Microbial control agent for ultrasonic nebulizers

Abstract

To provide a microorganism control agent for ultrasound sprayers that exhibits excellent spray performance even when sprayed for a long time.SOLUTION: A microorganism control agent for ultrasound sprayers contains a component (A): a water-soluble solvent, a component (B): water, and a component (C): an electrolyte and has an electric conductivity of 0.3-15 mS / m at 25°C. The component (C) includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble alkali metal salt and a water-soluble alkaline-earth metal salt. Preferably, the content of the component (C) should be 0.0002-0.015 mass% relative to the total mass of the microorganism control agent for ultrasound sprayers.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a microbial control agent for use in ultrasonic nebulizers. [Background technology]

[0002] Hard-to-reach areas such as the ceiling and upper parts of walls in the bathroom are difficult to clean with spray-type chlorine-based mold removers, and are prone to the proliferation of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. In addition, microorganisms can easily grow in various places in living spaces other than around water such as bathrooms (for example, entrances, window frames, closets, cupboards, etc.). However, detergents cannot be easily washed away from such places with water, making them difficult to treat with chlorine-based mold removers.

[0003] As a method for easily maintaining a clean space by removing microorganisms from various places in these living spaces and preventing their proliferation, a method has been proposed in which a microorganism control agent containing an active ingredient, a drug, and an organic solvent, is sprayed into the space using an ultrasonic sprayer such as a piezoelectric sprayer (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Ultrasonic sprayers are useful because they can easily spray liquid into a space without wetting the living environment. Ultrasonic sprayers are also used in humidifiers that simply spray liquid continuously to adjust humidity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-141655 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-188389 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when spraying a liquid containing a water-soluble solvent with an ultrasonic sprayer, there are issues with the spraying performance, such as the spray stopping after a long period of spraying (for example, about one hour), or the liquid seeping from the spray nozzle of the ultrasonic sprayer, reducing the amount sprayed. An object of the present invention is to provide a microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer that has excellent spray performance even when sprayed for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has the following aspects. [1] Component (A): a water-soluble solvent; (B) component: water, (C) component: electrolyte; Contains A microbial control agent for ultrasonic sprayers, having an electrical conductivity of 0.3 to 15 mS / m at 25°C. [2] The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to [1], wherein the component (C) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of water-soluble alkali metal salts and water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts, and the content of the component (C) is 0.0002 to 0.015 mass% relative to the total mass of the microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer. [3] The microorganism control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to [1] or [2], wherein the mass ratio represented by the component (A) / the component (C) is 2,000 to 150,000. [4] The microorganism control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein the component (A) contains a glycol solvent. [5] The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the component (C) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate. [6] The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein the content of component (A) is 1 to 85 mass% relative to the total mass of the microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer. [7] The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the content of component (B) is 10 mass% or more relative to the total mass of the microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer. [8] The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of [1] to [7] above, further containing at least one selected from the group consisting of disinfectants, antibacterial agents, fungicides, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, deodorants, deodorants and fragrances other than the component (A). [9] A microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of [1] to [8] above, which is used in a living space. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a microorganism control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer that has excellent spray performance even when sprayed for a long period of time can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ultrasonic nebulizer in which a microorganism control agent for an ultrasonic nebulizer of the present invention is housed, as viewed obliquely from the front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an ultrasonic sprayer in which a microorganism control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer of the present invention is housed, as viewed obliquely from the rear side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the present invention, "microbial control" refers to suppressing the activity of microorganisms by preventing the proliferation of microorganisms, preventing the adhesion of microorganisms, killing microorganisms, etc. The effects obtained by microbial control include sterilization, disinfection, antibacterial, antifungal, antifungal, etc., and in this specification, these effects are collectively referred to as "microbial control effect." In the present invention, "water-soluble" means that 1 g or more dissolves in 100 g of water at 25° C., and the solution is transparent. In addition, in this specification, the term "target surface" refers to the surface of the object to be treated to which the microbial control agent is applied, for example, the inner surfaces of enclosed spaces such as bathrooms, washrooms, kitchens, toilets, entranceways, living rooms, closets, cupboards, shoe cabinets, etc., surfaces inside air conditioners, and surfaces of articles such as window sashes, curtains, shoes, clothes, sofas, etc.

[0010] The microbial control agent for ultrasonic sprayers of the present invention (hereinafter also simply referred to as "microbial control agent") is a composition containing the following components (A), (B), and (C). The microbial control agent may contain components (optional components) other than components (A), (B), and (C).

[0011] <Component (A)> Component (A) is a water-soluble solvent and has a microbial control effect. The component (A) sprayed on the target surface volatilizes (dries) over time, and preferably has a microbial control effect before volatilization. From these viewpoints, the vapor pressure of the component (A) at 20°C is preferably 0.5 to 8000 Pa, more preferably 5 to 1000, even more preferably 5 to 100, and particularly preferably 5 to 50. If the vapor pressure of the component (A) is equal to or higher than the above lower limit, the drying of the target surface is unlikely to be delayed, and the stickiness of the object to be treated can be suppressed. If the vapor pressure of the component (A) is equal to or lower than the above upper limit, the microbial control agent can be suppressed from evaporating before reaching the target surface, and the microbial control agent can be sufficiently attached to the target surface. In addition, since a sufficient time can be secured for the microbial control agent to volatilize after adhering to the target surface, the microbial control effect is excellent in durability.

[0012] Examples of the component (A) include alcohol solvents, glycol solvents, and solvents other than alcohol solvents and glycol solvents (other solvents), etc. Among these, glycol solvents are preferred from the viewpoint of vapor pressure. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0013] Examples of the alcohol solvent include methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, etc. Among these, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol is preferred from the viewpoints of vapor pressure and odor. The alcohol solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0014] Examples of glycol solvents include glycol ether solvents, polyol solvents, etc. Among these, polyol solvents are preferred from the viewpoint of vapor pressure and the effect on the target surface. Examples of glycol ether solvents include methyl diglycol, ethyl diglycol, isopropyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexyl glycol, hexyl diglycol, phenyl glycol, phenyl diglycol, etc. Among these, methyl diglycol and isopropyl diglycol are preferred from the viewpoint of vapor pressure. The glycol solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0015] Examples of polyol solvents include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, trans-2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-butyne-1,4-diol, 2,5-hexanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-pentanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, 2,4-heptanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2-ethyl-2-butyl-1,3-propanediol, isoprene glycol, trimethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and the like. Examples of the hexanediol include 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, 1,10-decanediol, 1,11-undecanediol, 1,12-dodecanediol, 1,13-tridecanediol, 1,14-tetradecanediol, 1,15-pentadecanediol, 1,16-hexadecanediol, 1,17-heptadecanediol, 1,18-octadecanediol, 1,19-nonadecanediol, 1,20-icosanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 1,2-hexadecanediol, and 1,2-octadecanediol. Among these, from the viewpoint of vapor pressure, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and trans-2-butene-1,4-diol are preferred, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are more preferred, and propylene glycol is particularly preferred. The polyol solvent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0016] The content of component (A) is preferably 1 to 85 mass% based on the total mass of the microbial control agent, more preferably 1 to 75 mass%, further preferably 5 to 60 mass%, and particularly preferably 20 to 45 mass%. When the content of component (A) is equal to or greater than the above lower limit, a sufficient microbial control effect can be obtained. When the content of component (A) is equal to or less than the above upper limit, the microbial control agent can be easily sprayed using an ultrasonic sprayer.

[0017] <(B) component> Component (B) is water. Component (B) is mixed with component (A) and sprayed by an ultrasonic sprayer. Component (B) adjusts the viscosity of component (A) and can improve sprayability. In addition, it can adjust the volatilization time of component (A) when it is applied to the object to be treated.

[0018] Examples of component (B) include ultrapure water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, tap water, etc. If the component (B) contains minerals such as magnesium or calcium, a poorly soluble white solid may precipitate on the target surface. Therefore, ultrapure water, ion-exchanged water, or distilled water from which minerals have been removed is preferable as component (B). The component (B) may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0019] The content of component (B) is the remainder obtained by subtracting the combined content of components other than component (B) (i.e., components (A) and (C) and, if necessary, optional components) from the total mass (100 mass%) of the microbial control agent. From the viewpoint of maintaining good sprayability, the content of the (B) component is preferably 10 mass% or more, more preferably 20 mass% or more, even more preferably 35 mass% or more, and particularly preferably 50 mass% or more, relative to the total mass of the microbial control agent. From the viewpoint of maintaining the microbial control effect well, the content of the component (B) is preferably 98.9998 mass % or less based on the total mass of the microbial control agent.

[0020] <(C) component> Component (C) is an electrolyte. Component (C) makes it easier to control the electrical conductivity of the microbial control agent to a desired value. It is preferable that component (C) dissolves in 100 g of water at 20° C. in an amount of 0.03 g or more and that the solution is transparent. The solubility in 100 g of water at 20° C. is preferably 0.03 g or more, more preferably 1 g or more, and even more preferably 5 g or more.

[0021] The component (C) may be an organic electrolyte or an inorganic electrolyte, but an inorganic electrolyte is preferred because the microbial control agent can exhibit electrical conductivity even when incorporated in a small amount. As the inorganic electrolyte, a water-soluble salt is preferable, a water-soluble alkali metal salt or a water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt is more preferable, a hydrochloride, a carbonate, a sulfate, a nitrate or a phosphate of a water-soluble alkali metal or a water-soluble alkaline earth metal is further preferable, and a hydrochloride, a carbonate or a sulfate of a water-soluble alkali metal or a water-soluble alkaline earth metal is particularly preferable. Specific examples of water-soluble alkali metal salts and water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, rubidium chloride, cesium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, strontium chloride, barium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, calcium nitrate, barium nitrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, etc. Among these, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, and sodium carbonate are preferred because they have little effect on the target surface and the microbial control agent can exhibit electrical conductivity even when incorporated in small amounts. The water-soluble alkali metal salts and the water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts may each be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0022] The content of component (C) is preferably 0.0002 to 0.015 mass%, more preferably 0.0005 to 0.015 mass%, further preferably 0.001 to 0.015 mass%, and particularly preferably 0.001 to 0.01 mass%, relative to the total mass of the microbial control agent. If the content of component (C) is within the above range, it is easy to adjust the electrical conductivity of the microbial control agent to a desired value while maintaining a good microbial control effect.

[0023] The mass ratio represented by component (A) / component (C) (hereinafter also referred to as "A / C ratio") is preferably 2000 to 150000, more preferably 2000 to 60000, further preferably 2000 to 30000, and particularly preferably 3000 to 30000. When the A / C ratio is within the above range, it is easy to achieve both sprayability and microbial control effect.

[0024] <Optional ingredients> Examples of optional components include disinfectants, antibacterial agents, fungicides, mildewproofing agents, antiviral agents, deodorants, odor inhibitors, and fragrances other than the component (A). Examples of disinfectants, antibacterial agents, fungicides, antifungal agents, and antiviral agents other than component (A) include hypochlorous acid water, inorganic agents containing transition metals such as chlorous acid water, silver, zinc, and copper, organic agents such as isopropylmethylphenol, cationic surfactants such as benzalkonium chloride, antibacterial fragrances, etc. These may also be used in combination. Examples of deodorants and anti-odors include essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and peppermint. The fragrance is not particularly limited, and known fragrances can be used. Known fragrances include, for example, fragrance components listed in "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals", Vol. I and II, Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub. Co. (1994), "Synthetic Fragrances: Chemistry and Product Knowledge", Genichi Indo, Chemical Daily Co. (1996), "Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin", Steffen Arctander, Allured Pub. Co. (1994), "Encyclopedia of Fragrances", edited by the Japan Fragrance Association, Asakura Shoten (1989), "Perfumery Material Performance V.3.3", Boelens Aroma Chemical Information Service (1996), "Flower Oils and Floral Compounds In Perfumery", Danute Lajaujis Anonis, Allured Pub. Co. (1993), and Table 3 of JP-A-2002-173698. The optional components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0025] <Electrical conductivity of microbial control agents> The electrical conductivity of the microorganism control agent at 25° C. is 0.3 to 15 mS / m, preferably 0.5 to 15 mS / m, more preferably 1.2 to 15 mS / m, and even more preferably 1.2 to 10 mS / m. If the electrical conductivity of the microorganism control agent is within the above range, the microorganism control agent can be sprayed stably and has excellent spray performance even when sprayed for a long period of time (e.g., 1 hour) using an ultrasonic sprayer. The electrical conductivity of the microbial control agent can be adjusted by the type and content of component (C). For example, the electrical conductivity of the microbial control agent tends to increase as the content of component (C) in the microbial control agent increases. The electrical conductivity of the microbial control agent is a value measured by a method conforming to the "General rules for measuring electrical conductivity" specified in JIS K 0130:2008.

[0026] <Method of manufacturing the microbial control agent> The microbial control agent can be obtained by mixing components (A), (B) and (C) and, if necessary, any optional components.

[0027] <How to use the microbial control agent> The microbial control agent is loaded into an ultrasonic sprayer for use. The amount of the microbial control agent to be filled into the ultrasonic sprayer and the amount to be sprayed are determined taking into consideration the size of the treatment space and the area of ​​the target surface. The amount of the microbial control agent to be sprayed is 0.1 to 5 g / m2, which is the treatment amount expressed by the following formula: 2 It is preferable to set it so that: Treatment amount = (amount of component (A) sprayed) / (area of ​​target surface sprayed with microbial control agent) The amount of component (A) sprayed is obtained by multiplying the total mass of the sprayed microbial control agent by the content (mass %) of component (A).

[0028] The ultrasonic nebulizer is not particularly limited, and any conventional ultrasonic nebulizer can be used. An example of an ultrasonic sprayer includes a tank that contains a microbial control agent, an absorbent wick having a first end inserted into the tank, a spray part having a number of holes attached to a second end of the absorbent wick, an ultrasonic vibrator attached to the spray part, and an ultrasonic generator that vibrates the ultrasonic vibrator. An embodiment of the ultrasonic nebulizer will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. However, the ultrasonic nebulizer used in the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the shape of the container, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an ultrasonic sprayer containing a microorganism control agent, as viewed obliquely from the front side, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view as viewed obliquely from the rear side. The ultrasonic sprayer 100 in this example comprises a tank 1, an absorbent wick unit 2, a nozzle unit 5, an ultrasonic oscillator 8, and a front case 10 and a rear case 50 for arranging or housing these components and a battery 60 in predetermined positions.

[0030] The tank 1 contains a microorganism control agent and has a tank water supply port 1a at the top, so that a liquid agent can be supplied into the tank 1 from the tank water supply port 1a.

[0031] The liquid absorbent wick unit 2 is composed of a rod-shaped liquid absorbent wick 3 and a retaining tube 4 that surrounds the circumferential surface of the liquid absorbent wick 3 and supports the liquid absorbent wick 3. The jetting outlet unit 5 is composed of a circular jetting part 6 having a large number of holes formed therein and a ring-shaped ultrasonic vibrator 7 that surrounds the periphery of the jetting part 6. The jetting part 6 and the ultrasonic vibrator 7 are integrally molded.

[0032] The liquid absorbent wick 3 has a first end 3a inserted into the tank 1. A spout portion 6 of the spout unit 5 is attached to a second end 3b. The liquid absorbent wick 3 is bent midway, with the first end 3a extending along a substantially vertical line toward the bottom of the tank 1, and the second end 3b extending horizontally. The second end 3b may also be arranged to extend obliquely downward. The diameter of the liquid absorbent wick 3 is preferably from 5 to 17 mm, and more preferably from 8 to 12 mm. The liquid absorbent wick 3 is a wick material that absorbs the liquid agent by capillary action. Examples of materials for the liquid absorbent wick 3 include materials typically used for liquid absorbent wicks, such as sponge, felt, cotton, and porous materials.

[0033] The retaining cylinder 4 is a cylindrical body that surrounds the circumferential surface of the rod-shaped liquid absorbent wick 3, and one end of the retaining cylinder 4 is inserted into the tank 1 together with the liquid absorbent wick 3. In addition, the ejection part 6 of the ejection port unit 5 is attached to the other end of the retaining cylinder 4. The retaining tube 4 is also bent so as to maintain a predetermined position of the bent liquid-absorbent wick 3, and together with the liquid-absorbent wick 3, one end side extends along an approximately vertical line toward the bottom of the tank 1, and the other end side is arranged to extend horizontally. The portion of the holding tube 4 that is immersed in the microbial control agent is provided with a plurality of liquid passage holes 4a through which the microbial control agent can pass. A lid portion 4b that fits with the tank water supply port 1a is formed on one end side of the bent portion of the holding tube 4. Also, an attachment portion 4c that fits with the spout unit 5 is formed on the other end side. The attachment portion 4c is adapted to be fixed to the inside of the front case 10. There are no particular limitations on the material of the retaining tube 4 as long as it has the strength to support the liquid-absorbent wick 3, but it is preferably made of resin because it is easy to mold and lightweight.

[0034] A large number of micropores are formed in the ejection part 6 of the ejection port unit 5. The microorganism control agent released from the liquid absorbent wick 3 passes through the micropores formed in the ejection part 6 by vibrations caused by the ultrasonic vibrator 7, and is released as a fine mist. There is no particular limitation on the method for forming a large number of fine holes, and examples of the method include forming a net-like shape or forming a large number of fine holes in a flat plate using a laser. Among these, the method of forming fine holes in a flat plate is preferred because the spray amount can be easily adjusted by adjusting the size and number of the fine holes. The overall diameter of the spouting part 6 is preferably equal to the diameter of the liquid absorbent wick 3 . The diameter of the fine holes present in the ejection part 6 is preferably 2 to 20 μm, and more preferably 5 to 10 μm. The number of pores in the ejection part 6 is preferably 300 to 4,000, and more preferably 500 to 2,500.

[0035] The ejection portion 6 and the ultrasonic vibrator 7 are integrally molded to form the ejection port unit 5 having a substantially flat plate shape as a whole. The nozzle unit 5 is configured to be sandwiched and fixed between the attachment portion 4c and the front case 10 when the holding cylinder 4 is attached to the inside of the front case 10 by the attachment portion 4c.

[0036] An ultrasonic oscillator 8 (board) is connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 7, and when the ultrasonic oscillator 8 is driven by power supplied from a battery 60, the ultrasonic vibrator 7 vibrates together with the ejection part 6. The ultrasonic oscillator 8 is fixed to the inside of the front case 10, in the vicinity of where the retaining tube 4 of the front case 10 is fixed.

[0037] It is preferable that the ultrasonic oscillator 8 be one that has a vibration frequency that is used in general-purpose products such as humidifiers that are powered by USB, since such a vibration frequency is readily available. From the standpoints of function, manufacturing, versatility, and cost of the sprayer, the vibration frequency is preferably 90 to 120 kHz, and more preferably 100 to 120 kHz.

[0038] The front case 10 is made up of a front case main body 20, a front surface 30, and a connecting portion 40 connecting the front case main body 20 and the front surface 30. The front case main body 20 is an intaglio plate with raised left and right edges when viewed from below, and as shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the back, it is approximately inverted L-shaped with a cutout at the lower right portion. A tank fitting portion 21 stands upright along this cutout lower right portion. The tank fitting portion 21 is approximately inverted L-shaped as shown in FIG. 2, and the tank 1 is adapted to fit into this portion. In addition, a locking recess 22 is provided in the tank fitting portion 21, and when the tank 1 is fitted into the tank fitting portion 21, the lid portion 4b of the retaining tube 4 fitted into the tank water supply port 1a of the tank 1 is adapted to be locked into the locking recess 22. In the front case main body 20, a battery housing section 23 is defined between the left periphery when viewed from below and the tank fitting section 21. A battery opening 24 is provided above the battery housing section 23, and a battery lid 61 is attached to the battery opening 24 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely.

[0039] The front part 30 is composed of a front plate 31 and a cylindrical part 32 extending horizontally from the periphery of the front plate 31. The front plate 31 is formed with an ejection hole 33, and the mounting part 4c of the retaining cylinder 4 is attached to the inside of the front plate 31 so that the ejection part 6 is located at the ejection hole 33 part. The connecting portion 40 is gently bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, and connects the front case main body portion 20 and the front portion 30 together.

[0040] The rear case 50 is composed of a rear case main body portion 51 and a rear case bent portion 52 . The rear case main body 51 is shaped to overlap the front case main body 20 in a plan view, and is adapted to fit with the front case main body 20. In addition, the rear case bending portion 52 is gently bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees, and covers the rear side of the connecting portion 40 to connect the rear case main body portion 51 and the tubular portion 32 of the front portion 30.

[0041] As the ultrasonic nebulizer, a commercially available product can be used, for example, a humidifier manufactured by Jisu Technology Co., Ltd. (product name "SWEETDONUT"), or a "Mesh Nebulizer NE-U22" manufactured by Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd. can be used. As the ultrasonic atomizer, for example, a piezoelectric atomizer described in JP-A-6-320083, JP-A-7-24374, JP-A-7-256170, etc. may be used.

[0042] <Action and effect> The microbial control agent of the present invention described above contains components (A), (B), and (C), and has an electrical conductivity within the above-mentioned range. Therefore, even when sprayed for a long period of time using an ultrasonic sprayer, the spray itself is unlikely to stop or liquid seep from the spray outlet, and the spray performance is excellent, allowing for stable spraying.

[0043] The microbial control agent of the present invention is used, for example, in the treatment of living spaces where it is required to suppress microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. Examples of objects to be treated with the microbial control agent of the present invention include bathrooms, washrooms, kitchens, toilets, entrance halls, living rooms, closets, wardrobes, shoe cabinets, the inside of air conditioners, window sashes, curtains, shoes, clothes, sofas, etc. EXAMPLES

[0044] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following description. The raw materials used in this example are as follows:

[0045] "Raw materials used" As component (A), the compound shown below was used. A-1: Propylene glycol (made by ADEKA Corporation, product name "Cosmetic Propylene Glycol", vapor pressure at 20°C 10.7 Pa). A-2: 3-Methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol (manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd., trade name "Solfit", vapor pressure 47.0 Pa at 20°C). A-3: Ethylene glycol (Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Ethylene glycol (grade 1), vapor pressure 7.0 Pa at 20°C)).

[0046] As component (B), the compound shown below was used. ·B-1: Ultrapure water.

[0047] As component (C), the compound shown below was used. C-1: Sodium chloride (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Sodium chloride (special grade)", solubility 26.38g). C-2: Potassium chloride (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Potassium chloride (special grade)", solubility 25.5g). C-3: Magnesium chloride (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (special grade)", solubility 35.3 g). C-4: Calcium chloride (Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Calcium chloride (special grade)", solubility 42.7g). C-5: Sodium sulfate (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Sodium sulfate (special grade)", solubility 19.0 g). C-6: Sodium carbonate (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, product name "Sodium Carbonate (special reagent grade)", solubility 18.1g). C-7: Disodium hydrogen phosphate (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Ltd., product name "Disodium hydrogen phosphate (special grade)", solubility 7.7g). The solubility is the amount that dissolves in 100 g of water at 20°C.

[0048] "Ultrasonic sprayer" The ultrasonic sprayer used was a sprayer in which the liquid-absorbing wick of a Jisu Technology humidifier (product name "SWEETDONUT") was cut diagonally in the center, reconnected at an angle, and the bottom end was immersed in a container of liquid medicine. Absorbent core: polyester, diameter 10mm, length (total length): 205mm. Ultrasonic transducer: Ring-shaped with an outer diameter of 16 mm. Ultrasonic oscillator: Frequency 100kHz, power supply 5V. ·Spray amount: 15g / hour.

[0049] "Examples 1 to 17, Comparative Examples 1 to 4" <Preparation of microbial control agent> According to the blending amounts in Tables 1 to 4, components (A), (B) and (C) were mixed to prepare a microorganism control agent. The electrical conductivity of the obtained microbial control agent was measured by the method described below, and the spray performance was evaluated. The results are shown in Tables 1 to 4.

[0050] <Measurement of electrical conductivity> The electrical conductivity of the microbial control agent was measured according to the "General rules for measuring electrical conductivity" specified in JIS K 0130:2008.

[0051] <Evaluation of spray performance> The tank of the ultrasonic sprayer was filled with the microbial control agent, and the first end of the absorbent wick was inserted into the tank to allow the microbial control agent to penetrate. A spray part integrally molded with an ultrasonic vibrator was attached to the second end of the absorbent wick. A commercially available ultrasonic oscillator (manufactured by Jisu Technology, product name "SWEETDONUT") was attached to the ultrasonic vibrator, and the ultrasonic sprayer was placed horizontally indoors at 25°C, and power was applied at an applied voltage of 5V to start spraying. After operating for 1 hour, it was visually observed whether spraying was continuing and whether or not there was any liquid bleeding from the spray part, and the spray performance was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. (Evaluation Criteria) A++: Spray is sustained and no liquid seeps out from the tip of the spray. A+: Spray continues, and slight liquid seeps from the tip of the spray, but no dripping is observed, and the area around the spray is not contaminated. A: The spray continues, liquid is seen oozing from the spray point, and a very small amount of dripping is seen, but the area around the spray point is not contaminated. B: Spray continues, but the liquid is leaking out of the spray area severely, dripping, and the area around the spray area is contaminated. C: Spraying does not continue (spraying stops), or there is an extremely large amount of liquid seeping out from the spray part, dripping, and the area around the spray part is significantly contaminated. The term "contamination" used here means that the microbial control agent drips and wets the area around the spraying part.

[0052] [Table 1]

[0053] [Table 2]

[0054] [Table 3]

[0055] [Table 4]

[0056] In Tables 1 to 4, the amount (mass%) of each component is the ratio to the total mass of the microbial control agent, and is expressed as a value calculated as a pure content. "Balance" means that component (B) is blended so that the total amount (mass%) of all blended components contained in each example of the microbial control agent is 100 mass%. In other words, the amount of component (B) is the remainder obtained by subtracting the total amount (pure content) of blended components other than component (B) from the total mass of the microbial control agent. Also, a blank amount column means that the component is not blended (amount 0 mass%). In addition, in Tables 1 to 4, "A / C ratio" is the mass ratio represented by component (A) / component (C). "Salt concentration" is the amount (mg) of component (C) contained in 1 L of the microbial control agent.

[0057] As is clear from Tables 1 to 3, the microbial control agents obtained in the respective Examples were resistant to stopping of spraying or liquid bleeding even after long periods of spraying, and had excellent spraying performance. On the other hand, as is clear from Table 4, the microbial control agents obtained in the comparative examples, which had electrical conductivities at 25° C. of less than 0.3 mS / m or more than 15 mS / m, had poor spray performance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Tank 2 Absorbent core unit 3 Liquid absorption core 3a First end 3b Second end 4 Holding cylinder 5. Spout unit 6 Spout part 7 Ultrasonic transducer 8 Ultrasonic Oscillator 10 Front case 50 Rear Case 60 batteries 100 ultrasonic nebulizer

Claims

1. Component (A): one or more water-soluble solvents selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, and ethylene glycol; (B) component: water, (C) component: electrolyte; Contains The content of the (A) component is 20 to 45% by mass based on the total mass of the microbial control agent, A microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer, having an electrical conductivity of 0.3 to 15 mS / m at 25°C.

2. The microbial control agent for ultrasonic sprayers according to claim 1, wherein the component (C) comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of water-soluble alkali metal salts and water-soluble alkaline earth metal salts, and the content of the component (C) is 0.0002 to 0.015 mass% relative to the total mass of the microbial control agent for ultrasonic sprayers.

3. The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) is 2,000 to 150,000.

4. The microbial control agent for an ultrasonic sprayer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the component (C) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate.

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