JP2013106836A - Gas supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas supply system which permits the concentration of an odor-causing substance to be controlled and the odor-causing substance to be stably supplied.SOLUTION: The gas supply system includes a storage section 2 storing the odor-causing substance 20, first piping 31 supplying the substance 20 released from the storage section 2 by a carrier gas carrying the substance, second piping 41 supplying a dilution gas, third piping 42 supplying a mixed gas in which the carrier gas containing the substance 20 supplied from the first piping 31 and the dilution gas supplied from the second piping 41 are mixed, a measuring instrument 6 measuring the mass of the storage section 2, a computation device 7 for computing the mass of the substance 20 released from the storage section 2 on the basis of the time-dependent change of the mass of the storage section 2, and a control device 8 controlling the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing in the first piping 31 and the flow rate of the dilution gas flowing in the second piping 41 so as to ensure that the concentration of the substance 20 in the mixed gas becomes a required concentration on the basis of the quantity of the substance 20 computed by the computation device 7.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas supply device.

  An olfactory sensor that detects odor is known. In the development of an olfactory sensor, development of a gas supply device that controls the concentration of odor molecules, which are substances that cause odor, and stably supplies the odor molecules to the olfactory sensor is required.

  Here, it is said that there are 400,000 kinds of odor molecules. Most of the odor molecules are a combination of a plurality of chemical substances, and the number of types is enormous. The types of odors are roughly divided by chemical structure, temperature, concentration, mixing ratio, etc., but most are sensuously divided by humans. Even if they have the same chemical structure, they have different odor molecules when the temperature is different or the reaction methods such as oxidation and reduction are different. Many of odor molecules have a concentration of ppm order or less (for example, ppb order) and are very low in concentration. Therefore, it is difficult to measure the concentration of odor molecules.

  Conventionally, as a method for supplying odor molecules, there is a method using a diffusion tube, a diffusion tube, a permeation tube, or the like (for example, see Patent Document 1). In these methods, the concentration of odor molecules is adjusted by using a diffusion equation, estimation, and an experimentally obtained diffusion coefficient. According to these methods, a certain concentration of odor molecules can be obtained continuously.

  On the other hand, a Kitagawa detector is known as a detector for detecting the concentration of odor molecules. In the Kitagawa type detector, when a sample gas (a gas containing an odor molecule to be measured) is passed through the detection tube, the drug reacts with a specific gas and changes its color. The gas concentration (concentration of odor molecules) can be understood by reading the scale at the tip of the color change.

JP 2010-101685 A

In the method described in Patent Document 1, when there is an odor molecule that has not been used, it is necessary to perform an experiment each time to calculate the concentration of the odor molecule emitted from the diffusion tube. Further, in the method described in Patent Document 1, since the shape of the diffusion tube is a fixed shape, it is difficult to freely adjust the concentration of odor molecules emitted from the diffusion tube.
On the other hand, with the Kitagawa detector, the types of odor molecules that can be measured are limited. Furthermore, due to the color reaction, it may be difficult to measure the concentration if there is an interfering substance. In the Kitagawa type detector, the minimum measurement ability (measurement lower limit) is different, but since it is at least in the ppm order, it is not possible to measure the concentration of odor molecules having a low concentration below the ppm order.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a gas supply device capable of controlling the concentration of a substance causing odor and stably supplying the substance causing odor. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above problems, a gas supply device according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a substance that causes odor, and a first pipe that supplies the substance released from the storage unit on a carrier gas. A second pipe for supplying a dilution gas; a first gas for supplying a mixed gas in which the carrier gas containing the substance supplied from the first pipe and the dilution gas supplied from the second pipe are mixed; 3 pipes, a measuring device for measuring the mass of the accommodating portion, and an operation for calculating the amount of the substance released from the accommodating portion based on a time change of the mass of the accommodating portion measured by the measuring device And the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing in the first pipe so that the concentration of the substance in the mixed gas becomes a desired concentration based on the amount of the substance calculated by the apparatus and the arithmetic unit, and Second piping A control device for controlling at least one of the flow rate of the flow rate of the dilution gas flowing characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to this configuration, it is released from the storage unit based on the amount of a substance (hereinafter referred to as an odor molecule) that causes the odor released from the storage unit, which is calculated based on the time change of the mass of the storage unit. The flow rate of at least one of the carrier gas and the dilution gas is controlled so that the concentration of the odor molecule becomes a desired concentration. For example, when adjusting the concentration of the odor molecules released from the storage unit to a low concentration, the flow rate of the carrier gas is decreased and the flow rate of the dilution gas is increased. Thereby, the density | concentration of the odor molecule discharge | released from the accommodating part can be adjusted to a low density | concentration. In addition, the flow rate of the carrier gas and the flow rate of the dilution gas are controlled to be constant values while maintaining the concentration of the odor molecule released from the storage portion at a low concentration. Thereby, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably. Therefore, the concentration of odor molecules can be controlled and odor molecules can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply apparatus, it is preferable that the storage unit includes a container that stores the substance and a diffusion tube that diffuses the substance released from the container.

  According to this configuration, the concentration of odor molecules in the mixed gas flowing in the mixed gas supply pipe can be easily adjusted to a very small value. For example, by applying the diffusion equation with the length (height) and inner diameter of the diffusion tube as predetermined dimensions, the flow rate of odor molecules at the outlet of the diffusion tube can be set to be extremely small (for example, a value close to approximately 0). it can.

  In the gas supply apparatus, it is preferable that the diffusion tube is detachably connected to the container.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to replace the diffusion tube with another shape. For example, if a plurality of types of diffusion tubes having different lengths and inner diameters are prepared in advance, the diffusion tube can be appropriately replaced with a diffusion tube having a size suitable for obtaining a desired concentration of odor molecules. Therefore, it becomes easy to supply an odor molecule having a desired concentration.

  In the gas supply device, the container is preferably formed of a material that does not chemically react with the substance.

  Even if the odor molecule has the same chemical structure, it becomes a different odor molecule if the reaction method such as oxidation reaction or reduction reaction is different. If the container is formed of a material that chemically reacts with odor molecules, an odor molecule different from the target odor molecule is generated. Further, if the container and the odor molecule are made of a material that is easily adsorbed, an odor different from a desired concentration is generated. As a result, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the concentration of low-concentration odor molecules. On the other hand, if the container is formed of a material that does not adsorb and chemically react with odor molecules, the target odor molecules can be obtained. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules and accurately measure the concentration of the low concentration odor molecules.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that the substance is accommodated in the container in a liquid state, and the diffusion tube is formed of a material that does not chemically react with the gas volatilized from the substance in the liquid state.

  When the odor molecule is stored in the container in a liquid state, the gas volatilized from the liquid is discharged from the diffusion tube in a state containing the odor molecule. If the diffusion tube is formed of a material that chemically reacts with a gas containing odor molecules, an odor molecule different from the target odor molecule is generated. In addition, if the diffusion tube or the container is made of a material that easily absorbs odor molecules, the odor will be different from the desired concentration. As a result, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the concentration of low-concentration odor molecules. On the other hand, if the diffusion tube is formed of a material that does not adsorb with the odor molecule and does not chemically react with the gas containing the odor molecule, the target odor molecule can be obtained. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules and accurately measure the concentration of the low concentration odor molecules.

  In the gas supply apparatus, it is preferable that the inner wall surface of the container and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube are subjected to a liquid repellent treatment.

  When the odor molecule is stored in the container in a liquid state, the gas volatilized from the liquid is discharged from the diffusion tube in a state containing the odor molecule. If the inner wall surface of the container and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube are not liquid-repellent, odor molecules may be adsorbed on the inner wall surface of the container or the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube. In this case, an ideal diffusion state cannot be obtained, and it is difficult to accurately measure the concentration of a low concentration odor molecule. On the other hand, if the inner wall surface of the container and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube are liquid-repellent, odor molecules can hardly be adsorbed on the inner wall surface of the container or the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube, thereby obtaining an ideal diffusion state. be able to. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules and accurately measure the concentration of the low concentration odor molecules.

In the gas supply device, the arithmetic unit may measure the mass of the housing portion measured by the measurement device at the first time t1, and the measurement device may perform a second operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time t1. The mass of the container measured at time t2 is m2, the molecular weight of the substance is w, the atmospheric pressure is P, the volume of the space in which the container contains the substance is V, the substance quantity of the substance is n, and the gas constant R, the temperature inside the diffusion tube K, the flow rate of the substance at the outlet of the diffusion tube D1, the flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the first pipe to the third pipe and the second pipe When the total flow rate of the dilution gas supplied to the third pipe is D2, and the concentration of the substance in the mixed gas flowing through the third pipe at the second time t2 is G, the following ( 1), (2), (3) and ( ) It is preferable to calculate the concentration of the substance in the mixed gas flowing through the third inner pipe by formula.
PV = nRT (1)
n = (m1-m2) / w (2)
D1 = V / (t2-t1) (3)
G = D1 / D2 (4)

  According to this configuration, the concentration of the low-concentration odor molecule released from the storage unit can be easily calculated based on the time change of the mass of the storage unit. Further, based on these equations, the flow rate of odor molecules having a low concentration at the outlet of the diffusion tube and the substance amount of odor molecules can be easily calculated.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device is 1 mg or less.

According to this configuration, it is possible to realize measurement of the concentration of odor molecules having a low concentration of the order of ppm or less. On the other hand, if the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device exceeds 1 mg, it takes a long time to observe the mass change, and it is difficult to measure the concentration of odor molecules with a low concentration of ppm order or less. It becomes.
As described above, the mass of the odor molecule is calculated based on the time change of the mass of the container measured by the measuring device. Here, the “minimum measuring ability of the measuring device” is the lowest mass (measurement lower limit value) that can be measured by the measuring device. The minimum resolution of the measurement time is the time until the odor molecule having a mass corresponding to the minimum measurement ability of the measurement device is released from the container (the time when the measurement lower limit value changes). In other words, the minimum resolution of the measurement time decreases as the minimum measurement capability of the measurement device decreases. This makes it easier to measure in real time the concentration of odor molecules released from the container when the apparatus is actually used.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that a turbulent flow generation mechanism for generating turbulent flow in the mixed gas flowing in the third pipe is provided in the third pipe.

  According to this configuration, the carrier gas and the dilution gas can be mixed uniformly. Therefore, it becomes easy to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that a carrier gas control valve for controlling a supply amount of the carrier gas from the first pipe to the third pipe is provided in the first pipe.

  According to this configuration, a desired amount of odor molecules can be supplied.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that a carrier gas exhaust valve for exhausting the carrier gas that is prevented from being supplied to the third pipe by the carrier gas control valve is provided in the first pipe.

  In order to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules, it is important to maintain the conditions and atmosphere under which the low concentration of odor molecules are supplied in a constant state. According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the third pipe. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply apparatus, it is preferable that the carrier gas is always supplied to the first pipe at a constant flow rate.

  According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the third pipe while the supply amount of the carrier gas is always constant. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply device, a plurality of the accommodating portions accommodating different types of substances are provided, and a plurality of the first pipes are provided corresponding to the plurality of the accommodating portions, respectively, and the third piping It is preferable that a plurality of the carrier gases containing the substances released from the plurality of accommodating portions are supplied.

  According to this configuration, various kinds of odor molecules can be generated by mixing a plurality of kinds of odor molecules.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that a carrier gas control valve for controlling the supply amount of the carrier gas from the first pipe to the third pipe is provided in each of the plurality of first pipes.

  According to this configuration, various kinds of odor molecules can be generated by selecting and mixing desired odor molecules among a plurality of kinds of odor molecules. Further, if the supply amount of the carrier gas corresponding to a plurality of types of odor molecules is adjusted, a desired odor molecule can be generated by changing the mixing ratio of the odor molecules contained in each carrier gas.

  In the gas supply device, each of the plurality of first pipes is provided with a carrier gas exhaust valve that exhausts the carrier gas that is prevented from being supplied to the third pipe by the carrier gas control valve. preferable.

  In order to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules, it is important to maintain the conditions and atmosphere under which the low concentration of odor molecules are supplied in a constant state. According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the third pipe. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that the carrier gas at a constant flow rate is always supplied to each of the plurality of first pipes.

  According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the third pipe while the supply amount of the carrier gas is always constant. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  The gas supply apparatus includes a fourth pipe for supplying a dummy gas to the third pipe, and the control device has a flow rate of the mixed gas including the dummy gas, the carrier gas, and the dilution gas flowing in the third pipe. It is preferable to control the flow rate of the dummy gas supplied from the fourth pipe to the third pipe so that is always constant.

  According to this configuration, the total flow rates of the dummy gas, the carrier gas, and the dilution gas are always maintained constant. Therefore, a low concentration of odor molecules can be constantly supplied stably.

  In the gas supply device, the fourth pipe is prevented from being supplied to the third pipe by a dummy gas control valve for controlling the supply amount of the dummy gas from the fourth pipe to the third pipe, and the dummy gas control valve. It is preferable that a dummy gas exhaust valve for exhausting the dummy gas is provided.

  In order to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules, it is important to maintain the conditions and atmosphere under which the low concentration of odor molecules are supplied in a constant state. According to this configuration, the dummy gas can be exhausted so that the dummy gas is not supplied to the third pipe. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply apparatus, it is preferable that a dummy gas having a constant flow rate is always supplied to the fourth pipe.

  According to this configuration, the dummy gas can be exhausted so that the dummy gas is not supplied to the third pipe while the supply amount of the dummy gas is always constant. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply device, it is preferable that the same gas is used as the carrier gas, the dilution gas, and the dummy gas.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to maintain the conditions and atmosphere for supplying low concentration odor molecules in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  In the gas supply device, the gas used as the carrier gas, the dilution gas, and the dummy gas is preferably air or nitrogen.

  According to this configuration, since a known gas is used, it is easy to maintain the conditions and atmosphere for supplying low-concentration odor molecules in a constant state. Therefore, it becomes easy to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the gas supply apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an accommodating part equally. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection state of a diffusion pipe and carrier gas supply piping similarly. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rubber ring. It is a graph which shows the time change of the mass of the accommodating part measured with the measuring apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the connection state of a diffusion pipe and carrier gas supply piping similarly. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of a turbulent flow generation mechanism. It is a schematic diagram which shows the gas supply apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, in the following drawings, in order to make each structure easy to understand, an actual structure and a scale, a number, and the like in each structure are different.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a gas supply device that supplies a gas that guides a substance causing odor, that is, a molecule having odor (hereinafter referred to as odor molecule) to an olfactory sensor will be described as an example. Here, the smell means a sense that a person senses when the olfaction is stimulated. The smell includes both a good smell (fragrance) and a bad smell (odor).

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a gas supply device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gas supply device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a gas supply unit 10, a dilution gas supply device 4, a dummy gas supply device 5, an arithmetic device 7, a control device 8, and a mixed gas supply. A pipe (third pipe) 42 and a turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 are provided.

  The gas supply unit 10 includes a storage unit 2, a carrier gas supply device 3, and a measurement device 6.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the accommodating portion 2 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 2 includes a container 21 that stores the odor molecule 20 and a diffusion tube 22 that diffuses the odor molecule 20 released from the container 21.

  In the present embodiment, the odor molecule 20 is stored in the container 21 in a liquid state. The accommodation state of the odor molecule 20 is not limited to the liquid state, and various accommodation states such as a solid state and a gas state can be employed.

  Various odor molecules 20 can be used, and examples thereof include toluene and ethanol. In the present embodiment, toluene is used as the odor molecule 20.

  The container 21 is a cylindrical container in which an opening 21 a is formed in a portion (upper part) connected to the diffusion tube 22. The inner diameter of the opening 21a is preferably 10 mm or more. When the inner diameter of the opening 21a is less than 10 mm, it is difficult to inject a liquid with an instrument (for example, a pipette) generally used in a chemical experiment. The shape of the container 21 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and various shapes can be adopted as long as the opening 21a is formed in the upper portion.

  The diffusion tube 22 has a main body part 221 and a connection part 222. The main body 221 is a portion on the opposite side to the portion connected to the container 21. The connection part 222 is a part connected to the container 21. The diffusion tube 22 is a tube in which an opening 221 a is formed in the upper part of the main body part 221 and an opening 222 a is formed in the lower part of the connection part 222.

  The main body 221 of the diffusion tube 22 has a constant inner diameter in the longitudinal direction. The inner diameter of the main body 221 of the diffusion tube 22 is preferably about 1 mm to 15 mm. The length of the main body 221 of the diffusion tube 22 is preferably 10 mm or more. The inner diameter and length of the main body 221 of the diffusion tube 22 are not limited to this, and various shapes can be employed.

  The connection part 222 of the diffusion tube 22 is detachably connected to the container 21. The connection part 222 of the diffusion tube 22 and the container 21 are connected with good airtightness.

  The connection between the container 21 and the connecting portion 222 of the diffusion tube 22 employs a screw method from the viewpoint of handling. For example, a convex projection 21b is formed on the outer wall surface of the upper portion of the container 21 along the circumferential direction of the opening 21a. On the other hand, a concave groove 222b is formed along the circumferential direction of the opening 222a on the inner wall surface below the connection portion 222 of the diffusion tube 22.

  With such a configuration, the connection between the container 21 and the connection portion 222 of the diffusion tube 22 is connected by a screw method. For example, after injecting the liquid of the odor molecule 20 into the container 21, the connection part 222 of the diffusion tube 22 is pressed against the container 21 and rotated clockwise. Then, the connection part 222 of the container 21 and the diffusion tube 22 is fitted into the groove 222b formed on the inner wall surface of the lower part of the connection part 222 of the diffusion tube 22 with the protrusion 21b formed on the outer wall surface of the upper part of the container 21. Connected in a connected state.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a convex protrusion 21 b is formed on the outer wall surface of the upper portion of the container 21 and a concave groove 222 b is formed on the inner wall surface of the lower portion of the connection portion 222 of the diffusion tube 22 is given. However, this is not restrictive. For example, a concave groove may be formed on the upper outer wall surface of the container 21 and a convex protrusion may be formed on the lower inner wall surface of the connection portion 222 of the diffusion tube 22, and various shapes may be adopted. it can.

  Further, the connection between the container 21 and the connecting portion 222 of the diffusion tube 22 is not limited to the screw method. If the container 21 and the connection part 222 of the diffusion tube 22 can be attached and detached without using a separate instrument, various connection methods can be employed.

  The container 21 is formed of a material that does not chemically react with the odor molecule 20. The container 21 is made of a material having resistance to volatile organic compounds (VOC). The container 21 is formed of a material that does not generate VOC from the container itself. For example, glass, quartz, stainless steel, or Teflon (registered trademark) is used as a material for forming the container 21.

  The diffusion tube 22 is formed of a material that does not chemically react with the gas volatilized from the odor molecule 20 in a liquid state. The diffusion tube 22 is formed of a material having resistance to volatile organic compounds (VOC) like the container 21. The diffusion tube 22 is formed of a material that does not generate VOC from the diffusion tube itself. For example, glass, quartz, stainless steel, and Teflon (registered trademark) are used as a material for forming the diffusion tube 22.

  The inner wall surface of the container 21 and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube are subjected to a liquid repellent treatment. For example, as the liquid repellent treatment, fluorine coating is applied to the inner wall surface of the container 21 and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the carrier gas supply device 3 includes a carrier gas flow control device 30, a carrier gas supply pipe (first pipe) 31, a thermometer 32, a carrier gas exhaust pipe 33, and a carrier gas control valve 34. And a carrier gas exhaust valve 35. The carrier gas supply device 3 supplies a carrier gas that carries the odor molecule 20 released from the diffusion tube 22 of the storage unit 2.

  The carrier gas flow control device 30 controls the flow rate of the carrier gas in the carrier gas supply pipe 31 based on the control signal of the control device 8. In the present embodiment, the carrier gas supply pipe 31 is always supplied with a carrier gas having a constant flow rate.

  For example, the carrier gas flow rate control device 30 controls the flow rate of the carrier gas to a flow rate of 10 times or more the flow rate of the odor molecule 20 at the outlet of the diffusion tube 22. In this case, the flow rate of the odor molecule 20 at the outlet of the diffusion tube 22 approaches zero. Thereby, the reproducibility of the result obtained by the diffusion equation (the concentration of the odor molecule 20 in the mixed gas flowing in the mixed gas supply pipe 42) can be enhanced.

  The gas used as the carrier gas is preferably air or nitrogen. In this embodiment, nitrogen is used as the carrier gas. The carrier gas is not limited to this, and various gases can be used.

  The carrier gas supply pipe 31 guides the carrier gas whose flow rate is adjusted by the carrier gas flow control device 30. A part of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 is connected to the outlet portion of the diffusion pipe 22. As a result, the carrier gas containing the odor molecule 20 discharged from the diffusion tube 22 flows in the path after joining the outlet portion of the diffusion tube 22 in the carrier gas supply pipe 31.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state between the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the details of the portion α shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the symbol d <b> 1 is the outer diameter of the diffusion tube 22.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet portion of the diffusion tube 22 is inserted into a part of the carrier gas supply pipe 31. Thereby, the odor molecule 20 released from the diffusion tube 22 is guided into the carrier gas supply pipe 31.

  The diffusion tube 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are connected using a rubber ring 23, a fixing plate 24, and a fixing screw 25. A rubber ring 23 is fitted in the vicinity of the outlet of the diffusion tube 22.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the rubber ring 23. In FIG. 4, the symbol d <b> 2 is the inner diameter of the rubber ring 23.

  The inner diameter d2 of the rubber ring 23 is smaller than the outer diameter d1 of the diffusion tube 22 (d1> d2). For this reason, the diffusion tube 22 is press-fitted into the rubber ring 23. Thereby, the outer wall surface of the diffusion tube 22 and the inner part of the rubber ring 23 are in close contact with each other without a gap.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the diffusion tube 22 press-fitted into the rubber ring 23 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are fixed by a fixing plate 24 and a fixing screw 25 with the rubber ring 23 interposed therebetween. Thereby, the outer wall surface of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 and the outer portion of the rubber ring 23 are in close contact with each other without a gap.

  With such a configuration, the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are connected without a gap. For this reason, the airtightness of the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 can be improved.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the thermometer 32 is disposed near the portion of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 to which the outlet portion of the diffusion tube 22 is connected. The thermometer 32 measures the temperature near the outlet of the diffusion tube 22 (inside the diffusion tube 22).

  In addition, the arrangement position of the thermometer 32 is preferably arranged just above the outlet portion of the diffusion pipe 22 in the carrier gas supply pipe 31, and more preferably arranged inside the diffusion pipe 22. Thereby, the temperature inside the diffusion tube 22 can be accurately measured.

  The carrier gas exhaust pipe 33, the carrier gas control valve 34, and the carrier gas exhaust valve 35 are connected to the downstream side of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 (the side close to the dilution gas supply pipe 41 described later).

  The carrier gas exhaust pipe 33 is a pipe that exhausts the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31. The carrier gas control valve 34 is a valve that controls the amount of carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 to the mixed gas supply pipe (third pipe) 42. The carrier gas exhaust pipe 33 is provided with a carrier gas exhaust valve 35 that exhausts the carrier gas that is prevented from being supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42 by the carrier gas control valve 34. The carrier gas exhaust valve 35 is a valve that opens and closes the carrier gas exhaust pipe 33. For example, a three-way valve is used as the carrier gas control valve 34 and the carrier gas exhaust valve 35. For example, the three-way valve is an electromagnetic valve (direction control valve) that controls the flow path of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 and the flow path of the carrier gas exhaust pipe 33 to either a fully open state or a fully closed state.

  The measuring device 6 is disposed below the housing part 2. The measuring device 6 measures the mass of the housing part 2. For example, a balance is used as the measuring device 6. The measuring device 6 is not limited to this, and various devices can be used. However, it is preferable to use a mass measuring instrument that can accurately measure the mass of the housing portion 2.

  For example, the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device 6 is 0.1 mg. Here, the “minimum measuring ability of the measuring device 6” is the lowest mass (measurement lower limit value) that the measuring device 6 can measure. In addition, it is preferable that the minimum measuring ability of the measuring apparatus 6 is 1 mg or less. Thereby, the measurement of the density | concentration of the odor molecule 20 of a low density | concentration below a ppm order is realizable. On the other hand, if the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device 6 exceeds 1 mg, it is difficult to measure the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration of ppm order or less.

  The dilution gas supply device 4 includes a dilution gas flow control device 40 and a dilution gas supply pipe (second pipe) 41. The dilution gas supply device 4 supplies a dilution gas for diluting the concentration of the odor molecule 20 released from the diffusion tube 22 of the storage unit 2.

  The dilution gas flow control device 40 controls the flow rate of the carrier gas in the dilution gas supply pipe 41 based on the control signal of the control device 8.

  The gas used as the dilution gas is preferably air or nitrogen. In the present embodiment, nitrogen is used as the diluent gas in the same manner as the carrier gas. The dilution gas is not limited to this, and various gases can be used as long as they are the same as the carrier gas.

  The dilution gas supply pipe 41 guides the dilution gas whose flow rate is adjusted by the dilution gas flow control device 40. The outlet portion of the dilution gas supply pipe 41 is connected to the outlet portion of the carrier gas supply pipe 31. The outlet portion of the dilution gas supply pipe 41 and the outlet portion of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are connected to the mixed gas supply pipe 42. As a result, the mixed gas of the carrier gas containing the odor molecules 20 discharged from the diffusion tube 22 and the dilution gas flows through the mixed gas supply pipe 42.

  The dummy gas supply device 5 includes a dummy gas flow control device 50, a dummy gas supply pipe (fourth pipe) 51, a thermometer 52, a dummy gas exhaust pipe 53, a dummy gas control valve 54, and a dummy gas exhaust valve 55. ing. In the dummy gas supply device 5, the flow rate of the mixed gas including the dummy gas supplied from the dummy gas supply device 5, the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply device 3, and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply device 4 is always constant. Supply a dummy gas.

  The dummy gas flow control device 50 controls the flow rate of the dummy gas in the dummy gas supply pipe 51 based on the control signal of the control device 8. In the present embodiment, the dummy gas supply pipe 51 is always supplied with a dummy gas having a constant flow rate.

  For example, the dummy gas flow control device 50 controls the dummy gas flow rate to the same amount as the carrier gas flow rate supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31. In other words, the dummy gas flow control device 50 controls to supply a dummy gas having a flow rate corresponding to the shortage when the flow rate of the carrier gas to be originally supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 is less than a predetermined value. To do. As a result, the flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 and the total flow rate of the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 are adjusted to be always constant.

  The gas used as the dummy gas is preferably air or nitrogen. In the present embodiment, nitrogen is used as the dummy gas in the same manner as the carrier gas. The dummy gas is not limited to this, and various gases can be used as long as they are similar to the carrier gas.

  The dummy gas supply pipe 51 guides the dummy gas whose flow rate is adjusted by the dummy gas flow control device 50. The outlet portion of the dummy gas supply pipe 51 is connected to a part of the mixed gas supply pipe 42. Thereby, in the path after joining the outlet portion of the dummy gas supply pipe 51 in the mixed gas supply pipe 42, the mixed gas of the carrier gas containing the odor molecule 20 released from the diffusion pipe 22, the dilution gas, and the dummy gas (however, When the supply of the carrier gas is completely stopped, a mixed gas of a dilution gas and a dummy gas flows.

  The thermometer 52 is disposed between the dummy gas flow control device 50 and the dummy gas control valve 54 in the dummy gas supply pipe 51. The thermometer 52 measures the temperature inside the dummy gas supply pipe 51.

  The dummy gas exhaust pipe 53, the dummy gas control valve 54, and the dummy gas supply valve 55 are connected to the downstream side of the dummy gas supply pipe 51 (the side close to the dilution gas supply pipe 41).

  The dummy gas exhaust pipe 53 is a pipe for exhausting the dummy gas supplied from the dummy gas supply pipe 51. The dummy gas control valve 54 is a valve that controls the amount of dummy gas supplied from the dummy gas supply pipe 51 to the mixed gas supply pipe 42. The dummy gas exhaust pipe 53 is provided with a dummy gas exhaust valve 55 that exhausts the dummy gas that is prevented from being supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42 by the dummy gas control valve 54. The dummy gas exhaust valve 55 is a valve that opens and closes the dummy gas exhaust pipe 53. For example, as the dummy gas control valve 54 and the dummy gas exhaust valve 55, three-way valves are used. For example, this three-way valve is an electromagnetic valve (direction control valve) that controls the flow path of the dummy gas supply pipe 51 and the flow path of the dummy gas exhaust pipe 53 to either a fully open state or a fully closed state.

  The calculation device 7 calculates the amount of the odor molecule 20 released from the storage unit 2 based on the time change of the mass of the storage unit 2 measured by the measurement device 6.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the change over time of the mass of the container 2 measured by the measuring device 6.
In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is the measurement time, and the vertical axis is the mass of the housing part 2. In FIG. 5, reference numeral t <b> 1 is a first time, and reference numeral t <b> 2 is a second time after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the relationship between the measurement time and the mass of the container 2 has a proportional relationship. As the measurement time elapses, the odor molecules 20 are gradually released from the diffusion tube 22, thereby reducing the mass of the container 2.

  The calculation device 7 calculates the amount (for example, mass) of the odor molecule 20 released from the storage unit 2 based on the time change of the mass of the storage unit 2 between the first time t1 and the second time t2. .

  As described above, the mass of the odor molecule is calculated based on the time change of the mass of the container 2 measured by the measuring device 6. Here, the “minimum measuring ability of the measuring device” is the lowest mass (measurement lower limit value) that can be measured by the measuring device. The minimum resolution of the measurement time is the time until the odor molecule having a mass corresponding to the minimum measurement ability of the measurement device is released from the container (the time when the measurement lower limit value changes). That is, the minimum resolution of the measurement time is reduced as the minimum measurement capability of the measurement device 6 is reduced. In the present embodiment, since the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device 6 is 0.1 mg, the time until 0.1 mg of the odor molecule 20 is released from the container 2 is the minimum resolution of the measuring time.

  The calculation device 7 calculates the concentration of the odor molecule 20 in the mixed gas flowing in the mixed gas supply pipe 42 according to the following equations (1), (2), (3), and (4).

PV = nRT (1)
n = (m1-m2) / w (2)
D1 = V / (t2-t1) (3)
G = D1 / D2 (4)

  Here, the mass of the container 2 measured by the measuring device 6 at the first time t1 is m1, and the mass of the container 2 measured by the measuring device 6 at the second time t2 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time t1. The mass is m 2, the molecular weight of the odor molecule 20 is w, the atmospheric pressure is P, the volume of the space in which the container 2 accommodates the odor molecule 20 is V, the substance amount of the odor molecule is n, the gas constant is R, the diffusion tube 22 The internal temperature is K, the flow rate of the odor molecule 20 at the outlet of the diffusion tube 22 is D1, the flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 to the mixed gas supply pipe 42, and the mixed gas supply pipe from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 Assume that the total flow rate of the dilution gas supplied to 42 is D2, and the concentration of the odor molecule 20 in the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas supply pipe 42 at the second time t2 is G.

  In the present embodiment, the molecular weight w of the odor molecule 20 is the molecular weight of toluene. Values measured by a timer (not shown) are used for the first time t1 and the second time t2. As the atmospheric pressure P, a value measured by an atmospheric pressure meter (not shown) is used. As the volume V of the space in which the storage unit 2 stores the odor molecule 20, a value obtained by adding the volume of the container 21 (excluding the volume of the odor molecule 20) and the volume of the diffusion tube 22 is used. As the substance amount n of the odor molecule 20, the substance quantity of toluene is used. The value measured by the thermometer 32 is used as the temperature K inside the diffusion tube 22.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the control device 8 includes a carrier gas flow control device 30, a dilution gas flow control device 40, a dummy gas flow control device 50, a carrier gas control valve 34, a carrier gas exhaust valve 35, a dummy gas control valve 54, The dummy gas exhaust valve 55 and the arithmetic unit 7 are comprehensively controlled.

  The control device 8 is supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 so that the concentration of the odor molecule 20 released from the container 2 becomes a desired concentration based on the amount of the odor molecule 20 calculated by the calculation device 7. The flow rate of at least one of the carrier gas and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 is controlled.

  The control device 8 controls the opening / closing operation of at least one of the carrier gas control valve 34 and the dummy gas control valve 54.

In the present embodiment, the control device 8 performs the following control.
When mixing the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41, the carrier gas control valve 34 is controlled to be opened and the carrier gas exhaust valve 35 is controlled. Control to the closed state. At this time, the dummy gas control valve 54 is controlled to be closed and the dummy gas exhaust valve 55 is controlled to be opened.
On the other hand, when the carrier gas supplied from the carrier gas supply pipe 31 and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 are not mixed, the carrier gas control valve 34 is controlled to be closed and the carrier gas exhaust valve is used. 35 is controlled to be opened. At this time, the dummy gas control valve 54 is controlled to be opened and the dummy gas exhaust valve 55 is controlled to be closed.

  The mixed gas supply pipe 42 is provided with a turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 that generates a turbulent flow in the mixed gas flowing in the mixed gas supply pipe 42.

  The turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 irregularly and temporally and spatially changes the state of the flow of the fluid flowing through the downstream portion of the dilution gas supply pipe 41. In this embodiment, the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 is configured by bending a downstream portion of the mixed gas supply pipe 42 at a plurality of locations. The turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 is a so-called mixing channel. As a result, the mixed gas is mixed by repeatedly colliding with the inner wall surface of the downstream portion of the mixed gas supply pipe 42 in the process of passing through the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9. The mixed gas mixture is supplied to a device (for example, an olfactory sensor) in the next process (not shown).

  According to the gas supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the concentration of the odor molecule 20 released from the container 2 is desired based on the amount of the odor molecule 20 calculated based on the time change of the mass of the container 2. The flow rate of at least one of the carrier gas and the dilution gas is controlled so as to achieve the concentration. For example, when the concentration of the odor molecule 20 released from the storage unit 2 is adjusted to a low concentration, the flow rate of the carrier gas is decreased and the flow rate of the dilution gas is increased. Thereby, the density | concentration of the odor molecule 20 discharge | released from the accommodating part 2 can be adjusted to a low density | concentration. Further, the flow rate of the carrier gas and the flow rate of the dilution gas are controlled to be constant values while maintaining the concentration of the odor molecule 20 released from the storage unit 2 at a low concentration. Thereby, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably. Furthermore, the concentration of the low-concentration odor molecule released from the storage unit 2 can be calculated based on the time change of the mass of the storage unit 2. Therefore, the concentration of the odor molecule 20 can be controlled and the odor molecule 20 can be supplied stably.

  Moreover, according to this structure, it becomes easy to adjust the density | concentration of the odor molecule 20 in the mixed gas which flows in the mixed gas supply piping 42 to a very small value. For example, by applying the diffusion equation with the length (height) and inner diameter of the diffusion tube 22 as predetermined dimensions, the flow rate of the odor molecule 20 at the outlet of the diffusion tube 22 is set to be extremely small (for example, a value close to approximately 0). can do.

  Moreover, according to this structure, since the diffusion tube 22 is detachably connected to the container 21, it can be replaced with a diffusion tube having a different shape. For example, if a plurality of types of diffusion tubes having different diffusion tube lengths and inner diameters are prepared in advance, the diffusion tube can be appropriately replaced with a diffusion tube having a size suitable for obtaining an odor molecule 20 having a desired concentration. Therefore, it becomes easy to supply the odor molecule 20 having a desired concentration.

  Even if the odor molecule has the same chemical structure, it becomes a different odor molecule if the reaction method such as oxidation reaction or reduction reaction is different. If the container 21 is formed of a material that chemically reacts with the odor molecule 20, an odor molecule different from the target odor molecule is generated. In addition, if the container 21 and the odor molecule 20 are formed of a material that is easily adsorbed, an odor different from a desired concentration is generated. As a result, the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration cannot be measured with high accuracy. On the other hand, if the container 21 is formed of a material that does not adsorb and chemically react with the odor molecule 20, the target odor molecule can be obtained. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration and measure the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration with high accuracy.

  When the odor molecule 20 is stored in the container 21 in a liquid state, the gas volatilized from the liquid is released from the diffusion tube 22 in a state including the odor molecule 20. If the diffusion tube 22 is formed of a material that chemically reacts with the gas containing the odor molecule 20, an odor molecule different from the target odor molecule is generated. In addition, if the diffusion tube 22 and the container 21 are formed of a material that can easily adsorb the odor molecule 20, the odor will differ from the desired concentration. As a result, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the concentration of low-concentration odor molecules. On the other hand, if the diffusion tube 22 is formed of a material that adsorbs the odor molecule 20 and does not chemically react with the gas containing the odor molecule 20, the target odor molecule can be obtained. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration and measure the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration with high accuracy.

  When the odor molecule 20 is stored in the container 21 in a liquid state, the gas volatilized from the liquid is released from the diffusion tube 22 in a state including the odor molecule 20. If the inner wall surface of the container 21 and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube 22 are not liquid-repellent, the odor molecule 20 may be adsorbed on the inner wall surface of the container 21 or the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube 22. In this case, an ideal diffusion state cannot be obtained, and it becomes difficult to accurately measure the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration. On the other hand, if the inner wall surface of the container 21 and the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube are liquid-repellent, the odor molecule 20 can hardly be adsorbed on the inner wall surface of the container 21 or the inner wall surface of the diffusion tube. The state can be obtained. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration and measure the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration with high accuracy.

  Further, according to this configuration, the concentration of the odor molecule 20 in the mixed gas flowing through the mixed gas supply pipe 42 by the arithmetic unit 7 according to the above formulas (1), (2), (3), and (4). Therefore, the concentration of the low-concentration odor molecule 20 released from the storage unit 2 can be easily calculated based on the time change of the mass of the storage unit 2. Further, based on these equations, the flow rate of the low concentration odor molecule 20 at the outlet of the diffusion tube 22 and the substance amount of the odor molecule 20 can be easily calculated.

Further, according to this configuration, since the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device 6 is 1 mg or less, it is possible to realize the measurement of the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration of the order of ppm or less. On the contrary, if the minimum measuring ability of the measuring device 6 exceeds 1 mg, it takes a long time to observe the mass change, and the concentration of the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration of the order of ppm or less is measured. It becomes difficult.
As described above, the mass of the odor molecule 20 is calculated based on the time change of the mass of the container 2 measured by the measuring device 6. Here, the “minimum measuring ability of the measuring device” is the lowest mass (measurement lower limit value) that the measuring device can measure. The minimum resolution of the measurement time is the time until the odor molecule 20 having a mass corresponding to the minimum measurement capability of the measurement device 6 is released from the container 2 (the time when the measurement lower limit value changes). That is, the minimum resolution of the measurement time is reduced as the minimum measurement capability of the measurement device 6 is reduced. Thereby, it becomes easy to measure the concentration of the odor molecule 20 released from the container 2 in real time when the apparatus is actually used.

  Moreover, according to this structure, since it has the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9, a carrier gas and a dilution gas can be mixed uniformly. Therefore, it becomes easy to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration.

  Moreover, according to this structure, a desired amount of odor molecules can be supplied.

  In order to stably supply the odor molecule 20 at a low concentration, it is important to maintain the conditions and atmosphere for supplying the odor molecule 20 at a low concentration in a constant state. According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which the concentration molecules 20 are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration can be stably supplied.

  According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42 in a state where the supply amount of the carrier gas is always constant. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  Further, according to this configuration, the total flow rates of the dummy gas, the carrier gas, and the dilution gas are always kept constant. Therefore, a low concentration of odor molecules can be constantly supplied stably.

  In order to stably supply the odor molecule 20 at a low concentration, it is important to maintain the conditions and atmosphere for supplying the odor molecule 20 at a low concentration in a constant state. According to this configuration, the dummy gas can be exhausted so that the dummy gas is not supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which the concentration molecules 20 are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration can be stably supplied.

  Further, according to this configuration, the dummy gas can be exhausted so that the dummy gas is not supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42 in a state where the supply amount of the dummy gas is always constant. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which the concentration molecules 20 are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration can be stably supplied.

  Moreover, according to this structure, the conditions and atmosphere in which the low concentration odor molecule 20 is supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration can be stably supplied.

  Further, according to this configuration, since a known gas is used, it is easy to maintain the conditions and atmosphere for supplying the low-concentration odor molecule 20 in a constant state. Therefore, it becomes easy to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration.

  In the present embodiment, the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are described using an example in which the rubber ring 23, the fixing plate 24, and the fixing screw 25 are connected. Not exclusively. As the connection state between the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31, various methods can be adopted as long as the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 can be connected without a gap.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the connection state between the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31.
As shown in FIG. 6, the diffusion tube 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are connected using a rubber plug 23A. A rubber ring 23 is fitted in the vicinity of the outlet of the diffusion tube 22.

  The inner diameter of the rubber plug 23 </ b> A is smaller than the outer diameter of the diffusion tube 22. For this reason, the diffusion tube 22 is press-fitted into the rubber plug 23A. Thereby, the outer wall surface of the diffusion tube 22 and the inner portion of the rubber plug 23A are in close contact with each other without any gap.

  An opening having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the rubber plug 23 </ b> A is formed in a portion where the diffusion pipe 22 is inserted in the carrier gas supply pipe 31. The diffusion tube 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 that are press-fitted into the rubber plug 23A are fixed in a state where the rubber plug 23A is press-fitted into the opening. Thereby, the opening of the carrier gas supply pipe 31 and the outer portion of the rubber plug 23A are in close contact with each other without a gap.

  Even in such a configuration, the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 are connected without a gap. For this reason, the airtightness of the diffusion pipe 22 and the carrier gas supply pipe 31 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 has been described with reference to an example in which the downstream portion of the mixed gas supply pipe 42 is bent at a plurality of locations. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 adopts various configurations as long as it can vary the flow state of the fluid flowing through the downstream portion of the mixed gas supply pipe 42 irregularly in time and space. be able to.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the turbulent flow generation mechanism.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a first modification of the turbulent flow generation mechanism, and is a cross-sectional view of a downstream portion of the mixed gas supply pipe 90A cut along a plane perpendicular to the fluid flow direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9A according to the first modified example is configured such that a lattice-like net 91A is stretched inside a mixed gas supply pipe 90A. As a result, the mixed gas collides with a plurality of rectangular partition portions formed in the net 91A in the process of passing through the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9A and becomes turbulent.

  Even in such a configuration, the carrier gas and the dilution gas can be mixed uniformly. Therefore, it becomes easy to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a second modification of the turbulent flow generation mechanism, and is a cross-sectional view in which a downstream portion of the mixed gas supply pipe 90B is cut along a plane parallel to the fluid flow direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9B according to the second modification is configured by forming a plurality of elliptical fins 91B on the inner wall surface of the mixed gas supply pipe 90B. The plurality of fins 91 </ b> B are arranged at a predetermined interval. Thereby, the mixed gas collides with the plurality of fins 91B and becomes turbulent in the process of passing through the turbulent flow generation mechanism 9B.

  Even in such a configuration, the carrier gas and the dilution gas can be mixed uniformly. Therefore, it becomes easy to stably supply the odor molecule 20 having a low concentration.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a gas supply apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 8, the gas supply apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of accommodating portions 2A (first accommodating portion 2A1 to nth accommodating portion 2An), and a plurality of accommodating portions 2A corresponding to the plurality of accommodating portions 2A. A plurality of measurement devices 6A (first measurement devices 6A1 to nth measurement devices) corresponding to the plurality of accommodating portions 2A, including a carrier gas supply device 3A (first carrier gas supply device 3A1 to nth carrier gas supply device 3An). 6An), a plurality of carrier gas control valves 34A (first carrier gas control valve 34A1 to nth carrier gas control valve 34An) corresponding to the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A, and a plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A. A plurality of carrier gas exhaust valves 35A (first carrier gas exhaust valve 35A1 to nth carrier gas exhaust valve 35An) corresponding to In is different from the gas supply apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above. Since the other points are the same as the above-described configuration, the same elements as those in FIG. In FIG. 8, for convenience sake, the illustration of the container and the diffusion tube constituting the housing portion 2A is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a gas supply device 1A according to the present embodiment includes a gas supply unit 10A, a dilution gas supply device 4, a dummy gas supply device 5, a calculation device 7, a control device 8, and a mixed gas supply. A pipe 42 and a turbulent flow generation mechanism 9 are provided.

  The gas supply unit 10A includes a plurality of storage units 2A, a plurality of carrier gas supply devices 3A corresponding to the plurality of storage units 2A, and a plurality of measurement devices 6A corresponding to the plurality of storage units 2A. Different types of odor molecules are accommodated in the plurality of accommodating portions 2A.

  Also in this embodiment, various odor molecules can be used. For example, consider a case where four accommodating portions (first accommodating portion 2A1, second accommodating portion 2A2, third accommodating portion 2A3, and fourth accommodating portion 2A4) are used as the plurality of accommodating portions 2A. In this case, ethanol is used as the odor molecule in the first container 2A1, acetaldehyde is used as the odor molecule in the second container 2A2, acetone is used in the third container 2A3, and odor is used in the fourth container 2A4. Sulfide is used as the molecule. Thereby, the mixed gas which assumed alcohol detection in a person's expiration can be obtained.

  In addition, five or more accommodating parts (1st accommodating part 2A1, 2nd accommodating part 2A2, 3rd accommodating part 2A3 and 4th accommodating part 2A4, 5th accommodating part 2A5, ... nth as several accommodating part 2A. A housing part 2An) may be used. In this case, ethanol is used as the odor molecule in the first container 2A1, acetaldehyde is used as the odor molecule in the second container 2A2, acetone is used in the third container 2A3, and odor is used in the fourth container 2A4. Sulfide is used as a molecule, and in the fifth container 2A5 to nth container 2An, a odor molecule different from an odor molecule constituting a mixed gas assuming alcohol detection in human breath is used. Even in such a configuration, the carrier gas is supplied from the plurality of carrier gas supply devices 3A (fifth carrier gas supply device 3A5 to nth carrier gas supply device 3An) corresponding to the fifth storage portion 2A5 to the nth storage portion 2An. If control is performed so as not to be performed, it is possible to obtain a mixed gas that is supposed to detect alcohol in a person's breath.

  Each of the plurality of carrier gas supply devices 3A includes a carrier gas flow control device 30A (first carrier gas flow control device 30A1 to n-th carrier gas flow control device 30An), a carrier gas supply pipe 31A (first carrier gas). Gas supply pipe 31A1 to n-th carrier gas supply pipe 31An), carrier gas exhaust pipe 33A (first carrier gas exhaust pipe 33A1 to n-th carrier gas exhaust pipe 33An), carrier gas control valve 34A (first carrier gas control valve 34A1) Thru | or nth carrier gas control valve 34An) and carrier gas exhaust valve 35A (1st carrier gas exhaust valve 35A1 thru | or nth carrier gas exhaust valve 35An) are provided.

  A plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A are arranged corresponding to the plurality of carrier gas flow control devices 30A. The plurality of carrier gas flow control devices 30A, based on the control signal of the control device 8, are used for the carrier gas in each carrier gas supply pipe 31A (the first carrier gas supply pipe 31A1 to the nth carrier gas supply pipe 31An). Control the flow rate.

For example, the control device 8 performs the following control.
When mixing the carrier gas supplied from the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41, a carrier gas having a predetermined flow rate is supplied from each carrier gas flow control device 30A. Control to be supplied. At this time, the dummy gas control valve 54 is controlled to be closed and the dummy gas exhaust valve 55 is controlled to be opened.
On the other hand, the carrier gas supplied from a part of the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A (for example, the first carrier gas supply pipe 31A1) and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 are not mixed. In such a case, control is performed so that the carrier gas is not supplied from the carrier gas flow control device (for example, the first carrier gas flow control device 30A1) corresponding to the part of the carrier gas supply piping. At this time, the dummy gas control valve 54 is controlled to be opened and the carrier gas exhaust valve 55 is controlled to be closed.

  For example, the dummy gas flow control device 50 controls the flow rate of the dummy gas to the same amount as the flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A. In other words, the dummy gas flow control device 50 supplies a dummy gas having a flow rate corresponding to the shortage when the flow rate of the carrier gas to be originally supplied from the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A is less than a predetermined value. Control as follows. Here, the carrier gas supplied from a part of the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A (for example, the first carrier gas supply pipe 31A1) and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 are mixed. If not, control is performed so as to supply a dummy gas having a flow rate corresponding to the flow rate of the carrier gas to be originally supplied from the first carrier gas supply pipe 31A1. Thus, the total flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A and the flow rate of the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 is adjusted to be always constant.

The control device 8 can also perform the following control.
When mixing the carrier gas supplied from the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41, the plurality of carrier gas control valves 34A are controlled to be opened and The carrier gas exhaust valve 35A is controlled to be closed. At this time, the dummy gas control valve 54 is controlled to be closed and the dummy gas exhaust valve 55 is controlled to be opened.
On the other hand, the carrier gas supplied from some of the plurality of carrier gas supply pipes 31A (for example, the first carrier gas supply pipe 31A1) and the dilution gas supplied from the dilution gas supply pipe 41 are not mixed. In this case, the carrier gas control valve (for example, the first carrier gas control valve 34A1) corresponding to the part of the carrier gas supply piping is controlled to be closed and the carrier gas corresponding to the part of the carrier gas supply piping is used. The exhaust valve (for example, the first carrier gas exhaust valve 35A1) is controlled to be opened. At this time, the dummy gas control valve 54 is controlled to be opened and the dummy gas exhaust valve 55 is controlled to be closed.

  According to the gas supply apparatus 1A of the present embodiment, since the plurality of storage units 2A have different types of odor molecules stored therein, the plurality of types of odor molecules are mixed. Various types of odor molecules can be generated.

  Further, according to this configuration, various kinds of odor molecules can be generated by selecting and mixing desired odor molecules among a plurality of kinds of odor molecules. Further, if the supply amount of the carrier gas corresponding to a plurality of types of odor molecules is adjusted, a desired odor molecule can be generated by changing the mixing ratio of the odor molecules contained in each carrier gas.

  In order to stably supply a low concentration of odor molecules, it is important to maintain the conditions and atmosphere under which the low concentration of odor molecules are supplied in a constant state. According to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  Further, according to this configuration, the carrier gas can be exhausted so that the carrier gas is not supplied to the mixed gas supply pipe 42 in a state where the supply amount of the carrier gas is always constant. Thereby, the conditions and atmosphere in which low concentration odor molecules are supplied can be maintained in a constant state. Therefore, a low concentration odor molecule can be supplied stably.

  Further, according to this configuration, various kinds of odor molecules can be generated by selecting and mixing desired odor molecules among a plurality of kinds of odor molecules. Further, by adjusting the flow rate of the carrier gas corresponding to a plurality of types of odor molecules, desired odor molecules can be generated by changing the mixing ratio of the odor molecules contained in each carrier gas.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A ... Gas supply device, 2, 2A ... Accommodating part, 6, 6A ... Measuring device, 7 ... Arithmetic device, 8 ... Control device, 9, 9A, 9B ... Turbulence generating mechanism, 20 ... Odor molecule (odor (Causative substance), 21 ... container, 22 ... diffusion pipe, 31, 31A ... carrier gas supply pipe (first pipe), 41 ... dilution gas supply pipe (second pipe), 42, 90A, 90B ... mixed gas supply Piping (third piping), 51 ... dummy gas supply piping (fourth piping), 34, 34A ... carrier gas control valve, 35, 35A ... carrier gas exhaust valve, 54 ... dummy gas control valve, 55 ... dummy gas exhaust valve

Claims (21)

A storage section for storing substances that cause odors;
A first pipe for supplying the substance released from the container on a carrier gas;
A second pipe for supplying dilution gas;
A third pipe for supplying a mixed gas in which at least the carrier gas containing the substance supplied from the first pipe and the dilution gas supplied from the second pipe are mixed;
A measuring device for measuring the mass of the accommodating portion;
An arithmetic device that calculates the amount of the substance released from the container based on the time change of the mass of the container measured by the measuring device;
Based on the amount of the substance calculated by the arithmetic unit, the flow rate of the carrier gas flowing in the first pipe and the second pipe so that the concentration of the substance in the mixed gas becomes a desired concentration. A control device for controlling a flow rate of at least one of the flow rates of the dilution gas flowing in the interior;
Including gas supply device. The accommodating portion is
A container containing the substance;
The gas supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a diffusion tube that diffuses the substance released from the container.   The gas supply device according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion tube is detachably connected to the container.   The gas supply apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the container is formed of a material that does not chemically react with the substance. The substance is contained in the container in a liquid state;
5. The gas supply device according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion tube is formed of a material that does not chemically react with a gas volatilized from the substance in a liquid state.   The gas supply device according to claim 5, wherein an inner wall surface of the container and an inner wall surface of the diffusion tube are subjected to a liquid repellent treatment. The computing device measures the mass of the housing portion measured by the measuring device at the first time t1, and the measuring device measures the second time t2 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time t1. The mass of the accommodating part is m2, the molecular weight of the substance is w, the atmospheric pressure is P, the volume of the space in which the accommodating part accommodates the substance is V, the substance amount of the substance is n, the gas constant is R, the diffusion tube The temperature inside is K, the flow rate of the substance at the outlet of the diffusion tube is D1, the flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the first pipe to the third pipe, and the second pipe is supplied to the third pipe When the total flow rate of the dilution gas is D2, and the concentration of the substance in the mixed gas flowing through the third pipe at the second time t2 is G, the following equation (1), (2 ), (3) and (4), the third pipe It claims 2 to calculate the concentration of the substance in the mixture in the gas flowing to the gas supply device according to any one of 6.
PV = nRT (1)
n = (m1-m2) / w (2)
D1 = V / (t2-t1) (3)
G = D1 / D2 (4)   The gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a minimum measuring ability of the measuring device is 1 mg or less.   The gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third pipe is provided with a turbulent flow generation mechanism that generates a turbulent flow in the mixed gas flowing in the third pipe.   The gas supply according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a carrier gas control valve for controlling a supply amount of the carrier gas from the first pipe to the third pipe is provided in the first pipe. apparatus.   The gas supply device according to claim 10, wherein a carrier gas exhaust valve that exhausts the carrier gas that has been prevented from being supplied to the third pipe by the carrier gas control valve is provided in the first pipe.   The gas supply device according to claim 11, wherein the carrier gas having a constant flow rate is always supplied to the first pipe.   A plurality of the accommodating portions that accommodate different types of substances are provided, and a plurality of the first pipes are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of the accommodating portions, and the third pipe includes a plurality of the plurality of the above-described accommodating portions. The gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of the carrier gases containing the substance released from the storage portion are supplied.   The gas supply device according to claim 13, wherein a carrier gas control valve that controls a supply amount of the carrier gas from the first pipe to the third pipe is provided in each of the plurality of first pipes.   The gas supply according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of first pipes is provided with a carrier gas exhaust valve that exhausts the carrier gas blocked from being supplied to the third pipe by the carrier gas control valve. apparatus.   The gas supply device according to claim 15, wherein the carrier gas is constantly supplied at a constant flow rate to each of the plurality of first pipes.   A fourth pipe for supplying a dummy gas to the third pipe; and the control device is configured so that the flow rate of the mixed gas including the dummy gas, the carrier gas, and the dilution gas flowing through the third pipe is always constant. The gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flow rate of the dummy gas supplied from the fourth pipe to the third pipe is controlled.   A dummy gas control valve for controlling the supply amount of the dummy gas from the fourth pipe to the third pipe, and the dummy gas blocked from being supplied to the third pipe by the dummy gas control valve are exhausted to the fourth pipe. The gas supply apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a dummy gas exhaust valve is provided.   The gas supply device according to claim 18, wherein a dummy gas having a constant flow rate is always supplied to the fourth pipe.   The gas supply device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the same gas is used as the carrier gas, the dilution gas, and the dummy gas. The gas supply device according to claim 20, wherein the gas used as the carrier gas, the dilution gas, and the dummy gas is air or nitrogen.

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