JPH0835963A - Breath sampling analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Automates the process of introducing exhaled air collected from a subject into the exhaled breath analyzer and performing exhaled breath analysis. [Structure] An exhalation sampling tube 2 for exhalation, an exhalation analyzer main body 10 connected to the exhalation sampling tube 2 for analyzing exhalation exhaled by the exhalation sampling tube 2, and exhalation exhaled for exhalation sampling tube 2 To the breath analyzer main body 10, a pressure sensor 7 for detecting the discharge pressure of the exhaled breath discharged to the exhalation sampling tube 2, and an operation of the exhalation introduction pump 9 based on a control start signal of the pressure sensor 7. Control unit 8 for controlling
The analysis control unit 8 has a function of operating when the control start signal is output from the pressure sensor 7 and driving the exhalation introduction pump 9 for a predetermined time set in advance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exhalation sampling / analyzing device for sampling and analyzing exhaled breath, and more particularly to a process of introducing exhaled air collected from a subject into an exhaled breath analyzer and performing analysis. The present invention relates to a breath collection / analysis device suitable for automation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-63236, inside a predetermined pressure chamber kept at a pressure higher or lower than atmospheric pressure,
An exhalation sampling device has been proposed in which exhaled breath of a subject is collected in an exhalation sampling bag and the collected exhaled breath is supplied to an exhalation analyzer. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the above-described breath sampling apparatus. Inside the pressure chamber 100, a mouthpiece 101 into which breath is exhaled from a subject, a flow meter 102 for measuring the flow rate of the breath, and breath sampling. The bag (Douglas bag) 103-105 is equipped.

Further, outside the pressure chamber 100 are installed solenoid valves (two-position solenoid on-off valves) 106 to 114 that open when the solenoid is energized and close when the solenoid is not energized. Solenoid valve 1
06 is opened only at the time of exhalation collection, and the solenoid valves 107 to 109
Are installed corresponding to the exhalation collection bags 103 to 105, respectively, and are opened at the time of exhalation collection to the corresponding exhalation collection bag.
The solenoid valve 110 is opened when breath is supplied from any of the breath collection bags 103 to 105 to a breath analyzer (not shown),
The solenoid valve 111 is opened when it is necessary to analyze the air in the pressure chamber 100 as a reference sample during the breath analysis. The solenoid valve 112 opens when the pressure in the bag is constant when purging the exhalation collection bags 103 to 105, and closes when the pressure in the purge line decreases to a constant pressure.

Further, a 3-position 3-port directional switching solenoid valve 11
When the upper position is switched to 5, the exhaled breath is supplied to the exhalation analyzer by the vacuum pump 120 driven by the motor 125, and when the lower position is switched to the pressure reducing valve 122.
The exhaled breath is supplied to the exhaled breath analyzer via the. Each of the pressure switches 116 to 118 has a purge line (A-
B), the purge line (BC), and the air supply line (D-E) pressures are detected. The solenoid valve 114 has a purge line (BC).
Open when the pressure of is returned to atmospheric pressure. Differential pressure switch 119
Detects the pressure difference between the air supply conduit (D-E) and the conduit opened to the pressure chamber 100. In the figure, reference numeral 121 is a vacuum pump driven by a motor 126, and reference numerals 123 and 124 are pressure gauges.

In the case of collecting exhaled air with the above-mentioned exhaled air collecting device, when an examiner operates the operation panel outside the pressure chamber and issues a purge start instruction, the exhaled air collecting bags 103 to 105 in the pressure chamber 100 are purged. Is done. Next, the examiner confirms that the mouthpiece 101 is properly attached to the subject in the pressure chamber 100, and then operates the operation panel to issue a sampling start instruction. Piece 1
Via 01 into the relevant exhalation collection bag. This is repeated for each subject. Next, when the inspector operates the operation panel to issue an instruction to start insufflation, the exhalation in the corresponding exhalation collection bag is supplied to the exhalation analyzer.

On the other hand, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a normal exhalation sampling method. As one exhalation sampling method, the subject 130 blows exhalation into the exhalation sampling bag 131 (Tedlar bag or the like) from the exhalation inlet 132. Then, the person in charge of inspection inserts the exhalation inlet 132 of the exhalation collection bag 131 into the exhalation analyzer 13.
3 is connected to the introduction pipe 135 connected to the switching valve 134 inside. Next, the examiner drives the exhalation introduction pump 137, which is connected to the switching valve 134 via the suction pipe 136, by a predetermined operation, and the exhaled breath in the exhalation collection bag 131 is connected to the switching valve 134. It is introduced into loop 138. After that, the exhaled breath of the sample loop 138 is introduced into an analysis unit (not shown) inside the exhaled breath analysis device 133 and analyzed.

As another exhalation sampling method, when the subject 130 inhales exhalation into the exhalation sampling bag 131 through the exhalation inlet 132, the examiner can inspect the exhalation sampling bag 13.
A predetermined amount of exhaled air is collected by the syringe 139 from the first exhaled air inlet 132. After this, the examiner is the syringe 1
39 is connected to the injector 141 of the exhalation analyzer 140, and a fixed amount of exhaled air collected in the syringe 139 is injected into the injector 141. After this, the injector 1
The exhaled air inside 41 is introduced into an analysis unit (not shown) inside the exhalation analyzer 140 and analyzed.

[0008]

However, in the exhalation sampling method using the exhalation sampling device shown in FIG. 4 among the above-mentioned prior arts, the examiner must correctly attach the mouthpiece to the subject. It is necessary to manually confirm whether or not the breath is collected, and to instruct the start of exhalation collection from the mouthpiece to the exhalation collection bag and the introduction of exhalation from the exhalation collection bag to the exhalation analyzer. ,
When there are a large number of examinees, it is necessary to give various instructions by the above-mentioned mounting confirmation work or manual operation for each examinee, which is extremely complicated.

Further, in the exhalation sampling method shown in FIG. 5, after the examinee blows exhalation into the exhalation sampling bag, the examiner introduces the exhalation analyzer into the exhalation inlet of the exhalation sampling bag. Performs work to connect to a tube, drive the exhalation introduction pump, collect a fixed amount of exhaled air from the exhalation collection bag with a syringe, and inject the exhaled air collected with the syringe into the injector of the exhalation analyzer. Since it is necessary, there is a problem that it is extremely complicated as in the case of FIG. 4 and that these operations and operations require skill. Further, the breath collection method shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 has a problem that it is difficult to collect breath from an infant or an unconscious person.

[0010]

It is an object of the present invention to improve the inconveniences of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and in particular, by automating the steps of introducing the exhaled breath collected from the subject into the exhaled breath analyzer and performing the exhaled breath analysis. It is an object of the present invention to provide an exhalation sampling / analyzing device that achieves elimination of complicated manual operation related to exhalation analysis as in the related art.

[0011]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an exhalation sampling tube into which exhaled air is blown, an exhalation analyzer main body connected to the exhalation sampling tube for analyzing exhalation exhaled into the exhalation sampling tube, and an exhalation sampling tube. The exhalation introduction mechanism that introduces the exhaled breath blown into the breath analyzer into the main body of the exhalation analyzer, the exhalation detection sensor that detects whether the exhalation is exhaled into the exhalation sampling tube, and the operation of the exhalation introduction mechanism based on the detection information of the exhalation detection sensor. A function of driving the exhalation introduction mechanism for a preset time by operating when the exhalation detection sensor detects that the exhaled breath is blown into the exhalation sampling tube. Prepare,
The configuration is adopted. This aims to achieve the above-mentioned object.

[0012]

According to the present invention, when the subject blows the exhaled air into the exhalation sampling tube, the exhalation detection sensor detects the exhaled breath exhaled into the exhalation sampling tube. The control unit drives the exhalation introducing mechanism for a predetermined time in accordance with the detection of exhalation in the exhalation sampling tube by the exhalation detection sensor. As a result, the exhalation introducing mechanism introduces the exhaled air inside the exhalation sampling tube into the exhalation analyzing apparatus main body, so that the exhalation analyzing apparatus main body analyzes the exhaled air introduced into the exhalation analyzing apparatus main body from inside the exhalation sampling tube. That is,
After the subject blows the exhaled air into the exhalation sampling tube, the exhalation is introduced from the exhalation sampling tube into the exhalation analyzer main body, and the exhalation analysis in the exhalation analyzer main body is automatically performed.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The overall structure of the breath sampling analyzer in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
For example, breath analysis for clinical examination in the medical field, monitoring of the condition of patients, measurement of working environment and indoor environment in the industrial field, drunk driving control and drug control in the police field, fire cause investigation in the fire fighting field, health industry It can be used in various fields such as health care in the field.

The breath sampling analyzer comprises a breath sampling tube 2 made of, for example, glass, to which a sterilized disposable mouthpiece 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as mouthpiece 1) is detachably mounted, a sampling tube heating section 3, For example, the exhalation introduction pipe 4 made of stainless steel, the introduction pipe heating unit 5, the heating controller 6, the pressure sensor 7, the analysis control unit 8, the exhalation introduction pump 9, the exhalation analyzer main body 10, and the data processing unit 11 It is composed of and. The breath sampling analyzer
For example, the above-mentioned parts and the entire apparatus are downsized so that they can be easily transported inside a hospital or the like.

More specifically, the exhalation sampling tube 2 is for sampling exhaled breath exhaled from the subject H via the mouthpiece 1, and the mouthpiece mounting portion is of the sampling tube heating section 3. The main body part is arranged inside the sampling tube heating part 3 while being arranged so as to project to the outside. The exhalation sampling tube 2 is integrally configured from a cylindrical exhalation introducing section 2a, a spherical exhalation storing section 2b, and an exhalation exhaling section 2c that is tapered so that the inner diameter thereof gradually decreases toward the tip. The end of the exhalation discharge part 2c is the sampling tube heating part 3
It is open to the outside. In this case, in consideration of hygiene, the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the exhalation sampling tube 2.

The exhaled air discharged from the subject H to the exhalation sampling tube 2 passes through the exhalation introducing section 2a and is partly stored in the exhalation storing section 2b, and also the sampling tube heating section via the exhalation discharging section 2c. 3 is discharged to the outside. In this case, the exhaled air discharged to the exhalation sampling tube 2 by the subject H is
Since the exhalation of the next subject is discharged to the outside of the sampling tube heating unit 3, the exhalation sampling tube 2 does not need to be purged. The sampling tube heating unit 3 heats the exhalation sampling tube 2 under the control of the heating controller 6. By heating the exhalation sampling tube 2, adsorption of exhalation components and condensation of water on the inner wall surface of the exhalation sampling tube 2 are prevented.

The exhalation introducing tube 4 is for introducing a part of the exhalation in the exhalation sampling tube 2 into the sample loop 13 of the exhalation analyzer main body 10 when the exhalation introducing pump 9 is driven. And a 10-way valve 12 (hereinafter abbreviated as valve 12) of the breath analyzer main body 10 are connected for communication. The introduction tube heating unit 5 heats the exhalation introduction tube 4 under the control of the heating controller 6.
The heating of the exhalation introducing tube 4 prevents adsorption of exhalation components and condensation of water on the inner wall surface of the exhalation introducing tube 4.

The pressure sensor 7 detects the exhalation pressure of the exhaled air from the subject H to the exhalation sampling tube 2 and outputs a control start signal to the sequencer 16 (described later) of the analysis control section 8. 2 are connected to each other via a pipe 14. The pressure sensor 7 has a high sensitivity (for example, 0.01 [Kgf / c) in order to detect a minute discharge pressure of the exhaled air exhaled from the subject H into the exhalation sampling tube 2.
m ² ]).

As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis control section 8 includes a main body section 15 and a sequencer 16 housed inside the main body section 15.
And a sequencer power supply 17, and an operation box 19 electrically connected to the sequencer 16 via a cable 18. Further, the operation box 19 is equipped with a manual start switch 20, a pump drive switch 21, and a valve changeover switch 22, which are pressed down by an observer.

The sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8 has a predetermined sequence control program built-in, and outputs a drive signal to the exhalation introduction pump 9 when the control start signal is supplied from the pressure sensor 7, and the exhalation introduction pump. 9 is driven for a predetermined time. By driving the breath introduction pump 9, the breath in the breath sampling tube 2 is introduced into the sample loop 13 of the breath analyzer main body 10 through the breath introducing tube 4. That is, the pressure sensor 7 is the subject H.
When the discharge of the exhaled air into the exhalation sampling tube 2 due to is detected,
The introduction of exhalation from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13 of the exhalation analyzer main body 10 is automatically performed.

Further, the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8 is
Exhalation analyzer main body 1 based on sequence control program
A switching signal is output to the actuator 0 of 0, and the position of the valve 12 is switched by the actuator 25 to the exhalation introduction state or the exhalation analysis state (described later).

The above-mentioned manual start switch 20 provided in the operation box 19 of the analysis control unit 8 is the pressure sensor 7
When the manual start switch 20 is pressed, the exhalation is introduced from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13 of the exhalation analyzer main body 10 and exhaled when the manual start switch 20 is depressed. Analysis unit 2
The analysis of exhalation in 4 is started.

The pump drive switch 21 described above is
This is a push-down operation when introducing exhaled air from the exhalation sampling tube 2 into the sample loop 13 or when purging the sample loop 13 or the like with clean gas.
While 1 is pressed, the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8
Keeps driving the exhalation introduction pump 9.
As a result, exhaled air is introduced from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13, or clean gas is introduced from the clean gas supply mechanism (not shown) to the sample loop 13 or the like for purging. Further, the above-mentioned valve changeover switch 22 is operated to be pushed down when changing over each flow path connected to the valve 12.

The valve 12 of the main body 10 of the breath analyzer is 1
Equipped with 0 ports P1 to P10, the exhalation introducing pipe 4 is connected to the port P1, the exhalation introducing pump 9 is connected to the port P2 via a flow path, and the ports P3 and P are connected.
A sample loop 13 is connected between 10 and 10.
A carrier gas supply mechanism 23 is connected to the ports P4 and P7 via flow paths, and the ports P5 and P9 are connected.
Are connected via a flow path, and the breath analysis unit 24 is connected to the port P6 via a flow path.

Further, the actuator 25 attached to the main body 10 of the breath analysis apparatus is a sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8.
On the basis of the switching signal supplied from the exhalation sampling tube 2, the position of the valve 12 is set to the exhalation introducing state from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13 (see FIG. 1: exhalation introduction from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13 is possible. State), and the valve 12 is used for exhalation analysis in the exhalation analysis unit 24.
Is switched to an exhalation analysis state (a state in which exhalation can be introduced from the sample loop 13 to the exhalation analysis unit 24).

Further, the carrier gas supply mechanism 23 of the breath analyzer main body 10 is adapted to supply the carrier gas to the sample loop 13. As a result, the breath analysis unit 24 analyzes the breath extruded from the sample loop 13 as the carrier gas is supplied to the sample loop 13, and outputs a control signal based on the analysis of the breath to the data processing unit 11. It is like this. The data processing unit 11 is configured to perform predetermined breath analysis data processing based on the control signal output from the breath analysis unit 24.

Next, the analysis control circuit of the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8 in this embodiment, the sequencer power supply 17 connected to the analysis control circuit, the pressure sensor 7, the exhalation introduction pump 9, and various switches 20 to. 22 and the like are shown in FIG.
The manual start switch 20, the first
The normally open contact 31a of the relay 31 and the pressure sensor 7 are connected in parallel, and the first relay 31 and the first timer relay 41 are connected.
Are connected in parallel, and the normally closed contact 35 of the fifth relay 35 is provided between the manual start switch 20 and the first relay 31.
a is connected.

When the pressure sensor 7 detects the exhalation pressure of the exhaled gas from the exhalation sampling tube 2 by the subject H and outputs a control start signal, the first relay 31 is activated and the first timer relay 41 is activated. Has become. The first timer relay 41 is for setting the drive time of the exhalation introducing pump 9 (exhalation introducing time from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13). When the pressure sensor 7 is not used or when the pressure sensor 7 cannot be used due to insufficient pressure, the examiner presses the manual start switch 20.

The pump drive switch 21 and the normally open contact 31b of the first relay 31 are connected in parallel, and the pump drive switch 21 is connected to the second relay 32. Furthermore, the breath introduction pump 9 is connected to the normally open contact 32 a of the second relay 32. While manually introducing the exhalation from the exhalation sampling tube 2 into the sample loop 13 or purging the sample loop 13 or the like with a clean gas, while the examiner depresses the pump drive switch 21, The relay 32 operates and the normally open contact 32a closes,
The breath introduction pump 9 continues to be driven.

Further, the normally open contact 4 of the first timer relay 41
1a, the normally open contact 35a of the fifth relay 35 are connected in parallel, the fifth relay 35, the third timer relay 43 are connected in parallel, between the normally open contact 41a and the fifth relay 35 The normally closed contact 33a of the 3 relay 33 is connected. The third timer relay 43 sets a time (a time during which the valve 12 is switched to a predetermined position) required to balance the exhaled air filled in the sample loop 13 from the exhalation sampling tube 2 with the atmospheric pressure. It is for.

The valve changeover switch 22 and the normally open contact 36a of the sixth relay 36 are connected in parallel, and the normally closed contact 42a of the second timer relay 42 is connected to the valve changeover switch 22 and the normally closed contact 42a. 6 relay 3
6 is connected. When an inspector presses the valve changeover switch 22, the valve 12 is switched to a predetermined position for a set time by the third timer relay 43.

The normally open contact 33b of the third relay 33,
The normally open contact 36b of the sixth relay and the normally open contact 43a of the third timer relay 43 are connected in parallel, and the third relay 3
The third timer relay 42 is connected in parallel, and the normally closed contact 42b of the second timer relay 42 is connected between the normally open contact 33b and the third relay 33. The second timer relay 42 controls the valve 12 after the exhalation introduction pump 9 is stopped.
This is for setting the waiting time until is switched to a predetermined position. With the switching of the valve 12 to the predetermined position, the exhalation is introduced into the sample loop 13.

The normally open contact 33c of the third relay 33 is connected to the normally closed contact 36c of the sixth relay 36, and the normally closed contact 36c is connected to the fourth relay 34. By the operation of the fourth relay 34, a control signal is output from the exhalation analysis unit 24 of the exhalation analysis device main body 10 to the data processing unit 11. As a result, the data processing unit 11
It is designed to perform predetermined breath analysis data processing. In this case, each part described above is energized from the sequencer power supply 17 (power supply voltage: DC 24 [V], for example).

Next, the operation of this embodiment constructed as described above will be described.

When the subject H discharges exhaled air by holding the mouthpiece 1 attached to the exhalation sampling tube 2, a part of the exhaled breath is stored in the exhalation storing section 2b of the exhalation sampling tube 2. . At this time, the pressure sensor 7 outputs a control start signal to the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8 when detecting the discharge pressure due to the discharge of the exhaled breath to the exhalation sampling tube 2 by the subject H. As a result, the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8
Outputs a drive signal to the exhalation introduction pump 9 based on the sequence control program.

The exhalation introduction pump 9 is connected to the sequencer 1 of the analysis control unit 8 in response to the output of the control start signal from the pressure sensor 7.
When a drive signal is output from 6, the drive is started and the drive is performed for a predetermined time set in advance. As a result, the exhaled air stored in the exhaled air storage section 2b of the exhaled air collection tube 2 (a part of the exhaled air discharged to the exhaled air collection tube 2 by the subject H).
Are introduced into the exhalation introduction tube 4.

Next, when the switching signal is output from the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8, the actuator 25 changes the position of the valve 12 to the exhalation introduction state (see FIG. 1: exhalation from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13). In order to switch to a state in which the breath can be introduced, the breath in the breath introducing tube 4 is introduced into the sample loop 13 of the breath analyzer main body 10 and filled. Next, the actuator 25
Since the position 2 is switched to the exhalation analysis state (a state in which exhalation can be introduced from the sample loop 13 to the exhalation analysis unit 24), the exhalation filled in the sample loop 13 is
When the carrier gas is supplied from the carrier gas supply mechanism 23 to the sample loop 13, the carrier gas is introduced into the exhalation analysis unit 24 of the exhalation analyzer main body 10.

As a result, the breath analysis unit 24 of the breath analysis apparatus body 10 analyzes the breath introduced from the sample loop 13 and then outputs a control signal based on the analysis of the breath to the data processing unit 11. The data processing unit 11 performs predetermined breath analysis data processing when a control signal is output from the breath analysis unit 24 of the breath analysis apparatus main body 10. The above is a series of steps relating to the introduction and analysis of the automated exhalation in this embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the subject H discharges the exhaled air into the exhaled air sampling tube 2 via the mouthpiece 1, the pressure sensor 7 detects the exhaled air exhalation pressure and starts the control. The signal is output to the analysis control unit 8, and the analysis control unit 8 drives and controls the exhalation introduction pump 9 based on the control start signal, whereby the exhalation inside the exhalation sampling tube 2 is sampled by the sample loop 13
Is introduced into the breath analysis unit 24, and breath analysis is performed by the breath analysis unit 24.
The subject H merely discharges the exhaled air to the exhaled breath collecting tube 2, and the sample loop 1 of the exhaled breath analyzer main body 10 is exhaled from the exhaled breath collecting tube 2.
It is possible to automate a series of steps up to the introduction of the exhaled breath into 3 and the analysis of the exhaled breath in the exhaled breath analysis unit 24.

As described above, the conventional operation of connecting the exhalation collection bag in which the exhaled breath is exhaled by the subject to the exhalation analyzer by the examiner, and the exhalation of the exhalation from the exhalation collection bag to the sample loop of the exhalation analyzer. Since complicated manual operations such as an operation for instructing the start of introduction and an operation for driving a pump for exhalation introduction are not necessary, exhaled air is sampled individually from the exhaled breath sampling tube 2 from a large number of subjects and analyzed. If you do
The breath analysis of each subject can be performed quickly.

Further, as described above, after the exhaled breath is exhaled into the exhalation sampling tube 2 by the subject, a series of steps from the introduction of the exhaled breath to the analysis of the exhaled breath are automatically performed. As described above, it is not necessary to give special training to the examiner such as introducing the exhaled breath from the exhalation collection bag to the exhaled breath analyzer and the operation related to the exhaled breath analysis in the exhaled breath analyzer, and thus the inspector Since it suffices to instruct the subject to attach the mouthpiece 1, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden on the examiner. Further, since the exhaled breath is automatically collected and analyzed only by the subject exhaling the exhaled breath into the exhaled breath collecting tube 2 by holding the mouthpiece 1 in the exhaled breath, the exhaled breath analysis may be performed even if the examiner does not stand up. It is possible, and labor saving can also be achieved by this.

Further, by only making a slight change to the contents of the sequence control program incorporated in the sequencer 16 of the analysis control unit 8, the sample loop 1 can be transferred from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 1.
Since it is possible to change the exhalation introduction time to 3 and the exhalation analysis time in the exhalation analysis unit 24, the exhalation sampling and analysis device can be used for various purposes such as exhalation analysis for clinical examination and drunk driving enforcement. You can use it according to your needs.

Further, the exhalation sampling / analyzing device comprises an exhalation sampling tube 2, a sampling tube heating section 3, an exhalation introducing tube 4, an introducing tube heating section 5,
Since the heating controller 6, the pressure sensor 7, the analysis control unit 8, the breath introduction pump 9, the breath analysis device body 10, the data processing unit 11, and the like, and the entire device are downsized,
The breath sampling / analyzing device can be easily transported to, for example, a hospital.

Here, in the present embodiment, the presence or absence of exhalation of exhalation into the exhalation sampling tube 2 (exhalation pressure of exhalation inside the exhalation sampling tube 2) is detected by the pressure sensor 7, but it is limited to the pressure sensor 7. Instead, the flow sensor detects whether exhalation is discharged to the exhalation sampling tube 2 (the flow rate of exhalation in the exhalation sampling tube 2), or whether the exhalation is exhaled to the exhalation sampling tube 2 by the temperature sensor ( The temperature change inside the exhalation sampling tube 2) may be detected. In this case, in order to prevent saliva or the like from being exhaled by the subject H from adhering to the flow rate sensor, it is preferable to install the flow rate sensor at the exhalation discharge section 2c of the exhalation sampling tube 2. Also, the subject H
Since the temperature inside the exhalation sampling tube 2 changes due to exhalation due to the exhalation of exhalation, the exhalation exhaling section 2c of the exhalation sampling tube 2 is also suitable for the location of the temperature sensor.

When the above temperature sensor is used, when the subject exhales into the exhalation sampling tube 2 through the mouthpiece 1 held in his mouth, the temperature inside the exhalation sampling tube 2 changes with exhalation. Therefore, if the exhalation is introduced from the exhalation sampling tube 2 to the sample loop 13 automatically based on the output signal of the temperature sensor that has detected the temperature change as in the above embodiment, for example, the exhalation of exhalation It is possible to automate the detection / introduction / analysis of exhaled air discharged to the exhalation sampling tube 2 even for a small amount of infants and unconscious persons.

[0047]

As described above, according to the exhalation sampling / analyzing device of the present invention, when the subject breathes into the exhalation sampling tube, the exhalation detection sensor detects exhalation inside the exhalation sampling tube. In order to analyze the exhaled breath introduced into the exhalation analyzer by the exhalation introduction mechanism being driven for a predetermined time by the control of the control unit and introduced into the exhalation analyzer main body. The process from introduction of exhalation from the exhalation sampling tube to the exhalation analyzer main body and analysis of exhalation in the exhalation analyzer main body can be automated only by the subject blowing the exhalation exhalation tube into the exhalation exhalation tube. Therefore, by the above-mentioned automation, the operation of connecting the exhalation sampling bag in which the exhaled breath is exhaled by the examinee to the exhalation analyzer and the introduction of exhalation from the exhalation collection bag to the exhalation analyzer as in the past It is possible to eliminate a complicated manual operation such as an operation for instructing.

Further, according to the breath sampling analyzer of the present invention, after the subject blows the breath into the exhalation sampling tube as described above, the exhalation is introduced from the exhalation sampling tube to the main body of the exhalation analyzing apparatus. Since the process up to the analysis of exhaled breath in the main body of the exhaled breath analyzer is automatically performed, it is not necessary to give special training to the examinee to learn the operation of the exhaled breath analyzer as in the conventional case. Since the witness only needs to instruct the subject to inhale the exhaled air into the exhalation sampling tube, the burden on the test witness can be significantly reduced. Since the exhalation analysis is automatically performed only by blowing the exhalation into the exhalation sampling tube, it is possible to perform the exhalation analysis even if the inspector does not stand, and thereby labor saving can be achieved. Has the effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an exhalation sampling / analyzing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic internal structure of an analysis control unit constituting an exhalation sampling / analyzing apparatus according to the present embodiment and a state of arrangement of various switches in an operation box.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an analysis control circuit in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of an exhalation sampling device in a conventional example.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an exhalation collection method using an exhalation collection bag and a method of introducing exhalation in the exhalation collection bag to an exhalation analyzer in a conventional example.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 2 exhalation sampling tube 7 pressure sensor as exhalation detection sensor 8 analysis control section as control section 9 exhalation introduction pump as exhalation introduction mechanism 10 exhalation analyzer main body

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An exhalation sampling tube into which exhaled air is blown, an exhalation analyzer main body connected to the exhalation sampling tube for analyzing exhalation exhaled into the exhalation sampling tube, and exhalation exhaled into the exhalation sampling tube. To the body of the exhalation analyzer, an exhalation detection sensor for detecting whether exhalation has been blown into the exhalation sampling tube, and the operation of the exhalation introduction mechanism based on the detection information of the exhalation detection sensor. A control unit for controlling the control unit, which is activated when the exhalation detection sensor detects that exhalation has been blown into the exhalation sampling tube, and drives the exhalation introduction mechanism for a predetermined time. An exhalation sampling / analyzing device characterized by having a function of: