Method for inhibiting virus activity and device for delivering virus activity-inhibiting ingredients

Abstract

This device for outputting a virus action suppressing component carries out: a step for detecting the humidity in a space when an active ingredient composed of a virus action suppressing component is outputted into the space; a step for determining whether the humidity in the space is at least a first set value; and a step, if the humidity in the space is at least the first set value, for increasing the amount of the active ingredient outputted into the space more than in the case where the humidity in the space is less than the first set value. This configuration makes it possible to increase the virus action suppressing effect when the humidity is high.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting the action of viruses and a device for delivering a virus-inhibiting component. [Background technology]

[0002] It has long been known that, for example, the risk of infection with influenza viruses is lower when humidity is high than when humidity is low. It is also known that droplets caused by coughing or sneezing, which are one of the causes of viral (including bacterial) infection, are more likely to spread when humidity is low than when humidity is high. This is because the drier the air, i.e., the lower the humidity, the more likely droplets are to evaporate and become aerosols (become fine particles that float in the air). Conversely, the higher the humidity, the more water there is in the air, making it difficult for droplets to evaporate, thereby suppressing dispersion. However, while dispersion is suppressed, there is also a tendency for droplets to fall and adhere to surfaces such as floors in greater quantities.

[0003] Air purifiers with humidifying functions (hereinafter referred to as air purifiers) have been known for some time. These devices can increase the humidity in a space and deliver components that inhibit virus activity in order to reduce the risk of infection by viruses (including bacteria) and prevent the spread of droplets. Typical air purifiers use a humidifier to increase the humidity in the space in which they are installed, thereby preventing the spread of droplets and protecting people's throats from dryness. Air purifiers also aim to suppress virus activity by delivering components (hereinafter referred to as active ingredients) into the space.

[0004] The air purifier described in Patent Document 1 includes a blower, a humidifier, and a generator (negative ion generator) for generating components for suppressing viral activity. In the air purifier described in Patent Document 1, air sent from the blower first passes through a humidifier, then a negative ion generator, and finally flows into a space. The humidified air containing negative ions is then sent into the space, thereby humidifying the space and suppressing the activity of viruses present in the space. Such air purifiers generally humidify the space until the humidity reaches a set value (typically 55% to 60%), preventing further increase in humidity within the space. To stop humidification, the air purifier reduces the airflow rate of the blower or stops the blower. When the humidity within the space drops below the set value, the airflow rate of the blower is increased if it has been reduced, or is started if it has been stopped, and the space is humidified again to maintain the set humidity level. By maintaining humidity at a set level, it is possible to continuously protect people's throats and suppress the activity of viruses. Such air purifiers are also expected to be effective in suppressing the activity of SARS-CoV-2 (hereinafter referred to as coronavirus), which has been spreading in recent years. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4069915 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, experiments using coronaviruses conducted by the present applicant (details of which will be described later) have shown that coronaviruses contained in saliva attached to floors, walls, and other surfaces that are of concern for human infection have a higher viral infectivity (i.e., the proportion of infectious viruses) when humidity is high compared to when humidity is low. As described above, conventional air purifiers typically humidify a space using a humidifier, and when the humidity in the space reaches a set value (e.g., 60%), they prevent the humidity in the space from increasing any further and stop humidification by reducing the airflow rate of the air blower provided in the air purifier or by shutting down the air blower. In this case, reducing the airflow rate of the air blower or shutting down the air blower also reduces the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space from a virus activity-inhibiting ingredient generator located on the same path as the air blower and humidifier.

[0007] According to experiments described below, the infectivity of coronaviruses contained in saliva adhering to the floors and walls that form a space is higher when the humidity is high than when the humidity is low. Therefore, reducing the amount of active ingredient delivered into a space by an air purifier when the humidity is high, as with conventional air purifiers, is undesirable from the perspective of the risk of infection to people.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting the action of viruses and a device for delivering a component that inhibits the action of viruses, which can enhance the effect of inhibiting the action of viruses even when the humidity is high. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The most important feature of the present invention is that when an active ingredient composed of a virus activity-inhibiting ingredient is delivered into a space, the steps of detecting the humidity in the space, determining whether the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value, and increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value, compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the above-mentioned means, when the humidity becomes high, the amount of the active ingredient composed of the virus activity-inhibiting component that is delivered into the space is increased. Therefore, as with conventional air purifiers, when the humidity reaches a set value (high), the humidity in the space is not increased any further, and the air volume of the air blower is reduced or the air blower is stopped to stop humidification, so that the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space is reduced due to the presence of a virus activity-inhibiting component generator on the same path as the air blower and humidifier, thereby making it possible to sufficiently inhibit the activity of viruses even when the humidity is high. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Bar graph showing the results of the first experiment on changes in coronavirus infectivity titer [Figure 2] Bar graph showing the results of the second experiment on the change in coronavirus infectivity titer [Figure 3] Block diagram showing a device for delivering a component that inhibits viral activity [Figure 4] Flowchart (1) showing an embodiment [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the embodiment (2) [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the embodiment (3) [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the embodiment (4) [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device when the humidity is below a first set value. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the device for delivering a viral activity-inhibiting ingredient when the humidity is equal to or higher than a first set value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Example]

[0012] (Explanation of experimental results) The experiments conducted by the applicant are described in detail below.

[0013] As mentioned above, it is known that the risk of infection with influenza viruses, for example, is lower when humidity is high than when humidity is low. It is also known that droplets released by coughing or sneezing, which are a cause of concern for viral infection, are less likely to be dispersed into the air as humidity increases, but the amount of droplets that fall to the floor and other surfaces tends to increase accordingly.

[0014] Therefore, the applicant conducted two experiments to investigate whether coronaviruses, which have been prevalent worldwide in recent years, have the same infection risk tendency as influenza viruses, and what the tendency is for the infectivity titer (the proportion of infectious viruses) of coronaviruses contained in droplets (saliva) caused by people coughing or sneezing that adhere to floors and other surfaces where infection is a concern.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a bar graph showing the results of the first experiment.

[0016] In the first experiment, a coronavirus was added to a medium solution commonly used in experiments to evaluate infectivity (medium virus solution) and a coronavirus was added to human saliva (saliva virus solution) and the infectivity of the virus was evaluated after two hours in a 60% humidity environment. The experimental conditions were: (1) room temperature 23°C, (2) saliva samples from seven adults of any gender were used, (3) D-MEM Ham's F-12 medium was used as the medium, (4) 50 μL of medium virus solution and saliva virus solution were each applied to an experimental filter, and (5) the infectivity was evaluated using the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) method.

[0017] When the infectivity titers of the medium virus solution and saliva virus solution were evaluated after 2 hours, the initial value of 100% was reduced to 0.6% for the medium virus solution, while it was only reduced to 56.2% for the saliva virus solution.

[0018] This experiment showed that, in a 60% humidity environment, the infectivity titer of the coronavirus in saliva was significantly higher than that of the virus contained in the culture medium commonly used in experiments. Furthermore, when the infectivity titer of the culture medium virus solution was evaluated after 2 hours in a 30% humidity environment, the infectivity titer was reduced to 0.1%.

[0019] This shows that in the case of the medium virus solution, the infectivity titer decreased significantly after 2 hours in both an environment with a humidity of 60% and an environment with a humidity of 30%.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing the results of the second experiment.

[0021] In the second experiment, we conducted an experiment to investigate whether the coronavirus contained in saliva attached to floors, etc., which was shown to have a high infectivity titer in the first experiment, is affected by humidity levels and its infectivity titer is reduced. Specifically, in addition to the first experiment described above, we also conducted an experiment using saliva virus fluid at a humidity of 30%, in which the infectivity titer of the virus was evaluated after two hours. The experimental conditions were the same as those in the first experiment.

[0022] When the infectivity of the saliva virus fluid was evaluated after two hours, the initial value of 100% was reduced to 10% when the humidity was 30%.

[0023] In other words, the present applicant has newly discovered that the infectivity titer of coronavirus contained in saliva is higher when the humidity is high than when the humidity is low.

[0024] Conventional air purifiers generally use a humidifier to humidify the space, and when the humidity reaches a set value (typically 55% to 60%), they prevent the humidity in the space from increasing any further and control the airflow of the air blower provided in the air purifier to stop humidification by reducing or stopping it. In this case, reducing the airflow of the air blower or stopping the air blower also reduces the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space from a virus activity inhibitor generator located on the same path as the air blower and humidifier.

[0025] According to the applicant's findings based on his / her experiments, the infectivity titer of coronavirus contained in saliva is higher when the humidity is high than when the humidity is low, and therefore a decrease in the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space is undesirable from the standpoint of infection risk, etc.

[0026] Therefore, in the present invention, when the humidity becomes high, the amount of the component (active component) that inhibits the action of viruses to be delivered into the space is increased. The method and device for inhibiting the action of viruses according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the component delivery device 1) that delivers a viral activity-inhibiting component, i.e., an active component, into a space. In Fig. 3, the arrows shown by solid lines indicate the flow of air delivered from the air blower 11, and the arrows shown by dashed lines indicate the flow of signals.

[0028] The component delivery device 1 includes the above-mentioned air blower 11 for blowing air into the space, a humidifier 12 for humidifying the space, and a component generator 13 for generating a virus activity inhibitory component, i.e., an active component. It also includes a control device 10 for controlling the air blower 11, the humidifier 12, and the component generator 13. It also includes a humidity sensor 20, a human presence sensor 21, and a sound sensor 22, which send control signals to the control device 10.

[0029] The blower 11 is composed of, for example, a propeller fan and a motor. The blower 11 is provided to blow air outside the ingredient delivery device 1. The air generated by the blower 11 is sent from the blower 11 to the humidifier 12, where it is humidified, and flows from the humidifier 12 to the ingredient generator 13, where it is supplied with active ingredients and finally sent into the space. The air sent into the space can increase the humidity in the space and suppress the action of viruses. The blower 11 is controlled by signals from the control device 10 to weaken or strengthen the airflow and start or stop it.

[0030] Humidifier 12 is, for example, an evaporative type equipped with a filter containing moisture for humidification. Air sent from blower 11 passes through the filter containing moisture in humidifier 12, and the air that has passed through the filter containing moisture is sent into the space, thereby humidifying the space. Humidifier 12 is controlled by a signal from control device 10 to start and stop its humidification function.

[0031] The component generator 13 is provided near the air outlet (see the air outlet 32 ​​in Figs. 8 and 9) of the component delivery device 1 for delivering the component, i.e., the active component, composed of the component that inhibits virus activity, into the space. The active component generated from the component generator 13 is delivered into the space by the air delivered from the air blower 11. The active component generated from the component generator 13 can be, for example, an ion or an active species. The ion can be a positive ion (e.g., H + (H2O) m (m is any integer)) or negative ions (e.g., O2 - (H2O) n (n is any integer)) or a combination thereof. Examples of active species include hydroxyl radical (·OH), hydrogen radical (·H), oxygen radical (·O), hydroperoxy radical (·HO2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or ozone (O3).

[0032] The component generator 13 can increase or decrease the amount of active component delivered by a signal from the control device 10. More specifically, for example, the component generator 13 can control the delivery amount by increasing or decreasing the delivery amount of the active component itself, or the component generator 13 can control the delivery amount by increasing or decreasing the concentration of the active component.

[0033] The control device 10 is configured by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The control device 10 is capable of receiving signals from the humidity sensor 20, the human presence sensor 21, and the sound sensor 22, and is capable of transmitting signals to the air blower 11, the humidifier 12, and the component generator 13 to control each of them, as described above.

[0034] The humidity sensor 20 is provided, for example, on the outer rear surface of the component delivery device 1 in order to detect the humidity in the space in which the component delivery device 1 is installed. When the humidity sensor 20 detects the humidity in the space, it sends a signal to the control device 10, which then transmits a humidity detection signal to the control device 10, which then determines the humidity.

[0035] The human presence sensor 21 is provided, for example, on the outer front surface of the case constituting the component delivery device 1, in order to detect the presence of a person. The human presence sensor 21 detects whether or not a person is present in the space, and when the presence of a person is detected, a signal is sent to the control device 10, and the signal that detects the presence of a person is transmitted to the control device 10, which then determines whether or not a person is present in the space.

[0036] The sound sensor 22 is provided, for example, on the outer rear surface of the case constituting the component delivery device 1 in order to detect the intensity of a human voice. When the sound sensor 22 detects the intensity of a human voice in the space, it transmits a signal to the control device 10, and the control device 10 determines the intensity of the human voice. Note that the sound sensor 22 is not limited to a configuration that selectively detects the intensity of a human voice, but may be configured to detect the intensity of sounds including human voices. Similarly, the control device 10 is not limited to a configuration that selectively determines the intensity of a human voice, but may be configured to determine the intensity of sounds including human voices. This is because when there is sound in a space, there is a high possibility that someone is present in that space.

[0037] The processing method in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment. The control device 10 performs the operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 at regular intervals. When the process shown in FIG. 4 starts, the process first proceeds to step 50, in which the humidity sensor 20 detects the humidity in the space. Next, a humidity detection signal is transmitted from the humidity sensor 20 to the control device 10, and the process proceeds to step 51, in which the control device 10 determines whether the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value. Here, the first set value can be any value, but in this embodiment, a humidity of 60% is used as the first set value. If the control device 10 determines that the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value (60%), the process proceeds to step 54, in which the amount of active ingredient to be delivered into the space is increased compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value (60%).

[0039] In step 54, the control device 10 sends a signal to either or both of the air blower 11 and the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. As a method for increasing the amount of the active ingredient, the control device 10 controls the air blower 11 to increase the amount of airflow, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. Alternatively, the control device 10 controls the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient itself delivered, or to increase the concentration of the active ingredient, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space.

[0040] After step 54, in which the amount of active ingredient delivered to the space is increased, the process proceeds to step 55, in which the control device 10 changes the direction in which the active ingredient is delivered into the space. Note that the control device 10 can also end the series of processes after step 54 without performing the processing of step 55. As will be described in detail later, the control device 10 changes the delivery direction so that the active ingredient is delivered toward the wall and floor surfaces that form the space. Specifically, the delivery direction is changed so that the active ingredient is delivered toward the rear-upper and front-lower directions of the ingredient delivery device 1. By changing the delivery direction of the active ingredient and delivering the active ingredient toward the floor surface (front-lower direction of the ingredient delivery device 1) and the wall surface (rear-upper direction of the ingredient delivery device 1), the activity of viruses attached to the floor, walls, etc. is actively suppressed.

[0041] In step 51, if the detected humidity in the space is less than the first set value (60%), the process returns to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected by the humidity sensor 20, and proceeds to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected again by the humidity sensor 20.

[0042] By increasing the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space when the humidity is high, the activity of highly infectious viruses contained in saliva can be suppressed in a high humidity environment.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment. The control device 10 performs the operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 at regular intervals. When the process shown in FIG. 5 starts, the process first proceeds to step 50, in which the humidity sensor 20 detects the humidity in the space. Next, a humidity detection signal is transmitted from the humidity sensor 20 to the control device 10, and the control device 10 proceeds to step 51, in which the control device 10 determines whether the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value (60%). If the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value (60%), the process proceeds to step 60, in which the human presence sensor 21 detects the presence of a person in the space. If the human presence sensor 21 detects the presence of a person, the human presence sensor 21 sends a detection signal to the control device 10, and the control device 10 proceeds to step 52, in which the control device 10 determines whether a person is present in the space. If the control device 10 determines that a person is present in the space, the process proceeds to step 54, in which the amount of active ingredient to be delivered into the space is increased compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value (60%) and no human presence is detected.

[0044] In step 54, the control device 10 sends a signal to either or both of the blower 11 and the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. As a method for increasing the amount of the active ingredient, the control device 10 controls the blower 11 to increase the amount of airflow, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. Alternatively, the control device 10 controls the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient itself delivered, or to increase the concentration of the active ingredient, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space.

[0045] In addition, if the humidity in the space detected in step 51 is less than the first set value (60%), or if the presence of a person is not detected in step 52, the process returns to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected by the humidity sensor 20, and proceeds to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected again by the humidity sensor 20.

[0046] When a person is present in a space, there is a possibility that droplets will fall to the floor or other surfaces when that person talks, coughs, or sneezes. When the humidity in the space is high, more droplets will fall to the floor or other surfaces than when the humidity is low, and there is a risk of people coming into contact with the fallen droplets, increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, if a person comes from outside, there is a possibility that viruses or other contaminants will be attached to their clothing or other items. Therefore, by increasing the amount of active ingredient released into the space when a person is detected in the space and the humidity in the space is above the first set value (60%), it is possible to suppress the activity of highly infectious viruses or other contaminants contained in saliva in a high-humidity environment.

[0047] In addition, in accordance with the above-mentioned purpose, when the human presence sensor 21 detects the presence of a person in the space, it is also effective to control the amount of active ingredient released into the space to increase the amount of active ingredient released into the space, even if the humidity in the space is below the first set value (60%).

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment. The control device 10 performs the operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 at regular intervals. When the process shown in FIG. 6 starts, the process first proceeds to step 50, in which the humidity sensor 20 detects the humidity in the space. Next, a humidity detection signal is transmitted from the humidity sensor 20 to the control device 10, and the control device 10 proceeds to step 51, in which the control device 10 determines whether the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value (60%). If the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value (60%), the process proceeds to step 70, in which the voice sensor 22 detects the intensity of the human voice. When the intensity of the human voice is detected, a detection signal is transmitted from the voice sensor 22 to the control device 10, and the control device 10 proceeds to step 53, in which the control device 10 determines whether the intensity of the detected human voice is equal to or greater than a set intensity value. Here, the set intensity value can be any value, but in this embodiment, 60 decibels is used as the set intensity value. If the intensity of the human voice is equal to or greater than the set intensity value (60 decibels), the process proceeds to step 54, where the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space is increased compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value (60%) and the intensity of the human voice is less than the set intensity value (60 decibels).

[0049] In step 54, the control device 10 sends a signal to either or both of the blower 11 and the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. As a method for increasing the amount of the active ingredient, the control device 10 controls the blower 11 to increase the amount of airflow, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. Alternatively, the control device 10 controls the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient itself delivered, or to increase the concentration of the active ingredient, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space.

[0050] In addition, if the detected humidity in the space is less than the first set value in step 51, or if the intensity of the human voice is less than the set intensity value (60 decibels) in step 53, the process returns to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected by the humidity sensor 20, and proceeds to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected again by the humidity sensor 20.

[0051] When humidity is high, i.e. when many droplets generated by people talking fall, the amount of active ingredient released into the air can be increased to suppress the activity of viruses and other pathogens contained in saliva with a high infectious titer (in a humid environment).

[0052] In addition, in accordance with the same purpose as above, even in this case, when the intensity of the human voice is equal to or greater than the set intensity value (60 decibels), it is also effective to control the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space to increase the amount even if the humidity in the space is less than the first set value (60%).

[0053] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment. The control device 10 performs the operations shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7 at regular intervals. When the process shown in Fig. 7 starts, the process first proceeds to step 50, where the humidity sensor 20 detects the humidity in the space. Next, a humidity detection signal is transmitted from the humidity sensor 20 to the control device 10, and the process proceeds to step 51, where the control device 10 determines whether the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value (60%). If the detected humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value (60%), the process proceeds to step 60, where the human presence sensor 21 detects the presence of a person in the space.

[0054] If the presence of a person is detected by the human presence sensor 21, a detection signal is sent from the human presence sensor 21 to the control device 10, and the control device 10 proceeds to step 52, where it determines whether a person is present in the space. If the control device 10 determines that a person is present in the space, it proceeds to step 70, where it detects the intensity of the person's voice using the voice sensor 22. If the intensity of the person's voice is detected, a detection signal is sent from the voice sensor to the control device 10, and it proceeds to step 53, where it is determined by the control device 10 whether the intensity of the person's voice is equal to or greater than a set intensity value (60 decibels). If the intensity of the person's voice is equal to or greater than the set intensity value (60 decibels), it proceeds to step 54, where it increases the amount of active ingredient to be delivered into the space compared to when the humidity in the space is less than a first set value (60%), no human presence is detected, and the intensity of the person's voice is less than the set intensity value (60 decibels).

[0055] In step 54, the control device 10 sends a signal to either or both of the blower 11 and the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. As a method for increasing the amount of the active ingredient, the control device 10 controls the blower 11 to increase the amount of airflow, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space. Alternatively, the control device 10 controls the ingredient generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient itself delivered, or to increase the concentration of the active ingredient, thereby increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space.

[0056] If the humidity in the space detected in step 51 is less than the first set value, or if no human presence is detected in step 52, or if the intensity of the human voice is less than the set intensity value in step 53, the process returns to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected by humidity sensor 20, and proceeds to step 50, where the humidity in the space is detected again by humidity sensor 20.

[0057] When the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value (60%), the presence of a person is detected by the human sensor 21, and the intensity of the human voice detected by the sound sensor 22 is equal to or higher than the set intensity value (60 decibels), this is when the humidity is high and a large number of droplets generated by people speaking fall. In such a case, by increasing the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space, the activity of viruses and the like contained in saliva with a high infectious titer (in a humid environment) can be suppressed.

[0058] Although not shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, it is also preferable to perform a step of humidifying the space using the humidifier 12. In this case, if the control device 10 determines that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 20 is equal to or higher than the second set value, the control device 10 sends a signal to the humidifier 12, causing the humidifier 12 to stop functioning. Here, the second set value is an arbitrary value and may be the same as or different from the first set value. In this embodiment, the second set value is set to 60%, the same as the first set value. When the humidifier 12 humidifies the space and the humidity in the space rises to the second set value (60%), the function of the humidifier 12 is stopped, thereby preventing the humidity in the space from exceeding the second set value (60%). Furthermore, when the humidity is equal to or higher than the second set value (60%), it is also effective to stop the function of the humidifier 12 and increase or maintain the volume of air sent into the space from the blower 11 compared to when the humidity is below the second set value (60%), thereby preventing the amount of active ingredient sent into the space from decreasing compared to when the humidity is below the second set value (60%). This makes it possible to suppress the activity of viruses and other microorganisms contained in saliva with a high infectivity titer (in a high-humidity environment).

[0059] As a method for increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space, the control device 10 may control the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space by sending a signal to the component generator 13 to increase the amount of the active ingredient itself generated by the component generator 13 delivered, without changing the air volume of the blower 11 from when the humidity is less than the first set value (60%). Alternatively, the control device 10 may control the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space by sending a signal to increase the concentration of the active ingredient generated by the component generator 13, without changing the air volume of the blower 11 from when the humidity is less than the first set value (60%).

[0060] As another method for increasing the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space, the control device 10 may control the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space by sending a signal to increase the air volume of the blower 11, without changing the amount of active ingredient itself delivered from the ingredient generator 13 and the concentration of the active ingredient from when the humidity is below the first set value (60%).

[0061] Furthermore, it is also effective for the control device 10 to control the air volume of the blower 11 and the amount of the active ingredient itself or the concentration of the active ingredient generated from the ingredient generator 13 so as to maintain the same air volume, the same amount of air delivered, or the same concentration as when the humidity is less than the first set value (60%).

[0062] With this configuration, when the humidity reaches or exceeds the first set value (60%), the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space can be increased. Therefore, compared to conventional air purifiers and the like that prevent the humidity in the space from increasing any further when the humidity reaches the set value (high) and stop humidification by reducing the airflow of the blower 11 or by controlling the blower 11 to stop, thereby reducing the amount of active ingredient delivered from the component generator 13 on the same path as the blower 11 and the humidifier 12, this configuration can sufficiently suppress the action of viruses when the humidity is high, i.e., viruses with high infectivity titers.

[0063] 8 and 9 are side views showing the direction of airflow from the component delivery device 1. The component delivery device 1 is installed on a floor 30 in a space, with its back surface facing a wall 31. The component delivery device 1 is provided with air outlets 32 on its front and top, from which airflow 33 is delivered. When the humidity is below a first set value (60%), the direction of the airflow 33 delivered from the component delivery device 1 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the airflow 33 is delivered from the air outlet 32 ​​on the top surface of the component delivery device 1 toward the wall 31 located above and behind the component delivery device 1, circulating the air in the space along the wall 31 and ceiling (not shown) that form the space. The airflow 33 containing active ingredients is delivered from the air outlet 32 ​​on the front surface of the component delivery device 1 toward the space located above and in front of the component delivery device 1 to suppress the effects of viruses and other airborne particles in the space.

[0064] The humidity sensor 20 reports the humidity to the control device 10, and when the control device 10 determines that the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than a first set value (60%), the direction of the airflow 33 blown out from the outlet 32 ​​of the component delivery device 1 is either toward the floor 30 located below and in front of the component delivery device 1 or toward the wall 31 located above and behind the component delivery device 1, or both. In FIG. 9 , the airflow 33 is blown out toward both the floor 30 and the wall 31. The change in the blowing direction is performed, for example, by a louver (not shown) provided in the outlet 32. The operation of the louver (not shown) is controlled by the control device 10.

[0065] By applying the active ingredients delivered from the component generator 13 to viruses and the like adhering to the floor 30 located below the front of the component delivery device 1 and the wall 31 located above the rear of the component delivery device 1, it is possible to suppress the action of viruses and the like contained in saliva with a high infectivity titer (in a humid environment). The outlet 32 ​​may be provided only on the front surface or only on the top surface of the component delivery device 1. The air 33 delivered from the outlet 32 ​​provided on the front surface of the component delivery device 1 can suppress the action of viruses and the like adhering to the floor 30. The air 33 delivered from the outlet 32 ​​provided on the top surface of the component delivery device 1 can suppress the action of viruses and the like adhering to the wall 31.

[0066] Note that any other means may be used as long as it can increase the amount of active ingredient delivered into the space, and is not limited to means for increasing the air volume of the air blower 11 or means for increasing the concentration of the active ingredient generated from the ingredient generator 13. For example, it may be a means for directly spraying the ingredient into the space from a nozzle or the like without using wind force, or a means for directly delivering the ingredient from the ingredient generator 13 into the space by installing the ingredient generator 13 with a function for adjusting the amount of generation near an opening formed in the case of the ingredient delivery device 1.

[0067] In addition, as a means for increasing the wind power of the blower 11, for example, the rotation speed of the propeller fan (not shown) of the blower 11 may be increased to increase either the air volume or the wind speed, or both, or the wind speed may be increased by reducing the opening area of ​​the outlet 32 ​​provided in the component delivery device 1 using a louver (not shown) or the like.

[0068] Furthermore, the ions and active species that are active ingredients generated from the ingredient generator 13 are effective not only for suppressing the action of viruses as described above, but also for removing bacteria (including sterilization).

[0069] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] The virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device of the present invention can sufficiently inhibit virus activity even when the humidity in the space is high, and is also effective against coronaviruses that have been prevalent in recent years, so it has industrial applicability and its value is fully recognized.

Claims

1. When an active ingredient composed of a virus action inhibitor is delivered into a space, detecting humidity within the space; determining whether the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value; increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value; humidifying the space; stopping the humidification when the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a second set value; A method for inhibiting the action of a virus.

2. 2. The method for inhibiting the action of a virus according to claim 1, wherein the step of increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space comprises increasing the wind force for delivering the active ingredient into the space by wind force.

3. detecting the presence of a person in the space; 3. The method for suppressing the action of viruses according to claim 1, further comprising the step of increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value and the presence of a person is detected in the space, compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value and the presence of a person is not detected.

4. detecting an intensity of a human voice within the space; A method for suppressing the action of viruses described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of increasing the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value and the human voice in the space is equal to or greater than a set intensity value, compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value and the human voice in the space is less than the set intensity value.

5. A method for inhibiting the action of viruses described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of directing the active ingredient toward either or both of the wall surface and floor surface forming the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value.

6. When the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value, the step of directing the delivery direction of the active ingredient toward one or both of the wall surface and the floor surface that form the space includes:

6. The method for inhibiting viral activity according to claim 5, wherein a viral activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device is used to deliver the active ingredient, and the delivery direction is either rear-upper or front-lower or both of the ingredient delivery device.

7. a virus action suppression component generator that delivers an active ingredient composed of a virus action suppression component into a space; a humidity sensor for detecting humidity in the space; a control device that determines whether the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than a first set value, and when the humidity in the space is equal to or greater than the first set value, controls the amount of the active ingredient to be delivered into the space so as to be increased compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value; a humidifier that humidifies the space; and The humidifier stops humidifying when the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than a second set value.

8. The present invention further includes a blower for generating wind and delivering the active ingredient into the space by the wind, 8. The virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device according to claim 7, wherein the control device controls the air blower to increase the air volume so as to increase the amount of the active ingredient delivered into the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value.

9. Further, a human presence sensor is provided to detect the presence of a person in the space.

9. The virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device controls the amount of the active ingredient to be delivered into the space so that, when the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value and the presence of a person in the space is detected by the human presence sensor, the amount is increased compared to when the humidity in the space is less than the first set value and the presence of a person is not detected by the human presence sensor.

10. further comprising a sound sensor for detecting the intensity of a human voice in the space; 10. The virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control device controls the amount of the active ingredient to be delivered into the space so that, when the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value and the human voice in the space detected by the sound sensor is equal to or higher than a set intensity value, the amount is increased compared to when the humidity in the space is lower than the first set value and the human voice in the space is lower than the set intensity value.

11. 11. The virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device according to claim 7, which is configured to deliver the active ingredient toward either or both of a wall surface and a floor surface that form the space when the humidity in the space is equal to or higher than the first set value.

12. 12. The virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device according to claim 11, which delivers the active ingredient to either or both of the rear upper side of the virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device, which is in the direction of the wall surface, and the front lower side of the virus activity-inhibiting ingredient delivery device, which is in the direction of the floor surface.

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