Odor measuring device

Abstract

This invention provides an odor measuring device that allows users to freely select sample containers, minimizing manual work and improving measurement accuracy. [Solution] An odor measuring device comprising: a main unit for detecting odor components contained in a sample gas introduced from a first inlet port; a concentration unit having a second inlet port and a second outlet port for concentrating odor components contained in the sample gas introduced from the second inlet port and discharging them from the second outlet port; a sample container for containing the sample gas and a plurality of sample storage units having an outlet port; the outlet ports of the various sample storage units and the second outlet port of the concentration unit being standardized so as to connect to the input port of the tube unit; and the first inlet port of the main unit and the second inlet port of the concentration unit being standardized so as to connect to the output port of the tube unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an odor measuring device and an odor measuring method.

Background Art

[0002] Sample containers for containing sample gas to be measured for odor are variously used due to circumstances such as sampling, storage, and transportation.

[0003] However, since conventional odor measuring devices do not correspond to these various containers, when introducing sample gas into the odor measuring device, the user needs to transfer the container. Also, depending on the sampled sample gas, it may be difficult to directly introduce it into the odor measuring device in terms of measurement accuracy, and there may be cases where concentration processing must be performed or the sensor element to be used needs to be changed.

[0004] For these reasons, when measuring odor, there is a problem that the setup before starting the measurement is time-consuming.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an odor measuring device that allows a user to freely select various types of sample containers, allows the user to easily attach the sample container to the odor measuring device, has a concentration mechanism for performing concentration processing and a sensor element that can be easily attached and detached, and can improve measurement accuracy by reducing manual operations under measurement conditions as much as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In other words, the odor measuring device and odor measuring method according to the present invention are as follows. [1] A main unit equipped with a first introduction port for detecting odor components contained in a sample gas introduced through the first introduction port, A concentration unit comprising a second inlet port and a second outlet port, which concentrates odor components contained in a sample gas introduced from the second inlet port and discharges them from the second outlet port, Multiple types of sample storage units, each comprising a sample container for containing a sample gas and an outlet port provided in the sample container, The tube unit has an input port at one end and an output port at the other end. The take-out ports of the various sample storage units and the second output port of the concentration unit are standardized so that they can be connected to the input port of the tube unit. An odor measuring device characterized in that the first inlet port of the main unit and the second inlet port of the concentration unit are made common so that they can be connected to the output port of the tube unit. [2] The odor measuring device according to [1], wherein the outlet port of the sample storage unit is configured by attaching an attachment to the original outlet port attached to the sample container. [3] A sampler further comprising a plurality of third input ports, a single third output port, an internal flow path, and a switching mechanism, wherein the path of the internal flow path is changed by operation of the switching mechanism, and any one of the third input ports is configured to communicate with the third output port, The third introduction port is further standardized so that it can be connected to the output port of the tube unit. The odor measuring device according to [1] or [2], wherein the third lead port is further standardized so that it can be connected to the input port of the tube unit. [4] The odor measuring device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the concentration unit comprises a concentration column capable of adsorbing and desorbing odor components contained in the sample gas. [5] The main unit is A sensor that detects odor components contained in the sample, A chamber that houses the sensor inside, A sample supply channel for supplying sample gas to the chamber, A purge gas supply channel for supplying purge gas to the chamber, The chamber is connected to a switching valve that switches the flow path between the sample supply flow path and the purge gas supply flow path, The odor measuring device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the length of the sample supply channel and the length of the purge gas supply channel are approximately the same. [6] The odor measuring device according to [5], wherein the switching valve is an electromagnetic eight-way valve. [7] The odor measuring device according to claim [5] or [6], further comprising a temperature control mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the sample gas or purge gas in the chamber. [8] The odor measuring device according to [7], wherein the temperature control mechanism adjusts the temperature of the sample gas and purge gas in the chamber to a temperature of 50°C or less. [9] The odor measuring device according to [7], wherein the temperature control mechanism controls the temperature of at least a portion of the sample supply channel and / or the purge gas supply channel.

[10] The temperature control mechanism is equipped with a heat source, The odor measuring device according to [7], wherein the heat source is located in a place that does not directly supply heat to the chamber.

[11] The main unit further comprises a main unit housing that houses the chamber inside, The odor measuring device according to any one of [5] to

[10] , wherein the main unit housing has an opening formed therein that allows the chamber to be inserted into and removed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a user can freely select a sample container to be connected to and used with an odor measuring device, and the user can easily attach the sample container to the odor measuring device. In addition, an odor measuring device in which a concentration mechanism and a sensor element for performing concentration processing can be easily attached and detached can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] Overall schematic diagram of an odor measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of each unit constituting the odor measuring device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the concentration unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the flow path inside the main body unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the flow path in the main body unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the flow path inside the main body unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the flow path in the main body unit according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram showing the structure of the sensor according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram showing the structure of a sampler according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of the Odor Measuring Device According to this Embodiment> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the odor measuring device 100 according to this embodiment includes a main body unit 1, a concentration unit 2, a sample storage unit 3, and a tube unit 4, and is of a desktop size that can be placed on a tabletop for the entire device.

[0012] The main unit 1 detects odor components contained in the sample gas. The main unit 1, for example as shown in Figure 1, comprises a housing (main unit housing) 11, a first inlet port 12 and a first outlet port 13 formed in the housing 11, a flow passage 14 formed between the first inlet port 12 and the first outlet port 13, and a chamber 18 that is placed on the flow passage 14 of the sample gas, for introducing the sample gas from the first inlet port 12 and releasing it from the first outlet port 13. One or more odor sensors 16 are housed inside the chamber 18, and the main unit further comprises a calculation unit 17 that calculates odor information, which is information related to odor, based on the values ​​detected by the odor sensors 16. The chamber 18 can accommodate a large number of odor sensors 16 arranged in a matrix inside.

[0013] The flow passage 14 may also be provided with a flow rate control means 15 for controlling the flow velocity of the sample gas flowing through the flow passage 14, as shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0014] The flow path 14 has a sample supply flow path 141 for supplying sample gas to the chamber 18 and a purge gas supply flow path 142 for supplying purge gas to the chamber 18. The main unit 1 is equipped with a flow path switching mechanism 19 that switches the flow path communicating with the chamber 18 between the sample supply flow path 141 and the purge gas supply flow path 142.

[0015] The sample supply channel 141 comprises a first intermediate section 141a and a common section 143, in order from the first introduction port 12 toward the chamber 18.

[0016] The purge gas supply channel 142 is a channel connecting the chamber 18 to a purge gas supply source 142b, which contains purge gas for purging the chamber 18. The purge gas is, for example, air or nitrogen, and the purge gas supply source 142b may include, for example, a filter, a gas cooler, or a membrane dehumidifier. The purge gas supply channel 142 includes a second intermediate section 142a and a common section 143, in order from the purge gas supply source 142b toward the chamber 18.

[0017] The flow path switching mechanism 19 may, for example, have a first switching valve 191, a second switching valve 192, a third switching valve 193, and a fourth switching valve 194, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 6. It may use an eight-way solenoid valve as shown in Figures 4 and 6, or it may be composed of multiple three-way solenoid valves as shown in Figures 5 and 7. The valves used in the flow path switching mechanism 19 are not limited to those shown in Figures 4 and 6, and various types can be used. For example, one or more switching valves capable of switching flow paths in three or more directions (four-way valves, five-way valves, six-way valves, twelve-way valves, etc.) may be used. Furthermore, multiple two-way valves may be used after devising a flow path shape, such as by branching the flow path.

[0018] The first intermediate section 141a is connected to the first inlet port 12 via the first switching valve 191 and to the discharge passage 144 via the second switching valve 192. In other words, the first intermediate section 141a is a passage located between the first switching valve 191 and the second switching valve 192. The first intermediate section 141a has a loop-shaped first loop section L1. However, the first intermediate section 141a does not necessarily have to have the first loop section L1.

[0019] The second intermediate section 142a is connected to the purge gas supply source 142b via the third switching valve 193 and to the common section 143 via the fourth switching valve 194. In other words, the second intermediate section 142a is a flow path located between the third switching valve 193 and the fourth switching valve 194. The second intermediate section 142a has a loop-shaped second loop section L2. However, the second intermediate section 142a does not necessarily have to have the second loop section L2.

[0020] The common section 143 has a loop-shaped third loop section L3. However, the common section 143 does not necessarily have to have the third loop section L3.

[0021] The first switching valve 191 is a valve that switches between connecting the first inlet port 12 and the first intermediate section 141a, or connecting the purge gas supply source 142b and the first intermediate section 141a. More specifically, the first switching valve 191 is a valve that connects the first connection section 141b and the first intermediate section 141a when the purge gas supply source 142b and the first intermediate section 141a are connected. Here, the first connection section 141b is a flow path provided between the first switching valve 191 and the third switching valve 193. The length of the first connection section 141b is preferably such that it does not affect the temperature of the gas passing through the first connection section 141b, for example, it is preferably about 3 / 1000 to 1 / 20 the length of the first intermediate section 141a.

[0022] The second switching valve 192 is a valve that can switch whether or not to connect the first intermediate section 141a and the common section 143. Specifically, the second switching valve 192 is a valve that switches whether to connect the first intermediate section 141a to the common section 143 or to the discharge passage 144 that discharges gas to the outside. More specifically, when the first intermediate section 141a and the common section 143 are connected, the second switching valve 192 connects the first intermediate section 141a and the second connecting section 141c. Here, the second connecting section 141c is a passage provided between the second switching valve 192 and the fourth switching valve 194. The length of the second connecting section 141c is preferably such that it does not affect the temperature of the gas passing through the second connecting section 141c, for example, it is preferably about 3 / 1000 to 1 / 20 the length of the first intermediate section 141a.

[0023] The third switching valve 193 is a valve that can switch between connecting the purge gas supply source 142b and the second intermediate section 142a, or connecting the purge gas supply source 142b and the first intermediate section 141a. More specifically, the third switching valve 193 is a valve that connects the purge gas supply source 142b and the first connection section 141b when the purge gas supply source 142b and the second intermediate section 142a are not connected.

[0024] The fourth switching valve 194 is a valve that can switch between connecting the second intermediate section 142a and the common section 143, or connecting the first intermediate section 141a and the common section 143. In this embodiment, the fourth switching valve 194 is a valve that connects the second connecting section 141c and the common section 143 when the first intermediate section 141a and the common section 143 are connected.

[0025] In this embodiment, the sample supply channel 141 is the channel from the first switching valve 191 through the first intermediate section 141a, the second switching valve 192, the second connecting section 141c, and the fourth switching valve 194 to the chamber 18. The purge gas supply channel 142 is the channel from the third switching valve 193 through the second intermediate section 142a, the fourth switching valve 194, and the common section 143 to the chamber.

[0026] In this embodiment, the length of the sample supply channel 141 and the length of the purge gas supply channel 142 are approximately the same, and the internal volume of these two channels is approximately the same.

[0027] As mentioned above, since the first connection section 141b and the second connection section 141c are very short, the flow path volumes of the first connection section 141b and the second connection section 141c can be substantially ignored. That is, when the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first intermediate section 141a and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second intermediate section 142a are substantially the same, and the length of the first intermediate section 141a and the length of the second intermediate section 142a are substantially the same, the sample supply flow path 141 and the purge gas supply flow path 142 are approximately the same, and the internal volumes of these two flow paths are made to be approximately the same. Here, in this specification, the flow path cross-sectional area is the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in a direction perpendicular to the gas flow direction.

[0028] In this embodiment, as an example of the first intermediate section 141a and the second intermediate section 142a, for example, pipes with an inner diameter of 1 / 16 inch are used. The lengths of the first intermediate section 141a and the second intermediate section 142a are, for example, 5 m. In this embodiment, the common section 143 also uses a pipe with the same inner diameter as the first intermediate section 141a and the second intermediate section 142a, and its length is, for example, 5 m. The flow path volume (volume in the flow path through which gas passes) of the first intermediate section 141a, the second intermediate section 142a, and the common section 143 in this embodiment is, for example, 10 ml. Furthermore, if the inner surfaces of each pipe forming the flow passage 14 are made of a material that adsorbs odor components, odor components may be adsorbed onto the inner surfaces of these pipes, potentially affecting subsequent measurements. Therefore, it is preferable that the inner surfaces of the pipes forming the flow passage 14 are made of a material that is inert to odor components. Examples of materials that are inert to odor components include glass, metal, and resin. When using metal, stainless steel (SUS) is preferred, and when using resin, fluororesin, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), ABS resin, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are preferred.

[0029] The main unit 1 further includes a temperature control mechanism 5 for adjusting the temperature of the sample gas and / or purge gas in the chamber 18. The temperature control mechanism 5 adjusts the temperature of at least the sample gas or purge gas in the chamber 18, and controls the temperature of the gas flowing inside the sample supply channel 141 and the purge gas supply channel 142, including part or all of them, thereby controlling the temperature of the gas flowing inside these channels and the gas flowing from these channels into the chamber. Preferably, the temperature control mechanism 5 adjusts the temperature of the sample gas and purge gas in the chamber 18 to a constant temperature of 50°C or less.

[0030] The temperature control mechanism 5 is, for example, a constant temperature bath filled with gas or liquid, and at least a portion of the aforementioned sample supply channel 141 and purge gas supply channel 142 are housed inside the constant temperature bath, thereby controlling the temperature of the gas flowing through these channels into the chamber 18. If the temperature control mechanism 5 is equipped with a heat source, it is preferable that the heat source is located in a place that does not directly supply heat to the chamber 18 in order to prevent the temperature of the gas in the chamber 18 from becoming too high and to perform odor measurement at a stable temperature.

[0031] The flow rate control means 15 controls the flow velocity of the sample gas within the flow passage 14, for example, by promoting or suppressing the flow of the sample gas. The flow rate control means 15 may be provided inside or outside the flow passage 14. In this embodiment, the pumps provided between the purge gas supply source 142b and the third switching valve 193 and the pumps provided on the discharge passage 144 perform this function.

[0032] The system may further include a flow rate control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the flow rate control means 15. Physically, this flow rate control unit is a general-purpose computer COM having one or more analog electrical circuits with buffers, amplifiers, etc., digital electrical circuits with a CPU, memory, DSP, etc., and an A / D converter etc. interposed between them. This computer COM is configured to perform its function as a flow rate control unit through the cooperation of the CPU and its peripheral devices according to a predetermined program stored in memory.

[0033] The odor sensor 16 is not particularly limited and can be any gas sensor capable of detecting odor components, such as a semiconductor gas sensor, an organic polymer gas sensor, or an alcohol detection device. For example, a commercially available gas sensor such as those listed below may be used as the odor sensor. MICS6814 (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), MICS5914 (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), MICS5524 (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), MQ-137 (manufactured by Winsen), SGP40 (manufactured by Sensirion), TGS2620 (manufactured by Figaro Giken), IR12GM (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), EC4-10-ETO (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), FECS44-100 (manufactured by Figaro Giken), MP7227 (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), VQ31MB (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH), PS1HCH5 (manufactured by SGX SENSORTECH). The odor sensor 16 may consist of only one of the odor sensors 16 mentioned above, or it may consist of multiple sensors of the same type. In this embodiment, as an example of such a sensor, a gas sensor equipped with an odor component receiving layer whose electrical conductivity changes when odor components are adsorbed is used. Details of this gas sensor will be described later. It is also possible to use only the gas sensor equipped with the odor component receiving layer, or to use the gas sensor equipped with the odor component receiving layer in combination with the commercially available gas sensor mentioned above.

[0034] The calculation unit 17 calculates odor information based on the detected value of the odor sensor 16. For example, the aforementioned computer COM is configured to perform its function as a calculation unit 17 through the cooperation of the CPU and its peripheral devices according to a predetermined program stored in memory. The calculation unit 17 may be entirely located outside the main unit housing 11, or it may be partially or entirely located inside the main unit housing 11.

[0035] The main unit housing 11 has an opening 11a. This opening 11a allows the user to insert and remove the chamber 18, and is, for example, located on the side of the main unit housing 11 near the chamber 18. In order to maintain a constant temperature inside the main unit housing 11, it is preferable that the opening 11a is provided with a door that can be opened and closed manually by the user. The chamber 18 is easily detachable from the flow passage 14, and the user can replace the chamber 18 through the aforementioned opening 11a.

[0036] The concentration unit 2 concentrates odor components contained in the sample gas, and, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a housing (concentration unit housing) 21, and a second inlet port 22 and a second outlet port 23 formed in the housing 21. The concentration unit 2 concentrates the sample gas introduced through the second inlet port 22 and discharges it through the second outlet port 23. The concentration unit 2 includes, for example, a concentration column 24 capable of adsorbing and desorbing odor components contained in the sample gas.

[0037] The concentration unit 2 includes, for example, a concentration channel 25 formed between the second inlet port 22 and the second outlet port 23, a concentration column 24 provided on the concentration channel 25, a heater 26 for heating the concentration column 24, a heating control unit (not shown) for controlling the heating by the heater 26, a carrier gas supply channel 27 for supplying a carrier gas such as nitrogen or dehumidified air to the concentration channel 25, a second discharge channel 28 downstream of the concentration column 24 for discharging gas from the concentration channel 25 to the outside, and a concentration switching mechanism 29. The concentration unit 2 may further include a flow rate control means 6 such as a pump provided on the second discharge channel 28 for introducing outside air into the concentration channel 25. The concentration column 24 is equipped with an adsorbent that adsorbs odor components in the sample gas and releases the odor components upon heating. Existing adsorbents such as silica monolith sieves (product name MonoTrap), heat-resistant resins (Tenax TA, Tenax GR), graphite carbon black (Carbotrap), and carbon molecular sieves (Carboxen1000, Carbosieve S-III) can be used.

[0038] The concentration switching mechanism 29 includes, for example, a fifth switching valve 291, which is a three-way valve provided between the second inlet port 22 and the concentration column 24, and a sixth switching valve 292, which is a three-way valve provided between the concentration column 24 and the second outlet port 23. The fifth switching valve 291 switches the connection destination of the concentration column 24 between the second introduction port 22 and the carrier gas supply channel 27. The sixth switching valve 292 can switch the concentration channel 25 between the second outlet port 23 and the second discharge channel 28.

[0039] A method for concentrating a sample gas using the concentration unit 2 configured in this way is as follows: With the concentration column 24 at room temperature, and with the fifth switching valve 291 and the sixth switching valve 292 connected to the second inlet port 22 and the concentration column 24, and the concentration column 24 connected to the second discharge channel 28, the pump provided on the second discharge channel 28 is activated to introduce the sample gas from the second inlet port 22 into the concentration column 24, causing the odor components in the sample gas to be adsorbed onto the concentration column 24.

[0040] Next, the fifth switching valve 291 is operated to connect the carrier gas supply channel 27 to the concentration column 24, and the pump provided on the second discharge channel 28 is activated to remove water and insoluble substances such as ethanol from the concentration column 24.

[0041] Subsequently, the sixth switching valve 292 is operated to connect the concentration column 24 and the second outlet port 23. In this state, the heating control unit heats the heater 26 to rapidly heat the concentration column 24 at a rate of, for example, about 10°C / second, causing the odor components adsorbed on the adsorbent of the concentration column 24 to be thermally desorbed from the adsorbent. Then, a predetermined amount of outside air is supplied to the main unit 1 from the concentration column 24 via the second outlet port 23 to deliver the odor components.

[0042] The sample storage unit 3, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, for example, comprises a sample container 31 for containing a sample gas and an outlet port 32 provided in the sample container. Multiple types of sample storage units 3 are available to accommodate multiple types of sample containers 31. Various sample containers such as sampling bags, vials, medium bottles, or syringes can be used as the sample container 31.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the tube unit 4 is a tube with an input port 41 at one end and an output port 42 at the other end, and it detachably connects the main unit 1, the concentration unit 2, and the sample containment unit 3 to each other. The tube portion of the tube unit 4 may be made of the same material as the pipes that form the flow passages described above.

[0044] The second output port 23 of the concentration unit 2 is configured to be connected to the input port 41 of the tube unit 4.

[0045] The take-out port 32 of the sample containment unit 3 is configured to be connected to the input port 41 of the tube unit 4, similar to the second output port 23 of the concentration unit 2 described above.

[0046] The extraction port 32 of the sample storage unit 3 is made common with the second output port 23 described above by, for example, attaching an attachment 32b to the original extraction port 32a that is originally attached to the sample container 31, thereby enabling connection to the input port 41 of the tube unit 4.

[0047] Furthermore, the first input port 12 of the main unit 1 and the second input port 22 of the concentration unit 2 are common to each other so that they can be connected to the output port 42 of the tube unit 4.

[0048] With this configuration, in the odor measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, multiple types of sample storage units 3 and the concentration unit 2 can be connected using a common type of tube unit 4, and the concentration unit 2 can also be connected to the main unit 1. Furthermore, since connecting each unit only requires attaching and detaching the tube unit 4, the user can easily assemble the odor measuring device 100 by combining and connecting the tube unit with each unit.

[0049] <Odor measurement method using the odor measuring device according to this embodiment> The method for measuring odor using the odor measuring device 100 configured in this way will be described below. First, the sample container 31 containing the sample gas is placed in the sample storage unit 3. When the pump of the concentration unit 2 operates, the sample gas is supplied from the outlet port 32 of the sample containment unit 3 to the second inlet port 22 of the concentration unit 2 via the tube unit 4. The sample gas concentrated by the concentration unit 2 is supplied from the second outlet port 23 of the concentration unit 2 to the first inlet port 12 of the main unit 1 via the tube unit 4. The sample gas supplied to the main unit 1 from the first introduction port 12 is supplied to the chamber 18, where one or more types of odor sensors 16 located in the chamber 18 detect odor components in the sample gas and output the detected values.

[0050] The specific flow of sample gas supply from the first introduction port 12 to the chamber 18 is as follows. First, the sample gas introduced from the first inlet port 12 into the sample supply channel 141 flows into the first intermediate section 141a after passing through the first switching valve 191, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. At this time, purge gas is supplied to the chamber 18 from the purge gas supply source 142b via the third switching valve 193, the second intermediate section 142a, the fourth switching valve 194, and the common section 143. Next, the first switching valve 191, second switching valve 192, third switching valve 193, and fourth switching valve 194 of the flow path switching mechanism 19 are activated to switch the flow path, and as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the flow path is switched so that the purge gas flows from the third switching valve 193 through the first connection part 141b, the second switching valve 192, the first intermediate part 141a, the first switching valve 191, the second connection part 141c, the fourth switching valve 194, and the common part 143. At this time, the sample gas that was filled in the first intermediate part 141a is pushed out by the purge gas and flows into the chamber 18 via the second connection part 141c, the fourth switching valve 194, and the common part 143. Finally, as the flow path switching mechanism 19 returns to its original position, the flow path returns to the state shown in Figures 4 and 5, and the sample gas flows from the first introduction port 12 through the first switching valve 191 into the first intermediate section 141a. Purge gas is supplied to the chamber 18 from the purge gas supply source 142b via the third switching valve 193, the second intermediate section 142a, the fourth switching valve 194, and the common section 143, and the gas in the chamber 18 is purged.

[0051] The calculation unit 17 calculates the odor information based on the detected values ​​obtained from the odor sensor 16, for example, by data analysis and / or machine learning.

[0052] The odor information calculated by the calculation unit 17 may be output to, for example, a display unit (not shown), which then presents the odor information to the user.

[0053] The odor information displayed to the user by the display unit includes, for example, information such as the type and intensity of odor components contained in the sample gas.

[0054] <Gas sensor> Here, the odor sensor 16 used in this embodiment is a gas sensor that includes, for example, a sensor substrate 161, an odor component receiving layer 162 formed on the sensor substrate 161, and metal wiring 163 for electrically connecting the odor component receiving layer 162 to, for example, a voltmeter (not shown) that detects the potential change of the odor component receiving layer 162 as a signal value, as shown in Figure 8.

[0055] [substrate] A wide variety of materials commonly used in electronic circuits can be used as the sensor substrate 161. Specifically, a sensor substrate 161 made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of glass epoxy, paper, and glass cloth can be used.

[0056] [Odor component receiving layer] The odor component receiving layer 162 preferably contains a resin composition in which the electrical conductivity when odor component a is adsorbed differs from the electrical conductivity when odor component b, which is a substance different from odor component a, is adsorbed.

[0057] This resin composition includes, for example, a resin (A) and a conductive carbon material (B).

[0058] (Resin (A)) The resin (A) contained in the resin composition according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it contains one or more selected from the group consisting of urethane resin, polyalkylene oxide, acrylic resin, fluorine group-containing resin, vinyl polymerization resin, silicone resin, polyamide resin and polyester resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, phenylene oxide and polyimide.

[0059] (Conductive carbon material (B)) The conductive carbon material (B) is, for example, a carbon material with a volume resistivity of 0.1 Ω·cm or less. This conductive carbon material (B) is dispersed in the resin composition, and the conductive carbon material (B) particles come into contact with each other to form conductive paths, thereby imparting conductivity to the resin composition.

[0060] Specific examples of conductive carbon materials (B) include carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene.

[0061] The conductive carbon material (B) is preferably fibrous or spherical in shape.

[0062] When the conductive carbon material (B) is fibrous, the fiber diameter is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. Furthermore, when the conductive carbon material (B) is fibrous, the fiber length is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0063] When the conductive carbon material (B) is spherical, the primary particle diameter is preferably 10 nm to 200 nm, and more preferably 20 nm to 150 nm. It is even more preferable that the primary particle diameter be 100 nm or less, as this can further improve conductivity and sensor sensitivity in the resin composition.

[0064] The primary particle size of conductive carbon material (B) can be determined, for example, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The particle size can be measured by observing it and performing image analysis using an image processing device (for example, a Keyence VHX-700F digital microscope). The primary particle size of the conductive carbon material (B) can also be determined by other known methods. Furthermore, if the conductive carbon material (B) is a known or commercially available product, the primary particle size may be a literature value or a catalog value.

[0065] The content of the conductive carbon material (B) is preferably 5% to 670% by weight relative to 100% by weight of the total of the resin (A) and the conductive carbon material (B), from the viewpoint of the sensor element formed from the resin composition exhibiting sufficient conductivity as an odor sensor and exhibiting sufficient sensitivity as said odor sensor.

[0066] The resin composition may further contain other components besides the aforementioned resin (A) and conductive carbon material (B), to the extent that the effects of the present invention are obtained. These other components can be suitably used to the extent that both the effects of the present invention and the effects of the other components are obtained. Examples of these other components include surfactants. When a surfactant is included, the type of surfactant is not particularly limited, and various types can be used.

[0067] [Metal wiring] The metal wiring 163 is arranged so as to be in contact with the odor component receiving layer 162 described above, and for example comprises a first metal wiring 163a and a second metal wiring 163b.

[0068] These first metal wiring 163a and second metal wiring 163b are preferably made of copper or gold, and it is preferable that their cross-sectional shape is flattened.

[0069] The widths of the first metal wiring 163a and the second metal wiring 163b, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sensor substrate 161, are preferably 10 μm or more and 2 mm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less. Furthermore, the height, i.e., thickness, of the first metal wiring 163a and the second metal wiring 163b, as viewed from a direction parallel to the surface of the sensor substrate 161, are preferably 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0070] It is preferable that the first metal wiring 163a and the second metal wiring 163b are not in direct contact with each other and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0071] As mentioned above, the distance between the first metal wiring 163a and the second metal wiring 163b, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, is preferably 1 μm or more and 3 mm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

[0072] The distance between the first metal wiring 163a and the second metal wiring 163b is preferably less than or equal to a predetermined distance (e.g., 500 μm) when the electrical conductivity of the odor component receiving layer 162 (i.e., the electrical conductivity of the odor sensor 16) is low.

[0073] The lengths of the portions of the first metal wiring 163a and the second metal wiring 163b that are in contact with the odor component receiving layer 162 are preferably 100 μm or more and 50 mm or less, and more preferably 500 μm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0074] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the odor measuring device 100 and odor measuring method of this embodiment, the user can freely select the sample container 31 to be connected to the odor measuring device 100, and the user can easily attach the sample container 31 to the odor measuring device 100. Furthermore, it is easy to attach and detach the concentration unit 2, which performs the concentration process, together with the sample container 31, and by selecting and attaching the main unit 1 to be used for measurement, it is possible to provide an odor measuring device 100 that can perform measurements using an appropriate odor sensor 16. Furthermore, since it is possible to replace only the chamber 18 of the main unit 1, it is also possible to replace the odor sensor 16 along with the chamber 18 by removing and replacing the chamber 18.

[0075] <Other embodiments of the present invention> However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the above embodiment, an odor measuring device was described that includes a concentration unit between the main unit and the sample storage unit, but the sample storage unit may be connected directly to the main unit without going through the concentration unit.

[0076] Instead of the sample storage unit mentioned above, a sampler 8 that supplies sample gas to the main unit may be connected. The sampler 8 is preferably one that includes, for example, a plurality of third input ports 81, a single third output port 82, an internal flow path 83, and a sampler switching mechanism 84, as shown in Figure 9. It is preferable to use an autosampler configured such that the path of the internal flow path 83 changes by operating the sampler switching mechanism 84, and one of the third input ports 81 communicates with the third output port 82.

[0077] Preferably, the third introduction port 81 is further standardized so that it can be connected to, for example, the output port 42 of the tube unit 4, and the sample housing unit 3 can be connected via the tube unit 4 through this third introduction port 81. Furthermore, it is preferable that the third lead port 82 is shared so that it can be connected to the input port 41 of the tube unit 4.

[0078] Furthermore, the third input port 81 may be connected to the main output port 32a of the sample container 31 that contains the sample. For example, each of the multiple third input ports 81 may be directly connected to a sample container 31. The sample containers 31 connected to a single sampler 8 may all be of the same type, or they may be of different types. Furthermore, some or all of the aforementioned embodiments and modified embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 100... Odor measuring device 1 ···Main Unit 12 ···First Introduction Port 13 ···First Derivation Port 2 ···Concentration Unit 22 ···Second Induction Port 23 ···Second Derivation Port 3. Sample storage unit 31 ···Sample container 32 ···Removal port 32a... Main output port 32b...Attachment 4... Tube Unit 8 ···Sampler 81 ···Third Induction Port 82 ···Third Derivation Port 83 ···Internal flow path 84 ···Sampler switching mechanism

Claims

1. A main unit equipped with a first introduction port for detecting odor components contained in a sample gas introduced through the first introduction port, A concentration unit comprising a second inlet port and a second outlet port, which concentrates odor components contained in a sample gas introduced from the second inlet port and discharges them from the second outlet port, Multiple types of sample storage units, each comprising a sample container for containing a sample gas and an outlet port provided in the sample container, The tube unit has an input port at one end and an output port at the other end. The take-out ports of the various sample storage units and the second output port of the concentration unit are standardized so that they can be connected to the input port of the tube unit. An odor measuring device characterized in that the first inlet port of the main unit and the second inlet port of the concentration unit are made common so that they can be connected to the output port of the tube unit.

2. The odor measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet port of the sample storage unit is configured such that an attachment is attached to the original outlet port mounted on the sample container.

3. The sampler further comprises multiple third input ports, a single third output port, an internal flow path, and a switching mechanism, wherein the path of the internal flow path is changed by operation of the switching mechanism, and any one of the third input ports communicates with the third output port. The third introduction port is further standardized so that it can be connected to the output port of the tube unit. The odor measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the third output port is further standardized so that it can be connected to the input port of the tube unit.

4. The odor measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the concentration unit comprises a concentration column capable of adsorbing and desorbing odor components contained in the sample gas.

5. The main unit, A sensor that detects odor components contained in a sample gas, A chamber that houses the sensor inside, A sample supply channel for supplying sample gas to the chamber, A purge gas supply channel for supplying purge gas to the chamber, The chamber is connected to a switching valve that switches the flow path between the sample supply flow path and the purge gas supply flow path, The odor measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the sample supply channel and the length of the purge gas supply channel are approximately the same.

6. The odor measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the switching valve is one or more valves capable of switching between three or more directions.

7. The odor measuring device according to claim 5, further comprising a temperature control mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the sample gas or purge gas in the chamber.

8. The odor measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the temperature control mechanism adjusts the temperature of the sample gas and purge gas in the chamber to a temperature of 50°C or less.

9. The odor measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the temperature control mechanism controls the temperature of at least a portion of the sample supply channel and / or the purge gas supply channel.

10. The temperature control mechanism is equipped with a heat source, The odor measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the heat source is located in a place that does not directly supply heat to the chamber.

11. The main unit further comprises a main unit housing that houses the chamber inside, The odor measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the main unit housing has an opening formed therein that allows the chamber to be inserted into and removed.

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