KR102221557B1 - Airborne microbial measurement apparatus and measurement method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring airborne microorganisms and a method for measuring the same.
An airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a particle sorting device including an inlet portion for introducing air and a nozzle portion provided at one side of the inlet portion; A microbial particle flow path through which microbial particles passing through the inner flow path of the nozzle unit flow in the air; A driving device for generating the flow of the microbial particles; A collecting device communicating with the microbial particle flow path and having a filter unit through which the microbial particles are collected; A light emission measuring device that detects the amount or intensity of light generated from the microbial particles collected in the filter unit; And a sterilizing device provided on one side of the filter unit and sterilizing the filter unit.

Description

Airborne microbial measurement apparatus and measurement method

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring airborne microorganisms and a method for measuring the same.

Recently, as avian influenza and swine flu have become issues, airborne microbial measurement has become more important, and the biosensor market is growing significantly accordingly.

In the conventional method of measuring suspended microorganisms in air, biological particles suspended in a sample gas are collected on a solid or liquid surface suitable for proliferation, cultured under a suitable temperature and humidity environment for a certain period of time, and then the number of microorganisms collected from the number of colonies appearing on the surface. There are a cultivation method to obtain and a staining method using a fluorescence microscope after staining.

In recent years, by the ATP bioluminescence method using the principle that ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and luciferin/luciferase react to emit light, a series of ATP elimination treatment, ATP extraction, and luminescence measurement are required. By reducing the process to about 30 minutes, it became possible to work quickly.

However, according to the above methods, it is not possible to measure airborne microorganisms in the gas phase in real time, and a series of manual operations including a separate sampling process and pre-treatment are required. Therefore, an automatic measurement system for airborne microorganisms using these methods There was a limit that it could not be developed.

9 shows the configuration of an electric precipitator provided in a conventional particle sorting apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 9, a conventional electric precipitator 1 includes collecting plates 2 on both sides and a charging line 3 (discharge electrode) disposed between the collecting plates 2 on both sides.

When a high voltage is applied to the charging line 3, corona discharge is generated, and the generated ions are charged with predetermined particles in the gas. In addition, the charged particles may be moved to the collecting electrode, that is, the collecting plate 2 by electric force and collected.

Accordingly, the electric precipitator 1 can be understood as a dust collector capable of collecting predetermined particles by using an electrostatic principle. The predetermined particles may contain foreign substances such as dust or airborne microorganisms.

Meanwhile, a conventional airborne microbial measurement apparatus includes the electric dust collector and a collection rod for collecting airborne microbes collected on the collection plate.

The conventional airborne microorganism measuring apparatus is configured to collect or sample airborne microorganisms by manually contacting the collection rod with the collecting plate when airborne microorganisms are collected on the collection plate by driving the electric precipitator.

In addition, the collected airborne microorganisms are reacted with the reagent to emit light, and the emitted light is sensed to measure the concentration of the microorganisms.

As described above, in the case of a conventional airborne microbial measurement device, a collection rod is separately provided, and a user has to go through the process of collecting the airborne microorganisms collected on the collection plate using the collection rod, which consumes a lot of time and cost. there was.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an airborne microbial measuring apparatus and a measuring method capable of rapidly measuring airborne microbes existing in the gas phase.

An airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a particle sorting device including an inlet portion for introducing air and a nozzle portion provided at one side of the inlet portion; A microbial particle flow path through which microbial particles passing through the inner flow path of the nozzle unit flow in the air; A driving device for generating the flow of the microbial particles; A collecting device communicating with the microbial particle flow path and having a filter unit through which the microbial particles are collected; A light emission measuring device that detects the amount or intensity of light generated from the microbial particles collected in the filter unit; And a sterilizing device provided on one side of the filter unit and sterilizing the filter unit.

In addition, a housing provided on one side of the collecting device and accommodating the luminescence measuring device and the sterilizing device is further included.

In addition, a suction unit formed inside the housing and guiding the flow of the microbial particles to the filter unit by driving of the driving device is further included.

In addition, the luminescence measuring device and the sterilizing device are installed on both sides of the suction unit.

In addition, the collecting device includes a filter case receiving the filter unit and having a filter hole capable of communicating with the microbial particle flow path, wherein at least a portion of the filter unit is exposed to the outside through the filter hole. do.

In addition, the filter case and the filter unit is characterized in that the rotatable.

In addition, while the filter case is rotated, the filter hole may be disposed at a position corresponding to any one of the suction unit, the light receiving unit, and the sterilizing device.

In addition, while the filter case is rotated, the filter holes may be disposed at positions corresponding to the suction unit, the sterilizer and the light receiving unit in turn.

In addition, the filter hole includes a plurality of filter holes spaced apart from each other, and the spaced distances of the plurality of filter spaces correspond to the spaced distances of the suction unit, the sterilizer and the light receiving unit.

In addition, a control unit for controlling the sterilization device is further included, and the control unit is characterized in that before the microbial particles are collected in the filter unit, the sterilization device is operated to remove contaminants from the filter unit.

In addition, a control unit for controlling the luminescence measurement device is further included, wherein the control unit first operates the luminescence measurement device before the microbial particles are collected in the filter unit, and the microbial particles are added to the filter unit. After being collected, it is characterized in that the luminescence measuring device is operated a second time.

Further, the drive device includes an air pump device.

In addition, an air particle flow path through which air particles passing through the outer space of the nozzle unit flow; And a blowing fan for generating a flow in the air particle flow path.

In addition, the sterilizing device includes an ultraviolet LED device or an ionizer.

In addition, the light emission measuring device includes: a light receiving unit collecting light; And a reflection induction device that guides light to the light receiving part and induces total or diffuse reflection of the light, and the reflection induction device includes a film part or a coating part.

In addition, a display unit for displaying the concentration of microorganisms detected by the luminescence measuring device is further included.

In addition, when the concentration of microorganisms displayed on the display unit is high, information on the concentration of microorganisms is transmitted to a home appliance for purifying air.

A method for measuring airborne microorganisms according to another aspect includes the steps of performing a first operation of a filter driving unit, placing a sterilizing device in a region of the filter unit, and operating the sterilizing device; Performing a second operation of the filter driving unit, positioning the light receiving unit in a region of the filter unit, and performing a first operation of the light receiving unit; Performing a third operation of the filter driving unit to locate a suction unit through which microbial particles can flow in a region of the filter unit; The driving device is driven to separate microbial particles in the air, and the separated microbial particles are collected in the filter unit through the suction unit.

In addition, the microbial particles collected in the filter unit are dissolved, and the dissolved microbial particles and the light emitting material act; And performing a second operation of the light-receiving unit to detect the amount of light emitted by the action of the dissolved microbial particles and the light-emitting material.

In addition, the step of calculating the amount of microbial light emission by subtracting the first amount of light emitted by performing the first operation of the light receiving unit from the second amount of light detected by performing the second operation of the light receiving unit is further included.

According to the airborne microbial measuring apparatus and the measuring method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the airborne microbes in the air do not need to manually sample the airborne microbes collected on the collection plate, and the airborne microbes are in a virtual impactor structure. As it can be automatically separated, the particle classification process is easy and time-consuming.

In addition, since the filter unit in which the classified microbial particles are collected can be sterilized, contamination of the filter unit can be prevented. Accordingly, the influence of the contaminants present in the filter unit is reduced in measuring the concentration of the microbial particles collected in the filter unit There is an advantage of being able to do it.

In addition, before collecting the microbial particles in the filter unit, the luminescence measuring device is operated to measure the reference luminescence value, and then the reference luminescence value can be considered in calculating the luminescence value of the collected microbial particles. It has the advantage of being able to calculate the concentration.

In addition, by operating the filter driving unit to move the filter unit, the filter unit may be located at one side of the suction unit, the light receiving unit, or the sterilization device arranged side by side in the interior of the second housing, so that sterilization of the filter unit and concentration measurement of microorganisms are There is an advantage that it can be made continuously.

In addition, since the luminescent material is applied to the collecting device or the filter unit and a reagent for dissolving microorganisms can be supplied to the collecting device or the filter unit, there is an effect that the luminescence measurement process can be easily performed.

In addition, the main flow with small particles and the sub-flow with relatively large particles can be effectively separated by the virtual impactor structure. In addition, by using a fan as a driving part on the main flow side with a relatively small pressure loss, and using a low flow pump as a driving part on the sub flow side with a relatively large pressure loss, it is possible to prevent the airborne microbial measurement device from becoming large or heavy. It works.

In addition, a display unit that displays information on the concentration of microorganisms based on the amount of light detected by the light emitting device is further provided, and when the concentration of microorganisms is greater than or equal to the set concentration, a warning display may appear on the display unit, thereby increasing user convenience I can.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an airborne microorganism measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the airborne microbial measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view schematically showing the configuration of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for measuring airborne microorganisms according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flow chart showing a measuring method of the airborne microbial measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8A to 8E are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the airborne microorganism measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric precipitator provided in a conventional airborne microbial measuring apparatus.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention will be able to easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same idea.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II′ of FIG. It is a cut-away cross-sectional view.

1 to 3, the airborne microorganism measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base 20 and a plurality of devices installed on the upper side of the base 20.

The plurality of devices include a particle sorting device 100 for separating airborne microorganisms by inhaling air, and a collecting device 200 for collecting airborne microorganisms separated by the particle sorting device 100.

In addition, in the plurality of devices, a light emission measurement device provided on one side of the collection device 200 to detect the amount or intensity of light generated from the airborne microorganisms, and a control device 400 electrically connected to the light emission measurement device. ) Is further included. The light emission measuring device includes a light receiving unit 320 that collects light.

The control device 400 includes a PCB 410 on which a plurality of circuit components are installed, and a display unit 420 installed on the PCB 410 to display information on the concentration of airborne microorganisms.

In detail, the particle sorting apparatus 100 includes a first housing 110 forming a predetermined internal space and an upper surface portion 112 coupled to an upper portion of the first housing 110. A plurality of slits 121 are formed in the upper surface part 112 as "air inlet parts" through which air existing outside the particle classification device 100 is sucked.

The width of the slit 121 may be within a range of several millimeters (mm). In addition, since a plurality of the slits 121 are formed on the upper surface portion 112, the resistance force of the air introduced through the slit 121, that is, a differential pressure inside and outside the slit 121 is small. Accordingly, a sufficient flow rate of air introduced through the plurality of slits 121 can be secured.

A nozzle unit 120 through which air introduced through the slit 121 passes is provided inside the first housing 110. That is, the nozzle unit 120 may be installed in the inner space of the first housing 110. In addition, the nozzle unit 120 is spaced apart from the slit 121 and extends downward.

The nozzle unit 120 may be provided in a plurality, corresponding to the number of the plurality of slits 121, and may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of nozzle units 120 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

The nozzle unit 120 includes an inner flow path 125 through which airborne microbial particles flow in the air introduced into the first housing 110 through the slit 121. The inner flow path 125 forms an inner space of the nozzle unit 120.

In the inner passage 125, an inlet portion 125a is formed that defines one end of the nozzle unit 120 and through which floating microorganisms flow into the inner passage 125. For example, the inlet part 125a is formed at the upper end of the inner flow path 125.

The airborne microbial particles in the air introduced through the slit 121 flow through the internal flow path 125 through the inlet 125a, and the air particles from which the airborne microbial particles are separated are It flows through the outer space and passes through the air particle flow path 129.

In addition, in the inner flow path 125, an outlet portion 125b defining the other end of the nozzle part 120 and allowing the floating microbial particles flowing through the inner flow path 125 to be discharged from the nozzle part 120 Is formed. For example, the outlet part 125b is formed at the lower end of the inner flow path 125.

At one side of the outlet portion 125b, a microbial particle passage 127 through which suspended microbial particles discharged through the outlet portion 125b flows is formed. The air particle passage 129 may be referred to as a first passage or a main flow passage, and the microbial particle passage 127 may be referred to as a second passage or a sub-flow passage.

A partition plate 126 for partitioning the air particle flow path 129 and the microbial particle flow path 127 is provided at a lower end of the nozzle unit 120. The partition plate 126 is coupled to the lower end of the nozzle unit 120, that is, the outlet unit 125b. In other words, the outlet portion 125b may be formed inside the partition plate 126.

By the partition plate 126, the air particle flow path 129 and the microbial particle flow path 127 are separated, so that the particles of the air particle flow path 129 and the particles of the microbial particle flow path 127 are mixed. Can be prevented.

One side of the first housing 110 is provided with a second housing 130 in which a light receiving unit 320 and a sterilizing device 330 are installed. The microbial particle passage 127 extends from one side of the partition plate 126 toward the collection device 200, and the inner space of the second housing 130 covers at least a portion of the microbial particle passage 127. Can be formed.

In the collecting device 200, a filter case 210 in which the filter unit 220 is accommodated and a plurality of filter holes 215 formed in the filter case 210 are formed.

At least a portion of the filter case 210 is inserted into the second housing 130. For example, the second housing 130 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the upper and lower portions of the filter case 210.

The filter case 210 may have an approximately semicircular cross section. The plurality of filter holes 215 may be spaced apart from each other along an edge of the filter case 210 and disposed in a circumferential direction. In addition, a distance spaced apart between the plurality of filter holes 215 may be formed equal to each other.

The filter unit 220 may be exposed to the outside through the plurality of filter holes 215. In addition, the microbial particles flowing through the microbial particle flow path 127 may be collected in the filter unit 220 through one of the filter holes 215 among the plurality of filter holes 215.

The filter unit 220 may be installed to be fixed to the inside of the filter case 210. In addition, the filter case 210 may be rotatably provided.

One side of the filter case 210 is provided with a filter driving unit 250 that provides rotational force to the filter case 210. The filter driver 250 includes a motor capable of forward or reverse rotation. For example, the motor may include a step motor. A rotation shaft 255 (refer to FIG. 4) extends from the filter driver 250 to the filter case 210.

When the filter driver 250 is driven, the rotation shaft 255 is rotated, and the filter case 210 may be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the rotation shaft 255. In addition, the filter unit 220 may be rotated together with the filter case 210.

When the filter case 210 and the filter unit 220 are in one position, one filter hole 215 communicates with the microbial particle passage 127. Accordingly, the microbial particles flowing through the microbial particle flow path 127 are collected in the filter unit 220 through the one filter hole 215. In this case, an area of the filter unit 220 in which the microbial particles are collected may correspond to an area exposed to the microbial particle passage 127 by the filter hole 215.

In addition, when the filter case 210 and the filter unit 220 rotate, the other filter hole 215 communicates with the microbial particle flow path 127, and the one filter hole 215 moves to the position to measure the light emission. It may be located on one side of the light receiving unit 320 of the device or the sterilizing device 330.

At one side of the collecting device 200, a pump device 360 as a "drive device" driven for the flow of microbial particles and a pump connection part 350 extending from the second housing 130 to the pump device 360 ) Is provided. The pump device 360 may include an air pump.

Among the particles of the microbial particle flow path 127, the remaining particles other than the microbial particles collected in the filter unit 220, for example, air particles flow to the pump device 360 via the pump connection unit 350 can do.

A suction part 310 communicating with the pump connection part 350 is included in the second housing 130. The suction part 310 is formed inside the second housing 130, and a suction force of the pump device 360 may act. For example, the suction unit 310 may be formed by cutting or penetrating at least a portion of the second housing 130. In addition, the suction part 310 may be formed on one side of the filter case 210 and on the upper side of the drawing.

Accordingly, when the pump device 360 is driven, air flow in the microbial particle flow path 127 is generated, and the air flow passes through the filter unit 220 through the suction unit 310. In this process, microbial particles may be collected in the filter unit 220. The air flow after the microbial particles are separated may flow to the pump device 360 through the pump connection part 350.

The pump connection part 350 includes a cyclone part 351 whose flow cross-sectional area is reduced from the second housing 130 toward the pump device 360. As the air flow passes through the cyclone part 351, the flow rate increases, so that the air flow may be introduced into the pump device 360.

The pump device 360 may be understood as a device more advantageous than a fan in securing a predetermined suction flow rate even if a pressure loss occurs. Therefore, by generating particle flow in the microbial particle passage 127 using the pump device 360, suction efficiency can be improved even if a pressure loss occurs in the nozzle unit 120 or the filter unit 220. have.

In addition, since the flow amount of the microbial particle flow path 127 is relatively small, a low flow rate pump may be applied to the air pump. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the airborne microbial measuring device becomes large or heavy.

The luminescence measuring device includes a microbial particle receiving unit 320 located on one side of the collecting device 200.

In detail, the light receiving part 320 may be located inside the second housing 130. In addition, the light receiving unit 320 may be positioned to be spaced apart from one side of the suction unit 310.

The light receiving unit 320 may include relatively inexpensive LEDs and CCD cameras. For example, the LED may be a blue LED. In addition, the light-receiving unit guide device may be provided on one side of the light-receiving unit 320 to guide light to the light-receiving unit 320. In addition, the light-receiving unit guide device may include a reflection induction device that induces total or diffuse reflection of light. For example, the reflection induction device includes a film portion or a coating portion having a reflective function.

The spaced distance between the suction unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320 may correspond to a distance between one filter hole and another filter hole among the plurality of filter holes 215. Accordingly, when the one filter hole is disposed at a position corresponding to the suction unit 310, the other filter hole may be disposed at a position corresponding to the light receiving unit 320.

In other words, the one filter hole is disposed at a position where the flow force through the suction unit 310 can act, and the other filter hole is the amount of light emitted by the filter unit 220 exposed through the other filter hole. It may be disposed at a position capable of acting on the light receiving unit 320.

When the filter case 210 is rotated after the microbial particles are collected in the filter unit 220 through one of the plurality of filter holes 215, the one filter hole is a position facing the light receiving unit 320 Can be placed on The light receiving unit 320 may detect the amount or intensity of light generated from the microbial particles of the filter unit 220.

The airborne microorganism measuring device further includes a sterilizing device 330 for sterilizing contaminants present in the filter unit 220. The sterilizing device 330 may include an ultraviolet light emitting device or an ionizer. For example, the ultraviolet light emitting device includes an ultraviolet LED device (Ultra Violet-Light Emitting Diode).

In detail, the sterilizing device 330 may be located inside the second housing 130. In addition, the sterilization device 330 may be positioned to be spaced apart from the other side of the suction unit 310. That is, the light receiving unit 320, that is, the luminescence measuring device and the sterilizing device 330 may be installed on both sides of the suction unit 310.

The spaced distance between the suction unit 310 and the sterilization device 330 may correspond to a distance between one filter hole and another filter hole among the plurality of filter holes 215. Accordingly, when the one filter hole is disposed at a position corresponding to the suction unit 310, the other filter hole may be disposed at a position corresponding to the sterilization device 330.

In other words, the one filter hole is disposed at a position where the flow force through the suction unit 310 can act, and the other filter hole is the sterilizing device in the filter unit 220 exposed through the other filter hole. It can be placed in a position where 330 can act.

The suction unit 310, the light receiving unit 320, and the sterilizing device 330 may be spaced apart from each other and may be disposed to correspond to the shape in which the plurality of filter holes 215 are disposed. As an example, the plurality of filter holes 215 are disposed to be spaced apart along the circumference of the filter case 210, and the suction unit 310, the light receiving unit 320, and the sterilizing device 330 are provided with the plurality of filters. It may be disposed at a position corresponding to each filter hole 215 of the ball 215.

In the airborne microorganism measuring device 10, a dissolving agent supply device 370 for supplying a dissolution reagent to the filter unit 220, and the filter hole 215 or the filter unit 220 from the dissolving agent supply device 370 A supply flow path 375 extending to is further included.

The lysis reagent is understood as a solubilizing agent for dissolving cells (or cell walls) of airborne microorganisms collected in the filter unit 220. When the cells of the airborne microbial particles react with the lysis reagent, ATP is extracted.

In addition, a light emitting material may be applied to the filter unit 220. The luminescent material is understood as a material for generating light by reacting with ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate, adenosine triphosphate) of microbial particles extracted by the dissolution reagent.

The luminescent material includes luciferin and luciferase. The luciferin is activated by ATP present in the dissolved cells to be converted into active luciferin, and the active luciferin is oxidized by the action of luciferase, a luminescent enzyme, to become oxidized luciferin, converting chemical energy into light energy to emit light. .

Inside the first housing 110, an air particle flow path 129 through which relatively small particles separated from the inlet side of the nozzle unit 120, for example, air particles flow, is formed. The particles of the air particle flow path 129 are formed smaller than the particles of the microbial particle flow path 127. However, the flow amount of the air particle flow path 129 may be greater than the flow amount of the microbial particle flow path 127.

The air particle flow path 129 is separated from the microbial particle flow path 127 by the partition plate 126 and extends toward the blowing fan 150.

The blowing fan 150 is a driving device for generating the flow of the air particle flow path 129, and may be accommodated in the fan housing 155, for example. The fan housing 155 is disposed under the first housing 110.

In addition, the blower fan 150 is understood as a device capable of securing a sufficient flow rate compared to an air pump when the pressure loss is small. Accordingly, by providing the blowing fan 150 in a flow path having a low pressure loss, such as the air particle flow path 129, there is an effect that sufficient air particle flow (main flow) can be generated.

4 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of an airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing a configuration of a nozzle unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a brief description of the operation of the airborne microbial measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the pump device 360 and the blowing fan 150 are driven, air (FIG. 5A) existing outside the airborne microorganism measuring device 10 is transferred to a plurality of slits 121 of the upper surface 112 It is introduced into the inside of the first housing 110 through the.

In the process of passing the air through the plurality of slits 121, the flow velocity may be increased due to the narrow cross-sectional area of the flow path. The airborne microbial particles having relatively large particles in the air passing through the plurality of slits 121 are introduced into the inner flow path 125 through the inlet 125a of the nozzle unit 120 (FIG. 5C). .

In addition, after the suspended microbial particles are discharged from the inner flow path 125 through the outlet part 125b, the microbial particle flow path 127 flows.

On the other hand, air particles having relatively small particles in the air that have passed through the plurality of slits 121 cannot flow into the inner flow path 125 while being bent in a traveling direction, and follow the outer space of the nozzle unit 120. It flows (FIG. 5B).

In addition, the air particles flow through the air particle flow path 129 and pass through the blowing fan 150.

In summary, in the process of flowing air through a nozzle having a narrow cross-sectional area, relatively large airborne microbial particles are introduced into the inner flow path 125 through the inlet 125a, and relatively small air particles are introduced into the slit ( 121) and the inlet (125a) through the spaced space through the flow direction (stream line) can be bent through the flow may be.

Such a particle classification structure may be referred to as a virtual impactor structure, and in this embodiment, airborne microbial particles and air particles can be easily classified by applying the virtual impactor structure.

The suspended microbial particles flowing through the microbial particle flow path 127 flow to the collecting device 200, and pass through the suction unit 310 and the filter hole 215 of the filter case 210 to the filter unit 220 ) Can be collected in one area.

After such a collection process is performed for a set time, a dissolution reagent is supplied from the dissolving agent supply device 370 to the filter unit 220.

After the microbial particles collected in the filter unit 220 are dissolved by the dissolution reagent and ATP is extracted, they may react with the light-emitting material applied to the filter unit 220.

Further, the filter driving unit 250 is driven to rotate the filter case 210, and accordingly, the one filter hole 215 is positioned to face the light receiving unit 320. In addition, the light receiving unit 320 may detect the amount or intensity of light generated from the microbial particles collected in the filter unit 220. Here, the light may be generated in a process in which the ATP of the microbial particles and the light emitting material react.

In this way, by the driving of the filter driving unit 250, a region of the filter unit 220 in which the microbial particles are collected may be moved to face the light receiving unit 320. As a result, since the filter case 210 and the filter unit 220 are provided rotatably, there is an effect that the microbial collection and light emission process can be automatically performed.

Meanwhile, the sterilization device 330 may be operated to sterilize the filter unit 220 before microbial particles are collected in the filter unit 220.

In addition, the light receiving unit 320 may be operated to detect the amount of light emitted by the filter unit 220 before microbial particles are collected in the filter unit 220. The amount of light emission at this time may be referred to as “reference amount of light emission” in terms of providing reference information on the amount of light emission when microbial particles are subsequently collected.

6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for measuring airborne microorganisms according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the airborne microbial measurement apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pump device 360 for generating a flow of airborne microbial particles and a blower fan 150 for generating a flow of air particles.

In addition, the airborne microorganism measuring device 10 includes a filter driving unit 250 for rotating the filter case 210 and the filter unit 220, and a dissolving agent supply device 370 for supplying a dissolution reagent to the filter unit 220. ) Is further included.

The airborne microbial measurement device 10 includes a display unit 420 that displays information on the concentration of airborne microbial particles collected in the filter unit 220. The display unit 420 may include a lighting device that is displayed in different colors according to the concentration value of the suspended microbial particles.

For example, the lighting device includes a first lighting unit that displays green when the concentration of the suspended microbial particles is low, a second lighting unit that displays yellow when the concentration is about an intermediate value, and a third illuminator that displays red when the concentration is high. A lighting unit may be included.

As another example, the first to third lighting units may be configured as one lighting unit.

The airborne microbial measuring device 10 includes a light receiving unit 320 for sensing the amount of light emission of the microbial particles collected in the filter unit 220, and a timer for accumulating the elapsed time of the process of collecting the microbial particles and the supplying of the dissolution reagent. 460 is included.

The information sensed by the light receiving unit 320 or the timer 460 may be transmitted to the control unit 450, and the control unit 450 may be based on the transmitted information, and the pump device 360 and the blower fan ( 150), it is possible to control the operation of the filter driving unit 250, the solvent supply device 370, and the display unit 420.

The airborne microorganism measuring device 10 further includes a sterilizing device 330 for removing contaminants present in the filter unit 220. The contaminants present in the filter unit 220 are removed by the operation of the sterilization device 330, thereby preventing a phenomenon in which the contaminants affect light emission. Eventually, it is possible to detect and calculate the exact microbial concentration.

In addition, the airborne microbial measuring device 10 further includes a luminescence measuring device, that is, a memory unit 470 for storing information on the operation of the light receiving unit 320. In detail, the light receiving unit 320 may perform a first operation before the microbial particles are collected and a second operation after the microbial particles are collected.

The first operation is an operation for sensing the amount of light emitted by light around the collection device 200, and is understood as an operation for detecting the amount of light emission. Information on the reference amount of light emitted from the first operation may be stored in the memory unit 470.

In addition, the information on the reference amount of light emission may be considered in calculating the amount of light emitted after the second operation. The reference amount of light emission may be referred to as "a first amount of light emission", and an amount of light emission detected after the second operation may be referred to as "a second amount of light emission". For example, the concentration value of the microorganisms collected in the filter unit may be calculated based on a value obtained by subtracting the reference amount of light emission from the second amount of light emission.

7 is a flow chart showing a measurement method of the airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8A to 8E are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Each of the drawings shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E is, for convenience of understanding, a semicircular filter case 210 is elongated to the left and right, and the suction unit 310 and the light receiving unit are disposed on one side of the filter case 210. It shows that the positions of the sterilizing device 330 and 320 are displayed relative to each other.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E, in the process of measuring airborne microorganisms, as the filter case 210 rotates, the position of the collecting filter hole 215a is changed to the suction unit 310 and the light receiving unit 320. ) And the sterilization device 330, shows a change.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the power of the airborne microorganism measuring device 10 is turned on, the filter driving unit 250 performs a first operation. The first operation of the filter driving unit 250 is an operation of rotating by a first set angle in the reverse direction, and a filter hole 215a (see Fig. 8A) that opens a region of the filter unit 220 in which microorganisms are to be collected is sterilized. It is understood as the operation of moving to one side of 300. The filter hole 215a may be referred to as a “collecting filter hole”.

Here, the reverse direction may correspond to a direction in which the filter case 210 moves to the left, based on FIG. 8A.

In addition, the first set angle is understood as an angle at which the filter case 210 can be rotated by a distance (a separation distance) between one filter hole and another filter hole closest to the one filter hole. This "reverse first set angle rotation" may be referred to as "-1 rotation" (S12).

8A shows the basic arrangement of the floating microorganism measuring device 10, that is, a state when the power of the floating microorganism measuring device 10 is turned on. In this case, the suction part 310 is located on one side of the collecting filter hole 215a of the filter case 210, and the sterilizing device is located on one side of the other filter hole. In addition, the light receiving part 320 may be located outside the plurality of filter holes.

In addition, when the first operation of the filter driving unit 250 is performed, the filter case 210 is rotated and disposed as shown in FIG. 8B, and one side of the collecting filter hole 215a of the filter case 210 In, the sterilizing device 330 is located. That is, the sterilization device 330 is disposed at a position capable of sterilizing a region of the filter unit 220 through the collection filter hole 215a (see FIG. 8B). The sterilization device 330 may irradiate a light source toward a region of the filter unit 220 (S13).

After the sterilization device 330 is operated, the filter driving unit 250 performs a second operation. The second operation of the filter driving unit 250 is an operation of rotating by a second set angle in the forward direction, and is understood as an operation of moving the collection filter hole 215a to one side of the light receiving unit 320.

Here, the forward direction may correspond to a direction in which the filter case 210 moves to the right, based on FIG. 8B.

In addition, the second set angle is understood as an angle at which the filter case 210 can be rotated by twice the separation distance. This “second set angle rotation in the forward direction” may be referred to as “+2 rotation” (S14).

When the second operation of the filter driving part 250 is performed, the filter case 210 is disposed as shown in FIG. 8C, and the light receiving part 320 is positioned at one side of the collecting filter hole 215a. do. That is, the light-receiving unit 320 is disposed at a position capable of sensing the amount of light emission in one area of the filter unit 220 through the collection filter hole 215a (see FIG. 8C ). In addition, a suction unit 310 may be positioned on one side of the other filter hole among the plurality of filter holes, and a sterilization device 330 may be positioned on one side of the other filter hole. This is due to the fact that the spaced distances of the suction unit 310, the light receiving unit 320, and the sterilization device 330 correspond to the spaced distances of the plurality of filter holes.

The light receiving unit 320, that is, the light emission measuring device, performs a first operation to detect the amount of light emitted by the filter unit 220.

The amount of light emitted by the first operation of the light-receiving unit 320 is an amount of light that can be basically detected by the filter unit 220 before microbial particles are collected, and is a "reference amount of light emission (first amount of light)" Have. In addition, information on the reference amount of light emission may be stored in the memory unit 470 (S15).

After the first operation of the light receiving unit 320, the filter driving unit 250 performs a third operation. The third operation of the filter driving unit 250 is an operation of rotating by a third set angle in the reverse direction, and is understood as an operation of moving the collection filter hole 215a to one side of the suction unit 310.

Here, the reverse direction may correspond to a direction in which the filter case 210 moves to the left, based on FIG. 8C.

In addition, the third set angle is understood as an angle at which the filter case 210 can be rotated by the separation distance. This "third set angle rotation in the reverse direction" may be referred to as "-1 rotation" (S16).

When the third operation of the filter driving part 250 is performed, the filter case 210 is disposed as shown in FIG. 8D, and the suction part 310 is located at one side of the collecting filter hole 215a. It is done. That is, the suction unit 310 is disposed at a position in which microbial particles can flow to a region of the filter unit 220 through the suction unit 310 and the collecting filter hole 215a.

Further, the blowing fan 150 and the pump device 360 operate, so that a main flow to the blowing fan 150 and a sub flow to the pump device 360 are generated. When the blower fan 150 and the pump device 360 operate, external air of the airborne microorganism measuring device 10 flows into the first housing 110 through the plurality of slits 121.

Due to the virtual impactor structure inside the first housing 110, suspended microbial particles and air particles in the air are separated to flow through the microbial particle flow path 127 and the air particle flow path 129, respectively. And, as shown in FIG. 8D, the particles flowing through the microbial particle passage 127 are collected in the filter unit 220 through the suction unit 310 and the collection filter hole 215a (S17). .

This collection process may be performed during the first set time. The elapsed time is accumulated by the timer 460, and the control unit 450 recognizes whether the first set time has elapsed (S18).

When the first set time has elapsed, the blower fan 150 and the pump device 360 are stopped. In addition, the dissolving agent supply device 370 operates, and a dissolution reagent is supplied to the filter unit 220. The dissolution reagent is supplied to the filter unit 220 for a second set time, and when the second set time has elapsed, the operation of the dissolving agent supply device 370 is stopped.

The dissolution reagent dissolves the microbial particles collected in the filter unit 220 to extract ATP, and the extracted ATP reacts with the luminescent material applied to the filter unit 220 to emit a predetermined light (S19, S20).

The filter driver 250 performs a fourth operation. The fourth operation of the filter driving unit 250 is an operation of rotating by a fourth set angle in the forward direction, and is understood as an operation of moving the collection filter hole 215a to one side of the light receiving unit 320.

Here, the forward direction may correspond to a direction in which the filter case 210 moves to the right based on FIG. 8D.

In addition, the fourth set angle is understood as an angle at which the filter case 210 can be rotated by the separation distance. This “fourth set angle rotation in the forward direction” may be referred to as “+1 rotation” (S21).

When the fourth operation of the filter driving unit 250 is performed, the filter case 210 is disposed as shown in FIG. 8E, and the light receiving unit 320 is positioned at one side of the collecting filter hole 215a. do. That is, the light-receiving unit 320 is disposed at a position capable of sensing the amount of light emitted in a region of the filter unit 220 in which microbial particles are collected through the collection filter hole 215a (see FIG. 8E). The light-receiving unit 320, that is, the light emission measuring device, performs a second operation to detect the amount of light emitted from the filter unit 220 or the intensity thereof.

The amount of light emission or its intensity may be proportional to the concentration of the microorganism. That is, when the amount of light emission or the intensity thereof is large, the concentration of the microorganism is recognized as being larger in proportion to this, and when the amount of light emission or the intensity is small, the concentration of the microorganism may be recognized as being proportionally small.

The amount of light emitted by the second operation of the light receiving unit 320 is the amount of light that can be detected by the filter unit 220 after the microbial particles are collected, and the amount of light emitted by the concentration of the microbial particles is reflected (the second amount of light ) Is understood as (S22).

The control unit 450 may determine a light emission amount (microbial light emission amount) corresponding to the concentration of microorganisms collected in the filter unit 220 as a value obtained by subtracting the first light emission amount from the second light emission amount.

The control unit 450 may display information on the concentration of microorganisms on the display unit 420 based on the amount of light emission of the microorganisms. For example, depending on the concentration of the microorganism, the display unit 420 may be activated with different colors of the illumination unit (S23).

In this way, since the steps of collecting microbial particles and measuring light emission can be performed automatically and continuously, the process of measuring airborne microbes can be easily performed. In addition, since information on the concentration of microorganisms can be displayed on the display unit, the user can easily check the concentration of the airborne microorganisms.

On the other hand, a home appliance for air purification may be provided that interlocks with the airborne microbial measurement device. The home appliance may be driven when the concentration of airborne microorganisms displayed on the display unit is high, that is, when the degree of contamination of airborne microorganisms is severe. The home appliance may include an air cleaner, a ventilation device, or an air conditioner. That is, the airborne microbial measurement device may guide the operation of the home appliance by transmitting information on the concentration of the microorganism to the home appliance.

In addition, since the filter unit can be sterilized before collecting the microbial particles in the filter unit, it is possible to prevent the microbial particle concentration from being erroneously calculated due to contaminants in the filter unit.

In addition, since the amount of light emitted from the filter unit before the microbial particles are collected can be detected and reflected in the calculation of the microbial particle concentration, the concentration of the microbial particles can be accurately measured.

10: airborne microbial measurement device 100: particle sorting device
110: first housing 112: upper surface
120: nozzle unit 121: slit
125: internal flow path 125a: inlet
125b: outlet 127: microbial particle flow path
129: air particle flow path 130: second housing
150: blowing fan 200: collecting device
210: filter case 215: filter hole
220: filter unit 250: filter drive unit
255: rotation shaft 310: suction unit
320: light receiving unit 330: sterilizer
360: pump device 370: solvent supply device
400: control device 420: display unit
450: control unit 460: timer
470: memory unit

Claims (20)

A particle sorting device including an inlet portion for introducing air and a nozzle portion provided at one side of the inlet portion;
A microbial particle flow path through which microbial particles passing through the inner flow path of the nozzle unit flow in the air;
A driving device for generating the flow of the microbial particles;
A collecting device communicating with the microbial particle flow path and having a filter unit through which the microbial particles are collected;
A light emission measuring device that detects the amount or intensity of light generated from the microbial particles collected in the filter unit; And
An airborne microbial measurement device provided on one side of the filter unit and including a sterilization device for sterilizing the filter unit. The method of claim 1,
An airborne microbial measuring device provided on one side of the collecting device and further comprising a housing for accommodating the luminescence measuring device and the sterilizing device. The method of claim 2,
It is formed inside the housing,
Airborne microbial measurement device further comprising a suction unit for guiding the flow of the microbial particles to the filter unit by the driving of the driving device. The method of claim 3,
The luminescence measuring device and the sterilizing device are airborne microbial measuring devices, characterized in that installed on both sides of the suction unit. The method of claim 3,
In the collection device,
Includes a filter case accommodating the filter unit and having a filter hole capable of communicating with the microbial particle flow path,
At least a portion of the filter unit is airborne microbial measurement device, characterized in that exposed to the outside through the filter hole. The method of claim 5,
The airborne microorganism measuring device, characterized in that the filter case and the filter unit are rotatable. The method of claim 6,
In the process of rotating the filter case,
The airborne microbial measurement device, wherein the filter hole may be disposed at a position corresponding to any one of the suction unit, the light emission measurement device, and the sterilization device. The method of claim 7,
In the process of rotating the filter case,
The airborne microbial measurement device, characterized in that the filter hole may be disposed in a position corresponding to the suction unit, the sterilization device, and the light emission measurement device in turn. The method of claim 5,
The filter ball includes a plurality of filter balls spaced apart from each other,
The spaced apart distances of the plurality of filter spaces correspond to the spaced distances between the suction unit, the sterilizer and the luminescence measuring device. The method of claim 1,
A control unit for controlling the sterilization device is further included,
The control unit,
Before the microbial particles are collected in the filter unit, the sterilization device is operated to remove contaminants from the filter unit. The method of claim 1,
A control unit for controlling the light emission measurement device is further included,
The control unit,
Before the microbial particles are collected in the filter unit, the luminescence measuring device is first operated,
After the microbial particles are collected in the filter unit, the airborne microbial measurement device is a second operation of the light emission measurement device. The method of claim 1,
In the driving device,
Airborne microbial measurement device including an air pump device. The method of claim 1,
An air particle passage through which air particles passing through the outer space of the nozzle unit flow; And
Airborne microbial measurement apparatus further comprising a blowing fan for generating a flow in the air particle flow path. The method of claim 1,
In the sterilization device,
A device for measuring airborne microorganisms including an ultraviolet LED device or an ionizer. The method of claim 1,
In the luminescence measuring device,
A light receiving unit collecting light; And
A reflection induction device for guiding the light to the light receiving unit and inducing total or diffuse reflection of the light is included,
In the reflection induction device,
A device for measuring airborne microorganisms including a film part or a coating part. The method of claim 1,
Airborne microorganism measuring device further comprises a display unit for displaying the concentration of microorganisms detected by the luminescence measuring device. The method of claim 16,
When the concentration of microorganisms displayed on the display unit is high, information on the concentration of microorganisms is transmitted to a home appliance for purifying air. Moving the filter unit through a first operation of the filter driving unit, placing the sterilizing device in a region of the filter unit, and operating the sterilizing device;
Moving the filter unit through a second operation of the filter driving unit, positioning the light receiving unit in a region of the filter unit, and performing a first operation of the light receiving unit;
Moving the filter unit through a third operation of the filter driving unit to locate a suction unit through which microbial particles can flow in a region of the filter unit;
A driving device is driven to separate microbial particles in the air, and the separated microbial particles are collected in the filter unit through the suction unit;
Dissolving the microbial particles collected in the filter unit, and causing the dissolved microbial particles and the light-emitting material to act; And
And calculating the amount of microbial light emission by subtracting the first amount of light emission detected by performing the first operation of the light receiving unit from the second light amount detected by performing the second operation of the light receiving unit. delete delete

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