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 is an aerosol product comprising a spray nozzle having a spray port for spraying an aerosol concentrate containing a drug and an aerosol composition having a propellant, and a flow path connected to the spray port, and satisfying the following condition 1A. Condition 1A: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the spray port, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square region centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the spray port toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9 cm × 9 cm square region centered on the center point satisfy the following formula (1). Formula (1): 0.1 ≤ A / (BA) ≤ 3.0

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's interior 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] The technology described in Patent Document 1 requires the ultrasonic oscillator to be installed on top of the air conditioner, making it cumbersome for the user to attach the sprayer to the air conditioner. It is also conceivable that installation may not be possible depending on the type of air conditioner (e.g., ceiling-mounted air conditioners or portable air conditioners). There is a need for a simple method to prevent mold growth and occurrence over a wide area, including the deep parts inside the air conditioner.

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention provides an aerosol product and a method for preventing mold inside an air conditioner that can easily and effectively apply a chemical agent to a wide area, including the deep parts inside the air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes the following embodiments. [1] A spray nozzle comprising a nozzle for spraying an aerosol composition having an aerosol concentrate containing a drug and a propellant, and a flow path connected to the nozzle. Equipped with, An aerosol product that meets condition 1A below. Condition 1A: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9 cm × 9 cm square area centered on the same point, satisfy the following formula (1). Equation (1): 0.1 ≤ A / (BA) ≤ 3.0 [2] A spray nozzle comprising a nozzle for spraying an aerosol composition having an aerosol concentrate containing a drug and a propellant, and a flow path connected to the nozzle. Equipped with, Aerosol product that meets condition 1B below. Condition 1B: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9.2 cm × 9.2 cm square area centered on the same point, satisfy the following formula (1). Equation (1): 0.1 ≤ A / (BA) ≤ 3.0 [3] The aerosol product described in [1] or [2] above, further satisfying one or more of the following conditions 2, 3, and 4. Condition 2: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the ratio (A / C) of the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, to the amount of drug (C) sprayed from the aerosol product, is 0.1% to 75%. Condition 3: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward the first vertical plane, the horizontal spray width of the aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle, as measured on the first vertical plane, is 4.4 cm or more in the horizontal plane passing through the nozzle. Condition 4: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward the first vertical plane, the vertical spray width of the aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle is 5.4 cm or more, measured on the straight line where the second vertical plane and the first vertical plane intersect, in a second vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane that passes through the nozzle. [4] The aerosol product according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein the opening area of ​​the nozzle is smaller than the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flow path. [5] The flow path is cylindrical, the diameter of the flow path is 1 to 5 mm, and the opening area of ​​the injection port is 0.1 to 2 mm. 2The aerosol product described in any one of the above items [1] to [4]. [6] The aerosol product according to any one of the above [1] to [5], wherein when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward the first vertical plane, the spray force of the aerosol composition measured at the first vertical plane is 1 to 25 gf. [7] The aerosol product described in any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the aforementioned agent contains an antifungal agent, and is used for spraying the agent into the inside of an air conditioner. [8] A method for preventing mold inside an air conditioner using the aerosol product described in [7] above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The aerosol product of the present invention allows for effective application of the agent over a wide area, even within spaces with complex structures. Furthermore, when the particles of the aerosol composition sprayed from the aerosol product of the present invention are sprayed inside an air conditioner, they adhere to the treatment surface moderately without concentrating too much locally, and then diffuse. This allows the agent to be applied over a wide area, including deep parts, even within the complex structure of an air conditioner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the injection nozzle of the first embodiment. [Figure 1C] This is a schematic plan view of the injection nozzle of the first embodiment. [Figure 1D] This is an explanatory diagram regarding conditions 1A and 12. [Figure 1E] This is an explanatory diagram regarding conditions 3 and 4. [Figure 2A] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the injection nozzle of the second embodiment. [Figure 2C]This is a schematic plan view of the injection nozzle of the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the shape of the spray nozzle used in the examples and comparative examples. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the drug diffusion test under condition 1A. [Figure 7A] This is an explanatory diagram regarding vertical jet width and vertical jet angle. [Figure 7B] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the area E that indicates the spread of particles. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the measurement of the amount of chemical residue inside an air conditioner. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the drug diffusion test under condition 1B. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram for a chemical spray test inside an air conditioner. [Figure 11] 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. In addition, if a numerical range described herein is described as "60 to 100," it means the range is "60 or more, and 100 or less."

[0011] [ Aerosol Products 100 ] Figure 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol product 100 according to the first 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 including 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, a stem 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] An aerosol container is a pressure-resistant container for filling an aerosol composition under pressure. 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.

[0014] When the operation part 140 of the injection button 130 is operated by the user, the valve operates, and the inside and the outside of the aerosol container communicate with each other. Due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the aerosol container, the aerosol composition inside the aerosol container is ejected from the ejection port 154 of the ejection nozzle 150.

[0015] FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view passing through the central axis C2 of the flow path 152 of the ejection nozzle 150 and the center of the ejection port 154 (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1C). The ejection nozzle 150 includes a cylindrical flow path 152 connected to the flow path 122 and an ejection port 154 (corresponding to the outlet) connected to the flow path 152. In the present embodiment, the number of ejection ports 154 is three, but it may be one or two, or four or more. When the operation part 140 and the ejection nozzle 150 are separate parts, the flow path 152 is the internal flow path of the ejection nozzle 150. When the operation part 140 and the ejection nozzle 150 are integrally formed, the flow path of the part where the central axis C2 is a straight line is defined as the flow path 152 of the ejection nozzle 150. The flow path 122 is a flow path formed between the stem and the ejection nozzle 150. When the ejection nozzle 150 contacts the stem, since the flow path 152 is directly connected to the stem, the flow path 122 may not be provided.

[0016] The diameter d1 of the flow path 152 of the ejection nozzle 150 is, for example, 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 2.5 mm or more, and 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less. However, when the diameter d1 of the flow path 152 is not constant, the maximum diameter of the flow path 152 is defined as the diameter d1.

[0017] The cross-sectional area (circular area with diameter d1) of the flow path 152 of the ejection nozzle 150 is, for example, 0.7 mm 2 or more, 1 mm 2 or more, 2 mm 2 or more, 3 mm [[ID=1​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The length L1 of the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150 in the direction of the central axis C2 is, for example, 2 mm or more, 5 mm or more, or 7 mm or more, and 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less.

[0019] The area of ​​each opening of the injection port 154 of the injection nozzle 150 (the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2) is, for example, 0.1 mm. 2 Above, 0.2mm 2 More than 0.3mm 2 More than 0.4mm 2 or more, or 0.5 mm 2 That's all. 5mm 2 Below, 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 Below, 2mm 2 The following, or 1 mm 2 The following applies: When there are multiple nozzles 154, the total opening area is 0.2 mm². 2 More than 0.3mm 2 More than 0.4mm 2 or more, or 0.5 mm 2 That's all. 5mm 2 Below, 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 The following, or 2mm 2 The following applies: The opening areas of each nozzle 154 may be the same or different. However, the opening areas of the nozzles 154 (and their sum) are smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 152.

[0020] The ratio of the opening area of ​​each injection port 154 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 152 of the injection nozzle 150 is, for example, 0.3% or more, 1% or more, or 10% or more, and 90% or less, 80% or less, 75% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, or 50% or less.

[0021] The opening area of ​​the nozzle 154 of the spray nozzle 150 (the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150 (the area of ​​a circle with diameter d1). If there are multiple nozzles 154, the sum of their opening areas is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 152. With this configuration, when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the nozzle 154 of the spray nozzle 150, the aerosol composition travels through the flow path 152, which has a relatively wide cross-section, and is finally sprayed outwards from the nozzle 154, which has a relatively narrow cross-section.

[0022] Thus, by configuring the aerosol product 100 such that the opening area of ​​the spray nozzle 154 of the spray nozzle 150 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 152 of the spray nozzle 150, the aerosol composition (chemical) can be diffused over a wide area at a relatively short distance (for example, at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the spray nozzle 154). Furthermore, preferably, by providing multiple spray nozzles 154, the diffusivity of the sprayed aerosol composition can be further improved.

[0023] Figure 1C is a schematic plan view of the injection nozzle 150. In this embodiment, the injection nozzle 150 has three injection ports 154. As shown in Figure 1C, the injection ports 154 may be arranged on the circumference at equal angles (approximately 120°) intervals, at arbitrary angle intervals, or at unequal intervals. The sum of the opening areas of the three injection ports 154 of the injection nozzle 150 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 152.

[0024] Aerosol product 100 is configured to satisfy the following condition 1A at 25°C (see Figure 1D). Condition 1A: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle 154, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square region centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle 154 toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9 cm × 9 cm square region centered on the same point, satisfy the following formula (1). Equation (1): 0.1 ≤ A / (BA) ≤ 3.0

[0025] Similarly, the aerosol product 100 may be configured to satisfy the following condition 1B at 25°C (see Figure 9). If the amount of drug adhering cannot be accurately measured under condition 1A due to the physical properties of the aerosol composition (for example, if the aerosol composition adhering to a square area spreads out), the amount of drug adhering can be measured under condition 1B instead of condition 1A. Condition 1B: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle 154, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle 154 toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9.2 cm × 9.2 cm square area centered on the same point, satisfy the following formula (1). Equation (1): 0.1 ≤ A / (BA) ≤ 3.0

[0026] Here, spraying the aerosol composition from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane includes, but is not limited to, spraying the aerosol composition from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane such that the straight line extending the central axis C2 of the spray nozzle 150 is substantially perpendicular to the first vertical plane.

[0027] For conditions 1A and 1B, the ratio A / (BA) is 0.1 ≤ A / (BA) ≤ 3.0, but can be 0.5 or greater, or 0.7 or greater, and may be 2.5 or less, 2 or less, or 1.9 or less. By keeping it within the above range, the particles of the aerosol composition adhere to and diffuse appropriately on the treatment surface without concentrating too much locally, allowing the agent to be efficiently applied over a wide area.

[0028] Furthermore, the aerosol product 100 is configured to satisfy one or more of the following conditions 2 to 4 at 25°C (see Figures 1D and 1E). Condition 2: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle 154, the ratio (A / C) of the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the center point which is the intersection of a straight line extended from the nozzle 154 toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, to the amount of drug (C) sprayed from the aerosol product 100, is 0.1% to 75%. Condition 3: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane, the horizontal spray width of the aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle 154, as measured on the first vertical plane, is 4.4 cm or more in the horizontal plane passing through the nozzle 154. Condition 4: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product 100 toward the first vertical plane, the vertical spray width of the aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle 154 is 5.4 cm or more, measured on the straight line where the second vertical plane and the first vertical plane intersect, in a second vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane that passes through the nozzle 154.

[0029] For condition 2, the ratio (A / C) is 0.1% or more, 0.5% or more, 1% or more, or 4% or more, and may be 75% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 35% or less, 30% or less, 25% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less. Being within the above range allows for proper diffusion of the aerosol composition particles even at close distances from the object to be treated.

[0030] For condition 3, the horizontal spray width is 4.4 cm or more, 5 cm or more, or 6 cm or more, and may be 20 cm or less, 16 cm or less, or 10 cm or less. Being within the above range improves the horizontal diffusion of the drug to the target of treatment.

[0031] For condition 4, the vertical spray width is 5.4 cm or more, or 6 cm or more, and may be 20 cm or less, 18 cm or less, 16 cm or less, or 14 cm or less. Being within the above range improves the vertical diffusion of the drug to the target of treatment.

[0032] When the aerosol composition is sprayed from aerosol product 100, the spray force of the aerosol composition measured on the first vertical plane is 0.1 gf or more, 1 gf or more, or 3 gf or more, and 50 gf or less, 40 gf or less, 30 gf or less, 25 gf or less, or 20 gf or less. The spray force is measured by attaching a 60 mm diameter circular plate to a digital force gauge (manufactured by IMADA Co., Ltd., model number: DST-2N), placing the plate on the first vertical plane, and spraying the aerosol composition towards the center of the plate under 25°C conditions. The spray force is measured within the above range.

[0033] When the aerosol composition is sprayed from aerosol product 100 under conditions of 25°C, the volume-average particle diameter (D50) of the aerosol composition, measured on the first vertical plane, is, for example, 1 μm or more, or 10 μm or more, and 350 μm or less, 300 μm or less, 250 μm or less, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, 100 μm or less, 80 μm or less, or 70 μm or less, when measured using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer. The above particle diameters refer to values ​​measured by a particle size distribution analyzer. Being within the above range improves the diffusivity of the aerosol composition.

[0034] The amount of aerosol composition sprayed by aerosol product 100 is, for example, 0.01 ml or more, 0.1 ml or more, 0.2 ml or more, 0.5 ml or more, or 1 ml or more per spray in the case of a metered-dose spray type (or per spray per second in the case of a continuous-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. The spray volume shall be measured under conditions of 25°C.

[0035] The ratio of the spray force (gf) to the spray volume (ml) of the aerosol composition of the aerosol product 100, measured on the first vertical plane described above (spray force / spray volume), is, for example, 1 or more, or 2 or more, and 65 or less, 60 or less, 55 or less, 50 or less, or 45 or less. By setting the spray force / spray volume within the above range, the particles of the aerosol composition can be given a force suitable for diffusion.

[0036] The ratio (spray force / liquid discharge volume) of the aerosol composition of aerosol product 100, measured on the first vertical plane described above, to the discharge volume (liquid discharge volume) (ml) of the aerosol concentrate (spray force / liquid discharge volume) is, for example, 10 or more, 20 or more, and 650 or less, 600 or less, 550 or less, 500 or less, or 450 or less. By setting the spray force / liquid discharge volume within the above range, the particles of the aerosol composition can be given a force suitable for diffusion.

[0037] The horizontal spray angle B of the aerosol composition of aerosol product 100, measured on the first vertical plane described above, is, for example, 16.5° or more, or 20° or more, and 90° or less, 80° or less, 70° or less, 60° or less, 55° or less, 50° or less, 40° or less, or 30° or less. By setting it within the above range, the horizontal diffusion can be improved. The horizontal spray angle B is measured under 25°C conditions.

[0038] The vertical spray angle D1 of the aerosol composition of aerosol product 100, measured on the straight line where the second vertical plane and the first vertical plane intersect, is, for example, 20° or more, and 90° or less, 80° or less, 70° or less, 60° or less, or 50° or less. By setting it within the above range, the diffusion in the vertical direction can be improved. The vertical spray angle D1 is measured under 25°C conditions.

[0039] The particle spread angle (vertical spray angle D2) from the nozzle 154 of the aerosol product 100, measured on the second vertical plane described above, is, for example, 22° or more, or 50° or more, and 120° or less, 115° or less, 110° or less, 105° or less, 100° or less, 90° or less, 80° or less, or 70° or less. By keeping it within the above range, the diffusivity of the aerosol composition in the vertical direction can be improved. The vertical spray angle D2 is measured under 25°C conditions.

[0040] The ratio (D1 / D2) of the above-mentioned vertical spray angle D1 to the above-mentioned vertical spray angle D2 is, for example, 0.1 or more, 0.2 or more, or 0.3 or more, and 1.0 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less. By setting it within the above range, it is possible to improve the diffusivity of the aerosol composition while ensuring sufficient adhesion of the agent, thereby achieving a desirable spray condition.

[0041] The aerosol product 100 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 a single spray operation (one push). In the continuous-discharge type aerosol product 100, the aerosol composition is continuously dispensed as long as the user operates (presses) the operating part 140.

[0042] Aerosol product 100 can be used to spray antifungal agents and other chemicals into the interior of an air conditioner. The aerosol composition sprayed from aerosol product 100 diffuses over a wide area on the first vertical surface. This allows the sprayed aerosol composition to effectively adhere to the area. Preferred locations for spraying with aerosol product 100 include air conditioners, bathrooms, dressing rooms, toilets, washing machines, closets, and storage spaces. Among these, air conditioners have a complex internal structure, making it difficult to diffuse the chemicals over a wide area. However, the particles of the aerosol composition sprayed from aerosol product 100 adhere to and diffuse moderately on the surface to be treated without concentrating too much locally, allowing the chemicals to adhere to a wide area, including deep parts, even inside an air conditioner with a complex structure. Deep parts inside an air conditioner include the aluminum fins facing the blower fan, the blower fan, and the inner wall surface above the air outlet. Furthermore, when spraying an aerosol composition from the air conditioner's outlet towards the interior, the deep portion also includes parts of the aerosol product 100 that are located away from the nozzle 154 (for example, when spraying the aerosol composition from the end of the air conditioner's outlet, the other end of the outlet or parts located diagonally opposite each other inside the air conditioner).

[0043] The quantitative spray aerosol product of the present invention can efficiently enhance the diffusivity of a drug by spraying an aerosol composition with a predetermined amount in the range of 0.01 to 10 mL per spray 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.

[0044] In the present invention, methods for adjusting the spray time in a single spray operation of a metered-dose aerosol product include, for example, adjusting the size of the spray nozzle, adjusting the spray force of the metered-dose aerosol product, adjusting the specifications of the aerosol valve (e.g., stem hole diameter and number), adjusting the propellant pressure, and combinations thereof.

[0045] In the continuous-spray aerosol product of the present invention, it is preferable that the user adjusts the spray time to 0.1 to 5 seconds. By setting the spray time to 0.1 to 5 seconds, a sufficient amount of the agent can be diffused. The spray time is more preferably 0.15 to 4.5 seconds, and even more preferably 0.2 to 4 seconds.

[0046] [ Aerosol Products 200 ] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol product 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, passing through the central axis C1. The aerosol product 200 includes a spray nozzle 250, which comprises a cylindrical flow path 252 connected to a valve inserted into a stem insertion portion 121, and a spray port 254 connected to the flow path 252. Other than the spray nozzle 250, it is the same as the aerosol product 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore no further explanation is provided.

[0047] Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the injection nozzle 250 passing through the central axis C2 of the flow path 252 and the center of the injection port 254 (cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2C), and Figure 2C is a schematic plan view of the injection nozzle 250. The injection nozzle 250 comprises a cylindrical flow path 252 connected to a flow path 122 and an injection port 254 connected to the flow path 252 (which is the outlet). In this embodiment, a flow path 122 is provided, but if the injection nozzle 250 is in contact with the stem, the flow path 252 will be directly connected to the stem, so the flow path 122 does not need to be provided. In this embodiment, there are two injection ports 254, but there may be one or three or more. The injection port 254 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0048] The width L10 of the injection port 254 of the injection nozzle 250 is, for example, 0.2 mm or more, 0.4 mm or more, or 0.6 mm or more, and 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less. The diameter d1 of the flow path 252 of the injection nozzle 250 is, for example, 1 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. However, if the diameter d1 of the flow path 252 is not constant, the maximum diameter of the flow path 252 shall be taken as the diameter d1.

[0049] The distance L11 between the two injection ports 254 of the injection nozzle 250 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more, or 1 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. The length L12 of the flow path 252 of the injection nozzle 250 in the direction of the long axis (central axis C2) is, for example, 5 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more, and 20 mm or less, 18 mm or less, 16 mm or less, 14 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.

[0050] The opening area of ​​each nozzle 254 of the injection nozzle 250 is, for example, 0.1 mm². 2 or more, or 0.2 mm 2 That's all, 0.3mm 2 More than 0.4mm 2 Above, 0.5mm 2 That's all. 3mm 2 Below, 2mm 2 Below, 1mm 2 The following, or 0.5mm 2 The following applies: When there are multiple nozzles 254, the total opening area is 0.2 mm². 2 More than 0.3mm 2 More than 0.4mm 2 or more, or 0.5 mm 2 That's all. 5mm 2 Below, 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 The following, or 2mm 2 The following applies: The opening areas of each nozzle 254 may be the same or different. However, the opening areas of the nozzles 254 (and their sum) are smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 252.

[0051] The ratio of the opening area of ​​each injection port 254 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 252 of the injection nozzle 250 is, for example, 0.3% or more, or 1% or more, and is 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, 8% or less, 6% or less, 4% or less, or 2% or less.

[0052] The opening area of ​​the nozzle 254 of the spray nozzle 250 (the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C2) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 252 of the spray nozzle 250 (the area of ​​a circle with diameter d1). With this configuration, when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the nozzle 254 of the spray nozzle 250, the aerosol composition travels through the flow path 252, which has a relatively wide cross-section, and is finally sprayed outwards from the nozzle 254, which has a relatively narrow cross-section.

[0053] Thus, the aerosol product 200, with its configuration in which the opening area of ​​the spray nozzle 254 of the spray nozzle 250 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 252 of the spray nozzle 250, can diffuse the aerosol composition over a wide area at a relatively short distance (for example, at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the spray nozzle 254). Furthermore, preferably, by providing multiple spray nozzles 254, the diffusivity of the sprayed aerosol composition can be further improved.

[0054] The aerosol product 200 is configured to satisfy condition 1A (and / or condition 1B) described in the description of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the aerosol product 200 is configured to satisfy one or more of the conditions 2 to 4 described in the description of the first embodiment.

[0055] Aerosol product 200, like aerosol product 100, is either a metered-dispense or continuous-dispense type.

[0056] Aerosol product 200 can be used to spray antifungal agents and other chemicals into the inside of an air conditioner. By using aerosol product 200, the chemicals can be applied to a wide area, including the deep parts of the air conditioner's interior, which have a complex structure.

[0057] [ Aerosol Products 300 ] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area around the spray nozzle 350 of the aerosol product 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol product 300 is equipped with a spray nozzle 350, which comprises a flow path 352 connected to a valve inserted into the stem insertion portion 121, and a spray port 354 connected to the flow path 352 (which is the outlet). All other aspects are the same as those of the aerosol product 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore no further explanation is provided.

[0058] The flow path 352 of the injection nozzle 350 consists of a tapered portion 352a that narrows towards the injection port 354 and a straight cylindrical portion 352b. There is one injection port 354.

[0059] The diameter d1 of the straight portion 352b of the flow path 352 of the injection nozzle 350 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.6 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, 0.9 mm or more, or 1 mm or more, and 3 mm or less, 2.5 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 1 mm or less.

[0060] The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 352 of the injection nozzle 350 (the cross-sectional area of ​​the straight portion 352b) is, for example, 0.2 mm 2 More than 0.3mm 2 More than 0.4mm 2 Above, 0.5mm 2 Above, 0.6mm 2 or more, or 0.7mm 2 That's all. 7mm 2 Below, 5mm 2 Below, 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 Below, 2mm 2 The following, or 1 mm 2 The following applies:

[0061] The diameter d2 of the nozzle opening 354 of the injection nozzle 350 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.5 mm or more, and 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 1 mm or less.

[0062] The opening area of ​​the nozzle 354 of the injection nozzle 350 is, for example, 0.007 mm². 2 The above is 0.07mm 2 Above, 0.1 mm 2 Above, 0.2mm 2 or more, or 0.3 mm 2 That's all. 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 Below, 2mm 2 Below, 1mm 2 The following, or 0.8mm 2 The following applies:

[0063] The ratio d2 / d1, which is the ratio of the diameter d1 of the straight portion 352b of the flow path 352 of the spray nozzle 350 to the diameter d2 of the spray opening 354 of the spray nozzle 350, is preferably, for example, 0.1 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.5 or more, or 0.6 or more, and preferably less than 1, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, or 0.7 or less. When d2 / d1 is within the above range, the agent can be efficiently attached while improving diffusivity.

[0064] The opening area of ​​the nozzle 354 of the spray nozzle 350 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 352 of the spray nozzle 350 (the cross-sectional area of ​​the straight portion 352b). With this configuration, when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the nozzle 354 of the spray nozzle 350, the aerosol composition moves through the flow path 352, which has a relatively wide cross-section, and is finally sprayed out to the outside from the nozzle 354, which has a relatively narrow cross-section.

[0065] Thus, the aerosol product 300, with its configuration in which the opening area of ​​the spray nozzle 354 of the spray nozzle 350 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 352 of the spray nozzle 350, can diffuse the aerosol composition (pharmaceutical) over a wide area at a relatively short distance (for example, at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the spray nozzle 354). Furthermore, preferably, by providing multiple spray nozzles 354, the diffusivity of the sprayed aerosol composition can be further improved.

[0066] The aerosol product 300 is configured to satisfy condition 1A (and / or condition 1B) described in the description of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the aerosol product 300 is configured to satisfy one or more of the conditions 2 to 4 described in the description of the first embodiment.

[0067] Aerosol product 300, like aerosol product 100, is either a metered-dispense or continuous-dispense type.

[0068] Aerosol product 300 can be used to spray antifungal agents and other chemicals into the inside of an air conditioner. By using aerosol product 300, the chemicals can be applied to a wide area, including the deep parts of the air conditioner's interior, which have a complex structure.

[0069] [ Aerosol Products 400 ] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the spray nozzle 450 of the aerosol product 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol product 400 is equipped with a spray nozzle 450, which comprises a flow path 452 connected to a valve, a spray port 454 connected to the flow path 452 (which is the outlet), and a flow path 122 formed between the stem and the spray nozzle 150. There is one spray port 454. Other than the spray nozzle 450, it is the same as the aerosol product 100 of the first embodiment, and the explanation is omitted.

[0070] The diameter d1 of the flow path 452 of the injection nozzle 450 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 0.7 mm or more, 0.8 mm or more, or 1 mm or more, and 3 mm or less, 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. However, if the diameter d1 of the flow path 452 is not constant, the maximum diameter of the flow path 452 shall be taken as the diameter d1.

[0071] The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 452 of the injection nozzle 450 is, for example, 0.2 mm². 2 More than 0.3mm 2 More than 0.4mm 2 Above, 0.5mm 2 Above, 0.6mm 2 or more, or 0.7mm 2That's all. 7mm 2 Below, 5mm 2 Below, 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 Below, 2mm 2 The following, or 1 mm 2 The following applies:

[0072] The diameter d2 of the nozzle opening 454 of the injection nozzle 450 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, or 0.5 mm or more, and 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 1 mm or less.

[0073] The opening area of ​​the nozzle 454 of the injection nozzle 450 is, for example, 0.007 mm². 2 The above is 0.07mm 2 Above, 0.1 mm 2 Above, 0.2mm 2 or more, or 0.3 mm 2 That's all. 4mm 2 Below, 3mm 2 Below, 2mm 2 Below, 1mm 2 The following, or 0.8mm 2 The following applies:

[0074] The opening area of ​​the nozzle 454 of the spray nozzle 450 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 452 of the spray nozzle 450. In this configuration, when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the nozzle 454 of the spray nozzle 450, the aerosol composition travels through the flow path 452, which has a relatively wide cross-section, and is finally sprayed outwards from the nozzle 454, which has a relatively narrow cross-section.

[0075] Thus, the aerosol product 400, with its configuration in which the opening area of ​​the spray nozzle 454 of the spray nozzle 450 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 452 of the spray nozzle 450, can diffuse the aerosol composition (pharmaceutical) over a wide area at a relatively short distance (for example, at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the spray nozzle 454). Furthermore, preferably, by providing multiple spray nozzles 454, the diffusivity of the sprayed aerosol composition can be further improved.

[0076] The aerosol product 400 is configured to satisfy condition 1A (and / or condition 1B) described in the description of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the aerosol product 400 is configured to satisfy one or more of the conditions 2 to 4 described in the description of the first embodiment.

[0077] Aerosol product 400, like aerosol product 100, is either a metered-dispense or continuous-dispense type.

[0078] Aerosol product 400 can be used to spray antifungal agents and other chemicals into the inside of an air conditioner. By using aerosol product 400, the chemicals can be applied to a wide area, including the deep parts of the air conditioner's interior, which have a complex structure.

[0079] [ Aerosol composition ] The aerosol composition comprises an aerosol concentrate and a propellant.

[0080] The aerosol concentrate contains chemicals. These chemicals include fungicides, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, insecticides, insect repellents, deodorizers, fragrances, etc., and preferably contain fungicides and / or insecticides.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Examples of pest control agents include pyrethroid compounds such as permethrin, pyrethrin, allethrin, phthalthrin, resmethrin, flamethrin, phenothrin, empenthrin, prallethrin, cyphenothrin, imiprothrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, dimefluthrin, and mepafluthrin; organophosphorus compounds such as fenitrothion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifosmethyl, diazinon, and fenthion; carbamate compounds such as carbaryl and propoxur; compounds such as methoprene, pyriproxyfen, methoxadiazone, fipronil, amidoflumeth, and brofranilide; and dibasic acid esters such as dibutyl adipate. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0083] Disinfectants, sterilizers, and antiviral agents are components that remove or kill microorganisms, 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.

[0084] Deodorizers are ingredients that can eliminate odors. Examples of deodorizers include green tea extract, persimmon tannin, methacrylate lauryl acid, methyl benzoate, methyl phenylacetate, geranyl chloride, acetophenone myristate, benzyl acetate, and benzyl propionate. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0085] Fragrances are components that emit aroma. Examples of fragrances include natural fragrances such as anise oil, lavender oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, grapefruit oil, peppermint oil, orange oil, fennel oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil, cypress oil, jasmine oil, neroli oil, peppermint oil, bergamot oil, butigrain oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, citronellyl acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, nonyl alcohol, cis-jasmone, limonene, p-menthane-3,8-diol, menthyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, and benzyl salicylate; and synthetic fragrances such as camphene, p-cymene, benzyl alcohol, n-butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, coumarin, and cineole. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0086] The amount of the active ingredient in the aerosol concentrate is preferably 0.01% by mass / volume (w / v%) or more, 0.1 w / v% or more, 0.3 w / v% or more, 0.5 w / v% or more, and 90 w / v% or less, 80 w / v% or less, 70 w / v% or less, 60 w / v% or less, 50 w / v% or less, 40 w / v% or less, 30 w / v% or less, 20 w / v% or less, 10 w / v% or less, or 1 w / v% or less. A concentration of 0.01 w / v% or more of the active ingredient in the aerosol concentrate ensures sufficient efficacy. A concentration of 90 w / v% or less of the active ingredient in the aerosol concentrate is preferable as it suppresses deterioration of the aerosol container and valve due to the active ingredient. The lower limit of the active ingredient content 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. Furthermore, the upper limit of the amount of the active ingredient in the aerosol concentrate is more preferably 70 w / v% or less, even more preferably 50 w / v% or less, and particularly preferably 30 w / v% or less.

[0087] The aerosol concentrate may contain a solvent in addition to the chemical agent for the purpose of adjusting the viscosity of the concentrate, improving production suitability, and improving the adhesion of the chemical agent. The solvent is used to uniformly blend chemical agents such as fungicides, 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; or a combination thereof.

[0088] The solvent content is, for example, 10 w / v% or more, 20 w / v% or more, 30 w / v% or more, 40 w / v% or more, 50 w / v% or more, 60 w / v% or more, 70 w / v% or more, 80 w / v% or more, or 90 w / v% or more in the aerosol concentrate, and 99.99 w / v% or less, or 99.5 w / v% or less. It is preferable that the solvent content in the aerosol concentrate is 10 w / v% or more because it allows the viscosity to be adjusted to an appropriate range. It is preferable that the solvent content in the aerosol concentrate is 99.99 w / v% or less because it allows the drug to exert a sufficient effect.

[0089] The aerosol concentrate may contain other components as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of other components include pH adjusters, UV absorbers, inorganic substances, surfactants, and solubilizers.

[0090] 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 propellants, compressed gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, compressed air, and oxygen gas may be used.

[0091] The mixing ratio of the aerosol concentrate to the propellant in the aerosol composition (volume of aerosol concentrate / volume of propellant) is 1 / 99 or higher, 5 / 95 or higher, or 10 / 90 or higher, and 90 / 10 or lower, 80 / 20 or lower, or 70 / 30 or lower, under 25°C conditions. By adjusting this mixing ratio, the spray force of the aerosol composition can be adjusted.

[0092] [ 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 diagonally from the end of the air conditioner's outlet using one or any combination of aerosol products 100 to 400 containing an antifungal agent. By spraying the aerosol composition diagonally from the end of the air conditioner's outlet, the agent is diffused and adheres to the entire interior of 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.

[0093] 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 composition into the air conditioner while moving one of the aerosol products 100 to 400 containing an antifungal agent or any combination thereof, from one end of the air conditioner's outlet to the other. By continuously spraying the aerosol composition into the air conditioner, the agent is diffused and adheres to the entire interior of the air conditioner. In this way, the occurrence and growth of mold inside the air conditioner can be prevented by a simple method.

[0094] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for preventing mold growth inside an air conditioner, comprising the steps of: spraying an aerosol composition from a first position at the air conditioner's outlet toward the inside of the air conditioner using any one or any combination of aerosol products 100 to 400 containing an antifungal agent; and spraying the aerosol composition from a second position different from the first position at the air conditioner toward the inside of the air conditioner. The method for preventing mold growth inside an air conditioner may also involve repeating these steps. By spraying the aerosol composition into the air conditioner multiple times, the agent is diffused and adheres to the entire interior of the air conditioner. In this way, the occurrence and growth of mold inside the air conditioner can be prevented by a simple method.

[0095] Each embodiment of the present invention described above may incorporate and adopt matters described in other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above. [Examples]

[0096] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Aerosol products 100 to 400 according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention were prepared, and the diffusivity of the agent sprayed from the aerosol products was evaluated. Examples 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 to 11, 14 to 16, 18, and 19 are aerosol products 100 according to the first embodiment of the metered-discharge type, and Examples 7, 8, and 17 are aerosol products 100 according to the first embodiment of the continuous-discharge type. Examples 3 and 6 are aerosol products 200 according to the second embodiment of the metered-discharge type. Example 12 is aerosol product 300 according to the third embodiment of the metered-discharge type, and Example 13 is aerosol product 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the metered-discharge type.

[0097] [ Test specimen ] (1) Quantitative-dispense aerosol products (Examples 1-6, 9-13 and Comparative Example 1) (a) About valves In each example, one of the following metered injection valves was used: 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.4 ml, or 1 ml. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of φ45mm and a height of 100mm (full capacity of 139ml) was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of chemical agent dispensed from the valve was adjusted to 2 mg (Table 1). 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (IPMP) was used as the fungicide, and 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. (e) Aerosol composition Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.49 MPa (25°C)) was used as the propellant, and the aerosol concentrates shown in Table 1 were used in the types and quantities shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0098] [Table 1]

[0099] [Table 2]

[0100] [Table 3]

[0101] (2) Continuous spray type aerosol products (Examples 7-8) (a) About valves Valve 1 in Example 7 had a stem diameter of φ0.4 mm, an undertap of φ0.5 mm, and a dip tube inner diameter of 1.3 mm. Valve 2 in Example 8 had a stem diameter of φ0.3 mm, an undertap of φ1.0 mm, and a dip tube inner diameter of 3 mm. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of φ45mm and a height of 130mm (full capacity of 179ml) was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of chemical agent dispensed from the valve was adjusted so that the discharge rate was 2 mg per second of spraying (Table 4). 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (IPMP) was used as the fungicide, and 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. (e) Aerosol composition Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.39 MPa (25°C)) was used as the propellant, and the aerosol concentrates shown in Table 4 were used in the types and quantities shown in Table 5.

[0102] [Table 4]

[0103] [Table 5]

[0104] (3) Summary of test samples In summary, the test samples (aerosol products) prepared for Examples 1-13 and Comparative Example 1 have the characteristics and structure described in Table 6.

[0105] [Table 6]

[0106] In Table 6, "Stock solution formulation" represents the stock solution formulations described in Tables 1 and 4. "Spray volume" is the amount (ml) of the aerosol composition sprayed from the spray nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (in the case of the metered spray type aerosol products of Examples 1 to 6, 9 to 13 and Comparative Example 1) or sprayed for 1 second (in the case of the continuous spray type aerosol products of Examples 7 and 8). Also, the "liquid discharge volume" shown in Table 7 below is the amount (ml) of the aerosol stock solution sprayed from the spray nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (in the case of the metered spray type aerosol products of Examples 1 to 6, 9 to 13 and Comparative Example 1) or sprayed for 1 second (in the case of the continuous spray type aerosol products of Examples 7 and 8). "Liquid / gas" represents the volume ratio at 25°C between the aerosol stock solution and the propellant (LPG) in the aerosol container. "IPMP discharge volume" is the amount (mg) of the drug (IPMP) sprayed from the spray nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (in the case of the metered spray type aerosol products of Examples 1 to 6, 9 to 13 and Comparative Example 1) or sprayed for 1 second (in the case of the continuous spray type aerosol products of Examples 7 and 8). "Nozzle opening area" is the opening area of the spray opening of the spray nozzle (the total value in the case of multiple spray openings).

[0107] Regarding the shapes 1 to 5 of the spray nozzles used in each example and comparative example, they are as follows (see Figure 5). Shape 1 (used in Examples 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 to 11, 14 to 19): It is the spray nozzle shape having the three spray openings described in the first embodiment above. The diameter of the flow path is φ1.9 mm, and the opening area of each spray opening is 0.785 mm 2 and the total opening area is approximately 2.4 mm 2 . Shape 2 (used in Examples 3 and 6): It is the spray nozzle shape having the two spray openings described in the second embodiment above. The diameter of the flow path is φ3 mm, and the opening area of each spray opening is 0.28 mm 2The total opening area is 0.56 mm². 2 That is the case. Shape 3 (used in Comparative Example 1): This is an injection nozzle shape with one injection port, and the injection port has a straight structure in which it is connected to the flow path without any steps, without any reduction or expansion in diameter. The diameter of the flow path is φ1.9 mm, and the diameter of the injection port is also φ1.9 mm, and both the opening area of ​​the injection port and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path are 2.8 mm². 2 That is the case. Shape 4 (used in Example 12): This is an injection nozzle shape described in the third embodiment above, which has one injection port and a flow path consisting of a tapered portion toward the injection port and a straight portion. The diameter of the flow path is φ1.2 mm, the diameter of the injection port is φ0.9 mm, and the opening area of ​​the injection port is 0.64 mm 2 That is the case. Shape 5 (used in Example 13): This is an injection nozzle shape with one injection port as described in the fourth embodiment above. The diameter of the flow path is φ1.2 mm, the diameter of the injection port is φ0.74 mm, and the opening area of ​​the injection port is 0.43 mm². 2 That is the case.

[0108] [ Jet force measurement test ] The test specimens for each example and comparative example were left to stand in a chamber set to 25°C for 1 to 2 hours. Next, a circular flat plate with a diameter of φ60 mm was attached to a digital force gauge (manufactured by Imada Co., Ltd., model number: DST-2N). For quantitative spray type test specimens (Examples 1-6, 9-13 and Comparative Example 1), one spray was directed towards the center of the flat plate located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle of the test specimen, and the maximum value of the spray force on the flat plate at that time was measured. For continuous spray type test specimens (Examples 7 and 8), a spray was directed towards the center of the flat plate located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle of the test specimen for 1 second, and the maximum value of the spray force on the flat plate at that time was measured. The spray force measurement test was performed three times for each test specimen, and the average value was calculated as the "spray force at a distance of 15 cm (gf)".

[0109] [ Particle size measurement test ] 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 employing laser diffraction (manufactured by Tonichi Computer Applications Co., Ltd., model number: LDSA-1400A), the test sample was sprayed once (for quantitative spray type test samples) or for 1 second (for continuous spray type test samples) from a horizontal distance of 15 cm onto the laser beam irradiated from the laser light emitting part to the light receiving part of the device. The volume-average particle diameter (D50) of the aerosol composition was measured three times under the following measurement conditions, and the average value was calculated as the "particle diameter at a distance of 15 cm (μm)". (Measurement conditions) Measurement method: Auto-start average Averaging cycles: 3 (The measuring device automatically takes 3 measurements, and the average value is displayed on the screen as the measured value.) Interval: 0.60ms Calculation method: Rosin Ramler Spray distance: Sprayed from a distance of 15 cm horizontally from the laser beam of the particle size measuring device.

[0110] [ Drug diffusion test ] Thermal paper (A4 size thermal paper for word processors, manufactured by Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.) that reacts with the drug (IPMP) in the aerosol concentrate was prepared. The position of the test sample was set so that the horizontal distance from the thermal paper to the nozzle of the test sample was 15 cm. At this time, the nozzle was fixed so that the straight line extending from it toward the thermal paper was perpendicular to the thermal paper. At this distance, the aerosol composition was sprayed once onto the thermal paper in the case of a quantitative spray type (or sprayed for 1 second in the case of a continuous spray type), and the attached liquid was left to stand for about 2 minutes until it dried. After that, the surface on which the particles (drug) were attached was adjusted so that the center of it was within a frame consisting of 9 squares of 3 cm x 3 cm (Figure 6), and each of the 9 squares was cut out using scissors (test piece), and the amount of drug attached was analyzed under the analysis conditions described below. (Note: If dripping occurs with thermal paper, the measurement can be performed using filter paper of the same size (No. 1, manufactured by ADVANTEC). The filter paper is pre-divided into nine 3cm x 3cm squares, with a 1mm gap between each square. The 3cm x 3cm filter paper squares are arranged to form an overall 9.2cm x 9.2cm square, and the aerosol composition is sprayed so that the amount of adhering material to the central square (square 5 shown in Figure 6) is maximized.)

[0111] For the analysis of the amount of drug adhering to the test specimen, the amount adhering per spray (or per second of spraying in the case of a continuous spray) was calculated using gas chromatography in the case of a quantitative spray type. The test specimen was finely chopped, immersed in ethanol, and extracted using ultrasound for 15 minutes to extract the drug IPMP, which was then quantitatively analyzed using amyl benzoate as an internal standard.

[0112] The test was conducted twice, and the average of the two measurements was calculated as the "adhesion amount (μg)" for each divided cell. After calculating the adhesion amount (μg) for each 3cm x 3cm cell (test piece), the total adhesion amount for all divided cells (drug amount B), the adhesion amount for the central cell 5 (maximum adhesion amount: drug amount A), maximum adhesion amount (drug amount A) / drug discharge amount (drug amount C) × 100, the total adhesion amount for the 8 cells other than the central cell 5 (drug amount B - drug amount A), and the adhesion amount for the central cell 5 (drug amount A) / total adhesion amount for the 8 cells other than the central cell 5 (drug amount B - drug amount A) were calculated.

[0113] [ Measurement of horizontal jet width and horizontal jet angle in a horizontal plane Each test specimen was left standing in a room set at 25°C for about 1 to 2 hours. Next, using a particle size measuring device (manufactured by Tohto Computer Applications Co., Ltd., LDSA-1400A), the specimen was fixed at a position where the distance from the laser to the injection port of the test specimen was 15 cm. The injection port and the laser beam were set to be at a height of 22.5 cm from the ground. The camera was used to take pictures with the height from the ground to the lens being 145 cm, the distance from the laser to the tripod position being 80 cm, and the camera angle tilted by about 4°. The pictures were taken using an iPhone (registered trademark) under the following set environment. Also, a scale that could identify numerical values was placed directly below the laser so that it would be reflected in the camera. Then, the test specimen was processed once (sprayed for 1 second), and a screenshot was taken at the time recognized by the laser at a horizontal distance of 15 cm from the injection port from the video data (without separately performing resolution processing on the image data), and it was saved as image data. This image data was analyzed on Microsoft (registered trademark) PowerPoint (registered trademark), and the horizontal spray width and horizontal spray angle at a horizontal distance of 15 cm were calculated. The test was repeated 3 times, and the average value of the 3 times was calculated. (Calculation method) Horizontal spray width calculation: On Microsoft (registered trademark) PowerPoint (registered trademark), the numerical value of the width recognized by the laser × 10 / the length on Microsoft (registered trademark) PowerPoint (registered trademark) at 10 cm of the scale that can identify numerical values Horizontal spray angle calculation (radian): The spray angle is calculated from {tan -1 (average spray width / 2) / 15 cm} × 2 Conversion of radian to degree: Radian numerical value × 180 ÷ pi (iPhone (registered trademark) settings) Function used: Slow motion shooting function Settings: 1080p / 240fps Model name: iPhone SE

[0114] Measurement of vertical jet width and vertical jet angle in a vertical plane ​​​Each test sample was left to stand in a room set to 25°C for 1-2 hours. Next, the test sample was positioned so that the nozzle was 100 cm above the ground, and a marker was fixed at a distance of 15 cm from the nozzle. A black cloth (product name: Near-infrared absorbing flocked cloth "IR1500", manufactured by Koyo Orient Japan Co., Ltd.) was placed in the background. For image analysis, an object with a known length was placed coaxially with the marker, which was positioned 15 cm horizontally from the spray position of the test sample. The camera was set with a height of 120 cm from the ground to the lens, a tripod position of 115 cm from the sample, and the camera angle set to horizontal for shooting. The shooting was performed using an iPhone (registered trademark) under the above settings. For evaluation, the test sample was processed once (one spray), and then, from the video data, a screenshot was taken 0.5 seconds after the start of spraying, with the moment when particles were ejected from the nozzle set as 0 seconds, and saved as image data.

[0115] (Method for calculating vertical jet width C and vertical jet angle D1 (vertical jet width and effective processing angle on a target surface located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle)) Image data was analyzed using Microsoft PowerPoint®, and the spray width C, at which the particle passed a marker 15 cm away from the nozzle 0.5 seconds after being ejected, was measured three times. The average value of these measurements was calculated as the "vertical spray width (cm)" (see Figure 7A). Furthermore, the "effective processing angle relative to the target surface" (vertical spray angle D1) was calculated using the inverse trigonometric function of the vertical spray width C and tangent.

[0116] (Method for calculating the vertical injection angle D2 (the spread angle of the particles at the moment they are ejected from the nozzle)) Image data was analyzed using ImageJ for Windows v1.8.0 software. The analysis involved using the software's angle tool to connect three points on the target surface, 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle. The "spread angle of particles from the nozzle" (vertical injection angle D2) was calculated by measuring so that the particles between the nozzle and the points were contained within the range connected by these three points (see Figure 7A).

[0117] (Method for calculating area E (representing the spread of particles by area)) The target image data was opened using ImageJ for Windows v1.8.0 software. The image data was processed to 8-bit so that the sprayed particles and background color could be clearly distinguished. Next, a reference length was set. For area measurement, the Polygon selections setting in ImageJ for Windows v1.8.0 software was selected, and the "area of ​​discharged particles at a distance of 15 cm" (area E) was measured, matching the area of ​​particles (area that can be visually recognized as white) within the range between the nozzle and a marker on the target surface 15 cm horizontally away, 0.5 seconds after the moment the particles were discharged from the nozzle (see Figure 7B).

[0118] Table 7 shows a list of the various measurement results.

[0119] [Table 7]

[0120] Regarding the spray force at a distance of 15 cm, the results from Examples 1 to 13, where the spray nozzle has shape 1, 2, 4, or 5 (1st to 4th embodiments), and Comparative Example 1, where the spray nozzle has shape 3, show that by using a spray nozzle in which the opening area of ​​the nozzle's nozzle is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, the spray force can be weakened compared to a spray nozzle in which the opening area of ​​the nozzle's nozzle is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

[0121] Regarding particle size at a distance of 15 cm, the results from Examples 1 to 13, where the spray nozzle has shape 1, 2, 4, or 5 (1st to 4th embodiments), and Comparative Example 1, where the spray nozzle has shape 3, show that by using a spray nozzle where the opening area of ​​the nozzle's nozzle is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle's flow path, the particle size of the aerosol composition can be reduced to 75 μm or less. Furthermore, from the results of Comparative Example 1, when using a spray nozzle where the opening area of ​​the nozzle's nozzle is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle's flow path, the particle size of the aerosol composition was large, at 300 μm or more. From these results, it was found that by using a spray nozzle where the opening area of ​​the nozzle's nozzle is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle's flow path, aerosol particles can be widely diffused even at a short horizontal distance of 15 cm, and the particle size can be reduced to 100 μm or less, which is considered optimal for diffusion.

[0122] Furthermore, by using the spray nozzles of Examples 1 to 13 (Embodiments 1 to 4), the horizontal spray width A and vertical spray width C at a horizontal distance of 15 cm could be set to 4.4 cm or more and 5.4 cm or more, respectively, and it was found that the agent could be sufficiently diffused not only in the center (mass 5) of the 9 cm x 9 cm mass. In addition, the results from Examples 1 to 13 confirmed that this diffusivity is not affected by the liquid / gas ratio. On the other hand, when using the spray nozzle of Comparative Example 1, it was found that the agent adhered locally to the center (mass 5), and the agent could not be sufficiently diffused.

[0123] [ Measurement of the amount of chemical adhering to the inside of the air conditioner ] As shown in Figure 8, 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 inner wall surface (the inner wall surface above the air outlet) and the aluminum fins facing the blower fan, as well as on the blower fan itself. The placement of the thermal paper on the wall was determined by spraying the test sample from the air outlet of the air conditioner. A 5cm x 20cm thermal paper was placed starting from the air outlet from which the test sample would be sprayed, and another 5cm x 20cm thermal paper was placed 10mm from the left edge of the first thermal paper. Furthermore, another 5cm x 20cm thermal paper was placed 10mm from the left edge of the first thermal paper. For the aluminum fins, one 5cm x 5cm thermal paper was placed centered at a point 50mm above the point where the air outlet contacts the wall. Additionally, one 5cm x 5cm thermal paper was placed at points 90mm and 180mm above the point where it contacts the drain pan on the outlet side. For the blower fan, a 5cm x 5cm thermal paper was placed opposite the aluminum fins that contact the drain pan on the outlet side.

[0124] For quantitative spray type test samples (Examples 1-5, 9, 12, 13), the spray was directed towards the inside of the air conditioner from a position 20 mm away from the air conditioner outlet. Five sprays were performed with an interval of approximately 30 seconds between sprays, while for continuous spray type test samples (Example 7), the spray was applied for 3 seconds. The test piece (thermal paper) was allowed to stand for 10 minutes after the last spray to allow the particles to adhere. The amount of the agent (IPMP) adhering to the test piece was analyzed by gas chromatography, calculating the amount adhering per spray (or 1-second spray). The test piece was finely chopped, immersed in ethanol, and extracted using ultrasound for 15 minutes to extract the agent, IPMP, which was then quantitatively analyzed using amyl benzoate as an internal standard. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0125] [Table 8]

[0126] In the test samples of Examples 1 to 13, the agent was widely dispersed inside the air conditioner, adhering to the deeper parts of the air conditioner, including the inner wall surface above the air outlet, the aluminum fins facing the blower fan, and the blower fan itself. On the other hand, in the test sample of Comparative Example 1, most of the agent adhered to the inner wall surface 1 of the air conditioner near where it was sprayed, and diffusion to other areas was insufficient. Thus, by using the aerosol product of the present invention, the growth of fungi (mold), bacteria, etc. inside the air conditioner can be suppressed.

[0127] Next, Examples 14 to 17 of the present invention will be described.

[0128] [ Test specimen ] (1) Quantitative spray type aerosol products (Examples 14-16) (a) About valves In each example, one of the following metered injection valves was used: 0.2 ml, 0.4 ml, or 1 ml. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of φ45mm and a height of 100mm (full capacity of 139ml) was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of chemical agent dispensed from the valve was adjusted to 2 mg (Table 9). 1,4-Bis(3,3'-(1-decylpyridinium)methyloxy)butanedibromide (Hygenia) was used as the fungicide, and 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. (e) Aerosol composition Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.49 MPa (25°C)) was used as the propellant, and the aerosol concentrates shown in Table 9 were used in the types and quantities shown in Table 10.

[0129] [Table 9]

[0130] [Table 10]

[0131] (2) Continuous spray type aerosol product (Example 17) (a) About valves Valve 1 in Example 17 had a stem diameter of φ0.4 mm, an undertap of φ0.5 mm, and a dip tube inner diameter of 1.3 mm. (i) Regarding aerosol containers An aluminum can with an outer diameter of φ45mm and a height of 130mm (full capacity of 179ml) was used. (c) Aerosol concentrate formulation The amount of chemical agent dispensed from the valve was adjusted so that the discharge rate was 2 mg per second of spraying (Table 11). 1,4-Bis(3,3'-(1-decylpyridinium)methyloxy)butanedibromide (Hygenia) was used as the fungicide, and 99.5% pure ethanol was used as the solvent. (e) Aerosol formulation Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG 0.39 MPa (25°C)) was used as the propellant, and the aerosol concentrate shown in Table 11 was used (Table 12).

[0132] [Table 11]

[0133] [Table 12]

[0134] (3) Summary of test samples In summary, the test samples (aerosol products) prepared for Examples 14-17 have the characteristics and structure described in Table 13.

[0135] [Table 13]

[0136] In Table 13, "concentrated formulation" refers to the concentrated formulations described in Tables 9 and 11, and "spray volume" is the amount (ml) of aerosol composition sprayed from the spray nozzle when the aerosol composition is sprayed once (for the metered-spray type aerosol products of Examples 14-16) or for 1 second (for the continuous-spray type aerosol product of Example 17). The same applies to "agent discharge volume," except that the agent is referred to as "Hygenia." The definitions of other terms in Table 13 are as described above.

[0137] [ Drug diffusion test ] Aside from making the drug hygienic, the measurements were performed using the method described above for the diffusivity test using IPMP, with filter paper (No. 1, manufactured by ADVANTEC).

[0138] The amount of the drug adhering to the test specimen was analyzed using liquid chromatography, and the measurement was performed in the same manner as in the diffusivity test using IPMP described above, except that hygienic acid was used as the drug to be analyzed. The results are shown in Table 14.

[0139] [Table 14]

[0140] Even when the drug was hygienic, the aerosol products of Examples 14-17 were able to widely disperse aerosol particles even at a short distance of 15 cm horizontally, similar to Examples 2, 4, 5, and 7.

[0141] [ Measurement of the amount of chemical adhering to the inside of the air conditioner ] As shown in Figure 8, 5cm x 20cm and 5cm x 5cm filter paper (No. 1, manufactured by ADVANTEC) were placed on the inner wall surface (the inner wall surface above the air outlet) and the aluminum fins facing the blower fan, as well as on the blower fan itself. The placement of the filter paper on the wall surface was determined by spraying the test sample from the air outlet of the air conditioner. A 5cm x 20cm filter paper was placed starting from the air outlet from which the test sample would be sprayed, and another 5cm x 20cm filter paper was placed 10mm from the left edge of the first filter paper. Furthermore, another 5cm x 20cm filter paper was placed 10mm from the left edge of the first filter paper. For the aluminum fins, one 5cm x 5cm filter paper was placed centered at a point 50mm above the point where the sprayed air outlet contacts the wall surface. Additionally, one 5cm x 5cm filter paper was placed at points 90mm and 180mm above the point where it contacts the drain pan on the outlet side. For the blower fan, a 5cm x 5cm filter paper was placed opposite the aluminum fins that contact the drain pan on the outlet side.

[0142] For quantitative spray type test samples (Examples 14-16), five sprays were performed from a position 20 mm away from the air conditioner outlet towards the inside of the air conditioner, with a spray interval of approximately 30 seconds. For continuous spray type test samples (Example 17), the spray was performed for 3 seconds. The test piece (filter paper) was left to stand for 10 minutes after the last spray to allow the particles to adhere to it. The amount of the drug (Hygenia) adhering to the test piece was analyzed by liquid chromatography (HPLC) and calculated as the amount adhering per spray (or 1-second spray). The test piece was finely chopped, immersed in ethanol, and extracted using ultrasound for 15 minutes to extract the drug Hygenia, which was then quantitatively analyzed using amyl benzoate as an internal standard. The results are shown in Table 15.

[0143] [Table 15]

[0144] Even when the agent was hygienic, the test samples in Examples 14-17 were able to widely disperse the agent inside the air conditioner, allowing it to adhere to the deep parts of the air conditioner, including the inner wall surface above the air outlet, the aluminum fins facing the blower fan, and the blower fan itself. Thus, by using the aerosol product of the present invention, the growth of fungi (mold), bacteria, etc. inside the air conditioner can be suppressed.

[0145] [ Test involving spraying chemicals into the air conditioner from three locations (Example 18) ] 5cm x 20cm and 5cm x 5cm filter paper (No. 1, ADVANTEC) (test pieces) were placed on the walls, behind the aluminum fins, and on the fan inside the air conditioner (Panasonic, CS-EX403C2-W) casing (see Figure 10). For the wall placement, since the sample is sprayed from the air outlet, a 5cm x 20cm filter paper was placed starting from the air outlet from which the sample is sprayed. Another 5cm x 20cm filter paper was then placed 10mm from the left edge of the first one. Furthermore, another 5cm x 20cm filter paper was placed 10mm from the left edge of the first one (see Figure 10(A)). For the aluminum fins, one 5cm x 5cm filter paper was placed centered at a point 50mm above the point where the air outlet contacts the wall. Additionally, one 5cm x 5cm filter paper was placed at points 90mm and 180mm above the point where it contacts the drain pan on the air outlet side (see Figure 10(C)). For the fan, a 5cm x 5cm filter paper was placed in a position opposite the aluminum fins that contact the drain pan on the air outlet side (see Figure 10(B)).

[0146] The aerosol product used in this test was the same as that used in Example 16. The aerosol composition was sprayed once each into the air conditioner from positions corresponding to wall surfaces 2, 5, and 9 of the air outlet (see Figure 10(A)). The amount of drug (hygiene) adhering to each test piece was calculated by liquid chromatography (HPLC), as described above. The test results are shown in Table 16. In Table 16, the discharge volume of the sample used and the drug discharge volume are the amounts discharged in a single spray, and the amount adhering inside the air conditioner (μg) is the total value of three sprays.

[0147] [Table 16]

[0148] It was found that spraying the chemical once from each of the three air vents into the air conditioner allowed the chemical to adhere to even the smallest corners of the air conditioner.

[0149] [ Mold inhibition effect test (Example 19) ] The aerosol product used in this test was the same test sample as in Example 4.

[0150] The air conditioner was turned off and the air vents were opened. The air outlet was divided horizontally into 15 sections (37 mm per section; see Figure 11(A)), and the sample was sprayed once each month in June, July, and August at three locations: the 3rd, 8th, and 13th sections from the left. This study involved 12 households, of which the sample was sprayed into the air conditioners in 5 households (referred to as the treatment group), while the sample was not sprayed in the remaining 7 households (referred to as the untreated group).

[0151] <Evaluation of mold count in the air intake 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 evaluated. The mold suppression rate 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 19 (treated group), and the average value of the remaining 7 households in the control group (untreated group). The results are shown in Table 17. 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

[0152] <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 June, the collection location was the 7th square from the left, dividing the air vent horizontally into 15 sections (37mm per section; see Figure 11(A)). In July, the collection location was the 9th square from the left, and in August, the collection location was the 10th square from the left (see Figure 11(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 17. Mold contamination suppression rate (%) = 100 - (Average number of viable bacteria in the treated area / Average number of viable bacteria in the untreated area) × 100

[0153] [Table 17]

[0154] In a study of 12 households (7 untreated and 5 treated) in general households, the number of mold particles in the air blown out of air conditioners and inside the air conditioners was investigated during the season from June to August when mold contamination is most prevalent. The results showed that the number of mold particles in the air was suppressed by more than 50% compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, investigations into the number of mold particles inside the air conditioners revealed that mold contamination inside the air conditioners could be suppressed by more than 80%. These results indicate that a single use can suppress the spread of mold contamination inside the air conditioner by more than 80% in one month, and the number of mold particles in the blown-out air can be suppressed by more than 50%. In addition, it was found that continuous use of the aerosol product of the present invention can maintain a low level of mold contamination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0155] 100, 200, 300, 400 aerosol products 130 Spray button 140 Operation section 150, 250, 350, 450 spray nozzles 152, 252, 352, 452 Injection nozzle flow paths 154, 254, 354, 454 Spray nozzle openings

Claims

1. A spray nozzle comprising a nozzle for spraying an aerosol composition having an aerosol concentrate containing a drug and a propellant, and a flow path connected to the nozzle. Equipped with, An aerosol product that meets the following condition 1A. Condition 1A: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9 cm × 9 cm square area centered on the same point, satisfy the following formula (1). Formula (1): 0.1≦A / (BA)≦3.0

2. A spray nozzle comprising a nozzle for spraying an aerosol composition having an aerosol concentrate containing a drug and a propellant, and a flow path connected to the nozzle. Equipped with, An aerosol product that meets the following condition 1B. Condition 1B: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the first vertical plane, which is the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, and the amount of drug (B) adhering to a 9.2 cm × 9.2 cm square area centered on the same point, satisfy the following formula (1). Formula (1): 0.1≦A / (BA)≦3.0

3. The aerosol product according to claim 1 or 2, further satisfying one or more of the following conditions 2, 3, and 4. Condition 2: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward a first vertical plane located 15 cm horizontally from the nozzle, the ratio (A / C) of the amount of drug (A) adhering to a 3 cm × 3 cm square area centered on the intersection point of a straight line extended from the nozzle toward the first vertical plane and the first vertical plane, to the amount of drug (C) sprayed from the aerosol product, is between 0.1% and 75%. Condition 3: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward the first vertical plane, the horizontal spray width of the aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle, as measured on the first vertical plane, is 4.4 cm or more in the horizontal plane passing through the nozzle. Condition 4: When the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward the first vertical plane, the vertical spray width of the aerosol composition sprayed from the nozzle is 5.4 cm or more, measured on the straight line where the second vertical plane and the first vertical plane intersect, in a second vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane that passes through the nozzle.

4. The aerosol product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening area of ​​the spray nozzle is smaller than the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flow path.

5. The flow path is cylindrical, the diameter of the flow path is 1.0 to 5 mm, and the opening area of ​​the injection port is 0.1 to 2 mm. ２ The aerosol product according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aerosol product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the aerosol composition is sprayed from the aerosol product toward the first vertical plane, the spray force of the aerosol composition measured at the first vertical plane is 1 to 25 gf.

7. The aerosol product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned agent contains an antifungal agent, and is used for spraying the agent into the inside of an air conditioner.

8. A method for preventing mold inside an air conditioner using the aerosol product described in claim 7.

Images