Aroma measuring device

Abstract

To provide an aroma measuring device that, with a simple configuration, can quickly cause a volatile substance to emit from a sample and measure the characteristic value of the aroma of the sample.SOLUTION: An aroma measuring device 1 comprises: a container body 3 that is formed with a storage space 30 opened at one end; a lid body 4 that is provided to freely open and close one end of the storage space 30; a blade 5 that is a destruction tool that destroys a sample S arranged in the storage space 30; and a measuring instrument 7 that measures the characteristics value of the aroma of the sample S on the basis of a volatile substance emitted from the destroyed sample S into the storage space 30. The blade 5 is configured to cut the sample S on the basis of an operation of the lid body 4 shielding one end of the storage space 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aroma measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that aroma contributes to the taste and quality of food and affects human nerve activity and mood. As means for analyzing the components and characteristics of aroma, a gas chromatograph device, a gas chromatograph / mass spectrometer, a gas sensor device, etc. are used. By analyzing using these devices, the components constituting the aroma and the characteristics of the aroma can be identified.

[0003] In order to perform analysis with the above devices, it is necessary to collect volatile substances that are the basis of the aroma from the sample. As methods for collecting volatile substances, there are a method of directly collecting volatile substances released from the sample to the surroundings, a method of collecting by arranging a carrier for adsorbing volatile substances near the sample, a method of extracting volatile substances in the sample using a solvent, a method of destroying the sample to release the volatile substances contained in the sample, etc.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that releases volatile substances by destroying a sample. This device simulates chewing in the oral cavity by crushing and grinding a sample arranged inside a container using a pair of pseudo teeth. By destroying the sample, the volatile substances contained in the sample are released inside the container. These volatile substances are analyzed by gas chromatography.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The device described in Patent Document 1 drives an electric motor equipped with a mechanism for converting rotational motion into linear motion, and destroys the sample by reciprocating the pseudo teeth. For this reason, there was a risk that the device would become complicated and that it would take time to analyze volatile substances.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an aroma measuring device capable of quickly releasing volatile substances from a sample and measuring characteristic values of the aroma of the sample with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention includes a container body in which a storage space having one end open is formed, a lid body provided so as to be able to open and close one end of the storage space, and a breaker disposed in the storage space for destroying the sample, and a measuring device for measuring characteristic values of the aroma of the sample based on volatile substances released into the storage space from the destroyed sample. The breaker is configured to destroy the sample based on an operation in which the lid body shields one end of the storage space.

[0009] According to this configuration, it is possible to destroy the sample disposed in the storage space by the breaker simultaneously with the operation of shielding one end of the storage space with the lid body to make the storage space a closed space. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly release volatile substances from the sample with a simple configuration and measure characteristic values of the aroma of the sample.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the breaker is configured to destroy the sample based on the approach of the lid body to one end of the storage space.

[0011] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to destroy the sample by utilizing the force applied to the lid body by the operator to approach one end of the storage space. Further, by bringing the lid body closer to one end of the storage space, an air flow is generated in the storage space, and this air flow can make the distribution of volatile substances in the storage space uniform and stabilize the characteristic values measured by the measuring device.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, at least one of the container body and the lid has a partition wall, and the partition wall is configured to partition the space near the sample in the accommodation space from other spaces in a state where the lid shields one end of the accommodation space.

[0013] According to this configuration, in the accommodation space that has become a closed space, it is possible to form a space with a smaller volume near the sample compared to the entire accommodation space. As a result, it is possible to quickly make the distribution of volatile substances uniform in the space near the sample and stabilize the characteristic values measured by the measuring instrument.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the aroma measuring device includes a fixing member for fixing the sample in the accommodation space.

[0015] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the movement of the sample in the accommodation space due to the air flow, vibration generated when the lid approaches one end of the accommodation space, and the force applied to the sample from the destructor. As a result, it becomes possible to reliably destroy the sample based on the approach of the lid to one end of the accommodation space.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the destructor is provided on the lid and is configured to protrude toward the accommodation space.

[0017] According to this configuration, when one end of the accommodation space is not shielded by the lid, the destructor can be arranged not to be in the accommodation space, making it possible to easily place the sample in the accommodation space.

[0018] In the present invention, preferably, the aroma measuring device includes a hinge portion that rotatably supports the lid with respect to the container body, and the lid is configured to open and close one end of the accommodation space by rotating around the hinge portion.

[0019] According to this configuration, as the lid rotates around the hinge portion, the destructor provided on the lid can be moved to a predetermined position in the accommodation space, making it possible to reliably destroy the sample.

[0020] In the present invention, preferably, the destructor is a blade having a flat plate shape for cutting a sample, and a hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the blade is formed.

[0021] According to this configuration, after cutting the sample, it is possible to suppress the sample from adhering to the destructor.

[0022] In the present invention, preferably, the destructor is a wire-shaped member for cutting a sample.

[0023] According to this configuration, after cutting the sample, it is possible to suppress the sample from adhering to the destructor. Further, in a state where the lid body shields one end of the accommodation space and the destructor is disposed in the accommodation space, the movement of the volatile substance is reduced from being obstructed by the destructor, and the distribution of the volatile substance in the accommodation space can be quickly made uniform.

[0024] In the present invention, preferably, an opening communicating with the accommodation space is formed in at least one of the container body and the lid body, and the measuring instrument is configured to measure a characteristic value of the fragrance of the sample based on the volatile substance taken out from the accommodation space through the opening.

[0025] According to this configuration, the measuring instrument can be disposed outside the accommodation space, and it is possible to suppress the volatile substance released from one sample into the accommodation space from adhering to the measuring instrument. As a result, when measuring the characteristic value of the fragrance of another sample thereafter, it is possible to suppress the volatile substance adhering to the measuring instrument from being released into the accommodation space and adversely affecting the measurement.

[0026] In the present invention, preferably, at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space or at least a part of the portion shielding one end of the accommodation space, among the container body and the lid body, is formed of a transparent material.

[0027] According to this configuration, even after one end of the accommodation space is shielded by the lid body, the operator can visually confirm whether the sample has been appropriately destroyed through the portion formed of the transparent material.

[0028] In the present invention, preferably, at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space or at least a part of the portion shielding one end of the accommodation space among the container body and the lid is formed of polypropylene. Further, at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space or at least a part of the portion shielding one end of the accommodation space among the container body and the lid may be fluorine-treated.

[0029] According to these configurations, it is possible to suppress the attachment of the volatile substances released from one sample to the container body and the lid into the accommodation space. As a result, when measuring the characteristic values of the fragrance of another sample thereafter, it is possible to suppress the volatile substances adhering to the container body or the lid from being released into the accommodation space and adversely affecting the measurement.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aroma measuring device capable of quickly releasing volatile substances from a sample with a simple configuration and obtaining characteristic values of the fragrance of the sample.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding of the description, the same components in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0033] [First Embodiment] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fragrance measuring device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "device 1") according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the device 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a container 2 of the device 1. FIG. 2 shows the container 2 from above, showing a state in which a storage space 30 to be described later is open.

[0034] The device 1 is used for measuring the intensity of the fragrance of a sample S. The sample S is an object containing an aromatic volatile substance. When the sample S is broken and the inside of the sample S is exposed, the volatile substance is released into the air from the exposed part, and the fragrance becomes prominent. As the sample S, for example, crude drugs derived from fruits such as cinnamon, mint leaves, Japanese pepper, dried tangerine peel, sesame, perilla, Chinese dates, herbs, bay leaves, coriander, fennel, pepper and other fruit-derived spices, wasabi, chili peppers, perilla, strawberries, citrus fruits, garlic, gummy bears, gum, chocolate, tablets, ice cream, rice, sesame, coffee beans, nuts, mushrooms, meat, fat, fried chicken, pork cutlets, hamburgers and other foods, plant leaves, stems, roots, flowers, flower petals, fruits, seeds, animal feed, and animal manure can be used.

[0035] <Configuration> The device 1 includes a container 2 and a measuring instrument 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the container 2 has a container body 3 and a lid 4.

[0036] The container body 3 is formed of polypropylene and has a bottom plate 31, side plates 32, and a pair of support plates 33, 33.

[0037] The bottom plate 31 is oval in plan view. In the central portion of the bottom plate 31, a sample placement portion 311 that bulges upward is formed.

[0038] The side plates 32 are provided at the periphery of the upper surface of the bottom plate 31. The side plates 32 extend upward and are annular in plan view. Since the upper portion of the bottom plate 31 is surrounded by the side plates 32, the container body 3 forms a storage space 30 with an open upper end.

[0039] The pair of support plates 33, 33 are formed so as to protrude outward from one end portion of the side plate 32. The pair of support plates 33, 33 face each other with a gap in the horizontal direction, and holes 33a are formed in both of them.

[0040] A tape 8 is disposed on the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 of the bottom plate 31. The tape 8 is an example of the "fixing member" in the present invention. The tape 8 is strip-shaped, and adhesive portions are provided on both of its surfaces. The tape 8 is disposed such that the adhesive portion on one of its side surfaces faces upward and the adhesive portion on the other side surface adheres to the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311. Also, a pair of wall bodies (not shown) that protrude upward and sandwich the tape 8 may be provided on the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 and face each other.

[0041] Also, a seal member 6 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 31 and around the sample placement portion 311. The seal member 6 is annular in plan view. The seal member 6 is a member that exhibits a predetermined sealing performance as a whole. For example, a thick paper, a stack of multiple thin papers, a member using a rubber material, etc. can be used.

[0042] The lid body 4 is formed of polypropylene and has a top plate 41, partition walls 42, and a supported plate 43.

[0043] The top plate 41 has an oval shape in a plan view, and one end thereof is used as a gripping part 411. A partially raised fixing part 412 is formed in the center of one side of the top plate 41, and an opening 41a is formed on the side of the fixing part 412, penetrating the top plate 41 in its thickness direction.

[0044] The partition wall 42 protrudes from one side surface of the top plate 41 and has an annular shape in a front view. The partition wall 42 is disposed so as to surround the fixing portion 412 of the top plate 41 at a position outside the opening 41a.

[0045] The supported plate 43 is formed so as to protrude from one side of the top plate 41 at a position facing the gripping part 411 across the center of the top plate 41. The thickness of the supported plate 43 is slightly smaller than the width of the gap formed between the pair of support plates 33, 33 of the container body 3. On both side surfaces of the supported plate 43, protrusions (not shown) are formed which protrude in opposite directions.

[0046] A blade 5 having a flat plate shape is fixed to the fixing portion 412 of the top plate 41. The blade 5 is an example of the "destroyer" of the present invention, and is made of stainless steel. As a material for forming the blade 5, various materials such as fiber and paper, other than stainless steel, can be used as long as they have a predetermined rigidity. The blade 5 is arranged so that the linearly extending cutting edge 51 faces the opposite side to the top plate 41. The blade 5 is formed with a plurality of holes 52 penetrating the blade 5 in the thickness direction. The holes 52 are aligned linearly along the cutting edge 51.

[0047] The container 2 is configured by inserting the supported plate 43 of the lid body 4 into the gap formed between the pair of support plates 33, 33 of the container body 3 and arranging the protrusions of the supported plate 43 within the holes 33a, 33a of the support plates 33, 33. The pair of support plates 33, 33 of the container body 3 support the protrusions of the supported plate 43 of the lid body 4 on the inner surfaces of the holes 33a, 33a. Thereby, the lid body 4 is rotatably supported with respect to the container body 3 in the direction indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 2. That is, the container 2 constitutes a hinge portion 21 that rotates the lid body 4 about the axis RA by the pair of support plates 33, 33 and the supported plate 43. The axis RA extends linearly along a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 extends.

[0048] The measuring instrument 7 is a gas sensor that evaluates the relative intensity of the fragrance. Specifically, the measuring instrument 7 is configured to take in substances contained in the air into the interior of the measuring instrument main body 71 via the end portion 72a of the nozzle 72 and display the concentration of the substances on the display panel 711. The numerical value displayed on the display panel 711 here is an example of the "characteristic value of the fragrance" in the present invention.

[0049] Inside the measuring instrument main body 71, a sensor (not shown) using a semiconductor is arranged. When the operation unit 712 of the measuring instrument 7 is operated, the measuring instrument 7 evaluates the relative intensity of the fragrance based on the change in the electrical resistance value caused by the adhesion of substances to this sensor. As shown in FIG. 1, the end portion 72a of the nozzle 72 of the measuring instrument 7 is connected to the opening 41a of the container 2. The display panel 711 may continuously display the characteristic values of the fragrance that change over time, or may display only the average value or the maximum value of the characteristic values. Further, the display panel 711 may display a numerical value (for example, the electrical resistance value of the sensor) having a correlation with the concentration of the substance instead of the concentration of the substance. Also, a plurality of sensors may be arranged inside the measuring instrument main body 71, and a plurality of values obtained by each sensor may be displayed on the display panel 711.

[0050] <Measurement of the intensity of the fragrance> Next, while referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the measurement of the fragrance intensity of the sample S using the apparatus 1, that is, the measurement of the concentration of the volatile substances released by the sample S will be described. FIGS. 3 to 5 are cross-sectional views showing the A-A cross-section of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows the container 2 with the upper end of the accommodation space 30 open, and FIG. 5 shows the container 2 with the lid 4 shielding the upper end of the accommodation space 30. FIG. 4 shows the container 2 during the transition from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. 5.

[0051] The operator using the apparatus 1 first places the sample S on the sample placement portion 311 as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the operator places the sample S on the upper surface of the tape 8. As described above, the tape 8 is provided with an adhesive portion on one side surface facing upward. Therefore, the sample S adheres to the upper surface of the tape 8. Since the tape 8 adheres to the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 at the adhesive portion on the other side surface, the sample S is fixed in the accommodation space 30.

[0052] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator grips the gripping portion 411 of the lid 4 with a finger and applies a force to the gripping portion 411 to rotate the lid 4 in the direction indicated by the arrow A3. The lid 4 rotates about the axis RA of the hinge portion 21 and approaches the upper end of the accommodation space 30. As a result, the blade 5 fixed to the lid 4 also moves while rotating together with the lid 4 and enters the accommodation space 30.

[0053] When the lid 4 moves to the vicinity of the upper end of the accommodation space 30, as shown in FIG. 4, the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 abuts against the upper portion of the sample S. In this state, when the operator further applies a force to the gripping portion 411 and rotates the lid 4 in the direction indicated by the arrow A4, the cutting edge 51 generates a shearing force on the upper portion of the sample S. As a result, the cutting of the sample S by the blade 5 starts.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, when the operator rotates the lid 4 until it abuts against the upper end of the container body 3, the upper end of the accommodation space 30 is shielded by the lid 4. As a result, the accommodation space 30 becomes a closed space. At this time, the lower end of the partition wall 42 of the lid 4 abuts against the seal member 6. The seal member 6 acts to enhance the airtightness between itself and the lower end of the partition wall 42 by deforming. When the lid 4 approaches, an air current indicated by arrow A51 is generated in the accommodation space 30.

[0055] Also, the cutting edge 51 of the blade 5 moves to the vicinity of the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 of the container body 3. As a result, the sample S placed on the sample placement portion 311 is completely cut. When a pair of wall bodies (not shown) are provided on the upper surface of the sample placement portion 311 as described above, even if the sample S detaches from the tape 8 due to the force received from the blade 5, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of the sample S by the wall bodies. After cutting, volatile substances are released from the cut surface of the sample S toward the accommodation space 30.

[0056] Next, the operator connects the measuring instrument 7 (see FIG. 1) to the container 2. Specifically, the operator connects the end 72a of the nozzle 72 of the measuring instrument 7 to the opening 41a of the top plate 41 of the lid 4. When the operator operates the operation unit 712 (see FIG. 1) of the measuring instrument 7, the measuring instrument 7 sucks the air in the accommodation space 30 through the end 72a as shown by arrow A52. As a result, the air containing the volatile substances released from the sample S is taken into the measuring instrument 7, and a predetermined process for measuring the concentration of the volatile substances is executed. The concentration is displayed on the display panel 711 (see FIG. 1).

[0057] Next, specific examples of the fragrance characteristic values of the sample S will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in sensor values in the measurement of the fragrance characteristic values using the apparatus 1. The horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of measurement, and the vertical axis represents the sensor values obtained by the sensor of the measuring instrument 7. In this specific example, as the sample S, dried citrus peel with sides of about 0.4 cm was used. Also, as the sensor of the measuring instrument 7, a semiconductor sensor that acquires a value correlated with the concentration of the volatile substance was used. Here, the fragrance characteristic values before and after cutting the sample S with the blade 5, which is the crusher of the apparatus 1, were measured over time.

[0058] Line L1 in FIG. 6 shows the output value of the semiconductor sensor of the measuring instrument 7. Before cutting the sample S (from 0 seconds to about 35 seconds), the sensor value indicates 0. That is, it can be seen that during this period, the concentration of the volatile substance released from the sample S is less than the detectable concentration of the semiconductor sensor. When the sample S was cut at the time CT (about 35 seconds), an increase in the sensor value was confirmed 1 to 2 seconds later. At the time MT (about 24 seconds after cutting), the sensor value reached the maximum value of 142 and then decreased.

[0059] From this result, it can be seen that in the uncut state, even for a sample S in which the concentration of the volatile substance released is less than the detectable concentration of the sensor (sensor value 0) and it is difficult to measure the fragrance characteristic value, by destroying and measuring the sample S using the apparatus 1, the characteristic value can be obtained in a short time, indicating the effectiveness of the apparatus 1.

[0060] <Function and Effect> Next, the function and effect based on the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] According to the above configuration, at the same time as the lid 4 shields the upper end of the accommodation space 30 to make the accommodation space 30 a closed space, the sample S disposed in the accommodation space 30 can be cut by the blade 5. As a result, with a simple configuration, it becomes possible to quickly release the volatile substance from the sample S and measure the concentration of the volatile substance of the sample S.

[0062] Further, the blade 5 is configured to cut the sample S based on the approach of the lid body 4 to the upper end of the accommodation space 30. According to this configuration, it becomes possible for the operator to cut the sample S by utilizing the force applied to the lid body 4 to approach the upper end of the accommodation space 30. Further, by approaching the lid body 4 to the upper end of the accommodation space 30, an air flow is generated in the accommodation space 30, and by this air flow, the distribution of volatile substances in the accommodation space 30 can be made uniform, and the concentration of volatile substances measured by the measuring device 7 can be stabilized.

[0063] Further, the lid body 4 has a partition wall 42. The partition wall 42 is configured to partition the space near the sample S in the accommodation space 30 from other spaces in a state where the lid body 4 shields the upper end of the accommodation space 30. According to this configuration, in the accommodation space 30 which has become a closed space, it becomes possible to form a space with a smaller volume near the sample S compared to the entire accommodation space 30. As a result, the distribution of volatile substances can be quickly made uniform in the space near the sample S, and the concentration of volatile substances measured by the measuring device 7 can be stabilized.

[0064] Further, the apparatus 1 includes a tape 8 for fixing the sample S in the accommodation space 30. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the sample S from moving in the accommodation space 30 due to the air flow, vibration generated when the lid body 4 approaches the upper end of the accommodation space 30, and the force applied to the sample S from the blade 5. As a result, it becomes possible to surely cut the sample S based on the approach of the lid body 4 to the upper end of the accommodation space 30.

[0065] Further, the blade 5 is provided on the lid body 4 and is configured to project toward the accommodation space 30. According to this configuration, when the upper end of the accommodation space 30 is not shielded by the lid body 4, the blade 5 can be arranged not to be in the accommodation space 30, and it becomes possible to facilitate the arrangement of the sample S in the accommodation space 30.

[0066] In addition, the apparatus 1 includes a hinge portion 21 that rotatably supports the lid 4 with respect to the container body 3, and the lid 4 is configured to open and close the upper end of the accommodation space 30 by rotating about the hinge portion 21. According to this configuration, as the lid 4 rotates about the hinge portion 21, the blade 5 provided on the lid 4 is moved to a predetermined position in the accommodation space 30, and the sample S can be reliably destroyed.

[0067] Further, the destroyer is a blade 5 having a flat plate shape and cutting the sample S, and a hole 52 penetrating in the thickness direction of the blade 5 is formed. According to this configuration, after cutting the sample S, it is possible to suppress the sample S from adhering to the blade 5.

[0068] An opening 41a communicating with the accommodation space 30 is formed in the container body 3, and the measuring instrument 7 is configured to measure the concentration of the volatile substance of the sample S based on the volatile substance taken out from the accommodation space 30 through the opening 41a. According to this configuration, the measuring instrument 7 can be arranged outside the accommodation space 30, and it is possible to suppress the volatile substance released from one sample into the accommodation space 30 from adhering to the measuring instrument 7. As a result, when measuring the concentration of the volatile substance of another sample thereafter, it is possible to suppress the volatile substance adhering to the measuring instrument 7 from being released into the accommodation space 30 and adversely affecting the measurement.

[0069] Further, at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space 30 or at least a part of the portion shielding the upper end of the accommodation space 30 in the container body 3 and the lid 4 may be formed of a transparent material. According to this configuration, even after one end of the accommodation space 30 is shielded by the lid 4, the operator can visually confirm whether the sample S is appropriately cut through the portion formed of the transparent material.

[0070] Further, the container body 3 and the lid 4 are made of polypropylene. Further, at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space 30, or at least a part of the portion shielding the upper end of the accommodation space 30, among the container body 3 and the lid 4 may be fluorine-treated. According to these configurations, it is possible to suppress the volatile substances released from one sample from adhering to the container body 3 and the lid 4. As a result, when measuring the concentration of the volatile substances of another sample thereafter, it is possible to suppress the volatile substances adhering to the container body 3 and the lid 4 from being released into the accommodation space 30 and adversely affecting the measurement. Note that it is not necessary for the entire container body 3 and the lid 4 to be made of polypropylene. As long as at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space 30, or at least a part of the portion shielding the upper end of the accommodation space 30, among the container body 3 and the lid 4 is made of polypropylene, sufficient effects can be exhibited.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Next, a fragrance measuring device (not shown; hereinafter referred to as the "device") according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. The device is used to measure the intensity of the fragrance of the sample S, similarly to the first embodiment. For the same configurations as those in the first embodiment in the device, the same reference numerals are given and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] [Configuration] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the container 2A of the device. FIG. 7 shows the container 2A from above and shows a state in which the accommodation space 30A is open. FIGS. 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing the B-B cross-section of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows the container 2A in a state where the upper end of the accommodation space 30A is open. FIG. 10 shows the container 2A in a state where the lid 4A shields the upper end of the accommodation space 30A. FIG. 9 shows the container 2A during the transition from the state shown in FIG. 8 to the state shown in FIG. 10.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the container 2A has a container body 3A and a lid 4A. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the container body 3A has a bottom plate 31A, a side plate 32A, and a partition wall 34.

[0074] The side plate 32A is provided on the periphery of the upper surface of the bottom plate 31A. The side plate 32A extends upward and has a ring shape in a plan view. The upper part of the bottom plate 31A is surrounded by the side plate 32A, so that the container body 3A has a storage space 30A with an open upper end.

[0075] The partition wall 34 has a disk shape, and a circular opening 34a is formed in the center thereof. The opening 34a penetrates the partition wall 34 in the thickness direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the partition wall 34 is disposed inside the side plate 32A so as to be parallel to the bottom plate 31A, and is connected to the approximate center of the side plate 32A in the vertical direction. As a result, the storage space 30A of the container body 3A is partitioned by the partition wall 34 into a first storage space 30A1 and a second storage space 30A2. The first storage space 30A1 and the second storage space 30A2 communicate with each other at the opening 34a. An opening 321 is formed in a portion of the side plate 32A that forms the second storage space 30A2. The second storage space 30A2 communicates with the outside of the container 2A through the opening 321.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 7, a partially raised fixing portion 413 is formed in the center of the top plate 41 of the lid body 4A. A needle 5A having a substantially cylindrical shape is fixed to the fixing portion 413. The needle 5A is an example of the "destructor" of the present invention, and is made of, for example, stainless steel, and has a conical tip 51A. The needle 5A protrudes from the fixing portion 413, and is disposed so that the tip 51A faces the opposite side to the top plate 41. The lid body 4A is supported rotatably relative to the container body 3A in the direction indicated by the arrow A7 in Fig. 7.

[0077] <Measurement of fragrance intensity> Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, measurement of the intensity of the fragrance of sample S using the apparatus, that is, measurement of the concentration of the volatile substances emitted by sample S, will be described. The operator who performs the measurement using the apparatus first places sample S on the upper surface of partition wall 34 as shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, sample S is placed so as to straddle opening 34a of partition wall 34. Although not shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, a member for fixing sample S may be provided on the upper surface of partition wall 34.

[0078] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the operator grips the gripping portion 411 of lid body 4A with a finger and applies a force to gripping portion 411 to rotate lid body 4A in the direction indicated by arrow A8. Lid body 4A rotates about the axis RA of hinge portion 21 and approaches the upper end of accommodation space 30A. As a result, needle 5A fixed to lid body 4A also moves while rotating together with lid body 4A and enters accommodation space 30A.

[0079] When lid body 4A moves to the vicinity of the upper end of container main body 3, as shown in FIG. 9, the tip portion 51A of needle 5A abuts on the upper portion of sample S. In this state, when the operator further applies a force to gripping portion 411 and rotates lid body 4A in the direction indicated by arrow A9, needle 5A is press-fitted into the upper portion of sample S. As a result, punching of sample S by needle 5A starts.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, when the operator rotates lid body 4A until it abuts on the upper end of container main body 3, the upper end of accommodation space 30A is shielded by lid body 4A. At this time, the lower end of partition wall 42 of lid body 4A abuts on seal member 6. Seal member 6 acts to enhance the airtightness between itself and the lower end of partition wall 42 by deforming. As a result, accommodation space 30A becomes a closed space. Due to the approach of lid body 4A, an air flow indicated by arrow A101 is generated in accommodation space 30A.

[0081] Further, the tip 51A of the needle 5A passes through the opening 34a of the partition wall 34 and moves to the second accommodation space 30A2. Thereby, the needle 5A penetrates the sample S placed so as to straddle the opening 34a and punches out the sample S. The substantially cylindrical sample piece S1 punched out from the sample S passes through the opening 34a and falls onto the bottom plate 31A. After cutting, volatile substances are released from the cross-section of the sample piece S1 toward the accommodation space 30A.

[0082] Next, the operator connects the end 72a of the nozzle 72 of the measuring instrument 7 (see FIG. 1) to the opening 321 of the side plate 32A. When the operator operates the operation unit 712 (see FIG. 1) of the measuring instrument 7, the measuring instrument 7 sucks the air in the accommodation space 30A through the end 72a as indicated by the arrow A102. Thereby, the air containing the volatile substances released from the sample piece S1 is taken into the measuring instrument 7, and a predetermined process for measuring the concentration of the volatile substances is executed. The said concentration is displayed on the display panel 711 (see FIG. 1).

[0083] [Third Embodiment] Next, a fragrance measuring device (not shown; hereinafter referred to as the "device") according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The device is used to measure the intensity of the fragrance of the sample S, similarly to the first embodiment. Regarding the same configurations as those in the first embodiment in the device, the same reference numerals are given, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0084] [Configuration] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the container 2B of the device. FIG. 11 shows the container 2B from above, showing a state in which the accommodation space 30B is open.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11, the container 2B has a container body 3B and a lid body 4B.

[0086] The container body 3B has a partition wall 35. The partition wall 35 projects from the upper surface of the bottom plate 31 and has an annular shape in plan view. The partition wall 35 is arranged so as to surround the sample placement portion 311.

[0087] On one side center of the top plate 41 of the lid body 4B, a pair of fixing parts 414, 414 are formed. The fixing parts 414, 414 protrude from one side surface of the top plate 41 and each presents a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0088] A wire-shaped member 5B is fixed to the fixing parts 414, 414. The wire-shaped member 5B is an example of the "breaker" of the present invention, is formed of a stainless wire, and extends linearly. As the material for forming the wire-shaped member 5B, various materials such as fibers in addition to stainless can be adopted as long as it can withstand a predetermined tension. The wire-shaped member 5B is arranged so as to straddle the fixing parts 414, 414, and its end is fixed to the fixing parts 414, 414.

[0089] <Measurement of fragrance intensity> An operator using the device grips the gripping part 411 of the lid body 4B with fingers and applies a force to the gripping part 411 to rotate the lid body 4B in the direction indicated by the arrow A11. The lid body 4B rotates around the axis RA of the hinge part 21 and approaches the upper end of the accommodation space 30B. As a result, the wire-shaped member 5B fixed to the lid body 4B also moves while rotating together with the lid body 4A and enters the accommodation space 30B.

[0090] Similar to the first embodiment, when the operator rotates the lid body 4B until it abuts against the upper end of the container body 3B, the upper end of the accommodation space 30B is shielded by the lid body 4B, and the wire-shaped member 5B cuts the sample S. After cutting, a volatile substance is released from the cut surface of the sample S toward the accommodation space 30B. Since the surface area of the wire-shaped member 5B is smaller than that of the blade 5 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment having a flat plate shape, it is difficult to prevent the movement of the volatile substance.

[0091] In a state where the upper end of the accommodation space 30B is shielded by the lid body 4B, the upper end of the partition wall 35 abuts against one side surface of the top plate 41 of the lid body 4B. Further, the opening 41a of the top plate 41 of the lid body 4B is located above the space partitioned by the partition wall 35 and including the sample placement portion 311. The operator connects the end portion 72a of the nozzle 72 of the measuring instrument 7 (see FIG. 1) to the opening 41a of the top plate 41 of the lid body 4B and executes a predetermined process for measuring the concentration of the volatile substance released from the sample S.

[0092] <Operational effects> Next, the operational effects based on the third embodiment will be described.

[0093] The container body 3B has a partition wall 35. The partition wall 35 is configured to partition the space near the sample S in the accommodation space 30B from other spaces in a state where the lid body 4B shields the upper end of the accommodation space 30B. According to this configuration, in the accommodation space 30B that has become a closed space, it is possible to form a space with a smaller volume near the sample S compared to the entire accommodation space 30B. As a result, in the space formed by the partition wall 35, it is possible to quickly make the distribution of the volatile substance uniform and stabilize the characteristic value measured by the measuring instrument 7.

[0094] Further, the destroyer is the wire-like member 5B that cuts the sample S. According to this configuration, after cutting the sample S, it is possible to suppress the sample S from adhering to the wire-like member 5B. Also, in a state where the lid body 4B shields the upper end of the accommodation space 30B and the wire-like member 5B is disposed in the accommodation space 30B, it is possible to reduce the interference of the movement of the volatile substance by the wire-like member 5B and quickly make the distribution of the volatile substance in the accommodation space 30B uniform.

[0095] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. That is, those obtained by appropriately making design changes by those skilled in the art to these specific examples are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. Each element included in each of the above-described specific examples and its arrangement, material, conditions, shape, size, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1: Aroma measuring device 3, 3A, 3B: Container body 30, 30A: Accommodating space 4, 4A, 4B: Lid 41a, 321: Opening 5: Blade (breaker) 52: Hole 5A: Needle (breaker) 5B: Wire-like member (breaker) 7: Measuring instrument 8: Tape (fixing member)

Claims

1. A container body having a storage space with one end open, a lid provided to open and close one end of the storage space, a destroyer disposed in the storage space for destroying a sample, and a measuring instrument for measuring characteristic values of the scent of the sample based on volatile substances released from the destroyed sample into the storage space, characterized in that the destroyer is configured to destroy the sample based on an operation in which the lid shields one end of the storage space. A scent measuring device.

2. The scent measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the destroyer is configured to destroy the sample based on the approach of the lid to one end of the storage space.

3. At least one of the container body and the lid has a partition wall, wherein the partition wall is configured to partition a space near the sample in the storage space from other spaces in a state where the lid shields one end of the storage space. The scent measuring device according to claim 2.

4. The scent measuring device according to claim 2, further comprising a fixing member for fixing the sample in the storage space.

5. The scent measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the destroyer is provided on the lid and is configured to protrude toward the storage space.

6. The scent measuring device according to claim 5, further comprising a hinge portion for rotatably supporting the lid with respect to the container body, wherein the lid is configured to open and close one end of the storage space by rotation about the hinge portion.

7. The scent measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the destroyer is a blade having a flat plate shape for cutting the sample, and a hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the blade is formed.

8. The scent measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the destroyer is a wire-shaped member for cutting the sample.

9. An opening communicating with the storage space is formed in at least one of the container body and the lid, wherein the measuring instrument is configured to measure characteristic values of the scent of the sample based on volatile substances taken out from the storage space through the opening. The scent measuring device according to claim 5.

10. The scent measuring device according to claim 5, wherein at least a part of a portion forming the storage space or at least a part of a portion shielding one end of the storage space in the container body and the lid is formed of a transparent material.

11. The fragrance measuring device according to claim 5, wherein at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space or at least a part of the portion shielding one end of the accommodation space, among the container body and the lid, is formed of polypropylene.

12. The fragrance measuring device according to claim 5, wherein at least a part of the portion forming the accommodation space or at least a part of the portion shielding one end of the accommodation space, among the container body and the lid, is fluorine-treated.

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