Closed structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a chlorine dioxide generator that can reduce the amount of components used. [Solution] In the chlorine dioxide generator 1, a sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7 were mixed in a container 3 to generate chlorine dioxide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealed structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a chlorine dioxide generator, there is known one that can suppress the unique odor of chlorine dioxide gas without reducing the effect of chlorine dioxide gas by a chemical reaction of spraying a specific chemical on a specific chemical (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this chlorine dioxide generator, a solvent in which a first chemical is dissolved is stored in a container, and a second chemical is put into the container from the outside of the container to generate a gas such as chlorine dioxide gas.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the chlorine dioxide generator as described in Patent Document 1 above, sodium chlorite is used as the first chemical and citric acid is used as the second chemical. Sodium chlorite is gelled with a thickener or the like, and citric acid is mixed with a fragrance carried on a solid carrier in a liquid state.

[0006] By gelling sodium chlorite and mixing liquid citric acid in this way, the generation of chlorine dioxide can be continuously carried out for a longer time compared with the case of mixing liquid sodium chlorite and liquid citric acid.

[0007] However, methods for gelling either sodium chlorite or some acidic substance required at least three components: sodium chlorite, the acidic substance, and a thickening agent for gelling.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art. The object of this invention is to provide a chlorine dioxide generator and a chlorine dioxide generator method that can reduce the amount of components used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The chlorine dioxide generator according to this embodiment generates chlorine dioxide by mixing a sodium chlorite solution and fumed silica in a container.

[0010] Preferably, the fumed silica is contained in a silica-containing container, and the silica-containing container is contained within the container that contains the sodium chlorite solution.

[0011] The silica container preferably has at least one opening that communicates with the outside.

[0012] Preferably, the silica containment container is joined at the joint so that a containment space for the fumed silica is formed inside.

[0013] Preferably, the silica containment container is provided integrally with the container.

[0014] The method for generating chlorine dioxide according to this embodiment involves mixing a sodium chlorite solution with fumed silica to generate chlorine dioxide.

[0015] The sealed structure according to this embodiment comprises a sealed member having a sealed space formed inside by being joined at a joint, and a liquid content contained in the sealed space, wherein the content is gelled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a chlorine dioxide generator and a chlorine dioxide generation method capable of reducing the components to be used can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing another example of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing another example of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing another example of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing another example of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing another example of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an exploded perspective view of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view when an ejector is assembled to a container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a front view of a silica container of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 13. [Figure 15]This is a perspective view showing another example of the silica containment container of the chlorine dioxide generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part. [Figure 17] This is a front view of the sealed structure according to this embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of another example of the sealed structure according to this embodiment, using a different sealing member. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part. [Figure 21] (a) is a cross-sectional view of a chlorine dioxide generator according to the fourth embodiment, and (b) is a diagram showing a modified example of the lid of the chlorine dioxide generator shown in (a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The chlorine dioxide generator and sealed structure according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0019] (Chlorine dioxide generator) The chlorine dioxide generator according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 16.

[0020] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 8.

[0021] In this embodiment, the chlorine dioxide generator 1 generates chlorine dioxide by mixing a sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7 in a container 3.

[0022] Furthermore, the fumed silica 7 is contained in a silica container 9, and the silica container 9 is contained within a container 3 that contains the sodium chlorite solution 5.

[0023] Furthermore, the silica containment container 9 has at least one opening 11 that communicates with the outside.

[0024] Furthermore, the method for generating chlorine dioxide involves mixing sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7 to generate chlorine dioxide.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the chlorine dioxide generator 1 comprises a container 3 and a silica containment container 9.

[0026] Container 3 comprises a container body 13 and a pump body 15.

[0027] The container body 13 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end in the longitudinal direction open and the other end in the longitudinal direction closed. The sodium chlorite solution 5 is contained inside the container body 13 through the opening at one end. The outer circumference of the open side of the container body 13 is formed in a threaded shape, and the pump body 15 is screwed to it.

[0028] The pump body 15 is provided with a push-type pressing part 17 on one end in the longitudinal direction. On the other end of the pump body 15 in the longitudinal direction, there is a suction pipe 19 which is located inside the container body 13 and draws up the chlorine dioxide solution generated inside the container body 13 by the pressure of the pressing part 17. With this pump body 15, the pressure of the pressing part 17 draws up the chlorine dioxide solution from the suction pipe 19 and discharges the chlorine dioxide solution from the discharge port 21.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the silica containment container 9 is formed in a cylindrical shape with openings 11, 11 on both ends in the longitudinal direction that communicate with the outside. Fumed silica 7 is contained inside this silica containment container 9 through one of the openings 11. With the fumed silica 7 contained inside, such a silica containment container 9 is placed inside the container body 13 through an opening at one end of the container body 13.

[0030] The fumed silica 7 contained in this silica container 9 has acidic and thickening properties, and functions as an acidic substance and a thickening agent. When the silica container 9 is contained in the container 3, the portion of the fumed silica 7 located at the openings 11, 11 comes into contact with the sodium chlorite solution 5, causing a chemical reaction and generating chlorine dioxide. This generated chlorine dioxide dissolves in the sodium chlorite solution 5, forming a chlorine dioxide solution.

[0031] The chlorine dioxide solution produced by the chemical reaction between sodium chlorite and fumed silica is drawn up from the suction pipe 19 by the pressure applied by the pressing unit 17 and discharged from the discharge port 21.

[0032] By using sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7, which has two functions as an acidic substance and a thickening agent, the number of components required for generating chlorine dioxide can be reduced to two, thereby reducing the number of components used.

[0033] Furthermore, by using fumed silica 7, which has the function of a thickening agent, and sodium chlorite solution 5, the chemical reaction can be made slower and longer-lasting compared to when using sodium chlorite solution 5 and some acidic substance solution (for example, citric acid solution).

[0034] Furthermore, if the sodium chlorite solution 5 in container 3 runs out, chlorine dioxide can be regenerated through a chemical reaction with the fumed silica 7 by pouring the sodium chlorite solution 5 into container 3. Also, when the fumed silica 7 has finished its chemical reaction with sodium chlorite, new fumed silica 7 can be placed in the silica container 9, or another silica container 9 containing fumed silica 7 can be placed in container 3.

[0035] Here, the silica container is not limited to the silica container 9 shown in Figure 3; various silica containers can be used. For example, the silica container 9a shown in Figure 4 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening 11a on one end in the longitudinal direction and the other end in the longitudinal direction closed.

[0036] Furthermore, the silica containment container 9b shown in Figure 5 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with a small-diameter opening 11b at one end in the longitudinal direction and the other end closed in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the silica containment container 9c shown in Figure 6 is formed as a cylindrical shape with both ends in the longitudinal direction closed, and a small-diameter opening 11c is provided at one location on the side.

[0037] Furthermore, the silica container 9d shown in Figure 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends in the longitudinal direction closed, and a cuttable slit 23 is provided on the outer circumference of the central part. By grasping both sides in the longitudinal direction and bending the silica container 9d at the slit 23, the cut portion becomes an opening 11d.

[0038] Furthermore, the silica container 9e shown in Figure 8 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening 11e at one end in the longitudinal direction and a closed end at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Before use, the opening 11e of this silica container 9e is closed with a sealing member 25 such as petrolatum. When this silica container 9e is placed in the container 3 (see Figure 2) with the opening 11e closed with the sealing member 25, the sealing member 25 dissolves in the sodium chlorite solution 5, and the opening 11e is opened.

[0039] Fumed silica 7 is placed in various silica containers 9, and the silica containers 9 are placed in a container 3 containing a sodium chlorite solution 5. Then, the fumed silica 7 and the sodium chlorite solution 5 are brought into contact at the opening 11 of the silica container 9 to cause a chemical reaction and generate chlorine dioxide.

[0040] In addition to sodium chlorite and fumed silica, container 3 may also contain some acidic substance, such as citric acid, to promote the generation of chlorine dioxide.

[0041] In this type of chlorine dioxide generator 1, a sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7 are mixed in a container 3 to generate chlorine dioxide. Therefore, because it is a mixture of sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7, chlorine dioxide can be generated for a longer and more sustained period compared to mixing liquid sodium chlorite with some liquid acidic substance. Furthermore, since fumed silica 7 has acidic and viscous properties, the components used can consist of only two components: sodium chlorite and fumed silica.

[0042] Therefore, in such a chlorine dioxide generator 1, chlorine dioxide can be generated using only two components, sodium chlorite and fumed silica, thus reducing the number of components used.

[0043] Furthermore, the fumed silica 7 is contained in a silica container 9, and the silica container 9 is contained within a container 3 that contains the sodium chlorite solution 5. Therefore, the sodium chlorite and fumed silica can be handled separately, improving transportability and exchangeability.

[0044] Furthermore, the silica containment container 9 has at least one opening 11 that communicates with the outside. Therefore, simply by placing the silica containment container 9 in the container 3, the sodium chlorite and fumed silica can be brought into contact at the opening 11.

[0045] Furthermore, the method for generating chlorine dioxide involves mixing sodium chlorite solution 5 with fumed silica 7 to generate chlorine dioxide. Because it involves mixing sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7, it allows for longer and more sustained generation of chlorine dioxide compared to mixing liquid sodium chlorite with some liquid acidic substance. Additionally, since fumed silica 7 possesses acidity and viscosity-enhancing properties, the mixture can be composed of only two components: sodium chlorite and fumed silica.

[0046] Therefore, in this method of generating chlorine dioxide, chlorine dioxide can be generated using only two components, sodium chlorite and fumed silica, thus reducing the number of components used.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment will be described using Figures 9 to 12.

[0048] In this embodiment, the chlorine dioxide generator 101 generates chlorine dioxide by mixing a sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7 in a container 103.

[0049] Furthermore, the silica containment container 105 is provided integrally with the container 103.

[0050] In addition, for configurations similar to those in the first embodiment, the same symbols are used, and the configuration and function descriptions are omitted, referring to the first embodiment. However, since the configuration is the same as the first embodiment, the effects obtained are the same.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the chlorine dioxide generator 101 comprises a container 103 and a spray body 107.

[0052] The container 103 comprises a sodium container 109 and a silica container 105.

[0053] The sodium container 109 is formed in a hemispherical shape. This sodium container 109 is formed from a single continuous member, with a cylindrical section 111 connecting the upper side and the interior. The inner circumference of this cylindrical section 111 is threaded, and the ejector 107 is screwed into it. When this sodium container 109 is assembled integrally with the silica container 105, a storage space for containing the sodium chlorite solution 5 is formed inside.

[0054] The sodium container 109 and the silica container 105 are assembled together by joining means such as welding, but they may also be assembled together by engaging means that maintain the assembled state through mutual engagement. When using engaging means, it is preferable to place a sealing member such as a sealing ring between the sodium container 109 and the silica container 105.

[0055] The silica container 105 is formed in a hemispherical shape so that it becomes spherical when assembled with the sodium container 109. The silica container 105 has a circular closure portion 113 integrally provided on the side facing the sodium container 109, forming a storage space inside for containing fumed silica 7. The closure portion 113 is integrally formed by joining means such as welding.

[0056] In the center of this closed section 113, an opening 115 is provided, which connects the outside and the inside, at a position that coincides with the cylindrical section 111 of the sodium container 109. This opening 115 is closed by a membrane 117, such as a film. Such a silica container 105 is assembled integrally with the sodium container 109 with fumed silica 7 contained inside.

[0057] When using the chlorine dioxide generator 101, the container 103, which consists of a sodium container 109 and a silica container 105, is spherical and therefore placed on a base 121 having multiple (in this case, three) support parts 119.

[0058] In such a container 103, a sodium container 109 and a silica container 105 are assembled together, and a sodium chlorite solution 5 is poured into the sodium container 109 from the top of the cylindrical portion 111. At this time, the opening 115 is closed by a membrane 117, so the sodium chlorite solution 5 and the fumed silica 7 do not come into contact, and chlorine dioxide is not generated. This membrane 117 is broken by assembling the ejector 107 to the container 103, and the opening 115 is opened.

[0059] The ejector body 107 comprises a penetration section 123 and an ejection section 125.

[0060] The through-section 123 is insertable into the cylindrical section 111 and is formed as a hollow cylindrical shape with openings on both sides in the longitudinal direction, with one side in the longitudinal direction integrally assembled with the ejection section 125. In addition, a slit is provided on the side of the through-section 123 to connect the outside and the inside. The other end of the through-section 123 in the longitudinal direction has a sharp projection 127 that can pierce the membrane 117 when the ejection body 107 is screwed to the cylindrical section 111. Inside this through-section 123, a felt 129 is arranged to draw up the chlorine dioxide solution generated in the silica containment container 105 by capillary action.

[0061] When the ejector 107 is assembled to the container 103, the through-hole 123 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 111 and screwed into the cylindrical portion 111, causing the projection 127 to pierce the membrane 117 and open the opening 115. With this opening 115, the sodium chlorite solution 5 in the sodium container 109 flows into the silica container 105 from the opening 115. The sodium chlorite solution 5 and the fumed silica 7 then come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction, generating chlorine dioxide. This chlorine dioxide solution, in which chlorine dioxide has been dissolved, is drawn up by the felt 129 of the through-hole 123 and sent to the ejector portion 125.

[0062] The ejection unit 125 has a disc-shaped ultrasonic generating unit 131 that is electrically connected to a power source or the like. The container 103 side of this ultrasonic generating unit 131 is in contact with a felt 129. In this ejection unit 125, the chlorine dioxide solution drawn up by the felt 129 in the ultrasonic generating unit 131 is turned into a mist and ejected from the nozzle 133.

[0063] Furthermore, before assembling the spraying body 107 to the container 103, it is preferable to screw the cap 135 onto the cylindrical portion 111 with the sodium storage container 109 either containing the sodium chlorite solution 5 or not containing the sodium chlorite solution 5. By assembling the cap 135 onto the container 103 in this way, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the sodium storage container 109 through the cylindrical portion 111, thereby improving shelf life.

[0064] In this type of chlorine dioxide generator 101, the silica containment container 105 is integrated with the container 103. Therefore, the silica containment container 105 and the container 103 can be handled as a single unit, reducing the number of parts.

[0065] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described using Figures 13 to 16.

[0066] In this embodiment, the chlorine dioxide generator has silica containment containers 203 and 203a joined together at a joint 205, thereby forming a containment space 207 inside which fumed silica 7 (see Figure 2) is contained.

[0067] In addition, for configurations similar to those in other embodiments, the same symbols are used, and the descriptions of the configuration and function are omitted, referring to the other embodiments. However, since the configuration is the same as in the other embodiments, the effects obtained are the same.

[0068] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the silica containment container 203 is constructed by overlapping two sheet members 209, 209. In this silica containment container 203, the two sheet members 209, 209 are joined together via a joint 205 formed around the perimeter by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding. By forming such a joint 205 in the silica containment container 203, a containment space 207 for containing fumed silica 7 is formed inside, which is partitioned from the outside.

[0069] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the silica containment container 203 may be, for example, a silica containment container 203a composed of a containment member 211 with an opening on one side and a sheet member 213 that closes the opening of the containment member 211. In the silica containment container 203a, the opening of the containment member 211 is closed with the sheet member 213, and the containment member 211 and the sheet member 213 are joined via a joint 205 formed around the opening of the containment member 211 by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding. Inside the containment member 211, whose opening is closed by the sheet member 213 in such a silica containment container 203a, a containment space 207 for containing fumed silica 7 is formed.

[0070] Here, let's assume that a liquid substance, such as a sodium chlorite solution 5 (see Figure 2), is contained in silica containers 203 and 203a, which have a joint 205 formed by joining two members. Such a liquid substance has high fluidity within the containment space 207, and the liquid substance easily penetrates into the joint 205. When the liquid substance penetrates into the joint 205, there is a possibility that delamination will occur, which will cause the joint 205 to separate.

[0071] Therefore, fumed silica 7, which has thickening properties, is contained in the silica containers 203 and 203a having a joint portion 205. By containing fumed silica 7 with thickening properties in this way, the fluidity of fumed silica 7 in the containment space 207 is reduced. As a result, fumed silica 7 becomes less likely to penetrate into the joint portion 205, and peeling of the joint portion 205 can be suppressed.

[0072] When such silica containers 203, 203a are applied, for example, to a chlorine dioxide generator 1 (see Figure 2), an opening 215 is formed by a jig (not shown). The silica containers 203, 203a with this opening 215 are placed inside the container 3, and the sodium chlorite solution 5 and fumed silica 7 come into contact at the opening 215, generating chlorine dioxide.

[0073] On the other hand, when silica containers 203 and 203a are applied to, for example, a chlorine dioxide generator 101 (see Figure 10), they are housed as they are in the sodium container 109 or in the silica container 105. In such silica containers 203 and 203a, by assembling the ejector 107 to the container 103, the projection 127 pierces the sheet members 209 and 213, forming an opening 215. At this opening 215, the sodium chlorite solution 5 and the fumed silica 7 come into contact, generating chlorine dioxide.

[0074] In such a chlorine dioxide generator, silica containment containers 203 and 203a are joined at a joint 205, forming a containment space 207 in which fumed silica 7 is contained. As a result, the fluidity of fumed silica 7 within the containment space 207 is reduced. Consequently, fumed silica 7 is less likely to penetrate into the joint 205, and peeling of the joint 205 can be suppressed.

[0075] (closed structure) The sealed structure according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 17 to 20.

[0076] The sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment comprises a sealed member 307, which is joined at a joint 303 to form a sealed space 305 inside, and a liquid contents 309 contained in the sealed space 305.

[0077] Furthermore, the contents 309 are in a gel state.

[0078] Here, the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment is applied to a disinfection device that, for example, mixes a sodium chlorite solution with an acid solution necessary for generating chlorine dioxide and causes a chemical reaction to release chlorine dioxide. When applied to this disinfection device, for example, the sodium chlorite solution and the acid solution are separately housed in a sealed member 307 having the sealed structure 301. When using the disinfection device, the sealed member 307 is opened, the respective solutions are mixed and chemically reacted to generate chlorine dioxide.

[0079] Another application example of the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment is, for example, in a light-emitting device that mixes an oxidizing solution with a luminescent solution necessary for chemiluminescence and causes a chemical reaction to make the oxidizing solution emit light. When applied to this light-emitting device, for example, the oxidizing solution and the luminescent solution are separately housed in sealed members 307 having the sealed structure 301, and each sealed member 307 is placed inside the light-emitting body to be made to emit light. When using the light-emitting device, an external force is applied from outside the light-emitting body, and each sealed member 307 is opened by piercing it with, for example, a needle placed inside the light-emitting body, and the respective solutions are mixed and a chemical reaction is caused to make the oxidizing solution emit light.

[0080] Furthermore, the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment is not limited to the mixing of solutions that cause the chemical reaction described above. For example, the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment is applied to a deodorizing device that mixes a deodorizing solution having deodorizing properties with a fragrance solution to which fragrance is added, and releases the deodorizing solution with added fragrance. When applied to this deodorizing device, for example, the deodorizing solution and the fragrance solution are separately housed in a sealed member 307 having the sealed structure 301. When using the deodorizing device, the sealed member 307 is opened, and the respective solutions are mixed to add fragrance to the deodorizing solution.

[0081] Thus, the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment can be applied when housing a liquid contents 309, which is applied to various devices, within the sealed member 307. The devices described above are merely examples of applications, and the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment is applicable to a wide range of uses, not limited to the devices described above. A detailed description of the sealed structure 301 according to this embodiment follows.

[0082] As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the sealed structure 301 comprises sealing members 307, 307a and contents 309.

[0083] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the sealing member 307 is constructed, for example, by overlapping two sheet members 311, 311. In this sealing member 307, the two sheet members 311, 311 are joined together via a joint 303 formed around the perimeter by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding. By forming such a joint 303 in the sealing member 307, a sealed space 305 for accommodating contents 309 is formed inside, which is partitioned from the outside.

[0084] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the sealing member 307 may be, for example, a sealing member 307a composed of a container 313 with one side open and a sheet member 315 that closes the opening of the container 313. In the sealing member 307a, the opening of the container 313 is closed with the sheet member 315, and the container 313 and the sheet member 315 are joined via a joint 303 formed around the opening of the container 313 by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesive bonding. Inside the container 313 whose opening is closed by the sheet member 315 of such a sealing member 307a, a sealed space 305 for accommodating contents 309 is formed.

[0085] The contents 309 are, for example, a liquid substance such as the sodium chlorite solution described above. By housing the contents 309 within the sealed space 305 of the sealing members 307 and 307a, contact with the outside is blocked and its performance is maintained. In the following description, the contents 309 will be assumed to be housed in the sealing member 307.

[0086] However, if the contents 309 are contained in the sealing member 307 while still in liquid form, the fluidity of the contents 309 within the sealed space 305 is high, making it easy for the contents 309 to penetrate into the joint 303. When the contents 309 penetrate into the joint 303, there is a possibility that delamination will occur, which can cause the joint 303 to separate.

[0087] Therefore, the contents 309 are gelled by adding a gelling agent such as a polymer. By gelling the contents 309 in this way, the viscosity of the contents 309 is increased, and the fluidity of the contents 309 within the sealed space 305 can be reduced. As a result, the contents 309 becomes less likely to penetrate into the joint 303, and the peeling of the joint 303 can be suppressed.

[0088] In such a sealed structure 301, the contents 309 are gelled, which increases the viscosity of the contents 309, reducing the fluidity of the contents 309 within the sealed space 305 and making it difficult for the contents 309 to penetrate into the joint 303.

[0089] Therefore, in such a sealed structure 301, the penetration of the contents 309 into the joint 303 can be suppressed, and the peeling of the joint 303 by the contents 309 can be suppressed.

[0090] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in Figure 21(a), the chlorine dioxide generator 401 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a container 403 and a fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405.

[0091] Container 403 consists of a container body 407 and a lid 409. The container body 407 is provided with an opening 411. The lid 409 is for sealing the opening 411 of the container body 407. The fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 is located inside the container body 407 (container 403).

[0092] Fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 is a gelled mixture of sodium chlorite and fumed silica. The fumed silica in fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 allows chlorine dioxide to be generated from the sodium chlorite in the mixture.

[0093] To further explain, the fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 is designed to gradually release chlorine dioxide into the air over a long period of time under normal temperature and pressure conditions. The mechanism by which chlorine dioxide is released from the fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 is thought to involve the decomposition or other chemical changes of sodium chlorite, which generate chlorine dioxide. This decomposition or chemical change of sodium chlorite is thought to occur when a specific component of the fumed silica reacts with the sodium chlorite. Alternatively, a mixture of pure chlorine dioxide solution and fumed silica (chlorine dioxide solution-fumed silica mixture) can be used instead of the fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405. This also allows for a delay in the volatilization of dissolved chlorine dioxide. In other words, it is designed to gradually release chlorine dioxide into the air over a long period of time under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

[0094] The container body 407 is provided with a threaded portion (container body threaded portion; for example, a male threaded portion) 413. The lid 409 is also provided with a threaded portion (lid threaded portion; for example, a female threaded portion) 415 that is screwed into the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407.

[0095] Furthermore, by tightening the threaded portion 415 of the lid 409 against the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407, the opening 411 of the container body 407 is completely sealed, thus completely preventing chlorine dioxide from escaping to the outside of the container 403.

[0096] Furthermore, by loosening the threaded portion 415 of the lid 409 relative to the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407, a small gap is created between the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407 and the threaded portion 415 of the lid 409. This small gap allows chlorine dioxide to gradually escape to the outside of the container 403.

[0097] Furthermore, the entire container body 407 and the entire lid 409 are made of a material such as synthetic resin or glass that is chemical-resistant and impermeable to gases and liquids.

[0098] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 21(b), a film-like portion (for example, at least a portion) 417 of the lid 409 is made of a material that permeates chlorine dioxide, and the chlorine dioxide permeable material (the portion 417 of the lid 409; the chlorine dioxide permeable portion) may be covered with a shielding material (for example, a sheet-like shielding material) 419. The shielding material 419 is made of a material that is impermeable to chlorine dioxide. Furthermore, the shielding material 419 is provided on the lid 409.

[0099] Furthermore, the container may be configured such that by peeling the shielding material 419 from the lid 409, chlorine dioxide can be released from inside the container body 407 through a portion 417 of the lid 409.

[0100] The shielding material 419 is integrally attached to the lid 409, for example, by adhesive, and once the shielding material 419 is removed from the lid 409, it cannot be easily restored. A part 417 of the lid 409 is made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or silicone, which is chemical resistant and allows only gases such as chlorine dioxide to pass through. In addition, in the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(b), the lid 409 may be integrally attached to the container body 407 by a method other than screws (for example, by adhesive).

[0101] Incidentally, the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21 is configured such that after generating chlorine dioxide from the container 403 for a predetermined period of time, an aqueous solution of acid (for example, citric acid) can be added to the container 403.

[0102] In other words, when the amount of chlorine dioxide generated from container 403 over a predetermined period of time falls below a predetermined value, an aqueous solution of acid can be added to the container body 407.

[0103] As a result, chlorine dioxide is generated further from the fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 in container 403. In other words, the added acid makes it possible to increase the amount of chlorine dioxide generated (amount generated per certain period of time) above the reduced predetermined value.

[0104] Here, we will explain the manner in which the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(a) is used. In the initial state (new condition), a new fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 is placed inside the container 403, and the lid 409 completely closes the opening 411 of the container body 407.

[0105] In the initial state described above, if the lid 409 is rotated slightly relative to the container body 407, the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407 and the threaded portion 415 of the lid 409 are loosened, creating a small gap between the threaded portions 413 and 415. Through this small gap, chlorine dioxide inside the container 403 gradually escapes to the outside of the container 403, sterilizing and disinfecting the area around the container 403. This is the operating state of the chlorine dioxide generator 401.

[0106] Furthermore, after the chlorine dioxide generator 401 has been in use for a predetermined period, the screw portion 415 of the lid 409 is tightened, preventing chlorine dioxide from escaping from the container 403, and allowing the chlorine dioxide generator 401 to be stored.

[0107] Furthermore, after generating chlorine dioxide from container 403 for a predetermined period, when the amount of chlorine dioxide generated per certain time falls below a predetermined value, the lid 409 is removed from the container body 407. Subsequently, an aqueous solution of citric acid is poured into the container body 407 through the opening 411 of the container body 407, and the lid 409 is placed on the container body 407.

[0108] Next, the manner of use of the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(b) will be described. In the initial state (new condition), a new fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 is placed inside the container 403, the lid 409 completely seals the opening 411 of the container body 407, and a shielding material 419 is provided on the lid 409. Furthermore, the shielding material 419 covers all of a part 417 of the lid 409, preventing chlorine dioxide from escaping from the container 403.

[0109] In the initial state described above, when the shielding material 419 is peeled off and removed from the lid 409, chlorine dioxide inside the container 403 gradually escapes to the outside of the container 403 through a portion 417 of the lid 409. Then, the chlorine dioxide generator 401 is put into operation.

[0110] In the embodiment shown in Figure 21(b), a removable shield (not shown) may be provided on the lid 409. Even after the shielding material 419 is peeled off and removed from the lid 409, the shield remains installed on the lid 409, so that the entire portion 417 of the lid 409 is covered by the shield. By covering the entire portion 417 of the lid 409 with the shield, chlorine dioxide may be prevented from escaping to the outside of the container 403.

[0111] Furthermore, in the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(b), citric acid is added to the container 403 in the same manner as in the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(a).

[0112] According to the chlorine dioxide generator 401, chlorine dioxide can be generated using only the fumed silica / sodium chlorite mixture 405. Therefore, compared to the case where acid is used, chlorine dioxide can be obtained more easily and with minimal by-products. In other words, chlorine dioxide can be obtained even if the components used are reduced.

[0113] Furthermore, with the chlorine dioxide generator 401, chlorine dioxide can be further generated by adding an aqueous solution of citric acid to the fumed silica / sodium chlorite mixture 405, allowing for the production of chlorine dioxide over a longer period. Additionally, even after generating chlorine dioxide for a predetermined period, sodium chlorite remains in the fumed silica / sodium chlorite mixture 405. This remaining sodium chlorite can be used efficiently to produce chlorine dioxide.

[0114] Furthermore, with the chlorine dioxide generator 401, the container body 407 contains a fumed silica / sodium chlorite mixture 405, and the lid 409 allows the opening 411 to be opened and closed, so chlorine dioxide can be obtained only when needed.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(a), the opening 411 in the container body 407 is completely sealed by tightening the screw portion 415 of the lid 409 against the screw portion 413 of the container body 407. This completely prevents chlorine dioxide from escaping to the outside of the container 403.

[0116] Furthermore, by loosening the threaded portion 415 of the lid 409 relative to the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407, a small gap is created between the threaded portion 413 of the container body 407 and the threaded portion 415 of the lid 409. Chlorine dioxide is allowed to slowly escape to the outside of the container 403 through this small gap. This makes it easy to obtain chlorine dioxide only when needed.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the chlorine dioxide generator 401 shown in Figure 21(b), by peeling the shielding material 419 from the lid 409, chlorine dioxide is released from inside the container body 407 through a part 417 of the lid 409. This makes it easy to identify whether the chlorine dioxide generator 401 is new when using it.

[0118] Furthermore, the above description of the fourth embodiment may be understood as an invention of a method for generating chlorine dioxide.

[0119] In other words, the fumed silica-sodium chlorite mixture 405 can be understood as a method for generating chlorine dioxide by generating chlorine dioxide from chlorine and oxygen, which are components of sodium chlorite.

[0120] Furthermore, after generating chlorine dioxide for a predetermined period, an aqueous solution of acid is added to the fumed silica / sodium chlorite mixture 405 to generate even more chlorine dioxide.

[0121] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

[0122] For example, the silica container of the first embodiment may be placed inside the silica container of the second embodiment, and when assembling the ejector into the container, the membrane may be pierced by the protrusions. In this case, by piercing the membrane, the sodium chlorite solution flows into the silica container of the second embodiment, and the fumed silica contained in the silica container of the first embodiment comes into contact with the sodium chlorite through the opening, generating chlorine dioxide. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1, 101, 401 Chlorine dioxide generator 3, 103 containers 5. Sodium chlorite solution 7 Fumed Silica 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 105, 203, 203a Silica containment containers 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 115, 215 opening 205 Joint 207 Containment Space 301 Sealed structure 303 Joint 305 Closed space 307,307a Sealing member 309 Contents 405 Fumed Silica / Sodium Chlorite Mixture 411 Opening (opening of the container body) 407 Container body 409 Lid 403 Container 413 Screw part (screw part of the container body) 415 Screw part (lid screw part) 417 Part of the lid (chlorine dioxide permeable area) 419 Shielding material

Claims

[Claim 1] A sealing member, which is joined at the joint to form a sealed space inside, The liquid contents contained in the sealed space, Equipped with, The contents are in a sealed, gelled state.

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