Particle sampling device and particle sampling method

Abstract

The particle sampling device (10) is a particle sampling device for sampling particles into a liquid, wherein the device comprises: a first electrode (22) which is cylindrical and has both ends in the axial direction open; a second electrode (24) which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode (22) and is arranged in the first electrode (22) at a distance from the inner surface (66) of the first electrode (22); a supply unit (28) which supplies liquid (68) into the first electrode (22) so that the liquid (68) accumulates on a portion of the inner surface (66) in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode (22); a voltage applying unit (26) which applies a voltage between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24); a driving unit (32) which rotates the first electrode (22) around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode (22) and passing through the first electrode (22); and a recovery unit (30) which recovers the accumulated liquid (68).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a particle sampling device and a particle sampling method for sampling particles. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there have been known devices and methods for sampling particles in a gas using a device that utilizes the inertia and centrifugal force of the particles (for example, see Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3). Patent Document 1 discloses a method for capturing microorganisms floating in the air onto a membrane filter by sucking air through a membrane filter. Patent Document 2 discloses an airborne microorganism sampler that captures the floating microorganisms by causing the air sucked from the suction part to collide with a culture medium so that the floating microorganisms in the air adhere to the culture medium. Patent Document 3 discloses a device that separates and captures the captured object from the air by utilizing the centrifugal force generated by the swirling of the sucked air.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-161143

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-11265

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-52866 Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, in the above-mentioned conventional structure, particles such as aerosols separated from the suctioned air often accumulate in a dry state, requiring further steps for analysis such as extraction into a solution. In addition, when the particles of the sampling object are biological, they cannot be captured while maintaining their activity. In addition, even if the purpose is to recover them into a liquid in order to solve these problems, in order to obtain a high concentration, a lot of time is required due to the large amount of solution, resulting in a large pressure loss caused by suction and a large noise caused by suction. In addition, regarding its capture performance, the factors such as the shape of the device, the size of the device, the suction speed, the size of the target aerosol, etc. have a great influence, and there is a problem that it cannot be captured efficiently.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a technique that can efficiently sample particulates.

[0010] A particle sampling device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a particle sampling device for sampling particles into a liquid, wherein the device comprises: a first electrode, which is cylindrical and has open ends at both ends in the axial direction; a second electrode, which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit, which supplies liquid into the first electrode so that the liquid accumulates on a portion of the inner surface in the direction around the axial center of the first electrode; a voltage applying unit, which applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving unit, which rotates the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; and a recovery unit, which recovers the accumulated liquid.

[0011] In addition, a particle sampling method of one embodiment of the present invention is a particle sampling method using a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is cylindrical and has both ends opened in the axial direction of the first electrode, and the second electrode extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, wherein the particle sampling method comprises: a supply step of supplying liquid into the first electrode so that the liquid accumulates in a portion of the inner surface in the direction around the axial center of the first electrode; a voltage applying step of applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving step of rotating the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; and a recovery step of recovering the accumulated liquid.

[0012] Furthermore, these included or specific aspects may also be implemented by a system, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium, or by any combination of an apparatus, a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, non-volatile recording media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory).

[0013] A particle sampling device and a particle sampling method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can efficiently sample particles.

[0014] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the description and accompanying drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by some embodiments and the features described in the description and accompanying drawings, but it is not necessary to provide all of them in order to obtain one or more of the same features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the appearance of the particle sampling device.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 End view of line IV-IV.

[0019] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 Block diagram of the composition of the particle sampling device.

[0020] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 Flowchart of an example of the operation of the particle sampling device.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The III-III line cross-sectional view is used to illustrate Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, regarding the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Side explanation.

[0023] However, the particle sampling device and particle sampling method disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described below and / or the configurations described in the accompanying drawings, and also include configurations equivalent thereto.

[0024] The embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, configuration positions and connection methods of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the claims. In addition, the figures are not necessarily strictly illustrated. In the figures, substantially the same components are marked with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted or simplified.

[0025] In the following, terms such as parallel and perpendicular that indicate the relationship between elements, terms such as cylindrical that indicate the shape of an element, and numerical ranges do not have strict meanings but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of several percent.

[0026] In the following figures, the X-axis and Y-axis are perpendicular to each other on the horizontal plane. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. A positive Z-axis indicates vertically upward, and a negative Z-axis indicates vertically downward.

[0027] (Implementation Method)

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 FIG1 is a side view of the appearance of the particle sampling device 10. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The internal view of the particle sampling device 10 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 In addition, in the IV-IV line end view Figure 1 In FIG, the wind speed sensor 34 and the like are omitted. Figures 1 to 4 , the particle sampling device 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid. Specifically, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for sampling particles into a liquid by capturing particles in a gas into a liquid 68 (described later). For example, particles include fungi, bacteria, viruses, and aerosols. The particle sampling device 10 includes a pipe 12, a first bearing seal 14, a second bearing seal 16, a first flange member 18, a second flange member 20, a first electrode 22, a second electrode 24, a voltage applying unit 26, a supply unit 28, a recovery unit 30, a drive unit 32, a wind speed sensor 34, a gas concentration sensor 36, a liquid concentration sensor 38, and an ammeter 40.

[0030] The particle sampling device 10 is constructed by surrounding a rotating first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24 disposed at the center of the first electrode 22 with a pipe 12, a first flange member 18, and a second flange member 20. Figure 2 Air or other gas is introduced into the particle sampling device 10 (in the direction indicated by the arrow A). For example, air can be directly introduced into the particle sampling device 10 using a pump (not shown) or the like, thereby introducing gas into the particle sampling device 10. In addition, for example, the particle sampling device 10 can also be set in a device where there is a flow of air or other gas (for example, an air conditioner, an air purifier, or a ventilation port, etc.), and air can be introduced into the particle sampling device 10 for processing. By installing the particle sampling device 10 in a device that generates a flow of gas in this way, there is no need to install a pump or the like for generating a flow of gas into the particle sampling device 10, and a small, silent, and low-pressure-loss device can be easily realized. As a result, it can be installed and incorporated in a variety of places without being particularly selective about the location. The following describes the various components of the particle sampling device 10.

[0031] The pipe 12 is cylindrical and rotatably supports the first electrode 22 inside the pipe 12. The pipe 12 includes a main body 42, a first support portion 44, and a second support portion 46. The main body 42, the first support portion 44, and the second support portion 46 are insulating.

[0032] The main body 42 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the main body 42 in the axial direction are open. The first support portion 44 protrudes from one end of the main body 42 in the axial direction to the radial outside of the main body 42 and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The first support portion 44 is recessed toward the radial outside of the main body 42 and is substantially U-shaped (see Figure 3 ). The first support portion 44 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42. A first bearing seal 14 is arranged on the inner side of the first support portion 44. The first bearing seal 14 seals the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58 in a manner that prevents gas leakage between the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58 (described later). The first support portion 44 supports the first electrode 22 in a rotatable manner via the first bearing seal 14. The second support portion 46 protrudes from the other end portion in the axial direction of the main body 42 toward the radial outside of the main body 42 and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The second support portion 46 is recessed toward the radial outside of the main body 42 and is approximately U-shaped (see Figure 3 The second support portion 46 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42. A second bearing seal 16 is disposed inside the second support portion 46. The second bearing seal 16 seals the space between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60 (described later) to prevent gas leakage between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60. The second support portion 46 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the second bearing seal 16.

[0033] The first flange member 18 is cylindrical and is connected to the pipe 12. The first flange member 18 includes a main body 48 and a flange 50.

[0034] The main body 48 is cylindrical, with one axial end and the other end of the main body 48 being open. A flange 50 protrudes radially outward from the one axial end of the main body 48 and is integrally formed with the main body 48. The flange 50 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 48. The other axial end of the main body 48 is connected to one axial end of the pipe 12.

[0035] The second flange member 20 is cylindrical and is connected to the pipe 12. The second flange member 20 includes a main body 52 and a flange 54.

[0036] The main body 52 is cylindrical, with one end and the other end of the main body 52 being open in the axial direction. The one end of the main body 52 is connected to the other end of the pipe 12 in the axial direction. The flange 54 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 52 in the axial direction and is formed integrally with the main body 52. The flange 54 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 52.

[0037] The first electrode 22 is cylindrical, with both ends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 open. The first electrode 22 is grounded via a second electric wire 76 (described later) or the like. The first electrode 22 includes a main body 56, a first outer flange 58, a second outer flange 60, a first inner flange 62, and a second inner flange 64. For example, the main body 56, the first outer flange 58, the second outer flange 60, the first inner flange 62, and the second inner flange 64 are formed using stainless steel such as SUS.

[0038] The main body 56 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction are open. The axial direction of the main body 56 is the direction in which the axis B of the main body 56 extends (X-axis direction). The main body 56 has external teeth (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 56 that mesh with the external teeth (not shown) of the gear 86 (described later). The inner surface 66 of the main body 56 is subjected to a hydrophilization treatment. The hydrophilization treatment is a treatment in which the inner surface 66 is processed into a tiny concave and convex shape. For example, the hydrophilization treatment is performed by plasma treatment. In addition, for example, the hydrophilization treatment is performed by an alkalinization treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH). In addition, an adhesion suppression component that suppresses the adhesion of microparticles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. For example, the adhesion suppression component is a barrier such as skim milk, BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) and PEG (Polyethylene Glycol).

[0039] The first outer flange portion 58 protrudes radially outward from one axial end of the main body 56 and is integrally formed with the main body 56. The first outer flange portion 58 is annular about the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the first outer flange portion 58 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The first outer flange portion 58 is disposed inside the first bearing seal 14.

[0040] The second outer flange portion 60 protrudes radially outward from the other axial end of the main body 56 and is integrally formed with the main body 56. The second outer flange portion 60 is annular about the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the second outer flange portion 60 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The second outer flange portion 60 is disposed inside the second bearing seal 16.

[0041] The first inner flange portion 62 protrudes radially inward from one axial end of the main body 56 and is integrally formed with the main body 56. The first inner flange portion 62 is annular about the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the first inner flange portion 62 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0042] The second inner flange portion 64 projects radially inward from the other end portion of the main body 56 in the axial direction and is integrally formed with the main body 56. The second inner flange portion 64 is annular about the axis B of the main body 56. That is, the second inner flange portion 64 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0043] The first electrode 22 is provided in a posture in which the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The first electrode 22 is supported in a manner rotatable around the axis B of the main body 56 (see Figure 4 In other words, the first electrode 22 is supported so as to be rotatable.

[0044] The first electrode 22 stores liquid 68 on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. Specifically, the first electrode 22 is arranged in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56 (see Figure 4 Liquid 68 is accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 on the first electrode 22 (as indicated by the arrow D). The accumulated liquid 68 is located below the axis B of the main body 56. Furthermore, the first electrode 22 accumulates the liquid 68 along the axial direction of the main body 56 at this portion of the inner surface 66. The first inner flange 62 holds the liquid 68 in a manner that prevents the liquid 68 accumulated on the portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 from overflowing from one end portion in the axial direction of the main body 56. The second inner flange 64 holds the liquid 68 in a manner that prevents the liquid 68 retained on the portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 from overflowing from the other end portion in the axial direction of the main body 56. In this way, the first electrode 22 accumulates the liquid 68 on a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 in a manner that prevents the liquid 68 from flowing out of the main body 56. A space 69 is formed in the main body 56 above the accumulated liquid 68, penetrating the main body 56 in the axial direction.

[0045] The second electrode 24 is linear and extends in the axial direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 penetrates the radial inner side of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is located on the inner side of the main body 56. That is, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction of the main body 56 and protrudes outward from the other end of the main body 56. The second electrode 24 is arranged at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is arranged near the center of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 is arranged in the space 69. In this embodiment, the second electrode 24 is arranged in a posture in which the axis of the second electrode 24 is aligned with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 is formed of tungsten or the like.

[0046] The voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The voltage applying unit 26 includes a first support 70, a second support 72, a first electric wire 74, and a second electric wire 76.

[0047] The first support 70 is fixed to the first flange member 18 and is located inside the first flange member 18. The first support 70 is connected to one end portion of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction and supports the second electrode 24. The second support 72 is fixed to the second flange member 20 and is located inside the second flange member 20. The second support 72 is connected to the other end portion of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction and supports the second electrode 24. The first support 70 and the second support 72 are conductive and are electrically connected to the second electrode 24. The first electric wire 74 is electrically connected to the second electrode 24 via the second support 72. The second electric wire 76 is electrically connected to the first electrode 22 via the gear 86 and the like.

[0048] The voltage applying unit 26 can flow electricity of any magnitude and waveform to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 disposed near the center of the first electrode 22 via the first wire 74 and the second wire 76. Thus, the particle sampling device 10 performs electric dust collection of particles. Furthermore, the second electrode 24 may be configured not as a linear structure but as a plate or needle, and there are no limitations on the structure and / or location of the second electrode, as long as a non-uniform electric field can be formed. For example, the voltage applying unit 26 is implemented by a power supply circuit including a converter, etc. Furthermore, for example, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a DC voltage of 6 kV.

[0049] For example, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 so that the second electrode 24 side has a higher potential than the first electrode 22 side. As a result, an electric field is generated from the second electrode 24 toward the first electrode 22 in the space 69 (see Figure 3 Arrow E and Figure 4 arrow E).

[0050] The supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22, causing the liquid 68 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In other words, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 so that the liquid 68 accumulates on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In this way, the liquid 68 supplied by the supply unit 28 accumulates on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The supply unit 28 includes a tank 78 and an injection unit 80.

[0051] The tank 78 holds the liquid 68 to be supplied into the first electrode 22. The liquid 68 held in the tank 78 is discharged from the injection portion 80 by a pump (not shown) or the like and supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. Thus, the tank 78 is provided for pre-accumulating the liquid 68, such as the capture liquid for influenza virus sensing, and the liquid 68 is supplied into the first electrode 22 through the injection portion 80.

[0052] In this embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies a liquid used for analysis of microparticles as liquid 68. For example, the liquid used for analysis of microparticles refers to a liquid used in the analysis, a liquid that maintains the activity of a target substance contained in the microparticles for analysis, a liquid that labels the target substance contained in the microparticles for analysis, a liquid that protects the target substance contained in the microparticles for analysis, or any combination thereof. For example, in the case where the target substance is influenza virus, liquid 68 can be a liquid such as physiological saline, PBS buffer, EDTA buffer, or bicarbonate buffer for the purpose of dissolving and preserving the virus, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism and / or fluorescence. In addition, liquid 68 may not be a liquid used for analysis of microparticles, and may be, for example, pure water.

[0053] In addition, the target substance is not limited to influenza virus. For example, the target substance may also be other viruses, or organisms other than viruses (e.g., bacteria). In addition, the target substance may not be an organism, but may be an environmental pollutant or an allergen.

[0054] The recovery unit 30 recovers the liquid 68 that has accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The recovery unit 30 includes a tank 82 and an extraction unit 84. The liquid 68 that has accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 is sucked from the extraction unit 84 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is retained and recovered in the tank 82. In this way, the liquid 68, such as the capture liquid in which the particles are accumulated, is sucked by the extraction unit 84 and retained in the tank 82.

[0055] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22. In this embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the main body 56. That is, in this embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. The driving unit 32 includes a gear 86 and a motor 88 for rotating the gear 86. The gear 86 includes external teeth (not shown) that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of the first electrode 22. The gear 86 is rotated by the motor 88 (see Figure 4 The first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow F). Figure 4 In this way, the first electrode 22 is rotated by the gear 86 driven by the motor 88.

[0056] The wind speed sensor 34 is provided on the inner surface of the main body 48 of the first flange member 18 and measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22. The gas outside the particle sampling device 10 passes through the inner side of the first flange member 18, passes through the inner side of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, passes through the inner side of the second flange member 20, and is discharged to the outside of the particle sampling device 10 (see Figure 2 Arrow A and Figure 3 The wind speed sensor 34 measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22 in this manner.

[0057] Alternatively, gas outside the particle sampling device 10 may pass through the inside of the second flange member 20 and the inside of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and be released from the first flange member 18 to the outside of the particle sampling device 10. Even in this case, the wind speed sensor 34 can measure the wind speed of the gas passing through the inside of the first electrode 22.

[0058] The gas concentration sensor 36 is disposed on the inner surface of the main body 48 of the first flange member 18, and measures the concentration of particles in the gas passing through the first electrode 22 as described above. For example, the gas concentration sensor 36 is an optical sensor.

[0059] The liquid concentration sensor 38 is disposed in the liquid 68 accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22, and measures the concentration of particles in the liquid 68. For example, the liquid concentration sensor 38 is an optical sensor.

[0060] The ammeter 40 is connected to the second electric wire 76 and measures the current value flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The ammeter 40 may be provided at a location where it can measure the current value flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0061] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the particle sampling device 10. Figure 5 Next, the functional configuration of the particle sampling device 10 will be described.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the particle sampling device 10 further includes a control unit 90 .

[0063] The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the wind speed sensor 34, the gas concentration sensor 36, the liquid concentration sensor 38, the ammeter 40, the voltage applying unit 26, the supply unit 28, the recovery unit 30, and the drive unit 32. The control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26, the supply unit 28, the recovery unit 30, and the drive unit 32 based on the measurement results of the wind speed sensor 34, the gas concentration sensor 36, the liquid concentration sensor 38, and the ammeter 40. For example, the control unit 90 is implemented by a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

[0064] The control unit 90 calculates the flow rate of gas passing through the interior of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 based on the measurement results of the wind speed sensor 34 and outputs the calculated flow rate. For example, the control unit 90 calculates the flow rate using the wind speed of the gas passing through the interior of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 and the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which the gas passes. Furthermore, the control unit 90 outputs the calculated flow rate to another device (not shown). This allows the flow rate calculated by the control unit 90 to be used for particle analysis, for example.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26 and the driving unit 32 based on the measurement results of the gas concentration sensor 36. Specifically, when the concentration of particles in the gas is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26 to apply a voltage to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. Furthermore, when the concentration of particles in the gas is higher than a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 controls the driving unit 32 to rotate the first electrode 22.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26 based on the measurement results of the liquid concentration sensor 38. Specifically, when the concentration of particles in the accumulated liquid 68 exceeds a predetermined concentration, the control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26 to stop the voltage applying unit 26 from applying the voltage to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 90 may control the driving unit 32 to stop the rotation of the first electrode 22 when the concentration of particles in the accumulated liquid 68 exceeds a predetermined concentration. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 90 may control the recovery unit 30 to recover the accumulated liquid 68 when the concentration of particles in the accumulated liquid 68 exceeds a predetermined concentration.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the supply unit 28 based on the measurement results of the ammeter 40. For example, if the amount of the accumulated liquid 68 decreases, the resistance decreases, and the current flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 increases. Therefore, when the current value measured by the ammeter 40 is greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 90 controls the supply unit 28 to supply the liquid 68 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, thereby replenishing the liquid 68 in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0068] Next, the operation of the particle sampling device 10 configured as described above will be described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 . Figure 7 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10, and is a diagram showing the operation of the virus inside the particle sampling device 10 until the virus is actually recovered. Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 in this embodiment will be described, including the process of capturing influenza virus 1, recovering influenza virus 1 in liquid, and recovering liquid 68. Here, the particle sampling device 10 captures the influenza virus 1 in liquid for the purpose of recovering the influenza virus 1, which is believed to be airborne, as a liquid sample that can be analyzed using a sensor or the like.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, first, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22, causing the liquid 68 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 (supply step) (step S1). For example, the supply unit 28 is activated by a user operating an arbitrary operation button (shown), thereby supplying the liquid 68 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 90 may control the supply unit 28 based on the measurement results of the gas concentration sensor 36 to supply the liquid 68 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the liquid 68 is supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 , and the liquid 68 accumulates on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 .

[0071] return Figure 6Next, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 (voltage applying step) (step S2). For example, the control unit 90 controls the voltage applying unit 26 based on the measurement results of the gas concentration sensor 36 to apply a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. Alternatively, for example, the user may operate any operation button (shown) to operate the voltage applying unit 26 and apply a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, by any air flow (refer to Figure 7 The influenza virus 1 in the gas introduced into the interior of the particle sampling device 10 (arrow A) is first charged to either positive or negative by the ions 2 released by the discharge of the second electrode 24 to which a high voltage is applied. Here, the case where the influenza virus 1 is charged positively will be described. The charged influenza virus 1 is passed through the electric field formed between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22 (see FIG. Figure 7 The influenza virus 1 moves along the trajectory 3 as indicated by the arrow E) and is collected on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the influenza virus 1 adheres to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and is captured on the inner surface 66.

[0073] return Figure 6 Next, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 about the axis B (driving step) (step S3). For example, the control unit 90 controls the driving unit 32 based on the measurement results of the gas concentration sensor 36 to rotate the first electrode 22. Alternatively, for example, the user may operate any operation button (shown) to operate the driving unit 32 and rotate the first electrode 22.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state where the liquid 68 is accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction of the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In other words, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B in a state where the liquid 68 is accumulated below the axis B so as to prevent the liquid 68 from flowing out of the main body 56. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially contacts the accumulated liquid 68.

[0075] The influenza viruses 1 collected on the inner surface 66 are recovered at any time by the liquid 68 accumulated in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. Specifically, the influenza viruses 1 attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 come into contact with the accumulated liquid 68, leaving the inner surface 66 and being recovered in the liquid 68. The operation (rotation) of the first electrode 22, which is rotated by the motor 88 and the gear 86, allows the entire inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 to be flushed with the accumulated (reserved) liquid 68.

[0076] Alternatively, before applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 , the first electrode 22 may be rotated about the axis B, and a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 while the first electrode 22 is rotated about the axis B.

[0077] return Figure 6 Finally, the recovery unit 30 recovers the accumulated liquid 68 (recovery step) (step S4). For example, after a certain period of operation, the liquid 68 can be recovered to the recovery unit 30 (tank 82) through the extraction unit 84 at an arbitrary time point, and a liquid sample (liquid 68) containing the influenza virus 1 separated from the gas can be obtained. In addition, for example, the control unit 90 may control the recovery unit 30 based on the measurement result of the liquid concentration sensor 38 to recover the liquid 68 accumulated in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. In addition, for example, the recovery unit 30 can be operated by the user operating any operation button (shown in the figure) to recover the liquid 68 accumulated in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0078] When sampling particles, sampling can be performed more appropriately and efficiently by using the wind speed sensor 34, the gas concentration sensor 36, and the liquid concentration sensor 38. By combining the wind speed information obtained by the wind speed sensor 34 and the area information of the measurement location of the wind speed sensor 34 with the information of the operation time, it is possible to obtain information on how much air volume has been processed. In addition, information on the concentration of particles contained in the inhaled air can be obtained from the gas concentration sensor 36. In addition, information on the concentration of particles in the accumulated liquid 68 can be obtained from the liquid concentration sensor 38. By using these sensors, the operation time for starting and stopping the sampling of particles and / or the time points for starting and stopping the operation can be set to the conditions desired by the user. For example, "Since 10,000 particles / cm 3 The operation starts because the particle concentration of the air is 1m 3 The optimal sampling method according to the sampling purpose can be selected by selecting "the operation ends because the air reaches 1000 / mL", "the operation ends because the air reaches 1000 / mL", etc.

[0079] Furthermore, by adding a function for simultaneously reading the current when applying a high voltage, it is possible to suppress the supply of liquid 68 beyond what is required, thereby preventing the liquid 68 from drying up. Specifically, the current value measured by the ammeter 40 is read, and when the current value exceeds a predetermined threshold, a minimum amount of liquid 68 is supplied from the supply unit 28 into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. This allows the concentration of particles in the accumulated liquid 68 to be maintained as high as possible.

[0080] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment can collect influenza viruses 1 at high concentrations from the air into the liquid 68. In addition, by combining information obtained from various sensors, efficient sampling can be achieved, enabling sampling under optimal conditions according to the user's purpose.

[0081] Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 may also classify aerosol containing influenza viruses from the air into two particle size ranges and recover the aerosol into the liquid 68. This allows analysis of the amount of influenza viruses in each particle size range.

[0082] Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 can accumulate particles in the liquid 68 accumulated in the first electrode 22 without circulating the liquid 68, making it easy to recover particles at a high concentration in the liquid 68. Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 does not require equipment for circulating the liquid 68, making it easy to achieve miniaturization and energy conservation.

[0083] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment is a particle sampling device for sampling particles into a liquid, and comprises: a first electrode 22 having a cylindrical shape and having both ends opened in the axial direction; a second electrode 24 extending in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and arranged in the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22; a supply unit 28 for supplying liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 so that the liquid 68 accumulates on a portion of the inner surface 66 in a direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22; a voltage applying unit 26 for applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24; a driving unit 32 for rotating the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and passing through the first electrode 22; and a recovery unit 30 for recovering the accumulated liquid 68.

[0084] Thus, the voltage applying unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, generating an electric field between the first and second electrodes 22, causing particles in the gas within the first electrode 22 to adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. Furthermore, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22, causing the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 to sequentially contact the liquid 68 accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56. The particles adhering to the inner surface 66 accumulate in the liquid 68. Furthermore, the accumulated liquid 68 is recovered by the recovery unit 30, resulting in a liquid 68 containing accumulated particles. In this manner, particles introduced into the particle sampling device 10 are deposited on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 by electrostatic precipitation and then accumulated in the liquid 68 by the rotation of the first electrode 22, thereby enabling efficient particle sampling. Furthermore, since the liquid 68 does not need to be circulated, the volume of the liquid 68 can be reduced. In this manner, by accumulating the particles in the small amount of liquid 68 , the concentration of the particles in the liquid 68 can be easily increased, and the particles can be efficiently sampled.

[0085] Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes a wind speed sensor 34 that measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22 .

[0086] This allows the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22 to be measured, making it easy to determine whether gas is flowing within the first electrode 22. For example, when gas is flowing within the first electrode 22, the application of a voltage facilitates the capture of particles, allowing for more efficient particle sampling. Thus, the timing and point of application of a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, the point of termination of voltage application, and the point of commencement of liquid 68 recovery can be adjusted based on the wind speed information from the wind speed sensor 34. This makes it easy to perform sampling at the optimal and appropriate time and operating time, depending on the application and purpose of the sampling.

[0087] Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a control unit 90 that calculates the flow rate of gas based on the measurement result of the wind speed sensor 34 and outputs the flow rate.

[0088] Thus, the timing of ending the voltage application and the timing of starting the recovery of the liquid 68 can be adjusted based on the flow rate of the gas passing through the first electrode 22 , thereby enabling more efficient sampling of microparticles.

[0089] The particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes a gas concentration sensor 36 for measuring the concentration of particles in the gas passing through the first electrode 22 . The control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26 and the drive unit 32 based on the measurement results of the gas concentration sensor 36 .

[0090] Thus, when a concentration higher than a predetermined concentration is measured, the first electrode 22 is rotated to easily capture particles in the gas. Thus, by operating the system while introducing gas with a desired particle concentration, particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0091] The particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes a liquid concentration sensor 38 for measuring the concentration of particles in the accumulated liquid 68 . The control unit 90 stops the voltage application unit 26 from applying the voltage when the concentration of particles in the liquid 68 exceeds a predetermined concentration.

[0092] Thus, when particles accumulate in liquid 68 and the concentration of particles in liquid 68 becomes higher than a predetermined concentration, the application of voltage can be stopped, thereby terminating sampling. This prevents the sampling time from being unnecessarily prolonged and the concentration of particles in liquid 68 from becoming too low to be analyzed, thereby enabling more efficient particle sampling.

[0093] The particle sampling device 10 of this embodiment further includes an ammeter 40 for measuring the current flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 . When the current value exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 90 causes the supply unit 28 to replenish the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 .

[0094] In this way, the current value flowing between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 can be measured. If the current value exceeds a predetermined value, the liquid 68 can be replenished into the first electrode 22 by the supply unit 28. For example, if the amount of liquid 68 decreases over time and the current value exceeds a predetermined value, the predetermined amount of liquid 68 can be replenished. This can suppress a decrease in the concentration of particles caused by an unnecessarily large amount of liquid 68 accumulating in the first electrode 22, and can also prevent the liquid 68 from drying up. Consequently, more efficient sampling of particles is possible.

[0095] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

[0096] Thus, particles attached to inner surface 66 are easily separated from inner surface 66 when they come into contact with accumulated liquid 68. Therefore, the loss of particles collected on inner surface 66 can be suppressed, and particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0097] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, an adhesion suppressing member for suppressing adhesion of particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 .

[0098] Thus, particles attached to inner surface 66 are easily separated from inner surface 66 when they come into contact with accumulated liquid 68. Therefore, the loss of particles collected on inner surface 66 can be suppressed, and particles can be sampled more efficiently.

[0099] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 of the present embodiment, the supply unit 28 supplies liquid used for analysis of particles as the liquid 68 .

[0100] This makes it possible to easily extract the target substance contained in the microparticles, etc. In addition, by selecting an appropriate liquid 68 according to the purpose and / or application, it is possible to implement an appropriate detection protocol and / or prevent damage to the sample.

[0101] (Other Embodiments)

[0102] In the above embodiment, the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 is described as being cylindrical, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the main body of the first electrode may be an elliptical cylinder or a polygonal cylinder.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the first electrode 22 is described as being disposed with the axis B of the main body 56 parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first electrode 22 may be disposed in a manner other than parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode 22 may be disposed with the axis B of the main body 56 tilted relative to the horizontal direction, as long as the liquid 68 can be accumulated on a portion of the inner surface 66 in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56 in a manner that prevents the liquid 68 from flowing out of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 may be disposed in a manner that allows the liquid 68 to be accumulated on the inner surface 68.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being provided in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second electrode 24 may be provided in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 may be provided in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 is inclined relative to the axis B of the main body 56, and may extend at least in the direction of the axis of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. Alternatively, for example, the second electrode 24 may be provided in a position where the axis of the second electrode 24 does not coincide with the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, but is parallel to the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the second electrode 24 is described as being linear, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second electrode may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0106] In the above embodiment, a case where one second electrode 24 is arranged inside the first electrode 22 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of second electrodes may be arranged inside the first electrode.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the main body 56 and outward from the other end of the main body 56, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the length of the second electrode 24 may be the same as the length of the main body 56, or may be shorter than the length of the main body 56.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 about the axis B of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the driving unit may rotate the first electrode about a rotation axis that is slightly tilted relative to the axis of the main body of the first electrode. Alternatively, the driving unit may rotate the first electrode about a rotation axis that is parallel to the axis of the main body of the first electrode. The driving unit only needs to rotate the first electrode about a rotation axis that extends in the direction of the axis of the first electrode and passes through the interior of the first electrode.

[0109] Industrial applicability

[0110] The present disclosure can be widely used in devices for sampling particles such as aerosols from gases such as air.

[0111] Description of Reference Numerals

[0112] 10 Particle sampling device

[0113] 12 Pipeline

[0114] 14 No. 1 bearing seal

[0115] 16 2nd bearing seal

[0116] 18 No. 1 flange member

[0117] 20 Second flange member

[0118] 22 1st electrode

[0119] 24 Second electrode

[0120] 26 Voltage application unit

[0121] 28 Supply Department

[0122] 30 Recycling Department

[0123] 32 Drive unit

[0124] 34 Wind speed sensor

[0125] 36 Gas concentration sensor

[0126] 38 Liquid Concentration Sensor

[0127] 40 Ammeter

[0128] 42, 48, 52, 56 main body

[0129] 44 1st support part

[0130] 46 Second support part

[0131] 50, 54 flange

[0132] 58 1st outer flange

[0133] 60 Second outer flange

[0134] 62 First inner flange

[0135] 64 Second inner flange

[0136] 66 inner surface

[0137] 68 liquid

[0138] 69 Space

[0139] 70 1st support

[0140] 72 Second support

[0141] 74 1st Wire

[0142] 76 Second Wire

[0143] 78 cans

[0144] 80 injection part

[0145] 82 cans

[0146] 84 Extraction unit

[0147] 86 Gear

[0148] 88 Electric Motor

[0149] 90 Control Department

Claims

1. A particle sampling device for sampling particles into a liquid, wherein: have: The first electrode is cylindrical and has both ends in the axial direction open; a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and arranged in the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit for supplying liquid into the first electrode so that the liquid accumulates on a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage applying unit for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving unit that rotates the first electrode about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode in a state in which the liquid accumulates on a portion of the inner surface; and The recovery unit recovers the accumulated liquid.

2. The particle sampling device according to claim 1, The device further includes a wind speed sensor for measuring wind speed of gas passing through the first electrode.

3. The particle sampling device according to claim 2, The device further includes a control unit that calculates the flow rate of the gas based on a measurement result of the wind speed sensor and outputs the flow rate.

4. The particle sampling device according to claim 3, further comprising a gas concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the particles in the gas passing through the first electrode, The control unit controls the voltage applying unit and the driving unit based on a measurement result of the gas concentration sensor.

5. The particle sampling device according to claim 3, further comprising a liquid concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the particles in the accumulated liquid, The control unit stops the application of the voltage by the voltage applying unit when the concentration of the microparticles in the liquid is higher than a predetermined concentration.

6. The particle sampling device according to claim 4, further comprising a liquid concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of the particles in the accumulated liquid, The control unit stops the application of the voltage by the voltage applying unit when the concentration of the microparticles in the liquid is higher than a predetermined concentration.

7. The particle sampling device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, further comprising an ammeter for measuring a current value flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode, The control unit replenishes the liquid into the first electrode using the supply unit when the current value is greater than a predetermined value.

8. The particle sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The inner surface of the first electrode is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

9. The particle sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An adhesion suppressing member for suppressing adhesion of the fine particles is attached to the inner surface of the first electrode.

10. The particle sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The supply unit supplies liquid used for analyzing the microparticles as the liquid.

11. A particle sampling method using a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is cylindrical with both ends in the axial direction open, and the second electrode extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is arranged within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, wherein: The particle sampling method has the following features: a supplying step of supplying liquid into the first electrode so that the liquid accumulates on a portion of the inner surface in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage applying step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a driving step of rotating the first electrode around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode in a state where the liquid accumulates on a portion of the inner surface; and The recovery step recovers the accumulated liquid.

12. A particle sampling device comprising: a first electrode including a cylindrical portion disposed about a first imaginary axis, a first end portion of the cylindrical portion, and a second end portion of the cylindrical portion, wherein the first end portion has a first hole and the second end portion has a second hole; a second electrode having a first portion, wherein the first space includes the first portion, the cylindrical portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion define the first space, and the longitudinal direction of the second electrode is the same as the axial direction of the first imaginary axis; a supply device for supplying liquid to the first space, wherein the liquid contacts a portion of the surface of the cylindrical portion; a voltage applicator for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so that a plurality of particles contained in the gas contained in the first space move toward the surface; a driving unit that rotates the first electrode about the first imaginary axis to move the liquid in contact with a portion of the surface of the cylindrical portion on the surface, so that the liquid captures a plurality of particles near the surface; and The recovery unit recovers the liquid containing the captured particles.

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