Suction machine attachment

Abstract

To provide a suction machine attachment capable of sampling more dust from a wider range of area while reducing contamination.SOLUTION: A suction machine attachment used being attached to a suction machine includes: an intake flow path through which intake air taken in from the outside flows when the suction force from the suction machine is applied; a connection part that connects the intake flow path and an air intake of the suction machine; a collecting part that is provided to the intake flow path to collect dust contained in the intake air flowing through the intake flow path; and an intake change part that is provided at a position closer to the connection part than the collecting part in the intake flow path to change the intake flow at the part where the collecting part is positioned in the intake flow path from a steady state where the dust is collected by the collecting part using the suction force from the suction machine to a reduced state in which the inspiratory flow is reduced from the steady state or a cutoff state in which the inspiratory flow is blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum attachment with dust collection capabilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods for investigating or monitoring biological species present in the environment include recovering biologically derived nucleic acids from the environment, analyzing the recovered nucleic acids, and identifying the biological species from which the nucleic acids originate. Biologically derived nucleic acids are nucleic acids that contain the genetic information of an organism and are released from the organism into the environment, and are included in nucleic acids present in the environment, such as environmental DNA. Another method for investigating biological species in the environment includes recovering microorganisms from the environment and analyzing the recovered microorganisms.

[0003] As a method for recovering biological nucleic acids, microorganisms, etc. from the environment, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for collecting microbial aerosols (airborne microorganisms) in the air by capturing them in a simulated medium. Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 1 also disclose methods for collecting air samples and extracting airborne particles containing bacteria, viruses, etc. Non-Patent Document 2 further discloses a technique for collecting swab samples (samples obtained by wiping the surface of an object with a cotton swab-like instrument) from an environment such as a home, extracting DNA from the collected samples, and analyzing the sequence to identify arthropods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-55790 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0105034 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Lewis Cuthbertson et al., Characterization of Arctic Bacterial Communities in the Air above Svalbard, Biology(Basel), 2017 Jun;6(2):29. Published online 2017 May 6. doi: 10.3390 / biology602009 [Non-patent document 2] Anne A. Madden et al., The diversity of arthropods in homes across the United States as determined by environmental DNA analyses, Mol Ecol. 2016 Dec;25(24):6214-6224. Epub 2016 Nov 28. doi: 10.1111 / mec.13900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and Non-Patent Document 1, when sampling from the air, it is difficult to recover microorganisms or biological nucleic acids that are not suspended in the air, which may result in insufficient investigation of the biological species present in the target environment. Furthermore, when repeatedly sampling from the air, contamination may occur between samples in the device used to aspirate the air. In contrast, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2, when collecting swab samples, various sediments, including suspended matter that has fallen from the air, can be collected from any location, such as the surface of an indoor object. Furthermore, by replacing the swab each time sediments are collected, contamination between samples can be reduced. However, because the amount and range that can be sampled at one time are limited, a technology that allows for sampling of larger amounts of samples from a wider area while minimizing contamination has been desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms. (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a suction attachment for use with a suction device, the suction attachment including: an intake air flow path through which intake air taken in from outside flows when suction force from the suction device is applied; a connection part connecting the intake air flow path to an intake port of the suction device; a collector part provided in the intake air flow path and configured to collect dust contained in the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path; and an intake air change part provided in the intake air flow path closer to the connection part than the collector part and configured to change the flow of intake air at a portion of the intake air flow path where the collector part is located from a steady state in which the collector part collects dust using suction force from the suction device to a reduced state in which the flow of intake air is reduced from the steady state or a blocked state in which the flow of intake air is blocked. According to this type of aspirator attachment, by attaching the aspirator attachment to an aspirator and using it to collect dust, it is possible to sample a large amount of dust from a wide area and efficiently collect biological nucleic acids and microorganisms contained in the accumulated dust. Furthermore, the aspirator attachment is provided with an intake change unit that changes the intake air flow in the intake flow path from a steady state to a reduced state or a blocked state. Therefore, at the end of the dust sampling operation, it is possible to detach the aspirator attachment from the aspirator or detach the collection unit from the aspirator attachment while the intake air flow in the intake flow path is in a reduced or blocked state. As a result, contamination of dust collected using the aspirator attachment due to backflow of intake air generated by the aspirator can be suppressed. (2) In the suction attachment of the above aspect, the collector may be a filter disposed to block the intake air flow path, allowing intake air to pass through and collecting dust. With this configuration, dust collected on the filter surface can be easily collected. (3) The suction attachment of the above aspect may further include a flow direction changer that changes the flow direction of the intake air flowing through the intake passage so that at least a portion of the intake air flowing through the intake passage is directed toward an inner wall surface of the intake passage, and the collector may be the inner wall surface of the intake passage into which the intake air whose flow direction has been changed by the flow direction changer flows, and may collect the dust contained in the intake air whose flow direction has been changed by adhering the dust to the surface. With this configuration, the dust can be easily collected by obtaining the dust from the inner wall surface of the intake passage where the dust has been collected. (4) In the suction attachment of the above aspect, the flow direction changing unit may include a direction changing plate having a slope that guides the intake air toward the inner wall surface of the intake passage, which is the collecting unit. With this configuration, it is possible to change the flow direction of the intake air to a desired state with a simple configuration of a sloped direction changing plate. (5) In the suction device attachment of the above aspect, the intake change unit may include an intake blocking unit that blocks the intake flow path to change the intake flow at the portion of the intake flow path where the collector is located from the steady state to the blocked state, and may include a blocking plate that is movable between a position that blocks the intake flow path and a position that opens the intake flow path, and the flow of intake air in the intake flow path is changed from the steady state to the blocked state by moving the blocking plate from the position that opens the intake flow path to the position that opens the intake flow path. With this configuration, blocking the intake flow with the intake blocking unit can prevent contamination by collected dust even if backflow occurs in the suction device. Furthermore, the intake flow in the intake flow path can be easily blocked by the simple configuration of moving the blocking plate. (6) In the suction attachment of the above aspect, the suction change unit may include an suction reduction unit downstream of the collector in the suction flow direction, which changes the suction flow at the portion of the suction flow path where the collector is located from the steady state to the reduced state by taking in outside air from outside the suction flow path. With this configuration, the suction flow in the suction flow path can be changed from the steady state to the reduced state, reducing the suction force from the suction device, thereby facilitating the removal of the collector from the suction attachment or the suction attachment from the suction device. In this case, suction from the suction device continues, preventing backflow of suction air in the suction device and suppressing contamination due to backflow. (7) In the suction attachment of the above aspect, the intake air reduction unit may include an air vent that connects the intake air flow path with the outside of the intake air flow path, and an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the air vent, and by changing the air vent from a closed state to an open state using the opening / closing unit, the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake air flow path where the collector is located may be changed from the steady state to the reduced state. With this configuration, the flow of intake air in the intake air flow path can be easily changed from the steady state to the reduced state by the simple operation of changing the air vent from a closed state to an open state. The present disclosure can be realized in various forms other than those described above, for example, in the form of a sampling device equipped with a suction attachment, or a method for collecting dust containing biological nucleic acids, microorganisms, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the configuration and appearance of the sampling device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a suction device attachment according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting dust using a sampling device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the microbial flora on each collection target surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a suction device attachment according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting dust using a sampling device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a suction device attachment according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. First embodiment: (A-1) Overall configuration of sampling device: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the appearance of a sampling device 10 equipped with a suction device attachment 30 according to a first embodiment. The sampling device 10 according to this embodiment is an apparatus for collecting dust containing biological nucleic acids, microorganisms, and the like from indoor and outdoor surfaces, indoor floor surfaces, or outdoor ground. The sampling device 10 includes a suction device 12 and a suction device attachment 30. The suction device attachment 30 is attached to a first air intake port 28 of the suction device 12. In the following description, the end of the suction device 12 where the first air intake port 28 is formed is referred to as the "tip." The location of the suction device attachment 30 where the second air intake port 32 (described later) is formed is referred to as the "tip," and the portion including the tip is referred to as the "tip portion." Furthermore, the end of the suction device attachment 30 on the side opposite the tip portion and attached to the suction device 12 is referred to as the "rear end."

[0010] The suction device 12 is a device that draws in ambient air from the outside through the first air intake port 28 and may be, for example, a vacuum cleaner. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , a typical cordless vacuum cleaner with a dust collection function is used as the suction device 12. The suction device 12 includes a main body 20 and a dust collector 24 that is detachable from the main body 20. The main body 20 includes a grip 22 that allows an operator performing sampling to hold the suction device 12 and an operation unit 26 that includes a drive switch and other components. The main body 20 also includes an electric blower (not shown) and a battery (not shown) for generating suction force to draw in ambient air through the first air intake port 28. The dust collector 24 is configured as a cyclone separator that separates dust from the intake air. In dust sampling using the sampling device 10 of this embodiment, dust is captured by a suction attachment 30 attached to the suction device 12, as described below. Therefore, the suction device 12 may not have the dust collector 24, or may have a dust collector having a configuration different from that shown in Fig. 1. The electric vacuum cleaner serving as the suction device 12 may have a variety of configurations as long as it has an electric blower and generates suction force.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the suction attachment 30. Fig. 2 shows the suction attachment 30 as seen from the tip side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the suction attachment 30 taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. The suction attachment 30 includes an attachment unit 31, a dust collection filter 50, and an intake blocking unit 40.

[0012] The attachment unit 31 is a cylindrical member having an air intake passage 33 formed therein (see FIG. 3 ). The air intake passage 33 opens at its tip as a second air intake port 32. A connecting portion 34 is provided at the rear end of the attachment unit 31 for connecting the air intake passage 33 in the attachment unit 31 to the first air intake port 28 of the suction device 12. FIG. 3 shows an example of the connecting portion 34, in which an engaging protrusion 35 is provided on the inner wall surface of the air intake passage 33 for engaging with an engaging portion (not shown) provided near the first air intake port 28 of the suction device 12. The first air intake port 28 of the suction device 12 and the connecting portion 34 can be connected in any manner, such as by a fitting method or a screwing method. For example, when a commercially available vacuum cleaner is used as the suction device 12, the connecting portion 34 may have a shape that allows it to be connected to a connecting structure provided at the air intake port of the vacuum cleaner. The attachment unit 31 can be formed, for example, from resin or metal.

[0013] The dust collection filter 50 is disposed within the intake air flow path 33 and is a structure for capturing dust contained in the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path 33. The dust collection filter 50 is also referred to as a "collection unit." The dust collection filter 50 is disposed so as to block the intake air flow path 33 and is a porous filter that captures dust contained in the intake air while allowing the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path 33 to pass through. As described above, the sampling device 10 of this embodiment collects dust containing biological nucleic acids, microorganisms, etc. in order to sample biological nucleic acids, microorganisms, etc. in the environment. The dust captured by the dust collection filter 50 includes suspended matter that has fallen from the air, and also includes dust and other deposits that accumulate on the surfaces of indoor and outdoor objects, indoor floor surfaces, or the ground outdoors.

[0014] The smaller the pore size of the dust collection filter 50, the smaller the dust particles that can be collected, but the dust collection filter 50 becomes more likely to clog, which may limit the amount of dust that can be collected in one collection operation. Also, the larger the pore size of the dust collection filter 50, the less likely it is that small dust particles can be collected. However, dust generally exists in a state where particles of various sizes are entangled, so it is actually possible to collect dust particles smaller than the pore size of the dust collection filter 50. Therefore, the pore size of the dust collection filter 50 may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 100 μm, taking into consideration the type of dust that accumulates in the area where dust collection is to be performed, the efficiency of dust collection, and the like.

[0015] The dust collecting filter 50 may be disposed so as to block the intake passage 33, and the structure for holding the dust collecting filter 50 within the intake passage 33 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the dust collecting filter 50 is formed in a circular shape, and its outer periphery is supported by an annular frame portion 52 (see FIG. 3 ). The attachment portion 31 in this embodiment has support protrusions 54 on its inner wall surface that protrude toward the center of the intake passage 33 and support the dust collecting filter 50. When suction force from the suction device 12 is applied, the suction force presses the frame portion 52 against the support protrusions 54, thereby holding the dust collecting filter 50 at the position of the support protrusions 54. As will be described later, when the suction force from the suction device 12 is released at the end of the dust collection operation, the force pressing the frame portion 52 against the support protrusions 54 is also released, allowing the dust collecting filter 50 to be easily removed from the suction device attachment 30. However, the manner in which the dust collecting filter 50 is held at a specific location within the intake flow path 33 may be a different structure from that shown in Figure 3, for example, by fitting the frame body portion 52 into an engagement portion provided on the inner wall surface of the attachment portion 31.

[0016] The intake air blocking unit 40 is provided in the intake air flow path 33 at a position closer to the connection portion 34 than the dust collecting filter 50. The intake air blocking unit 40 changes the flow of intake air in the portion of the intake air flow path 33 where the dust collecting filter 50 is located from a "steady state," in which the dust collecting filter 50 captures dust using suction force from the suction device 12, to a "blocked state," in which the intake air flow is blocked. The intake air blocking unit 40 is also referred to as an "intake air changing unit." As shown in FIG. 2 , the intake air blocking unit 40 of this embodiment includes a slit 41, a blocking plate 42, and an elastic portion 43. The intake air blocking unit 40 blocks the flow of intake air in the intake air flow path 33 by moving the position of the blocking plate 42 from a position where the blocking plate 42 puts the intake air flow path 33 in an "unblocked state" to a position where the blocking plate 42 puts the intake air flow path 33 in a "blocked state."

[0017] The slit 41 is formed along the outer periphery of a circular surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the attachment part 31, and has a notch structure provided so as to penetrate the side wall of the cylindrical attachment part 31. Specifically, the slit 41 is formed over a range of more than half of the outer periphery of the circular surface perpendicular to the axial direction. The width of the slit 41 (the axial length of the attachment part 31 at the slit 41) is formed to be larger than the thickness of the shielding plate 42 and slightly smaller than the thickness of an elastic part 43 (described later) when no external force is applied.

[0018] As described above, the shielding plate 42 is a circular plate-like member for blocking the intake passage 33. The outer peripheral shape of the shielding plate 42 is substantially the same as the outer peripheral shape of a surface of the attachment unit 31 perpendicular to the axial direction. The shielding plate 42 may be attached to the attachment unit 31, for example, so as to be able to block the intake passage 33. Specifically, for example, a rotation shaft parallel to the axial direction may be provided near the slit 41 in the side wall of the attachment unit 31, and the shielding plate 42 may be attached to the rotation shaft so as to be rotatable about this rotation shaft. FIG. 2 shows how the shielding plate 42 opens the intake passage 33. Note that the shielding plate 42 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Alternatively, the shielding plate 42 may be prepared separately from the attachment unit 31, and at the timing when the "steady state" should be changed to the "blocking state," the operator may insert the shielding plate 42 into the slit 41 from outside the attachment unit 31. The shielding plate 42 may be made of, for example, resin or metal, and may be made of any material as long as it has enough rigidity to withstand the action of inserting the shielding plate 42 into the slit 41.

[0019] The elastic portion 43 is an elastic member that allows the shielding plate 42 to be inserted into the slit 41 and prevents intake air from leaking through the slit 41. The elastic portion 43 can be made of, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or an elastomer such as polyurethane, silicone, nylon, or polystyrene. In FIG. 3, the end faces of the attachment portion 31 where the slit 41 is formed are shown as a pair of opposing surfaces spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the width of the slit 41, and are designated as slit surfaces 44 and 45. The elastic portion 43 is bonded to one of the slit surfaces 44 and 45. The state in which the elastic portion 43 is bonded to the slit surface 44 will be described below as an example.

[0020] As described above, the width of the slit 41 (the axial length of the attachment portion 31 in the slit 41) is slightly smaller than the thickness of the elastic portion 43 when no external force is applied. Therefore, when the elastic portion 43 is placed in the slit 41 while being adhered to the slit surface 44, the elastic portion 43 is pressed against the slit surface 45, thereby airtightly closing the slit 41. Therefore, in the "steady state" in which the shielding plate 42 is in a position corresponding to the non-blocking state, the elastic portion 43 prevents intake air from leaking from the intake air flow path 33 through the slit 41. When the shielding plate 42 is repositioned to the "blocking state," the shielding plate 42 is pressed between the elastic portion 43 and the slit surface 45 (the non-adhered surface). Although a single elastic portion 43 is adhered to one of the slit surfaces in FIG. 3, a different configuration may be used. For example, a pair of elastic parts may be used, with the elastic parts adhered to each of the slit surfaces 44, 45, and the shielding plate 42 may be pressed against the surface where the pair of elastic parts contact each other (non-adhered surface) to achieve the "blocking state."

[0021] A soft portion 36 is provided at the tip of the attachment portion 31 so as to surround the entire second intake port 32. The soft portion 36 is made of a material softer than the attachment portion 31, specifically, a soft resin such as urethane resin. However, the soft portion 36 is not essential.

[0022] (A-2) Dust collection method: FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for collecting dust using the sampling device 10. When collecting dust using the sampling device 10, first, the suction attachment 30 is attached to the suction device 12 (step T100). Then, with the shielding plate 42 positioned in a position corresponding to the non-blocking state, the suction device 12 is switched on to start suctioning dust (step T110). Specifically, by moving the suction device 12 while pointing the tip of the suction attachment 30 toward a surface from which dust is to be collected (such as the surface of an object indoors or outdoors, an indoor floor, or the ground outdoors; hereinafter, also referred to as the "collection target surface"), dust on the collection target surface is sucked in through the second air intake port 32. When dust is sucked in in a steady state in this manner, dust in the outside air sucked in through the second air intake port 32 is captured on the surface of the dust collection filter 50 at the tip end. In this way, by using the suction device 12, dust that has become embedded in uneven collection target surfaces (such as fabric surfaces like curtains and chairs, or carpet surfaces) can also be collected, thereby increasing the efficiency of dust suction. In order to collect as many biological nucleic acids and microorganisms as possible from the collection target surface, it is desirable to press the second air intake 32 against the collection target surface to prevent suction force from leaking through the gap between the second air intake 32 and the collection target surface. When using a suction device attachment 30 in which a soft portion 36 is arranged in the second air intake 32, the adhesion between the second air intake 32 and the collection target surface is improved, thereby improving the effect of preventing suction force from leaking and further improving dust collection efficiency.

[0023] When the dust collection operation is finished, the shielding plate 42 is moved so that the intake passage 33 is closed while the suction device 12 continues to generate suction force (step T120). After the "blocked state" is achieved in this way, the suction device 12 is stopped, and then the dust collection filter 50 is removed from the attachment unit 31, and the dust collection is finished (step T130). If the "blocked state" is achieved when the suction device 12 is stopped as described above, even if a backflow of intake air occurs in the suction device 12 when the suction device 12 is stopped, the backflow of intake air into the dust collection filter 50 is suppressed.

[0024] The suction device 12 may be stopped after the shielding plate 42 is moved to the "blocked state" in step T120 and the dust collection filter 50 is removed from the attachment part 31. In the "blocked state," the force sucking the dust collection filter 50 toward the suction device 12 is eliminated even before the suction device 12 is stopped, so that the dust collection filter 50 can be easily removed from the attachment part 31.

[0025] Also, after the "shut-off state" is established, the suction attachment 30 may be removed from the suction device 12, and then the dust collection filter 50 may be removed from the suction device attachment 30. The operation of stopping the suction device 12 may be performed after the suction device attachment 30 is removed, but from the viewpoint of facilitating the removal of the suction device attachment 30, it is preferable to perform the operation of stopping the suction device 12 before the suction device attachment 30 is removed.

[0026] (A-3) Analysis of environmental nucleic acids: Extracting and analyzing nucleic acids from the collected dust as described above enables biological monitoring and other analyses using environmental nucleic acids. An example of a method for extracting nucleic acids from dust is described below. To extract nucleic acids, first, dust collected from the dust collection filter 50 is suspended in a liquid. The liquid used here may be a lysis buffer for dissolving cells and tissues. The suspension in the liquid may be performed by adding, for example, ceramic beads to the liquid and stirring. This suspends nucleic acid-containing sediments contained in the dust in the liquid, and the biological nucleic acids in the nucleic acid-containing sediments are eluted into the suspension. The biological nucleic acids are then extracted from the suspension containing the eluted biological nucleic acids. The biological nucleic acids can be extracted, for example, by centrifuging the suspension to recover the supernatant containing the dissolved biological nucleic acids. Impurities can then be removed using an appropriate column, and the biological nucleic acids can then be purified using a column capable of adsorbing nucleic acids. Examples of the impurities include substances that inhibit the PCR reaction described below. Such a nucleic acid extraction step is a known method, and for example, a commercially available soil DNA extraction kit may be used.

[0027] The extracted biological nucleic acids can be analyzed by various known methods. For example, species-specific analyses, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR), can be performed to determine the presence or absence of specific biological species or quantify their abundance. By selecting appropriate primers and performing PCR with a focus on a specific group of biological species, such as arthropods, microorganisms, birds, or mammals, analysis can be narrowed down to that specific group. Furthermore, PCR using appropriate universal primers can identify a wider range of biological species at once. Comprehensive analysis can also be performed, in which the base sequence obtained using a next-generation sequencer or the like is compared with a database to identify the biological species. Furthermore, since the sampling method of this embodiment enables sampling of nucleic acids from a large number of individuals of the same species present at a specific location, haplotype analysis of the specific species can also be performed. In this way, information about the organisms inhabiting or residing on the target surface can be obtained.

[0028] (A-4) Analysis of environmental microorganisms: Furthermore, the dust collected using the sampling device 10 enables monitoring of microorganisms contained in dust accumulated on object surfaces, floors, ground surfaces, etc., designated as collection target surfaces. An example of a method for monitoring microorganisms from dust is shown below. First, dust collected from the dust collection filter 50 is suspended in a buffer suitable for the microorganisms, and the resulting suspension is dropped into a culture medium, where it is cultured and the colonies are observed. This makes it possible to determine the microbial species, and by counting the number of colonies for each microorganism, the approximate distribution ratio of each microbial species can be determined. Accurate identification of the microbial species can be achieved by extracting nucleic acids from the microorganisms forming the obtained colonies using a known method, analyzing them using a next-generation sequencer, etc., and comparing the base sequences with a database.

[0029] The sampling device 10 equipped with the suction attachment 30 of this embodiment, configured as described above, uses the suction device 12 to collect dust from collection target surfaces, such as indoor and outdoor surfaces, indoor floor surfaces, or outdoor ground. This facilitates efficient collection of biological nucleic acids and microorganisms contained in accumulated dust by setting a larger collection target surface area. Specifically, compared to sampling by wiping with a swab, for example, it is possible to collect a larger amount of dust containing a greater variety of biological nucleic acids and microorganisms from a larger area at one time. This facilitates, for example, comprehensive analysis to identify existing biological species. Furthermore, for example, when performing intraspecies haplotype analysis, it is possible to collect samples containing diverse individuals belonging to the same species, thereby improving the accuracy of the analysis.

[0030] In this case, the suction attachment 30 is provided with an intake air blocking unit 40 that changes the intake air flow in the intake passage 33 at the portion where the dust collecting filter 50 is located from a steady state to a blocked state, making it possible to remove the dust collecting filter 50 from the suction attachment 30 with the intake air flow blocked. This reduces contamination of the collected dust. Specifically, in a typical suction device that generates suction using an electric blower, a phenomenon occurs in which the flow of taken-in outside air backflows when the electric blower is stopped to terminate suction operation. In this embodiment, the intake air blocking unit 40 blocks the intake air flow prior to removal of the dust collecting filter 50. Therefore, even if the suction operation of the suction device 12 is stopped prior to removal of the dust collecting filter 50 after the intake air flow is blocked, and a backflow of outside air occurs in the suction device 12, the backflow does not affect the dust collecting filter 50. This prevents impurities present on the suction device 12 side of the dust collecting filter 50 (for example, dust that was sucked into the suction device 12 when dust was previously sampled using the suction device 12 and remains therein) from flowing back toward the dust collecting filter 50, thereby preventing contamination. Even when the suction flow is blocked, the dust collecting filter 50 is removed, and the suction device 12 is then stopped, because the shielding plate 42 blocks the suction flow path 33, preventing any object from moving from the suction device 12 side of the shielding plate 42 toward the dust collecting filter 50, thereby preventing contamination. Even when the suction flow path 33 is blocked by the shielding plate 42 and the suction device attachment 30 is then removed from the suction device 12, a similar effect of preventing contamination caused by objects moving from the suction device 12 side of the shielding plate 42 can be achieved. As a result, even when dust sampling is repeatedly performed using the same suction device 12, it is possible to prevent dust sucked by the suction device 12 during previous sampling from affecting the analysis results of the dust sampled this time.

[0031] In the following, in order to demonstrate the usefulness of collecting and analyzing dust using the sampling device 10 of this embodiment, the results of collecting dust using a sampling device different from this embodiment and analyzing the microbial flora are shown as a reference example. Here, the same device as the suction device 12 provided in the sampling device 10 shown in FIG. 1 was used as the sampling device. That is, unused suction devices 12 without suction attachments 30 were prepared as the same number of samples as desired to be obtained, and dust was collected from various predetermined collection target surfaces such as floors and object surfaces using each sampling device. The size of each collection target surface (the size of the area from which dust is collected using each sampling device) was approximately 4.5 m x 1.7 m (7.5 m 2 The dust was collected from 64 locations. The dust was collected from each sampling device by removing it from the dust collector 24.

[0032] The collected dust was analyzed according to the method described previously under "Analysis of Environmental Nucleic Acids." Specifically, DNA was extracted from the dust using a commercially available DNA extraction kit for soil samples (NucleoSpin Soil, Takara Bio Inc.) (NucleoSpin is a registered trademark). The nucleic acid extract obtained using the kit was used as a DNA sample for each target surface, and 16S rRNA sequences were amplified by PCR using designated primers (existing microbial universal primers). Further PCR was performed to add indexes for sequence analysis, and the PCR products were bead-purified. The sequences were then obtained using a next-generation sequencer. The obtained sequences were visualized using QIIME2, a software for microbial biota analysis. QIIME2 is an open-source analysis pipeline that compiles all the software necessary for amplicon sequencing analysis.

[0033] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the microbial flora on each target surface visualized using QIIME2. In Figure 5, each microbial species identified as a result of the analysis is color-coded. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis shows the type of sample, and the vertical axis shows the relative frequency of each microorganism detected in each sample. As shown in Figure 5, by using a sampling device equipped with a suction device, dust was collected from a relatively large area of target surface that would be difficult to sample using techniques such as wiping with a swab, and hundreds to thousands of microorganism species were identified. It was also shown that the relative frequency of each microorganism varied significantly from sample to sample.

[0034] By using the aspirator attachment 30 of this embodiment, dust can be collected and used for nucleic acid and microorganism analysis while suppressing contamination between samples, without having to prepare the same number of unused aspirators as the number of samples, as described above. That is, when collecting dust, it is only necessary to change the aspirator attachment 30 each time a new sample is to be collected from a different collection target surface. This suppresses contamination between samples even when a common aspirator 12 is used. This is because, when the dust collection filter 50 is removed, the intake passage 33 is blocked at a position closer to the connection portion 34 than the dust collection filter 50, preventing dust from other collection target surfaces from flowing back from the aspirator 12, even when a common aspirator 12 is used.

[0035] From the viewpoint of preventing contamination, it is desirable that the dust collecting filter 50 be a single-use device. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing contamination caused by dust adhering to the inner wall surface of the attachment part 31, it is desirable that not only the dust collecting filter 50 but also the suction attachment 30 be a single-use device, and that the entire suction attachment 30 be replaced for each dust sampling operation. The suction attachment 30 may be provided, for example, in an individually packaged sterilized state. However, at least some of the components constituting the suction attachment 30 may be reused if they can be cleaned and sterilized.

[0036] 3 of this embodiment, as described above, the suction force applied by the suction device 12 is used to press the frame portion 52 against the support protrusions 54, thereby holding the dust collection filter 50 at the position of the support protrusions 54. In this configuration, the operator can remove the dust collection filter 50 without touching it by stopping the suction device 12 and, for example, pointing the second intake port 32 of the suction device attachment 30 downward. Therefore, contamination by nucleic acids or microorganisms derived from the operator can be suppressed when removing the dust collection filter 50.

[0037] The intake air blocking unit 40 of the suction attachment 30 of the first embodiment has a simple configuration in which a blocking plate 42 is inserted into a slit 41 from the outside of the attachment unit 31 to block the intake air flow path 33, thereby simplifying the overall structure of the suction attachment 30. However, the intake air blocking unit 40 may have a different configuration. For example, the intake air blocking unit 40 may be configured by a shutter that is disposed in the intake air flow path 33 of the attachment unit 31 and mechanically opens and closes the intake air flow path 33.

[0038] B. Second embodiment: 6 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a suction device attachment 130 of a second embodiment, similar to FIG. 2. Like the suction device attachment 30 of the first embodiment, the suction device attachment 130 is attached to the suction device 12 to form a sampling device. In the following explanation, parts common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and differences from the first embodiment will be explained. The suction device attachment 130 has an attachment part 131 instead of the attachment part 31, and an suction reduction part 140 instead of the suction blocking part 40.

[0039] The attachment part 131 is a member having a cylindrical shape similar to the attachment part 31. The attachment part 131 includes a sliding groove 141, a vent hole 142, and an opening / closing part 143 at a position closer to the connection part 34 than the dust collecting filter 50.

[0040] The intake air reduction unit 140 takes in outside air from outside the intake air flow path 33 downstream of the dust collection filter 50, which serves as a collector, in the intake air flow direction. This changes the intake air flow at the portion of the intake air flow path 33 where the dust collection filter 50 is located from a steady state to a reduced state, in which the intake air flow is reduced from the steady state. The intake air reduction unit 140 is also referred to as an "intake air change unit." The intake air reduction unit 140 includes the above-described air vent 142 and opening / closing unit 143. The air vent 142 is a through-hole provided in the side wall of the attachment unit 131 and connects the intake air flow path 33 to the outside of the intake air flow path 33. The air vent 142 is formed at a position overlapping with the sliding groove 141. The sliding groove 141 is a groove structure provided in the outer surface of the side wall of the cylindrical attachment unit 131 and is formed along the entire outer periphery of a circular cross section of the attachment unit 131 perpendicular to the axial direction. The opening / closing part 143 is a plate-like member curved so as to have a C-shape when viewed in the axial direction of the attachment part 131, and is a member for opening and closing the ventilation opening 142. The opening / closing part 143 is fitted into the sliding groove 141 and is able to slide on the outer surface of the attachment part 131 along the sliding groove 141. In Figure 6, the double-headed arrow indicates how the opening / closing part 143 fitted into the sliding groove 141 slides in the circumferential direction of the side wall of the attachment part 131.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for collecting dust using the sampling device of the second embodiment. When collecting dust, first, the suction attachment 130 is attached to the suction device 12 (step T200). Then, the vent 142 is covered by the opening / closing unit 143, airtightly closing it to a "closed state," and dust suction begins (step T210), collecting dust from the collection target surface. At this time, the state of the intake air flow in the intake passage 33 is a "steady state." To end the dust collection operation, the operator slides the opening / closing unit 143 in the sliding groove 141 (rotates the opening / closing unit 143 on the outer wall surface of the attachment unit 131) so that the gap between both ends of the C-shaped opening / closing unit 143 overlaps with the vent 142. As a result, the vent 142 is in an "open state" (step T220). FIG. 6 shows the vent 142 in the open state. When the air vent 142 is opened, outside air is also drawn into the intake flow path 33 through the air vent 142, and the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake flow path 33 where the dust collection filter 50 is located switches to a "reduced state" that is reduced from the "steady state."

[0042] In the second embodiment, after the dust collecting filter 50 is placed in this reduced state, the dust collecting filter 50 is removed from the suction device attachment 130, and the dust collected on the dust collecting filter 50 is collected (step T230). In the "steady state" in which the air vent 142 is in the "closed state," a force is applied to the dust collecting filter 50 by the suction force from the suction device 12, pulling the dust collecting filter 50 toward the suction device 12. However, by placing the air vent 142 in the "open state," suction is also performed from the air vent 142, weakening the force applied to the dust collecting filter 50 pulling the dust collecting filter 50 toward the suction device 12, making it easier to remove the dust collecting filter 50. The size of the air vent 142 may be any size that can reduce the flow of intake air in the intake air flow path 33 to an extent that, by placing the air vent 142 in the open state, the removal of the dust collecting filter 50 is not hindered.

[0043] With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, in addition to the effect of collecting dust using the aspirator 12, i.e., the effect of setting a wider area as the collection target surface and making it easier to efficiently collect biological nucleic acids and microorganisms contained in the accumulated dust, the effect of suppressing contamination of the collected dust can be obtained. In the second embodiment, the dust collection filter 50 is removed while reducing the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake air flow path 33 where the dust collection filter 50 is arranged, and maintaining a state in which the intake air flows toward the aspirator 12. Therefore, when removing the dust collection filter 50, no backflow of outside air occurs in the aspirator 12, and contamination occurring at the dust collection filter 50 due to the backflow of intake air can be suppressed.

[0044] In the second embodiment described above, the dust collection filter 50 is detached from the attachment unit 131 when the flow of intake air in the intake flow path 33 is set to the "reduced state." However, a different configuration may be used. For example, when the "reduced state" is set, the suction attachment 130 may be detached from the suction device 12, and then the dust collection filter 50 may be removed from the detached suction device attachment 130 to collect dust. In this case, by setting the suction device 12 to the "reduced state," the force pressing the suction device attachment 130 against the suction device 12 due to the pressure applied to the dust collection filter 50 during suction is weakened. Therefore, by maintaining the suction state of the suction device 12, contamination caused by backflow of intake air can be suppressed, while the suction device attachment 130 can be easily detached from the suction device 12.

[0045] C. Third embodiment: FIG. 8 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2 showing the schematic configuration of a suction device attachment 230 of a third embodiment. Like the suction device attachment 30 of the first embodiment, the suction device attachment 230 is attached to the suction device 12 to form a sampling device. In the following description, parts common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and differences from the first embodiment will be described. The suction device attachment 230 includes an attachment portion 231 instead of the attachment portion 31, an intake reduction portion 240 instead of the intake blocking portion 40, and a louver 237 without a dust collection filter 50. Note that although the flexible portion 36 is not shown in FIG. 8, it is desirable to provide the flexible portion 36 in the suction device attachment 230 as well.

[0046] The attachment unit 231 is a cylindrical member similar to the attachment unit 31. In the attachment unit 231, a louver 237 is fixed near the second air inlet 32 within the air intake passage 33. The louver 237 includes a plurality of blades 238 fixed at a specific angle. Each blade 238 has a slope that guides the intake air toward the inner wall surface of the air intake passage 33 and is also referred to as a "direction changing plate." When suction force is applied from the suction device 12, the louver 237 including the blades 238 changes the flow direction of the intake air so that at least a portion of the intake air taken into the air intake passage 33 is directed toward the inner wall surface of the air intake passage 33. The louver 237 is also referred to as a "flow direction changing unit." Note that the shape of the flow direction changing unit may be different from that of the louver 237 in FIG. 8 as long as it can change the flow direction of the intake air to a desired direction.

[0047] In a "steady state" in which dust is collected using a sampling device equipped with attachment unit 231, the intake air, whose flow direction has been changed by louver 237, contacts a specific area on the inner wall surface of intake air flow path 33, the destination of the intake air, and forms a vortex flow along the inner wall surface of intake air flow path 33. As a result, at least a portion of the dust contained in the intake air adheres to the specific area on the inner wall surface of intake air flow path 33 with which the intake air contacts. The specific area on the inner wall surface of intake air flow path 33 where dust adheres and is collected in this way is also referred to as "collection area 250." In attachment unit 231 in FIG. 8, the area on the inner wall surface of intake air flow path 33 where collection area 250 is formed is indicated by hatching.

[0048] The intake air reduction unit 240, located downstream of the collection unit 250 in the intake air flow direction, takes in outside air from outside the intake air flow path 33, thereby changing the intake air flow at the portion of the intake air flow path 33 where the collection unit 250 is formed from a "steady state" to a "reduced state" in which the intake air flow is reduced from the "steady state." The intake air reduction unit 240 is also referred to as an "intake air change unit." The intake air reduction unit 240 includes an air vent 242 and an opening / closing unit 243. The air vent 242 is a through-hole provided in the side wall of the attachment unit 231 and connects the intake air flow path 33 to the outside of the intake air flow path 33. The opening / closing unit 243 is a plug member that airtightly closes the air vent 242. The opening / closing unit 243 can be made of an elastic material, specifically, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or an elastomer such as polyurethane, silicone, nylon, or polystyrene.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7, the sampling device of the third embodiment collects dust in the same manner as the sampling device of the second embodiment. In the suction device attachment 230, in a "steady state" corresponding to step T210 in Fig. 7, the vent port 242 is in a "closed state" in which it is airtightly blocked by the opening / closing unit 243. Fig. 8 shows the state in which the vent port 242 is in the closed state. Then, as described above, when suction force is applied from the suction device 12, dust adheres to the collection unit 250, which is a specific area on the inner wall surface of the intake flow path 33. When the operation of collecting dust using the sampling device is finished (step T220 in Fig. 7), the operator removes the opening / closing unit 243 from the vent port 242, and as a result, the vent port 242 is in an "open state." When the air vent 242 is opened, outside air is also drawn into the intake flow path 33 through the air vent 242, and the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake flow path 33 where the collection section 250 is formed enters a "reduced state" that is reduced compared to the "steady state."

[0050] In the third embodiment, after the vacuum cleaner 12 is placed in this reduced state, the vacuum cleaner attachment 230 is removed from the vacuum cleaner 12, and then dust is collected from the collection unit 250 of the removed vacuum cleaner attachment 230. That is, in the third embodiment, in step T230 of FIG. 7 , dust is collected from the collection unit 250 instead of from the dust collection filter 50. In the "steady state" in which the air vent 242 is in the "closed state," the vacuum cleaner attachment 230 is pressed against the vacuum cleaner 12 by the pressure applied to the louver 237 due to suction from the vacuum cleaner 12. By placing the air vent 242 in the "open state," suction is also performed from the air vent 242, and the force pressing the vacuum cleaner attachment 230 against the vacuum cleaner 12 due to the pressure applied to the louver 237 due to suction is weakened, making it easier to remove the vacuum cleaner attachment 230. Dust can be collected from the collection section 250, which is a specific area on the inner wall surface of the intake air flow path 33, by wiping the collection section 250 with a wiping member such as a swab, for example.

[0051] With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, in addition to the effect of collecting dust using the aspirator 12, i.e., the effect of setting a wider area as the collection target surface and making it easier to efficiently collect biological nucleic acids and microorganisms contained in the accumulated dust, the effect of suppressing contamination of the collected dust can be obtained. In the third embodiment, the aspirator attachment 230 is removed while reducing the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake air flow path 33 where the collector 250 is formed, and maintaining the state in which the intake air flows toward the aspirator 12. Therefore, no backflow of outside air occurs in the aspirator 12, and contamination due to the backflow of intake air can be suppressed.

[0052] In the third embodiment, a "flow direction changer" having a configuration different from that of the louver 237 having the blades 238, which are "direction change plates" having a specific gradient that guide the intake air, may be used. The "flow direction changer" may be configured to change the flow direction of the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path 33 so that at least a portion of the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path 33 is directed toward the inner wall surface of the intake air flow path 33.

[0053] In the third embodiment, the configuration for capturing dust using louvers 237 and collection unit 250 is combined with intake reduction unit 240, but a different configuration may be used. For example, instead of louvers 237, dust collection filters 50 similar to those in the first and second embodiments may be combined with intake reduction unit 240. However, from the viewpoint of having the advantage that the degree to which the suction force from suction device 12 is weakened is small, the configuration using louvers 237 is superior to the configuration using dust collection filters 50.

[0054] Furthermore, in the suction machine attachment 230 of the third embodiment, the intake reduction section 240 may be replaced by an intake reduction section of a different configuration, such as the intake reduction section 140 of the second embodiment. Alternatively, the intake reduction section 240 may be replaced by an intake blocking section, such as the intake blocking section 40 of the first embodiment.

[0055] D. Other Embodiments: In the above-described embodiments, the tip of the suction attachment where the second air intake 32 is formed is cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the suction attachment, but a different configuration is also possible. For example, if the tip is cut diagonally with respect to the axial direction of the suction attachment, it becomes easier to bring the second air intake 32 into close contact with the surface to be collected and to prevent intake air leakage.

[0056] In each of the above-described embodiments, the suction attachment has an intake blocking section or an intake reducing section as the intake changing section, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the suction attachment may be provided with both an intake blocking section and an intake reducing section, and by using either the intake blocking section or the intake reducing section, the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake flow path 33 where the collector is located may be changed from a "steady state" to a "blocked state" or a "reduced state."

[0057] Alternatively, an extension pipe, hose pipe, or other such member may be interposed between the suction device 12 and the suction device attachment, with the suction device attachment attached to the tip of the member. However, from the viewpoint of preventing the suction force applied by the suction device from weakening and increasing dust collection efficiency, it is preferable that the suction device attachment be closer to the suction device body. Also, from the viewpoint of reducing contamination caused by repeated sampling using a common suction device, it is preferable to connect the suction device and the suction device attachment directly without an extension pipe or other such member.

[0058] It is desirable that the suction attachment be attachable to a general commercially available vacuum cleaner for increased versatility, but a dedicated suction device to which a suction attachment for dust collection can be attached may also be used. The suction device may be configured to be moved by an operator by gripping the grip portion 22, or may be configured to move automatically within a preset area, for example.

[0059] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10...Sampling device 12...Suction machine 20...Main body 22...Gripping part 24...Dust collector 26...Operation unit 28...First intake port 30, 130, 230...Suction attachment 31, 131, 231...Attachment part 32...Second intake 33...Intake flow path 34...Connection 35…Engagement convex portion 36…Soft part 40...Air intake blocker 41...Slit 42...Shielding plate 43...Elastic part 44, 45...Slit surface 50...Dust collection filter 52...Frame body part 54...Support protrusion 140,240...Intake reduction section 141...Sliding groove 142,242...Ventilation holes 143,243…Opening and closing section 237…Louver 238...Wings 250...Collection section

Claims

1. A suction attachment for use by attaching it to a suction machine, an intake air flow path through which intake air taken in from the outside flows when suction force is applied from the suction device; a connection portion that connects the intake flow path and the intake port of the suction machine; a collector provided in the intake air flow path and configured to collect dust contained in the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path; an intake change unit that is provided in the intake flow path at a position closer to the connection unit than the collection unit, and that changes the flow of intake air at the portion of the intake flow path where the collection unit is located from a steady state in which the collection unit collects dust using suction force from the suction machine to a reduced state in which the flow of intake air is reduced compared to the steady state, or to a blocked state in which the flow of intake air is blocked; Equipped with a suction attachment.

2. 2. The suction attachment according to claim 1, The collection section is a filter that is disposed to block the intake air flow path and that allows intake air to pass through and collects dust. Suction attachment.

3. 2. The suction attachment according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow direction changing unit that changes the flow direction of the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path so that at least a portion of the intake air flowing through the intake air flow path is directed toward an inner wall surface of the intake air flow path, The collection unit is an inner wall surface of the intake air flow path into which the intake air whose flow direction has been changed by the flow direction change unit flows, and collects the dust contained in the intake air whose flow direction has been changed by attaching the dust to the surface. Suction attachment.

4. 4. The aspirator attachment according to claim 3, The flow direction changing portion includes a direction changing plate having a slope that guides the intake air toward the inner wall surface of the intake air flow path, which is the collection portion. Suction attachment.

5. 5. The suction attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The intake change unit is an intake air blocking unit that changes the flow of intake air at a portion of the intake air flow path where the collection unit is arranged from the steady state to the blocked state by blocking the intake air flow path, a blocking plate that is movable between a position that blocks the intake air flow path and a position that opens the intake air flow path, and the flow of intake air in the intake air flow path is changed from the steady state to the blocked state by the blocking plate moving from the position that opens the intake air flow path to the position that opens the intake air flow path. Suction attachment.

6. 5. The suction attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The intake air changing unit includes an intake air reducing unit that takes in outside air from outside the intake air flow path downstream of the trapping unit in the flow of intake air, thereby changing the flow of intake air at a portion of the intake air flow path where the trapping unit is arranged from the steady state to the reduced state. Suction attachment.

7. 7. The suction attachment according to claim 6, The intake reduction unit is a vent hole that connects the intake passage with the outside of the intake passage, and an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the vent hole, By changing the vent hole from a closed state to an open state by the opening / closing unit, the flow of intake air at a portion of the intake flow path where the collection unit is arranged is changed from the steady state to the reduced state. Suction attachment.

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