WO2016031585A1 - Inspection device - Google Patents

Inspection device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016031585A1
WO2016031585A1 PCT/JP2015/072904 JP2015072904W WO2016031585A1 WO 2016031585 A1 WO2016031585 A1 WO 2016031585A1 JP 2015072904 W JP2015072904 W JP 2015072904W WO 2016031585 A1 WO2016031585 A1 WO 2016031585A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
inspection
detection element
inspection apparatus
gas detection
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2015/072904
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
林　哲也
奥村　哲也
足立　佳久
前田　茂己
Original Assignee
シャープ株式会社
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Publication of WO2016031585A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016031585A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/22—Devices for withdrawing samples in the gaseous state
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02—Food

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, and more particularly to an inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
  • An inspection apparatus equipped with a gas sensor has been proposed as an apparatus capable of performing nondestructive inspection on articles.
  • inspection is performed by detecting the concentration of gas released from the inspection object with a gas sensor.
  • an inspection apparatus (a gas sensor that supplies a carrier gas to the periphery of an object to be inspected, collects a mixture of a gas released from the object to be inspected and a carrier gas, and analyzes the gas) Analytical apparatus) is disclosed.
  • JP2013-57510A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-155952
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus capable of suitably detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
  • An inspection apparatus is an inspection apparatus that performs inspection by detecting the concentration of a gas released from an inspection object, and includes a housing having an opening and an inside of the housing.
  • a gas detection element having a gas sensitive part provided, wherein the inspection device has the opening close to the surface of the inspection object, and the gas sensitive part is not more than a predetermined distance from the surface of the inspection object. It is comprised so that a test
  • the gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing It further has a contact member that forms a closed space.
  • An inspection apparatus is an inspection apparatus that performs inspection by detecting the concentration of a gas released from an inspection object, and includes a housing having an opening and an inside of the housing.
  • a gas detection element having a gas sensing portion provided, wherein the gas detection element is a contact member provided around the opening of the housing and in contact with the surface of the inspection object, It further has a contact member that forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the casing.
  • the hardness of the contact member is lower than the hardness of the surface of the inspection object.
  • the gas detection element further includes an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the casing.
  • the inspection apparatus further includes a tray on which the inspection object is placed, and the gas detection element is installed on a bottom surface or a side surface of the tray.
  • the inspection apparatus further includes a tray on which the inspection object is placed, and an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the tray.
  • the inspection apparatus further includes a moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element at least in the vertical direction, and brings the gas detection element close to the inspection object from above.
  • the inspection apparatus further includes a pair of arms that can sandwich the inspection object, the pair of arms having the gas detection element attached to at least one of the pair of arms. , The gas detection element is brought close to the inspection object by sandwiching the inspection object.
  • the inspection apparatus further includes a moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element, and the gas detection element is moved to the inspection object by the movement mechanism moving the gas detection element. Close.
  • the inspection object is fruit and vegetables
  • the gas detection element can detect the concentration of ethylene gas.
  • the contact member of the gas detection element is detachable from the housing.
  • the inspection apparatus further includes a ventilation mechanism that ventilates the gas detection element.
  • an inspection apparatus capable of suitably detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
  • FIG. 1 It is a figure showing typically inspection device 100 by an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the gas detection element 20 with which the test
  • (A) is a figure which shows the state in which the banana 1B was mounted on the tray 10
  • (b) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the banana 1B and the semiconductor type gas sensor 20 in the test
  • (c) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the banana 1B and the semiconductor type gas sensor 920 in the test
  • (A) And (b) is a figure which shows typically the test
  • a fruit and vegetable inspection apparatus that inspects fruits and vegetables (vegetables and fruits) is exemplified as an embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the embodiment of the present invention may be an inspection apparatus for various inspection objects such as crops other than fruits and vegetables, industrial products, publications, minerals, plants, and organisms.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an inspection apparatus 100.
  • the inspection apparatus 100 performs the inspection by detecting the concentration of the gas released from the fruit 1 that is the inspection object.
  • the maturity of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be measured by detecting the concentration of ethylene gas released from the fruits and vegetables 1.
  • the maturity of the fruits and vegetables 1 can also be measured by detecting the gas concentration of esters constituting the odor component of the fruits and vegetables 1.
  • the gas concentration of ethanol, aldehydes, mercaptans, amines, ammonia, carbon dioxide, oxygen, moisture (water vapor), etc. the growth state and spoilage state of fruits and vegetables can be measured.
  • the inspection apparatus 100 includes a tray 10 and a gas detection element (gas sensor) 20.
  • the vegetables and fruits 1 are placed on the tray 10.
  • the tray 10 has a shape that can stably support (hold) the fruits and vegetables 1.
  • the shape of the tray 10 is preferably selected as appropriate according to the type, shape, size, softness, etc. of the fruits and vegetables 1. Thereby, it can support stably according to the kind, shape, and magnitude
  • the shape of the tray 10 is defined so that a space in which the gas detection element 20 can be accommodated is secured between the placed fruit and vegetables 1 and the bottom surface 10b of the tray 10, and in this embodiment, the tray 10
  • the gas detection element 20 is installed on the bottom surface 10b of the ten.
  • the gas detection element 20 includes a housing 21, a gas sensitive part 22, a contact member 23 and an elastic member 24.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the gas detection element 20.
  • An opening 21a is formed in the upper portion of the casing 21 (the fruits and vegetables 1 side).
  • the shape of the opening 21a is, for example, a circle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a rectangle or a polygon other than a rectangle. It is preferable that the shape of the opening 21a is appropriately selected according to the type, shape, size, softness, etc. of the fruits and vegetables 1.
  • the size of the opening 21a (for example, the diameter when the opening 21a is circular) is smaller than the size of the fruits and vegetables 1.
  • a mesh-like filter 25 is attached to the opening 21a. The filter 25 prevents the fruits and vegetables 1 from coming into contact with the gas sensitive part 22.
  • a substance that adsorbs or decomposes and removes interference gas may be disposed between the filter 25 and the gas sensitive part 22.
  • the substance that adsorbs the interference gas include activated carbon.
  • the substance that decomposes and removes the interference gas include catalyst materials such as titanium oxide.
  • the casing 21 is made of, for example, a polymer material such as plastic, a metal such as stainless steel, glass, quartz, or the like. It is preferable that the casing 21 has a smooth surface and is difficult to adsorb gas molecules, or can easily remove adsorbed gas molecules. Moreover, it is preferable that the housing
  • the gas sensitive part 22 is provided inside the housing 21.
  • the gas sensitive part 22 is made of a semiconductor material whose electric resistivity changes according to the concentration of the gas to be detected.
  • the gas sensitive part 22 is made of a material mainly composed of tin oxide.
  • the structure and material of the gas sensitive part 22 are not limited to what was mentioned above.
  • the sensitivity and selectivity for the gas can be increased.
  • a polymer material such as polydimethylsiloxane changes in elastic properties and capacitance due to adsorption of gas molecules, it may be a gas sensitive unit 22 that detects the gas concentration using this. .
  • the gas sensitive unit 22 detects the gas concentration using this fact. May be.
  • various gas detection principles semiconductor type (oxide, polymer), solid electrolyte type (equilibrium potential, hybrid potential, current, impedance), field effect type (diode, FET, Capacitors), optical types (chemiluminescence, fluorescence, SPR, optical fiber), piezoelectric types (quartz crystal units, SAW), and electrochemical types (constant current, constant potential) can be used.
  • the gas sensitive part 22 is electrically connected to the electrode 26. Application of a voltage to the electrode 26 and measurement of a voltage value, a current value, and a resistivity change are performed via the electrode extraction unit 27. A part of the electrode extraction portion 27 is exposed to the outside of the gas detection element 20.
  • the contact member 23 is provided around the opening 21 a of the housing 21 and contacts the surface of the fruit or vegetable (inspection object) 1.
  • the contact member 23 has, for example, an annular shape, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 and the housing 21 as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the hardness of the contact member 23 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruit 1.
  • the contact member 23 is made of a material with low gas permeability of a detection target, and is made of, for example, rubber or silicone resin.
  • the elastic member 24 is provided on the side opposite to the contact member 23 with respect to the housing 21. In the present embodiment, the elastic member 24 is disposed between the housing 21 and the bottom surface 10 b of the tray 10.
  • the elastic member 24 is, for example, a spring or a sponge.
  • the inspection apparatus provided with the gas sensor has the following problems. [1] The output signal from the gas sensor is small. [2] The time until the output signal is saturated is long. [3] The output signal fluctuates due to fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas sensor.
  • the above problem [1] is caused by the large distance from the inspection object to the gas sensor.
  • the detection target gas diffuses before reaching the gas sensitive part of the gas sensor, and the concentration of the detection target gas in the space near the gas sensitive part decreases. Therefore, the number of gas molecules adhering to the gas sensitive part is reduced, and the output signal is reduced (signal level is lowered).
  • the opening 21a (of the casing 21) of the gas detection element 20 is close to the surface of the fruit or vegetable (inspection object) 1 and the gas sensitive part 22 is the surface of the fruit or vegetable 1. It is comprised so that it may test
  • the range from which the gas is acquired is limited because the distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive portion 22 is small (as described above, the size of the opening 21a of the casing 21 is larger than the size of the fruits and vegetables 1). Therefore, the concentration of the gas released from a part of the surface of the fruit 1 is detected instead of the entire gas released from the entire surface of the fruit 1. Therefore, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the amount of emitted gas even with respect to an inspection object having an individual difference in size (for example, fruits and vegetables 1 as in the present embodiment). Moreover, since the inspection apparatus 100 of this embodiment does not need to use carrier gas unlike the apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is no reduction in sensitivity due to the use of carrier gas.
  • the distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive portion 22 is preferably as small as possible. Specifically, it is preferably less than 20 mm, and more preferably less than 8 mm. In addition, since the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 may have unevenness
  • the gas detection element 20 has a contact member 23 that is provided around the opening 21 a of the housing 21 and forms a closed space together with the surface of the fruit 1 and the housing 21. Since the closed space is formed by the contact member 23, the time until the output signal is saturated can be further shortened, and the inspection can be further speeded up. In addition, since the gas to be detected does not diffuse, the level of the output signal can be increased and detection with higher sensitivity is possible. Furthermore, since the concentration of the detection target gas does not change even if the atmosphere around the gas detection element 20 changes, fluctuations in the output signal due to the change in the atmosphere around the gas detection element 20 can be suppressed.
  • the “closed space” means a space closed (enclosed) by physical components (here, fruits and vegetables 1, the casing 21, and the contact member 23). Between the closed space and the outside thereof, it is preferable that there is almost no gas inflow / outflow, but there may be gas inflow / outflow as long as the output of the gas detection element 20 is not significantly changed. .
  • the hardness of the contact member 23 is preferably lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruits and vegetables (test object) 1 as in this embodiment.
  • the shape of the contact member 23 may change according to the surface shape of the fruit 1 when the gas detection element 20 contacts the fruit 1. Therefore, the gap between the gas detection element 20 and the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be reduced, and a closed space in which gas is difficult to enter from the outside can be easily formed. Further, even if the inspection object has a surface shape that differs depending on the type or individual (for example, fruits and vegetables 1 as in the present embodiment), a closed space can be easily formed. Regardless, the gas concentration can be detected stably.
  • the inspection object is the fruit 1 as in this embodiment
  • the hardness of the contact member 23 is higher than the surface hardness of the fruit 1, the surface of the fruit 1 is scratched or the fruit 1
  • the contact member 23 may be damaged by being pressed. Since the hardness of the contact member 23 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1, the occurrence of such a problem can be prevented.
  • the hardness of the contact member 23 and the surface hardness of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be measured by relative comparison using, for example, a durometer (JIS K 6253-1977 / ISO 7619).
  • the protrusion height H of the contact member 23 preferably satisfies the relationship of the following formula (1).
  • the protrusion height H is the length from the uppermost surface of the casing 21 (here, the surface of the filter 25) to the uppermost portion (the end portion on the side of the fruits and vegetables 1) of the contact member 23 (see FIG. 2).
  • a is the radius of the opening 21a
  • r is the radius of the fruit 1 that approximates a sphere.
  • the contact member 23 is preferably removable from the housing 21. Since the contact member 23 contacts the fruits and vegetables 1, there is a possibility that the contact member 23 may become dirty or deteriorate. If the contact member 23 is detachable from the housing, the gas detection element 20 itself does not need to be replaced (only the contact member 23 needs to be replaced), so that it is possible to continuously inspect. .
  • the gas detection element 20 includes the elastic member 24 provided on the opposite side of the casing 21 from the fruit 1 side (that is, the opposite side from the contact member 23).
  • the gas detection elements 20 can be further brought into close contact (adjacent) with the fruits and vegetables 1, thereby increasing the degree of sealing of the closed space and the volume of the closed space. Can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the speed and sensitivity of gas concentration detection.
  • the influence of the individual difference of the shape of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be reduced by deformation
  • the inspection apparatus 100 further includes a tray on which the fruits and vegetables (inspection object) 1 are placed, and the gas detection element 20 is installed on the bottom surface 10 b of the tray 10.
  • the gas detection element 20 is brought close to the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 simply by placing the fruits and vegetables 1 on the tray 10 (for example, attached to the conveyor) in the inspection field (for example, fruit selection field).
  • the inspection field for example, fruit selection field.
  • the configuration in which the gas detection element 20 is installed on the bottom surface 10b of the tray 10 is illustrated.
  • the gas detection element 20 is on the side surface 10c of the tray 10. It may be installed in.
  • the banana 1B was placed on the tray 10 as shown in FIG.
  • An opening 10a is formed on the mounting surface of the tray 10, and the gas detection element (semiconductor gas sensor) 20 is installed in the opening 10a. More specifically, as the semiconductor gas sensor 20, an organic solvent gas sensor was used.
  • the semiconductor gas sensor 20 of the inspection apparatus 100 includes a contact member 23 and an elastic member 24 in addition to the housing 21 and the gas sensitive part 22 as shown in FIG.
  • the semiconductor gas sensor 20 contacts (adheres) to the banana 1B due to its own weight.
  • the distance D from the surface of the banana 1B to the gas sensitive part 22 is 4 mm.
  • the semiconductor gas sensor 920 of the inspection apparatus of the comparative example includes a housing 921 and a gas sensitive portion 922, but does not include a contact member or an elastic member.
  • the distance D from the surface of the banana 1B to the gas sensitive part 922 is 20 mm, and the semiconductor gas sensor 920 is not close to the banana 1B.
  • FIG. 5 shows a result of detecting the concentration of the odor component of the banana 1B for each of the inspection apparatus 100 (configuration of FIG. 4B) of this embodiment and the inspection apparatus of the comparative example (configuration of FIG. 3C). (Relationship between elapsed time and sensor output).
  • the rise of the output signal from the semiconductor gas sensor 20 is fast and the signal level is large. Also, the time until the output signal is saturated is short.
  • the inspection apparatus of the comparative example there is almost no change in the output signal from the semiconductor gas sensor 920, and the concentration of the gas that is an odor component is hardly detected (Comparative Example 1).
  • the distance D is reduced to about 8 mm in the inspection apparatus of the comparative example, although an output signal is obtained, the signal level is small, and the sensor output varies as the atmosphere around the semiconductor gas sensor 920 varies (comparison) Example 2).
  • the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment even if the atmosphere around the semiconductor gas sensor 20 fluctuates, the sensor output is not affected.
  • the inspection apparatus 100 determines the close contact between the gas detection element 20 and the inspection object.
  • the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can suitably detect the concentration of the gas released from the inspection object 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 200. Below, it demonstrates centering around the point from which the inspection apparatus 200 in this embodiment differs from the inspection apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1 (the same is true of the following embodiments).
  • the gas detection element 20 includes an elastic member 24, and the elastic member 24 is disposed between the housing 21 and the bottom surface 10 b of the tray 10.
  • the gas detection element 20 does not have an elastic member and is fixed, and is below the tray 10, that is, on the tray 10.
  • an elastic member 14 is provided on the side opposite to the side of the fruits and vegetables (test object) 1. That is, the casing 21 of the gas detection element 20 is elastically supported by the elastic member 24 in the inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, whereas the tray 10 is elastically supported by the elastic member 14 in the inspection apparatus 200 of the present embodiment. Is supported. The height and the like of the elastic member 14 are adjusted so that the surface of the fruit 1 is lowered to the top of the casing 21 of the gas detection element 20 in the most compressed state.
  • the tray 10 is elastically supported by the elastic member 14, when the fruit 1 is placed on the tray 10, the tray 10 is lowered to the gas detection element 20 side due to the weight of the fruit 1.
  • the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 is in close contact (contact) with the gas detection element 20.
  • the inspection apparatus 200 of the present embodiment With the above-described configuration, it is possible to stably detect the gas concentration while preventing the fruits and vegetables 1 from being strongly pressed against the gas detection element 20 and the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 from being damaged. Can do. In addition, since the gas detection element 20 does not move, it is possible to suppress mixing of noise components into the output signal due to movement of the gas detection element 20.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 300.
  • the inspection apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is different from the inspection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a moving mechanism 30 that can move the gas detection element 20 at least in the vertical direction. Yes.
  • the moving mechanism 30 includes an arm 31 and a drive unit 32.
  • a gas detection element 20 is attached to the tip of the arm 31.
  • the gas detection element 20 includes the housing 21, the gas sensitive portion 22, and the contact member 23, but does not include the elastic member 24. That is, the gas detection element 20 is fixed to the arm 31.
  • the drive unit 32 can rotate the arm 31 about the rotation shaft 32a.
  • the inspection apparatus 300 includes the moving mechanism 30 described above, whereby the gas detection element 20 is brought close to the fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the tray 10 from above (that is, the contact member 23 is brought into contact). Can do. Therefore, the gas detection element 20 can be adhered to the fruits and vegetables 1 with a certain strength. Therefore, the variation in the adhesion degree for each inspection is reduced, and the variation in the detection result due to the variation in the adhesion degree can be reduced. Moreover, since the opening 21a of the gas detection element 20 faces downward, it is possible to prevent dust and the like adhering to the fruits and vegetables 1 from adhering to the opening 21a.
  • the specific configuration of the moving mechanism 30 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG.
  • the moving mechanism 30 may have any configuration as long as the gas detecting element 20 can be moved at least in the vertical direction.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 400.
  • the inspection apparatus 400 of the present embodiment is different from the inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a pair of arms 41 and 42 that can sandwich the fruits and vegetables 1 as shown in FIG.
  • the gas detection element 20 is attached to the tip of one of the pair of arms 41 and 42.
  • the gas detection element 20 includes the housing 21, the gas sensitive portion 22, and the contact member 23, but does not include the elastic member 24. That is, the gas detection element 20 is fixed with respect to the arm 41.
  • a contact member 43 that comes into contact with the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 when the gas concentration is detected is provided.
  • the contact member 43 is made of a material such as rubber so that the fruits and vegetables 1 can be sandwiched stably.
  • the contact member 43 may be formed of the same material as the contact member 23 of the gas detection element 20.
  • the pair of arms 41 and 42 are opened and closed by the drive unit 44.
  • the inspection apparatus 400 includes the pair of arms 41 and 42 described above, whereby the pair of arms 41 and 42 sandwiches the fruit 1 to bring the gas detection element 20 close to the fruit 1 (that is, the contact member 23). Contact).
  • the degree of adhesion may be lowered because the fruits and vegetables 1 are not stable.
  • the gas concentration can be detected in a state where the fruits and vegetables 1 are sandwiched by the pair of arms 41 and 42. It can be stably adhered (that is, variation in the degree of adhesion can be reduced).
  • the gas detection element 20 is attached only to one of the pair of arms 41 and 42, but the gas detection element 20 is attached to both the pair of arms 41 and 42. Also good. If the gas detection element 20 is attached to both of the pair of arms 41 and 42, the gas concentration can be detected at two locations. Therefore, by averaging the two values obtained, The degree can be suitably determined. Further, by comparing the two values, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a deviation in maturity.
  • a configuration in which three or more gas detection elements 20 are arranged around the fruits and vegetables 1 may be adopted.
  • the distribution of the maturity of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be known.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 500.
  • the inspection apparatus 500 of the present embodiment includes a moving mechanism 50 that can move the gas detection element 20, as shown in FIG.
  • the moving mechanism 50 includes a shaft 51 connected to the gas detection element 20 and a drive unit 52 that feeds the shaft 51 (moves it up and down).
  • the drive unit 52 has a function of stopping the delivery of the shaft 51 when detecting a pushing force of a predetermined level.
  • the gas detection element 20 includes the housing 21, the gas sensitive portion 22, and the contact member 23, but does not include the elastic member 24. That is, the gas detection element 20 is fixed with respect to the shaft 51.
  • the moving mechanism 50 moves the gas detecting element 20, whereby the gas detecting element 20 is placed on the fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the tray 10. (That is, the contact member 23) can be brought into contact. Therefore, the gas detection element 20 can be more closely attached to the fruits and vegetables 1 without being affected by individual differences in the fruits and vegetables 1.
  • the moving mechanism 50 may have any configuration as long as the gas detecting element 20 can be moved.
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams schematically showing the inspection apparatus 600.
  • FIG. 10A shows a state where the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed on the tray 10
  • FIG. 10B shows a state where the fruits and vegetables 1 are removed from the tray 10.
  • the inspection apparatus 600 of this embodiment differs from the inspection apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a ventilation mechanism 60 that ventilates the gas detection element 20 as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). ing.
  • the ventilation mechanism 60 can ventilate (that is, replace air) the gas detection element 20, more specifically, the gas sensitive part 22. There is no restriction
  • the inspection apparatus 600 of the present embodiment includes the ventilation mechanism 60 described above, when it is determined that the fruits and vegetables 1 have been removed from a change in the output signal or the like, as shown in FIG.
  • the gas detection element 20 is ventilated by 60. Thereby, since the gas staying around the gas detection element 20 can be diffused, the refresh rate of the gas detection element 20 can be increased. Therefore, the number of fruits and vegetables 1 that can be inspected per unit time can be increased.
  • the configuration in which the contact member 23 of the gas detection element 20 is in contact with the surface of the inspection object 1 (that is, the gas detection element 20 is in close contact with the inspection object 1 through the contact member 23) is exemplified.
  • the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
  • the opening 21a (of the casing 21) of the gas detection element 20 is close to the surface of the inspection object 1, and the gas sensitive part 22 is a predetermined distance from the surface of the inspection object 1.
  • the contact member 23 may be omitted as long as the inspection is performed in the following position.
  • the concentration of only the gas emitted from a part of the surface of the inspection object 1 is detected (that is, the whole of the inspection object 1 is released).
  • the distance from the surface of the inspection object 1 to the gas sensitive part 22 is preferably less than 20 mm, and preferably less than 8 mm. More preferred.
  • the configuration in which the inspection object 1 is a fruit or vegetable is illustrated, but the inspection object 1 may be other than the fruit or vegetable.
  • the test object 1 may be a human and gas (for example, water vapor or acetaldehyde) released from the human skin may be detected.
  • gas for example, water vapor or acetaldehyde
  • the contact member 23 of the gas detection element 20 is brought into contact with human skin, the skin does not necessarily need to have a lower hardness than the skin because the skin has elasticity.
  • the contact member 23 is brought into close contact with the elastic skin to form a closed space, so that the influence of the change in the atmosphere around the gas detection element 20 is affected.
  • the material of the contact member 23 may be a metal material (including an alloy material such as stainless steel or a titanium alloy) or a resin (plastic) material. By using these materials, it is possible to prevent a decrease in hermeticity due to deterioration of the contact member 23.
  • the inspection apparatus may include a belt for pressing the gas detection element 20 against the inspection object 1. Thereby, the gas detection element 20 can be brought into contact with each part such as a human arm, belly, foot, and face while adjusting the degree of adhesion.
  • An inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object, Comprising a gas detection element having a housing in which an opening is formed and a gas sensitive portion provided in the housing; The inspection apparatus is configured to perform an inspection in a state where the opening is close to the surface of the inspection object and the gas sensitive part is located at a predetermined distance or less from the surface of the inspection object. Inspection device.
  • the time until the output signal from the gas detection element is saturated can be shortened, and the detection of the gas concentration can be speeded up.
  • the level of the output signal is increased, and highly sensitive detection is possible.
  • the quantity of emitted gas can be quantitatively evaluated even for inspection objects (for example, fruits and vegetables) having individual differences in size.
  • the gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing.
  • the time until the output signal is saturated can be shortened, and the inspection can be further speeded up.
  • the level of the output signal can be increased, and detection with higher sensitivity is possible. Further, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output signal caused by fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas detection element.
  • An inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object, Comprising a gas detection element having a housing in which an opening is formed and a gas sensitive portion provided in the housing;
  • the gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing.
  • An inspection apparatus further comprising a contact member.
  • the time until the output signal from the gas detection element is saturated can be shortened, and the detection of the gas concentration can be speeded up.
  • the level of the output signal is increased, and highly sensitive detection is possible. Further, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output signal caused by fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas detection element. Further, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the amount of released gas even for an inspection object (for example, fruits and vegetables) having individual differences in size.
  • the gap between the gas detection element and the surface of the inspection object can be reduced, and a closed space in which gas cannot easily enter from the outside can be easily formed.
  • the gas concentration can be stably detected regardless of the type of inspection object or individual differences. Further, when the inspection object is a fruit or vegetable, it is possible to prevent the surface of the fruit or vegetable from being damaged or the contact member being pressed against the fruit or vegetable to cause damage.
  • the inspection device of item 5 it is possible to further increase the speed and sensitivity of the gas concentration detection.
  • the influence of individual differences in the shape of the inspection object can be reduced, and the gas concentration can be detected stably.
  • FIG. 6 A tray on which the inspection object is placed; 6. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the gas detection element is installed on a bottom surface or a side surface of the tray.
  • the gas detection element is placed on the inspection object by simply placing the inspection object (for example, fruits and vegetables) on a tray (for example, attached to a conveyor).
  • the gas concentration can be detected with high speed and high sensitivity in the vicinity of the surface.
  • the inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising: an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the tray.
  • the inspection apparatus of item 7 it is possible to stably detect the gas concentration while preventing the inspection object from being strongly pressed against the gas detection element and preventing the surface of the inspection object from being damaged.
  • a moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element at least in the vertical direction;
  • the inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the gas detection element is brought close to the inspection object from above.
  • the gas detection element can be brought into close contact with the inspection object with a certain strength. Therefore, the variation in the adhesion degree for each inspection is reduced, and the variation in the detection result due to the variation in the adhesion degree can be reduced.
  • a pair of arms capable of sandwiching the inspection object further comprising a pair of arms to which the gas detection element is attached to at least one of the arms; 5.
  • the gas detection element can be more closely attached to the fruits and vegetables.
  • the gas detection element can be more closely adhered to the inspection object without being affected by the individual difference of the inspection object.
  • the inspection object is a fruit and vegetable, The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the gas detection element is capable of detecting the concentration of ethylene gas.
  • the maturity of fruits and vegetables can be measured at high speed and with high sensitivity.
  • the refresh rate of the gas detection element can be increased, and the number of inspection objects that can be inspected per unit time can be increased.
  • an inspection apparatus capable of suitably detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.

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Abstract

An inspection device (100) performs inspection by detecting the concentration of a gas discharged from a subject to be inspected (1). The inspection device is provided with a gas detection element (20) having a case (21) in which an opening (21a) is formed, and a gas sensing part (22) provided inside the case. The inspection device is configured to perform inspection in a state in which the opening is near the surface of the subject to be inspected and the gas sensing part is spaced a predetermined distance or less from the surface of the subject to be inspected.

Description

検査装置Inspection device
　本発明は、検査装置に関し、特に、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, and more particularly to an inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
　物品に対して非破壊検査を行うことができる装置として、ガスセンサを備えた検査装置が提案されている。このタイプの検査装置では、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度をガスセンサで検出することによって検査が行われる。 An inspection apparatus equipped with a gas sensor has been proposed as an apparatus capable of performing nondestructive inspection on articles. In this type of inspection apparatus, inspection is performed by detecting the concentration of gas released from the inspection object with a gas sensor.
　例えば特許文献１および２には、キャリアガスを検査対象物の周辺に供給し、検査対象物から放出されるガスとキャリアガスとが混合されたガスを捕集してガスセンサにより分析する検査装置（分析装置）が開示されている。 For example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, an inspection apparatus (a gas sensor that supplies a carrier gas to the periphery of an object to be inspected, collects a mixture of a gas released from the object to be inspected and a carrier gas, and analyzes the gas) Analytical apparatus) is disclosed.
特開２０１３－５７５１０号公報JP2013-57510A 特開２００１－１５９５９２号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-155952
　本願発明者が、ガスセンサを備えた検査装置の、種々の用途への実用可能性を詳細に検討したところ、以下の問題があることがわかった。これらの問題の原因については、後に詳述する。
　［１］ガスセンサからの出力信号が小さい。
　［２］出力信号が飽和するまでの時間が長い。
　［３］ガスセンサ周辺の雰囲気の変動の影響により出力信号が変動する。 When the inventor of the present application examined in detail the practicability of an inspection apparatus equipped with a gas sensor for various uses, it was found that there are the following problems. The cause of these problems will be described in detail later.
[1] The output signal from the gas sensor is small.
[2] The time until the output signal is saturated is long.
[3] The output signal fluctuates due to fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas sensor.
　また、特許文献１および２に開示されているような、キャリアガスを用いる方式では、検査対象物から放出されるガスがキャリアガスによって希釈されるので、検査装置のガスに対する感度が低下してしまう。 Moreover, in the method using carrier gas as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the gas released from the inspection object is diluted by the carrier gas, the sensitivity of the inspection apparatus to the gas decreases. .
　本発明は、上記問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を好適に検出することができる検査装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus capable of suitably detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
　本発明の実施形態による検査装置は、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置であって、開口部が形成された筐体と、前記筐体の内部に設けられたガス感応部とを有するガス検出素子を備え、前記検査装置は、前記開口部が前記検査対象物の表面に近接し、前記ガス感応部が前記検査対象物の表面から所定の距離以下の位置にある状態で検査を行うように構成されている。 An inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an inspection apparatus that performs inspection by detecting the concentration of a gas released from an inspection object, and includes a housing having an opening and an inside of the housing. A gas detection element having a gas sensitive part provided, wherein the inspection device has the opening close to the surface of the inspection object, and the gas sensitive part is not more than a predetermined distance from the surface of the inspection object. It is comprised so that a test | inspection may be performed in the state in the position.
　ある実施形態において、前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体の前記開口部の周囲に設けられ、前記検査対象物の表面に接触する接触部材であって、前記検査対象物の表面および前記筐体とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材をさらに有する。 In one embodiment, the gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing It further has a contact member that forms a closed space.
　本発明の実施形態による検査装置は、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置であって、開口部が形成された筐体と、前記筐体の内部に設けられたガス感応部とを有するガス検出素子を備え、前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体の前記開口部の周囲に設けられ、前記検査対象物の表面に接触する接触部材であって、前記検査対象物の表面および前記筐体とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材をさらに有する。 An inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is an inspection apparatus that performs inspection by detecting the concentration of a gas released from an inspection object, and includes a housing having an opening and an inside of the housing. A gas detection element having a gas sensing portion provided, wherein the gas detection element is a contact member provided around the opening of the housing and in contact with the surface of the inspection object, It further has a contact member that forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the casing.
　ある実施形態において、前記接触部材の硬度は、前記検査対象物の表面の硬度より低い。 In one embodiment, the hardness of the contact member is lower than the hardness of the surface of the inspection object.
　ある実施形態において、前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体に対して前記検査対象物側とは反対側に設けられた弾性部材をさらに有する。 In one embodiment, the gas detection element further includes an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the casing.
　ある実施形態において、本発明による検査装置は、前記検査対象物が載せ置かれるトレーをさらに備え、前記ガス検出素子は、前記トレーの底面上または側面上に設置されている。 In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a tray on which the inspection object is placed, and the gas detection element is installed on a bottom surface or a side surface of the tray.
　ある実施形態において、本発明による検査装置は、前記検査対象物が載せ置かれるトレーと、前記トレーに対して前記検査対象物側とは反対側に設けられた弾性部材と、をさらに備える。 In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a tray on which the inspection object is placed, and an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the tray.
　ある実施形態において、本発明による検査装置は、前記ガス検出素子を少なくとも上下方向に移動させることができる移動機構をさらに備え、前記検査対象物に対し、上方から前記ガス検出素子を近接させる。 In an embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element at least in the vertical direction, and brings the gas detection element close to the inspection object from above.
　ある実施形態において、本発明による検査装置は、前記検査対象物を挟み込むことができる一対のアームであって、少なくとも一方に前記ガス検出素子が取り付けられた一対のアームをさらに備え、前記一対のアームが前記検査対象物を挟み込むことによって前記検査対象物に前記ガス検出素子を近接させる。 In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a pair of arms that can sandwich the inspection object, the pair of arms having the gas detection element attached to at least one of the pair of arms. , The gas detection element is brought close to the inspection object by sandwiching the inspection object.
　ある実施形態において、本発明による検査装置は、前記ガス検出素子を移動させることができる移動機構をさらに備え、前記移動機構が前記ガス検出素子を移動させることによって前記検査対象物に前記ガス検出素子を近接させる。 In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element, and the gas detection element is moved to the inspection object by the movement mechanism moving the gas detection element. Close.
　ある実施形態において、前記検査対象物は、青果物であり、前記ガス検出素子は、エチレンガスの濃度を検出することができる。 In one embodiment, the inspection object is fruit and vegetables, and the gas detection element can detect the concentration of ethylene gas.
　ある実施形態において、前記ガス検出素子の前記接触部材は、前記筐体に対して取り外し可能である。 In one embodiment, the contact member of the gas detection element is detachable from the housing.
　ある実施形態において、本発明による検査装置は、前記ガス検出素子に対して換気を行う換気機構をさらに備える。 In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus according to the present invention further includes a ventilation mechanism that ventilates the gas detection element.
　本発明の実施形態によると、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を好適に検出することができる検査装置が提供される。 According to the embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an inspection apparatus capable of suitably detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
本発明の実施形態による検査装置１００を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure showing typically inspection device 100 by an embodiment of the present invention. 検査装置１００が備えるガス検出素子２０の構成の具体例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the specific example of a structure of the gas detection element 20 with which the test | inspection apparatus 100 is provided. 本発明の実施形態による検査装置１００を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure showing typically inspection device 100 by an embodiment of the present invention. （ａ）は、トレー１０上にバナナ１Ｂが載せ置かれた状態を示す図であり、（ｂ）は、検査装置１００におけるバナナ１Ｂと半導体式ガスセンサ２０との位置関係を示す図であり、（ｃ）は、比較例の検査装置におけるバナナ１Ｂと半導体式ガスセンサ９２０との位置関係を示す図である。(A) is a figure which shows the state in which the banana 1B was mounted on the tray 10, (b) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the banana 1B and the semiconductor type gas sensor 20 in the test | inspection apparatus 100, ( (c) is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the banana 1B and the semiconductor type gas sensor 920 in the test | inspection apparatus of a comparative example. 本発明の実施形態による検査装置１００および比較例の検査装置のそれぞれについて、バナナ１Ｂの匂い成分の濃度を検出した結果（経過時間とセンサ出力との関係）を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the result (relationship between elapsed time and a sensor output) which detected the density | concentration of the odor component of the banana 1B about each of the test | inspection apparatus 100 by embodiment of this invention, and the test | inspection apparatus of a comparative example. 本発明の実施形態による検査装置２００を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure showing typically inspection device 200 by an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態による検査装置３００を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure showing typically inspection device 300 by an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態による検査装置４００を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the inspection apparatus 400 by embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態による検査装置５００を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the inspection apparatus 500 by embodiment of this invention. （ａ）および（ｂ）は、本発明の実施形態による検査装置６００を模式的に示す図である。(A) And (b) is a figure which shows typically the test | inspection apparatus 600 by embodiment of this invention.
　以下、図面を参照しながら本発明の実施形態を説明する。なお、以下では、本発明の実施形態として、青果物（野菜および果物）を検査する青果物検査装置を例示するが、本発明の実施形態はこれに限定されるものではない。本発明の実施形態は、青果物以外の作物、工業製品、出版物、鉱物、植物、生物など、種々の検査対象物用の検査装置であり得る。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a fruit and vegetable inspection apparatus that inspects fruits and vegetables (vegetables and fruits) is exemplified as an embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. The embodiment of the present invention may be an inspection apparatus for various inspection objects such as crops other than fruits and vegetables, industrial products, publications, minerals, plants, and organisms.
　（実施形態１）
　図１を参照しながら、本実施形態における青果物検査装置（以下では単に「検査装置」と呼ぶ）１００を説明する。図１は、検査装置１００を模式的に示す図である。 (Embodiment 1)
A fruit and vegetable inspection apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “inspection apparatus”) 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an inspection apparatus 100.
　検査装置１００は、検査対象物である青果物１から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う。例えば、青果物１から放出されるエチレンガスの濃度を検出することにより、青果物１の熟度を測定することができる。また、青果物１の匂い成分を構成するエステル類のガス濃度を検出することによっても、青果物１の熟度を測定することができる。さらに、エタノール、アルデヒド類、メルカプタン類、アミン類、アンモニア、二酸化炭素、酸素、水分（水蒸気）などのガス濃度を検出することにより、青果物の生育状態や腐敗状態を測定することができる。検査装置１００は、図１に示すように、トレー１０と、ガス検出素子（ガスセンサ）２０とを備える。 The inspection apparatus 100 performs the inspection by detecting the concentration of the gas released from the fruit 1 that is the inspection object. For example, the maturity of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be measured by detecting the concentration of ethylene gas released from the fruits and vegetables 1. Moreover, the maturity of the fruits and vegetables 1 can also be measured by detecting the gas concentration of esters constituting the odor component of the fruits and vegetables 1. Furthermore, by detecting the gas concentration of ethanol, aldehydes, mercaptans, amines, ammonia, carbon dioxide, oxygen, moisture (water vapor), etc., the growth state and spoilage state of fruits and vegetables can be measured. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection apparatus 100 includes a tray 10 and a gas detection element (gas sensor) 20.
　トレー１０には、青果物１が載せ置かれる。トレー１０は、青果物１を安定に支持（保持）できるような形状を有している。トレー１０の形状は、青果物１の種類や形状、大きさ、やわらかさなどに応じて適宜選択されることが好ましい。これにより、青果物１の種類、形状および大きさに合わせて安定に支持することや、青果物１の表面を損傷することなく支持することができる。また、トレー１０の形状は、ガス検出素子２０を収容できる空間が、載せ置かれた青果物１とトレー１０の底面１０ｂとの間に確保されるように規定されており、本実施形態では、トレー１０の底面１０ｂ上にガス検出素子２０が設置されている。 The vegetables and fruits 1 are placed on the tray 10. The tray 10 has a shape that can stably support (hold) the fruits and vegetables 1. The shape of the tray 10 is preferably selected as appropriate according to the type, shape, size, softness, etc. of the fruits and vegetables 1. Thereby, it can support stably according to the kind, shape, and magnitude | size of fruit and vegetables 1, and can support without damaging the surface of fruit and vegetables 1. The shape of the tray 10 is defined so that a space in which the gas detection element 20 can be accommodated is secured between the placed fruit and vegetables 1 and the bottom surface 10b of the tray 10, and in this embodiment, the tray 10 The gas detection element 20 is installed on the bottom surface 10b of the ten.
　ガス検出素子２０は、筐体２１、ガス感応部２２、接触部材２３および弾性部材２４を有する。以下、図２も参照しながら、ガス検出素子２０の構成をより具体的に説明する。図２は、ガス検出素子２０の構成の具体例を示す図である。 The gas detection element 20 includes a housing 21, a gas sensitive part 22, a contact member 23 and an elastic member 24. Hereinafter, the configuration of the gas detection element 20 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the gas detection element 20.
　筐体２１の上部（青果物１側）には、開口部２１ａが形成されている。開口部２１ａの形状は、例えば円形であるが、これに限定されるものではなく、矩形や矩形以外の多角形などであってもよい。開口部２１ａの形状も、青果物１の種類や形状、大きさ、やわらかさなどに応じて適宜選択されることが好ましい。開口部２１ａのサイズ（例えば開口部２１ａが円形状の場合の直径）は、青果物１のサイズよりも小さい。開口部２１ａには、メッシュ状のフィルタ２５が取り付けられている。このフィルタ２５により、ガス感応部２２に青果物１が接触することが防止される。フィルタ２５とガス感応部２２との間に、干渉ガスを吸着または分解除去する物質を配置してもよい。干渉ガスを吸着する物質としては、例えば、活性炭などが挙げられる。干渉ガスを分解除去する物質としては、例えば、酸化チタンなどの触媒材料が挙げられる。これらの物質をフィルタ２５とガス感応部２２との間に配置することにより、干渉ガス（ガス感応部２２による検出の対象でないガス）がガス感応部２２に到達して出力信号に与える影響を低減させることができるので、検出感度を上げたり、ガス感応部２２における反応の選択性を上げたりすることができる。 An opening 21a is formed in the upper portion of the casing 21 (the fruits and vegetables 1 side). The shape of the opening 21a is, for example, a circle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a rectangle or a polygon other than a rectangle. It is preferable that the shape of the opening 21a is appropriately selected according to the type, shape, size, softness, etc. of the fruits and vegetables 1. The size of the opening 21a (for example, the diameter when the opening 21a is circular) is smaller than the size of the fruits and vegetables 1. A mesh-like filter 25 is attached to the opening 21a. The filter 25 prevents the fruits and vegetables 1 from coming into contact with the gas sensitive part 22. A substance that adsorbs or decomposes and removes interference gas may be disposed between the filter 25 and the gas sensitive part 22. Examples of the substance that adsorbs the interference gas include activated carbon. Examples of the substance that decomposes and removes the interference gas include catalyst materials such as titanium oxide. By disposing these substances between the filter 25 and the gas sensitive unit 22, interference gas (gas that is not detected by the gas sensitive unit 22) reaches the gas sensitive unit 22 and reduces the influence on the output signal. Therefore, the detection sensitivity can be increased and the selectivity of the reaction in the gas sensitive part 22 can be increased.
　筐体２１の材料に特に制限はない。筐体２１は、例えば、プラスチックなどの高分子材料や、ステンレスなどの金属、ガラス、石英などから形成されている。筐体２１は、その表面が平滑でガス分子を吸着しにくいものや、吸着したガス分子を容易に取り除くことができるものであることが好ましい。また、筐体２１は、検出対象のガスの分子と化学反応を起こしにくいものであることが好ましい。このような筐体２１を用いることにより、筐体２１に付着したガスの離脱や筐体２１からのガスの放出に起因する出力信号への悪影響（検査対象物から放出されるガス以外のガスが出力信号に与える影響）を低減することができる。 There are no particular restrictions on the material of the housing 21. The casing 21 is made of, for example, a polymer material such as plastic, a metal such as stainless steel, glass, quartz, or the like. It is preferable that the casing 21 has a smooth surface and is difficult to adsorb gas molecules, or can easily remove adsorbed gas molecules. Moreover, it is preferable that the housing | casing 21 is hard to raise | generate a chemical reaction with the molecule | numerator of the gas of detection object. By using such a casing 21, an adverse effect on the output signal due to the detachment of the gas adhering to the casing 21 or the release of the gas from the casing 21 (gas other than the gas released from the inspection object is present). The influence on the output signal can be reduced.
　ガス感応部２２は、筐体２１の内部に設けられている。ガス感応部２２は、検出対象であるガスの濃度に応じて電気抵抗率が変化する半導体材料から形成されている。例えばエチレンガスの濃度を検出する場合、ガス感応部２２は酸化スズを主成分とする材料から形成されている。なお、ガス感応部２２の構成や材料は、上述したものに限定されない。検出対象のガスに応じてガス感応部２２の構成や材料を適宜選択することにより、ガスに対する感度や選択性を上げることができる。例えば、ポリジメチルシロキサンなどの高分子材料は、ガス分子の吸着によって弾性特性や静電容量が変化するので、そのことを利用してガス濃度を検出する方式のガス感応部２２であってもよい。また、白金などの触媒材料にガス分子が吸着して燃焼すると、燃焼熱によって触媒材料の電気抵抗率が変化するので、そのことを利用してガス濃度を検出する方式のガス感応部２２であってもよい。このように、ガス感応部２２としては、各種のガス検出原理：半導体型（酸化物、高分子）、固体電解質型（平衡電位、混成電位、電流、インピーダンス）、電界効果式（ダイオード、ＦＥＴ、キャパシタ）、光学式（化学発光、蛍光、ＳＰＲ、光ファイバ）、圧電式（水晶振動子、ＳＡＷ）、電気化学式（定電流、定電位）を利用したものを用いることができる。ガス感応部２２は、電極２６に電気的に接続されている。電極２６への電圧の印加や、電圧値、電流値および抵抗率変化の計測は、電極取り出し部２７を介して行われる。電極取り出し部２７は、その一部がガス検出素子２０の外部に露出している。 The gas sensitive part 22 is provided inside the housing 21. The gas sensitive part 22 is made of a semiconductor material whose electric resistivity changes according to the concentration of the gas to be detected. For example, when detecting the concentration of ethylene gas, the gas sensitive part 22 is made of a material mainly composed of tin oxide. In addition, the structure and material of the gas sensitive part 22 are not limited to what was mentioned above. By appropriately selecting the configuration and material of the gas sensitive part 22 according to the gas to be detected, the sensitivity and selectivity for the gas can be increased. For example, since a polymer material such as polydimethylsiloxane changes in elastic properties and capacitance due to adsorption of gas molecules, it may be a gas sensitive unit 22 that detects the gas concentration using this. . Further, when gas molecules are adsorbed and burnt on a catalyst material such as platinum, the electric resistivity of the catalyst material changes due to the heat of combustion. Therefore, the gas sensitive unit 22 detects the gas concentration using this fact. May be. Thus, as the gas sensitive part 22, various gas detection principles: semiconductor type (oxide, polymer), solid electrolyte type (equilibrium potential, hybrid potential, current, impedance), field effect type (diode, FET, Capacitors), optical types (chemiluminescence, fluorescence, SPR, optical fiber), piezoelectric types (quartz crystal units, SAW), and electrochemical types (constant current, constant potential) can be used. The gas sensitive part 22 is electrically connected to the electrode 26. Application of a voltage to the electrode 26 and measurement of a voltage value, a current value, and a resistivity change are performed via the electrode extraction unit 27. A part of the electrode extraction portion 27 is exposed to the outside of the gas detection element 20.
　接触部材２３は、筐体２１の開口部２１ａの周囲に設けられており、青果物（検査対象物）１の表面に接触する。接触部材２３は、例えば環状であり、検査の際、図１に示すように、青果物１の表面および筐体２１とともに閉空間を形成する。本実施形態では、接触部材２３の硬度は、青果物１の表面の硬度より低い。接触部材２３は、検出対象のガスの透過性が低い材料から形成されており、例えば、ゴムやシリコーン樹脂などから形成されている。 The contact member 23 is provided around the opening 21 a of the housing 21 and contacts the surface of the fruit or vegetable (inspection object) 1. The contact member 23 has, for example, an annular shape, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 and the housing 21 as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the hardness of the contact member 23 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruit 1. The contact member 23 is made of a material with low gas permeability of a detection target, and is made of, for example, rubber or silicone resin.
　弾性部材２４は、筐体２１に対して接触部材２３とは反対側に設けられている。本実施形態では、弾性部材２４は、筐体２１とトレー１０の底面１０ｂとの間に配置されている。弾性部材２４は、例えば、ばねやスポンジである。 The elastic member 24 is provided on the side opposite to the contact member 23 with respect to the housing 21. In the present embodiment, the elastic member 24 is disposed between the housing 21 and the bottom surface 10 b of the tray 10. The elastic member 24 is, for example, a spring or a sponge.
　既に説明したように、ガスセンサを備えた検査装置には、以下の問題がある。
　［１］ガスセンサからの出力信号が小さい。
　［２］出力信号が飽和するまでの時間が長い。
　［３］ガスセンサ周辺の雰囲気の変動の影響により出力信号が変動する。 As already described, the inspection apparatus provided with the gas sensor has the following problems.
[1] The output signal from the gas sensor is small.
[2] The time until the output signal is saturated is long.
[3] The output signal fluctuates due to fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas sensor.
　上記の問題［１］は、検査対象物からガスセンサまでの距離が大きいことに起因している。この距離が大きいことにより、検出対象ガスがガスセンサのガス感応部に到達するまでに拡散し、ガス感応部近傍の空間における検出対象ガスの濃度が低下してしまう。そのため、ガス感応部に付着するガス分子が少なくなり、出力信号が小さく（信号レベルが低く）なる。 The above problem [1] is caused by the large distance from the inspection object to the gas sensor. When this distance is large, the detection target gas diffuses before reaching the gas sensitive part of the gas sensor, and the concentration of the detection target gas in the space near the gas sensitive part decreases. Therefore, the number of gas molecules adhering to the gas sensitive part is reduced, and the output signal is reduced (signal level is lowered).
　問題［２］も、検査対象物からガスセンサまでの距離が大きいことに起因している。この距離が大きいことにより、ガス感応部近傍の空間における検出対象ガスの濃度が飽和するまでに長い時間を要し、出力信号が飽和するまでの時間が長くなってしまう。 [Problem [2] is also due to the large distance from the inspection object to the gas sensor. Since this distance is large, it takes a long time until the concentration of the detection target gas in the space near the gas sensitive portion is saturated, and the time until the output signal is saturated becomes long.
　問題［３］は、検査の際にガスセンサが開空間中にあることに起因している。ガスセンサが開空間中にあると、ガスセンサ周辺の雰囲気の変動により、検出対象ガスの濃度が変動してしまう。そのため、出力信号が変動する。 Problem [3] is due to the gas sensor being in an open space during inspection. If the gas sensor is in an open space, the concentration of the detection target gas will fluctuate due to changes in the atmosphere around the gas sensor. Therefore, the output signal varies.
　これに対し、本実施形態における検査装置１００は、ガス検出素子２０の（筐体２１の）開口部２１ａが青果物（検査対象物）１の表面に近接し、ガス感応部２２が青果物１の表面から所定の距離以下の位置にある状態で検査を行うように構成されている。つまり、青果物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離が小さい状態で検査が行われる。青果物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離が小さいことにより、ガス検出素子２０からの出力信号が飽和するまでの時間が短くなり、ガス濃度の検出の高速化を図ることができる。また、検出対象のガスがガス感応部２２に到達するまでの拡散が少ないので、出力信号のレベルが大きくなり、高感度な検出が可能となる。 On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the opening 21a (of the casing 21) of the gas detection element 20 is close to the surface of the fruit or vegetable (inspection object) 1 and the gas sensitive part 22 is the surface of the fruit or vegetable 1. It is comprised so that it may test | inspect in the state which exists in the position below predetermined distance from. That is, the inspection is performed in a state where the distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive portion 22 is small. Since the distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive part 22 is small, the time until the output signal from the gas detection element 20 is saturated is shortened, and the gas concentration can be detected at high speed. In addition, since there is little diffusion until the gas to be detected reaches the gas sensitive unit 22, the level of the output signal is increased, and highly sensitive detection is possible.
　さらに、青果物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離が小さいことにより、ガスを取得する範囲が制限される（既に説明したように筐体２１の開口部２１ａのサイズは青果物１のサイズよりも小さい）ので、青果物１の表面全体から放出されるガス全部ではなく、青果物１の表面のうちの一部から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することになる。そのため、サイズに個体差がある検査対象物（例えば本実施形態のような青果物１）に対しても放出ガス量の定量的な評価を行うことができる。また、本実施形態の検査装置１００は、特許文献１および２に開示されている装置のようにキャリアガスを用いる必要がないので、キャリアガスの使用による感度の低下も発生しない。 Furthermore, the range from which the gas is acquired is limited because the distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive portion 22 is small (as described above, the size of the opening 21a of the casing 21 is larger than the size of the fruits and vegetables 1). Therefore, the concentration of the gas released from a part of the surface of the fruit 1 is detected instead of the entire gas released from the entire surface of the fruit 1. Therefore, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the amount of emitted gas even with respect to an inspection object having an individual difference in size (for example, fruits and vegetables 1 as in the present embodiment). Moreover, since the inspection apparatus 100 of this embodiment does not need to use carrier gas unlike the apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is no reduction in sensitivity due to the use of carrier gas.
　青果物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離は、なるべく小さいことが好ましく、具体的には、２０ｍｍ未満であることが好ましく、８ｍｍ未満であることがより好ましい。なお、青果物１の表面には、凹凸や繊維があったり、果粒や液体が存在したりすることがあるので、青果物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離は、０．５ｍｍ以上であることが好ましい。 The distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive portion 22 is preferably as small as possible. Specifically, it is preferably less than 20 mm, and more preferably less than 8 mm. In addition, since the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 may have unevenness | corrugations and a fiber, or a grain and a liquid may exist, the distance from the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 to the gas sensitive part 22 is 0.5 mm or more. It is preferable.
　また、本実施形態の検査装置１００では、ガス検出素子２０は、筐体２１の開口部２１ａの周囲に設けられ、青果物１の表面および筐体２１とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材２３を有する。接触部材２３によって閉空間が形成されることにより、出力信号が飽和するまでの時間をより短くすることができ、検査のいっそうの高速化を図ることができる。また、検出対象のガスが拡散しないので、出力信号のレベルをより大きくすることができ、いっそう高感度な検出が可能となる。さらに、ガス検出素子２０周辺の雰囲気が変動しても検出対象ガスの濃度は変動しないので、ガス検出素子２０周辺の雰囲気の変動に起因する出力信号の変動を抑制することができる。 Further, in the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the gas detection element 20 has a contact member 23 that is provided around the opening 21 a of the housing 21 and forms a closed space together with the surface of the fruit 1 and the housing 21. Since the closed space is formed by the contact member 23, the time until the output signal is saturated can be further shortened, and the inspection can be further speeded up. In addition, since the gas to be detected does not diffuse, the level of the output signal can be increased and detection with higher sensitivity is possible. Furthermore, since the concentration of the detection target gas does not change even if the atmosphere around the gas detection element 20 changes, fluctuations in the output signal due to the change in the atmosphere around the gas detection element 20 can be suppressed.
　なお、「閉空間」は、物理的な構成要素（ここでは青果物１、筐体２１および接触部材２３）によって閉じられた（包囲された）空間を意味している。閉空間とその外部との間では、気体の流入出がほぼ完全にないことが好ましいが、ガス検出素子２０の出力に大きな変動を与えない範囲内であれば気体の流入出があってもよい。 Note that the “closed space” means a space closed (enclosed) by physical components (here, fruits and vegetables 1, the casing 21, and the contact member 23). Between the closed space and the outside thereof, it is preferable that there is almost no gas inflow / outflow, but there may be gas inflow / outflow as long as the output of the gas detection element 20 is not significantly changed. .
　接触部材２３の硬度は、本実施形態のように、青果物（検査対象物）１の表面の硬度より低いことが好ましい。接触部材２３の硬度が青果物１の表面の硬度より低いと、ガス検出素子２０が青果物１に接触したときに、青果物１の表面形状に応じて接触部材２３の形状が変化し得る。そのため、ガス検出素子２０と青果物１の表面との間の隙間を小さくすることができ、外部から気体が入り込みにくい閉空間を容易に形成することができる。また、検査対象物が、表面形状が種類や個体によって異なるもの（例えば本実施形態のような青果物１）であっても閉空間を容易に形成し得るので、検査対象物の種類や個体差によらず、ガス濃度の検出を安定して行うことができる。さらに、本実施形態のように検査対象物が青果物１である場合には、接触部材２３の硬度が青果物１の表面の硬度よりも高いと、青果物１の表面に傷が付いたり、青果物１に接触部材２３が押し付けられることによって傷みが生じたりする可能性がある。接触部材２３の硬度が青果物１の表面の硬度より低いことにより、そのような問題の発生を防止できる。なお、接触部材２３の硬度および青果物１の表面の硬度は、例えばデュロメータ（JIS K 6253-1977/ ISO 7619）を用いた相対比較により測定することができる。 The hardness of the contact member 23 is preferably lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruits and vegetables (test object) 1 as in this embodiment. When the hardness of the contact member 23 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruit 1, the shape of the contact member 23 may change according to the surface shape of the fruit 1 when the gas detection element 20 contacts the fruit 1. Therefore, the gap between the gas detection element 20 and the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be reduced, and a closed space in which gas is difficult to enter from the outside can be easily formed. Further, even if the inspection object has a surface shape that differs depending on the type or individual (for example, fruits and vegetables 1 as in the present embodiment), a closed space can be easily formed. Regardless, the gas concentration can be detected stably. Further, when the inspection object is the fruit 1 as in this embodiment, if the hardness of the contact member 23 is higher than the surface hardness of the fruit 1, the surface of the fruit 1 is scratched or the fruit 1 The contact member 23 may be damaged by being pressed. Since the hardness of the contact member 23 is lower than the hardness of the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1, the occurrence of such a problem can be prevented. In addition, the hardness of the contact member 23 and the surface hardness of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be measured by relative comparison using, for example, a durometer (JIS K 6253-1977 / ISO 7619).
　また、ガス検出素子２０と青果物１の表面との間の隙間をなるべく小さくする観点からは、接触部材２３の突出高さＨは、下記式（１）の関係を満足することが好ましい。ここで、突出高さＨは、筐体２１の最上面（ここではフィルタ２５表面）から、接触部材２３の最上部（青果物１側端部）までの長さである（図２参照）。式（１）中のａは開口部２１ａの半径であり、ｒは球形に近似した青果物１の半径である。 Further, from the viewpoint of minimizing the gap between the gas detection element 20 and the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1, the protrusion height H of the contact member 23 preferably satisfies the relationship of the following formula (1). Here, the protrusion height H is the length from the uppermost surface of the casing 21 (here, the surface of the filter 25) to the uppermost portion (the end portion on the side of the fruits and vegetables 1) of the contact member 23 (see FIG. 2). In the formula (1), a is the radius of the opening 21a, and r is the radius of the fruit 1 that approximates a sphere.
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-M000001
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-M000001
　接触部材２３は、筐体２１に対して取り外し可能であることが好ましい。接触部材２３は、青果物１に接触するので、そのことによって汚れたり、劣化したりする可能性がある。接触部材２３が筐体に対して取り外し可能であると、ガス検出素子２０自体は交換する必要がない（接触部材２３のみを交換すればよい）ので、連続して検査を行うことが可能となる。 The contact member 23 is preferably removable from the housing 21. Since the contact member 23 contacts the fruits and vegetables 1, there is a possibility that the contact member 23 may become dirty or deteriorate. If the contact member 23 is detachable from the housing, the gas detection element 20 itself does not need to be replaced (only the contact member 23 needs to be replaced), so that it is possible to continuously inspect. .
　また、本実施形態における検査装置１００では、ガス検出素子２０が、筐体２１に対して青果物１側とは反対側（つまり接触部材２３とは反対側）に設けられた弾性部材２４を有する。このような弾性部材によってガス検出素子２０が青果物１に押し付けられることにより、ガス検出素子２０を青果物１にいっそう密着（近接）させることができ、閉空間の密閉度を高くするとともに閉空間の体積を小さくすることができる。そのため、ガス濃度の検出のいっそうの高速化および高感度化を図ることができる。また、青果物１の形状の個体差の影響を、弾性部材２４の変形により低減することができるので、ガス濃度の検出を安定して行うことができる。 Moreover, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the gas detection element 20 includes the elastic member 24 provided on the opposite side of the casing 21 from the fruit 1 side (that is, the opposite side from the contact member 23). By pressing the gas detection element 20 against the fruits and vegetables 1 by such an elastic member, the gas detection elements 20 can be further brought into close contact (adjacent) with the fruits and vegetables 1, thereby increasing the degree of sealing of the closed space and the volume of the closed space. Can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the speed and sensitivity of gas concentration detection. Moreover, since the influence of the individual difference of the shape of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be reduced by deformation | transformation of the elastic member 24, detection of gas concentration can be performed stably.
　また、本実施形態では、検査装置１００は、青果物（検査対象物）１が載せ置かれるトレーをさらに備えており、ガス検出素子２０は、トレー１０の底面１０ｂ上に設置されている。このような構成を採用することにより、検査場（例えば選果場）においてトレー１０（例えばコンベアに取り付けられている）に青果物１を載せ置くだけで、ガス検出素子２０を青果物１の表面に近接させて高速・高感度でガス濃度の検出を行うことができる。 In this embodiment, the inspection apparatus 100 further includes a tray on which the fruits and vegetables (inspection object) 1 are placed, and the gas detection element 20 is installed on the bottom surface 10 b of the tray 10. By adopting such a configuration, the gas detection element 20 is brought close to the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 simply by placing the fruits and vegetables 1 on the tray 10 (for example, attached to the conveyor) in the inspection field (for example, fruit selection field). Thus, the gas concentration can be detected with high speed and high sensitivity.
　なお、本実施形態では、ガス検出素子２０がトレー１０の底面１０ｂ上に設置されている構成を例示しているが、図３に示すように、ガス検出素子２０は、トレー１０の側面１０ｃ上に設置されていてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the gas detection element 20 is installed on the bottom surface 10b of the tray 10 is illustrated. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the gas detection element 20 is on the side surface 10c of the tray 10. It may be installed in.
　ここで、本実施形態の検査装置１００および比較例の検査装置によって青果物１から放出されるガスの濃度を実際に検出した結果を説明する。ここで説明する例では、青果物１としてバナナを用い、ガス検出素子２０として半導体式ガスセンサを用い、バナナの匂い成分であるガスの濃度を検出した。 Here, the result of actually detecting the concentration of gas released from the fruits and vegetables 1 by the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment and the inspection apparatus of the comparative example will be described. In the example described here, a banana is used as the fruit and vegetable 1, and a semiconductor gas sensor is used as the gas detection element 20, and the concentration of the gas that is the odor component of the banana is detected.
　検出の際は、図４（ａ）に示すように、トレー１０上にバナナ１Ｂを載せ置いた。トレー１０の載置面には開口部１０ａが形成されており、ガス検出素子（半導体式ガスセンサ）２０は、この開口部１０ａ内に設置した。半導体式ガスセンサ２０としては、より具体的には、有機溶剤用ガスセンサを用いた。 At the time of detection, the banana 1B was placed on the tray 10 as shown in FIG. An opening 10a is formed on the mounting surface of the tray 10, and the gas detection element (semiconductor gas sensor) 20 is installed in the opening 10a. More specifically, as the semiconductor gas sensor 20, an organic solvent gas sensor was used.
　検査装置１００の半導体式ガスセンサ２０は、図４（ｂ）に示すように、筐体２１およびガス感応部２２に加え、接触部材２３および弾性部材２４を備えている。トレー１０にバナナ１Ｂが載せ置かれると、バナナ１Ｂの自重により半導体式ガスセンサ２０はバナナ１Ｂに接触（密着）する。このとき、バナナ１Ｂの表面からガス感応部２２までの距離Ｄは４ｍｍである。 The semiconductor gas sensor 20 of the inspection apparatus 100 includes a contact member 23 and an elastic member 24 in addition to the housing 21 and the gas sensitive part 22 as shown in FIG. When the banana 1B is placed on the tray 10, the semiconductor gas sensor 20 contacts (adheres) to the banana 1B due to its own weight. At this time, the distance D from the surface of the banana 1B to the gas sensitive part 22 is 4 mm.
　これに対し、比較例の検査装置の半導体式ガスセンサ９２０は、図４（ｃ）に示すように、筐体９２１およびガス感応部９２２を備えているものの、接触部材や弾性部材を備えていない。また、トレー１０にバナナ１Ｂが載せ置かれた状態において、バナナ１Ｂの表面からガス感応部９２２までの距離Ｄは２０ｍｍであり、半導体式ガスセンサ９２０は、バナナ１Ｂに近接していない。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4C, the semiconductor gas sensor 920 of the inspection apparatus of the comparative example includes a housing 921 and a gas sensitive portion 922, but does not include a contact member or an elastic member. In the state where the banana 1B is placed on the tray 10, the distance D from the surface of the banana 1B to the gas sensitive part 922 is 20 mm, and the semiconductor gas sensor 920 is not close to the banana 1B.
　図５に、本実施形態の検査装置１００（図４（ｂ）の構成）および比較例の検査装置（図３（ｃ）の構成）のそれぞれについて、バナナ１Ｂの匂い成分の濃度を検出した結果（経過時間とセンサ出力との関係）を示す。 FIG. 5 shows a result of detecting the concentration of the odor component of the banana 1B for each of the inspection apparatus 100 (configuration of FIG. 4B) of this embodiment and the inspection apparatus of the comparative example (configuration of FIG. 3C). (Relationship between elapsed time and sensor output).
　図５からわかるように、本実施形態の検査装置１００では、半導体式ガスセンサ２０からの出力信号の立ち上がりが速く、信号レベルが大きい。また、出力信号が飽和するまでの時間が短い。これに対し、比較例の検査装置では、半導体式ガスセンサ９２０からの出力信号にほとんど変化がなく、匂い成分であるガスの濃度をほとんど検出できていない（比較例１）。また、比較例の検査装置において距離Ｄを８ｍｍ程度まで小さくすると、出力信号は得られるものの、信号レベルが小さく、半導体式ガスセンサ９２０周辺の雰囲気が変動するに伴いセンサ出力も変動している（比較例２）。これに対し、本実施形態の検査装置１００では、半導体式ガスセンサ２０周辺の雰囲気が変動しても、センサ出力への影響はなかった。 As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the inspection apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the rise of the output signal from the semiconductor gas sensor 20 is fast and the signal level is large. Also, the time until the output signal is saturated is short. On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus of the comparative example, there is almost no change in the output signal from the semiconductor gas sensor 920, and the concentration of the gas that is an odor component is hardly detected (Comparative Example 1). Further, when the distance D is reduced to about 8 mm in the inspection apparatus of the comparative example, although an output signal is obtained, the signal level is small, and the sensor output varies as the atmosphere around the semiconductor gas sensor 920 varies (comparison) Example 2). On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, even if the atmosphere around the semiconductor gas sensor 20 fluctuates, the sensor output is not affected.
　なお、上記の結果からもわかるように、ガス検出素子２０は検査対象物に密着していることが好ましいので、検査装置１００は、ガス検出素子２０と検査対象物との密着度を判定する密着度判定部、および、密着度判定部による判定結果を表示する判定結果表示部を備えてもよい。これにより、所望のセンサ出力が得られない、または、センサ出力が変動している場合には、ガス検出素子２０と検査対象物とが十分に密着していないことを通知することができるので、密着不足による検査ミスを低減することができる。 As can be seen from the above results, since the gas detection element 20 is preferably in close contact with the inspection object, the inspection apparatus 100 determines the close contact between the gas detection element 20 and the inspection object. You may provide the determination result display part which displays the determination result by a degree determination part and the contact degree determination part. Thereby, when a desired sensor output cannot be obtained or when the sensor output is fluctuating, it can be notified that the gas detection element 20 and the inspection object are not sufficiently in close contact with each other. Inspection errors due to insufficient adhesion can be reduced.
　上述したように、本実施形態の検査装置１００は、検査対象物１から放出されるガスの濃度を好適に検出することができる。 As described above, the inspection apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can suitably detect the concentration of the gas released from the inspection object 1.
　（実施形態２）
　図６を参照しながら、本実施形態における検査装置２００を説明する。図６は、検査装置２００を模式的に示す図である。以下では、本実施形態における検査装置２００が実施形態１における検査装置１００と異なる点を中心に説明を行う（以降の実施形態についても同様である）。 (Embodiment 2)
With reference to FIG. 6, an inspection apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 200. Below, it demonstrates centering around the point from which the inspection apparatus 200 in this embodiment differs from the inspection apparatus 100 in Embodiment 1 (the same is true of the following embodiments).
　実施形態１の検査装置１００では、ガス検出素子２０が弾性部材２４を有しており、弾性部材２４は、筐体２１とトレー１０の底面１０ｂとの間に配置されている。 In the inspection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the gas detection element 20 includes an elastic member 24, and the elastic member 24 is disposed between the housing 21 and the bottom surface 10 b of the tray 10.
　これに対し、本実施形態の検査装置２００では、図６に示すように、ガス検出素子２０は、弾性部材を有しておらず、固定されており、トレー１０の下、つまり、トレー１０に対して青果物（検査対象物）１側とは反対側に弾性部材１４が設けられている。つまり、実施形態１の検査装置１００ではガス検出素子２０の筐体２１が弾性部材２４によって弾性的に支持されているのに対し、本実施形態の検査装置２００ではトレー１０が弾性部材１４によって弾性的に支持されている。弾性部材１４は、最も圧縮された状態において青果物１の表面がガス検出素子２０の筐体２１の最上部まで下がるように、その高さ等を調整されている。 On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the gas detection element 20 does not have an elastic member and is fixed, and is below the tray 10, that is, on the tray 10. On the other hand, an elastic member 14 is provided on the side opposite to the side of the fruits and vegetables (test object) 1. That is, the casing 21 of the gas detection element 20 is elastically supported by the elastic member 24 in the inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, whereas the tray 10 is elastically supported by the elastic member 14 in the inspection apparatus 200 of the present embodiment. Is supported. The height and the like of the elastic member 14 are adjusted so that the surface of the fruit 1 is lowered to the top of the casing 21 of the gas detection element 20 in the most compressed state.
　このように、トレー１０が弾性部材１４によって弾性的に支持されているので、青果物１がトレー１０に載せ置かれると、青果物１の重さによってトレー１０がガス検出素子２０側に下がることにより、青果物１の表面がガス検出素子２０に密着（接触）する。 Thus, since the tray 10 is elastically supported by the elastic member 14, when the fruit 1 is placed on the tray 10, the tray 10 is lowered to the gas detection element 20 side due to the weight of the fruit 1. The surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 is in close contact (contact) with the gas detection element 20.
　本実施形態の検査装置２００では、上述した構成により、青果物１がガス検出素子２０に強く押し付けられることおよび青果物１の表面が傷付くことを防止しつつ、ガス濃度の検出を安定して行うことができる。また、ガス検出素子２０が移動しないので、ガス検出素子２０の移動によるノイズ成分の出力信号への混入を抑制することができる。 In the inspection apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to stably detect the gas concentration while preventing the fruits and vegetables 1 from being strongly pressed against the gas detection element 20 and the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 from being damaged. Can do. In addition, since the gas detection element 20 does not move, it is possible to suppress mixing of noise components into the output signal due to movement of the gas detection element 20.
　（実施形態３）
　図７を参照しながら、本実施形態における検査装置３００を説明する。図７は、検査装置３００を模式的に示す図である。 (Embodiment 3)
With reference to FIG. 7, the inspection apparatus 300 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 300.
　本実施形態の検査装置３００は、図７に示すように、ガス検出素子２０を少なくとも上下方向に移動させることができる移動機構３０を備えている点において、実施形態１の検査装置１００と異なっている。 As shown in FIG. 7, the inspection apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment is different from the inspection apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a moving mechanism 30 that can move the gas detection element 20 at least in the vertical direction. Yes.
　移動機構３０は、アーム３１と、駆動部３２とを有する。アーム３１の先端部には、ガス検出素子２０が取り付けられている。本実施形態では、ガス検出素子２０は、筐体２１、ガス感応部２２および接触部材２３を有しているが、弾性部材２４を有していない。つまり、ガス検出素子２０はアーム３１に対して固定されている。駆動部３２は、回転軸３２ａを中心としてアーム３１を回転させることができる。 The moving mechanism 30 includes an arm 31 and a drive unit 32. A gas detection element 20 is attached to the tip of the arm 31. In the present embodiment, the gas detection element 20 includes the housing 21, the gas sensitive portion 22, and the contact member 23, but does not include the elastic member 24. That is, the gas detection element 20 is fixed to the arm 31. The drive unit 32 can rotate the arm 31 about the rotation shaft 32a.
　本実施形態における検査装置３００は、上述した移動機構３０を備えることにより、トレー１０上に載せ置かれた青果物１に対し、上方からガス検出素子２０を近接（つまり接触部材２３を接触）させることができる。そのため、ガス検出素子２０を一定の強さで青果物１に密着させることができる。それ故、検査ごとの密着度合のばらつきが小さくなり、密着度合のばらつきに起因する検出結果のばらつきを低減することができる。また、ガス検出素子２０の開口部２１ａが下側に向いているので、青果物１に付着しているごみなどが開口部２１ａに付着することを防止することができる。 The inspection apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment includes the moving mechanism 30 described above, whereby the gas detection element 20 is brought close to the fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the tray 10 from above (that is, the contact member 23 is brought into contact). Can do. Therefore, the gas detection element 20 can be adhered to the fruits and vegetables 1 with a certain strength. Therefore, the variation in the adhesion degree for each inspection is reduced, and the variation in the detection result due to the variation in the adhesion degree can be reduced. Moreover, since the opening 21a of the gas detection element 20 faces downward, it is possible to prevent dust and the like adhering to the fruits and vegetables 1 from adhering to the opening 21a.
　なお、移動機構３０の具体的な構成は、図７に例示したものに限定されない。移動機構３０は、ガス検出素子２０を少なくとも上下方向に移動させることができる限り、どのような構成であってもよい。 The specific configuration of the moving mechanism 30 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. The moving mechanism 30 may have any configuration as long as the gas detecting element 20 can be moved at least in the vertical direction.
　（実施形態４）
　図８を参照しながら、本実施形態における検査装置４００を説明する。図８は、検査装置４００を模式的に示す図である。 (Embodiment 4)
The inspection apparatus 400 in this embodiment is demonstrated referring FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 400.
　本実施形態の検査装置４００は、図８に示すように、青果物１を挟み込むことができる一対のアーム４１および４２を備えている点において、実施形態１の検査装置１００と異なっている。 The inspection apparatus 400 of the present embodiment is different from the inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment in that it includes a pair of arms 41 and 42 that can sandwich the fruits and vegetables 1 as shown in FIG.
　一対のアーム４１および４２の一方４１の先端部には、ガス検出素子２０が取り付けられている。本実施形態では、ガス検出素子２０は、筐体２１、ガス感応部２２および接触部材２３を有しているが、弾性部材２４を有していない。つまり、ガス検出素子２０はアーム４１に対して固定されている。一対のアーム４１および４２の他方４２の先端部には、ガス濃度の検出の際に青果物１の表面に接触する接触部材４３が設けられている。接触部材４３は、青果物１を安定に挟み込むことができるようにゴムなどの材料から形成されている。接触部材４３は、ガス検出素子２０の接触部材２３と同じ材料から形成されていてもよい。一対のアーム４１および４２は、駆動部４４によって開閉される。 The gas detection element 20 is attached to the tip of one of the pair of arms 41 and 42. In the present embodiment, the gas detection element 20 includes the housing 21, the gas sensitive portion 22, and the contact member 23, but does not include the elastic member 24. That is, the gas detection element 20 is fixed with respect to the arm 41. At the tip of the other 42 of the pair of arms 41 and 42, a contact member 43 that comes into contact with the surface of the fruits and vegetables 1 when the gas concentration is detected is provided. The contact member 43 is made of a material such as rubber so that the fruits and vegetables 1 can be sandwiched stably. The contact member 43 may be formed of the same material as the contact member 23 of the gas detection element 20. The pair of arms 41 and 42 are opened and closed by the drive unit 44.
　本実施形態における検査装置４００は、上述した一対のアーム４１および４２を備えることにより、一対のアーム４１および４２が青果物１を挟み込むことによって青果物１にガス検出素子２０を近接（つまり接触部材２３を接触）させることができる。略球状で、且つ、個体差のある青果物１をトレー１０上に載せ置いてガス濃度の検出を行う場合、青果物１が安定しないために密着度合が低くなることがある。これに対し、本実施形態の検査装置４００では、一対のアーム４１および４２によって青果物１が挟み込まれた状態でガス濃度の検出を行うことができるので、ガス検出素子２０を青果物１に対していっそう安定に密着させることができる（つまり密着度合のばらつきを小さくできる）。 The inspection apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment includes the pair of arms 41 and 42 described above, whereby the pair of arms 41 and 42 sandwiches the fruit 1 to bring the gas detection element 20 close to the fruit 1 (that is, the contact member 23). Contact). When the fruit and vegetables 1 having a substantially spherical shape and having individual differences are placed on the tray 10 to detect the gas concentration, the degree of adhesion may be lowered because the fruits and vegetables 1 are not stable. On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus 400 of the present embodiment, the gas concentration can be detected in a state where the fruits and vegetables 1 are sandwiched by the pair of arms 41 and 42. It can be stably adhered (that is, variation in the degree of adhesion can be reduced).
　なお、図８に例示した構成では、一対のアーム４１および４２の一方４１のみにガス検出素子２０が取り付けられているが、一対のアーム４１および４２の両方にガス検出素子２０が取り付けられていてもよい。一対のアーム４１および４２の両方にガス検出素子２０が取り付けられていると、２箇所でガス濃度を検出することができるので、得られた２つの値を平均することにより、青果物１全体の熟度を好適に判別することが可能になる。また、２つの値を比較することにより、熟度の偏りの有無を判別することができる。 In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, the gas detection element 20 is attached only to one of the pair of arms 41 and 42, but the gas detection element 20 is attached to both the pair of arms 41 and 42. Also good. If the gas detection element 20 is attached to both of the pair of arms 41 and 42, the gas concentration can be detected at two locations. Therefore, by averaging the two values obtained, The degree can be suitably determined. Further, by comparing the two values, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a deviation in maturity.
　また、３つ以上のガス検出素子２０を青果物１の周囲に配置する構成としてもよい。この場合、青果物１の熟度の分布を知ることができる。 Also, a configuration in which three or more gas detection elements 20 are arranged around the fruits and vegetables 1 may be adopted. In this case, the distribution of the maturity of the fruits and vegetables 1 can be known.
　（実施形態５）
　図９を参照しながら、本実施形態における検査装置５００を説明する。図９は、検査装置５００を模式的に示す図である。 (Embodiment 5)
With reference to FIG. 9, an inspection apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the inspection apparatus 500.
　本実施形態の検査装置５００は、図９に示すように、ガス検出素子２０を移動させることができる移動機構５０を備えている点において、実施形態１の検査装置１００と異なっている。 9 is different from the inspection apparatus 100 of the first embodiment in that the inspection apparatus 500 of the present embodiment includes a moving mechanism 50 that can move the gas detection element 20, as shown in FIG.
　移動機構５０は、ガス検出素子２０に接続されたシャフト５１と、シャフト５１を送り出す（上下方向に移動させる）駆動部５２とを有する。駆動部５２は、所定のレベルの押し返す力を検知したときにシャフト５１の送り出しを停止する機能を有する。本実施形態では、ガス検出素子２０は、筐体２１、ガス感応部２２および接触部材２３を有しているが、弾性部材２４を有していない。つまり、ガス検出素子２０はシャフト５１に対して固定されている。 The moving mechanism 50 includes a shaft 51 connected to the gas detection element 20 and a drive unit 52 that feeds the shaft 51 (moves it up and down). The drive unit 52 has a function of stopping the delivery of the shaft 51 when detecting a pushing force of a predetermined level. In the present embodiment, the gas detection element 20 includes the housing 21, the gas sensitive portion 22, and the contact member 23, but does not include the elastic member 24. That is, the gas detection element 20 is fixed with respect to the shaft 51.
　本実施形態における検査装置５００は、上述した移動機構５０を備えているので、移動機構５０がガス検出素子２０を移動させることによって、トレー１０上に載せ置かれた青果物１にガス検出素子２０を（つまり接触部材２３を）接触させることができる。そのため、青果物１の個体差の影響を受けずに、ガス検出素子２０を青果物１にいっそう安定に密着させることができる。 Since the inspection apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment includes the moving mechanism 50 described above, the moving mechanism 50 moves the gas detecting element 20, whereby the gas detecting element 20 is placed on the fruits and vegetables 1 placed on the tray 10. (That is, the contact member 23) can be brought into contact. Therefore, the gas detection element 20 can be more closely attached to the fruits and vegetables 1 without being affected by individual differences in the fruits and vegetables 1.
　なお、移動機構５０の具体的な構成は、図９に例示したものに限定されない。移動機構５０は、ガス検出素子２０を移動させることができる限り、どのような構成であってもよい。 Note that the specific configuration of the moving mechanism 50 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. The moving mechanism 50 may have any configuration as long as the gas detecting element 20 can be moved.
　（実施形態６）
　図１０を参照しながら、本実形態における検査装置６００を説明する。図１０（ａ）および（ｂ）は、検査装置６００を模式的に示す図である。図１０（ａ）は、青果物１がトレー１０に載せ置かれた状態を示しており、図１０（ｂ）は、青果物１がトレー１０から取り除かれた状態を示している。 (Embodiment 6)
With reference to FIG. 10, an inspection apparatus 600 in the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams schematically showing the inspection apparatus 600. FIG. FIG. 10A shows a state where the fruits and vegetables 1 are placed on the tray 10, and FIG. 10B shows a state where the fruits and vegetables 1 are removed from the tray 10.
　本実施形態の検査装置６００は、図１０（ａ）および（ｂ）に示すように、ガス検出素子２０に対して換気を行う換気機構６０を備える点において、実施形態１の検査装置１００と異なっている。 The inspection apparatus 600 of this embodiment differs from the inspection apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 in that it includes a ventilation mechanism 60 that ventilates the gas detection element 20 as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). ing.
　換気機構６０は、ガス検出素子２０、より具体的にはガス感応部２２に対し、換気を行う（つまり空気を入れ替える）ことができる。換気機構６０の具体的な構成に、特に制限はない。 The ventilation mechanism 60 can ventilate (that is, replace air) the gas detection element 20, more specifically, the gas sensitive part 22. There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the specific structure of the ventilation mechanism 60. FIG.
　本実施形態の検査装置６００は、上述した換気機構６０を備えているので、出力信号の変化などから青果物１が取り除かれたと判定されたときに、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、換気機構６０によりガス検出素子２０に対して換気が行われる。これにより、ガス検出素子２０の周辺に滞留するガスを拡散させることができるので、ガス検出素子２０のリフレッシュ速度の高速化が可能となる。そのため、単位時間に検査できる青果物１の数を増加させることができる。 Since the inspection apparatus 600 of the present embodiment includes the ventilation mechanism 60 described above, when it is determined that the fruits and vegetables 1 have been removed from a change in the output signal or the like, as shown in FIG. The gas detection element 20 is ventilated by 60. Thereby, since the gas staying around the gas detection element 20 can be diffused, the refresh rate of the gas detection element 20 can be increased. Therefore, the number of fruits and vegetables 1 that can be inspected per unit time can be increased.
　（他の実施形態）
　実施形態１～６では、ガス検出素子２０の接触部材２３が検査対象物１の表面に接触する（つまりガス検出素子２０が接触部材２３を介して検査対象物１に密着する）構成を例示したが、本発明の実施形態はこのような構成に限定されるものではない。本発明の実施形態による検査装置は、ガス検出素子２０の（筐体２１の）開口部２１ａが検査対象物１の表面に近接し、ガス感応部２２が検査対象物１の表面から所定の距離以下の位置にある状態で検査を行うように構成されていればよく、接触部材２３が省略されてもよい。検査対象物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離は、検査対象物１の表面の一部から放出されるガスのみについてその濃度が検出される（つまり検査対象物１の全体から放出されるガス全部を検出対象とはしない）範囲であればよく、具体的には、検査対象物１の表面からガス感応部２２までの距離は、２０ｍｍ未満であることが好ましく、８ｍｍ未満であることがより好ましい。 (Other embodiments)
In the first to sixth embodiments, the configuration in which the contact member 23 of the gas detection element 20 is in contact with the surface of the inspection object 1 (that is, the gas detection element 20 is in close contact with the inspection object 1 through the contact member 23) is exemplified. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. In the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the opening 21a (of the casing 21) of the gas detection element 20 is close to the surface of the inspection object 1, and the gas sensitive part 22 is a predetermined distance from the surface of the inspection object 1. The contact member 23 may be omitted as long as the inspection is performed in the following position. As for the distance from the surface of the inspection object 1 to the gas sensitive part 22, the concentration of only the gas emitted from a part of the surface of the inspection object 1 is detected (that is, the whole of the inspection object 1 is released). In other words, the distance from the surface of the inspection object 1 to the gas sensitive part 22 is preferably less than 20 mm, and preferably less than 8 mm. More preferred.
　また、実施形態１～６では、検査対象物１が青果物である構成を例示したが、検査対象物１は青果物以外であってもよい。例えば、検査対象物１が人間であり、人間の皮膚から放出されるガス（例えば、水蒸気やアセトアルデヒド）を検出してもよい。ガス検出素子２０の接触部材２３を人間の皮膚に接触させる場合、皮膚が弾力性を有しているので、必ずしも接触部材２３の硬度が皮膚よりも低い必要はない。手やベルトなどを用いてガス検出素子２０を皮膚に押し付けることにより、接触部材２３が弾力性を有する皮膚に密着して閉空間を形成するので、ガス検出素子２０周辺の雰囲気の変動の影響を受けず、放出ガスを高感度に検出することが可能となる。このとき、接触部材２３の材料は、金属材料（ステンレス鋼やチタン合金などの合金材料を含む）であってもよいし、樹脂（プラスチック）材料であってもよい。これらの材料を用いることにより、接触部材２３の劣化による密閉性の低下を防ぐことができる。また、検査装置が、ガス検出素子２０を検査対象物１に押し付けるためのベルトを備えていてもよい。これにより、人間の腕、腹、足、顔などの各部に、密着度合いを調整しながらガス検出素子２０を接触させることができる。 In the first to sixth embodiments, the configuration in which the inspection object 1 is a fruit or vegetable is illustrated, but the inspection object 1 may be other than the fruit or vegetable. For example, the test object 1 may be a human and gas (for example, water vapor or acetaldehyde) released from the human skin may be detected. When the contact member 23 of the gas detection element 20 is brought into contact with human skin, the skin does not necessarily need to have a lower hardness than the skin because the skin has elasticity. By pressing the gas detection element 20 against the skin using a hand or a belt, the contact member 23 is brought into close contact with the elastic skin to form a closed space, so that the influence of the change in the atmosphere around the gas detection element 20 is affected. Without being received, it becomes possible to detect the released gas with high sensitivity. At this time, the material of the contact member 23 may be a metal material (including an alloy material such as stainless steel or a titanium alloy) or a resin (plastic) material. By using these materials, it is possible to prevent a decrease in hermeticity due to deterioration of the contact member 23. Further, the inspection apparatus may include a belt for pressing the gas detection element 20 against the inspection object 1. Thereby, the gas detection element 20 can be brought into contact with each part such as a human arm, belly, foot, and face while adjusting the degree of adhesion.
　本明細書は、以下の項目に記載の検査装置を開示している。 This specification discloses the inspection apparatus described in the following items.
　［項目１］
　検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置であって、
　開口部が形成された筐体と、前記筐体の内部に設けられたガス感応部とを有するガス検出素子を備え、
　前記検査装置は、前記開口部が前記検査対象物の表面に近接し、前記ガス感応部が前記検査対象物の表面から所定の距離以下の位置にある状態で検査を行うように構成されている検査装置。 [Item 1]
An inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object,
Comprising a gas detection element having a housing in which an opening is formed and a gas sensitive portion provided in the housing;
The inspection apparatus is configured to perform an inspection in a state where the opening is close to the surface of the inspection object and the gas sensitive part is located at a predetermined distance or less from the surface of the inspection object. Inspection device.
　項目１の検査装置によると、ガス検出素子からの出力信号が飽和するまでの時間を短くし、ガス濃度の検出の高速化を図ることができる。また、出力信号のレベルを大きくし、高感度な検出が可能となる。さらに、サイズに個体差がある検査対象物（例えば青果物）に対しても放出ガス量の定量的な評価を行うことができる。 According to the inspection device of item 1, the time until the output signal from the gas detection element is saturated can be shortened, and the detection of the gas concentration can be speeded up. In addition, the level of the output signal is increased, and highly sensitive detection is possible. Furthermore, the quantity of emitted gas can be quantitatively evaluated even for inspection objects (for example, fruits and vegetables) having individual differences in size.
　［項目２］
　前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体の前記開口部の周囲に設けられ、前記検査対象物の表面に接触する接触部材であって、前記検査対象物の表面および前記筐体とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材をさらに有する項目１に記載の検査装置。 [Item 2]
The gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing. The inspection apparatus according to item 1, further comprising a contact member.
　項目２の検査装置によると、出力信号が飽和するまでの時間をより短くすることができ、検査のいっそうの高速化を図ることができる。また、出力信号のレベルをより大きくすることができ、いっそう高感度な検出が可能となる。さらに、ガス検出素子周辺の雰囲気の変動に起因する出力信号の変動を抑制することができる。 According to the inspection device of item 2, the time until the output signal is saturated can be shortened, and the inspection can be further speeded up. In addition, the level of the output signal can be increased, and detection with higher sensitivity is possible. Further, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output signal caused by fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas detection element.
　［項目３］
　検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置であって、
　開口部が形成された筐体と、前記筐体の内部に設けられたガス感応部とを有するガス検出素子を備え、
　前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体の前記開口部の周囲に設けられ、前記検査対象物の表面に接触する接触部材であって、前記検査対象物の表面および前記筐体とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材をさらに有する検査装置。 [Item 3]
An inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object,
Comprising a gas detection element having a housing in which an opening is formed and a gas sensitive portion provided in the housing;
The gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing. An inspection apparatus further comprising a contact member.
　項目３の検査装置によると、ガス検出素子からの出力信号が飽和するまでの時間を短くし、ガス濃度の検出の高速化を図ることができる。また、出力信号のレベルを大きくし、高感度な検出が可能となる。さらに、ガス検出素子周辺の雰囲気の変動に起因する出力信号の変動を抑制することができる。また、サイズに個体差がある検査対象物（例えば青果物）に対しても放出ガス量の定量的な評価を行うことができる。 According to the inspection apparatus of item 3, the time until the output signal from the gas detection element is saturated can be shortened, and the detection of the gas concentration can be speeded up. In addition, the level of the output signal is increased, and highly sensitive detection is possible. Further, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output signal caused by fluctuations in the atmosphere around the gas detection element. Further, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the amount of released gas even for an inspection object (for example, fruits and vegetables) having individual differences in size.
　［項目４］
　前記接触部材の硬度は、前記検査対象物の表面の硬度より低い項目２または３に記載の検査装置。 [Item 4]
4. The inspection apparatus according to item 2 or 3, wherein the hardness of the contact member is lower than the hardness of the surface of the inspection object.
　項目４の検査装置によると、ガス検出素子と検査対象物の表面との間の隙間を小さくすることができ、外部から気体が入り込みにくい閉空間を容易に形成することができる。また、検査対象物の種類や個体差によらず、ガス濃度の検出を安定して行うことができる。さらに、検査対象物が青果物である場合には、青果物の表面に傷が付いたり、青果物に接触部材が押し付けられることによって傷みが生じたりすることを防止できる。 According to the inspection apparatus of item 4, the gap between the gas detection element and the surface of the inspection object can be reduced, and a closed space in which gas cannot easily enter from the outside can be easily formed. In addition, the gas concentration can be stably detected regardless of the type of inspection object or individual differences. Further, when the inspection object is a fruit or vegetable, it is possible to prevent the surface of the fruit or vegetable from being damaged or the contact member being pressed against the fruit or vegetable to cause damage.
　［項目５］
　前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体に対して前記検査対象物側とは反対側に設けられた弾性部材をさらに有する項目１から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 5]
5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the gas detection element further includes an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the casing.
　項目５の検査装置によると、ガス濃度の検出のいっそうの高速化および高感度化を図ることができる。また、検査対象物の形状の個体差の影響を低減させ、ガス濃度の検出を安定して行うことができる。 According to the inspection device of item 5, it is possible to further increase the speed and sensitivity of the gas concentration detection. In addition, the influence of individual differences in the shape of the inspection object can be reduced, and the gas concentration can be detected stably.
　［項目６］
　前記検査対象物が載せ置かれるトレーをさらに備え、
　前記ガス検出素子は、前記トレーの底面上または側面上に設置されている項目１から５のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 6]
A tray on which the inspection object is placed;
6. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the gas detection element is installed on a bottom surface or a side surface of the tray.
　項目６の検査装置によると、検査場（例えば選果場）において、トレー（例えばコンベアに取り付けられている）に検査対象物（例えば青果物）を載せ置くだけで、ガス検出素子を検査対象物の表面に近接させて高速・高感度でガス濃度の検出を行うことができる。 According to the inspection apparatus of item 6, in the inspection site (for example, fruit selection site), the gas detection element is placed on the inspection object by simply placing the inspection object (for example, fruits and vegetables) on a tray (for example, attached to a conveyor). The gas concentration can be detected with high speed and high sensitivity in the vicinity of the surface.
　［項目７］
　前記検査対象物が載せ置かれるトレーと、
　前記トレーに対して前記検査対象物側とは反対側に設けられた弾性部材と、をさらに備える項目１から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 7]
A tray on which the inspection object is placed;
The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising: an elastic member provided on a side opposite to the inspection object side with respect to the tray.
　項目７の検査装置によると、検査対象物がガス検出素子に強く押し付けられることおよび検査対象物の表面が傷付くことを防止しつつ、ガス濃度の検出を安定して行うことができる。 According to the inspection apparatus of item 7, it is possible to stably detect the gas concentration while preventing the inspection object from being strongly pressed against the gas detection element and preventing the surface of the inspection object from being damaged.
　［項目８］
　前記ガス検出素子を少なくとも上下方向に移動させることができる移動機構をさらに備え、
　前記検査対象物に対し、上方から前記ガス検出素子を近接させる項目１から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 8]
A moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element at least in the vertical direction;
The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the gas detection element is brought close to the inspection object from above.
　項目８の検査装置によると、ガス検出素子を一定の強さで検査対象物に密着させることができる。そのため、検査ごとの密着度合のばらつきが小さくなり、密着度合のばらつきに起因する検出結果のばらつきを低減することができる。 According to the inspection apparatus of item 8, the gas detection element can be brought into close contact with the inspection object with a certain strength. Therefore, the variation in the adhesion degree for each inspection is reduced, and the variation in the detection result due to the variation in the adhesion degree can be reduced.
　［項目９］
　前記検査対象物を挟み込むことができる一対のアームであって、少なくとも一方に前記ガス検出素子が取り付けられた一対のアームをさらに備え、
　前記一対のアームが前記検査対象物を挟み込むことによって前記検査対象物に前記ガス検出素子を近接させる項目１から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 9]
A pair of arms capable of sandwiching the inspection object, further comprising a pair of arms to which the gas detection element is attached to at least one of the arms;
5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the pair of arms sandwich the inspection object to bring the gas detection element close to the inspection object.
　項目９の検査装置によると、ガス検出素子をいっそう安定に青果物に密着させることができる。 According to the inspection device of item 9, the gas detection element can be more closely attached to the fruits and vegetables.
　［項目１０］
　前記ガス検出素子を移動させることができる移動機構をさらに備え、
　前記移動機構が前記ガス検出素子を移動させることによって前記検査対象物に前記ガス検出素子を近接させる項目１から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 10]
A moving mechanism capable of moving the gas detection element;
5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the moving mechanism moves the gas detection element to bring the gas detection element close to the inspection object.
　項目１０の検査装置によると、検査対象物の個体差の影響を受けずに、ガス検出素子を検査対象物にいっそう安定に密着させることができる。 According to the inspection apparatus of item 10, the gas detection element can be more closely adhered to the inspection object without being affected by the individual difference of the inspection object.
　［項目１１］
　前記検査対象物は、青果物であり、
　前記ガス検出素子は、エチレンガスの濃度を検出することができる項目１から１０のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 11]
The inspection object is a fruit and vegetable,
The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the gas detection element is capable of detecting the concentration of ethylene gas.
　項目１１の検査装置によると、青果物の熟度を高速かつ高感度で測定することができる。 * According to the inspection device of item 11, the maturity of fruits and vegetables can be measured at high speed and with high sensitivity.
　［項目１２］
　前記ガス検出素子の前記接触部材は、前記筐体に対して取り外し可能である項目２から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 12]
5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 2 to 4, wherein the contact member of the gas detection element is removable from the housing.
　項目１２の検査装置によると、連続して検査を行うことが容易となる。 According to the inspection device of item 12, it becomes easy to perform continuous inspection.
　［項目１３］
　前記ガス検出素子に対して換気を行う換気機構をさらに備える項目１から１２のいずれかに記載の検査装置。 [Item 13]
13. The inspection apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising a ventilation mechanism that ventilates the gas detection element.
　項目１３の検査装置によると、ガス検出素子のリフレッシュ速度の高速化が可能となり、単位時間に検査できる検査対象物の数を増加させることができる。 According to the inspection device of item 13, the refresh rate of the gas detection element can be increased, and the number of inspection objects that can be inspected per unit time can be increased.
　本発明の実施形態によると、検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を好適に検出することができる検査装置が提供される。 According to the embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an inspection apparatus capable of suitably detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object.
　１　　青果物（検査対象物）
　１０　　トレー
　１０ａ　　トレーの開口部
　１０ｂ　　トレーの底面
　１４　　弾性部材
　２０　　ガス検出素子
　２１　　筐体
　２１ａ　　筐体の開口部
　２２　　ガス感応部
　２３　　接触部材
　２４　　弾性部材
　２５　　フィルタ
　２６　　電極
　２７　　電極取り出し部
　３０　　移動機構
　３１　　アーム
　３２　　駆動部
　３２ａ　　回転軸
　４１、４２　　アーム
　４３　　接触部材
　４４　　駆動部
　５０　　移動機構
　５１　　シャフト
　５２　　駆動部
　６０　　換気機構
　１００、２００、３００、４００、５００、６００　　検査装置（青果物検査装置） 1 Fruits and vegetables (test object)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Tray 10a Tray opening 10b Tray bottom surface 14 Elastic member 20 Gas detection element 21 Housing 21a Housing opening 22 Gas sensitive unit 23 Contact member 24 Elastic member 25 Filter 26 Electrode 27 Electrode extraction unit 30 Moving mechanism 31 Arm 32 Drive unit 32a Rotating shaft 41, 42 Arm 43 Contact member 44 Drive unit 50 Moving mechanism 51 Shaft 52 Drive unit 60 Ventilation mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Inspection device (fruit and vegetable inspection device)

Claims (5)

  1. 　検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置であって、
    　開口部が形成された筐体と、前記筐体の内部に設けられたガス感応部とを有するガス検出素子を備え、
    　前記検査装置は、前記開口部が前記検査対象物の表面に近接し、前記ガス感応部が前記検査対象物の表面から所定の距離以下の位置にある状態で検査を行うように構成されている検査装置。     An inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object,
    Comprising a gas detection element having a housing in which an opening is formed and a gas sensitive portion provided in the housing;
    The inspection apparatus is configured to perform an inspection in a state where the opening is close to the surface of the inspection object and the gas sensitive part is located at a predetermined distance or less from the surface of the inspection object. Inspection device.
  2. 　前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体の前記開口部の周囲に設けられ、前記検査対象物の表面に接触する接触部材であって、前記検査対象物の表面および前記筐体とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材をさらに有する請求項１に記載の検査装置。 The gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a contact member.
  3. 　検査対象物から放出されるガスの濃度を検出することによって検査を行う検査装置であって、
    　開口部が形成された筐体と、前記筐体の内部に設けられたガス感応部とを有するガス検出素子を備え、
    　前記ガス検出素子は、前記筐体の前記開口部の周囲に設けられ、前記検査対象物の表面に接触する接触部材であって、前記検査対象物の表面および前記筐体とともに閉空間を形成する接触部材をさらに有する検査装置。     An inspection apparatus that performs an inspection by detecting the concentration of gas released from an inspection object,
    Comprising a gas detection element having a housing in which an opening is formed and a gas sensitive portion provided in the housing;
    The gas detection element is a contact member that is provided around the opening of the housing and contacts the surface of the inspection object, and forms a closed space together with the surface of the inspection object and the housing. An inspection apparatus further comprising a contact member.
  4. 　前記接触部材の硬度は、前記検査対象物の表面の硬度より低い請求項２または３に記載の検査装置。 4. The inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hardness of the contact member is lower than the hardness of the surface of the inspection object.
  5. 　前記検査対象物が載せ置かれるトレーをさらに備え、
    　前記ガス検出素子は、前記トレーの底面上または側面上に設置されている請求項１から４のいずれかに記載の検査装置。     A tray on which the inspection object is placed;
    The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas detection element is installed on a bottom surface or a side surface of the tray.
PCT/JP2015/072904 2014-08-26 2015-08-13 Inspection device WO2016031585A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11118681A (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-04-30 Ohbayashi Corp Simple testing method for generation of gas
JP2002162322A (en) * 2000-11-24 2002-06-07 Daiwa House Ind Co Ltd Device for measuring radiant quantity of hazardous chemical materials such as aldehyde, vco and the like at different spaces
JP2009097960A (en) * 2007-10-16 2009-05-07 Toyota Industries Corp Skin-permeating gas detector
JP2010281698A (en) * 2009-06-04 2010-12-16 Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc Skin gas detection device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH11118681A (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-04-30 Ohbayashi Corp Simple testing method for generation of gas
JP2002162322A (en) * 2000-11-24 2002-06-07 Daiwa House Ind Co Ltd Device for measuring radiant quantity of hazardous chemical materials such as aldehyde, vco and the like at different spaces
JP2009097960A (en) * 2007-10-16 2009-05-07 Toyota Industries Corp Skin-permeating gas detector
JP2010281698A (en) * 2009-06-04 2010-12-16 Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc Skin gas detection device

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