contact 41b of the first relay 41 and the normally open contact 42a of the second relay 42, which are connected in parallel, are connected to the contact 39, and the pressure sensor 11 is connected via the normally open contact 41b.
The normally-closed contact 11b and the second relay 42 are connected in series.

Further, the contact 39 has a second connection connected in parallel.
The normally open contact 42b of the relay 42 and the normally open contact 43b of the third relay 43 are connected, and the normally closed contact 11c of the pressure sensor 11 and the fifth relay 4 are connected via the normally open contact 42b.
6 normally closed contacts 46a and the first relay 41 normally closed contacts 41
c is connected in series, and the solenoid valve 10, the third relay 43, and the fourth relay 44, which are connected in parallel, are further connected via a normally closed contact 41c.

The contact 39 has a third connection connected in parallel.
The normally open contact 43c of the relay 43 and the normally open contact 44b of the fourth relay 44 are connected, and the fourth relay 44 is connected in series via the normally closed contact 41d of the first relay 41. The contact 45 is connected to the counter 45 via the normally open contact 41e of the first relay 41 and the normally open contact 45a of the counter 45, and is connected in parallel via the normally open contact 45b of the counter 45. The first lamp 34 and the fifth relay 46 are connected.

The sampling switch 30 (SW
The contact 47 of 2) is the normally open contact 48a of the sixth relay 48.
Are connected in series and the normally closed contact 4 of the seventh relay 49 is connected.
The solenoid valve 3 connected in parallel, the second lamp 35, and the sixth relay 48 are connected via 9a. Further, to the contact 47, the normally open contact 48b of the sixth relay 48, the normally open contact 11b of the pressure sensor 11, and the normally open contact 49b of the seventh relay 49, which are connected in parallel, are connected and connected in parallel. The third lamp 36 and the seventh relay 49 are connected. In this case, each relay is controlled based on the above sequence control program.

When the examinee or the measurer turns on the power switch 29 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40, the contact 39 is closed, so that the solenoid valve 8 is opened and the vacuum pump 7 is opened.
It is designed to drive. As a result, the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is exhausted. The solenoid valve 8 is closed when the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 reaches a predetermined pressure (for example, about 500 [mmHg] in absolute pressure) as the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is exhausted. At the same time, the vacuum pump 7 is stopped and the solenoid valve 10 is opened. This allows
Purging gas is introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1 for cleaning.

The counter 45 counts the number of times the solenoid valve 8 is opened, the number of times the vacuum pump 7 is driven, and the number of times the solenoid valve 10 is opened based on the number of times the normally open contact 41e of the first relay 41 is turned on. The completion signal is output when the number of times reaches the set number. That is, the counter 45
Is configured to count the number of purges in the breath collection chamber 1. The purge count is displayed on the purge count display section 33 described above. In addition, after the completion of purging inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1,
The lamp 34 is turned on to display the exhalation breathable state.

When the examinee or the measurer presses the sampling switch 30 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40, the contact 47 is closed and the solenoid valve 3 is opened. As a result, the exhalation breath tube 20 and the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 are brought into communication with each other. When the subject inhales the exhalation through the exhalation inhalation tube 20, the second lamp 35 is turned on to display a state in which the exhalation is being infused with respect to the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1. As the exhaled air is blown into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the pressure sensor 11
When the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the method reaches a predetermined pressure (for example, 760 [mmHg] in absolute pressure), the solenoid valve 3 is closed and the third lamp 36 is turned on to display the exhalation completion state. It is supposed to do.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exhalation analyzer 50 to which the exhalation sampling device 40 is connected. In the exhalation analyzer 50, the pipe 4 inside the thermostat 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is connected via a solenoid valve 5. Pipeline 51, pipeline 52 having sample loop 52a, and pipeline 53 having pre-column 53a
A pipe 54 having a main column 54a, a pipe 55 to which a suction pump 56 is connected, a switching valve 57 to which the pipes 51 to 55 are connected, and a detector 5 connected to the pipe 54.
8 and an analysis control circuit (see FIG. 13).

Here, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the switching valve 57 during the expiration suction from the exhalation sampling device 40 by the exhalation analyzer 50. During the expiration suction, the ports P1 to P10 of the switching valve 57 are shown. It is designed to switch to the state. Thereby, the exhaled breath sample is introduced from the exhalation sampling device 40 into the sample loop 52a of the conduit 52, the carrier gas (nitrogen / helium, etc.) is discharged from the conduit 60 through the conduit 59 and the pre-column 53a of the conduit 53, Another carrier gas is supplied to the detector 58 through the conduit 61 and the main column 54a of the conduit 54.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the switching valve 57 during the breath analysis in the breath analyzer 50. During the breath analysis, the ports P1 to P10 of the switching valve 57 are switched to the illustrated state. . As a result, the carrier gas (nitrogen, helium, etc.) is supplied to the sample loops 52a of the conduits 59 and 52, so that the sample loops 52a
The breath sample in the pre-column 53a of the conduit 53, the conduit 54
The gas is supplied to the detector 58 through the main column 54a, and another carrier gas is discharged from the pipe 60 through the pipe 61. As a result, the detector 58 detects the component of the exhaled breath.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the analysis control circuit provided side by side with the above-described breath analyzer 50. The analysis control circuit includes an AC power source 62 and an instruction to introduce a breath sample into the sample loop 52a. And the switching valve 57, a contact 63 that is closed when the switch SW3 for switching instruction is turned on.
An eighth relay 64, a solenoid valve 5, a first timer relay 65, a contact 66 that is closed when the suction pump 56 operation instruction switch SW4 is pressed, a ninth relay 67, Suction pump 56, tenth relay 68,
Contact 70 that closes when the second timer relay 69 and the switch SW5 for switching the port of the switching valve 57 are turned on.
, An eleventh relay 71, a twelfth relay 72, a third timer relay 73, and various contacts described later.

In this case, the switch SW3, the switch SW4, and the switch SW5 described above are arranged on an operation panel (not shown) provided in the breath analyzer 73.

The normally open contact 64a of the eighth relay 64 is connected in parallel to the contact 63 of the switch SW3, and the first contact
0 relay 68 via normally closed contact 68a, 8th relay 64 connected in parallel, solenoid valve 5, 1st timer relay 6
And 5 are connected. Also, the contact 6 of the switch SW4
6, the normally open contact 64b of the eighth relay 64 is connected in parallel, and the ninth relay 67 is connected in series.

A normally open contact 67a of the ninth relay 67 and a suction pump 56 are connected in series to the contact 66 of the switch SW4. Further, the contact 66 is connected to the normally open contact 65a of the first timer relay 65 and the normally open contact 64c of the eighth relay 64, which are connected in parallel, and also to the second contact.
The tenth relay 68 and the second timer relay 69, which are connected in parallel, are connected via the normally closed contact 69a of the timer relay 69.

A normally open contact 71a of the eleventh relay 71 and a normally open contact 69b of the second timer relay 69 are connected in parallel to the contact 70 of the switch SW5, and the third contact is also provided.
The eleventh relay 71, the twelfth relay 72, and the third relay 71, which are connected in parallel, via the normally closed contact 73a of the timer relay 73.
The timer relay 73 is connected. In this case, each relay is controlled based on the above sequence control program.

When the subject or the measurer confirms the exhalation completion state based on the lighting of the third lamp 36 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40, and then presses the switch SW3 on the operation panel of the exhalation analyzer 50. Since the solenoid valve 5 inside the constant temperature chamber 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is opened and the suction pump 56 of the exhalation analyzer 50 is driven, the exhalation inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is transmitted through the pipe 4 to the exhalation analyzer 50. Is filled in the sample loop 52a.

In this case, the exhalation introduced from the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is in a standby state for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) from the time when the exhalation analyzer 50 fills the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50, and the inside of the sample loop 52a is at atmospheric pressure. And is to be balanced. By equilibrating the inside of the sample loop 52a with the atmospheric pressure, reproducibility of sampling of exhaled air from the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 to the exhalation analyzer 50 is ensured.

The suction pump 56 continues to be driven while the examinee or the measurer continues to press the switch SW4 . As shown in FIG.
Purging of the inside of the loop 52a is performed. When the subject or the measurer presses the switch SW5 for a certain period of time from the time when the exhalation is filled in the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50, the switching valve 57 switches from the state of FIG. 11 to the state of FIG. It is designed to be used. Thereby, the exhaled air in the sample loop 52a is supplied to the detector 58 via the pre-column 53a and the main column 54a. When the examinee or the measurer presses the switch SW5 after a lapse of a certain time from the switching time point of the switching valve 57, the switching valve 57 is switched to the state shown in FIG.
The state 2 can be switched to the state shown in FIG. This prepares for the next breath sampling.

Next, a method for performing exhalation sampling with the exhalation sampling device according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. The following control is performed by the control unit 24 of the exhalation sampling device 40.
This is performed by an internal breath collection control circuit and an analysis control circuit of the breath analyzer 50.

Exhaust process. First, when the power switch 29 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on, the solenoid valve 7 inside the constant temperature chamber 12 is opened, and
Since the vacuum pump 8 is driven, the gas remaining inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is exhausted to the outside of the constant temperature bath 12 through the pipe 6. The pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 is increased by a predetermined pressure (eg, an absolute pressure of 500 [m
mHg]), the solenoid valve 7 is closed and the driving of the vacuum pump 8 is stopped. As a result, the exhaust of the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is completed.

Washing step. Next, the solenoid valve 10 inside the thermostat 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40.
Is opened, the purge gas (nitrogen or pure air) supplied from the purge gas supply unit is introduced into the exhalation sampling chamber 1 to clean the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1. With the introduction of the purge gas into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 is a predetermined pressure (for example, 760 in absolute pressure).
[MmHg]) is reached, the solenoid valve 10 is closed. This completes the cleaning of the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

Exhaust process. Next, the solenoid valve 7 inside the thermostat 12 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is opened and the vacuum pump 8 is driven, so that the purge gas inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 passes through the pipe 6 to the outside of the thermostat 12. Exhausted to. As a result, the exhaust of the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is completed. Along with this, the first lamp 34 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on to notify the subject that the “exhalation can be blown”.

Exhalation introduction step. Based on the lighting of the first lamp 34 on the side of the exhalation sampling device 40, the subject holds the exhalation sampling tube 20 in his mouth, and then depresses the sampling switch 30. Along with this, the electromagnetic valve 3 inside the constant temperature bath 12 is opened, so that the exhaled air blown from the exhaled air sampling tube 20 by the subject is the exhaled air sampling chamber 1
It is introduced inside. Along with this, the second lamp 35 of the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is turned on to notify the subject that the "exhalation is being infused". At this time, heating tube 3
Order to breath sampling tube 20 is heated, condensation of moisture in the exhalation forme blown from a breath sampling tube 20 is prevented by 7. The pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 detected by the pressure sensor 11 is a predetermined pressure (for example, 760 [m in absolute pressure].
mHg]), the solenoid valve 3 is closed.
This completes the introduction of the exhaled air into the exhaled breath collection chamber 1. Along with this, the operation panel 2 of the exhalation sampling device 40
The third lamp 36 of No. 7 is turned on, and the "expiration completion state"
The subject is informed that

Exhalation suction step. The subject presses down the switch SW 3 on the side of the breath analyzer 50 based on the lighting of the third lamp 36 on the side of the breath sampling device 40. Along with this, the solenoid valve 5 inside the constant temperature chamber 12 is opened and the suction pump 56 of the exhalation analyzer 50 is driven, so that the exhalation inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 passes through the pipe 4 and the exhalation analyzer 50. Of the sample loop 52a. The suction pump 56 automatically stops when a predetermined time (for example, a short time of about 5 seconds) has elapsed, and the solenoid valve 5 is closed. This completes the suction of the exhaled air from the exhalation sampling chamber 1 of the exhalation sampling device 40 to the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50.

Evacuation / cleaning process. When the suction of the exhaled breath from the exhaled breath collecting chamber 1 of the exhaled breath collecting device 40 to the sample loop 52a of the exhalation analyzer 50 is completed, the above-described exhausting step, cleaning step, and exhausting step are executed again. Thereby, the exhalation collection chamber 1
After exhausting and cleaning the inside, the exhalation of the next subject can be collected. Along with this, the operation panel 2 of the exhalation sampling device 40
The first lamp 34 of No. 7 is turned on, and "expiration is possible"
The subject is informed that

The above is a series of steps consisting of exhalation sampling by the exhalation sampling device 40 corresponding to one subject and suction of exhalation to the exhalation analyzer 40. The series of steps is
It is repeated for each subject. In this case, the above-described exhausting step corresponds to the first step of claim 1, the cleaning step corresponds to the second step of claim 1, and the exhausting step corresponds to the third step of claim 1. Correspondingly, the exhalation introduction step of claim 1
Corresponds to the fourth step, and the exhalation suction step of corresponds to the fifth step of claim 1.

As described above, according to this embodiment, after the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 of the exhalation sampling device 40 is exhausted, the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is washed with a purge gas, and the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is further cleaned. 1 After exhausting the inside,
The exhaled air blown by the subject from the exhaled air inhalation tube 20 is introduced into the exhaled air sampling chamber 1, and the exhaled air sampling chamber 1 is introduced.
In order to supply the exhalation introduced into the exhalation analyzer 50,
Compared to the conventional case where breath is collected with a breath collection bag and the breath collection bag is attached to a breath analyzer, breath collection and analysis are performed automatically without any troublesome work. Can be done.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the exhaled breath of the previous subject remains inside the exhaled breath collection bag as in the case where the exhaled breath collection bag is washed and used repeatedly as in the conventional case, and this time Since it is possible to solve the problem that the exhaled breath of the previous examinee is mixed in the exhaled breath blown by the examiner, the exhaled breath analysis of the examinee can be accurately performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to prepare as many breath collection bags as there are examinees, as in the conventional case where the breath collection bags are disposable each time breath collection is performed. The complexity can be eliminated, and the cost can be reduced in the long term.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is housed inside the thermostatic chamber 12, and the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature (40
When the breath exhaled by the subject is exhaled from the exhalation insufflation tube 20 into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the water contained in the exhaled breath is used for exhalation sampling. It is possible to prevent the phenomenon that water drops adhere to the inner surface of the chamber 1. As a result, as in the case of collecting exhaled air with the exhaled air collection bag as in the past, the exhaled breath component and water droplets of the previous subject remaining on the inner surface of the exhalation collection bag evaporate and this test is performed. Since it is possible to prevent the problem of being mixed in the breath component of the subject, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, after exhausting and cleaning the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the pressure inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is set to a negative pressure (for example, about 500 [mmHg]). If the subject easily blows the exhaled air into the exhalation sampling chamber 1, and the pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure before the start of exhalation blowing and the pressure after the end of exhalation blowing in the exhalation sampling chamber 1. It is possible to indirectly measure the exhaled breath amount of the subject based on the pressure increase.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is made of aluminum and the inner wall surface is Teflon processed, the inside of the exhalation sampling chamber 1 can be cleaned in a clean state. Thus, it is possible to collect only the exhaled breath of the subject. Further, since the corners inside the exhalation sampling chamber 1 are rounded, it is possible to suppress adsorption of exhalation components and water on the inner wall surface of the exhalation sampling chamber 1.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the operation panel 27 of the exhalation sampling device 40 lights up and displays the "expiration-blown ready state", the "expiration-blown state", and the "expiration-blown completed state".
-Equipped with the third lamps 34-36, the subject can visually check the timing of the start and end of the exhalation of breath, thereby improving the usability of the exhalation sampling device 40. be able to.

In the present embodiment, the exhalation sampling chamber 1, the electromagnetic valves 3, 5, 7, 10, the vacuum pump 8, the pressure sensor 11 and the like are housed in the thermostat 12, but It is not limited to the above, but at least the exhalation sampling chamber 1 is housed inside the thermostatic chamber, and the solenoid valve 3,
The configuration may be such that 5, 7, 10, the vacuum pump 8, the pressure sensor 11, etc. are arranged outside the constant temperature bath 1. This allows
The miniaturization of the constant temperature bath 12 can be achieved. in this case,
It is sufficient to take measures to prevent dew condensation by covering the solenoid valves 3, 5, 7, 10 and the vacuum pump 8 with a heat insulating material.

[0061]

As described above, according to the exhalation sampling device of the invention of claim 1, after the inside of the exhalation sampling device is exhausted, the inside of the exhalation sampling device is washed with a cleaning gas, and the exhalation sampling is further performed. After exhausting the inside of the device, the exhaled air blown from the exhalation inlet is introduced into the exhalation sampling device, and the exhalation introduced into the exhalation sampling device is supplied to a predetermined exhalation analyzer. Compared with the case where breath is collected with a bag for use and the breath collection bag is attached to the breath analyzer to carry out breath analysis, the collection and analysis of breath can be performed promptly and without any trouble. Further, as in the case where the exhalation collection bag is washed and used repeatedly as in the past, the exhalation of the previous subject remains inside the exhalation collection bag and the exhalation exhaled by the subject this time is exhaled. Since the problem that the breath of the subject is mixed can be solved, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the complexity of having to prepare as many expiratory collection bags as the number of subjects as in the case where the expiratory collection bag is disposable each time expiratory sampling as in the past, and it is possible to eliminate long-term problems. From the viewpoint, cost can be reduced. Further, if each process is executed under predetermined control, there is an effect that exhalation collection and analysis can be automated.

According to the exhalation sampling device of the invention of claim 2,
Since at least the exhalation sampler is stored inside the thermostatic chamber, when the exhaled breath blown from the exhalation insufflation port by the subject is introduced into the exhalation sampler, the water contained in the exhaled breath is collected in the exhalation sampler. The phenomenon of water droplets adhering to the inner surface can be prevented. As a result, as in the case of collecting exhaled breath with a breath sampling bag as in the conventional case, the previous test object that remains on the inner surface of the breath sampling bag remains. Since it is possible to prevent the problem that the breath component and water droplets of the subject evaporate and mix into the breath component of the subject this time, the breath analysis of the subject can be accurately performed.

According to the exhalation sampling apparatus of the invention of claim 3,
Since the exhalation sampler is equipped with a heating means for heating the exhalation sampler to a predetermined temperature, the exhalation sampler should be installed before the exhaled breath blown into the exhalation sampler by the subject. By preheating to a predetermined temperature similar to the body temperature by the heating means, it is possible to more reliably prevent the phenomenon that the water contained in the exhaled breath introduced into the exhaled breath collector adheres to the inner surface of the exhaled breath collector. Thus, there is an effect that the breath analysis of the subject can be performed more accurately.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 12

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Fig. 12]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 13

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Fig. 13]

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A first step of exhausting the inside of an exhalation sampler housed in a constant temperature bath, a second step of introducing a cleaning gas into the exhalation sampler, and an inside of the exhalation sampler. Of the exhalation, a fourth step of introducing the exhaled air blown from the exhalation inlet attached to the exhalation sampling device into the exhalation sampling device, and the exhalation in the exhalation sampling device being predetermined. And a fifth step of supplying the breath to the breath analyzer. 2. An exhalation sampler provided with an exhalation breathing port for exhaling exhalation, an exhalation introducing mechanism for introducing the exhalation exhaled from the exhalation exhalation port into the exhalation sampling device, and the exhalation in the exhalation sampling device. Is provided to a predetermined breath analyzer, an exhaust mechanism for exhausting the inside of the exhalation sampler, and a cleaning gas introduction mechanism for introducing a cleaning gas into the exhalation sampler. An exhalation sampling device characterized in that at least the exhalation sampling device is housed inside a thermostatic chamber. 3. The exhalation sampling device according to claim 2, wherein the exhalation sampling device is equipped with heating means for heating the exhalation sampling device to a predetermined temperature.