Fine particle sampling device and fine particle sampling method

Abstract

This fine particle sampling device for collecting fine particles in a liquid comprises: a cylindrical first electrode in which both axial-direction ends are open; a second electrode that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is disposed within the first electrode at an interval from the inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit that supplies a liquid into the first electrode and stores the liquid in a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in the direction around the axis of the first electrode; a recovery unit that recovers the stored liquid; and a control unit that controls an operation for collecting the fine particles. The control unit controls a supply amount (win, wadd) of the liquid supplied from the supply unit into the first electrode on the basis of a decrease amount (an amount calculated according to a rate of decrease (vw) and an operation time (tcol)), by which the liquid (68) within the first electrode (22) decreases as air flows through the interior of the first electrode, so that the liquid recovered by the recovery unit reaches a preset liquid recovery amount (wout).

Description

Particulate sampling device and particulate sampling method

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus and method for sampling fine particles in a gas using a device that utilizes the inertial force or centrifugal force of the fine particles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). More specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus and method that generates an electrostatic force using a rotating cylindrical electrode to which a collection liquid (collection liquid) is supplied, thereby separating objects to be collected, such as fine particles, from air and collecting them in the liquid.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 153155

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional devices and methods, when the device is operated continuously for a long period of time, the supplied collection liquid is evaporated by the circulating air and decreases. Therefore, depending on the operating environment, such as temperature, humidity, or operating time, there is a concern that the amount of liquid required for analyzing the collected particles may not be secured, or that the liquid may be depleted due to evaporation during operation, making collection impossible.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that enables stable recovery of the amount of collection liquid required for analyzing particles in an apparatus and method for sampling particles.

[0006] A particle sampling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a particle sampling device for capturing particles contained in air flowing through its interior in a liquid, the particle sampling device comprising: a cylindrical first electrode having open ends in an axial direction thereof; a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and disposed within the first electrode at a distance from an inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit that supplies liquid into the first electrode and causes the liquid to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application unit that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive unit that rotates the first electrode about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode; a collection unit that collects the liquid accumulated on the portion of the inner surface of the first electrode; and a control unit that controls the particle collection operation. The control unit controls the amount of liquid supplied from the supply unit to the first electrode based on a decrease in the amount of liquid in the first electrode due to the flow of air through the first electrode, so that the amount of liquid collected by the collection unit is a predetermined amount.

[0007] A particle sampling method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a particle sampling method for capturing particles contained in air flowing inside the first electrode in a liquid using a cylindrical first electrode having open ends in its axial direction and a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and disposed within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, the method comprising: determining whether the air flows through the first electrode using the temperature and humidity of the air flowing inside the first electrode, the wind speed of the air flowing inside the first electrode, and an operation time for capturing particles; the liquid recovery method includes an estimation step of estimating a decrease in the amount of liquid stored in the first electrode due to flow through the inside of the first electrode, a supply step of supplying liquid into the first electrode and causing the liquid to accumulate on a part of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode, a drive step of rotating the first electrode about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode, a voltage application step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a recovery step of recovering the liquid accumulated on the part of the inner surface of the first electrode. In the supply step, the amount of liquid supplied into the first electrode is adjusted based on the decrease in the amount of liquid estimated in the estimation step so that the amount of liquid recovered from the first electrode in the recovery step is a predetermined recovery amount.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique that enables stable recovery of the amount of collection liquid required for analyzing particles in an apparatus and method for sampling particles.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particle sampling device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the particle sampling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a detailed flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing the relationship between factors affecting the reduction of liquid in the particle sampling device of FIG. 1 and the liquid reduction rate. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particle sampling device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 10. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the particle sampling device of Fig. 10. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device of Fig. 10. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 10, and is an explanatory view for explaining an example of the operation performed by the particle sampling device of Fig. 10. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 12 of a particle sampling device according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 12 of a particle sampling device according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] However, the particle sampling device and particle sampling method according to the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the configurations shown in the embodiments or drawings described below, and also include configurations equivalent thereto.

[0012] Each embodiment described below is a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, each drawing is not necessarily an exact illustration. In each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] In the following, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as parallel and perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as cylindrical, and numerical ranges do not only represent the strict meaning, but also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of a few percent.

[0014] In the following figures, the X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z-axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. On the Z-axis, the positive direction represents a vertically upward direction, and the negative direction represents a vertically downward direction.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particle sampling device 10 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the particle sampling device 10 of Fig. 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1.

[0016] First, the configuration of a particle sampling device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the particle sampling device 10 is a device for sampling particles in a liquid.

[0018] Specifically, the particle sampling device 10 is a device that samples particles in a liquid 68 (described later) by collecting particles in a gas in the liquid.

[0019] For example, particulates include fungi, bacteria, viruses, aerosols, and the like.

[0020] The particulate sampling device 10 comprises a duct 12, a first bearing seal 14, a second bearing seal 16, a first flange member 18, a second flange member 20, a first electrode 22, a second electrode 24, a voltage application unit 26, a supply unit 28, a collection unit 30, a drive unit 32, a temperature and humidity sensor 34, and a wind speed sensor 36.

[0021] The particle sampling device 10 is configured by surrounding a cylindrical first electrode 22 that rotates around its axis and a second electrode 24 that is positioned at the center of the first electrode 22 in a cross-sectional view with a duct 12, a first flange member 18, and a second flange member 20.

[0022] A gas such as air passes through the particle sampling device 10 in a direction that passes through the particle sampling device 10 (the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2).

[0023] Specifically, for example, air may be drawn directly into the particle sampling device 10 by a pump or fan (not shown), and the gas may be passed through the particle sampling device 10. Alternatively, the particle sampling device 10 may be installed in a device that generates a gas flow, such as an air conditioner, air purifier, or ventilation vent, and air may be drawn into the particle sampling device 10 for processing. In this way, by attaching the particle sampling device 10 to a device that generates a gas flow, it is not necessary to incorporate a pump or the like for generating the gas flow into the particle sampling device 10, and a device that is small, quiet, and has low pressure loss can be easily realized. This allows the device to be installed and incorporated in a variety of locations relatively easily.

[0024] The pump, fan, and device for generating the gas flow correspond to the "blowing unit" in the claims.

[0025] Each component of the particle sampling device 10 will be described below.

[0026] The duct 12 is cylindrical and rotatably supports the first electrode 22 inside the duct 12. The duct 12 has a main body 42, a first support portion 44, and a second support portion 46. The main body 42, the first support portion 44, and the second support portion 46 are insulating.

[0027] The main body 42 is cylindrical, and one end (left side in FIGS. 2 and 3) and the other end (right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the axial direction of the main body 42 are open.

[0028] The first support portion 44 protrudes radially outward from one end of the cylindrical main body 42 in the axial direction and is formed integrally with the main body 42. In cross-sectional view, the first support portion 44 is recessed radially outward from the main body 42 and is generally U-shaped (see FIG. 3). When viewed from the axial direction of the main body 42, the first support portion 44 is annular.

[0029] A first bearing seal 14 is disposed inside the first support portion 44. The first bearing seal 14 seals the gap between the first support portion 44 and a first outer flange portion 58 (described later) of the first electrode 22 to prevent gas from leaking between the first support portion 44 and the first outer flange portion 58. The first support portion 44 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the first bearing seal 14.

[0030] The second support portion 46 protrudes radially outward from the other axial end of the main body 42 and is formed integrally with the main body 42. The second support portion 46 is generally U-shaped and recessed radially outward from the main body 42 in cross-sectional view (see FIG. 3). The second support portion 46 is annular when viewed axially of the main body 42.

[0031] A second bearing seal 16 is disposed inside the second support portion 46. The second bearing seal 16 seals the gap between the second support portion 46 and a second outer flange portion 60 (described later) of the first electrode 22 to prevent gas from leaking between the second support portion 46 and the second outer flange portion 60. The second support portion 46 rotatably supports the first electrode 22 via the second bearing seal 16.

[0032] The first flange member 18 is cylindrical and axially connected to one end of the duct 12. The first flange member 18 has a main body 48 and a flange 50.

[0033] The main body 48 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 48 are open.

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

[0035] The second flange member 20 is cylindrical and axially connected to the other end of the duct 12. The second flange member 20 has a main body 52 and a flange 54.

[0036] The main body 52 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 52 are open.

[0037] One axial end of the main body 52 is connected to the other axial end of the duct 12 .

[0038] The flange 54 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 52 in the axial direction of the main body 52 and is formed integrally with the main body 52. ​​The flange 54 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 52.

[0039] The first electrode 22 is cylindrical, and both axial ends of the first electrode 22 are open. The first electrode 22 is connected to ground via a second electric wire 76 (described below) or the like. The first electrode 22 has a main body 56, a first outer flange 58, a second outer flange 60, a first inner flange 62, and a second inner flange 64. For example, the main body 56, the first outer flange 58, the second outer flange 60, the first inner flange 62, and the second inner flange 64 are formed using stainless steel such as SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless Steel).

[0040] The main body 56 is cylindrical, and is open at one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 56. The axial direction of the main body 56 is the direction in which the axis B of the main body 56 extends (X-axis direction). The main body 56 has external teeth (not shown) on its outer circumferential surface that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of a gear 86 (described below).

[0041] The inner surface 66 of the main body 56 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The hydrophilic treatment here is, for example, a process of processing the inner surface 66 into a finely uneven shape. For example, this hydrophilic treatment is performed by plasma treatment. Alternatively, for example, this hydrophilic treatment can be performed by alkali treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0042] Furthermore, an adhesion-inhibiting material that inhibits adhesion of fine particles is attached to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. For example, the adhesion-inhibiting material is a blocking agent such as skim milk, BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin), and PEG (Polyethylene Glycol).

[0043] As another example of hydrophilization treatment, when sampling is performed, a solution containing an amphipathic polymer (a polymer having a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group at each end) may be supplied as a sampling solution into the first electrode 22, and the first electrode 22 may be rotated for, for example, about 1 minute, thereby bringing the sampling solution into contact with the entire inner surface of the electrode, thereby performing hydrophilization treatment.

[0044] The first outer collar portion 58 protrudes radially outward from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction of the main body 56 and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The first outer collar portion 58 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the first outer collar portion 58 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The first outer collar portion 58 is disposed inside the first bearing seal 14.

[0045] The second outer collar portion 60 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The second outer collar portion 60 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the second outer collar portion 60 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56. The second outer collar portion 60 is disposed inside the second bearing seal 16.

[0046] The first inner flange 62 protrudes radially inward from one end of the main body 56 in the axial direction of the main body 56 and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The first inner flange 62 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the first inner flange 62 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0047] The second inner flange 64 protrudes radially inward from the other end of the main body 56 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 56. The second inner flange 64 is annular around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the second inner flange 64 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0048] The first electrode 22 is installed so that the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The first electrode 22 is supported by the duct 12 so as to be rotatable around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow C in FIG. 4 ). In other words, the first electrode 22 is supported within the duct 12 so as to be rotatable about its own axis.

[0049] The first electrode 22 stores the liquid 68 on the inner surface 66 of the main body 56. Specifically, the first electrode 22 stores the liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 in a direction around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow D in FIG. 4 ). The stored liquid 68 is located below the axis B of the main body 56. Furthermore, the first electrode 22 stores the liquid 68 in that portion of the inner surface 66 along the axial direction of the main body 56.

[0050] The first inner flange 62 holds the liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 so that the liquid 68 does not spill out from one axial end of the main body 56. The second inner flange 64 holds the liquid 68 so that the liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 does not spill out from the other axial end of the main body 56. In this way, the first electrode 22 stores the liquid 68 in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 so that the liquid 68 does not flow out of the main body 56. Within the main body 56, above the stored liquid 68, a space 69 is formed that penetrates the main body 56 in the direction of the axis B.

[0051] The second electrode 24 is linear and extends in the direction of the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. The second electrode 24 passes through the radially inner portion of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and is positioned inside the body 56. In other words, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward from one end of the body 56 and from the other end of the body 56 in the axial direction of the body 56.

[0052] The second electrode 24 is disposed at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the body 56 of the first electrode 22, and is disposed near the center of the first electrode 22 in a cross-sectional view (see FIG. 4 ). The second electrode 24 is disposed in a space 69. In this embodiment, the second electrode 24 is disposed in a position such that the axis of the second electrode 24 coincides with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 is formed of tungsten or the like.

[0053] The voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The voltage application unit 26 has a first support 70, a second support 72, a first electric wire 74, and a second electric wire 76.

[0054] The first support 70 is fixed to the first flange member 18, passes through the first flange member 18, and has its tip located inside the first flange member 18. The first support 70 is connected to one end of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction, and supports the second electrode 24.

[0055] The second support 72 is fixed to the second flange member 20, penetrates the second flange member 20, and has its tip located inside the second flange member 20. The second support 72 is connected to the other end of the second electrode 24 in the axial direction, and supports the second electrode 24.

[0056] The first support 70 and the second support 72 are conductive and electrically connected to the second electrode 24 .

[0057] The first electric wire 74 is electrically connected to the second electrode 24 via the second support 72. The second electric wire 76 is electrically connected to the first electrode 22 via a gear 86 or the like.

[0058] The voltage application unit 26 can apply electricity of any magnitude and waveform to the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, which is installed near the center of the first electrode 22, through the first electric wire 74 and the second electric wire 76. In this way, the particulate sampling device 10 performs electrostatic collection of particulates.

[0059] The structure of the second electrode 24 does not have to be linear, but may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped, etc., and there are no restrictions on the structure or installation position as long as it is possible to form an uneven electric field within the space 69.

[0060] For example, the voltage application unit 26 is realized by a power supply circuit including a converter, etc. Furthermore, for example, the voltage application unit 26 applies a DC voltage of 6 kV.

[0061] For example, the voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 so that the second electrode 24 side has a higher potential than the first electrode 22 side. This generates an electric field in the space 69 from the second electrode 24 toward the first electrode 22 (see arrow E in FIG. 3 and arrow E in FIG. 4).

[0062] The supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22, causing the liquid 68 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In other words, the supply unit 28 supplies the liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 to cause the liquid 68 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. In this way, the liquid 68 supplied by the supply unit 28 is accumulated on the inner surface 66 of the body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0063] The supply unit 28 has a tank 78 and an injection unit 80. The supply of the liquid 68 by the supply unit 28 may be performed from the opening side of the first electrode 22 (one end side in the direction of the axis B of the main body 42), as shown in Figure 3, or by opening a part of the side surface of the first electrode 22 and supplying the liquid 68 through the opening.

[0064] Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the supply of liquid 68 by supply unit 28 is controlled based on the amount of liquid 68 that is estimated based on the recovery amount and collection operation time that are preset by the user, and the evaporation of liquid 68 due to the circulation of air.

[0065] Specifically, if evaporation of the liquid 68 due to the flow of air proceeds quickly and it is conceivable that the liquid 68 will run out before the completion of sampling for the collection operation time, the supply amount of the liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 is increased, or additional liquid 68 is supplied at an appropriate timing, so that a preset recovery amount is achieved after the completion of the collection operation. In this case, when the supply amount of the liquid 68 itself is increased, it is preferable to control the supply amount so that the amount of the liquid 68 that can be stored does not exceed a limit, in order to prevent insulation breakdown and the like caused by the distance between the liquid 68 and the second electrode 24 becoming closer due to a large amount of stored liquid 68.

[0066] The tank 78 holds the liquid 68 to be supplied into the first electrode 22. The liquid 68 held in the tank 78 is discharged from an injection part 80 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is supplied into the main body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0067] In this way, the supply section 28 is provided with a tank 78 for storing liquid 68 such as a collection liquid for influenza virus sensing in advance, and the liquid 68 is supplied into the inside of the first electrode 22 through the injection section 80.

[0068] In this embodiment, supply unit 28 supplies a liquid for analyzing the particles as liquid 68. For example, the liquid for analyzing the particles means a liquid used for analysis, a liquid that maintains the activity of the target substance contained in the particles for analysis, a liquid that imparts a label or the like to the target substance contained in the particles for analysis, a liquid that protects the target substance contained in the particles for analysis, or any combination thereof.

[0069] For example, if the target substance is influenza virus, a liquid intended for dissolving and preserving the virus, such as physiological saline, PBS (Phosphate-Buffered Saline) buffer, EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) buffer, or bicarbonate buffer, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism or fluorescence, can be used as liquid 68. Note that liquid 68 does not have to be a liquid for analyzing particles and may be, for example, pure water.

[0070] The target substance is not limited to influenza viruses. For example, the target substance may be another virus or a living organism other than a virus (e.g., a bacterium). Furthermore, the target substance does not have to be a living organism, and may be an environmental pollutant, an allergen, or the like.

[0071] The recovery unit 30 recovers the liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22. The recovery unit 30 has a tank 82 and an extraction unit 84. The liquid 68 stored in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 is sucked from the extraction unit 84 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is held and recovered in the tank 82.

[0072] In this way, the liquid 68, such as the collection liquid, in which the fine particles have accumulated is sucked through the extraction unit 84 and held in the tank 82. The liquid may be collected by the collection unit 30 from the opening side of the first electrode 22 (the other end side in the axial direction of the main body 42), as shown in FIG. 3 , or the liquid may be collected from an opening formed in a part of the side surface of the first electrode 22. The liquid 68 may also be collected using the opening that was used to supply the liquid 68 by the supply unit 28. The liquid 68 is collected in an amount preset by the user, at a timing based on the collection operation time.

[0073] The driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that extends in the direction of the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and passes through the first electrode 22. In this embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the body 56. That is, in this embodiment, the driving unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0074] The drive unit 32 has a gear 86 and a motor 88 for rotating the gear 86. The gear 86 has external teeth (not shown) that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of the first electrode 22. When the gear 86 is rotated by the motor 88 (see arrow F in FIG. 4 ), the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B of the main body 56 (see arrow C in FIG. 4 ). In this way, the first electrode 22 is rotated by the gear 86 driven by the motor 88.

[0075] The temperature and humidity sensor 34 is disposed on the inner surface of the main body 48 of the first flange member 18, and measures the temperature and humidity of gas (air containing fine particles) that is introduced from the outside and passes through the first electrode 22. The temperature and humidity sensor 34 is connected to the control unit 90 (see FIG. 5) wirelessly or via a wire, and outputs information related to the measured temperature and humidity to the control unit 90. The temperature and humidity sensor 34 may also be disposed on the outer surface of the particle sampling device 10.

[0076] The wind speed sensor 36 is installed on the inner surface of the main body 48 of the first flange member 18, and measures the wind speed of the gas (air containing fine particles) passing through the first electrode 22. The wind speed sensor 36 is connected to the control unit 90 (see FIG. 5) wirelessly or by wire, and outputs information related to the measured wind speed to the control unit 90.

[0077] The gas outside the particle sampling device 10 passes through the inside of the first flange member 18, passes through the inside of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and passes through the inside of the second flange member 20 to be released to the outside of the particle sampling device 10 (see arrow A in FIG. 2 and arrow A in FIG. 3). The wind speed sensor 36 measures the wind speed of the gas passing through the first electrode 22 in this manner.

[0078] In addition, gas outside the particle sampling device 10 may pass through the inside of the second flange member 20, pass through the inside of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22, and be released to the outside of the particle sampling device 10 from the first flange member 18.

[0079] The pump or fan (not shown) corresponds to a blower that introduces gas from outside the particle sampling device 10 into the first electrode 22. The pump or fan may be provided inside the particle sampling device 10 and may draw air in a direction that passes through the particle sampling device 10 (the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 2).

[0080] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the particle sampling device 10.

[0081] The functional configuration of the particle sampling device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, the particle sampling device 10 further includes a control unit 90 including a setting unit 91 and a calculation unit 92 therein.

[0083] The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the voltage application unit 26, the supply unit 28, the collection unit 30, the drive unit 32, the wind speed sensor 36, and the temperature and humidity sensor 34. The control unit 90 controls the voltage application unit 26, the supply unit 28, the collection unit 30, and the drive unit 32. For example, the control unit 90 is realized by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. The control unit 90 only needs to include a setting unit 91 and a calculation unit 92 as functions.

[0084] The setting unit 91 is included in the control unit 90. The setting unit 91 sets the operation time of collection, the voltage value applied by the voltage application unit 26, the amount of collected material by the collection unit 30, and the rotation speed (rotation speed of the first electrode 22) by the drive unit 32. The setting unit 91 may also be electrically connected to a blower, such as a pump or a fan, that draws air into the first electrode 22, and set the air volume.

[0085] For example, the settings in the setting unit 91 may be adjusted by inputting numerical values ​​using a touch panel or by using a volume knob, etc. The setting values ​​set in the setting unit 91 are transmitted to the calculation unit 92, which will be described later.

[0086] The calculation unit 92 is included in the control unit 90. The calculation unit 92 calculates the reduction rate, which is the amount of reduction per unit time of the liquid 68 supplied into the first electrode 22, and the reduction amount during a preset collection operation time, based on the collection operation time set in the setting unit 91, the applied voltage value in the voltage application unit 26, the amount recovered in the recovery unit 30, the rotation speed in the drive unit 32, the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 36, and the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 34.

[0087] Here, it is assumed that air is drawn into the particle sampling device 10 by a pump or a fan. In this case, instead of the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 36, the wind speed may be calculated based on the air volume of the pump or fan set in the setting unit 91 and the cylindrical cross-sectional area of ​​the first electrode 22 through which the gas passes, to calculate the reduction rate, which is the amount of reduction per unit time of the liquid 68 supplied into the first electrode 22, and the amount of reduction during a preset collection operation time.

[0088] Furthermore, the calculation unit 92 calculates the amount of liquid 68 that needs to be supplied by the supply unit 28 based on the calculated decrease amount.

[0089] If the amount of liquid 68 to be initially supplied exceeds the upper limit of the amount of liquid that can be supplied in one go and additional liquid 68 needs to be supplied within the collection operation time due to a large decrease in the recovery amount and collection operation time previously set in the setting unit 91, the calculation unit 92 calculates the appropriate supply timing and additional supply amount in addition to the supply amount of liquid 68 to be initially supplied.

[0090] In this way, the control unit 90 controls the supply of liquid 68 in the supply unit 28 based on the supply amount and supply timing calculated by the calculation unit 92. Specifically, if the rate of decrease calculated by the calculation unit 92 is large, the control unit 90 adjusts the initial supply amount so that it does not exceed the upper limit, and then supplies an additional certain amount of liquid 68 during the preset collection operation time. This makes it possible to secure enough liquid 68 for the preset collection operation time and recover a preset amount of liquid 68.

[0091] Furthermore, if the calculation unit 92 determines that the calculated decrease is small and no additional supply is necessary, the control unit 90 adjusts the initial supply amount within a range not exceeding the upper limit so that the predetermined recovery amount can be recovered.

[0092] Here, the upper limit of the amount of liquid that can be supplied is set based on the amount of liquid that will reliably prevent insulation breakdown, etc., from occurring due to the liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 becoming too close when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0093] The timing of the additional supply is set, for example, to the timing when the initial supply amount has decreased to 50% based on the rate of decrease calculated by the calculation unit 92. At this time, the amount of additional supply is adjusted so that a preset recovery amount of liquid 68 can be recovered. Note that if the rate of decrease is large and multiple additional supplies are required, the control unit 90 can supply the same amount of liquid 68 as the initial supply amount in one additional supply, and then adjust the amount of additional supply so that the preset recovery amount can be recovered in the final additional supply.

[0094] Next, the operation of the particle sampling device 10 configured as above will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0095] Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10, and is a flow chart showing the operation in Fig. 6 in more detail. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10, and is a diagram showing the movement of viruses inside the particle sampling device 10 until the viruses are actually collected. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between each parameter that contributes to the amount of reduction of liquid 68 and the liquid reduction rate in the operation of the particle sampling device 10.

[0096] Specifically, an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 10 in this embodiment will be described, including the flow of capturing influenza viruses 1, recovering influenza viruses 1 in the liquid, and recovering the liquid 68.

[0097] Here, an example is shown in which influenza virus 1, which is thought to be transmitted through the air, is collected in a liquid using a particle sampling device 10 in order to recover the virus as a liquid sample that can be analyzed using a sensor or the like.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, first, the control unit 90 estimates the amount of liquid 68 that has decreased based on the operating environment information and the operating setting values, and sets the supply amount and number of supplies of the liquid 68, as well as the supply timing, so that the liquid 68 reaches the set predetermined recovery amount (S0: estimation step).

[0099] Here, the driving environment information is information that includes information about the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 36 and information about the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 34 .

[0100] The operation setting values ​​are the values ​​set in the setting unit 91, and are information regarding the collection operation time, the applied voltage value in the voltage application unit 26, the recovery amount in the recovery unit 30, and the rotation speed in the drive unit 32.

[0101] In the particle sampling device 10, first, when a pump or a fan is operated, an arbitrary air flow (see arrow A in FIG. 8) is generated. In step S0, as shown in FIG. 7, the temperature and humidity of the air circulating inside the particle sampling device 10 are measured. ｉｎ , H ｉｎ ) and the wind speed (V ｉｎ ) are measured (S11: measurement step).

[0102] For example, the user may operate any operation button or the like to activate the temperature and humidity sensor 34 and the air velocity sensor 36, and the detection results thereof are sent to the control unit 90 (calculation unit 92). Thereafter, the control unit 90 notifies the user by a display or the like that the detection has been completed and that it is possible to proceed to the next step.

[0103] In addition, when the control unit 90 is electrically connected to a pump or a fan, the control unit 90 receives the set air volume (Q) and calculates the air velocity (Q / S) based on the set air volume (Q) and the cylindrical cross-sectional area (S) of the first electrode 22 through which the gas passes, and outputs the air velocity (V ｉｎ ) may be substituted.

[0104] Next, the user sets the applied voltage value (V) in the voltage application unit 26 and the rotation speed (r) in the drive unit 32 to arbitrary values ​​(S12: first setting step).

[0105] If the control unit 90 is electrically connected to a pump or a fan, the user may set the air volume (Q) in the same manner.

[0106] For example, in the setting unit 91, the user adjusts each setting value by operating any operation button, inputting a value using a touch panel, or operating a volume knob or the like, and the adjusted setting value is transmitted to the calculation unit 92. Thereafter, the control unit 90 clearly indicates by a display or the like that the setting is complete and it is possible to proceed to the next step.

[0107] Next, the calculation unit 92 calculates the temperature and humidity of the air measured in step S11 (T ｉｎ , H ｉｎ ) and wind speed (Vｉｎ ), and the applied voltage value (V) and the rotation speed (r) set in step S12, the decrease rate (v ｗ ) (S13: first calculation step). The calculation unit 92 performs calculation based on the acquired information. After the calculation is completed, the control unit 90 displays or otherwise indicates the estimated result based on the calculation and that the setting is complete and it is possible to proceed to the next step.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 9, the calculation performed in step S13 is performed by setting coefficients for each parameter based on the following relationship between the acquired information and the liquid reduction rate:

[0109] First, as shown in FIG. 9(a), in the humidity of the air to be treated detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 34, as the humidity increases, the amount of water vapor relative to the amount of saturated vapor increases, and evaporation of the liquid is suppressed, so the rate at which the liquid 68 to be collected decreases.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9(b), as the temperature of the air to be treated detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 34 increases, the temperature of the liquid 68 also increases and the vapor pressure increases, accelerating the evaporation of the liquid 68 and increasing the rate at which the liquid 68 that becomes the collected liquid decreases.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in (c) of Figure 9, in the rotation speed of the drive unit 32, as the rotation speed increases, the area of ​​contact between the air and the liquid 68 per unit time increases, and the evaporation of the liquid 68 is promoted, so the rate at which the liquid 68 that becomes the collected liquid decreases increases.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in (d) of Figure 9, with regard to the applied voltage value in the voltage application unit 26, as the applied voltage value increases, the temperature of the liquid 68 increases, the liquid 68 is agitated due to the movement of ions in the liquid 68, and the movement of water vapor at the boundary between the air and the liquid 68 due to the ion wind generated by the discharge is promoted, thereby accelerating the evaporation of the liquid 68 and increasing the rate at which the liquid 68 that becomes the collected liquid decreases.

[0113] Furthermore, as shown in (e) of Figure 9, in the wind speed detected by the wind speed sensor 36, as the wind speed increases, the movement of water vapor at the boundary between the air and the liquid 68 is promoted, which promotes evaporation of the liquid 68 and increases the rate at which the liquid 68 that becomes the collected liquid decreases.

[0114] Returning to FIG. 7, the setting unit 91 sets the operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) and the amount of liquid (w ｏｕｔ ) is set (S14: second setting step).

[0115] The collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) may be determined based on the total amount of air to be treated or the concentration of particles to be collected. ｏｕｔ ) may be determined from the amount of liquid required for subsequent analysis, etc.

[0116] For example, in the setting unit 91, the user adjusts each value by operating any operation button, inputting a numerical value on the touch panel, or adjusting a volume knob or the like, and the set value is transmitted to the calculation unit 92. Thereafter, the control unit 90 clearly indicates by a display or the like that the setting is complete and it is possible to proceed to the next step.

[0117] Although the example in which the setting in step S12 and the setting in step S14 are performed as separate steps has been described here, they may be performed in the same step.

[0118] Next, the calculation unit 92 calculates the decrease rate (V Ｗ ) and the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) and the recovery amount (w ｏｕｔ ) and calculates the amount of liquid 68 reduced during the collection operation. The calculation unit 92 then calculates the initial input amount (w ｉｎ ) and the additional amount of liquid 68 (w ａｄｄ), the timing of additionally supplying the liquid 68 (for example, the time when the initial amount of liquid input becomes 50%), and the number of times of supply (N ｃｙ ) (S15: second calculation step). For example, the calculation unit 92 performs the calculation based on the acquired information. After the calculation is completed, the control unit 90 displays or otherwise indicates the estimated result based on the calculation and that the setting is complete and it is possible to proceed to the next step. Based on the calculation result in this step, the control unit 90 controls the supply amount in the supply unit 28.

[0119] Here, the initial amount of liquid (w ｉｎ ) is the supply amount of liquid 68 initially supplied into the first electrode 22 by the supply unit 28. The initial supply amount is also referred to as the initial supply amount. As described above, the initial supply amount has a predetermined upper limit and is set based on the amount of liquid that will reliably prevent dielectric breakdown, etc., from occurring due to the liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 becoming too close to each other when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0120] Even if the liquid amount is such that insulation breakdown or the like will not occur reliably, if the liquid 68 leaks from the first electrode 22 and an electrical leak occurs, the liquid amount at which the liquid 68 does not leak is set as the upper limit.

[0121] The additional liquid amount is the amount of liquid 68 added to the collection unit 30 to ensure that the amount of liquid 68 recovered in the collection unit 30 reaches a predetermined amount based on the amount of liquid 68 in the first electrode 22 that decreases with air flow (amount calculated from the rate of decrease and operation time). This additional liquid amount is also referred to as the additional supply amount. When the rate of decrease of the liquid 68 is high, this additional supply is performed at a predetermined timing (e.g., when the initial supply amount has decreased to 50%) so that the initial amount of liquid 68 does not run out during the preset collection operation time. However, when the rate of decrease of the liquid 68 is low and additional supply is not necessary, additional supply is not performed.

[0122] As described above, the timing for additionally supplying the liquid 68 is set, for example, based on the calculated rate of decrease, to the timing when the initial supply amount has decreased to 50%. If the rate of decrease is large and multiple additional supplies are required, the liquid 68 is supplied in one additional supply up to the amount equal to the initial input amount, and the timing for the second and subsequent additional supplies is also set to the timing when the initial supply amount has decreased to 50%, and this process is repeated.

[0123] Here, the timing for additionally supplying liquid 68 is described as the timing when the initial supply amount has decreased to 50%, but the ratio of the liquid amount may be set so as to maintain an amount of liquid that effectively recovers the fine particles relative to the inner surface 66 where the fine particles are collected. In other words, it is not necessary to always maintain a constant amount of liquid, and a decrease in liquid 68 is allowed as long as it reaches the ratio or amount or the preset amount of recovered liquid.

[0124] The number of additional supplies is the number of times that the liquid 68 is newly supplied in response to the initial amount of liquid 68 that has been supplied. The number of additional supplies is set to two or more when the rate at which the liquid 68 decreases is high and a single supply is not enough to adjust the recovery amount to the preset recovery amount.

[0125] Returning to Figure 6, in step S0, when steps S11 to S15 in Figure 7 are completed, the supply unit 28 supplies liquid 68 as a collection liquid into the first electrode 22, and causes the liquid 68 to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 22 (S1: supply step).

[0126] For example, when the user operates any operation button (shown) or the like, supply unit 28 is activated and liquid 68 is supplied into body 56 of first electrode 22. At this time, the supply amount of liquid 68 is controlled based on the result of calculation in step S15 of FIG.

[0127] Specifically, the supply unit 28 supplies the initial amount of liquid (w ｉｎ ) of the liquid 68 is supplied into the first electrode 22. Then, an additional amount of liquid (w ａｄｄ) is set, the supply unit 28 supplies the additional liquid amount (w ａｄｄ ) of the liquid 68 is supplied into the first electrode 22. ｃｙ ) is set to two or more times, the supply unit 28 ａｄｄ ) is divided and a required amount of liquid 68 is supplied into the first electrode 22 at each timing.

[0128] 8, the liquid 68 is supplied into the body 56 of the first electrode 22, and the liquid 68 is stored on a part of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. As described above, the amount of stored liquid at this time has a certain range, and can be adjusted to the amount of collected liquid (w ｏｕｔ ) is controlled according to the

[0129] 6 , next, the driver 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B (S2: driving step). For example, the user may operate an arbitrary operation button (illustrated) or the like to operate the driver 32 and rotate the first electrode 22. The number of rotations at this time is the number of rotations (r) set in step S12 of FIG. 7 .

[0130] 8 , the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B at the set rotation speed with the liquid 68 stored in part of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 rotates around the axis B with the liquid 68 stored below the axis B so as to prevent the liquid 68 from flowing out of the main body 56. As a result, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially comes into contact with the stored liquid 68.

[0131] Returning to FIG. 6, next, the voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 (S3: voltage application step).

[0132] For example, the user may operate any operation button (shown) or the like to activate voltage application unit 26 and apply a voltage between first electrode 22 and second electrode 24. The applied voltage value at this time is the applied voltage value (V) set in step S12 of FIG. 7 .

[0133] 8, influenza viruses 1 in the gas introduced into the particle sampling device 10 by an arbitrary air flow (see arrow A in FIG. 8) are first charged either positively or negatively by ions 2 released by the discharge of the second electrode 24 to which a high voltage is applied. Here, a case where influenza viruses 1 are positively (+) charged will be described.

[0134] The influenza viruses 1, now in an electrically charged state, move along trajectory 3 due to the electric field (see arrow E in FIG. 8 ) formed between the second electrode 24 and the first electrode 22, and are collected on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22. In this way, the influenza viruses 1 adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 and are captured on the inner surface 66.

[0135] 8 , the influenza viruses 1 collected on the inner surface 66 are collected at any timing by the liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22. Specifically, the influenza viruses 1 adhering to the inner surface 66 of the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 come into contact with the stored liquid 68, detach from the inner surface 66, and are collected in the liquid 68.

[0136] In this way, the movement (rotation) of the first electrode 22 rotated by the motor 88 and gear 86 makes it possible to wash the entire inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 with the accumulated (stored) liquid 68.

[0137] In addition, when the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 has been hydrophilized, a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 before rotating the first electrode 22 around the axis B, and the first electrode 22 may be rotated around the axis B with the voltage applied between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 7, in the particulate sampling device 10, after steps S2 and S3 in FIG. 6 are completed, the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ The collection operation is performed until the time t1 has elapsed (S17: operation step).

[0139] Specifically, the particle sampling device 10 detects the initial amount of liquid (w ｉｎ After the supply of the liquid 68 for the set collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ The particle sampling device 10 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B at a set rotation speed (r) while applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 at a set applied voltage value (V), thereby rotating the first electrode 22 around the axis B while applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

[0140] In the collection operation in step S17, the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) and the volume of recovered liquid (w ｏｕｔ ) and if the calculation result in step S15 indicates that additional supply of liquid 68 is required, the supply unit 28 supplies the calculated additional liquid amount (w ａｄｄ ) of the liquid 68 is supplied at the calculated timing (S18: additional supply step).

[0141] Specifically, if multiple additional supplies of the liquid 68 are required, the process returns to step S17 after step S18 is completed, and the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) until the set number of times of supply (N ｃｙ ), the process of transitioning to step S18 and returning to step S17 is repeated.

[0142] If no additional supply is required, the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ After the above steps S17 and S19 have elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step (S19: collection step).

[0143] When transitioning from step S17 to step S18, the rotation of the first electrode 22 and the voltage application unit to the second electrode 24 in steps S2 and S3, which were operating in step S17, may be temporarily stopped and then resumed when returning to step S17.

[0144] Returning to FIG. 6, finally, the collection unit 30 performs the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ) has elapsed, the liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 is recovered (S4: recovery step).

[0145] For example, at any time after the capture operation time set by the user, the liquid 68 can be collected into the collection section 30 (tank 82) through the extraction section 84, and a liquid sample (liquid 68) containing influenza virus 1 separated from the gas can be obtained.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, the user may operate any operation button (shown) or the like to operate the recovery unit 30 and recover the liquid 68 stored in the main body 56 of the first electrode 22 .

[0147] The particle sampling device 10 is controlled so that the amount of collected liquid (amount of collected liquid) at this time is the amount of liquid set in advance by the user.

[0148] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment can collect influenza viruses 1 from the air into the liquid 68 at a high concentration.

[0149] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10, particles can be accumulated in the liquid 68 stored in the first electrode 22 without circulating the liquid 68, making it easy to collect particles so that the concentration of particles in the liquid 68 is high. Furthermore, the particle sampling device 10 does not require the provision of equipment for circulating the liquid 68, and is therefore a device that can easily be made compact and highly energy-efficient.

[0150] As described above, the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment captures particles contained in air flowing therethrough in a liquid. The particle sampling device 10 includes a cylindrical first electrode 22 that is open at both axial ends thereof, a second electrode 24 that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is disposed within the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, a supply unit 28 that supplies a liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 and causes the liquid 68 to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in a direction around the axis of the first electrode 22, a voltage application unit 26 that applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, a drive unit 32 that rotates the first electrode 22 about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and passes through the first electrode 22, a recovery unit 30 that recovers the liquid 68 accumulated in the portion of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22, and a control unit 90 that controls the particle collection operation.

[0151] The control unit 90 controls the amount of liquid 68 recovered by the recovery unit 30 to be a preset amount (w ｏｕｔ ) so that the amount of decrease (decrease rate (v ｗ ) and operating time (t ｃｏｌ ) and the amount of liquid 68 to be supplied from the supply unit 28 to the first electrode 22. ａｄｄ ) to control the

[0152] According to this configuration, it is possible to stably collect the amount of collection liquid (liquid 68) necessary for analyzing the particles. ｉｎ ) the amount of liquid 68 to be added based on the predicted decrease in the amount of liquid 68. ａｄｄ ) is supplied, so even if the operating environment varies, the set recovered liquid amount (w ｏｕｔ ) can be obtained stably.

[0153] This prevents the amount of liquid required for analysis in the analyzer from running short. ｃｏｌ) and it becomes impossible to recover the particles into the liquid 68. Furthermore, by making the inside of the first electrode 22 uniform with a predetermined amount of liquid 68, it is possible to obtain a highly concentrated sample while suppressing variations between samples.

[0154] Furthermore, when the supply unit 28 supplies a liquid 68 into the first electrode 22 and the voltage application unit 26 applies a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, an electric field is generated between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, and the fine particles contained in the gas flowing through the first electrode 22 adhere to the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22.

[0155] Then, as the drive unit 32 rotates the first electrode 22, the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 sequentially comes into contact with the liquid 68 that is spread evenly and stored on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56, and the fine particles adhering to the inner surface 66 are accumulated in the liquid 68.

[0156] The collecting unit 30 then collects the stored liquid 68, thereby obtaining the liquid 68 in which the particles have accumulated.

[0157] In this way, the particles guided into the particle sampling device 10 are deposited on the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 by electrostatic precipitator, and then accumulated in the liquid 68 by the rotation of the first electrode 22, so that the particles can be sampled efficiently. In addition, since there is no need to circulate the liquid 68, the initial amount of liquid (w ｉｎ ) can reduce the amount of liquid 68.

[0158] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, the sample (collected liquid) obtained by the collection unit 30 may be directly analyzed using an analytical device such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) to quantify the virus concentration, and the amount of virus present in the space may be quantified based on the obtained quantification results, the amount of air processed by the particle sampling device 10, and the device-specific collection efficiency.

[0159] This makes it possible to estimate the virus concentration in the air, and by comparing it with the airborne virus concentration during a known infectious disease epidemic, it is possible to quantify the infection risk in the sampled space. Furthermore, quantification using this analyzer may be performed at a different location after the sample is collected, or may be performed in-line by connecting an analyzer to the particle sampling device 10.

[0160] In the particle sampling device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 90 controls the temperature and humidity (T ｉｎ , H ｉｎ ), the wind speed (V ｉｎ ), and the operation time of the collection of fine particles (t ｃｏｌ ) may be used to estimate the reduction.

[0161] According to this, the calculation unit 92 further calculates the temperature and humidity of the suction air (T ｉｎ , H ｉｎ ) and the wind speed (V ｉｎ ) and the decrease rate, which is the amount of decrease of the liquid 68 per unit time, can be calculated based on the above. ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0162] The particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment may further include a blower (pump or fan) that introduces air into the first electrode 22 from one end of the first electrode 22. The control unit 90 further calculates the wind speed using the flow rate (Q) set in the blower and the cylindrical cross-sectional area (S) of the first electrode 22, and compares the calculated wind speed with the wind speed (V) obtained from the detection result of the wind speed sensor 36. ｉｎ ) may be replaced by estimating the amount of decrease described above.

[0163] According to this, the control unit 90 (calculation unit 92) further calculates the wind speed of the air flowing through the first electrode 22 based on the flow rate (Q) in the blower, and thus the reduction rate, which is the amount of reduction of the liquid 68 per unit time, can be calculated in the same way as in the configuration using the wind speed sensor 36. Therefore, the predetermined collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0164] In the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 90 may estimate the amount of reduction using the number of rotations (r) of the first electrode 22 by the drive unit 32 .

[0165] According to this, the control unit 90 (calculation unit 92) can further use information on the rotation speed of the drive unit 32 in addition to the calculation, thereby more accurately calculating the reduction rate, which is the amount of reduction of the liquid 68 per unit time. ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0166] In the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 90 may further estimate the amount of reduction using the applied voltage value (V) in the voltage application unit 26 .

[0167] According to this, the control unit 90 (calculation unit 92) can further use information on the applied voltage value in the voltage application unit 26 in the calculation, thereby more accurately calculating the reduction rate, which is the amount of reduction of the liquid 68 per unit time. ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with higher accuracy.

[0168] In the particle sampling device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 90 may cause the supply unit 28 to supply the liquid 68 multiple times based on the amount of decrease.

[0169] According to this, by supplying additional liquid 68 in accordance with the calculated decrease in the amount of liquid 68, the set operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) and the final collected liquid volume (w ｏｕｔ) can be collected. In addition, by performing multiple additional supplies at this time, it is not necessary to perform a large amount of additional supply at once, and it is not necessary to prepare a large amount of liquid 68 initially. Furthermore, since it is possible to collect particulates while maintaining a constant amount of liquid 68, it is possible to prevent problems such as an inability to collect particulates due to a depletion or excess of the collection liquid, a leakage of electricity due to leakage of liquid 68 from within the first electrode 22, and a dielectric breakdown due to a decrease in the distance between the liquid surface of liquid 68 and the second electrode 24.

[0170] Furthermore, since there is no need for constant observation to maintain a constant liquid volume, constant reflux operation, changes in operating settings that affect collection by the particle sampling device 10, or temperature control that requires a heat source, with only a few operations such as calculations and additional liquid supply, the desired volume of liquid can be recovered while collecting particles with stable efficiency using the particle sampling device 10.

[0171] On the other hand, the particle sampling method according to this embodiment is a method for capturing particles contained in the air flowing inside the first electrode 22 in a liquid using a first electrode 22 that is cylindrical and has open ends in the axial direction, and a second electrode 24 that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and is positioned within the first electrode 22 at a distance from the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22.

[0172] This particle sampling method uses the temperature and humidity (T ｉｎ , H ｉｎ ), the wind speed (V ｉｎ ), and the operation time of the collection of fine particles (t ｃｏｌthe liquid 68 in the first electrode 22 in a direction around the axis of the first electrode 22, causing the liquid 68 to accumulate in a part of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22 in a direction around the axis of the first electrode 22; a driving step (step S2) of rotating the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and passes through the first electrode 22; a voltage application step (step S3) of applying a voltage between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24; and a recovery step (step S4 / step S19) of recovering the liquid 68 accumulated in the part of the inner surface 66 of the first electrode 22.

[0173] In the supply step, the liquid 68 recovered from the first electrode 22 in the recovery step is a predetermined recovered liquid amount (w ｏｕｔ ) based on the reduction amount estimated in the estimation step, the additional liquid amount (w ａｄｄ ) is adjusted.

[0174] According to this method, it is possible to stably collect the amount of collection liquid (liquid 68) necessary for analyzing the particles. More specifically, the initial amount of liquid (w ｉｎ ) and additional liquid volume (w ａｄｄ ) is supplied, the collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) can be maintained at a predetermined amount (for example, up to 50% of the initial amount of liquid). ｏｕｔ ) of liquid 68 can be stably obtained. This prevents the amount of liquid required for analysis in the analyzer from running short. ｃｏｌ) and it is therefore possible to prevent the liquid 68 from drying up during the operation step, making it impossible to collect the particles into the liquid 68. Furthermore, by making the inside of the first electrode 22 uniform with a predetermined amount of liquid 68 during the operation step, it is possible to obtain a highly concentrated sample while suppressing variations between samples.

[0175] In the particle sampling method according to the present embodiment, the estimation step further includes estimating the wind speed (V ｉｎ ) may be used to estimate the reduction amount.

[0176] According to this, the decrease rate (v ｗ In the calculation of the wind speed (V ｉｎ ) is used in the calculation to obtain the preset collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0177] In the particle sampling method according to the present embodiment, in the estimating step, the amount of reduction may be estimated using the number of rotations (r) of the first electrode 22 in the driving step.

[0178] According to this, the decrease rate (v ｗ In calculating the rotation speed (r) of the first electrode 22 in the driving step, the predetermined collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0179] In the particulate sampling method according to the present embodiment, the estimation step may further estimate the amount of reduction using the applied voltage value (V) in the voltage application step.

[0180] According to this, the decrease rate (v ｗIn the calculation of the voltage application step, the applied voltage value (V) is added to the calculation, and the predetermined collection operation time (t ｃｏｌ ) can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0181] Furthermore, in the particle sampling method according to this embodiment, in the supplying step, the liquid 68 may be supplied multiple times based on the reduced amount.

[0182] According to this method, the liquid 68 is additionally supplied in the supply step in accordance with the amount of decrease in the liquid 68 calculated in the estimation step, and the supply time (t ｃｏｌ ) and the final collected liquid volume (w ｏｕｔ ) can be recovered.

[0183] Furthermore, by performing additional supply multiple times at this time, it is not necessary to supply a large amount of liquid 68 at once or to initially prepare a large amount of liquid 68, and collection can be performed while maintaining a constant amount of liquid 68. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as an inability to collect particulates due to depletion or excess of the collection liquid, a leakage of electricity caused by liquid 68 leaking from first electrode 22, and insulation breakdown caused by a decrease in the distance between the liquid surface of liquid 68 and second electrode 24.

[0184] Furthermore, since there is no need for constant observation to maintain a constant liquid volume, constant reflux operation, changes to operating settings that affect particle sampling, or temperature control that requires a heat source, the desired liquid volume can be recovered while performing particle sampling with stable efficiency with just a few operations: calculation in the estimation step and additional liquid supply in the additional supply step.

[0185] In the first embodiment described above, the body 56 of the first electrode 22 is cylindrical, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the body 56 of the first electrode 22 may be an elliptical cylinder, a polygonal cylinder, or the like.

[0186] In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the first electrode 22 is installed so that the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first electrode 22 does not have to be installed so that the axis B of the main body 56 is parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode 22 may be installed so that the axis B of the main body 56 is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction, as long as the liquid 68 can be stored on a portion of the inner surface 66 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 56 so that the liquid 68 does not flow out of the main body 56. In other words, the first electrode 22 is only required to be disposed in a position that allows the liquid 68 to be stored on the inner surface 66.

[0187] In the first embodiment described above, the second electrode 24 is described as being installed such that its axis coincides with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The second electrode 24 does not have to be installed such that its axis coincides with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. For example, the second electrode 24 may be installed such that its axis is tilted with respect to the axis B of the body 56, as long as it extends at least in the axial direction of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. Furthermore, for example, the second electrode 24 may be installed such that its axis does not coincide with the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22, but is parallel to the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22.

[0188] In the first embodiment described above, the second electrode 24 is linear, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second electrode may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0189] In the first embodiment described above, a case where one second electrode 24 is disposed within the first electrode 22 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of second electrodes may be disposed within the first electrode.

[0190] In the first embodiment described above, the second electrode 24 protrudes outward beyond one end of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 and beyond the other end of the body 56. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the length of the second electrode 24 may be the same as the length of the body 56, or may be shorter than the length of the body 56.

[0191] In the first embodiment described above, the case where the driver 32 rotates the first electrode 22 around the axis B of the body 56 of the first electrode 22 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the driver 32 may rotate the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that is slightly inclined with respect to the axis of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. Alternatively, the driver 32 may rotate the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that is parallel to the axis of the body 56 of the first electrode 22. The driver 32 may rotate the first electrode 22 around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 22 and passes through the first electrode 22.

[0192] Second Embodiment Conventionally, there is known an apparatus and method for sampling particles in a gas using a device that utilizes the inertial force or centrifugal force of the particles (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0193] More specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus and method for generating electrostatic force using a rotating cylindrical electrode with a collection liquid (collection liquid) supplied inside, which separates particles and other objects to be collected from the air and collects them in the liquid.

[0194] However, with the above-described conventional devices and methods, when the device is operated continuously for a long period of time, the amount of the collected liquid evaporates due to the circulating air and decreases. Therefore, depending on the trapping operation environment (e.g., the temperature and humidity of the circulating air and the operation time), the amount of the collected liquid remaining after the operation ends varies. Meanwhile, when collecting the collected liquid stored inside the cylindrical electrode, a certain amount of the collected liquid remains uncollected on the surface of the cylindrical electrode, resulting in a corresponding decrease in the amount of collected liquid. Therefore, when analyzing the collected collected liquid using an analyzer, a proportion of the particles contained in the uncollected amount will be missed. Therefore, even if the collected liquid collects the same number of particles, there is a concern that the analysis results will vary depending on the amount of remaining collected liquid, i.e., the concentration of particles contained in the collected liquid.

[0195] The present disclosure provides a recovery technology in an apparatus and method for sampling fine particles that can suppress quantitative variation in the analysis of fine particles caused by the collection operating environment when recovering the collection liquid stored inside a cylindrical electrode.

[0196] A particle sampling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a particle sampling device for capturing particles contained in air flowing therethrough, the particle sampling device comprising: a cylindrical first electrode having open ends in an axial direction thereof; a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and disposed within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit for supplying liquid into the first electrode and causing the liquid to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application unit for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive unit for rotating the first electrode about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; a recovery unit for recovering the liquid accumulated on the portion of the inner surface of the first electrode; and a control unit for controlling a particle collection operation. The control unit controls the amount of liquid accumulated in the first electrode after completion of the collection operation so that a predetermined amount of liquid is accumulated within the first electrode.

[0197] Furthermore, a particle sampling method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a particle sampling method for capturing particles contained in air flowing inside the first electrode using a cylindrical first electrode having open ends in its axial direction and a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and positioned within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, the method comprising: a supply step of supplying liquid into the first electrode and storing the liquid on a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a drive step of rotating the first electrode after the supply step around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode; a voltage application step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a liquid volume adjustment step of adjusting the amount of liquid until the liquid level reaches a predetermined position on a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in the direction around the axis of the first electrode after the collection operation is completed; and a recovery step of recovering the stored liquid after the liquid volume adjustment step.

[0198] According to the present disclosure, in an apparatus and method for sampling fine particles, a recovery technology can be provided that can suppress quantitative variation in the analysis of fine particles caused by the collection operating environment when recovering the collection liquid stored inside a cylindrical electrode.

[0199] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0200] However, the particle sampling device and particle sampling method according to the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the configurations shown in the embodiments or drawings described below, and also include configurations equivalent thereto.

[0201] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0202] Furthermore, the drawings do not necessarily depict the actual configurations in strict detail. In the drawings, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0203] In the following, terms indicating the relationship between elements, such as parallel and perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of elements, such as cylindrical, and numerical ranges do not only represent the strict meaning, but also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of a few percent.

[0204] In the following figures, the X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z-axis is an axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. On the Z-axis, the positive direction represents a vertically upward direction, and the negative direction represents a vertically downward direction.

[0205] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a particle sampling device 110 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 11 is a side view showing the appearance of the particle sampling device 110 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the particle sampling device 110 of Fig. 10, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 10.

[0206] First, the configuration of a particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0207] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the particle sampling device 110 is a device for sampling particles in a liquid.

[0208] Specifically, the particle sampling device 110 is a device that samples particles in a liquid 168 (described later) by collecting particles in a gas in the liquid.

[0209] For example, the particulates include fungi, bacteria, viruses, aerosols, and the like.

[0210] The particulate sampling device 110 comprises a duct 112, a first bearing seal 114, a second bearing seal 116, a first flange member 118, a second flange member 120, a first electrode 122, a second electrode 124, a voltage application unit 126, a supply unit 128, a recovery unit 130, a drive unit 132, and a liquid volume sensor 134.

[0211] The particle sampling device 110 is configured by surrounding a cylindrical first electrode 122 that rotates around its axis and a second electrode 124 that is positioned at the center of the first electrode 122 in a cross-sectional view with a duct 112, a first flange member 118, and a second flange member 120.

[0212] A gas such as air passes through the particle sampling device 110 in a direction that passes through the particle sampling device 110 (the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 11).

[0213] Specifically, for example, air may be drawn directly into the particle sampling device 110 by a pump or a fan (not shown) or the like, and gas may be passed through the particle sampling device 110 .

[0214] Alternatively, the particle sampling device 110 may be installed in a device that generates a gas flow, such as an air conditioner, air purifier, or ventilation vent, and the air may be drawn into the particle sampling device 110 for processing. By attaching the particle sampling device 110 to a device that generates a gas flow in this way, it is not necessary to incorporate a pump or the like for generating the gas flow into the particle sampling device 110, and a device that is small, quiet, and has low pressure loss can be easily realized. This allows the device to be installed and incorporated in a variety of locations, regardless of location.

[0215] The pump, fan, and device for generating the gas flow correspond to the "blowing unit" in the claims.

[0216] Each component of the particle sampling device 110 will be described below.

[0217] The duct 112 is cylindrical and rotatably supports the first electrode 122 inside the duct 112. The duct 112 has a main body 142, a first support portion 144, and a second support portion 146. The main body 142, the first support portion 144, and the second support portion 146 are insulating.

[0218] The main body 142 is cylindrical, and one end (left side in FIGS. 11 and 12) and the other end (right side in FIGS. 11 and 12) in the axial direction of the main body 142 are open.

[0219] The first support portion 144 protrudes radially outward from one end of the cylindrical main body 142 in the axial direction of the main body 142 and is formed integrally with the main body 142. In cross-sectional view, the first support portion 144 is recessed radially outward from the main body 142 and is generally U-shaped (see FIG. 12 ). When viewed from the axial direction of the main body 142, the first support portion 144 is annular.

[0220] A first bearing seal 114 is disposed inside the first support portion 144. The first bearing seal 114 seals the gap between the first support portion 144 and a first outer flange portion 158 (described later) of the first electrode 122 to prevent gas from leaking between the first support portion 144 and the first outer flange portion 158. The first support portion 144 rotatably supports the first electrode 122 via the first bearing seal 114.

[0221] The second support portion 146 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 142 in the axial direction and is formed integrally with the main body 142. The second support portion 146 is generally U-shaped and recessed radially outward from the main body 142 in cross-sectional view (see FIG. 12 ). The second support portion 146 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 142.

[0222] A second bearing seal 116 is disposed inside the second support portion 146. The second bearing seal 116 seals the gap between the second support portion 146 and a second outer flange portion 160 (described later) of the first electrode 122 to prevent gas from leaking between the second support portion 146 and the second outer flange portion 160. The second support portion 146 rotatably supports the first electrode 122 via the second bearing seal 116.

[0223] The first flange member 118 is cylindrical and axially connected to one end of the duct 112. The first flange member 118 has a main body 148 and a flange 150.

[0224] The main body 148 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 148 are open.

[0225] The flange 150 protrudes radially outward from one axial end of the main body 148 and is formed integrally with the main body 148. The flange 150 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 148. The other axial end of the main body 148 is connected to one axial end of the duct 112.

[0226] The second flange member 120 is cylindrical and axially connected to the other end of the duct 112. The second flange member 120 has a main body 152 and a flange 154.

[0227] The main body 152 is cylindrical, and one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 152 are open.

[0228] One axial end of the main body 152 is connected to the other axial end of the duct 112 .

[0229] The flange 154 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 152 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 152. The flange 154 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 152.

[0230] The first electrode 122 is cylindrical, and both axial ends of the first electrode 122 are open. The first electrode 122 is connected to ground via a second electric wire 176 (described below) or the like. The first electrode 122 has a main body 156, a first outer flange 158, a second outer flange 160, a first inner flange 162, and a second inner flange 164. For example, the main body 156, the first outer flange 158, the second outer flange 160, the first inner flange 162, and the second inner flange 164 are formed using stainless steel such as SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless Steel).

[0231] The main body 156 is cylindrical, and is open at one end and the other end in the axial direction of the main body 156. The axial direction of the main body 156 is the direction in which the axis B of the main body 156 extends (X-axis direction). The main body 156 has external teeth (not shown) on its outer circumferential surface that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of a gear 186 (described below).

[0232] The inner surface 166 of the main body 156 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The hydrophilic treatment here is performed, for example, by surface modification using plasma treatment or alkali treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH). Alternatively, the hydrophilic treatment can be performed, for example, by coating or applying a surfactant.

[0233] An adhesion-inhibiting material that inhibits adhesion of fine particles is attached to the inner surface 166 of the main body 156. For example, the adhesion-inhibiting material is a blocking agent such as skim milk, BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin), or PEG (Polyethylene Glycol).

[0234] As another example of hydrophilization treatment, when sampling is performed, a solution containing an amphipathic polymer (a polymer having a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group at each end) may be supplied into the first electrode 122 as a sampling solution, and the first electrode 122 may be rotated for, for example, about one minute, to bring the sampling solution into contact with the entire inner surface of the electrode, thereby performing hydrophilization treatment.

[0235] The first outer collar 158 protrudes radially outward from one end of the main body 156 in the axial direction and is formed integrally with the main body 156. The first outer collar 158 is annular about the axis B of the main body 156. In other words, the first outer collar 158 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 156. The first outer collar 158 is disposed inside the first bearing seal 114.

[0236] The second outer collar 160 protrudes radially outward from the other end of the main body 156 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 156. The second outer collar 160 is annular about the axis B of the main body 156. In other words, the second outer collar 160 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 156. The second outer collar 160 is disposed inside the second bearing seal 116.

[0237] The first inner flange 162 protrudes radially inward from one end of the main body 156 in the axial direction of the main body 156 and is formed integrally with the main body 156. The first inner flange 162 is annular around the axial center B of the main body 156. In other words, the first inner flange 162 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 156.

[0238] The second inner flange 164 protrudes radially inward from the other end of the main body 156 in the axial direction, and is formed integrally with the main body 156. The second inner flange 164 is annular around the axial center B of the main body 156. In other words, the second inner flange 164 is annular when viewed from the axial direction of the main body 156.

[0239] The first electrode 122 is installed so that the axis B of the main body 156 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The first electrode 122 is supported by the duct 112 so as to be rotatable around the axis B of the main body 156 (see arrow C in FIG. 13 ). In other words, the first electrode 122 is supported within the duct 112 so as to be rotatable on its own axis.

[0240] The first electrode 122 stores the liquid 168 on the inner surface 166 of the main body 156. Specifically, the first electrode 122 stores the liquid 168 in a portion of the inner surface 166 in a direction around the axis B of the main body 156 (see arrow D in FIG. 13 ). The stored liquid 168 is located below the axis B of the main body 156. Furthermore, the first electrode 122 stores the liquid 168 in that portion of the inner surface 166 along the axial direction of the main body 156.

[0241] The first inner flange 162 holds the liquid 168 stored in a portion of the inner surface 166 of the main body 156 so that the liquid 168 does not spill out from one end of the main body 156 in the axial direction. The second inner flange 164 holds the liquid 168 so that the liquid 168 stored in a portion of the inner surface 166 of the main body 156 does not spill out from the other end of the main body 156 in the axial direction. In this way, the first electrode 122 stores the liquid 168 in a portion of the inner surface 166 of the main body 156 so that the liquid 168 does not flow out of the main body 156. Within the main body 156, above the stored liquid 168, a space 169 is formed that penetrates the main body 156 in the direction of the axis B.

[0242] The second electrode 124 is linear and extends in the direction of the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122. The second electrode 124 passes through the radially inner portion of the body 156 of the first electrode 122 and is positioned inside the body 156. In other words, the second electrode 124 protrudes outward from one end of the body 156 and from the other end of the body 156 in the axial direction of the body 156.

[0243] The second electrode 124 is disposed at a distance from the inner surface 166 of the body 156 of the first electrode 122, and is disposed near the center of the first electrode 122 in a cross-sectional view (see FIG. 13 ). The second electrode 124 is disposed in a space 169. In this embodiment, the second electrode 124 is disposed in a position such that the axis of the second electrode 124 coincides with the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122. For example, the second electrode 124 is formed of tungsten or the like.

[0244] The voltage application unit 126 applies a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124. The voltage application unit 126 has a first support 170, a second support 172, a first electric wire 174, and a second electric wire 176.

[0245] The first support 170 is fixed to the first flange member 118, passes through the first flange member 118, and has its tip located inside the first flange member 118. The first support 170 is connected to one end of the second electrode 124 in the axial direction, and supports the second electrode 124.

[0246] The second support 172 is fixed to the second flange member 120, passes through the second flange member 120, and has its tip located inside the second flange member 120. The second support 172 is connected to the other end of the second electrode 124 in the axial direction, and supports the second electrode 124.

[0247] The first support 170 and the second support 172 are conductive and are electrically connected to the second electrode 124 .

[0248] The first electric wire 174 is electrically connected to the second electrode 124 via the second support 172. The second electric wire 176 is electrically connected to the first electrode 122 via a gear 186 or the like.

[0249] The voltage application unit 126 can apply electricity of any magnitude and waveform to the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124, which is installed near the center of the first electrode 122, through the first electric wire 174 and the second electric wire 176. In this way, the particulate sampling device 110 performs electrostatic collection of particulates.

[0250] The structure of the second electrode 124 does not have to be linear, but may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped, etc., and there are no restrictions on the structure or installation position as long as it is possible to form an uneven electric field within the space 169.

[0251] For example, the voltage application unit 126 is realized by a power supply circuit including a converter, etc. Furthermore, for example, the voltage application unit 126 applies a DC voltage of 6 kV.

[0252] For example, the voltage application unit 126 applies a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 so that the second electrode 124 side has a higher potential than the first electrode 122 side. This generates an electric field in the space 169 from the second electrode 124 toward the first electrode 122 (see arrow E in FIG. 12 and arrow E in FIG. 13).

[0253] Before the start of the collection operation, the supply unit 128 supplies the liquid 168 into the first electrode 122, causing the liquid 168 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 122. In other words, the supply unit 128 supplies the liquid 168 into the first electrode 122 so as to cause the liquid 168 to accumulate on a portion of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 122. In this way, the liquid 168 supplied by the supply unit 128 is accumulated on the inner surface 166 of the body 156 of the first electrode 122.

[0254] Furthermore, the supply unit 128 has a role of adjusting the amount of the liquid 168 by supplying new liquid 168 into the first electrode 122 so that the amount of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 reaches a preset amount after the collection operation is completed. In other words, the supply unit 128 replenishes new liquid 168 so that the amount of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 reaches a preset amount after the collection operation is completed.

[0255] The supply unit 128 has a tank 178 and an injection unit 180. The supply of the liquid 168 by the supply unit 128 may be performed from the opening side of the first electrode 122 (one end side in the direction of the axis B of the main body 142), as shown in Fig. 12 , or a hole may be formed in a part of the side surface of the first electrode 122 and the liquid 168 may be supplied from the opening.

[0256] The liquid quantity sensor 134 is a sensor that measures the quantity of the liquid 168 stored in a part of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 122, based on the position (height) of a liquid level 168a of the liquid 168. Specifically, the liquid quantity sensor 134 is an electrode-type liquid level sensor.

[0257] The liquid level sensor 134 is adjusted to a position at a predetermined height from the inner surface 166 within the first electrode 122, and detects whether the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored within the first electrode 122 is at the predetermined height, or whether the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 is lower than the predetermined height. In other words, the liquid level sensor 134 detects whether the amount of the liquid 168 stored within the first electrode 122 is a predetermined amount, or whether the amount of the liquid 168 stored within the first electrode 122 is less than the predetermined amount. The liquid level sensor 134 corresponds to the "liquid level measuring unit" in the claims.

[0258] Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the supply of liquid 168 by supply unit 128 is controlled based on the amount of liquid 168 measured by liquid volume sensor 134, which is adjusted to a predetermined height so as to match the storage volume preset by the user.

[0259] More specifically, after the collection operation is completed, the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 is measured by the liquid level sensor 134 while the liquid 168 is supplied by the supply unit 128, and a signal from the liquid level sensor 134 controls the supply of the liquid 168 to stop when the liquid level 168a reaches a predetermined height.

[0260] 12 shows the liquid level sensor 134 inserted into the first electrode 122, it is preferable to operate the liquid level sensor 134 under the control of the control unit 190 so that it is inserted into the first electrode 122 after the collection operation is completed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent dielectric breakdown and the like caused by the liquid level sensor 134 and the second electrode 124 becoming closer to each other while a voltage is being applied.

[0261] The tank 178 holds the liquid 168 to be supplied into the first electrode 122. The liquid 168 held in the tank 178 is discharged from an injection part 180 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is supplied into the main body 156 of the first electrode 122.

[0262] In the present embodiment, supply unit 128 supplies a liquid for analyzing the particles as liquid 168. For example, the liquid for analyzing the particles means a liquid used for analysis, a liquid that maintains the activity of the target substance contained in the particles for analysis, a liquid that imparts a label or the like to the target substance contained in the particles for analysis, a liquid that protects the target substance contained in the particles for analysis, or any combination thereof.

[0263] For example, if the target substance is influenza virus, a liquid for preservation purposes such as physiological saline, PBS (Phosphate-Buffered Saline) buffer solution, EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) buffer solution, or bicarbonate buffer solution, a liquid for dissolving the virus, or a liquid containing a substance that specifically binds to the virus and emits magnetism or fluorescence can be used as liquid 168. Note that liquid 168 does not have to be a liquid for analyzing particles and may be, for example, pure water.

[0264] The target substance is not limited to influenza viruses. For example, the target substance may be another virus or a living organism other than a virus (e.g., a bacterium). Furthermore, the target substance does not have to be a living organism, and may be an environmental pollutant, an allergen, or the like.

[0265] The recovery unit 130 recovers the liquid 168 stored in a portion of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 122. In the present embodiment, the recovery unit 130 operates to recover the entire amount of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 (the entire amount of a preset storage amount). The recovery unit 130 has a tank 182 and an extraction unit 184. The liquid 168 stored in a portion of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the first electrode 122 is sucked from the extraction unit 184 by a pump (not shown) or the like, and is held and recovered in the tank 182.

[0266] In this way, liquid 168 such as a collection liquid in which fine particles have accumulated is sucked through extraction unit 184 and held in tank 182. The liquid may be collected by collection unit 130 from the opening side of first electrode 122 (the other end side in the axial direction of main body 142) as shown in FIG. 12 , or a hole may be formed in the side surface of first electrode 122 and the liquid may be collected from the opening. Liquid 168 may also be collected using the opening used for supply by supply unit 128. This collection is performed at a timing based on the collection operation time preset by the user.

[0267] The driver 132 rotates the first electrode 122 around a rotation axis that extends in the direction of the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122 and passes through the first electrode 122. In this embodiment, the rotation axis coincides with the axis B of the body 156. That is, in this embodiment, the driver 132 rotates the first electrode 122 around the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122.

[0268] The drive unit 132 has a gear 186 and a motor 188 for rotating the gear 186. The gear 186 has external teeth (not shown) that mesh with external teeth (not shown) of the first electrode 122. When the gear 186 is rotated by the motor 188 (see arrow F in FIG. 13 ), the first electrode 122 rotates around the axis B of the main body 156 (see arrow C in FIG. 13 ). In this way, the first electrode 122 is rotated by the gear 186 driven by the motor 188.

[0269] In addition, gas outside the particle sampling device 110 may pass through the inside of the second flange member 120, pass through the inside of the main body 156 of the first electrode 122, and be released to the outside of the particle sampling device 110 from the first flange member 118.

[0270] The pump or fan (not shown) corresponds to a blower that introduces gas from outside the particle sampling device 110 into the first electrode 122. The pump or fan may be provided inside the particle sampling device 110 and may draw air in a direction that passes through the particle sampling device 110 (the direction shown by arrow A in FIG. 11 ).

[0271] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the particle sampling device 110.

[0272] The functional configuration of the particle sampling device 110 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0273] As shown in FIG. 14, the particle sampling device 110 further includes a control unit 190 including a setting unit 191 and a calculation unit 192 therein.

[0274] The control unit 190 is electrically connected to the voltage application unit 126, the supply unit 128, the recovery unit 130, the drive unit 132, and the liquid level sensor 134. The control unit 190 controls the voltage application unit 126, the supply unit 128, the recovery unit 130, the drive unit 132, and the liquid level sensor 134. For example, the control unit 190 is realized by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit. Furthermore, the control unit 190 only needs to include a setting unit 191 and a calculation unit 192 as functions.

[0275] Setting unit 191 is included in control unit 190. Setting unit 191 sets the operation time of collection, the voltage value applied by voltage application unit 126, the amount of collected air by collection unit 130, and the number of rotations (number of rotations of first electrode 122) by drive unit 132. Setting unit 191 may also be electrically connected to a blower, such as a pump or a fan, that draws air into first electrode 122, and set the air volume.

[0276] For example, the settings in the setting unit 191 may be adjusted by inputting numerical values ​​using a touch panel or by using a volume knob, etc. The recovery amount set in the setting unit 191 is transmitted to the calculation unit 192, which will be described later.

[0277] The calculation unit 192 is included in the control unit 190. The calculation unit 192 calculates the amount of liquid 168 to be stored based on the recovery amount set in the setting unit 191, and calculates the height of the liquid volume sensor 134 so as to achieve the desired amount of liquid.

[0278] Here, the calculation unit 192 calculates the amount of liquid 168 to be stored based on the recovery amount set in the setting unit 191, and calculates the height of the liquid volume sensor 134 so that the desired amount is stored. However, it is also possible to derive in advance the relationship between the recovery amount, the storage amount, and the liquid level height and store it in a memory or the like, and then read out the height of the liquid volume sensor 134 at the set recovery amount from the memory.

[0279] Here, the upper limit of the amount of liquid that can be initially supplied is set based on the amount of liquid that will reliably prevent insulation breakdown, etc., from occurring due to the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 becoming closer when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124.

[0280] Next, the operation of the particle sampling device 110 configured as above will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0281] Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 110. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 110, showing the movement of viruses inside the particle sampling device 110 until the viruses are actually collected.

[0282] Specifically, an example of the operation of the particle sampling device 110 in this embodiment will be described, including the flow of capturing influenza viruses 101, recovering influenza viruses 101 in liquid, and recovering liquid 168.

[0283] Here, an example is shown in which influenza virus 101, which is thought to be transmitted through the air, is collected in a liquid by a particle sampling device 110 in order to recover the virus as a liquid sample that can be analyzed by a sensor or the like.

[0284] As shown in FIG. 15, first, the control unit 190 controls the supply unit 128 based on the recovery amount set by the user, thereby supplying the liquid 168 to a predetermined storage amount (hereinafter also referred to as the "initial storage amount") (S101: supply step).

[0285] For example, the supply unit 128 may be activated by the user operating an arbitrary operation button or the like, and the liquid 168 may be supplied into the main body 156 of the first electrode 122 .

[0286] Next, the control unit 190 controls the driving unit 132 at the number of rotations set by the user, so that the driving unit 132 starts operating and rotates the first electrode 122 around the axis B (S102: driving step).

[0287] For example, the user may operate any operation button or the like to operate the drive unit 132 and rotate the first electrode 122 .

[0288] 16 , first electrode 122 rotates around axis B at the set rotation speed with liquid 168 stored in part of inner surface 166 of first electrode 122 in the direction around axis B of main body 156. In other words, first electrode 122 rotates around axis B with liquid 168 stored below axis B so that liquid 168 does not flow out of main body 156. As a result, inner surface 166 of first electrode 122 sequentially comes into contact with the stored liquid 168.

[0289] Next, in the particle sampling device 110, when a pump or a fan is operated, an arbitrary air flow (see arrow A in FIG. 16) is generated.

[0290] The control unit 190 controls the voltage application unit 126 to apply a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 at a voltage value set by the user (S103: voltage application step).

[0291] For example, the user may operate an arbitrary operation button or the like to activate the voltage application unit 126 and apply a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 .

[0292] 16, influenza viruses 101 in the gas introduced into the particle sampling device 110 by an arbitrary air flow (see arrow A in FIG. 16) are first charged either positively or negatively by ions 102 released by the discharge of the second electrode 124 to which a high voltage is applied. Here, a case where influenza viruses 101 are positively (+) charged will be described.

[0293] Influenza viruses 101 that are now in an electrically charged state move along trajectory 103 due to the electric field (see arrow E in FIG. 16 ) formed between second electrode 124 and first electrode 122, and are collected on inner surface 166 of first electrode 122. In this way, influenza viruses 101 adhere to inner surface 166 of first electrode 122 and are captured on inner surface 166.

[0294] 16 , influenza viruses 101 collected on inner surface 166 are collected at any timing by liquid 168 stored in main body 156 of first electrode 122. Specifically, influenza viruses 101 attached to inner surface 166 of main body 156 of first electrode 122 come into contact with stored liquid 168, detach from inner surface 166, and are collected in liquid 168.

[0295] In this way, the movement (rotation) of the first electrode 122 rotated by the motor 188 and the gear 186 allows the entire inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 to be washed with the accumulated (stored) liquid 168.

[0296] In addition, when the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 has been hydrophilized, a voltage may be applied between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 before rotating the first electrode 122 around the axis B, and the first electrode 122 may be rotated around the axis B with the voltage applied between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124.

[0297] In the particle sampling device 110, after steps S102 and S103 are completed, the collection operation continues until the collection operation time set by the user has elapsed. After the collection operation time set by the user has elapsed, the rotation of the first electrode 122 and the application of voltage to the second electrode 124 by the voltage application unit 126 are stopped, and the collection operation is stopped.

[0298] Next, the control unit 190 inserts the liquid volume sensor 134 into the first electrode 122 using a moving mechanism (not shown) and measures the volume of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 (S104: liquid volume measurement step).

[0299] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 190 detects whether the position of the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is at a predetermined height (hereinafter also referred to as the "predetermined position") using the liquid volume sensor 134.

[0300] Generally, when continuous operation is performed for an extended period of time, the collected liquid is evaporated and reduced by the circulating air, and there is also an upper limit to the amount of liquid 168 initially supplied (initial storage amount). Therefore, depending on the collection operation environment (such as the temperature and humidity of the circulating air and the operation time), the amount of collected liquid remaining after operation has ended may be less than the initially expected storage amount (or recovery amount).

[0301] In this embodiment, the initial storage amount of liquid 168 to be initially supplied is a storage amount (a preset storage amount) that positions liquid level 168a at a predetermined position. Therefore, by detecting the position (height) of liquid level 168a of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 with liquid level sensor 134, if the amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 is less than the initially expected storage amount, it is possible to identify this state.

[0302] Next, if the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is less than the initially expected amount, the control unit 190 controls the supply unit 128 to supply new liquid 168 until the amount of liquid 168 reaches a level that can be detected by the liquid amount sensor 134 (S105: liquid amount adjustment step).

[0303] The storage amount here is a value that is set so that the recovery amount will be the amount previously set by the user when the entire amount of liquid 168 is recovered by recovery unit 130, which will be described later. In other words, in step S105, after the collection operation is completed, supply unit 128 supplies new liquid 168 based on the amount of liquid 168 (the position of liquid surface 168a of liquid 168) measured by liquid volume sensor 134 until liquid surface 168a of liquid 168 reaches a predetermined position.

[0304] Finally, the control unit 190 drives the recovery unit 130, and the entire amount of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is recovered (S106: recovery step).

[0305] For example, at any time after the collection operation time set by the user, the liquid 168 can be collected into the collection section 130 (tank 182) through the extraction section 184, and a liquid sample (liquid 168) containing influenza virus 101 separated from the gas can be obtained.

[0306] Furthermore, for example, the user may operate any operation button (shown) or the like to operate recovery unit 130 and recover liquid 168 stored in main body 156 of first electrode 122. Furthermore, the amount of recovery (amount of recovered liquid) at this time is controlled to be the amount of liquid previously set by the user (in this embodiment, the total amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122).

[0307] In addition, if the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 in step S104 is the initially expected amount, the control unit 190 does not supply new liquid 168 by the supply unit 128 in step S105, but instead recovers the entire amount of liquid 168 by the recovery unit 130.

[0308] Next, a description will be given of the infection risk estimation analysis performed using the collected liquid 168 in step S106. Each of these steps may be executed by the control unit 190.

[0309] In the infection risk estimation analysis, first, liquid 168 containing influenza viruses 101, which are particles, is obtained as a liquid sample from tank 182 of particle sampling device 110. For example, a user removes tank 182 and takes out liquid 168 from tank 182 to use as a liquid sample.

[0310] Next, the extracted liquid sample is analyzed by an analytical method capable of measuring the infectivity titer of a virus (for example, an analytical method using cells such as TCID50 evaluation) to quantify the infectivity titer of the virus contained in the liquid sample. That is, the infectivity titer of influenza viruses 101 contained in the liquid 168 collected by the above-described particle sampling method (steps S101 to S106) is quantified.

[0311] Then, based on the quantified infectivity (infectivity of influenza virus 101), the amount of air flowing through the interior during the fixed period of time during which voltage was applied in step S103, and the collection performance value defined by the particle sampling method, the infectivity per unit volume of influenza virus 101 contained in the air flowing through the interior is estimated.

[0312] Finally, the user is notified of the estimated infectivity titer per unit volume of the influenza viruses 101. This allows the user to understand the status of the influenza viruses 101 in the space in which the particle sampling device 110 is installed.

[0313] The extracted liquid sample may also be analyzed using an analytical method capable of measuring the amount of virus (such as an analytical method using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)) to quantify the amount of virus contained in the liquid sample. That is, the amount of influenza virus 101 contained in liquid 168 collected by the above-described particle sampling method (steps S101 to S106) may be quantified.

[0314] Then, based on the quantified virus amount (virus amount of influenza virus 101), the amount of air circulating inside during the fixed period of time during which voltage was applied in step S103, and the collection performance value specified by the particle sampling method, the virus amount per unit volume of influenza virus 101 contained in the air circulating inside is estimated.

[0315] Finally, the estimated virus quantity per unit volume of the influenza virus 101 is notified to the user, allowing the user to understand the status of the influenza virus 101 in the space in which the particle sampling device 110 is installed.

[0316] As described above, the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment and the particle sampling method using the same can provide the following effects.

[0317] (1) The particle sampling device 110 is a particle sampling device 110 that captures particles contained in air flowing inside, and includes a cylindrical first electrode 122 that is open at both ends in the axial direction, a second electrode 124 that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 122 and is disposed within the first electrode 122 at a distance from an inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122, and a liquid 168 that is supplied into the first electrode 122 and that is arranged in a direction around the axis of the first electrode 122. The liquid collecting device includes a supply unit 128 that stores liquid 168 in a portion of the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122, a voltage application unit 126 that applies a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124, a drive unit 132 that rotates the first electrode 122 about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 122 and passes through the first electrode 122, a collection unit 130 that collects the liquid 168 stored in the portion of the inner surface of the first electrode 122, and a control unit 190 that controls the operation of collecting the fine particles. The control unit 190 controls the adjustment of the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 after the collection operation is completed so that the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 becomes a preset amount.

[0318] With this configuration, even if the amount of the trapping liquid remaining after the operation (the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122) varies depending on the trapping operation environment (such as the temperature and humidity of the circulating air and the operation time), new liquid 168 is supplied by the supply unit 128 after the collection operation is completed so that the stored amount reaches a preset amount. Therefore, when collecting the trapping liquid stored inside the first electrode 122, the collected amount set by the user can be stably obtained.

[0319] As a result, if the accumulated collection liquid has collected the same number of particles, the concentration of particles contained in the remaining collection liquid that has not been collected will always be constant, and fluctuations in the analysis results depending on the concentration of particles contained in the remaining collection liquid will be suppressed. As a result, fluctuations in the analysis results of the collected liquid 168 due to the collection operation environment will be suppressed. In other words, it is possible to suppress quantitative variations in particle analysis due to the collection operation environment.

[0320] As described above, in the particle sampling device 110, when collecting the collection liquid stored inside the first electrode 122, it is possible to suppress quantitative variations in particle analysis caused by the collection operating environment.

[0321] (2) The particle sampling device 110 includes a liquid quantity sensor 134 that measures the amount of the liquid 168 (the position of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168) stored in the first electrode 122. The control unit 190 controls the supply of new liquid 168 based on the amount of the liquid 168 (the position of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168) measured by the liquid quantity sensor 134 so that the amount of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 reaches a preset amount.

[0322] This allows the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 to be adjusted to a preset storage amount, so that when the stored collection liquid is recovered from inside the first electrode 122, the recovery amount set by the user can be reliably obtained.

[0323] (3) In the particle sampling device 110, the control unit 190 controls the liquid volume sensor 134 to be inserted into a predetermined position within the first electrode 122 after the collection operation is completed.

[0324] As a result, the liquid quantity sensor 134 does not enter the first electrode 122 while a voltage is being applied, so that dielectric breakdown or the like does not occur during the collection operation, and stable collection efficiency can be obtained.

[0325] (4) In the particle sampling device 110, a cylindrical first electrode 122 having open ends in the axial direction and a second electrode 124 extending in the axial direction of the first electrode 122 and positioned at a distance from the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 within the first electrode 122 are used to capture particles contained in the air flowing inside the first electrode 122.

[0326] This makes it possible to collect influenza viruses 101 from the air in high concentration into the liquid 168.

[0327] (5) The particle sampling device 110 can accumulate particles in the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 without circulating the liquid 168, making it easy to collect particles so that the concentration of particles in the liquid 168 is high. Furthermore, the particle sampling device 110 does not require the provision of a device for circulating the liquid 168, and is therefore a device that can easily be made compact and highly energy-efficient.

[0328] (6) In the particle sampling device 110, the supply unit 128 supplies the liquid 168 into the first electrode 122, and the voltage application unit 126 applies a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124. This generates an electric field between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124, and particles contained in the gas flowing through the first electrode 122 adhere to the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122. Then, as the drive unit 132 rotates the first electrode 122, the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 sequentially comes into contact with the liquid 168 that is uniformly spread and stored on a portion of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 156, and the particles that have adhered to the inner surface 166 are accumulated in the liquid 168. Then, the recovery unit 130 recovers the accumulated liquid 168, thereby obtaining the liquid 168 in which the particles have accumulated.

[0329] In this way, the particulates guided into the particulate sampling device 110 are deposited on the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 by electrostatic precipitator, and then accumulated in the liquid 168 by the rotation of the first electrode 122, thereby enabling efficient sampling of the particulates. Furthermore, since there is no need to circulate the liquid 168, the amount of liquid 168 that is initially introduced can be reduced.

[0330] (7) A particulate sampling method uses a cylindrical first electrode 122 that is open at both ends in the axial direction, and a second electrode 124 that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 122 and is disposed within the first electrode 122 at a distance from an inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122, to capture particulates contained in air flowing through the first electrode 122, the method comprising: a supply step (S101) of supplying a liquid 168 into the first electrode 122 and storing the liquid 168 in a portion of the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 in a direction around the axial center of the first electrode 122; The method includes a driving step (S102) of rotating the first electrode 122 around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 122 and passes through the first electrode 122; a voltage application step (S103) of applying a voltage between the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124; a liquid volume adjustment step (S105) of adjusting the volume of the liquid 168 until the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 reaches a predetermined position on a part of the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 in the direction around the axis of the first electrode 122 after the collection operation is completed; and a recovery step (S106) of recovering the stored liquid 168 after the liquid volume adjustment step.

[0331] According to this method, even if the amount of the trapping liquid remaining after the end of the trapping operation (the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122) varies depending on the trapping operation environment (such as the temperature and humidity of the circulating air and the operation time), new liquid 168 is supplied in the liquid amount adjustment step (S105) so that the amount of the trapping liquid remaining after the end of the trapping operation is a preset amount. Therefore, when the trapped liquid is recovered from the inside of the first electrode 122 in the recovery step (S106), the recovery amount set by the user can be stably obtained. As a result, if the accumulated trapping liquid has collected the same number of particles, the concentration of particles contained in the remaining trapping liquid that was not recovered in the recovery step (S106) remains constant, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the analysis results depending on the concentration of particles contained in the remaining trapping liquid. As a result, fluctuations in the analysis results of the recovered liquid 168 due to the trapping operation environment are suppressed. In other words, quantitative variation in particle analysis due to the trapping operation environment can be suppressed.

[0332] As described above, in the particle sampling method, when collecting the collection liquid stored inside the first electrode 122 in the collection step (S106), it is possible to suppress quantitative variation in particle analysis caused by the collection operating environment.

[0333] (8) The particulate sampling method uses a cylindrical first electrode 122 that is open at both ends in the axial direction, and a second electrode 124 that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode 122 and is positioned within the first electrode 122 at a distance from the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122 to capture particulates contained in the air flowing inside.

[0334] This allows for stable collection of the amount of collection liquid (liquid 168) required for analyzing the particles. Furthermore, by making the predetermined amount of liquid 168 uniform within first electrode 122 in the driving step (S102), it is possible to obtain a highly concentrated sample while suppressing variations between samples.

[0335] (Modification 1) Next, a particle sampling device 110a according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0336] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a particle sampling device 110a according to the first modification of the second embodiment, corresponding to FIG.

[0337] The particle sampling device 110a according to Modification 1 differs from Embodiment 2 in that a liquid level sensor 134a, which is a non-contact optical sensor, is used instead of the liquid level sensor 134, which is an electrode-type liquid level sensor. Other than this, the configuration of the particle sampling device 110a and the particle sampling method using it are the same as those of the particle sampling device 110 and the particle sampling method according to Embodiment 2.

[0338] Hereinafter, the content already explained in the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0339] As shown in FIG. 17, the particle sampling device 110 a includes a liquid amount sensor 134 a for determining the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 .

[0340] The liquid level sensor 134a is an optical sensor that can measure the liquid level of the liquid 168 in a non-contact manner. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17, the liquid level sensor 134a includes a light source unit 135 and a light receiving unit 136. The liquid level sensor 134a corresponds to the "liquid level measuring unit" in the claims, the light source unit 135 corresponds to the "light source" in the claims, and the light receiving unit 136 corresponds to the "detector" in the claims.

[0341] Light source unit 135 is, for example, a laser light source, and is disposed inside main body 148 of first flange member 118 on the outside of one of both ends (one end side in FIG. 17 ) of first electrode 122. Light source unit 135 irradiates light L1 toward the interface between air and liquid surface 168 a of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122.

[0342] The light source unit 135 is connected to the control unit 190 (see FIG. 14) wirelessly or by wire, and operates upon receiving a signal relating to light irradiation input from the control unit 190.

[0343] The light receiving unit 136 is, for example, a photodiode, and is disposed inside the main body 152 of the second flange member 120, on the outside of the other of the two ends (the other end in FIG. 17 ) of the first electrode 122. The light receiving unit 136 has a light receiving surface 136a, and the light receiving surface 136a receives and detects light L2 that is light L1 emitted from the light source unit 135 and is repeatedly reflected or refracted at the interface between the air and the liquid 168 and at the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122.

[0344] The light receiving surface 136a in the first modification is disposed at a position where it can selectively receive light only when the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 reaches a preset amount. In other words, the light receiving surface 136a is disposed at a position where it can selectively receive light only when the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 is at a predetermined height from the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122. In other words, when the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 is not at a predetermined height from the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122, the light receiving surface 136a does not receive the light L2 emitted from the light source unit 135.

[0345] In this modified example, the supply of liquid 168 by supply unit 128 is controlled (step S105 in Figure 15) by installing light source unit 135 and light receiving unit 136 that make up liquid volume sensor 134a at predetermined heights so that the storage volume matches the storage volume previously set by the user.

[0346] More specifically, after the collection operation is completed, the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 is measured by the liquid level sensor 134a while the liquid 168 is supplied by the supply unit 128, and when the liquid level 168a reaches a predetermined height based on a signal from the liquid level sensor 134a, the supply of the liquid 168 is controlled to stop.

[0347] Here, since the liquid volume sensor 134a is installed on the outside of the cylindrical first electrode 122, which rotates during the collection operation, it is possible to reliably prevent dielectric breakdown and other problems that may occur when the liquid volume sensor 134a approaches the second electrode 124 while voltage is being applied.

[0348] Next, the step of measuring the liquid volume (step S104 in FIG. 15: liquid volume measuring step) executed in the particle sampling device 110a will be described.

[0349] As in the second embodiment, in the first modification, the initial storage amount of liquid 168 initially supplied is set to a storage amount that results in a predetermined position (a preset storage amount), and after the collection operation time set by the user has elapsed, the rotation of first electrode 122 and the application of voltage by the voltage application unit to second electrode 124 are stopped. When the collection operation is stopped, a step of measuring the amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 (step S104 in FIG. 15: liquid amount measurement step) is started.

[0350] When this step starts, the light source unit 135, based on a signal input from the control unit 190, irradiates light L1 toward the interface between the air and a liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122. The light L1 emitted from the light source unit 135 is irradiated toward the interface between the air and the liquid 168 in the first electrode 122, is refracted at the interface of the liquid 168, and is reflected by the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122. The light reflected by the inner surface 166 is refracted at the interface between the air and the liquid 168, becomes light L2, and is incident on the light receiving unit 136, where the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 is detected.

[0351] However, when the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 drops due to evaporation caused by the air circulating within the first electrode 122, even if the light L1 emitted from the light source unit 135 becomes light L2, the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 is refracted and reflected at a position lower than the predetermined position, and the light L2 no longer enters the light receiving unit 136.

[0352] Therefore, it is possible to detect a drop in the water surface, i.e., a decrease in the liquid volume, when the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136 disappears. The control unit 190 controls the supply of liquid 168 by the supply unit 128 based on this signal from the light receiving unit 136. Specifically, when there is no light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136, the control unit 190 causes the supply unit 128 to supply new liquid 168 until it receives a light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136 (step S105 in FIG. 15 : liquid volume adjustment step).

[0353] Finally, when the control unit 190 receives a signal of light detection at the light receiving unit 136, it drives the recovery unit 130, and the entire amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is recovered (step S106 in Figure 15: recovery step).

[0354] As described above, the particle sampling device 110a according to the first modification and the particle sampling method using the same can provide the following effects.

[0355] (9) In the particle sampling device 110a, the liquid quantity sensor 134a has a light source unit 135 installed outside one of the ends of the first electrode 122, and a light receiving unit 136 installed outside the other end. The light receiving unit 136 detects light L2 emitted from the light source unit 135 toward the interface between the liquid 168 and the air, thereby measuring the quantity of the liquid stored in the first electrode 122 (the position of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168).

[0356] This allows the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 to be adjusted to a preset storage amount, so that when collecting the collected liquid from inside the first electrode 122, the collection amount set by the user can be reliably obtained.

[0357] (10) In the particle sampling device 110a, the liquid volume sensor 134a has a light source unit 135 installed on the outside of one of the two ends of the first electrode 122, and a light receiving unit 136 installed on the outside of the other end.

[0358] Since the liquid volume sensor 134a is installed on the outside of the cylindrical first electrode 122, which rotates during the collection operation, it is possible to reliably prevent insulation breakdown and other problems that may occur when the liquid volume sensor 134a approaches the second electrode 124 while voltage is applied.

[0359] (11) The above-described effects can also be obtained in the particle sampling method using the particle sampling device 110a.

[0360] (Modification 2) Next, a particle sampling device 110b according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0361] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a particle sampling device 110b according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2, corresponding to FIG.

[0362] The particle sampling device 110b according to variant example 2 differs from variant example 1 in that it uses a liquid volume sensor 134b having a light receiving unit 136 in which the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 136 constituting the liquid volume sensor is light receiving surface 136b that functions as a line sensor.

[0363] Other than this, the configuration of the particle sampling device 110b and the particle sampling method using the same are the same as those of the particle sampling device 110a and particle sampling method according to the first modified example.

[0364] Hereinafter, the contents already explained in the second embodiment and the first modification will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from the second embodiment and the first modification will be mainly explained.

[0365] As shown in FIG. 18, the particle sampling device 110 b includes a liquid volume sensor 134 b for determining the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 .

[0366] Like the liquid quantity sensor 134a, the liquid quantity sensor 134b is an optical sensor that can measure the liquid quantity in a non-contact manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18 , the liquid quantity sensor 134b includes a light source unit 135 and a light receiving unit 136.

[0367] The liquid volume sensor 134b corresponds to the "liquid volume measuring unit" in the claims, the light source unit 135 corresponds to the "light source" in the claims, and the light receiving unit 136 corresponds to the "detector" in the claims.

[0368] Light source unit 135 is, for example, a laser light source, and is disposed inside main body 148 of first flange member 118, which is on the outside of one of the two ends (one end in FIG. 18 ) of first electrode 122. Light source unit 135 irradiates light L1 toward the interface between air and liquid surface 168a of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122. Light source unit 135 is connected to control unit 190 (see FIG. 14 ) wirelessly or by wire, and operates in response to a signal related to light irradiation input from control unit 190.

[0369] The light receiving unit 136 is, for example, a photodiode array in which multiple photodiodes, which are light receiving elements, are arranged in a line, and is arranged inside the main body 152 of the second flange member 120, which is outside the other of the two end portions of the first electrode 122 (the other end side in Figure 18).

[0370] The light receiving unit 136 has a light receiving surface 136b, which receives and detects light L2 that is generated when light L1 emitted from the light source unit 135 is repeatedly reflected or refracted at the interface between the air and the liquid 168 and the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122.

[0371] Light receiving surface 136b in Modification 2 has a light receiving surface that is wider in a line in the vertical direction than light receiving surface 136a in Modification 1. Light receiving surface 136b is able to receive light L2 from light source unit 135 not only when the amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 reaches a preset amount, but also when the amount is less than or more than the preset amount. In other words, according to Modification 2, liquid level sensor 134b can measure the position (height) of liquid surface 168a of liquid 168 in any state, not just at the predetermined position in Modification 1.

[0372] In this modified example, after the collection operation is completed, the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 is measured by the liquid level sensor 134b while the liquid 168 is supplied by the supply unit 128, and a signal from the liquid level sensor 134b is used to control the supply of the liquid 168 to stop when the liquid level 168a reaches a predetermined position (predetermined height).

[0373] Here, since the liquid volume sensor 134b is installed on the outside of the cylindrical first electrode 122, which rotates during the collection operation, it is possible to reliably suppress insulation breakdown and other problems that may occur when the liquid volume sensor 134b approaches the second electrode 124 while voltage is applied.

[0374] Next, the step of measuring the liquid volume (step S104 in FIG. 15: liquid volume measuring step) executed in the particle sampling device 110b will be described.

[0375] As in Modification 1, in Modification 2, the initial storage amount of liquid 168 initially supplied is set to a storage amount (a preset storage amount) that brings liquid level 168a to a predetermined position, and after the collection operation time set by the user has elapsed, rotation of first electrode 122 and application of voltage by the voltage application unit to second electrode 124 are stopped. When the collection operation is stopped, a step of measuring the amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 (step S104 in FIG. 15: liquid amount measurement step) is started.

[0376] When this step starts, the light source unit 135 irradiates light L1 toward the interface between the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 and the air based on a signal input from the control unit 190.

[0377] Light L1 emitted from light source unit 135 is irradiated toward the interface between air and liquid 168 in first electrode 122, is refracted at the interface with liquid 168, and is reflected by inner surface 166 of first electrode 122. The light reflected by inner surface 166 is refracted at the interface between air and liquid 168, becomes light L2, and is incident on light receiving unit 136, where the position (height) of liquid surface 168a of liquid 168 is detected.

[0378] In this example, when the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 drops due to evaporation caused by circulating air or the like, the position (height) of the liquid level 168a is detected. The control unit 190 controls the supply of the liquid 168 by the supply unit 128 based on this signal from the light receiving unit 136. Specifically, when the position (height) of the liquid level 168a based on the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136 is low, the control unit 190 causes the supply unit 128 to supply new liquid 168 until the position (height) of the liquid level 168a based on the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136 reaches a predetermined position (height) (step S105 in FIG. 15 : liquid volume adjustment step).

[0379] Finally, when the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136 reaches a predetermined position (height), the control unit 190 drives the recovery unit 130, and the entire amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is recovered (step S106 in Figure 15: recovery step).

[0380] As described above, the particle sampling device 110b according to the second modification and the particle sampling method using the same can provide the following effects.

[0381] (9a) In the particle sampling device 110b, the liquid volume sensor 134b includes a light source unit 135 installed outside one of the ends of the first electrode 122, and a light receiving unit 136 installed outside the other end. The light receiving unit 136 detects light L2 emitted from the light source unit 135 toward the interface between the liquid 168 and the air, thereby measuring the volume of the liquid stored in the first electrode 122 (the position of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168). This allows the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 to be adjusted to a preset volume, so that when collecting the collected liquid from inside the first electrode 122, the volume of the collected liquid set by the user can be reliably obtained.

[0382] (10a) In the particle sampling device 110b, the liquid volume sensor 134b is configured to have a light source unit 135 installed on the outside of one of the two ends of the first electrode 122, and a light receiving unit 136 installed on the outside of the other end.

[0383] Since the liquid volume sensor 134b is installed on the outside of the cylindrical first electrode 122, which rotates during the collection operation, it is possible to reliably prevent insulation breakdown and other problems that may occur when the liquid volume sensor 134b approaches the second electrode 124 while voltage is applied.

[0384] (11a) The above-described effects can also be obtained in the particle sampling method using the particle sampling device 110b.

[0385] (12) The particle sampling device 110b uses a liquid quantity sensor 134b having a light receiving surface 136b that extends vertically in a line.

[0386] This allows the liquid volume sensor 134b to measure the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 in any state, making it possible to measure the liquid surface 168a in real time and calculate the rate of decrease of the liquid 168 in a specified operating environment.

[0387] As a result, it is possible to estimate the amount of liquid 168 that needs to be supplied in a given operating environment, and to notify the user whether the amount of liquid 168 supplied by the supply unit 128 is appropriate.

[0388] (Embodiment 3) In the particle sampling device 110 according to embodiment 2 to the particle sampling device 110a according to variant 2, when the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is lower than a predetermined position (less than a preset storage amount) after the collection operation is completed, the supply unit 128 is controlled to supply new liquid 168.

[0389] On the other hand, in the particle sampling device 110c according to the third embodiment, when the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is higher than a predetermined position (when the liquid level is greater than a predetermined storage amount), air is circulated by a blower (not shown) to evaporate a portion of the liquid 168.

[0390] Other than this, the configuration of the particle sampling device of this embodiment and the procedures in the particle sampling method using it are the same as those in the particle sampling device and particle sampling method described above. Below, we will appropriately omit re-explanation of the content that has already been explained in Embodiment 2 to Modification 2, and will mainly explain the differences from Embodiment 2 to Modification 2.

[0391] The particle sampling device 110c according to the third embodiment has the same device configuration as the particle sampling device 110b according to the second modification. The particle sampling device 110c measures the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 using the liquid volume sensor 134b, and adjusts the volume of the liquid 168 so that the liquid surface 168a is at a predetermined position (predetermined height).

[0392] The particle sampling device 110b according to the second modification assumes that, after the collection operation is completed, the position of the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 becomes lower than a predetermined position (becomes less than a preset storage amount). On the other hand, the particle sampling device 110c according to the third embodiment assumes that, after the collection operation is completed, the position of the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 becomes higher than a predetermined position (becomes more than a preset storage amount).

[0393] When the initial storage amount of the liquid 168 initially supplied is set to a storage amount (predetermined storage amount) that results in a predetermined position, as in Modification 2, the amount of the trapping liquid remaining after operation ends is less than the storage amount (predetermined storage amount) that results in a predetermined position, because the trapping liquid is evaporated by the circulating air and decreases. For this reason, depending on the trapping operation environment (such as the temperature and humidity of the circulating air and the operation time), the initial storage amount may be set to be greater than the storage amount (predetermined storage amount) that results in a predetermined position, or new liquid 168 may be replenished from the supply unit 128 during the trapping operation. In such cases, the amount of trapping liquid remaining after operation ends may be greater than the initially expected storage amount (or recovered amount). In this embodiment, control is performed to deal with such situations.

[0394] Specifically, as in Modification 2, after the collection operation time set by the user has elapsed, the rotation of first electrode 122 and the application of voltage by the voltage application unit to second electrode 124 are stopped, thereby stopping the collection operation. Then, a step of measuring the amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 (step S104 in FIG. 15: liquid amount measurement step) is started.

[0395] 18 , based on a signal input from the control unit 190, the light source unit 135 irradiates light L1 toward the interface between the air and a liquid surface 168 a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122. The light L1 emitted from the light source unit 135 is irradiated toward the interface between the air and the liquid 168 in the first electrode 122, is refracted at the interface of the liquid 168, and is reflected by the inner surface 166 of the first electrode 122. The light reflected by the inner surface 166 is refracted at the interface between the air and the liquid 168, becomes light L2, and is incident on the light receiving unit 136, where the position (height) of the liquid surface 168 a of the liquid 168 is detected.

[0396] At this time, if the initial supply amount of liquid 168 by supply unit 128 or the replenishment of new liquid 168 causes the liquid level 168a of liquid 168 to rise above the position (height) of liquid level 168a for the recovery amount set by the user, the position (height) of liquid level 168a is detected.

[0397] Based on this signal from the light receiving unit 136, the control unit 190 operates a pump, a fan, or the like to generate a desired air flow (see arrow A in FIG. 18).

[0398] As a result, moisture from the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 volatilizes (evaporates) into the air flowing through the first electrode 122, and as a result, the amount of the liquid 168 decreases.

[0399] Specifically, if the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal at the light receiving unit 136 is higher than the position (predetermined position) of the liquid surface 168a for the recovery amount set by the user, the control unit 190 operates a pump or fan, etc., to promote evaporation (vaporization) of water from the liquid 168 into the circulating air until the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal at the light receiving unit 136 reaches the predetermined position (height) (step S105 in Figure 15: liquid amount adjustment step).

[0400] That is, in this embodiment, in step S105 of FIG. 15, air is circulated from the outside into the first electrode 122 to volatilize (evaporate) a portion of the liquid 168, thereby adjusting the amount of the liquid 168 (the position of the liquid surface 168a) so that the liquid 168 reaches a predetermined storage amount.

[0401] Finally, when the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 136 reaches a predetermined position (height), the control unit 190 drives the recovery unit 130, and the entire amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 is recovered (step S106 in Figure 15: recovery step).

[0402] As described above, the particle sampling device 110c according to the third embodiment and the particle sampling method using the same can provide the following effects.

[0403] (13) The particle sampling device 110c includes a liquid volume sensor 134b that measures the volume of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122. Based on the volume of the liquid 168 measured by the liquid volume sensor 134b (the position of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168), the control unit 190 performs control to volatilize a portion of the liquid 168 after the collection operation is completed, so that the volume of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 reaches a preset volume.

[0404] More specifically, the liquid volume sensor 134b is configured to have a light source unit 135 installed on the outside of one of the two ends of the first electrode 122, and a light receiving unit 136 installed on the outside of the other end, and the light receiving unit 136 detects light L1 (actually, light L2 that is reflected and refracted from light L1) irradiated from the light source unit 135 toward the interface between the liquid 168 and the air, thereby measuring the liquid volume of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 (the position of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168).

[0405] With this configuration, the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 can be adjusted to a predetermined storage amount, so that when collecting the collected liquid from inside the first electrode 122, the collection amount set by the user can be reliably obtained.

[0406] (14) The particulate sampling device 110c includes an air blower (e.g., a pump or a fan) that circulates air through the first electrode 122. The control unit 190 controls the air blower to operate after the collection operation is completed, thereby volatilizing a portion of the liquid 168 so that the amount of liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 reaches a predetermined amount.

[0407] This promotes the evaporation (vaporization) of moisture from the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 into the air flowing through the cylindrical first electrode 122. As a result, the amount of the liquid 168 can be efficiently reduced until the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a of the liquid 168 reaches a predetermined position (height).

[0408] In this case, when voltage is applied during collection operation, insulation breakdown or the like occurs, so by driving the blower at an air volume and rotation speed of the first electrode 122 that could not be set, evaporation of the liquid 168 can be further promoted.

[0409] (15) The particle sampling device 110c uses a liquid quantity sensor 134b having a light receiving surface 136b that extends vertically in a line.

[0410] This allows the position (height) of the liquid level 168a of the liquid 168 stored in the first electrode 122 to be measured in any state by the liquid level sensor 134b, making it possible to measure the liquid level 168a in real time and calculate the rate of decrease of the liquid 168 in a predetermined operating environment. As a result, it is possible to estimate the amount of liquid 168 required to be supplied in a predetermined operating environment, and to notify the user whether the amount of liquid 168 supplied by the supply unit 128 is appropriate.

[0411] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments and modified examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modified examples, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0412] Furthermore, the above-described first to third embodiments and their respective modifications can be combined with one another, and such combinations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0413] In the particle sampling device 110b according to the second modification, when the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal at the light receiving unit 136 is low, the liquid volume sensor 134b is used to cause the supply unit 128 to supply new liquid 168 until the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal at the light receiving unit 136 reaches a predetermined position (height).

[0414] On the other hand, in the particle sampling device 110c of embodiment 3, when the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal at the light receiving unit 136 is high, a pump or fan is operated using the liquid volume sensor 134b until the position (height) of the liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal at the light receiving unit 136 reaches a predetermined position (height), thereby promoting the evaporation (vaporization) of moisture from the liquid 168 into the air circulating inside the first electrode 122.

[0415] In the particle sampling device of the present disclosure, both of these types of control may be combined, which makes it possible to easily increase or decrease the amount of liquid 168 stored in first electrode 122 (the position of liquid surface 168a) in accordance with the position (height) of liquid surface 168a based on the light detection signal from light receiving unit 136, and to reliably adjust the position of liquid surface 168a of liquid 168 to a predetermined position (height).

[0416] In addition, in the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment, the body 156 of the first electrode 122 is cylindrical, but this is not limiting. For example, the body 156 of the first electrode 122 may be an elliptical cylinder, a polygonal cylinder, or the like.

[0417] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment, the first electrode 122 is described as being installed with the axis B of the main body 156 parallel to the horizontal direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first electrode 122 does not have to be installed with the axis B of the main body 156 parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode 122 may be installed with the axis B of the main body 156 tilted relative to the horizontal direction, as long as the liquid 168 can be stored on a portion of the inner surface 166 in the direction around the axis B of the main body 156 so that the liquid 168 does not flow out of the main body 156. In other words, the first electrode 122 is required to be positioned in a manner that allows the liquid 168 to be stored on the inner surface 166.

[0418] Furthermore, in the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment, the second electrode 124 is described as being installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 124 coincides with the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the second electrode 124 does not have to be installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 124 coincides with the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122. For example, the second electrode 124 may be installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 124 is inclined with respect to the axis B of the body 156, as long as it extends at least in the axial direction of the body 156 of the first electrode 122. Furthermore, for example, the second electrode 124 may be installed in a position where the axis of the second electrode 124 does not coincide with the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122, but is parallel to the axis B of the body 156 of the first electrode 122.

[0419] In addition, in the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment, the second electrode 124 is described as being linear, but this is not limiting. For example, the second electrode 124 may be plate-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0420] In addition, in the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment, a case where one second electrode 124 is disposed within the first electrode 122 has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, a plurality of second electrodes 124 may be disposed within the first electrode 122.

[0421] In addition, in the particle sampling device 110 according to the second embodiment, the second electrode 124 protrudes outward beyond one end of the main body 156 and beyond the other end of the main body 156. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the length of the second electrode 124 may be the same as the length of the main body 156, or may be shorter than the length of the main body 156.

[0422] The present disclosure is widely applicable and useful for devices and methods for sampling fine particles such as aerosols from gases such as air.

[0423] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 influenza virus 2 ion 3 trajectory 10 particle sampling device 12 duct 14 first bearing seal 16 second bearing seal 18 first flange member 20 second flange member 22 first electrode 24 second electrode 26 voltage application section 28 supply section 30 recovery section 32 drive section 34 temperature and humidity sensor 36 wind speed sensor 42, 48, 52, 56 main body 44 first support section 46 second support section 50, 54 flange 58 first outer flange section 60 second outer flange section 62 first inner flange section 64 second inner flange section 66 inner surface 68 liquid 69 space 70 first support section 72 second support section 74 first electric wire 76 second electric wire 78 tank 80 injection section 82 tank 84 extraction section 86 Gear 88 Motor 90 Control unit 91 Setting unit 92 Calculation unit A, C, D, E, F Arrows B Axis S0 to S4, S11 to S19 Step 101 Influenza virus 102 Ion 103 Trajectory 110, 110a, 110b, 110c Particle sampling device 112 Duct 114 First bearing seal 116 Second bearing seal 118 First flange member 120 Second flange member 122 First electrode 124 Second electrode 126 Voltage application unit 128 Supply unit 130 Recovery unit 132 Drive unit 134, 134a, 134b Liquid level sensor 135 Light source unit 136 Light receiving unit 136a, 136b Light receiving surface 142, 148, 152, 156 Main body 144 First support portion 146 Second support portion 150, 154 Flange 158 First outer flange portion 160 Second outer flange portion 162 First inner flange portion 164 Second inner flange portion 166 Inner surface 168 Liquid 168a Liquid surface 169 Space 170 First support 172 Second support 174 First electric wire 176 Second electric wire 178 Tank 180 Injection portion 182 Tank 184 Extraction portion 186 Gear 188 Motor190 Control unit 191 Setting unit 192 Calculation unit S101 to S106 Steps

Claims

1. A particle sampling device for collecting particles contained in air flowing therethrough in a liquid, comprising: a first electrode which is cylindrical and has both ends open in an axial direction; a second electrode which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is disposed within the first electrode at a distance from an inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit which supplies liquid into the first electrode and causes the liquid to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application unit which applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive unit which rotates the first electrode around a rotation axis which extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode; a recovery unit which recovers the liquid accumulated in the portion of the inner surface of the first electrode; and a control unit which controls an operation of collecting the particles. the control unit controls the amount of the liquid supplied from the supply unit into the first electrode based on an amount of the liquid in the first electrode that decreases as the air flows through the first electrode, so that the amount of the liquid recovered by the recovery unit becomes a preset recovery amount.

2. The particulate matter sampling device of claim 1, wherein the control unit estimates the amount of reduction using the temperature and humidity of the air flowing inside the first electrode, the wind speed of the air flowing inside the first electrode, and the operation time of capturing the particulate matter.

3. The particulate sampling device of claim 2, further comprising an air blowing section that introduces the air into the first electrode from one end of the first electrode, and the control section further estimates the amount of reduction using a flow rate set in the air blowing section.

4. The particle sampling device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further estimates the amount of reduction using the number of rotations of the first electrode caused by the drive unit.

5. The particle sampling device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further estimates the amount of decrease using an applied voltage value in the voltage application unit.

6. The particle sampling device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the supply unit to supply the liquid a number of times based on the amount of decrease.

7. A particulate sampling method for collecting particulates contained in air flowing through the inside of a first electrode in a liquid using a first electrode that is cylindrical and has both ends open in the axial direction of the first electrode, and a second electrode that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and is disposed within the first electrode at a distance from the inner surface of the first electrode, the method comprising: an estimation step of estimating an amount of reduction in the amount of the liquid stored in the first electrode that is caused as the air flows through the inside of the first electrode, using the temperature and humidity of the air flowing through the inside of the first electrode, the wind speed of the air flowing through the inside of the first electrode, and an operation time of the particulate collection; a supply step of supplying the liquid into the first electrode and storing the liquid in a part of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a driving step of rotating the first electrode around a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first electrode and passes through the first electrode; and a voltage application step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. a recovery step of recovering the liquid accumulated in a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode, wherein in the supply step, the amount of the liquid supplied into the first electrode is adjusted based on the amount of decrease estimated in the estimation step so that the amount of the liquid recovered from the first electrode in the recovery step is a predetermined recovery amount.

8. The particle sampling method according to claim 7, wherein in the estimation step, the amount of reduction is further estimated using the wind speed of the air introduced into the first electrode from one end of the first electrode.

9. The particle sampling method according to claim 7, wherein in said estimation step, said amount of decrease is further estimated using the number of rotations of said first electrode in said driving step.

10. The particle sampling method according to claim 7, wherein in said estimation step, said amount of decrease is further estimated using an applied voltage value in said voltage application step.

11. The particle sampling device according to claim 7, wherein in the supplying step, the liquid is supplied a number of times based on the amount of decrease.

12. A particle sampling device for collecting particles contained in air flowing therethrough, comprising: a cylindrical first electrode having both open ends in an axial direction; a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and disposed within the first electrode at a distance from an inner surface of the first electrode; a supply unit for supplying liquid into the first electrode and causing the liquid to accumulate in a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a voltage application unit for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive unit for rotating the first electrode about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; a recovery unit for recovering the liquid accumulated in the portion of the inner surface of the first electrode; and a control unit for controlling an operation of collecting the particles, wherein the control unit performs control to adjust the amount of the liquid accumulated in the first electrode after the collection operation is completed so that the amount of the liquid accumulated in the first electrode becomes a preset amount.

13. The particle sampling device of claim 12, further comprising a liquid volume measuring unit that measures the volume of the liquid stored in the first electrode, and the control unit controls the supply of new liquid based on the volume of the liquid measured by the liquid volume measuring unit so that the liquid stored in the first electrode reaches the stored volume.

14. The particle sampling device described in claim 13, wherein the liquid volume measuring unit has a light source installed on the outside of one of the two ends of the first electrode and a detector installed on the outside of the other end, and measures the volume of the liquid stored in the first electrode by detecting light irradiated from the light source toward the interface between the liquid and the air with the detector.

15. The particle sampling device of claim 12, further comprising a liquid volume measuring unit that measures the volume of the liquid stored in the first electrode, and wherein the control unit performs control to volatilize a portion of the liquid after completion of the collection operation so that the liquid stored in the first electrode becomes the stored volume based on the volume of the liquid measured by the liquid volume measuring unit.

16. The particle sampling device described in claim 15, wherein the liquid volume measuring unit has a light source installed on the outside of one of both ends of the first electrode and a detector installed on the outside of the other end, and measures the volume of the liquid stored in the first electrode by detecting light irradiated from the light source toward the interface between the liquid and the air with the detector.

17. The particulate sampling device of claim 15, further comprising an air blowing unit for circulating the air within the first electrode, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the air blowing unit to volatilize a portion of the liquid after completion of the collection operation so that the liquid stored in the first electrode reaches the stored amount.

18. A particle sampling method for collecting particles contained in air flowing inside a first electrode using a cylindrical first electrode with both ends open in the axial direction of the first electrode and a second electrode extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and disposed within the first electrode at a distance from an inner surface of the first electrode, the method comprising: a supplying step of supplying liquid into the first electrode and storing the liquid on a portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in a direction around the axis of the first electrode; a driving step of rotating the first electrode after the supplying step about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction of the first electrode and passing through the first electrode; a voltage applying step of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; a liquid volume adjusting step of adjusting the amount of the liquid until the liquid level of the liquid on the portion of the inner surface of the first electrode in the direction around the axis of the first electrode reaches a predetermined position after the collection operation; and a recovery step of recovering the stored liquid after the liquid volume adjusting step.

19. The particle sampling method described in claim 18, wherein in the liquid volume adjustment step, after completion of the collection operation, the amount of liquid stored in the first electrode is measured, and new liquid is supplied based on the measured amount of liquid stored until the liquid level of the liquid reaches the specified position.

20. The microparticle sampling method described in claim 18, wherein in the liquid volume adjustment step, after completion of the collection operation, the amount of the liquid stored in the first electrode is measured, and based on the measured amount of the liquid stored, a portion of the liquid is volatilized until the liquid level reaches the specified position.

21. The method for sampling fine particles according to claim 20, wherein in the liquid volume adjustment step, a part of the liquid is volatilized by circulating air from the outside into the first electrode.

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