Methods for preventing mold in aerosol products and inside air conditioners

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide aerosol products and a method for preventing mold growth inside air conditioners. [Solution] An aerosol product according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a spray nozzle having a nozzle for spraying an aerosol composition having an aerosol concentrate containing a microbial control component and a propellant, and a flow path connected to the nozzle, wherein the flow path has an expanded diameter portion and / or a reduced diameter portion, and when the aerosol composition is sprayed toward a first vertical plane located at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the nozzle, the spray force of the aerosol composition measured at the first vertical plane is 1 gf or more.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to aerosol products and a method for preventing mold growth inside air conditioners. [Background technology]

[0002] The interior of an air conditioner is a semi-sealed, confined space with a complex internal structure due to curved walls and uneven blower fans. Furthermore, the interior of an air conditioner is often damp due to condensation, creating conditions conducive to mold growth. However, conventional cleaning tools are insufficient to completely remove mold from the inside of an air conditioner, requiring disassembly and cleaning, which necessitates hiring a professional cleaning company. For these reasons, there is a need for a simple method to prevent mold growth and development inside air conditioners.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner having an air intake on its top surface and a sprayer that can deliver a mist of liquid chemical to every corner of the air conditioner and allow it to act effectively without soiling the room in which the air conditioner is installed. The sprayer comprises a tank for containing liquid chemical, a liquid-absorbing wick with a first end inserted into the tank, a nozzle with numerous holes attached to the second end of the liquid-absorbing wick, an ultrasonic transducer attached to the nozzle, and an ultrasonic oscillator installed on top of the air conditioner to vibrate the ultrasonic transducer, and is attached to the air conditioner such that when the ultrasonic transducer is vibrated, the liquid chemical is sprayed horizontally or diagonally downward. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-186807 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to install the ultrasonic oscillator on the upper part of the air conditioner, it is troublesome for the user to attach the nebulizer to the air conditioner, and there is a problem that it cannot be attached depending on the type of the air conditioner (for example, a ceiling-embedded air conditioner or a portable air conditioner). There is a need to prevent the generation and growth of mold over a wide range including the deep part inside the air conditioner by a simple method.

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention provides an aerosol product capable of easily and effectively attaching a microbial control component to a wide range including the deep part inside the air conditioner, and a method for preventing mold inside the air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes the following aspects. [1] An aerosol product comprising an aerosol stock solution containing a microbial control component and an injection nozzle having an injection port for injecting an aerosol composition containing an aerosol agent and a flow path connected to the injection port. Comprising The flow path has a diameter-expanded portion and / or a diameter-reduced portion, When the aerosol composition is injected toward a first vertical plane located at a distance of 15 cm in the horizontal direction from the injection port, the injection force of the aerosol composition measured on the first vertical plane is 1 gf or more. [2] The aerosol product according to [1], wherein the flow path is provided with the diameter-reduced portion and the diameter-expanded portion in this order in the direction toward the injection port. [3] The aerosol product according to [1], wherein the average particle diameter of the injected particles measured by using a laser diffraction particle size measurement method on the first vertical plane is 1 to 120 μm. [4] The aerosol product according to [1], wherein the injection speed of the aerosol composition measured on the first vertical plane is 500 to 2000 cm / s. [5] A method for preventing mold inside an air conditioner, comprising the step of spraying an aerosol composition into the air conditioner from any one of the aerosol products described in [1] to [4]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The aerosol product of the present invention allows for the effective attachment of microbial control components to a wide area, including the deep parts of the complex structure inside an air conditioner. Furthermore, because the particles of the aerosol composition sprayed from the aerosol product of the present invention have momentum, when sprayed into the inside of an air conditioner, they hit the inner walls and scatter (diffuse) in all directions, thereby allowing the microbial control components to attach to a wide area, including the deep parts, within the complex structure of the air conditioner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an injection nozzle according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an injection nozzle according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an injection nozzle according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path of an injection nozzle according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the positional relationship between the aerosol product and the first vertical plane. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an injection nozzle in an comparative example. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the evaluation of the diffusivity of aerosol compositions. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the evaluation of the diffusivity of aerosol compositions. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of the spray test in the air conditioner internal deposit amount measurement test 1. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram of the spray test in the Air Conditioner Internal Deposition Amount Measurement Test 2. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram for the mold inhibition effect test. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The numerical ranges described herein can be any combination of upper and lower limits. For example, if a numerical range is described as "30 to 100, or 40 to 80," the ranges of "30 to 80" and "40 to 100" are included in the numerical range described herein. Similarly, if a numerical range is described as "30 or more, or 40 or more, and 100 or less, or 80 or less," the ranges of "30 to 80" and "40 to 100" are included in the numerical range described herein. For example, "60 to 100" means the range is "60 or more, and 100 or less."

[0011] [ Aerosol Products 100 ] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, passing through the central axis C1 of the aerosol product 100 and the central axis C2 of the flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150.

[0012] The aerosol product 100 comprises an aerosol container (not shown) filled with an aerosol composition containing an aerosol concentrate and a propellant, a spray button 130 attached to the aerosol container via an aerosol valve (not shown), and a spray nozzle 150 attached to the spray button 130 and having a spray opening formed therein. An aerosol valve is a component that closes the opening of an aerosol container. The aerosol valve comprises an opening / closing member for switching communication between the inside and outside of the aerosol container and blocking it when the spray button 130 is operated by the user, a housing to which the opening / closing member is attached, a mounting member for holding the housing in a predetermined position on the aerosol container, and a dip tube connected to a housing hole for supplying the aerosol composition to the housing hole. The opening / closing member also includes a stem that slides up and down in conjunction with the spray button 130. The sliding of the stem switches between communication (spray state) and blocking (non-spray state) of the aerosol composition. The aerosol valve has a housing hole for taking in the aerosol composition from the aerosol container and a stem hole for sending the taken-in aerosol composition to the spray button 130. The path from the housing hole to the stem hole constitutes an internal passage through which the aerosol composition passes. The spray button 130 is a component attached to the aerosol container via the aerosol valve. The spray button 130 comprises an operating section 140 operated by the user, an insertion section 121 into which the tip of the valve stem is inserted, and a spray nozzle 150 that communicates with the valve and sprays the aerosol composition.

[0013] Since the central axis C1 of the aerosol product 100 and the central axis C2 of the spray nozzle are approximately perpendicular (90°±5°), pressing the operating part 140 located at the top of the aerosol product 100 causes the aerosol composition to be sprayed laterally from the spray nozzle 150.

[0014] An aerosol container is a pressure-resistant container for filling with an aerosol composition. It is a roughly cylindrical container (a cylinder with a circular or elliptical cross-section perpendicular to its central axis) with a space formed inside in which the aerosol composition is filled. An opening is provided at the top of the aerosol container, and this opening is sealed by a valve.

[0015] When the user operates the operating section 140 of the spray button 130, the valve is activated, and the inside and outside of the aerosol container are connected. Due to the pressure difference inside and outside the aerosol container, the aerosol composition inside the aerosol container is sprayed from the nozzle 154 of the spray nozzle 150.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150, passing through the central axis C2. The injection nozzle 150 comprises a cylindrical flow path 152 connected to a flow path 122 and an injection port 154 connected to the flow path 152 (which is the outlet). If the operating unit 140 and the injection nozzle 150 are separate parts, the flow path 152 is the internal flow path of the injection nozzle 150. If the operating unit 140 and the injection nozzle 150 are integrally molded, the internal flow path in the portion where the central axis C2 is straight is defined as the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150. The flow path 122 is the flow path formed between the stem and the injection nozzle 150.

[0017] The flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150 has a first equal-diameter section 152a-1, a reduced-diameter section 152b, a second equal-diameter section 152a-2, and an expanded-diameter section 152c. The equal-diameter sections 152a-1, 152b, 152a-2, and 152c are provided in order from the valve side toward the injection port 154. The equal-diameter sections 152a-1 and 152a-2 are collectively referred to as the equal-diameter section 152a.

[0018] The equidiameter section 152a-1 is a portion of the flow path 152 where the diameter d1 is constant over a length L1 in the direction of the long axis (direction of the central axis C2).

[0019] The diameter-reducing section 152b is a portion of the flow path 152 with a length L2 along its long axis, where the diameter decreases in the direction toward the nozzle 154. When the sprayed aerosol composition passes through the diameter-reducing section 152b, the velocity of the aerosol composition increases (accelerates) and is adjusted to an appropriate velocity. In addition, when the sprayed aerosol composition reaches the first vertical plane (see Figure 7), which will be described later, it becomes easier to scatter in all directions (up, down, left, and right), thus improving its diffusion.

[0020] The equidiameter section 152a-2 is a portion of the flow path 152 where the diameter d2 is constant over a length L3 along the long axis.

[0021] The enlarged diameter section 152c is a portion of the flow path 152 with a length L4 along its long axis, where the diameter increases in the direction toward the nozzle 154. When the sprayed aerosol composition passes through the enlarged diameter section 152c, the spread of the aerosol composition increases compared to when it passes through the equal-diameter section 152a, resulting in wider dispersal and spraying. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the enlarged diameter section 152c on the nozzle 154 side of the flow path 152 rather than on the valve side. The end of the enlarged diameter section 152c may constitute the nozzle 154 (for example, Figure 3), or the nozzle 154 may be connected to the enlarged diameter section 152c (for example, Figure 1).

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150 is provided with a constant diameter section 152a-1, a reduced diameter section 152b, a constant diameter section 152a-2, and an expanded diameter section 152c, respectively, in the direction toward the injection port 154. Thus, the diameter of the reduced diameter section 152b decreases from d1 to d2 in the direction toward the injection port 154, and the diameter of the expanded diameter section 152c increases from d2 to d3. In other words, the reduced diameter section 152b has a maximum diameter d1 and a minimum diameter d2, and the expanded diameter section 152c has a minimum diameter d2 and a maximum diameter d3.

[0023] The nozzle 154 is a portion having a diameter d4 and a length L5 in the longitudinal direction, but it is also possible for the end of the enlarged diameter portion 152c (the portion with the maximum diameter d3) to constitute the nozzle 154 without providing such a portion.

[0024] d1 is greater than d2, and d2 is less than d3. d3 may be the same as d1, or it may be less than or greater than d1. d4 is a value greater than or equal to d3, or a value greater than or equal to both d1 and d3. By satisfying these relationships between d1 and d2, the flow rate of the aerosol composition can be adjusted, and by satisfying these relationships between d2 and d3, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition is improved. The relationships between L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are arbitrary and may be different values ​​or the same value. L1 is a value greater than 0, and L2, L3, L4, and L5 are values ​​greater than or equal to 0, but either L2 or L4 is a value greater than 0. Preferably, L1 is greater than L2, L3, L4, and L5, L2 and L3 are less than L4, and L4 is greater than L5. Preferably, L1 is greater than L2, L3, L4, and L5, L2 is less than L3 and L4, L4 is greater than L5, and L5 is greater than L2.

[0025] The cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2 of the equal-diameter portion 152a-1 is preferably a circle. The diameter d1 of the circle is, for example, 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, and 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less. By setting d1 within the above range, the aerosol composition can be sprayed effectively.

[0026] The cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2 of the reduced-diameter portion 152b is preferably a circle. Similarly, the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2 of the equal-diameter portion 152a-2 is preferably a circle. The diameter d2 (minimum diameter) of the circle at the nozzle 154 side end of the reduced-diameter portion 152b and the diameter d2 of the equal-diameter portion 152a-2 are, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, or 0.5 mm or more, and 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. By setting d2 within the above range, the flow rate of the aerosol composition can be adjusted.

[0027] It is preferable that the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2 of the diameter-expanded portion 152c is a circle. The diameter d3 (maximum diameter) of the circle at the injection port 154 side end of the diameter-expanded portion 152c is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, and 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less. By setting d3 within the above range, the diffusibility of the aerosol composition can be improved.

[0028] It is preferable that the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2 of the injection port 154 is a circle. The diameter d4 of the circle is, for example, 0.4 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, and 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less. By setting d4 within the above range, the diffusibility of the aerosol composition can be improved. When L5 is 0 (that is, when the end portion of the diameter-expanded portion 152c constitutes the injection port 154), d4 is equal to d3.

[0029] The cross-sectional area A1 of the equal-diameter portion 152a-1 (when the cross-section is a circle, the circular area with diameter d1) is, for example, 0.2 mm 2 or more, 0.8 mm 2 or more, 1.8 mm 2 or more, or 3 mm 2 or more, and 28 mm 2 or less, 20 mm 2 or less, 13 mm 2 or less, 7 mm 2 or less, or 3 mm 2 or less. By setting A1 within the above range, good injection can be achieved.

[0030] The ratio (d1 / d2) of the maximum diameter d1 to the minimum diameter d2 of the diameter-reduced portion 152b is greater than 1, for example, 1.1 or more, 1.2 or more, 1.3 or more, 1.4 or more, or 1.5 or more, and 60 or less, 50 or less, 50 or less, 30 or less, 20 or less, 10 or less, 5 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less. By setting d1 / d2 within the above range, the flow rate of the aerosol composition can be adjusted to an appropriate speed.

[0031] The ratio (d3 / d2) of the maximum diameter d3 to the minimum diameter d2 of the enlarged portion 152c is greater than 1, for example, 1.1 or more, 1.2 or more, 1.3 or more, 1.4 or more, or 1.5 or more, and 60 or less, 50 or less, 40 or less, 30 or less, 20 or less, 10 or less, 5 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less. By setting d3 / d2 within the above range, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition can be improved.

[0032] The cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 154 side end (minimum diameter portion) of the reduced diameter portion 152b and the cross-sectional area A2 of the equal diameter portion 152a-2 (the area of ​​a circle with diameter d2 if the cross-section is a circle) are, for example, 0.01 mm. 2 Above, 0.05mm 2 Above, 0.1 mm 2 or more, or 0.2 mm 2 That's all. 20mm 2 Below, 13mm 2 Below, 7mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 Below, 1mm 2 The following, or 0.5mm 2 The following applies: By setting A2 to the above range, the flow rate of the aerosol composition can be adjusted.

[0033] The cross-sectional area A3 (the area of ​​a circle with diameter d3 if the cross-section is a circle) of the enlarged diameter portion 152c at the nozzle 154 side end (maximum diameter portion) is, for example, 0.2 mm. 2 Above, 0.5mm 2 Above, 0.7mm 2 or more, or 1 mm 2 That's all. 28mm 2 Below, 25mm 2 Below, 20mm 2 Below, 15mm 2 Below, 13mm 2 Below, 10mm 2 Below, 7mm 2 Below, 5mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 The following, or 1 mm 2 The following applies: By setting A3 to the above range, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition can be improved.

[0034] The cross-sectional area A4 of the nozzle 154 (if the cross-section is a circle, the area of ​​a circle with diameter d4) is, for example, 0.5 mm 2 Above, 0.7mm 2 Above, 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, 1.8 mm 2 2mm or more, or 3mm or more 2 That's all. 28mm 2 Below, 20mm 2 Below, 13mm 2 The following, or 7mm 2 The following applies: By setting A4 to the above range, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition can be further improved.

[0035] The length L1 of the equal-diameter portion 152a-1 is, for example, 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 4 mm or more, or 5 mm or more, and 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 7 mm or less, or 6 mm or less.

[0036] The length L2 of the reduced diameter portion 152b is, for example, 0 mm or more, 0.01 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.2 mm or more, and 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0037] The length L3 of the equal-diameter portion 152a-2 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.2 mm or more, and 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0038] The length L4 of the enlarged diameter portion 152c is, for example, 0.01 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, 0.1 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, and 10 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less. By setting L4 within the above range, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition can be improved.

[0039] The length L5 of the nozzle 154 is, for example, 0 mm or more, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.3 mm or more, and 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less. By setting L5 within the above range, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition can be improved.

[0040] The aerosol composition sprayed from the aerosol product 100 increases in velocity as it passes through the narrowed diameter section 152b of the flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150, and then widens the spray range of the aerosol composition as it passes through the widened diameter section 152c with that momentum. With this configuration, the sprayed aerosol composition diffuses over a wide area, allowing the microbial control component to adhere effectively to that area. Preferred locations for spraying with the aerosol product 100 include air conditioners, bathrooms, changing rooms, toilets, washing machines, closets, and storage spaces. Among these, air conditioners have a complex internal structure, making it difficult to diffuse microbial control components over a wide area. However, by providing at least one of a narrowed diameter section 152b and a widened diameter section 152c in the flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150 of the aerosol product 100, the particles of the aerosol composition sprayed from the aerosol product 100 are fast and forceful, causing them to collide with the inner walls of the air conditioner and scatter in all directions. This allows microbial control components to adhere to a wide area, including the deep parts, even inside the complex structure of an air conditioner.

[0041] The ratio of the cross-sectional area A2 to the cross-sectional area A1 (A2 / A1) is, for example, 0.001 or more, 0.01 or more, 0.05 or more, 0.1 or more, or 0.2 or more, less than 1, and 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, or 0.3 or less. By setting the cross-sectional area A2 at the minimum diameter of the reduced-diameter section 152b to these ranges relative to the cross-sectional area A1 of the equal-diameter section 152a, the flow velocity of the aerosol composition sprayed from the aerosol product 100 can be adjusted (accelerated) compared to a flow path without the reduced-diameter section 152b. The particles of the sprayed aerosol composition collide with the inner wall of the air conditioner at a high flow velocity and scatter up, down, left, and right, allowing the microbial control component to adhere to a wide area, including deep parts, inside the complex structure of the air conditioner.

[0042] The ratio of the cross-sectional area A3 to the cross-sectional area A2 (A3 / A2) is greater than 1, for example, 1.1 or more, 1.5 or more, or 2 or more, and is 2000 or less, 1000 or less, 500 or less, 200 or less, 150 or less, 100 or less, 50 or less, 25 or less, 10 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, or 3 or less. By setting the cross-sectional area A3 at the maximum diameter of the enlarged diameter section 152c to these ranges relative to the cross-sectional area A2 of the reduced diameter section 152b, the spray range of the aerosol composition is widened. The particles of the sprayed aerosol composition spread over a wide area, including deep parts, inside the complex structure of the air conditioner, allowing the microbial control components to adhere.

[0043] Furthermore, the parameter (d1-d2) / L2, which represents the degree of narrowing of the flow path in the reduced diameter section 152b, is, for example, 0.01 or more, 0.2 or more, 0.5 or more, 1 or more, or 3 or more, and 50 or less, 30 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. Although not limited to these values, setting (d1-d2) / L2 within these ranges is preferable because it allows the particles of the sprayed aerosol composition to be reflected in various directions, making them more likely to scatter up, down, left, and right.

[0044] The parameter (d3-d2) / L4, which represents the degree of opening of the flow path in the enlarged diameter section 152c, is, for example, 0.01 or more, 0.05 or more, 0.1 or more, or 0.2 or more, and is 50 or less, 30 or less, 10 or less, 8 or less, 6 or less, 4 or less, 2 or less, or 1 or less. Although not limited to these values, setting (d3-d2) / L4 within these ranges is preferable because it allows the particles of the sprayed aerosol composition to be reflected in various directions, making them more likely to scatter up, down, left, and right.

[0045] The deep parts inside the air conditioner include the blower fan, the aluminum fins facing the blower fan, and the inner wall surface above the air outlet. Furthermore, when spraying the aerosol composition into the interior from the air outlet of the air conditioner, parts located away from the spray nozzle 154 of the aerosol product 100 (for example, when spraying the aerosol composition at the end of the air conditioner's air outlet, the other end of the outlet or parts located diagonally opposite each other inside the air conditioner) may also be included in the deep parts.

[0046] Here, the arrangement order of the equal-diameter section 152a-1, reduced-diameter section 152b, equal-diameter section 152a-2, and expanded-diameter section 152c in the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2. Figures 3 to 5 show modified arrangements of the equal-diameter section 152a, reduced-diameter section 152b, and expanded-diameter section 152c provided in the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150.

[0047] The flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150-1 shown in Figure 3 has equal-diameter sections 152a (with a constant diameter of d11) and widened-diameter sections 152c (with a diameter increasing from d11 to d12) arranged sequentially in the direction toward the spray opening 154, and does not have a narrowed-diameter section 152b. Because the widened-diameter section 152c is provided in the flow path 152, the spray range of the aerosol composition sprayed from the aerosol product is widened. The aerosol composition sprayed over a wide area spreads to a wide area including deep parts inside the complex structure of an air conditioner, and the microbial control component can be effectively attached to that area.

[0048] The flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150-2 shown in Figure 4 has a first equal-diameter section 152a-1 (with a constant diameter of d21), a reduced-diameter section 152b (with a diameter decreasing from d21 to d22), and a second equal-diameter section 152a-2 (with a constant diameter of d22), arranged sequentially in the direction toward the spray opening 154, and does not have an enlarged-diameter section 152c. Because the reduced-diameter section 152b is provided in the flow path 152, the velocity of the aerosol composition passing through the reduced-diameter section 152b is adjusted to increase, and the particles of the sprayed aerosol composition collide with the inner wall of the air conditioner at a high flow velocity and scatter up, down, left, and right, thereby effectively adhering the microbial control component to a wide area, including the deep parts, inside the air conditioner which has a complex structure.

[0049] The flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150-3 shown in Figure 5 has, in order toward the spray opening 154, a first equal-diameter section 152a-1 (with a constant diameter of d31), a second equal-diameter section 152a-2 (with a constant diameter of d32), and an enlarged-diameter section 152c (with a diameter increasing from d32 to d33). However, d32 is smaller than d31. By providing an equal-diameter section 152a-2 having a smaller diameter so as to connect to the equal-diameter section 152a-1, the equal-diameter section 152a-2 accelerates the velocity of the aerosol composition, similar to the reduced-diameter section 152b.

[0050] The flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150-4 has, in order in the direction toward the injection port 154, a reduced diameter section 152b (diameter decreases from d41 to d42), an equal diameter section 152a (diameter remains constant at d42), and an expanded diameter section 152c (diameter increases from d42 to d43).

[0051] The flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150-5 has, in order toward the injection port 154, a reduced diameter section 152b (diameter decreases from d51 to d52), a reduced diameter section 152c (diameter increases from d52 to d53), and a constant diameter section 152a (diameter remains constant at d53). Alternatively, the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150-6 may have, in order toward the injection port 154, a first increased diameter section 152c-1 (diameter increases from d61 to d62), a reduced diameter section 152b (diameter decreases from d62 to d63), and a second increased diameter section 152c-2 (diameter increases from d63 to d64).

[0052] For example, the values ​​of d11, d21, d31, d41, d51, and d62 are the same as the value of d1 mentioned above, the values ​​of d22, d32, d42, d52, d61, and d63 are the same as the value of d2 mentioned above, and the values ​​of d12, d33, d43, d53, d62, and d64 are the same as the value of d3 mentioned above.

[0053] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the aerosol product 101 equipped with spray nozzles 150 (including spray nozzles 150-1 to 150-6; the same applies hereafter). The angle θ between the central axis C1 of the aerosol product 101 and the central axis C2 of the spray nozzle when the operating unit 140 is not pressed may be any value in the range of 0 to 90°.

[0054] The angle θ is preferably 10-90°, 10-70°, 10-50°, 10-30°, 20-90°, 20-70°, 20-50°, or 20-30°. By pressing the operating part 140 provided on the upper shoulder of the aerosol product 101, the aerosol composition is sprayed from the spray nozzle 150. Setting the angle θ within the above range allows for stable and complete spraying when spraying upwards.

[0055] Aerosol product 100 (including aerosol product 101; hereafter the same) is either a metered-discharge type or a continuous-discharge type. In the metered-discharge type aerosol product 100, a metered-discharge valve is used in the valve, so that a fixed amount of aerosol composition is dispensed with one spray operation (one push). In the continuous-discharge type aerosol product 100, the spraying of the aerosol composition continues as long as the user presses the operating part 140.

[0056] In the case of a metered-discharge type aerosol product 100, the diffusion of the microbial control component can be efficiently enhanced by spraying a predetermined amount of aerosol composition, in the range of 0.08 to 5 ml, within 1 second. The spraying time for a single spray operation is preferably within 1 second, more preferably 0.1 to 0.8 seconds, even more preferably 0.2 to 0.8 seconds, and particularly preferably 0.25 to 0.8 seconds.

[0057] Methods for adjusting the spray time of a single spray operation of the metered-dose aerosol product 100 include, for example, adjusting the size of the nozzle of the spray button, adjusting the spray force of the metered-dose aerosol, adjusting the specifications of the aerosol valve (e.g., stem hole diameter and number), adjusting the propellant pressure, and combinations thereof.

[0058] Furthermore, in the case of the continuous-spray type aerosol product 100, it is preferable for the user to adjust the spray time to 0.1 to 5 seconds. By setting the spray time to 0.1 to 5 seconds, a sufficient amount of microbial control component can be diffused. The spray time is more preferably 0.15 to 4.5 seconds, and even more preferably 0.2 to 4 seconds.

[0059] Furthermore, the aerosol product 100 is configured to satisfy the following requirements when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle 154 (see Figure 7). While not limited to spraying the aerosol composition toward the first vertical plane, this includes spraying the aerosol composition toward the first vertical plane such that the straight line extending the central axis C2 of the spray nozzle 150 when the operating part 140 is fully pressed is approximately perpendicular (90°±5°) to the first vertical plane.

[0060] When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane described above, the volume-average particle size (D50) of the aerosol composition measured at 25°C on the first vertical plane is, for example, 1-120 μm, 10-120 μm, 20-120 μm, 30-120 μm, 40-120 μm, or 50-120 μm, when measured using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer. The above particle size refers to the value measured by a particle size distribution analyzer.

[0061] When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane described above, the spray force of the aerosol composition measured at the first vertical plane under 25°C conditions is, for example, 1 gf or more, 2 gf or more, 3 gf or more, 4 gf or more, 5 gf or more, or 6 gf or more, and 50 gf or less, 40 gf or less, 30 gf or less, or 20 gf or less. Here, the spray force is measured at 25°C conditions by attaching a circular flat plate with a diameter of 60 mm to a digital force gauge (manufactured by Imada Co., Ltd., model number: DST-2N), placing the flat plate on the first vertical plane, spraying the aerosol composition toward the center of the flat plate, and measuring the maximum value of the spray force at that time. By setting the spray force of the aerosol composition measured at 25°C on the first vertical plane described above to the above range, the aerosol composition can be scattered up, down, left, and right, thereby improving its diffusion.

[0062] When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane at 25°C, the spray velocity of the aerosol composition is calculated based on the time it takes for the aerosol composition to reach the first vertical plane from the nozzle 154 (i.e., 15 cm / time(s)), and is, for example, 500 cm / s or more, 550 cm / s or more, 600 cm / s or more, or 650 cm / s or more, and 2000 cm / s or less, 1800 cm / s or less, 1700 cm / s or less, 1600 cm / s or less, or 1500 cm / s or less. By setting the spray velocity of the aerosol composition under 25°C conditions to the above range, the aerosol composition can be scattered up, down, left, and right, improving its diffusion.

[0063] The discharge volume of the aerosol composition of aerosol product 100 is, for example, 0.01 ml or more, 0.1 ml or more, 0.2 ml or more, or 1 ml or more per spray (or per spray per second in the case of a continuous spray type) in the case of a metered-dose spray type, and 10 ml or less, 5 ml or less, 3 ml or less, 2 ml or less, 1.5 ml or less, or 1 ml or less.

[0064] [ Aerosol composition ] The aerosol composition includes an aerosol concentrate and a propellant.

[0065] The aerosol concentrate contains microbial control components. These microbial control components include fungicides and disinfectants / bactericides / antivirals, preferably fungicides.

[0066] Antifungal agents are not limited to those that inhibit the growth of mold, but include, for example, phenol compounds, parabens, quaternary ammonium salts, aldehydes, quinones, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, silver-containing compounds, other antifungal components, or combinations thereof. Examples of phenol compounds include isopropylmethylphenol (IPMP), o-phenylphenol, o-phenylphenol sodium, pt-octylphenol, thymol, carvacrol, diphenylthymol, chlorophene, parachlorophenol, chloroxylenol, parachlorometaxylenol, phenol, cresol, triclosan, hinokitiol, and eugenol. Examples of parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, benzylparaben, and alkylparaben. Examples of quaternary ammonium salts include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and benzalkonium saccharinate. Examples of bis-type quaternary ammonium salts include 1,4-bis(3,3'-(1-decylpyridinium)methyloxy)butanedibromide. Examples of aldehydes include cinnamaldehyde, neral, geranial, citronellal, and perillaldehyde. An example of quinone is thymoquinone. Examples of monoterpenes include menthol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, citronellol, α-terpineol, and terpinen-4-ol. Examples of sesquiterpenes include farnesol, nerolidol, α-bisabolol, α-santalol, borigodial, and santonin. Examples of diterpenes include geranylgeraniol and praunotol. Examples of silver-containing compounds include silver oxide, silver-containing polymers, silver-supported zeolites, silver nanoparticles, silver ions, silver nitrate, and silver sulfide. Other antifungal ingredients include enilconazole (trade name: imazalil), monocaprin, monocaprylin, and titanium dioxide.Preferably, the antifungal agent is isopropylmethylphenol (IPMP), 1,4-bis(3,3'-(1-decylpyridinium)methyloxy)butanedibromide ("Hygenia" (registered trademark), manufactured by Tama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), triclosan, thymol, monocaprin, enilconazole, or a combination thereof.

[0067] Disinfectants, sterilizers, and antiviral agents are components that remove or kill bacteria and viruses. Examples of disinfectants and sterilizers include 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, triforine, chlorhexidine gluconate, polylysine, chitosan, tetrahydrolinalool, and dialkyldimethylammonium chloride. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0068] The content of microbial control components in the aerosol concentrate is 0.01-90% by mass / volume (w / v%), 0.01-80 w / v%, 0.01-70 w / v%, 0.01-60 w / v%, 0.01-50 w / v%, 0.01-40 w / v%, 0.01-30 w / v%, 0.01-20 w / v%, 0.01-10 w / v%, or 0.01-1 w / v%. A microbial control component content of 0.01 w / v% or more in the aerosol concentrate provides sufficient microbial control effectiveness. A microbial control component content of 70 w / v% or less in the aerosol concentrate improves production suitability. The lower limit of the content of microbial control components in the aerosol concentrate is more preferably 0.1 w / v% or more, even more preferably 0.3 w / v% or more, and particularly preferably 0.5 w / v% or more. The upper limit of the content of microbial control components in the aerosol concentrate is more preferably 65 w / v% or less, even more preferably 50 w / v% or less, and particularly preferably 25 w / v% or less.

[0069] The aerosol concentrate may contain a solvent in addition to the microbial control component, for the purpose of adjusting the viscosity of the concentrate and improving its suitability for production. The solvent is used to uniformly blend the microbial control component, such as an antifungal agent, and may include, for example, lower alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol; polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and ethylene glycol; linear, branched, or cyclic paraffins; petroleum products such as kerosene; glycol ethers such as propylene glycol monomethyl ether and dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether; water; isopropyl myristate (IPM); or a combination thereof.

[0070] The viscosity of the aerosol concentrate is measured as follows: The aerosol concentrate at 20°C is placed in a TVB-10 type B viscometer (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) equipped with a TVB-type low viscosity rotor (L / Adp rotor (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.)), and the viscosity is measured at 60 rpm for 1 minute. This measurement is performed three times, and the average viscosity (mPa·s) is calculated. The average viscosity of the aerosol concentrate is, for example, 0.1~10 mPa·s, 0.1~5 mPa·s, 0.1~3 mPa·s, 0.1~2 mPa·s, 0.5~10 mPa·s, 0.5~5 mPa·s, 0.5~3 mPa·s, 0.5~2 mPa·s, 1~10 mPa·s, 1~6 mPa·s, 1~3 mPa·s, or 1~2 mPa·s. When the viscosity of the aerosol concentrate is within the above range, the particles of the aerosol composition scatter more easily in all directions (up, down, left, and right), improving its diffusivity.

[0071] The solvent content in the aerosol concentrate is preferably 10-99.99 w / v%, 20-99.99 w / v%, 30-99.99 w / v%, 40-99.99 w / v%, 50-99.99 w / v%, 60-99.99 w / v%, 70-99.99 w / v%, 80-99.99 w / v%, 90-99.99 w / v%, or 99-99.9 w / v%. Having a solvent content of 30 w / v% or more in the aerosol concentrate allows for adjustment of the viscosity to an appropriate range. A solvent content of 99.99 w / v% or less in the aerosol concentrate is preferable because it ensures sufficient effectiveness of the microbial control component. The lower limit of the solvent content in the aerosol concentrate is more preferably 35 w / v% or more, and even more preferably 50 w / v% or more. The upper limit of the solvent in the aerosol concentrate is more preferably 99.9 w / v% or less, and even more preferably 99.5 w / v% or less.

[0072] Other components may be included in the aerosol concentrate, as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of other components include insecticides, deodorizers, fragrances, pH adjusters, UV absorbers, inorganic substances, surfactants, and solubilizers.

[0073] The propellant contained in the aerosol composition is a medium for spraying the aerosol concentrate and is pressurized and filled into the aerosol container together with the aerosol concentrate. The propellant is, for example, a liquefied gas such as hydrofluoroolefin, dimethyl ether (DME), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or a combination thereof. Hydrofluoroolefins include, for example, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 2,3,3-trifluoropropene, 3,3,3-trifluoropropene, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, or a combination thereof. In addition to, or in place of, the above propellant may be a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, compressed air, or oxygen gas.

[0074] The mixing ratio of the aerosol concentrate to the propellant (volume of aerosol concentrate / volume of propellant) of the aerosol composition, under 25°C conditions, is 1 / 99~90 / 10, 1 / 99~80 / 20, 1 / 99~70 / 30, 5 / 95~90 / 10, 5 / 95~80 / 20, 5 / 95~70 / 30, 10 / 90~90 / 10, 10 / 90~80 / 20, or 10 / 90~70 / 30. By adjusting this mixing ratio, the spray speed and spray force of the aerosol composition can be adjusted.

[0075] [ How to prevent mold inside an air conditioner ] A method for preventing mold growth inside an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the step of spraying an aerosol composition into the air conditioner using an aerosol product 100 (equipped with any of the spray nozzles 150, 150-1 to 150-6 shown in Figures 2 to 5) containing a microbial control component including an antifungal agent. The method may also include the step of spraying the aerosol composition diagonally from the end of the air conditioner's outlet in a diagonal direction. When the aerosol composition is sprayed diagonally from the end of the air conditioner's outlet in a diagonal direction, the microbial control component is diffused and adheres to a wide area inside the air conditioner with a single spray. In this way, the occurrence and growth of mold inside the air conditioner can be prevented by a simple method.

[0076] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for preventing mold growth inside an air conditioner, which includes the step of spraying an aerosol product 100 containing a microbial control component including an antifungal agent into the air conditioner while moving the aerosol product from one end of the air conditioner's outlet to the other. By continuously spraying the aerosol product into the air conditioner, the microbial control component is diffused and adheres to a wide area inside the air conditioner. In this way, the occurrence and growth of mold inside the air conditioner can be prevented by a simple method.

[0077] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for preventing mold growth inside an air conditioner, which includes the steps of: spraying an aerosol product 100 containing a microbial control component including an antifungal agent into the air conditioner from a first position at the air outlet; and spraying the aerosol product 100 into the air conditioner from a second position different from the first position at the air outlet. The method for preventing mold growth inside an air conditioner may also involve repeating these steps. By spraying the aerosol product into the air conditioner multiple times, the microbial control component is diffused and adheres to a wide area inside the air conditioner. In this way, the occurrence and growth of mold inside the air conditioner can be prevented by a simple method. [Examples]

[0078] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0079] [ Test specimen ] (1) Aerosol products (a) About valves In Examples 1-8 and Comparative Example 1, a metered injection valve with a single-operation injection volume of 0.1 ml, 0.4 ml, or 1 ml was used. In Example 9, a continuous injection valve with a stem diameter of Φ0.4 mm, an undertap diameter of Φ0.5 mm, and a dip tube inner diameter of 1.3 mm was used. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of Φ45mm, a height of 110mm, and a container capacity of 148mL was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of microbial control agent was adjusted so that the discharge volume of the microbial control agent from the valve was 2 mg (Table 1). 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (IPMP), an antifungal agent, was used as the microbial control agent, and isopropyl myristate (IPM) or 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. The microbial control agent is also referred to as the active ingredient. (e) Aerosol composition Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.49 MPa (25°C)) (LPG-1 in the table) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.20 MPa (25°C)) (LPG-2 in the table) was used as the propellant, and the aerosol concentrates in Table 1 were used in the types and quantities shown in Tables 2 and 3. (O) Structure of the spray button In Examples 1-9 and Comparative Example 1, the spray button 130 shown in Figure 1 was used, fitted with the spray nozzle 150 shown in Figure 2 (i.e., the flow path 152 consists of an equal-diameter section 152a-1, a reduced-diameter section 152b, an equal-diameter section 152a-2, and an expanded-diameter section 152c). The diameter d1 and length L1 of the equal-diameter section 152a-1 were 1.2 mm and 5.73 mm, respectively, while the maximum diameter d1, minimum diameter d2, and length L2 of the reduced-diameter section 152b were 1.2 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.17 mm, respectively. The diameter d2 and length L2 of the equal-diameter section 152a-2 were 0.6 mm and 0.2 mm, respectively, while the minimum diameter d2, maximum diameter d3, and length L4 of the expanded-diameter section 152c were 0.6 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, respectively, and the diameter d4 and length L5 of the spray port 154 were 2 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively. The cross-sectional area of ​​the shortest diameter portion of the reduced diameter section 152b is 0.28 mm². 2 Therefore, the cross-sectional area at the widest diameter portion of the enlarged diameter section 152c is 0.79 mm². 2 That is the case. In Comparative Example 2, the spray button 130 shown in Figure 1 was used, fitted with the spray nozzle 250 shown in Figure 8 (i.e., the flow path 252 consists of an equal-diameter section 252a, and the end of the equal-diameter section 252a corresponds to the spray port 254). The diameter of the equal-diameter section 252a was 1.9 mm, its length was 8.5 mm, and its cross-sectional area was 2.83 mm². 2 That was the case.

[0080] [Table 1]

[0081] [Table 2]

[0082] [Table 3]

[0083] [ Viscosity measurement of aerosol concentrate ] Samples of each stock solution formulation A to I were placed in a refrigerator and cooled for 4 hours, then allowed to stand until the sample temperature reached 20°C. The sample temperature was confirmed to be 20°C using a thermometer. A low-viscosity rotor for the TVB type (L / Adp rotor) (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) was installed on the TVB-10 viscometer, and measurements were taken at 60 rpm for 1 minute. Viscosity measurements were performed three times, and the average viscosity (mPa·s) was calculated. The results are shown in Table 4. N / A indicates that the measurement was not taken.

[0084] [Table 4]

[0085] [ Particle size measurement of aerosol compositions ] Each test sample was left to stand in a room set at 25°C for 1 to 2 hours. Next, using a particle size analyzer (manufactured by Tonichi Computer Applications Co., Ltd., model number: LDSA-1400A), the aerosol composition was sprayed once for quantitative-spray type aerosol products and for 1 second for continuous-spray type aerosol products from a distance of 15 cm onto a laser beam irradiated from the laser light emitter to the light receiver. The volume-average particle size (D50) of the aerosol composition was measured three times under the following measurement conditions, and the average value was calculated as the average particle size (μm). The results are shown in Table 5. (Measurement conditions) Measurement method: Auto-start average Averaging cycles: 3 (The measuring device automatically takes 3 measurements, and the average value is displayed as the measured value.) Interval: 0.60ms Calculation method: Rosin Ramler Spray distance: Sprayed from a distance of 15 cm away from the laser beam of the particle size measuring device.

[0086] [ Measurement of the spray force of aerosol compositions ] Each test sample was placed in a chamber set to 25°C. Next, a 60mm diameter circular plate was attached to a digital force gauge (manufactured by IMADA Co., Ltd., model number: DST-2N). The plate was positioned 15cm horizontally from the nozzle of the test sample (aerosol product), and the aerosol composition was sprayed towards the center of the plate (one spray for metered-dose aerosol products, or one second for continuous-spray aerosol products). The maximum spray force of the aerosol composition was measured. The test was performed three times, and the average maximum value was calculated. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0087] [ Spray speed of aerosol composition ] Each test sample was placed in a room set to 25°C to ensure a constant temperature between samples. Next, a marker was fixed at a distance of 15 cm from the nozzle of each test sample (aerosol product). The test samples were placed on a platform 64 cm above the ground. A black cloth (product name: Near-infrared absorbing flocked cloth "IR1500", manufactured by Koyo Orient Japan Co., Ltd.) was placed as the background for the images. For the lighting, a high-brightness lighting box (product number: LLBK1-LA-W-0020, manufactured by ITEC System Co., Ltd.) was used, mounted on a tripod 70 cm above the ground. The lighting device was positioned 59 cm away from the test sample, on the opposite side of the black background cloth. The lighting device was at a 48° angle from the test sample. A high-speed camera (model number: Nova S16 type, manufactured by Photron Co., Ltd.) was set up horizontally on a tripod 77 cm above the ground. It was positioned 130 cm away from the test specimen, at a 90° angle from the black cloth. The high-speed camera was fitted with a lens (model: Nikon F-mount CPU-integrated G-type, AF-S macro lens, manufactured by Nikon Corporation) for the test. The shooting was carried out under the following conditions. The spray velocity was measured by taking the time it took for the particles of the aerosol composition to reach a distance of 15 cm from the nozzle, and calculated from distance (15 cm) ÷ particle arrival time (s). Five measurements were taken, and the average of the three measurements was used, excluding the maximum and minimum values. The results are shown in Table 5. (Shooting conditions) Shooting speed: 20000fps Shutter speed: 1 / frame sec Resolution: 1024×768 Trigger mode: Start

[0088] [Table 5]

[0089] In Table 5, "Discharge volume" refers to the amount (ml) of aerosol composition sprayed from the spray nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (for the quantitative spray type aerosol products of Examples 1-8 and Comparative Examples 1-2) or sprayed for 1 second (for the continuous spray type aerosol product of Example 9). "Liquid / Gas" represents the volume ratio of the aerosol concentrate to the propellant (LPG) in the aerosol container under 25°C conditions. "Active ingredient discharge volume" refers to the amount (mg) of microbial control component (IPMP) sprayed from the spray nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (for metered-spray type aerosol products of Examples 1-6, 9-13 and Comparative Example 1) or sprayed for 1 second (for continuous-spray type aerosol products of Examples 7 and 8). The "cross-sectional area involved in injection velocity" is the cross-sectional area (mm²) at the smallest diameter portion of the narrowed diameter section of the injection nozzle's flow path (equal diameter section in Comparative Example 2). 2 ) "Cross-sectional area contributing to diffusion" is the cross-sectional area (mm²) at the widest diameter portion of the widened flow path of the injection nozzle (equal diameter portion in Comparative Example 2). 2 )

[0090] [ Evaluation of the diffusion properties of aerosol compositions by scattering inside the test apparatus. ] The internal dimensions of the test apparatus used for the diffusion evaluation were 36 cm wide, 27 cm deep, and 21 cm high. A 5 cm x 15 cm target component was placed inside the apparatus at a height of 12 cm from the floor and 16 cm from the left wall (Figure 9). The target component was made of ABS resin panel (ABS) (manufactured by Nippon Test Panel Co., Ltd.) and stainless steel (SUS) (manufactured by Nippon Test Panel Co., Ltd.). The aerosol composition (containing microbial control components) sprayed towards the target component was scattered from the component and diffused within the test apparatus. To measure the amount of scattered microbial control components (IPMP), 5 cm x 20 cm filter paper (divided into four sections of 5 cm x 5 cm) was attached to the top, bottom, left, and right walls of the test apparatus (top 1-4, bottom 1-4, left 1-4, and right 1-4 in Figure 9). Each test sample was left to stand for 1 to 2 hours in a chamber set to 25°C. The test sample (aerosol product) was placed 15 cm away from the center of the target material, and a single spray was performed towards the center of the target material for metered-dose aerosol products, or a 1-second spray for continuous-spray aerosol products. After spraying, a 5 cm x 20 cm filter paper was cut into 5 cm x 5 cm pieces, and the amount of microbial control component adhering to each test piece (filter paper) was analyzed under the following conditions. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0091] The amount of IPMP adhering to the test specimen (filter paper) was analyzed by liquid chromatography, calculating the amount of IPMP adhering per spray (or per second). The test specimen (filter paper) was finely chopped, immersed in ethanol, and extracted using ultrasound for 15 minutes to extract IPMP, which was then quantitatively analyzed using amyl 4-hydroxybenzoate as an internal standard.

[0092] [ Evaluation of the diffusion properties of aerosol compositions due to scattering inside an air conditioner. ] A 5cm x 20cm filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC) was installed on the internal walls and fan of the air conditioner (Panasonic, model number: CS-EX403C2-W). The material of the internal walls of the air conditioner is ABS resin. For the internal walls of the air conditioner, in order to spray the aerosol composition of the test sample (aerosol product) from the air conditioner's outlet, one 5cm x 20cm filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC) was placed on the left wall, starting from the spray position at the outlet, and four of the same filter papers were placed on the right wall (see Figure 10). For the fan inside the air conditioner, a 5cm x 20cm filter paper was placed opposite the wall (see Figure 10).

[0093] The aerosol composition was sprayed from the test sample (aerosol product) into the air conditioner from a position 20 mm away from the air conditioner's outlet, with a 1-minute interval between sprays, for a total of 5 times. For continuous-spray type aerosol products (Example 9), 1-second sprays were repeated 5 times, while for quantitative-spray type aerosol products (Examples 1-8, Comparative Examples 1-2), 5 sprays were performed. To allow the aerosol composition particles to settle, each test piece (filter paper) was left to stand for 10 minutes after the last spray before being removed. After spraying, the IPMP amount was analyzed on each test piece (filter paper) under the following conditions. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0094] The amount of IPMP adhering to the test specimen (filter paper) was analyzed by liquid chromatography, calculating the amount of IPMP adhering per spray (or per second). The test specimen (filter paper) was finely chopped, immersed in ethanol, and extracted using ultrasound for 15 minutes to extract IPMP, which was then quantitatively analyzed using amyl 4-hydroxybenzoate as an internal standard.

[0095] [Table 6]

[0096] In Table 6, "Total ABS Adhesion Amount" refers to the total amount (μg) of microbial control components adhering to the filter paper on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the inner wall of the test apparatus when an ABS resin panel is used as the target component. For example, "Left" in "Total ABS Adhesion Amount" refers to the total amount of microbial control components adhering to the filter paper located at left 1-4 in Figure 9. "Total amount of SUS attached" refers to the total amount (μg) of microbial control components attached to the top, bottom, left, and right filter papers on the inner wall of the test apparatus when a stainless steel (SUS) panel is used as the target component. "Air conditioner wall adhesion amount" refers to the amount (μg) of microbial control components attached to the filter paper placed at positions 1 to 5 on the internal wall surface of the air conditioner. "Fan adhesion amount" refers to the amount (μg) of microbial control components attached to the filter paper placed at positions 1 to 5 of the fan inside the air conditioner.

[0097] As shown in Table 6, the left / right adhesion ratio and the top / bottom adhesion ratio for Examples 1-9 were both 0.1 or higher. This means that the diffusion of the microbial control component sprayed from the test specimens (aerosol products) in Examples 1-9, which scattered from the target component in the direction of spraying, was sufficiently good in terms of the diffusion of the microbial control component scattered in all directions (up, down, left, and right) from the target component. In Comparative Examples 1-2, the adhesion ratio was 0, which means that the scattered microbial control component did not diffuse or that the microbial control component adhered locally, resulting in poor diffusion of the microbial control component.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Table 6, regarding the diffusion of the microbial control component inside the air conditioner, in Examples 1 to 9 the microbial control component diffused over a wide area, whereas in Comparative Examples 1 to 2 the microbial control component adhered only to one location on the inner wall of the air conditioner (wall surface position 1). From this, it can be concluded that by using the aerosol product of the present invention and spraying the aerosol composition into the air conditioner from the air outlet, the microbial control component can be diffused over a wide area, including the deep parts inside the air conditioner, effectively suppressing the growth of fungi (mold), bacteria, etc.

[0099] Next, Examples 10 to 14 of the present invention will be described.

[0100] [ Test specimen ] (1) Aerosol products (Examples 10-14) (a) About valves In Examples 10 to 13, a metered-dose injection valve with a single-operation injection volume of 0.1 ml, 0.4 ml, or 1 ml was used. In Example 14, a continuous injection valve with a stem diameter of Φ0.4 mm, an undertap diameter of Φ0.5 mm, and a dip tube inner diameter of 1.3 mm was used. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of Φ45mm, a height of 110mm, and a container capacity of 148mL was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of microbial control agent (active ingredient) was adjusted so that the discharge volume of the microbial control agent (active ingredient) sprayed from the valve was 2 mg (Table 7). 1,4-Bis(3,3'-(1-decylpyridinium)methyloxy)butanedibromide (Hygenia) was used as the microbial control agent, and 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. The microbial control agent is also referred to as the active ingredient. (e) Aerosol composition Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.49 MPa (25°C)) (LPG-1 in the table) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.20 MPa (25°C)) (LPG-2 in the table) was used as the propellant, and the aerosol concentrates from Table 7 were used in the types and quantities shown in Table 8. (O) Structure of the spray button In Examples 10 to 14, the spray button 130 shown in Figure 1 was used, fitted with the spray nozzle 150 shown in Figure 2 (i.e., the flow path 152 consists of an equal-diameter section 152a-1, a reduced-diameter section 152b, an equal-diameter section 152a-2, and an expanded-diameter section 152c). The diameter d1 and length L1 of the equal-diameter section 152a-1 were 1.2 mm and 5.73 mm, respectively, while the maximum diameter d1, minimum diameter d2, and length L2 of the reduced-diameter section 152b were 1.2 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.17 mm, respectively. The diameter d2 and length L2 of the equal-diameter section 152a-2 were 0.6 mm and 0.2 mm, respectively, while the minimum diameter d2, maximum diameter d3, and length L4 of the expanded-diameter section 152c were 0.6 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm, respectively, and the diameter d4 and length L5 of the spray port 154 were 2 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively. The cross-sectional area of ​​the shortest diameter portion of the reduced diameter section 152b is 0.28 mm². 2Therefore, the cross-sectional area at the widest diameter portion of the enlarged diameter section 152c is 0.79 mm². 2 That is the case.

[0101] [Table 7]

[0102] [Table 8]

[0103] [ Particle size measurement of aerosol compositions ] Each test sample was left to stand in a room set at 25°C for 1 to 2 hours. Next, using a particle size analyzer (manufactured by Tonichi Computer Applications Co., Ltd., model number: LDSA-1400A), the aerosol composition was sprayed once for quantitative-spray type aerosol products and for 1 second for continuous-spray type aerosol products from a distance of 15 cm onto a laser beam irradiated from the laser light emitter to the light receiver. The volume-average particle size (D50) of the aerosol composition was measured three times under the following measurement conditions, and the average value was calculated as the average particle size (μm). The results are shown in Table 9. (Measurement conditions) Measurement method: Auto-start average Averaging cycles: 3 (The measuring device automatically takes 3 measurements, and the average value is displayed as the measured value.) Interval: 0.60ms Calculation method: Rosin Ramler Spray distance: Sprayed from a distance of 15 cm away from the laser beam of the particle size measuring device.

[0104] [ Measurement of the spray force of aerosol compositions ] Each test sample was placed in a chamber set to 25°C. Next, a 60mm diameter circular plate was attached to a digital force gauge (manufactured by IMADA Co., Ltd., model number: DST-2N). The plate was positioned 15cm horizontally from the nozzle of the test sample (aerosol product), and the aerosol composition was sprayed towards the center of the plate (one spray for metered-dose aerosol products, or one second for continuous-spray aerosol products). The maximum spray force of the aerosol composition was measured. The test was performed three times, and the average maximum value was calculated. The results are shown in Table 9. In Table 9, "-" indicates that measurement was not taken.

[0105] [Table 9]

[0106] In Table 9, "discharge volume" refers to the amount (ml) of aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (for the metered-dose aerosol products of Examples 10-13) or sprayed for 1 second (for the continuous-spray aerosol product of Example 14), and "active ingredient discharge volume" refers to the amount (mg) of microbial control component (hygienics) sprayed from the nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (for the metered-dose aerosol products of Examples 10-13) or sprayed for 1 second (for the continuous-spray aerosol product of Example 14). The definitions of other terms are as stated above.

[0107] [ Evaluation of the diffusion properties of aerosol compositions by scattering inside the test apparatus. ] The experiment was conducted in the same manner as the one described in Table 6, except that Hygenia was used as the microbial control component. The results are shown in Table 10.

[0108] [ Evaluation of the diffusion properties of aerosol compositions due to scattering inside an air conditioner. ] The experiment was conducted in the same manner as the one described in Table 6, except that Hygenia was used as the microbial control component. The results are shown in Table 10.

[0109] [Table 10]

[0110] The definitions of each term in Table 10 are as described above.

[0111] As shown in Table 10, the ratio of the amount of microbial control component adhering to the target material, both left / right and up / down, was 0.1 or higher in Examples 10-14. This means that, in the diffusion of the microbial control component sprayed from the test specimens (aerosol products) in Examples 10-14, the diffusion of the microbial control component that scattered from the target material in the direction of spraying was sufficiently good, particularly in the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Table 10, in terms of the diffusion of microbial control components within the air conditioner, the microbial control components diffused over a wide area in Examples 10 to 14. This indicates that by using the aerosol product of the present invention and spraying the aerosol composition from the air outlet into the air conditioner, the microbial control components can be diffused over a wide area, including the deep parts of the air conditioner, effectively suppressing the growth of fungi (mold), bacteria, and other microorganisms.

[0113] [ Air conditioner internal deposit measurement test 1 (Example 15) ] 5cm x 20cm and 5cm x 5cm A4 size thermal paper for word processors (manufactured by KOKUYO S&T Co., Ltd.) were placed on the walls and fan inside the air conditioner (Panasonic, CS-EX403C2-W). On the walls, since the sample is sprayed from the air outlet, one sheet was placed to the left and one to the right of the air outlet from which the sample is sprayed, and 5cm x 20cm filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC) was also placed in other available areas (see Figure 11). On the fan, 5cm x 20cm filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC) was placed in areas other than where the sample was sprayed (see Figure 11).

[0114] The aerosol product used in this test was the same as that used in Example 13. The aerosol composition was sprayed once each into the air conditioner from near the center and near both the left and right sides of the air outlet. The amount of active ingredient (hygiene) adhering to each test piece was calculated by liquid chromatography (HPLC), as described above. The test results are shown in Table 11. In Table 11, the discharge volume of the sample used and the discharge volume of the active ingredient are the amounts discharged in one spray, and the amount adhering inside the air conditioner (μg) is the total value of three sprays.

[0115] [Table 11]

[0116] When the product was sprayed once from each of the three air vents into the air conditioner, it was found that the active ingredient could adhere to even the smallest corners of the air conditioner.

[0117] [ Air conditioner internal deposit measurement test 2 (Example 16) ] An air conditioner (Panasonic, CS-EX403C2-W) and nine 5cm x 20cm pieces and twenty 5cm x 5cm pieces of filter paper (ADVANTEC, NO.1) were prepared. Nine 5cm x 20cm pieces of filter paper were attached to the fan of the air conditioner (Figure 12(A)), and twenty 5cm x 5cm pieces of filter paper were similarly attached to the inner wall of the air conditioner (Figure 12(B)). The fan was installed in the air conditioner with the filter paper attached (Figure 12(C)). Using the aerosol product prepared in Example 14, the sample was sprayed from the air outlet towards the inner wall of the air conditioner where no filter paper was attached, with a distance of 20mm from the air outlet to the sample nozzle. The aerosol product was moved from one end of the air outlet to the other and sprayed for a total of 3 seconds. Each piece of filter paper was collected (the 20cm pieces were divided into four equal parts for collection), and after being divided into 16 equal parts, analysis was performed by liquid chromatography. The test results are shown in Table 12.

[0118] [Table 12]

[0119] It was found that by sliding the sample nozzle parallel to the air outlet for 3 seconds while maintaining a distance of 20 mm from the air outlet, the active ingredient can be more effectively adhered to the inside of the air conditioner.

[0120] [ Mold inhibition effect test (Example 17) ] (1) Quantitative spray type aerosol product (Example 17) (a) About valves A 1 ml metering valve was used. The shape of the spray nozzle is shown in Figure 6. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of φ45mm and a height of 110mm was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of active ingredient was adjusted so that the discharge volume of the active ingredient from the valve was 2 mg (Table 13). IPMP was used as the microbial control component, and 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. (e) Aerosol composition: 10 ml of aerosol concentrate and 90 ml of propellant were filled into the container. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.49 MPa (25℃)) was used as the propellant. (e) Regarding the jet force and average particle size The jet force measured at a distance of 15 cm under 25°C conditions was 14.4 gf, and the average particle size was 24 μm.

[0121] [Table 13]

[0122] The air conditioner was turned off and the air vents were opened. The air vent was divided horizontally into 15 sections (37 mm per section; see Figure 13(A)), and the sample was sprayed once each month in October, November, and December at three locations: the 3rd, 8th, and 13th sections from the left. This study involved 12 households, of which the air conditioners in 5 households were sprayed with the sample (referred to as the treatment group), while the remaining 7 households were not sprayed with the sample (referred to as the untreated group).

[0123] <Evaluation of mold count in the intake air when using an air conditioner> Mold was collected from the air intake during air conditioner use in 12 households. The air conditioner was set to fan mode with maximum airflow, and an air sampler MAS-100 (Merck) was placed where the air intake hit. DG-18 agar medium was placed inside the air sampler, and mold was collected from 100L of air while the air conditioner was in use. After collection, the DG-18 agar medium was cultured at 25°C for 7 days, and the number of colonies formed (viable bacteria) was measured. The suppression rate of mold in the intake air was calculated using the following formula. Note that the average viable bacteria count is the average value of 5 households in Example 17 (treated group), and the average value of the remaining 7 households in the control group (untreated group). The results are shown in Table 14. Mold suppression rate in the supplied air (%) = 100 - (Average number of viable bacteria in the treated area / Average number of viable bacteria in the untreated area) × 100

[0124] <Evaluation of mold contamination inside air conditioners in actual field conditions> In 12 households, a dried cotton swab (Mentip (Φ3×152mm), manufactured by Nippon Menbao Co., Ltd.) was inserted into the air vent of the air conditioner, and a swab was collected from a 15cm × 3.6cm area from the air vent to the inner wall. In October, the collection location was the 4th square from the right when the air vent was divided horizontally into 15 sections (37mm per section; see Figure 13(A)). In November, the collection location was the 2nd square from the right, and in December, the collection location was the 1st square from the right (see Figure 13(B)). After collection, the dried cotton swabs were washed in 5ml of physiological saline, diluted to a desired concentration, and 100μl was inoculated onto DG-18 agar medium. The cultures were incubated at 25°C for 7 days, and the number of viable bacteria was evaluated. The mold contamination suppression rate was calculated using the following formula. The results are shown in Table 14. Mold contamination suppression rate (%) = 100 - (Average number of viable bacteria in the treated area / Average number of viable bacteria in the untreated area) × 100

[0125] [Table 14]

[0126] In a study of 12 households (7 untreated and 5 treated) in general households, the number of mold particles blown out of air conditioners and inside the air conditioners was investigated during the season from October to December when mold contamination is most prevalent. The results showed that the number of mold particles blown out was suppressed by more than 50% compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, the investigation of mold particles inside the air conditioners revealed that mold contamination inside the air conditioners could be suppressed by more than 90%. These results indicate that a single use can suppress the spread of mold contamination inside the air conditioner by at least 80% in one month, and the amount of mold blown out can be suppressed by more than 50%. In addition, it was revealed that the number of mold particles can be maintained at a low level by continuously using the aerosol product of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 100, 101 Aerosol Products 130 Spray button 140 Operation section 150, 150-1~150-6 spray nozzles 152 channels 152a Equal diameter part 152b Reduced diameter section 152c Expanded diameter part 154 Spray nozzle opening

Claims

1. A spray nozzle comprising a nozzle for spraying an aerosol composition having an aerosol concentrate containing a microbial control component and a propellant, and a flow path connected to the nozzle. Equipped with, The flow path has an enlarged diameter section and / or a reduced diameter section, An aerosol product in which, when the aerosol composition is sprayed toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the spray force of the aerosol composition measured toward the first vertical plane is 1 gf or more.

2. The aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the flow path is provided with the reduced diameter portion and the expanded diameter portion in order toward the spray nozzle.

3. The aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the average particle size of the sprayed particles, measured using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer in the first vertical plane, is 1 to 120 μm.

4. The aerosol product according to claim 1, wherein the spray velocity of the aerosol composition measured on the first vertical plane is 500 to 2000 cm / s.

5. A method for preventing mold inside an air conditioner, comprising the step of spraying an aerosol composition into the air conditioner from an aerosol product according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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