A method for delivering chemicals to targets of three-dimensional structures, the chemicals used in the method, and a chemical-containing water vapor generator.

Abstract

The purpose is to deliver the chemical to a wide variety of target objects, such as bedding, clothing, bed mattresses, carpets, sofas, and vehicle seats, and to impart properties such as antibacterial, disinfectant, germicidal, insecticidal, mite-killing, insect-repellent, and deodorizing effects. [Solution] The system includes a degassing means 200 for degassing air contained in the filling material inside the three-dimensional structure 300, and an injection means 100 for injecting drug-containing water vapor from a drug-containing water vapor generator 110 that generates drug-containing water vapor containing the drug 120 into the interior of the three-dimensional structure 300. The drug 120 is applied to the interior of the target object 300 by coordinating the internal air pulling operation by degassing and the drug-containing water vapor pushing operation by injection. Degassing by the degassing means 200 and injection by the injection means 100 are performed simultaneously, alternately, or in combination on the target object 300.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug delivery method for applying a drug to the inside of an application target of a three-dimensional structure filled with a filler. Here, the drug delivery means supplying the drug not only to the surface of the application target but also to the inside of the three-dimensional structure, and applying, adhering, and processing the drug to the constituent materials of the target. Examples of the application target that is a three-dimensional structure include futons, bed sheets, bed mats, blankets, pads, floor mats, mattresses, tatami mats, carpets, clothing (including clothes, coats, trousers, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, gloves), linens, fiber bags, shoes, sofas, cushions, pillows, stuffed toys, vehicle seats, and the like. Examples of the filler may include porous materials, fiber materials, natural fiber materials such as cotton, chemical fiber materials, woven fabric materials, non-woven fabric materials, foamed resin materials such as urethane, feathers, and materials filled with gases such as air inside. In addition, other elastic materials such as elastic body materials that can repel the pressing force applied from the outside, metal coil springs commonly used in beds, rubber, low-rebound foamed resin materials, and high-rebound foamed resin materials may be included. Examples of the drug may include allergen inactivators, antiviral agents, antibacterial coating agents, insecticides, acaricides, deodorants, antifouling agents, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, drugs have been delivered in various ways. Here, it is not a drug directly administered to the human body such as an oral drug for a patient, but an allergen inactivator, an antiviral agent, an antibacterial coating agent, an insecticide, an acaricide, a deodorant, an antifouling agent, etc. for members that come into contact with users such as clothes, or consumer goods that exist in the living environment of users such as futons, beds, and sofas. There are also a variety of delivery methods. Conventional technologies often use spray spraying, aerosol spraying, or mist spraying methods to deliver allergen inactivators, antiviral agents, antibacterial coatings, insecticides, acaricides, deodorizers, etc., by atomizing and spraying a liquid containing the chemical. Furthermore, while mites have traditionally been controlled as pests, the use of sprays, aerosol sprayers, and mist sprayers that spray insecticides with mite-repellent effects is becoming increasingly common.

[0003] For example, a disinfectant ethanol spray is known, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-219904). This spray-type atomizer consists of a plastic container body 3 that is filled with disinfectant ethanol and has an opening 2 at its upper end, as shown in Figure 12, and an air pump type spray device 6 that sprays disinfectant ethanol 1 from a nozzle 5 by pressing a button 4 with a nozzle provided in the opening 2. According to the sprayer disclosed in Patent Document 1, a substantially uniform distribution of active drug particles such as ethanol is maintained, and when the active drug particles are applied, they can be uniformly sprayed onto a surface without flowing off.

[0004] For example, an aerosol spray tube disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-45706) is known. The aerosol spray tube described in Patent Document 2 contains a quaternary ammonium salt, which is an antistatic agent, in the spray liquid. When droplets of the aerosol composition are sprayed vigorously from an aerosol spray can, they become charged by friction as they pass through the spray valve, etc. However, the quaternary ammonium salt, which is an antistatic agent contained in the droplets, mitigates the charging of the droplets and the charging that occurs during the process of the droplets becoming particles, thereby effectively suppressing the aggregation of particles within the droplets. According to the aerosol spray tube disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is possible to reduce the diameter of aggregated particles when the sprayed aerosol composition adheres to the surface of the target object.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, a mist sprayer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-177889 (Patent Document 3) is known. The space sprayer of Patent Document 3 has a configuration comprising a tank section 1 that holds a disinfectant liquid, a nozzle section 2 that sprays the disinfectant liquid held in the tank section 1, and an ultrasonic transducer 3 positioned on the bottom surface of the tank section 1. The ultrasonic transducer 3 atomizes the disinfectant liquid held in the tank section 1, and the disinfectant liquid in the tank section 1 is scattered or vaporized by ultrasonic vibrations from the ultrasonic transducer, and the generated fine particles are sprayed in the form of a mist. According to the mist sprayer described in Patent Document 3, a simple structure is disclosed that allows a disinfectant solution to be sprayed into the air in a mist form at a predetermined disinfection concentration (effective chlorine concentration).

[0006] Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 4 (Utility Model Registration No. 3057428), as shown in Figure 13, the steam emitted when using a steamer is used to simultaneously spray a fragrance and an antibacterial agent, thereby imparting fragrance and antibacterial properties to ironed clothing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-219904 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-045706 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-177889 [Patent Document 4] Utility Model Registration No. 3057428 Gazette [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The techniques described in the above-mentioned prior art patent documents 1, 2, and 3, that is, methods using sprays, aerosol sprayers, mist sprayers, etc., that atomize and spray a liquid containing a drug, produce particles with a diameter of at most several tens to several hundreds of micrometers. While these particles adhere to and spread on the surface of clothing or fibrous materials such as sofas and futons that people come into contact with, they are not sufficiently able to penetrate deep into the three-dimensional structure of the fibers. In other words, even if a large amount of antibacterial and deodorizing solution is sprayed, it is only applied to the surface, and the drug solution is not delivered to every corner of the interior of the object being treated. In particular, since dust mites and dust mite allergens are more abundant deep within fibers than on the surface, it is clear that conventional treatment methods are ineffective in achieving practical results. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 4 of the above-mentioned prior art, which involves using steam ejected when a steamer is in use to spray and supply agents such as antibacterial agents, does not involve the steam being ejected at a very high pressure, and there are no measures to allow the steam to escape. As a result, in practice, the steam can only penetrate close to the surface of the object to be treated. For example, with thick cushions, the steam does not easily reach the inside, and the delivery efficiency of the agents contained in the steam is insufficient.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention aims to reliably deliver the agent to the sponge or base material inside a wide variety of three-dimensional structures filled with fillings, such as bed mattresses, carpets, sofas, and vehicle seats, thereby imparting antibacterial, disinfectant, germicidal, and insecticidal properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a method for delivering a drug into the interior of a three-dimensional structure using drug-containing steam, which is a method for delivering a drug to the interior of an object to be treated, which is a three-dimensional structure filled with a packing material, and comprises a degassing means for degassing air contained in the packing material inside the three-dimensional structure, and an injection means for injecting drug-containing water vapor into the interior of the three-dimensional structure from a drug-containing water vapor generator that generates drug-containing water vapor using drug-containing water, and delivers the drug to the interior of the object to be treated by the degassing and injection. Here, the internal filling material of the three-dimensional structure targeted by the present invention may include porous materials, fibrous materials, natural fiber materials such as cotton, chemical fiber materials, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, foamed resin materials such as urethane, feathers, and other materials that are filled with gas such as air. In addition, other elastic materials may include elastic materials that can repel externally applied pressure, metal coil springs commonly used in beds, rubber, and elastic materials such as low-rebound foamed resin materials and high-rebound foamed resin materials.

[0011] While steamers have been known for some time, they are primarily used for ironing purposes, applying high-temperature steam to the surface of clothing and other fabrics to smooth out wrinkles. Although the high temperature may incidentally help control pests such as mites and bacteria on or near the surface, they have not been able to adequately deliver chemicals through steam deep into the interior of three-dimensional objects. However, as in the configuration of the present invention, by combining degassing and aeration, it has become possible to deliver the drug contained in water vapor into the interior of a three-dimensional structure by injecting high-temperature, high-pressure steam. For example, even in three-dimensional structures with internal substrates such as sponges or porous resins, like thick cushions, the effect is achieved that the drug can spread sufficiently throughout the interior.

[0012] In addition, there are at least two possible combinations of degassing and aeration in the above configuration. The first pattern involves simultaneously performing degassing using a degassing means (air pulling operation) and aeration using an aeration means (push operation of chemical-containing water vapor) on the target object. The second pattern involves alternating or freely combining degassing using a degassing means (air pulling operation) and aeration using an aeration means (push operation of chemical-containing water vapor) on the target object.

[0013] The first pattern is characterized in that the aeration means injects drug-containing water vapor from a drug-containing water vapor generator onto one end of the object to be applied, and the deaeration means applies negative pressure to the other end of the object to be applied to draw air out of the packing material, and deaeration by the deaeration means and aeration by the aeration means are performed on the object to be applied simultaneously. In this first pattern (a pattern in which degassing and aeration are performed simultaneously), the drug-containing water vapor push operation, in which drug-containing water vapor is injected from one end of the object to be treated, and the air pull operation, in which the gas inside is drawn out from the other end, are performed in parallel. As a result, the gas inside the filling of the object to be treated is replaced from air to drug-containing water vapor over time, and by replacing the air inside the three-dimensional structure of the object to be treated with drug-containing water vapor in this way, the target drug can be delivered efficiently.

[0014] The second pattern is characterized in that the aeration means injects drug-containing water vapor from a drug-containing water vapor generator onto one end of the object to be applied, and the deaeration means applies negative pressure to the other end of the object to be applied to draw out the gas inside from the packing material, and deaeration by the deaeration means and aeration by the aeration means are performed alternately on the object to be applied. In this second pattern (a pattern in which degassing and injecting are performed alternately), a drug-containing water vapor push operation, in which drug-containing water vapor is injected from one end of the object to be treated, and an air pull operation, in which gas is drawn out from the other end of the object to be treated, are performed alternately at predetermined intervals or at predetermined work amounts. The air pull operation by the degassing means and the drug-containing water vapor push operation by the injecting means are considered as one set of degassing and injecting process, and by repeating the degassing and injecting process multiple times, drug-containing water vapor can be reliably distributed throughout the object to be treated.

[0015] In addition, in both the above-described first pattern (the pattern of performing degassing and gas injection simultaneously) and the second pattern (the pattern of performing degassing and gas injection alternately), it is preferable to use a steamer or a steam iron as the chemical-containing steam generator of the gas injection means. Note that the steamer or steam iron needs to be a device that allows the input of the chemical into the water tank and enables the generation of chemical-containing steam. Here, as the configuration of the steamer or steam iron to be applied, there is a water tank for storing chemical-containing water in a predetermined concentration range by introducing moisture and an amount of the chemical in a predetermined concentration range with respect to the amount of the moisture, a chemical-containing steam generator for generating chemical-containing steam using the chemical-containing water stored in the water tank, and a conduction path for conducting the generated chemical-containing steam to a steam injection port, and it is preferable to have a function of injecting the chemical-containing steam from the steam injection port. By using the steamer or steam iron having the above-described configuration, a function of injecting chemical-containing steam from the steam injection port can be imparted, and the chemical-containing steam can be injected at a predetermined high-temperature and high-pressure injection pressure. Note that the number of steam injection ports may be plural, and the shape of the steam injection port is not limited either. Thus, the gas injection means is a means for supplying the chemical-containing steam injected from a steamer or a steam iron to the application target. Also, as the degassing means, it is a means for applying a negative pressure to the application target by the suction force of a vacuum cleaner and sucking out the internal gas (a mixed gas of the remaining air and the injected chemical-containing steam) from the filling of the application target.

[0016] Next, the inventor of the present invention devised a chemical delivery support device for an application target that makes degassing and gas injection more reliable while using a vacuum cleaner and a chemical-containing steam generator in both the above-described first pattern (the pattern of performing degassing and gas injection simultaneously) and the second pattern (the pattern of performing degassing and gas injection alternately), and invented three types of devices: a first chemical delivery support device, a second chemical delivery support device, and a third chemical delivery support device.

[0017] The first drug delivery support device according to the present invention includes a storage bag that has a deaeration port with a check valve for air at one end and an injection port for drug-containing water vapor by an injection means at the other end, and stores an application object, and a tightening belt that ties the application object packed in the storage bag from the outer periphery of the storage bag, narrows a gap that may occur between the application object and the storage bag, and makes the two adhere to each other. The drug delivery support device is characterized in that the positional relationship between the installation position of the deaeration port with a check valve and the installation position of the injection port for drug-containing water vapor is arranged such that they are separated by the tightening belt.

[0018] With the above configuration, by using a member such as a storage bag to secure a sealed space, communication with the outside air can be blocked during deaeration and injection, and the deaeration efficiency and injection efficiency are improved. Further, by using a member such as a tightening belt that narrows the diameter from the outside of the storage bag, the gap that may occur between the inner wall of the storage bag and the outer surface of the application object can be kept small, and the deaeration efficiency and injection efficiency are improved. If there is a gap that may occur between the inner wall of the storage bag and the outer surface of the application object, the gas (drug-containing water vapor) injected from the injection port through the gap is not introduced into the application object but directly connected to the deaeration port and discharged, resulting in a decrease in deaeration efficiency and injection efficiency. Here, if the gap that may occur between the inner wall of the storage bag and the outer surface of the application object is kept small using this tightening belt, most of the gas (drug-containing water vapor) injected from the injection port is introduced into the application object, pushing out the gas (remaining air and already-entered drug-containing water vapor) in the filler in the application object, and the pushed-out gas is discharged from the deaeration port, so that the effect of improving the deaeration efficiency and injection efficiency can be obtained.

[0019] Next, the second drug delivery support device according to the present invention has a mounting tool whose top surface is a mounting surface for mounting an application object and has an air inlet provided in a part thereof, and a connection structure for attaching a suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner to the air inlet. Using the drug delivery support device with the above configuration, the degassing means is a means of sucking out and degassing gas from inside the object to be applied placed on the mounting surface by applying negative pressure to the intake port via a connecting structure using a vacuum cleaner, and the injecting means is a means of injecting drug-containing water vapor into the interior of the three-dimensional structure by applying the nozzle of a steamer or steam iron to the surface of the object to be applied from the top surface of the object. The connection structure may be one in which the wall surface of the air intake port of the mounting device is extended to form a flange, and the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner is fitted to the inner wall surface of the flange. Alternatively, a suction adapter may be provided between the air intake port of the mounting device and the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner. The suction adapter is interposed to seal the space between the air intake port of the mounting device and the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner.

[0020] With the above configuration, when the object to be treated with the drug (for example, a thick cushion) is placed on the mounting surface of the mounting device, the lower surface of the object directly faces the intake port, and the negative pressure (suction force) provided by the vacuum cleaner draws out the gas (remaining air and drug-containing water vapor that has already entered) from the filling inside the object. In addition, high-temperature steam containing the drug is sprayed under pressure from above by a steamer or steam iron, similar to ironing, allowing the drug-containing water vapor to penetrate into the interior from the upper surface of the object. In this way, the combination of high-pressure injection of high-temperature steam containing the drug from above by a steamer or steam iron and suction force applied to the intake port by the vacuum cleaner from below improves both degassing efficiency and aeration efficiency.

[0021] Next, the third drug delivery support device according to the present invention comprises a storage bag for storing an object to be administered, which has a degassing port with a check valve for air by a degassing means at one end and an inlet for drug-containing water vapor by an inlet for an air inlet at the other end, and a pressing device for the object to be administered to which the user can apply their body weight by standing on it. With the drug delivery support device configured as described above, the degassing means allows the user to step on it, thereby degassing the contents of the target object through the degassing port using a pressure tool. Before the start of the injecting means, the user steps off, removing the pressure applied by the pressure tool and stopping the degassing. Since the object is stored in a storage bag and there is no supply of outside air, the air pressure in the contents of the target object remains low, allowing the subsequent injecting of drug-containing water vapor through the injecting port by the injecting means to be carried out efficiently.

[0022] The drug delivered by the drug delivery method of the present invention can be a variety of drugs, as long as they can be contained in water vapor. This involves heating a liquid solution of a drug to produce drug-containing water vapor, but it is acceptable as long as it provides some kind of medicinal effect. For example, it is acceptable if it has any effect on allergens, viruses, microorganisms, insects, arthropods, odors, or stains, such as denaturation, adsorption, coagulation, removal, or killing. Drug-containing water vapor may include water vapor containing specific drugs, as well as water vapor or chlorine-containing water vapor. Water vapor and chlorine-containing water vapor may also exert such effects. Furthermore, the chemicals applicable to the chemical delivery method into the interior of a three-dimensional structure using chemical-containing steam are preferably heat-resistant within the steam injection temperature range of the steam supply device. Preferably, the chemicals have a heat resistance of approximately 100°C to 250°C. In addition, the chemicals are preferably suitable for use in the water tank of the steam supply device, and are preferably water-soluble or emulsifiable oil-soluble and dispersible in water. For example, there are allergen inactivators. One example is a substance derived from polyethylene glycol. In particular, it is known that polyethylene glycol has a high allergen inactivating effect if its functional group is a carbonyl group. For example, there are antiviral agents. One example is a substance derived from polyethylene glycol. In particular, it is known that polyethylene glycol has high antiviral efficacy if its functional group is a carbonyl group. For example, there are antibacterial coating agents. One example of such is a substance derived from polyethylene glycol. In particular, polyethylene glycol with a carbonyl functional group is known to have high antiviral efficacy. Examples include insecticides, acaricides, and repellents. Examples include antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorant agents.

[0023] Next, the target objects of the three-dimensional structure to which the drug delivery method of the present invention can be applied are any three-dimensional structure filled with a filling material, and a wide variety of such objects are possible. For example, futons, bed sheets, bed mattresses, blankets, sheets, rugs, tatami mats, carpets, clothing (including clothes, coats, trousers, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, gloves), linens, textile bags, shoes, sofas, cushions, pillows, stuffed animals, vehicle seats, or any other ironable objects.

[0024] Next, as the drug-containing steam generator for the drug delivery support device of the present invention, a steamer or steam iron is typically preferred, but other products such as steam cleaners may also be used. The drug-containing steam generator can be any device equipped with a water tank and capable of spraying steam under pressure. For example, the device includes a water tank into which water and an amount of the aforementioned agent that is within a predetermined concentration range are added to store water containing the agent within a predetermined concentration range; a device that generates agent-containing steam using the agent-containing water stored in the water tank; and a conduit for guiding the generated agent-containing steam to a steam injection port, and has the function of injecting the agent-containing steam from the steam injection port, provided that the agent-containing steam is injected at a predetermined high temperature and high pressure.

[0025] The steam injection temperature of the steam supply device is preferably around 50 to 250°C. More preferably, it is preferably around 80 to 210°C. In the case of commercially available steam irons, the temperature settings are often around 80 to 120°C for low temperature, around 140 to 160°C for medium temperature, and around 180 to 210°C for high temperature. However, the steam injection temperature of a chemical-containing steam generator is not limited. The steam injection pressure of a steam supply device is often sufficient, for example, if it is around 2 to 10 bar, but it is not limited to that. The steam injection rate of a steam supply device is often sufficient if it is, for example, around 5g to 30g per minute, but it is not limited to that. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] This diagram provides a very simplified illustration of the procedure for delivering a drug to a target object according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the procedure for the drug delivery method of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure briefly illustrates the configuration and operation of the first drug delivery support device 400a of the present invention. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the process of setting up each component of the first drug delivery support device 400a, placing the object to be treated 300 on it, and delivering the drug. [Figure 5] This figure briefly illustrates the configuration and operation of the second drug delivery support device 400b of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure briefly illustrates the configuration of the third drug delivery support device 400c of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram briefly illustrates the degassing means 200 of the third drug delivery support device 400c. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the experimental setup for a conventional drug delivery method. [Figure 9] This figure shows the results of the comparative experiment shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10]This figure shows the experimental configuration of the drug delivery method of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the results of the demonstration experiment using the simulated configuration shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] This is a simplified drawing of a disinfectant ethanol spray spray disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-219904. [Figure 13] This is a simplified drawing of the fragrance and antibacterial steam iron disclosed in Utility Model Registration No. 3057428. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0027] The following describes embodiments of the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. [Example 1]

[0028] The following describes examples of the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention. Figure 1 is a very simplified illustration of the procedure for the drug delivery method to the target object according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the method for delivering the drug to the target object 300 according to the present invention uses an aeration means 100 and a deaeration means 200.

[0029] The aeration means 100 is a means of injecting drug-containing steam generated using the drug-containing steam generator 110 into the interior of the target object 300 of the three-dimensional structure. As shown in Figure 1, drug-containing steam is sprayed and injected from the drug-containing steam generator 110 into one end of the target object 300. Here, this is referred to as the "drug-containing steam pushing operation" by the aeration means 100.

[0030] The degassing means 200 is a means for degassing air contained in the filling material 310 inside the object 300 of the three-dimensional structure to be treated. As shown in Figure 1, negative pressure is applied to the other end of the object 300 to draw air out of the filling material. This is referred to here as the "air pull operation". Furthermore, this concept of air pulling may also include the possibility that, during the process of drawing out air, not only the air remaining inside the object to be treated 300 but also the drug-containing water vapor inside the object to be treated 300 that has already been introduced by the air supply means 100 will be drawn out. Thus, the method of delivering a drug to the target object 300 according to the present invention is carried out by degassing with a degassing means 200 and injecting with air with an air injection means 100 to apply the drug to the inside of the target object 300.

[0031] There are two main procedures for delivering the drug to the target object according to the present invention. The first pattern, as shown in Figure 2(a), is one in which degassing by the degassing means 100 and aeration by the aeration means 200 are performed simultaneously on the object to be treated 300. In other words, in the first pattern, a drug-containing water vapor push operation is performed in parallel with an air pull operation in which drug-containing water vapor is injected from one end of the object to be treated 300, and air is drawn out from the other end of the object to be treated 300, thereby replacing the gas in the filling material 310 of the object to be treated 300 from the original air to drug-containing water vapor.

[0032] The second pattern, as shown in Figure 2(b), is one in which degassing by the degassing means 200 and aeration by the aeration means 100 are alternately performed on the object to be treated 300 at predetermined intervals or at predetermined work amounts. In other words, in the second pattern, a drug-containing water vapor push operation, in which drug-containing water vapor is injected from one end of the object to be treated 300, and an air pull operation, in which air is drawn out from the other end of the object to be treated 300, are performed alternately in a time series, thereby replacing the gas in the filling material 310 of the object to be treated 300 from the original air to drug-containing water vapor. The air pulling operation by the degassing means 200 and the drug-containing water vapor pushing operation by the injection means 100 are treated as one set of degassing and injection processes, and it is possible to gradually replace the air by repeating this degassing and injection process multiple times.

[0033] This section describes the process of using chemical-containing water vapor to push medications. While steamers and steam irons are typically preferred as the chemical-containing steam generator 110, other products such as steam cleaners may also be used. However, in this example, a steam iron 110 is used as the chemical-containing steam generator. An example of a steam iron 110 is one that includes a water tank for storing chemical-containing water in a predetermined concentration range, which is obtained by adding an amount of chemical 120 in a predetermined concentration range relative to the amount of water; a chemical-containing steam generating unit for generating chemical-containing steam using the chemical-containing water stored in the water tank; and a guide passage for guiding the generated chemical-containing steam to a nozzle, and has the function of spraying chemical-containing steam from the nozzle. The chemical-containing steam is sprayed at a predetermined high temperature and high pressure.

[0034] As mentioned above, the steam temperature emitted by the chemical-containing steam generator 110 can be, for example, within the temperature range of 100 to 210°C. Many commercially available steam irons have temperature settings of around 80 to 120°C for low temperature, around 140 to 160°C for medium temperature, and 180 to 210°C for high temperature. Therefore, assuming a household steamer or steam iron, any device that emits steam at 80 to 210°C would suffice. Even devices commonly known as steam cleaners (which are often used for cleaning) rather than steamers or steam irons are mostly mechanical devices that emit steam at around 80-200°C, so it is thought that many of them can be applied as the chemical-containing steam generator 110 used in the present invention. Water and a predetermined amount of chemical agent 120 are supplied to the water tank of this steam iron 110 to generate chemical-containing steam.

[0035] The drug 120 can be any substance containing an active ingredient, and may be supplied in any form, such as solid, powder, liquid, or gaseous form. Alternatively, the drug may be supplied in liquid form from the beginning, filled into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to the water tank of a steam supply device.

[0036] Examples of drugs 120 that can be applied to the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention include the following: Examples of drugs 120 applicable to the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention include allergen inactivators. Examples of allergen inactivators include Allerbuster. These allergen inactivators are delivered to the surface and interior of the target object by the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention.

[0037] Furthermore, polyethylene glycol-derived substances can be used as allergen inactivators applicable to the drug delivery method to target objects of the present invention. Recent research has discovered that polyethylene glycol-derived substances have allergen inactivating efficacy. In addition, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups of polyethylene glycol are substituted have also been confirmed to have allergen inactivating efficacy. For example, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups are substituted with carbonyl groups are excellent.

[0038] Antiviral agents are one example of a drug 120 that can be applied to the drug delivery method for the target object of the present invention. The antiviral agent does not have to be one that is taken orally by a patient; it may be a commercially available product that is applied to the living environment. A variety of antiviral agents are commercially available, such as alcohol-based compounds and hypochlorite-based compounds such as sodium hypochlorite.

[0039] Furthermore, polyethylene glycol-derived substances can be used as antiviral agents applicable to the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention. Recent research has discovered that polyethylene glycol-derived substances have antiviral efficacy. In addition, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups of polyethylene glycol are substituted have also been confirmed to have antiviral efficacy. For example, polyethylene glycol derivatives in which some of the functional groups are substituted with carbonyl groups are excellent.

[0040] Examples of agents 120 applicable to the agent delivery method to the target object of the present invention include antibacterial coating agents and antifungal agents. Commercially available antibacterial coating agents may also be used. Examples include alcohol-based compounds, hypochlorite-based compounds such as sodium hypochlorite, titanium dioxide-based agents, fluorine-based agents, silver ion-based agents, and silicon silicone resin-based coating agents.

[0041] Examples of pesticides 120 applicable to the pesticide delivery method to the target object of the present invention include insecticides and acaricides. Commercially available insecticides and acaricides are also acceptable. For example, pyrethroid compounds (pyrethrin, allethrin, dl,d-T80-allethrin, dl,dT-allethrin, d,dT-allethrin, d,d-T80-prallethrin, d,d-T98-prallethrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin) (S-1264), Youthrin, Empenthrin, Profluthrin (S-1846), Flamethrin, d-T80-Flamethrin, Terarethrin, Phthalthrin, d-T80-Phthalthrin, Imiprothrin, S-1880, Phenothrin, Permethrin, Resmethrin, d-T80-Resmethrin, Tralomethrin, Cyphenothrin, d,dT-Cyphenothrin, Fenpropathrin, Cypermethrin, Del Tamesrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, fluvalinate, cadesrin, propulsrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, tefluthrin, bifenthrin, etofenprox, silafluofen), organophosphorus compounds (fenitrothion, dichlorvos, azamethiphos, diazinon, prothiophos, malathion, propethamphos, fenthion, trichlorfon, siaphos, pyridafenthion) Examples include chloropyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, acephate, fan sulfoxide, temephos, nared, carclophos, fenclophos, bromophos, iodofenphos, etrimphos, oxadiazole compounds (methoxadiazone), carbamate compounds (phenobucarb, carbaryl, propoxul, bendiocarb), oxadiazine compounds (indoxacarb), phenylpyrazole compounds (fipronil), pyrazole compounds (fenpyrad), neonicotinoid compounds (thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, dinotefuran (S-1638, MTI-446)), and acaricides (thiophanate-methyl, bromopropyrate, sulfuramide, amidflumeth (S-1955), phenyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, IF-1000, Sunplus). Other substances with insecticidal properties can also be used.

[0042] Furthermore, examples of pesticides 120 that can be applied to the pesticide delivery method to the target object of the present invention include insect repellents and acaricides (repellents). Although the definition of the difference between insecticides and insect repellents is not always clear, if an insecticide has the effect of repelling pests through its odor, it can function as an insect repellent. If it has a repellent effect and the pests die where they move to, it will also have an insecticidal effect. Commercially available insect repellents can be used. Examples include repellents (DEET, picaridin) and natural repellents (hinokitiol, lemon eucalyptus, eucalyptus oil, cypress oil, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint). Other substances can also be used if they have insecticidal and acaricidal effects.

[0043] As described above, there are many different types of agents 120 that can be applied to the agent delivery method to the target object of the present invention, but it is preferable that the agent 120 has heat resistance within the range of steam injection temperature of the agent-containing steam generator 110. Since the active ingredient of chemical 120 is delivered via steam, it is desirable that its heat resistance be 100°C or higher. There is no upper limit, but if the temperature is too high, the active ingredient may decompose and denature, so it is considered sufficient if it is heat resistant in the temperature range of 100 to 210°C. The temperature settings of commercially available steamers and steam irons are often around 80 to 120°C for low temperature, 140 to 160°C for medium temperature, and 180 to 210°C for high temperature. Therefore, assuming household steamers and steam irons, a chemical with heat resistance of 80 to 210°C is sufficient.

[0044] Furthermore, even substances that are easily decomposed by heat can be considered applicable to the drug delivery method of the present invention if they have heat resistance in a temperature range of approximately 80 to 120°C, provided that a steamer or steam iron is set to a low temperature. Incidentally, polyethylene glycol is considered a compound that does not undergo thermal decomposition up to around 300°C, even with molecular weights ranging from 200 to 20,000, making it a suitable agent for the drug delivery method to the target object of this invention.

[0045] Next, we will describe the internal air pulling operation using the degassing means 200. The degassing means 200 performs an internal air pull operation, which involves applying negative pressure to the object to be treated 300 to draw out gas from inside the object to be treated 300. This internal air pull operation lowers the air pressure inside the object to be treated 300, making it easier for the drug-containing water vapor to be introduced during the drug-containing water vapor push operation of the aeration means 100, thereby improving the efficiency of drug delivery. Any device that generates negative pressure can be used as the negative pressure generator 210, for example, a vacuum cleaner. When the suction port 211 of the vacuum cleaner is placed against the surface of the object to be treated 300, the remaining air inside (which may include some of the drug-containing water vapor that has already been introduced) is sucked out. [Example 2]

[0046] As Example 2, we will describe a drug delivery support device 400 used in the drug delivery method described in Example 1. By using the drug delivery support device 400, it is expected that the aeration efficiency and deaeration efficiency in the drug delivery method described in Example 1 will be improved. Here, we will describe three examples of the drug delivery support device 400 used in the drug delivery method described in Example 1: 400a, 400b, and 400c.

[0047] The first drug delivery support device 400a will now be described. Figure 3 is a diagram that briefly illustrates the configuration and operation of the first drug delivery support device 400a. As shown in Figure 3(a), the first drug delivery support device 400a is configured to include a steam iron 410 as a drug steam generator 110, a vacuum cleaner 420 as a negative pressure generator 210, and a mounting device 430. It is also configured to include a suction adapter 440 as an option. Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of each component of the first drug delivery support device 400a. It is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3(a).

[0048] The vacuum cleaner 420 can be any vacuum cleaner available on the market, which here provides negative pressure as a negative pressure generator 210 for the degassing means 200. The steam iron 410 is a device that generates chemical-containing steam as the chemical-containing steam generator 110 of the air supply means 100. Here, it is preferable to also use the pressing ironing function, so a steam iron may be preferable to a steamer that simply blows steam in.

[0049] The mounting device 430 has a mounting surface 431 on which the object to be treated 300 is placed, and an air intake port 432 is provided in a part of it. In this example, as shown in Figure 3(b), the wall surface of the air intake port 432 extends downward and a flange 433 is formed. In addition, legs 434 are provided to secure space below. This flange 433 extends the wall of the air intake port 432 to facilitate the attachment of the suction pipe port 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420 to the air intake port 432. This flange 433 is an optional component and has the effect of improving the airtightness between the air intake port 432 and the suction pipe port 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420.

[0050] The suction adapter 440 is an optional component and is designed to facilitate the attachment of the suction pipe port 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420 to the air intake port 432. Preferably, the inner diameter and inner wall shape of this suction adapter 440 are designed to seal the space between the air intake port 432 of the mounting device 430 and the suction pipe port 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420, preventing outside air from entering.

[0051] While the shape of the suction pipe opening 421 of commercially available vacuum cleaners 420 is generally standardized, if the shape of the ventilation passages of the flange 433 and suction adapter 440 described above changes in diameter gradually, they can be fitted regardless of the outer or inner diameter of the suction pipe opening 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420, in order to maintain a high level of airtightness. In other words, commercially available vacuum cleaners often have a configuration in which the suction pipes are connected to each other, but the inner diameter of the outer pipe changes gradually, and the outer diameter of the inner pipe also changes gradually, so that at some point the diameters of the two pipes match and airtightness is maintained. Similarly, if the diameter size is made to change gradually here, whether the flange 433 is directly connected to the suction pipe opening 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420, or the suction adapter 440 is used to connect to the suction pipe opening 421 of the vacuum cleaner 420, a point of perfect fit can be obtained at the joint. Furthermore, to facilitate maintaining airtightness, it is preferable to interpose a flexible material such as flexible silicone at the connection port of the flange 433 and the connection port of the suction adapter 440.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the process of setting up each component of the first drug delivery support device 400a, placing the object to be administered 300 on it, and delivering the drug. As shown in Figure 4, this figure illustrates how the vacuum cleaner 420 is activated to generate negative pressure at the air intake port 432 of the mounting device 430 via the suction pipe port 421 and suction adapter 440.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the steam iron 410 is operated to generate chemical-containing steam, and the object to be treated 300, which is placed on the mounting surface 431 of the mounting device 430, is pressed down from above with the steam iron 410 in the same manner as ironing. Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow generated inside for easier understanding. Note that a steamer can also be used instead of a steam iron.

[0054] As is clearly shown in Figure 4(b), the target object 300 is subjected to high-pressure injection of chemical-containing steam from a steam iron 410 from above, and air inside the target object 300 is sucked in from below by a vacuum cleaner 420, efficiently replacing the air inside the target object 300 with chemical-containing steam. Here, the object to be treated 300 is exemplified as a thick cushion, but it can also be applied to large items such as futons, blankets, and curtains. In other words, in the same manner as ironing, place a portion of the large object to be treated 300 on the mounting surface 431 of the mounting device 430, apply the steam iron 410 to spray the chemical-containing steam, and once the spraying of chemical-containing steam to that portion is complete, move the large object to be treated 300 slightly in the same manner as ironing, place the adjacent portion on the mounting surface 431 of the mounting device 430, and repeat the spraying of chemical-containing steam. Thus, by using the first drug delivery support device 400a, the degassing efficiency and aeration efficiency can be improved.

[0055] Next, we will explain the configuration and operation of the second drug delivery support device, 400b. Figure 5 is a diagram that briefly illustrates the configuration and operation of the second drug delivery support device 400b. As shown in Figure 5(a), in this example, the second drug delivery support device 400b is configured to include a steamer 410 as a drug steam generator 110, a vacuum cleaner 420 as a negative pressure generator 210, a storage bag 450, and a tightening belt 460.

[0056] The vacuum cleaner 420 can be any vacuum cleaner available on the market, which here provides negative pressure as a negative pressure generator 210 for the degassing means 200. Here, the steamer 410 is a device that generates chemical-containing steam as the chemical-containing steam generator 110 of the air supply means 100. Although a steam iron could be used as an alternative, the ironing function that directly presses the object to be treated 300 is unnecessary, so a so-called steamer that delivers steam is sufficient.

[0057] The storage bag 450 is equipped with an air inlet 451, an air vent 452, a storage bag material 453, and an opening / closing part 454. The air inlet 451 is the inlet for the drug-containing water vapor. In this example, it is located near one end of the storage bag 450. The vent 452 is an air outlet. It is equipped with an air check valve to prevent air from flowing back in. In this example, it is located near the other end of the storage bag 450. The storage bag material 453 is made of a non-breathable, flexible resin material such as polyvinyl chloride. The opening / closing section 454 can be any opening that allows the object to be applied 300 to be inserted into and removed from the storage bag 450. It must maintain airtightness when closed. Figure 3 illustrates a ZIP fastener configuration that provides high airtightness, but it is assumed that high airtightness is maintained. Besides ZIP fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro™) can also maintain high airtightness if they are of good quality. The storage bag 450 has no other routes for outside air to enter or exit except through the air inlet 451 and air outlet 452, ensuring airtightness.

[0058] Here, it would be good to have storage bags 450 in various sizes. For example, if the inner diameter and length are suitable for the size of thick sofa cushions or pillows, then thick cushions or pillows, which are the objects to be applied 300, can be temporarily stored inside the storage bag 450. Furthermore, if the inner diameter and length are suitable for items such as blankets or thin comforters, the storage bag 450 can be used to temporarily store blankets or thin comforters as the application target 300. Furthermore, if the inner diameter and length are suitable for the size of, for example, a thick comforter or mattress carpet, then the storage bag 450 can be used to temporarily store such items as the application target 300.

[0059] The tightening belt 460 is a component that fastens the object to be applied 300, which is temporarily stored inside the storage bag 450, from the outer circumference of the storage bag 450, thereby narrowing any gaps that may occur between the object to be applied 300 and the storage bag 450 and ensuring that the two are tightly sealed together. The mechanism by which the tightening belt 460 tightens the object 300 by reducing its inner diameter is not limited. It may be a structure that has a tightening belt and fasteners as a so-called belt (not shown), or a configuration in which the user can steplessly adjust the inner diameter by pressing down on the object 300 with their arms or knees while fastening with hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro™). Regarding the width of the tightening belt 460, it is preferable to select a width that corresponds to the width of the object to be treated 300 to be stored inside the storage bag 450.

[0060] Figure 5(b) is a diagram that briefly illustrates the assembly and operation of the first drug delivery support device 400a. As shown in Figure 5(b), the object to be applied 300, which is temporarily stored in the storage bag 450, is secured from the outer circumference of the storage bag 450 with the tightening belt 460, thereby narrowing any gaps that may occur between the object to be applied 300 and the storage bag 450 and keeping them in close contact. Figure 5(c) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area near the tightening belt in Figure 5(b), and simply illustrates how the gap that may occur between the object to be treated 300 and the storage bag 450 has been narrowed, resulting in a state where the two are in close contact. As can be seen in Figure 5(c), the object to be treated 300 and the storage bag 450 are in close contact, eliminating any gaps that could occur between them.

[0061] Here, the position where the tightening belt 460 is attached to the storage bag 450 is between the location of the air vent 452 with a check valve and the location of the air inlet 451 for the chemical-containing water vapor. This shows that the space inside the storage bag 450 is separated into an air-degassed environment by the air vent 452 with a check valve and an air-filled environment by the air inlet 451 for the chemical-containing water vapor. Thus, the tightening belt 460 separates the space inside the storage bag 450 into a deaeration environment through the deaeration port 452 with a check valve and an aeration environment through the injection port 451 for the drug-containing water vapor. In Figure 5(b), the area to the right of the tightening belt 460 of the storage bag 450 is the aeration environment and the area to the left is the deaeration environment. Drug-containing water vapor is continuously injected from the steamer 410 through the injection port 451, but since there is no gap for the vapor to pass through between the object to be treated 300 and the storage bag 450 near the tightening belt 460, it always passes through the inside of the object to be treated 300 and is sucked up by the vacuum cleaner 420 through the deaeration port 452 on the left. In this way, injection and deaeration are performed with outside air blocked, so the suction power of deaeration can be fully utilized, and drug-containing water vapor from the steamer 410 can pass through the inside of the object to be treated 300 one after another. As a result, degassing and aeration efficiency are improved, allowing for efficient delivery of the drug to the target object. Thus, by using the second drug delivery support device 400b, both degassing efficiency and aeration efficiency can be improved.

[0062] Next, we will describe the third drug delivery support device 400c used in the drug delivery method described in Example 1. By using the drug delivery support device 400c, it is expected that the aeration efficiency and deaeration efficiency in the drug delivery method described in Example 1 will be improved. Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the third drug delivery support device 400c. As shown in Figure 6(a), the third drug delivery support device 400c is configured to include a vacuum cleaner 420, a steamer 410c, a storage bag 450, and a pressing tool 470. The steamer 410 and vacuum cleaner 420 can be the same as those described in the configuration of the second drug delivery support device 400b, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0063] In the third drug delivery support device 400c, it is preferable that the pattern involves alternating between degassing by the degassing means 200 and injecting by the injecting means 100. Therefore, in the degassing means 200, after pushing air out of the object to be administered 300 inside the storage bag 450 using the pressing tool 470, the degassing means 200 is temporarily stopped before moving on to the injecting means 100. During this transition period, the degassing port 452c must be a check valve to prevent air from flowing back. The check valve 452c is a valve designed to operate in a way that prevents backflow due to the back pressure of the fluid. It restricts the flow of the medium in one direction, allowing it to flow out but not in (backflow). This check valve is a commercially available component. Here, it can function as part of the degassing means 200.

[0064] The pressing device 470 is used by the user to apply their body weight, such as by kneeling on it, to press against the object 300 stored in the storage bag 450. In the degassing means 200, the user can press the object to be treated 300 by standing on the pressing device 470, thereby pushing out air from the internal filling and performing degassing through the degassing port 452c. The shape of the pressing device 470 is not limited, but in this example, the top surface is a flat surface that makes it easy for the user to apply their weight, and the bottom surface is bulging.

[0065] In this third example configuration of the drug delivery support device 400c, it is preferable that the pattern involves alternating between degassing by the degassing means 200 and injecting by the injecting means 100. Alternatively, the degassing means 200 may be performed first, followed by the aeration means 100, and this set of degassing means 200 and aeration means 100 may be repeated alternately.

[0066] Figure 7 is a simplified diagram showing the degassing means 200 of the third drug delivery support device 400c. As shown in Figure 7(a), first place the object to be treated 300 into the storage bag 450c and seal it. Then, apply the pressing tool 470 to it. As shown in Figure 7(b), the object to be treated 300 inside the storage bag 450c is pressed using the pressing tool 470. As a means of pressing, the user may stand on the pressing tool 470 and apply their weight. To ensure safety, the user may stand on it in a kneeling position or sit on it with their buttocks.

[0067] Next, as shown in Figures 7(b) to 7(d), the angle of the pressing tool 470 is changed, and the bulging surface on the lower surface is used to crush the object 300 from left to right, as shown in Figures 7(b) to (d). The air inside the object 300 is pushed out and the air is vented through the vent port 452c. Degassing is carried out in accordance with the degassing means 200 shown in Figure 7, and the pressing tool 470 is removed from the top of the storage bag 450. In other words, the degassing means 200 is temporarily stopped. At the end of the degassing process 200, the storage bag 450 is sealed and the degassing port 452c is a check valve, so no gas is supplied to the object 300 to be treated, and it does not return to its original form.

[0068] Next, although not shown in the diagram, the aeration means 100 involves spraying drug-containing water vapor from the steamer 410 through the aeration port 451. The object to be treated 300, which has been crushed in the degassing means 200, inhales the sprayed drug-containing water vapor and expands to return to its original shape. The process of using the degassing means 200 and the air supply means 100 can be repeated multiple times as one set. As described above, by using the drug delivery support device 400 according to Example 2, the drug delivery method described in Example 1, which uses drug-containing water vapor, can be efficiently supported. [Example 3]

[0069] As Example 3, we will experimentally demonstrate that drug delivery was efficiently performed using the drug delivery method and drug delivery support device according to the present invention. [Demonstration Experiment 1] A demonstration experiment was conducted by applying the drug delivery method to the target object of the present invention. Figures 8 to 11 show a comparison of the effects of applying a drug to an object using the drug delivery method of the present invention, and the differences in effects between applying a drug using a hand sprayer, which is used in conventional drug delivery methods, and applying a drug using a steamer or steam iron as a drug-containing water vapor generator.

[0070] First, we will show the effect of using a conventional drug delivery method as a control. Figure 8 shows the experimental configuration of a conventional drug delivery method. Figure 8(a) shows a simulated structure of a three-dimensional structure to which drug delivery will be applied. As shown in Figure 8(a), the top layer of the simulated structure is a cotton satin layer that simulates the surface of the three-dimensional structure, and below that, there are five layers of urethane foam, from the first to the fifth layer, forming a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure was adopted in order to create test sections. In this study, we simply determined that drug delivery had occurred when water vapor penetrated the material. Water-sensitive paper was sandwiched between each layer of the cotton satin layer and the five layers of urethane foam. The water-sensitive paper was used to verify whether or not water vapor penetrated the material. The water-sensitive paper was coated with a reagent that changes color when it reacts with moisture. The water-sensitive paper used in the verification was a special coated paper that was initially yellow and changed to navy blue when it reacted with water. ●Cotton satin: Cotton satin fabric for dyeing tests (manufactured by Irozome Co., Ltd.), density 84 threads / inch in the warp direction, density 130 threads / inch in the weft direction, basis weight 121g / m2 ● Urethane foam: CFH-20 (manufactured by Inoac) ●Water-sensitive paper: TeeJet (manufactured by Syngenta)

[0071] Figure 8(b) shows an experimental setup using a conventional hand-held sprayer for the simulated three-dimensional structure shown in Figure 8(a). ● Hand spray dispenser: Commercially available disinfectant hand mist sprayer Figure 8(c) shows an experimental setup using a steam iron as a conventional drug delivery method, with the three-dimensional structure simulated in Figure 8(a). ●Steam iron: SV9751 (T-fal), maximum steam output 140 g / min, normal 25 g / min

[0072] Figure 9 shows the results of a demonstration experiment of a simulated configuration using the conventional drug delivery method described above. As shown in Figure 9(a), when applied using a conventional hand sprayer, the water-sensitive paper sandwiched between the cotton satin and the first layer of urethane foam shows many areas that have turned dark blue (darker color in the grayscale in the figure), indicating that moisture has spread throughout. However, the water-sensitive paper sandwiched between the first and second layers of urethane foam does not show any areas that have turned dark blue, indicating that it has not penetrated very well in the depth direction. In other words, when using a hand sprayer, the chemical is delivered only to the area that is directly sprayed. Next, as shown in Figure 9(a), when applied using the steam jet of a conventional steam iron, areas of dark blue coloration (darker color in the grayscale in the figure) can be seen on the water-sensitive paper sandwiched between the first and second layers of urethane foam. However, there are no areas of dark blue coloration on the water-sensitive paper sandwiched between the second and third layers of urethane foam, indicating that while penetration in the depth direction is better than with spray application, it is insufficient.

[0073] Next, Figure 10 shows the experimental configuration of the drug delivery method of the present invention. Figure 10 shows an experimental configuration in which the configuration of the present invention is applied from above to a simulated three-dimensional structure (similar to Figure 8(a)). From above, a steam iron is used as a chemical-containing steam generator to perform the chemical-containing steam pushing operation of the aeration means, and from below, a vacuum cleaner is used as a deaeration device to perform the air-pulling operation of the deaeration means. This experimental configuration performs the chemical-containing steam pushing operation and the air-pulling operation simultaneously. ●The cotton satin fabric is the same as described above. ●Steam iron: SV9751 (T-fal), maximum steam output 140 g / min, normal 25 g / min ● Vacuum cleaner (for de-aeration): MC-JP850K-C (Panasonic)

[0074] Figure 11 shows the results of a demonstration experiment of a simulated configuration using the drug delivery method of the present invention described above. As shown in Figure 11, when the drug delivery method of the present invention is used to apply the drug to the target object, it is clear that the steam penetrates and penetrates through to the first to fifth layers of the urethane foam. Thus, when the drug is applied to an object using the drug delivery method of the present invention, the vapor can penetrate deep into the object, and the drug carried by the vapor is also delivered deep into the object.

[0075] In summary, the above demonstration experiments clearly demonstrated that, compared to conventional methods of drug delivery using a hand sprayer or a steam iron alone, when using the drug delivery method of the present invention, the steam reaches deep into the target object, and the drug mixed into the steam is also delivered deep into the target object.

[0076] While the above experiment investigated the penetration of water vapor, it can be said that if the water vapor contains a drug, it will penetrate deeply into the entire filling material inside the target object. Since the drug's efficacy itself is delivered without being lost, it can be expected that allergen inactivation, antiviral, antibacterial coating, insecticidal, and antifungal effects can be obtained depending on the type of drug.

[0077] While preferred embodiments of the drug delivery method and drug delivery support device to the target object of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it will be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The drug delivery method of the present invention can be widely applied to objects that can be ironed. The drug delivery support device of the present invention allows for efficient execution of the drug delivery method of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 100 Air supply means 110 Drug-containing water vapor generator 120 drugs 200 Degassing method 300 Target objects 400 Drug Delivery Support Devices 410 Steamer, Steam Iron 420 Vacuum cleaner 430 Mounting device 440 Suction Adapter 450 storage bag 460 Tightening belt

Claims

1. A drug delivery method for applying a drug to the inside of a target object, which is a three-dimensional structure filled with a filler material, A degassing means for degassing the air contained in the filling inside the three-dimensional structure, The device includes a means for injecting the drug-containing water vapor into the interior of the three-dimensional structure from a drug-containing water vapor generator that generates drug-containing water vapor using drug-containing water, Either the aeration means or the degassing means is installed on the surface side of the object to be treated, and the other of the aeration means or the degassing means is installed on the back side of the object to be treated. A method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied, comprising applying the drug to the inside of the filling material of the object to be applied by the aforementioned degassing and aeration.

2. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to claim 1, characterized in that the degassing by the degassing means and the aeration by the aeration means are performed simultaneously on the object to be applied.

3. The aeration means sprays the drug-containing water vapor from the drug-containing water vapor generator onto either the front or back surface of the object to be treated. The degassing means applies negative pressure to either the surface or the back surface of the object to be treated, thereby drawing the air out of the filler. The following operations are performed simultaneously: a chemical-containing water vapor push operation, in which the chemical-containing water vapor is injected into the target object, and an air pull operation, in which the gas inside the target object is drawn out. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to claim 2, characterized in that the gas in the filling of the object to be applied is replaced from air to drug-containing water vapor.

4. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to claim 1, characterized in that the degassing by the degassing means and the aeration by the aeration means are performed alternately or in any combination on the object to be applied.

5. The aeration means sprays the drug-containing water vapor from the drug-containing water vapor generator onto either the front or back surface of the object to be treated. The degassing means applies negative pressure to either the surface or the back surface of the object to be treated, thereby drawing the air out of the filler. A chemical-containing water vapor push operation, in which the chemical-containing water vapor is injected into the object to be treated, and an air pull operation, in which the gas inside the object to be treated is drawn out, are performed alternately or in any combination at predetermined intervals or at predetermined work volumes. The drug delivery method according to claim 4, characterized in that the air pulling operation by the degassing means and the drug-containing water vapor pushing operation by the air supply means are considered as one set of degassing and air supply steps, and the degassing and air supply steps are repeated multiple times.

6. The degassing means is an intake means that applies negative pressure to the object to be treated by the suction force of a vacuum cleaner and sucks the air out of the filler. The drug delivery method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drug-containing water vapor generator of the aeration means is a steamer or a steam iron, and the aeration means is a means for supplying the drug-containing water vapor sprayed from the steamer or steam iron to the object to be treated.

7. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to claim 6, characterized in that the steamer or steam iron includes a water tank into which water and an amount of the drug that is within a predetermined concentration range relative to the amount of water are added to store drug-containing water within a predetermined concentration range, a drug-containing steam generator that generates drug-containing steam using the drug-containing water stored in the water tank, and a guide passage that guides the generated drug-containing steam to a steam injection port, and has the function of injecting the drug-containing steam from the steam injection port, and injects the drug-containing steam at a predetermined high temperature and high pressure injection pressure.

8. Using a spray sprayer that dispenses the chemical solution from a chemical solution tank filled with the chemical solution, the chemical solution is sprayed onto the surface of the object to be treated. With respect to the object to be treated, on which the chemical solution has been sprayed onto the surface, either the aeration means or the deaeration means is installed on the surface side of the object to be treated, and the other of the aeration means or the deaeration means is installed on the back side of the object to be treated. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to claim 6, wherein the drug is applied to the inside of the filling of the object to be applied by the aforementioned degassing and aeration.

9. A method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drug has one of the following effects on allergens, viruses, microorganisms, insects, arthropods, odors, or stains: denaturation, adsorption, aggregation, removal, or killing.

10. A method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drug is water vapor or chlorine-containing water vapor that has any of the effects of denaturation, adsorption, coagulation, removal, or killing against allergens, viruses, microorganisms, insects, arthropods, odors, or stains.

11. A method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the filler is any of the following: a porous material, a fibrous material, a natural fiber material, a chemical fiber material, a woven fabric material, a nonwoven fabric material, or a foamed resin material that can contain air inside, or an elastic material, a coil spring, rubber, a low-rebound foamed resin material, or a high-rebound foamed resin material that can repel externally applied pressure.

12. The method for delivering a drug according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the object to which the three-dimensional structure is applied is a futon, bed sheet, bed mattress, blanket, bedsheet, mat, tatami mat, carpet, clothing (including clothes, coats, trousers, shirts, underwear, socks, hats, gloves), linens, textile bags, shoes, sofa, cushion, pillow, stuffed animal, vehicle seat, or other ironable object.

13. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drug is a substance derived from polyethylene glycol, either the allergen inactivator or the antiviral agent.

14. The method for delivering a drug to an object to be applied according to claim 13, characterized in that the substance derived from polyethylene glycol has a carbonyl group as its functional group.

15. A drug delivery support device used in the drug delivery method described in claim 6, A storage bag for storing the object to be applied is provided, with a degassing port with a check valve for air by the degassing means at one end and an inlet for the water vapor containing the drug by the inleting means at the other end. The storage bag is equipped with a tightening belt that secures the object to be treated, which is packed inside the storage bag, from the outer circumference of the storage bag, thereby narrowing any gaps that may occur between the object to be treated and the storage bag and ensuring a tight seal between them. A drug delivery support device for an object to be administered, characterized in that the positional relationship between the installation location of the vent with a check valve and the installation location of the injection port for drug-containing water vapor is such that they are separated by the tightening belt.

16. A drug delivery support device used in the drug delivery method described in claim 6, A mounting device having a top surface on which the object to be applied is placed, with an air intake port provided in a part thereof, The aforementioned air intake port is equipped with a connection structure for attaching the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner, The degassing means is a means of degassing the gas inside the object to be treated, which is placed on the aforementioned surface, by using the vacuum cleaner to apply negative pressure to the intake port through the connection structure, A drug delivery support device for an object to be treated, characterized in that the air supply means is a means for supplying the drug-containing water vapor into the interior of the three-dimensional structure by applying the nozzle of the steamer or steam iron to the object to be treated from the upper surface of the object to be treated.

17. A drug delivery support device used in the drug delivery method described in claim 6, A storage bag for storing the object to be applied is provided, with a degassing port with a check valve for air by the degassing means at one end and an inlet for the water vapor containing the drug by the inleting means at the other end. The device includes a pressing device for the object to be treated, to which the user can apply their body weight by standing on it. In the degassing means, when the user sits on it, the air is removed from the filling material of the object to be treated through the degassing port using the pressing tool. A drug delivery support device for an object to be administered, wherein the user dismounts before the start of the air supply means, thereby removing the application of body weight using the pressing device and stopping the degassing of the air.

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