Treatment agent for air conditioners, aerosol for air conditioners, and cleaning method for the inside of air conditioners

Abstract

To provide a treatment agent for air conditioners that has an excellent shelf life and excellent nonflammability while maintaining washability, diffusibility of liquid chemical during spraying and antifungal properties.SOLUTION: A treatment agent for air conditioners has a stock solution composition, and a propellant, the stock solution composition containing component (A): water, component (B): a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or more, and component (C): an antifungal agent and the propellant containing component (D): HFO. With the total of the stock solution composition as 100 vol.% (25°C), the propellant is contained 15-75 vol.% (25°C), having no flash point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment agent for an air conditioner, an aerosol for an air conditioner, and a cleaning method inside an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, by using an air conditioner for a long period of time, it is known that dust adheres to the evaporator inside the air conditioner, and mold, bacteria, etc. multiply, generating a bad odor. In contrast, Patent Document 1 discloses a treatment agent for an air conditioner composed of alcohol and an aerosol, and it is disclosed that the source of the above-mentioned bad odor can be removed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the treatment agent for an air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses an organic solvent such as alcohol for the diffusibility of the liquid agent during spraying and for improving the antifungal effect, but there is a risk of ignition due to alcohol, and there is a problem in terms of safety. Furthermore, no consideration was given to the storage stability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a treatment agent for an air conditioner having storage stability and non-flammability while maintaining cleaning performance, diffusibility of the liquid agent during spraying, and antifungal properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gist of the present invention will be described below.

[0007] [1] An air conditioner treatment agent comprising a stock solution composition and a propellant, wherein the stock solution composition comprises (A) component: water, (B) component: a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or higher, and (C) component: an antifungal agent, and the propellant comprises (D) component: HFO, and the propellant is present in an amount of 15 to 75% by volume (25°C) when the entire stock solution composition is 100% by volume (25°C), and has no flash point.

[0008] [2] The air conditioner treatment agent according to [1], wherein the (C) component is an organic or inorganic antifungal agent.

[0009] [3] A treatment agent for air conditioners as described in [1] or [2], which is substantially free of ethanol.

[0010] [4] The air conditioner treatment agent according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the component (B) is a nonionic surfactant.

[0011] [5] The air conditioner treatment agent according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein component (B) is contained in an amount of 0.01 to 20 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

[0012] [6] The air conditioner treatment agent according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein component (C) is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 30 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

[0013] An air conditioner aerosol, in which an air conditioner treatment agent described in any of [7][1] to [6] is pressurized and filled into an aerosol container.

[0014] [8] The aerosol for air conditioners according to [7], wherein the spray pressure (at 25°C) of the aerosol container is 0.2 to 0.8 MPa.

[0015] A method for cleaning the evaporator inside an air conditioner, comprising spraying the air conditioner treatment agent described in any of [9][1] to [6] or the air conditioner aerosol described in [7] or [8] directly onto the evaporator located inside the air conditioner to clean the evaporator.

[0016]

[10] A method for cleaning an evaporator in an air conditioner, comprising spraying an air conditioner treatment agent described in any of [1] to [6] or an air conditioner aerosol described in [7] or [8] into the internal air intake of a blower motor fan while the air conditioner is in operation, and causing the mist of the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol sprayed by the airflow from the internal air intake of the blower motor fan to reach an evaporator provided in the air conditioner, thereby cleaning the evaporator.

[0017]

[11] A method for cleaning air conditioner piping, comprising stopping the air conditioner, spraying an air conditioner treatment agent described in any of [1] to [6] or an air conditioner aerosol described in [7] or [8] into the air conditioner's outlet, allowing the mist of the sprayed air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol to reach the piping inside the air conditioner, and cleaning the piping.

[0018] A cleaning step for air conditioner piping, comprising: spraying an air conditioner treatment agent described in any of

[12] [1] to [6] or an air conditioner aerosol described in [7] or [8] into the air conditioner from the outlet, allowing the mist of the sprayed air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol to reach the piping inside the air conditioner, and cleaning the piping; During the operation of the air conditioner, spray the air conditioner treatment agent described in any of [1] to [6] or the air conditioner aerosol described in [7] or [8] from the indoor air inlet of the blower motor fan, and let the mist of the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol sprayed by the air flow of the indoor air intake of the blower motor fan reach the evaporator provided in the air conditioner to clean the evaporator, including the cleaning step of the evaporator in the air conditioner.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] The present invention provides a treatment agent for an air conditioner that has preservability and non-flammability while maintaining detergency, diffusibility of the liquid agent during spraying, and mildew-proof property.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram schematically showing an air conditioner for an automobile.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The details of the invention will be described below. The present invention is not limited only to the following embodiments. In this specification, "X to Y" is used in the sense of including the numerical values (X and Y) described before and after it as the lower limit value and the upper limit value, meaning "X or more and Y or less". Also, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, measurements of operations and physical properties are carried out under the conditions of room temperature (20 to 25 °C) / relative humidity 40 to 50% RH / normal pressure (1 atm).

[0022] The treatment agent for an air conditioner of the present invention includes a stock solution composition and an aerosol. The stock solution composition includes component (A): water, component (B): a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or more, and component (C): a fungicide. The aerosol includes component (D): an HFO. When the total of the stock solution composition is 100% by volume (25 °C), the aerosol is contained at 15 - 75% by volume (25 °C) and has no flash point. Therefore, the treatment agent for an air conditioner in the present invention includes a stock solution composition containing components (A) - (C) and an aerosol (injection gas) containing component (D). In one embodiment, the treatment agent for an air conditioner in the present invention is composed of a stock solution composition containing components (A) - (C) and an aerosol (injection gas) containing component (D).

[0023] The treatment agent for an air conditioner of the present invention has no flash point and is non-flammable. Also, the treatment agent for an air conditioner of the present invention substantially does not contain ethanol. Here, "substantially does not contain ethanol" means that the content of ethanol with respect to the total mass of the stock solution composition is 0.01% by mass or less, preferably 0.005% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.001% by mass or less. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment agent for an air conditioner of the present invention does not contain ethanol.

[0024] Here, the treatment agent for an air conditioner of the present invention is assumed to be pressure-filled in a container and used as an aerosol for an air conditioner. That is, the aerosol for an air conditioner of the present invention is formed by pressure-filling a container with the treatment agent for an air conditioner.

[0025] "Stock solution composition" The stock solution composition includes component (A): water, component (B): a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or more, and component (C): a fungicide. The stock solution composition may more preferably further include component (E) described below.

[0026] <(Component A)> The air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention contains water as component (A). Component (A) is included in the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention as a component of the stock solution composition. By combining water, which is component (A), with the other components of the present invention, the water is a water-based air conditioner treatment agent, thus reducing the risk of ignition. Component (A) is not particularly limited, but distilled water is an example. The air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention is non-flammable. From the viewpoint of non-flammability, the stock solution composition of the air conditioner treatment agent preferably contains substantially no ethanol, more preferably no ethanol, even more preferably substantially no organic solvents, and particularly preferably no organic solvents. Here, "substantially no organic solvents" means that the content of organic solvents relative to the total mass of the stock solution composition is 0.01% by mass or less, preferably 0.005% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.001% by mass or less. In this specification, organic solvents mean components other than components (A) to (D) that are liquid at 25°C. Non-flammability will be evaluated in accordance with JIS K 2265 (2007 edition).

[0027] <(B) component> The air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention contains a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or higher as component (B). Component (B) is included in the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention as a component of the stock solution composition. If the HLB is less than 6, the compatibility between the components deteriorates, and the storage stability deteriorates. Component (B) is preferably a surfactant with an HLB of 6 to 20, more preferably a surfactant with an HLB of 6 to 17, even more preferably a surfactant with an HLB of 7 to 15, and particularly preferably a surfactant with an HLB of 7 to 13. By using component (B) in combination with the other components of the present invention, an air conditioner treatment agent with excellent cleaning properties and storage stability can be obtained. Examples of surfactants for component (B) include cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. Nonionic surfactants are preferred as the surfactant for component (B) because they further improve storage stability. Component (B) may be a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or higher used alone, or two or more surfactants with an HLB of 6 or higher may be used in combination. In this invention, HLB refers to the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of a surfactant, and is a value determined based on the Griffin method.

[0028] Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene higher fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, and polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid esters. Among these, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers are preferred from the viewpoint of excellent cleaning and preservation properties. For example, when component (B) is selected from polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers with an HLB of 6 or higher, the alkyl group of the alkyl ether portion preferably has 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms. The number of moles of oxyethylene groups added to polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers with an HLB of 6 or higher is not particularly limited as long as the HLB is 6 or higher. For example, in the case of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms), the number of moles of oxyethylene groups added is preferably 2 to 30, more preferably 2 to 20, even more preferably 2 to 10, and particularly preferably 3 to 8. Also, for example, in the case of a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms), the ratio of oxyethylene groups to the total of oxyethylene groups and oxypropylene groups is preferably 50 mol% or more, more preferably 60 mol% or more, even more preferably 65 mol% or more, and particularly preferably 70 mol%.Furthermore, in the case of polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group with 10 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms), the number of moles of oxyethylene groups added is preferably 2 to 40, more preferably 5 to 35, even more preferably 10 to 30, and particularly preferably 15 to 25; the number of moles of oxypropylene groups added is preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 3 to 15, even more preferably 4 to 12, and particularly preferably 5 to 10.

[0029] The surfactant in component (B) has an HLB of 6 or higher and may be synthesized by known methods or may be a commercially available product. Examples of commercially available products include the NIKKOL BT series (NIKKOL BT-3 (HLB=8.0), NIKKOL BT-5 (HLB=10.5), NIKKOL BT-7 (HLB=12.0), NIKKOL BT-9 (HLB=13.5), NIKKOL BT-12 (HLB=14.5), NIKKOL BT-12 (HLB=14.5)) manufactured by Nikko Chemical Co., Ltd.; the NIKKOL BB series (NIKKOL BB-5 (HLB=7.0), NIKKOL BB-10 (HLB=10.0), NIKKOL BB-20 (HLB=16.5), NIKKOL BB-30 (HLB=18.0)); the NIKKOL BC series (NIKKOL BC-5.5 (HLB=10.5), NIKKOL BC-7(HLB=11.5), NIKKOL BC-10(HLB=11.5), NIKKOL BC-15(HLB=15.5), Examples include the PBC series (NIKKOL PBC-33 (HLB=10.5), NIKKOL PBC-34 (HLB=16.5), NIKKOL PBC-44 (HLB=12.5));

[0030] The amount of component (B) added is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 0.01 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 10 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.08 to 8 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, and most preferably 0.15 to 3 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (A). By setting the content of component (B) within the above range, the emulsifying properties are excellent, so an air conditioner treatment agent with even better cleaning and preservation properties can be obtained. If two or more types of component (B) are combined, the amount of component (B) added is the total amount.

[0031] <(C) component> The air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention contains an antifungal agent as component (C). Component (C) is included in the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention as a component of the stock solution composition. By adding an antifungal agent as component (C) to the stock solution composition of the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention, antifungal properties can be imparted while maintaining cleaning properties and non-flammability. Examples of component (C) include organic antifungal agents and inorganic antifungal agents. Examples of organic antifungal agents include isothiazolinoline compounds, pyrithione compounds, and mercaptopyridine oxide compounds, with mercaptopyridine oxide compounds being preferred. Examples of inorganic antifungal agents include silver-supported inorganic antifungal agents. Component (C) may be one antifungal agent used alone, or two or more antifungal agents may be used in combination. In the present invention, using an organic antifungal agent and an inorganic antifungal agent in combination is preferred because it provides antifungal effects against a wide range of molds. More preferably, a silver-supported inorganic antifungal agent and a mercaptopyridine oxide compound are used in combination.

[0032] In this invention, the amount of component (C) blended is preferably 0.1 to 30 parts by mass, more preferably 0.3 to 20 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.4 to 10 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.5 to 8 parts by mass, and most preferably 0.7 to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (A). In this invention, setting the amount within the above range is preferable because it further maintains mold resistance and washability. If two or more types of component (C) are combined, the blending amount of component (C) is the total amount of those components.

[0033] "propellant" The air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention contains a propellant. In the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention, the proportion of the propellant is preferably 15 to 75% by volume, more preferably 20 to 70% by volume, even more preferably 25 to 60% by volume, and particularly preferably 30 to 55% by volume, when the entire stock solution composition is considered to be 100% by volume. Being within the above range makes it possible to produce a fine spray despite being a water-based air conditioner treatment agent, and the diffusivity of the liquid agent during spraying is excellent. When two or more propellants are combined, the amount of propellants is the total amount. Here, the volume of the propellant is the total amount including the gas and the liquefied gas (liquid).

[0034] <(D) component> In the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention, the propellant contains HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) as component (D). HFO refers to an unsaturated organic compound composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon, and can be used as a propellant. By combining component (D) with the other components of the present invention, an air conditioner treatment agent can be obtained that has good shelf life and is non-flammable, while maintaining cleaning properties, diffusibility of the liquid during spraying, and antifungal properties.

[0035] Here, the HFO is preferably a compound having 3 to 8 fluorine atoms in its molecule, more preferably a compound having 4 to 7 fluorine atoms in its molecule, even more preferably a compound having 4 to 6 fluorine atoms in its molecule, and particularly preferably a compound having 4 fluorine atoms in its molecule. The presence of fluorine atoms within the HFO molecule within the above range further enhances the intended effects of the present invention.

[0036] Examples of HFOs that are component (D) include 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, (E)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene, and (E)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Of these, (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene is preferred as the HFO. Component (D) may be a single HFO or a combination of two or more HFOs. There are no particular limitations on commercially available products of component (D), but examples include Central Glass HFO-1234ze and Honeywell HFO-1234ze. The HFO included as component (D) in the present invention is preferably a chlorine-free compound. Furthermore, in the present invention, the propellant is preferably chlorine-free.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the propellant is composed of component (D). That is, in one embodiment, the propellant is substantially free of substances other than component (D). In this case, the proportion of component (D) is preferably 15 to 75% by volume, more preferably 20 to 70% by volume, even more preferably 25 to 60% by volume, and particularly preferably 30 to 55% by volume, when the entire stock solution composition is considered to be 100% by volume. Being within the above range makes it possible to produce a fine spray despite being a treatment agent for water-based air conditioners, and the diffusivity of the liquid agent during spraying is excellent. When two or more types of component (D) are combined, the amount of component (D) is the total amount. Here, the volume of component (D) is the total amount including the gas and the liquefied gas (liquid). By having the content of component (D) in the stock solution composition within this range, the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention allows component (D) to be appropriately compatible with the stock solution composition within the aerosol container, enabling it to be discharged at an appropriate spray pressure during spraying, which leads to desirable diffusion of the liquid during spraying.

[0038] In other words, the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention contains a stock solution composition and a propellant in a volume ratio (at 25°C) of stock solution composition:propellant = 100:15 to 100:75. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing the air conditioner treatment agent is also provided, which involves mixing the stock solution composition and the propellant in a volume ratio (at 25°C) of stock solution composition:propellant = 100:15 to 100:75.

[0039] Furthermore, in addition to component (D): HFO, other propellants can be used in combination as propellants. Examples of propellants used with HFO include carbon dioxide, N2 gas, and noble gases, and one or more of these can be used. When component (D) contains propellants other than HFO, and the propellants are a mixture, the mixing ratio (volume ratio) of HFO to other propellants is preferably 100:0 to 80:20 in the gaseous state (25°C), more preferably 99.99:0.01 to 90:10, even more preferably 99.99:0.01 to 95:5, and particularly preferably 99.99:0.01 to 98:2. In one embodiment, the propellant substantially contains no substances (propellants) other than component (D). This is because including component (D) as a propellant can impart desirable diffusivity to the liquid during spraying.

[0040] <(E) component> Furthermore, by adding a rust inhibitor as component (E) to the stock solution composition of the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention, rust prevention can be imparted while maintaining cleaning properties and non-flammability. Examples of rust inhibitors include boron-based rust inhibitors, benzotriazole-based rust inhibitors, ammonium salt-based rust inhibitors, and benzoic acid-based rust inhibitors, but boron-based rust inhibitors and benzotriazole-based rust inhibitors are preferred. A commercially available example of component (E) is SYNKAD202 manufactured by ICC CHEMICAL.

[0041] In the present invention, the amount of component (E) is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 0.005 to 5 parts by mass, even more preferably 0.007 to 3 parts by mass, particularly preferably 0.01 to 1 part by mass, and most preferably 0.01 to 0.5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of component (A). By setting the amount within the above range in the present invention, it is possible to obtain an air conditioner treatment agent that has even better rust prevention properties while maintaining cleaning properties and non-flammability.

[0042] <Optional ingredients> Additives such as defoamers, deodorizers, preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers, plasticizers, solvents, pigments, dyes, and flame retardants can be used in the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention, to the extent that they do not impair the objectives of the present invention. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of non-flammability, the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention preferably contains substantially no ethanol, more preferably no ethanol, even more preferably substantially no organic solvents, and particularly preferably no organic solvents.

[0043] <Air conditioner aerosol> The air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is manufactured by filling an aerosol container made of steel, aluminum, or the like with a stock solution composition and a propellant using a known method, and is used in aerosol form. That is, the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention is preferably an air conditioner aerosol that is used by pressurizing and filling an aerosol container. As long as the objective of the present invention is not impaired, not only the composition of the stock solution composition, but also the amount of contents sprayed and the spray / spray form can be appropriately selected and used according to the purpose by appropriately setting the pressure inside the aerosol container, the diameter of the spray hole in the valve of the aerosol container, or the diameter of the stem passage. The spray form is not particularly limited, but examples include foam and mist, and among these, mist is preferred. Being in mist form makes it possible to apply antifungal treatment not only to the evaporator but also to the inside of the air outlet.

[0044] In the air conditioner aerosol of the present invention, it is preferable to pressurize and fill the aerosol container so that the spray pressure (at 25°C) is 0.2 to 0.8 MPa. The spray pressure (at 25°C) of the aerosol container when pressurizing and filling the propellant is more preferably 0.3 to 0.6 MPa, even more preferably 0.4 to 0.6 MPa, even more preferably 0.45 to 0.55 MPa, and particularly preferably 0.51 to 0.55 MPa. By keeping it within the above range, sufficient pressure for an air conditioner aerosol can be ensured, and the stock composition can be ejected in a fine mist. The spray pressure of the aerosol container can be set by adjusting the amount of stock composition and propellant filled. As a point to note when making such adjustments, if the amount of stock composition filled relative to the capacity of the aerosol container is small, the desired spray pressure can be ensured by increasing the filling ratio of the propellant. Conventional known methods can be used for filling the aerosol container. For example, the aerosol container can be filled by pre-filling a pressure-resistant container made of tin or aluminum with the liquid composition, sealing it with a lid equipped with a valve, and then injecting the compressed propellant through the valve.

[0045] In the present invention, the stock solution composition and the propellant are filled into an aerosol container in a volume ratio (25°C) of stock solution composition:propellant = 100:15 to 100:75, resulting in a spray pressure (25°C) of 0.2 to 0.8 MPa in the aerosol container. Therefore, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol for air conditioners, in which the stock solution composition and the propellant are filled into an aerosol container in a volume ratio (25°C) of stock solution composition:propellant = 100:15 to 100:75.

[0046] The air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is in a form in which the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention is filled into an aerosol container, and has the same configuration as the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention. That is, the air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is filled into an aerosol container with a stock solution composition and a propellant, the stock solution composition comprises (A) component: water, (B) component: a surfactant with an HLB of 6 or higher, and (C) component: an antifungal agent, the propellant comprises (D) component: HFO (hydrofluoroolefin), and when the entire stock solution composition is considered to be 100% by volume (25°C), the propellant is present in an amount of 15 to 75% by volume (25°C) and has no flash point. With this configuration, the air conditioner aerosol of the present invention maintains cleaning properties, diffusibility of the liquid when sprayed, and antifungal properties, similar to the air conditioner treatment agent of the present invention, while also having shelf life and being non-flammable.

[0047] The air conditioner treatment agent and air conditioner aerosol of the present invention are suitably used for cleaning automotive air conditioners, and are particularly suitably used for cleaning the evaporator provided in an automotive air conditioner. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments in which the air conditioner treatment agent and aerosol of the present invention are used will be described.

[0048] <How to clean the evaporator> According to the present invention, a method for cleaning an evaporator using the air conditioner treatment agent and the air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is also provided.

[0049] First, we will describe an automobile air conditioner in which the air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is used. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an automobile air conditioner 10. We will describe the air conditioner 10 based on Figure 1.

[0050] The automotive air conditioner 10 includes a blower motor fan 11, an evaporator 12, and a heater 13, all of which are located within the piping 20.

[0051] One end of pipe 20 branches into pipe 21 and pipe 22. Pipe 21, the branched end, is connected to an interior air intake 31 located inside the vehicle, while pipe 22, the branched end, is connected to an exterior air intake 32 located outside the vehicle. A valve 31a is provided at the branching point between pipes 21 and 22, and the valve 31a can switch the opening and closing of pipes 21 and 22. In Figure 1, valve 31a is closed on the pipe 22 side, and the exterior air intake 32 is separated from pipe 20. By closing valve 31a on the pipe 21 side, pipe 20 is separated from pipe 21, and the interior air intake 31 is separated from pipe 20.

[0052] The other end of pipe 20 branches into several pipes 23, each of which is connected to an air outlet 33 located inside the vehicle. Inside pipe 20, there is an air intake passage 34 from the internal air intake 31 and external air intake 32 to the evaporator 12, a temperature control passage 35 from the evaporator to the heater, and an air outlet passage 36 from the heater 13 to the air outlet 33.

[0053] The piping 20 has a drain 24 located at the bottom of the evaporator 12.

[0054] The blower motor fan 11 can take in air from inside the vehicle through the interior air intake 31 and air from outside the vehicle through the exterior air intake 32. When the blower motor fan 11 operates and draws in air, air is drawn in through either the interior air intake 31 or the exterior air intake 32, and the drawn-in air passes through the air intake passage 34 and then through the temperature control passage 35.

[0055] The evaporator 12 is cooled by a refrigeration cycle device (not shown). The heater 13 is heated by the operation of the engine (not shown). In the temperature control passage 35, the air that has passed over the surface of the evaporator 12 is cooled, and the air that has passed over the surface of the evaporator 12 is mixed with the air that has passed over the surface of the heater 13 to reach a predetermined temperature, and then passes through the air outlet passage 36 and is blown out from the outlet 33. In the temperature control passage 35, moisture generated by the cooling of the air in the evaporator 12 is discharged from a drain 24 located at the bottom of the evaporator 12.

[0056] The method for cleaning the evaporator of the present invention is not particularly limited, but examples include: (1) a method for cleaning the evaporator inside an air conditioner, in which the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is directly sprayed onto the evaporator installed inside the air conditioner; and (2) a method for cleaning the evaporator inside an air conditioner, in which the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol is sprayed into the internal air intake of the blower motor fan while the air conditioner is in operation, and the mist of the sprayed air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol is brought to the evaporator installed inside the air conditioner by the airflow caused by the internal air intake of the blower motor fan, thereby cleaning the evaporator. The airflow can be obtained, for example, by rotating the blower motor fan.

[0057] Furthermore, (3) a method for cleaning air conditioner piping involves stopping the air conditioner, spraying an air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol into the air conditioner from the air outlet, allowing the sprayed mist of the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol to reach the piping inside the air conditioner, and cleaning the piping. Here, the piping corresponds to the air outlet passage 36 in Figure 1.

[0058] In particular, because of its excellent mold-preventive properties, a method for cleaning the inside of an air conditioner is preferred, which includes: an air conditioner piping cleaning step, in which the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is sprayed into the air conditioner from the air outlet, and the mist of the sprayed air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol reaches the piping inside the air conditioner to clean the piping; and an evaporator cleaning step, in which the air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol of the present invention is sprayed from the internal air intake of the blower motor fan while the air conditioner is in operation, and the mist of the sprayed air conditioner treatment agent or air conditioner aerosol reaches the evaporator provided in the air conditioner to clean the evaporator. [Examples]

[0059] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In addition, in the following examples, unless otherwise specified, the operations and measurements of physical properties, etc., were carried out under conditions of room temperature (20°C to 25°C) and relative humidity of 40% RH to 50% RH.

[0060] <Preparation of aerosol for air conditioners> • Example 1 As component (a1) of component (A) of the present invention, 100 parts by mass of purified water (80B manufactured by Nippon Philite Co., Ltd.) (B) Component (b1) is 0.30 parts by mass of a surfactant containing polyoxyethylene alkyl ether with an HLB of 8.0 (NIKKOL BT-3 manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.), (C) component (c1) is 1.00 parts by mass of a composite antifungal agent consisting of a silver-supported inorganic system and a mercaptopyridine oxide system, (E) Component (e1) is 0.02 parts by mass of a boron-based rust inhibitor (SYNKAD202 manufactured by ICC CHEMICAL), The mixture was added and mixed in a mixer for 60 minutes at 25°C to prepare a liquid stock composition at 25°C.

[0061] Next, to the stock solution composition prepared in this manner, (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (hydrofluoroolefin type) (1234ZE manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd.) is injected as component (d1) of component (D) at a rate of 30% by volume (injection pressure of 0.51 MPa at 25°C) when the total stock solution composition is 100% by volume, and the mixture is injected at 100 cm 3 The solution was filled into a test aerosol container. This yielded Example 1, an air conditioner aerosol in which the air conditioner treatment agent was pressurized and filled into a container.

[0062] In this invention, the spray pressure of the prepared aerosol is a value measured and calculated in accordance with JIS S 3301 (2018).

[0063] • Example 2 Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the (d1) component was changed from 30% by volume to 40% by volume (injection pressure of 0.52 MPa at 25°C), and an air conditioner aerosol was obtained in which the air conditioner treatment agent was pressurized and filled into a container.

[0064] • Example 3 Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the (d1) component was changed from 30% by volume to 50% by volume (injection pressure of 0.52 MPa at 25°C), and an air conditioner aerosol was obtained in which the air conditioner treatment agent was pressurized and filled into a container.

[0065] • Example 4 In Example 1, the preparation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that component (b1) was changed to component (b2), a surfactant with an HLB of 12.5 containing polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether (NIKKOL PBC-44 manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.), and Example 4 was obtained, which is an air conditioner aerosol in which the air conditioner treatment agent is pressurized and filled into a container.

[0066] • Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the (d1) component was changed from 30% by volume to 12% by volume (injection pressure of 0.50 MPa at 25°C), and the air conditioner treatment agent was pressurized and filled into a container to obtain Comparative Example 1, which is an air conditioner aerosol.

[0067] • Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that component (d1) was changed to nitrogen gas component (d'1), and the air conditioner treatment agent was pressurized and filled into a container as an aerosol for air conditioners.

[0068] • Comparative Example 3 Comparative Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that component (a1) was changed from 100 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass, and ethanol was added as component (a'1) in an amount of 70 parts by mass, and a treatment agent for air conditioners was pressurized and filled into a container to obtain Comparative Example 3, which is an aerosol for air conditioners.

[0069] • Comparative Example 4 Comparative Example 4 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that component (b1) was changed to a surfactant containing sorbitan oleate with an HLB of 4.3 (NIKKOL SO-10V manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.) (b'1), and the air conditioner treatment agent was pressurized and filled into a container to obtain Comparative Example 4, which is an air conditioner aerosol.

[0070] Table 1 summarizes the results of the following tests (1) to (5) applied to the examples and comparative examples. The tests below were conducted using the automotive air conditioner shown in Figure 1.

[0071] <(1) Cleanability> Without rotating the car's blower motor fan 11, each air conditioner aerosol was sprayed for 10 seconds into the air outlet 33 of the air conditioner installed inside the car. Next, while rotating the car's blower motor fan 11, each aerosol was sprayed for 100 seconds into the internal air intake 31 of the blower motor fan 11. Within 10 minutes after spraying, the liquid that flowed out from the drain 24 located at the bottom of the evaporator 12 was visually evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. In this invention, it is preferable that impurities such as dust and dirt are found along with the liquid. In Table 1, "-" means not evaluated. The car used in this test was a new car that had been driven for 3 years (mileage 30,000 km).

[0072] Evaluation Criteria ○: Impurities such as dust and dirt are observed along with the liquid. ×: No impurities such as dust or dirt were found along with the liquid.

[0073] <(2) Antifungal properties 1> Without rotating the car's blower motor fan 11, each air conditioner aerosol was sprayed for 10 seconds into the air outlet 33 of the air conditioner installed inside the car. Next, with the car's air conditioner airflow set to maximum, the potato dextrose agar culture medium was exposed to the outlet 33 for 5 minutes. After that, it was cultured at 25°C and 55% RH for 3 days and 7 days, and mold growth was visually evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below. The results are shown in Table 1 (in accordance with JIS Z 2911 (2018 edition)). In this invention, it is preferable that no mold growth is observed after 3 days of curing, and more preferably that no mold growth is observed after 7 days of curing. In Table 1, "-" means not evaluated. The car used in this test was a new car that had been driven for 3 years (mileage 30,000 km).

[0074] Evaluation Criteria ◎: No mold growth was observed even after 7 days of curing. ○: No mold growth was observed after 3 days of curing, but mold growth was observed after 7 days of curing. ×: Mold growth was observed after 3 days of curing.

[0075] <(3) Diffusivity of the liquid during spraying> The spread of each air conditioner aerosol was visually evaluated when sprayed for 1 second from a distance of 15 cm onto a 50 cm x 50 cm steel plate to be cleaned. The evaluation was based on whether or not a spread of 30 cm x 30 cm or more was observed. The evaluation criteria are as follows. The results are shown in Table 1. In this invention, a wider spread is preferable from the viewpoint of workability. In Table 1, "-" means not evaluated.

[0076] Evaluation Criteria ○: Has an area of ​​30cm x 30cm or larger. ×: No spread exceeding 30cm x 30cm.

[0077] <(4) Non-flammable> The presence or absence of a flash point in each air conditioner aerosol (air conditioner treatment agent) was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 (in accordance with JIS K 2265 (2007 edition)). The air conditioner aerosol (air conditioner treatment agent) of the present invention has no flash point. In other words, the air conditioner aerosol (air conditioner treatment agent) of the present invention is non-flammable.

[0078] Evaluation Criteria ○: No flash point ×: Has a flash point.

[0079] <(5) Preservability> Each air conditioner aerosol was left at 25°C for one week, and then the appearance of the sample sprayed from each air conditioner aerosol for one second was visually evaluated based on the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. In this invention, it is preferable that no floating or precipitation of precipitates is observed. In Table 1, "-" means not evaluated.

[0080] Evaluation Criteria ○: No floating or precipitation of precipitates is observed. ×: Suspension or precipitation of precipitates is observed.

[0081] [Table 1]

[0082] Examples 1 to 4 in Table 1 show that the present invention provides an aerosol for air conditioners (treatment agent for air conditioners) that maintains cleaning properties, diffusion of the liquid when sprayed, and antifungal properties, while also having good shelf life and being non-flammable.

[0083] Furthermore, Comparative Example 1 in Table 1 is an aerosol that does not contain the specified amount of component (D) of the present invention, and the result was that the diffusivity of the liquid when sprayed was poor. Comparative Example 2 is an air conditioner aerosol that uses component (d'1) instead of component (D) of the present invention, and the result was that the diffusivity of the liquid when sprayed was poor. Comparative Example 3 is an aerosol containing ethanol, and the result was that it was poor in terms of non-flammability. Comparative Example 4 is an air conditioner aerosol that uses component (b'1) instead of component (B) of the present invention, and the result was that it was poor in terms of shelf life.

[0084] Furthermore, using Example 2 or Example 4, the antifungal properties 2 were tested by changing the aerosol cleaning method.

[0085] <(6) Antifungal properties 2> Without rotating the car's blower motor fan 11, the air conditioner aerosol of Example 2 or 4 was sprayed onto the car's air outlet 33 for 10 seconds. Next, while rotating the car's blower motor fan 11, the air conditioner aerosol of Example 2 or 4 was sprayed onto the air intake port 31 of the blower motor fan 11 for 100 seconds. Then, with the car's air conditioner airflow set to maximum, the potato dextrose agar culture medium was exposed to the air outlet 33 for 5 minutes, and then incubated at 25°C and 55% RH for 3 and 7 days. After that, mold growth was visually evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below. The results are shown in Table 2 (in accordance with JIS Z 2911 (2018 edition)). In the present invention, it is preferable that no mold growth is observed after 3 days of curing, and more preferably that no mold growth is observed after 7 days of curing.

[0086] Evaluation Criteria ◎: No mold growth was observed even after 7 days of curing. ○: No mold growth was observed after 3 days of curing, but mold growth was observed after 7 days of curing. ×: Mold growth was observed after 3 days of curing.

[0087] [Table 2]

[0088] From the results of Examples 2 and 4 in Table 2, it was found that the method of cleaning both the car's air vents and interior air intakes with the aerosols of Examples 2 and 4 was particularly effective in preventing mold growth.

[0089] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-205753, filed on 11 December 2020, the disclosures thereof being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Industrial applicability]

[0090] The present invention provides an air conditioner treatment agent and aerosol that maintains cleaning properties, diffusion properties when sprayed, and antifungal properties while also possessing preservation properties and non-flammability. Therefore, it can be used in car air conditioners, household air conditioners, and commercial air conditioners, making it industrially useful. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 10. Automotive air conditioners 11 Blower motor fan 12 Evaporator 13 Heater 20, 21, 22, 23 Piping 24 drains 31. Interior air intake 31a Valve 32. Outside air intake 33 Air outlet 34 Air intake passage 35 Temperature adjustment passage 36 Air outlet passage

Claims

1. An air conditioner aerosol in which an air conditioner treatment agent is pressurized and filled into an aerosol container, The treatment agent for air conditioners comprises a stock solution composition and a propellant. The aforementioned stock solution composition comprises (A) component: water, (B) component: surfactant with an HLB of 7 to 13, and (C) component: antifungal agent. The propellant consists of (D) component: HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) having 3 to 8 fluorine atoms in its molecule, The aforementioned component (B) is a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and / or polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether with an HLB of 7 to 13. The aforementioned component (C) is a silver-supported inorganic antifungal agent and / or a mercaptopyridine oxide compound. In the stock solution composition, the content of component (B) is 0.1 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A), and the content of component (C) is 0.5 to 8 parts by mass. When the entirety of the stock solution composition is considered to be 100% by volume (at 25°C), the propellant is contained in an amount of 50 to 70% by volume (at 25°C). The spray pressure of the aerosol container (at 25°C) is 0.51 to 0.55 MPa. It is sprayed in a mist form. Aerosol for air conditioners that has no flash point.

2. The aerosol for air conditioners according to claim 1, wherein the stock solution composition further comprises a rust inhibitor as component (E).

3. The aerosol for air conditioners according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (B) is contained in an amount of 0.15 to 3 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

4. The aerosol for air conditioners according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein component (C) is contained in an amount of 0.7 to 5 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

5. The aerosol for air conditioners according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spray pressure (at 25°C) of the aerosol container is 0.52 to 0.55 MPa.

6. The aerosol for air conditioners according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the (D) component is an HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) having 4 to 7 fluorine atoms in its molecule.

7. The aerosol for air conditioners according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the (D) component is (E)-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.

8. The treatment agent for air conditioners comprises component (A), component (B), component (C), component (E), and an additive. The aerosol for air conditioners according to claim 2, wherein the additive is one or more selected from the group consisting of defoamers, deodorizers, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, light stabilizers, plasticizers, solvents, pigments, dyes, and flame retardants.

9. A method for cleaning an evaporator in an air conditioner, comprising spraying an air conditioner aerosol according to any one of claims 1 to 8 directly onto the evaporator located inside the air conditioner to clean the evaporator.

10. A method for cleaning an evaporator in an air conditioner, comprising spraying an air conditioner aerosol according to any one of claims 1 to 8 into the internal air intake of a blower motor fan while the air conditioner is in operation, causing the mist of the air conditioner aerosol sprayed by the airflow from the internal air intake of the blower motor fan to reach an evaporator provided in the air conditioner, and cleaning the evaporator.

11. A method for cleaning air conditioner piping, comprising stopping the air conditioner, spraying an air conditioner aerosol described in any one of claims 1 to 8 into the air conditioner from the air outlet, allowing the mist of the sprayed air conditioner aerosol to reach the piping inside the air conditioner, and cleaning the piping.

12. A step of cleaning air conditioner piping, comprising spraying an air conditioner aerosol according to any one of claims 1 to 8 into the air conditioner from the outlet, allowing the mist of the sprayed air conditioner aerosol to reach the piping inside the air conditioner, and cleaning the piping, A method for cleaning the inside of an air conditioner, comprising: a step of cleaning the evaporator inside the air conditioner, in which, while the air conditioner is in operation, an air conditioner aerosol described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is sprayed from the internal air intake of the blower motor fan, the mist of the air conditioner aerosol sprayed by the airflow caused by the internal air intake of the blower motor fan reaches the evaporator provided in the air conditioner, and the evaporator is cleaned.

Images