Mask

Abstract

To provide a mask which is free from deterioration of air ventilation due to clogging and can remove pollen and foreign matters contained in air even if it is used for a long time.SOLUTION: A mask comprises a mask body (2) having a mask body opening (15), and a foreign matter removal unit (3) attached to the vicinity of the mask body opening (15) of the mask body (2). The foreign matter removal unit (3) has a guide opening (10) for taking in air from the outside, and has a curved flow channel (16) for taking in the air into the mask body (2) through the guide opening (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask that is worn on the face. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the amount of cedar and cypress pollen flying around has increased, and the impact of pollen allergies, especially in the spring, is becoming more pronounced. In response to this, a commonly used personal device for preventing airborne foreign matter from entering the body is a mask with a fine mesh filter worn on the face.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (JP 2020-133041 A) discloses a three-dimensional mask having a mask body and ear loops, in which the mask body consists of a nonwoven filter layer and a shape-retaining layer of mesh-like nonwoven fabric that holds the filter layer and has a mesh structure with a predetermined opening rate and a predetermined bending resistance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-133041 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In masks using mesh filters, such as the mask disclosed in Patent Document 1, pollen has a small diameter (20 to 40 μ), so the mesh filter must have a finer mesh. Normally, the finer the mesh of a mesh filter made of woven fibers, the less air can pass through it. Furthermore, foreign matter such as pollen and dust can be trapped in the mesh, causing clogging of the mesh, which further impedes air flow and makes breathing increasingly difficult.

[0006] One method that has been tried to make breathing a little easier is to increase the area of ​​the mask, but this has its limitations.

[0007] What is needed is a mask that does not have the problem of poor airflow due to clogging, as occurs with masks that use mesh filters, and that can remove pollen and other foreign matter contained in the air even when used for long periods of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The mask according to the present invention comprises a mask body having a mask body opening, and a foreign matter removal unit attached to the mask body near the mask body opening, the foreign matter removal unit having a guide opening for taking in air from the outside and a curved flow path for taking air into the mask body via the guide opening.

[0009] In the mask according to the present invention, the foreign matter removal unit has a guide opening for taking in air from the outside, and a curved flow path for taking air into the mask body through the guide opening, so that pollen and foreign matter contained in the air are separated by a cyclone effect while the air taken in from the outside passes through the curved flow path. As a result, pollen and foreign matter contained in the air can be removed. In addition, even if the mask is used for a long time, the deterioration of air flow due to clogging can be reduced.

[0010] In the mask according to the present invention, the foreign body removal unit may have a deflection slit including a curved guide portion having a curved portion curved concavely with a predetermined curvature and a deflection guide straight member arranged opposite to the concave side of the curved portion and extending in a first direction, and the flow path is formed between the curved guide portion and the deflection guide straight member. This makes it possible to easily form a curved flow path for taking foreign body into the mask body between the curved guide portion and the deflection guide straight member.

[0011] In addition, in the mask of the present invention, the deflection guide straight member may be positioned a predetermined distance in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to a reference line that passes through the center of the curved portion and extends in the first direction, and may be configured so that the width of the outlet of the flow path is smaller than the width of the inlet of the flow path.

[0012] In the mask according to the present invention, the flow rate of the air taken in from the inlet side can be increased from the inlet side to the outlet side according to the change in the width (or volume) of the flow path. As a result, the air taken in from the inlet side moves to the curved guide section while gradually increasing its flow rate, and the direction is suddenly changed at the curved guide section. Therefore, the centrifugal force on foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air becomes even stronger, so that the foreign matter can be more effectively separated from the air.

[0013] In the mask according to the present invention, the foreign body removal unit may further include an outside air rectifying section, which is connected to one end of the curved guide section at an angle with respect to the extending direction of the deflection guide straight member, and is configured so that the width of the flow path is gradually reduced from the inlet to the outlet.

[0014] In the mask according to the present invention, the outside air straightening part is attached to the curved guide part at a predetermined angle with respect to the extending direction of the deflection guide straight member so that the distance from the deflection guide straight member increases from one end of the curved guide part toward the inlet side. This allows the width of the flow path to be gradually reduced from the inlet side toward the curved guide part. As a result, the flow rate of the air taken into the flow path from the outside can be gradually increased in response to the narrowing of the width of the flow path before it flows into the area where the curved guide part is provided. Therefore, the centrifugal force on foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air is further increased, so that the foreign matter can be more effectively separated from the air.

[0015] In the mask according to the present invention, the foreign matter removal unit may further include a foreign matter capture section for storing foreign matter separated while passing through the flow path. The foreign matter capture section may be located on the outlet side of the flow path, connected to the other end of the curved guide section, and have a foreign matter capture section opening at a connection point where the curved guide section and the foreign matter capture section are connected, and the connection point and a tip end of the deflection guide member may be disposed at approximately the same position in the first direction.

[0016] In the mask according to the present invention, the foreign matter such as pollen and dust separated from the air can be collected in the foreign matter capture section while the air passes through the flow path. Also, since the connection point where the curved guide section and the foreign matter capture section are connected and the tip of the direction-changing guide member are disposed at substantially the same position in the first direction, the foreign matter separated by centrifugal force while passing through the flow path can be efficiently collected in the foreign matter capture section along the inner surface of the foreign matter capture section.

[0017] In addition, in the mask according to the present invention, the foreign matter removal unit may have first and second curved guide parts having curved parts curved concavely with a predetermined curvature, and first and second deflection slits including first and second deflection guide straight members arranged opposite to the concave sides of the curved parts of the first and second curved guide parts and extending in a first direction, the flow path is formed between the first curved guide part and the first deflection guide straight member and between the second curved guide part and the second deflection guide straight member, and the first deflection guide straight member of the first deflection slit is connected to the second curved guide part of the second deflection slit, so that the first deflection slit and the second deflection slit are connected in the first direction. By connecting the first deflection slit and the second deflection slit in the first direction, the amount of air taken in and the amount of foreign matter filtered (removed) can be increased. Effect of the Invention

[0018] The mask according to the present invention includes a foreign matter removal unit attached to the mask body near the mask body opening. This foreign matter removal unit has a guide opening for taking in air from the outside, and a curved flow path for taking air into the mask body through the guide opening, so that the air taken in from the outside is separated by a cyclone effect while passing through the curved flow path. As a result, pollen and foreign matter contained in the air can be removed. In addition, even if used for a long time, the deterioration of air flow due to clogging can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view that diagrammatically illustrates a mask according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the mask according to the first embodiment, in which a mask body opening is provided in an area of ​​the mask body where a foreign substance removal unit is attached. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a foreign substance removal unit attached to a mask according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view showing the foreign substance removal unit. Fig. 3(b) is a diagram for explaining components constituting the foreign substance removal unit. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mask foreign matter removal unit according to the first embodiment, taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3(a). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining in detail the principle of foreign matter removal in the mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram that illustrates a cross-sectional view of another foreign substance removal unit for a mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a foreign substance removal unit attached to a mask according to a second embodiment. Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view showing the foreign substance removal unit. Fig. 7(b) is a diagram for explaining components that constitute the foreign substance removal unit. [Figure 8] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foreign matter removal unit according to the second embodiment, taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a modification of the foreign matter removal unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a mask body constituting a mask according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 10, it is shown that a mask body opening is provided in an area of ​​the mask body where a foreign matter removal unit is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Masks according to some embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same elements in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In the description, terms indicating directions such as "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front side", and "rear side" are convenient terms based on the state shown in the drawings. In addition, a Cartesian coordinate system S is shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mask 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a mask body that constitutes the mask according to this embodiment.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the mask 1 can include a mask body 2 and a foreign body removal unit 3 attached to both sides of the mask body 2. In addition, ear straps 14 are attached to the left and right rear ends of the mask body 2 for attaching the mask body 2 to the user's face.

[0023] A user wearing the mask 1 can take in air from the outside into the mask 1 through the guide opening of the foreign matter removal unit 3 (see FIG. 4). By taking in air from the outside into the mask 1 through the foreign matter removal unit 3, foreign matter such as pollen and dust mixed in the air can be removed or reduced.

[0024] 1, in this embodiment, the foreign body removal unit 3 is attached to each of the right and left sides of the mask body 2, which correspond to the right and left sides of the face. However, the attachment positions and number of the foreign body removal units 3 are not limited to this, and they may be provided in multiple locations on both sides corresponding to the right and left sides of the face, or in one location in the center of the mask body.

[0025] Next, the mask body 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The mask body 2 can have a mask body opening 15 in an area where the foreign matter removal unit 3 is attached. Air from the outside passes through the foreign matter removal unit 3 and is further taken into the inside of the mask through the mask body opening 15. In this embodiment, the size of the opening of the mask body opening 15 is designed to be smaller than the foreign matter removal unit 3.

[0026] As a result, the opening of the mask body opening 15 is covered by the foreign matter removal unit 3, and is configured to take in air from the outside into the mask 1 through the foreign matter removal unit 3. By taking in air from the outside through the foreign matter removal unit 3, foreign matter such as pollen and dust mixed in the air can be removed or reduced.

[0027] The mask body 2 may be made of a material that is relatively impermeable to air, such as a resin such as plastic, paper, or cloth, or may have a surface coated with paint.

[0028] The foreign matter removal unit 3 is provided on the outside of the mask body 2 as shown in Fig. 2, and can be attached so as to cover the mask body opening 15 provided in the mask body 2 from the outside of the mask 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing generally the foreign matter removal unit 3 attached to the mask according to this embodiment. Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view showing generally the foreign matter removal unit 3, and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram for explaining the components that constitute the foreign matter removal unit 3.

[0029] The method of fixing the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6 will be described in detail. The deflection slit 4 can have the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6 arranged opposite the deflection guide curved member 5. The deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6 arranged opposite the deflection guide curved member 5 are held in a predetermined relative positional relationship. The spacing members 12 are provided to fix and hold the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6 in a predetermined relative positional relationship, and are provided only at the upper and lower ends of the gap between the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6. In the middle part where the spacing members 12 are not provided, air can freely pass between the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6.

[0030] In this embodiment, the spacing member 12 is provided in the gap with a large opposing area between the direction-changing guide curved member 5 and the direction-changing guide straight member 6, but it may be provided anywhere within the extension range of the direction-changing guide curved member 5 and the direction-changing guide straight member 6.

[0031] Next, the structure for attaching the foreign object removal unit 3 to the mask body 2 will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 3. The attachment member 17 is provided on the side of the deflection guide curved member 5 that contacts the mask body 2, along the extension of the deflection guide curved member 5, over the entire length of the deflection guide curved member 5. The attachment member 18 is provided on the side of the deflection guide straight member 6 that contacts the mask body 2, along the extension of the deflection guide straight member 6, over the entire length of the deflection guide straight member 6. This allows the assembled foreign object removal unit 3 to be bonded and fixed to the region of the mask body 2 where the mask body opening 15 is provided, via the attachment members 17 and 18, using, for example, an adhesive.

[0032] The foreign matter removal unit 3 may include a redirecting slit 4 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction in Figure 3), and an upper cover member 11a and a lower cover member 11b attached to the upper and lower ends of the redirecting slit 4, respectively.

[0033] The upper ends of the foreign object removal unit 3, the spacing member 12, and the mounting members 17 and 18 are airtightly bonded to the upper lid member 11a. The lower ends of the foreign object removal unit 3, the spacing member 12, and the mounting members 17 and 18 are also airtightly bonded to the lower lid member 11b. However, the lower lid member 11b can be made of an elastic material, and the portion of the lower end of the lower lid member 11b that comes into contact with the lower end of the foreign object storage section can be left unbonded so that it opens and closes according to the internal air pressure.

[0034] Next, the foreign matter removal unit 3 will be described in detail. The foreign matter removal unit 3 is attached to the mask body 2 so as to cover the mask body opening 15, and has the function of taking in air from the outside into the mask 1, and at the same time, removing or reducing foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air when the air passes through the foreign matter removal unit 3. In this embodiment, the foreign matter removal unit 3 is attached to the outside of the mask body 2, but it may also be attached so as to cover the inside of the mask body 2.

[0035] Next, the change slit 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foreign body removal unit 3 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3(a). Also, FIG. 4 depicts a reference line Ax1. Referring to FIG. 4, the deflection guide curved member 5 of the deflection slit 4 may have a curved guide portion 7 having a cross section of a substantially semicircular shape, an outside air straightening portion 8 connected to one end of the curved guide portion 7, and a foreign body capture portion 9 connected to the other end of the curved guide portion 7. Also, the deflection guide straight member 6 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the deflection guide curved member 5 to form a flow path 16 for passing air between the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6.

[0036] In this embodiment, the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6 constituting the deflection slit 4 can be made of resin such as plastic, or metal material. The thickness of the deflection guide curved member 5 and the deflection guide straight member 6 can be, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The length of the deflection slit 4 in the extension direction (vertical direction: Z direction in FIG. 4) can be about 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0037] In this embodiment, the curved guide portion 7 has a curved portion having a cross section of a substantially semicircular shape. Air is taken in from the outside of the mask 1 (the side indicated by R in FIG. 4). Thereafter, when the air is taken in to the inside of the mask 1 (the side indicated by T in FIG. 4), the air flows along the inner surface of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 while passing through the flow path 16.

[0038] The flow direction of air passing through the area of ​​flow path 16 where curved guide section 7 is provided is suddenly changed. Foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air has a higher specific gravity than air, so while passing through curved guide section 7, it moves to the inner surface of the curved section of curved guide section 7 by centrifugal force and is separated from the air. It then moves along the inner surface of the curved section of curved guide section 7 and is collected in foreign matter capture section 9.

[0039] The outside air rectifying section 8 is connected to one end of the curved guide section 7, and forms an inlet (guide opening 10) for taking in air from outside the flow path 16. In this embodiment, the outside air rectifying section 8 can be made of a plate-like member, and is attached to the curved guide section 7 at a predetermined angle with respect to the extension direction of the direction-changing guide straight member 6 so that the distance from the outside air rectifying section 8 to the direction-changing guide straight member 6 increases from the one end of the curved guide section 7 toward the inlet side.

[0040] This allows the width of the flow path 16 to be gradually narrowed from the inlet side toward the curved guide portion 7. As a result, the flow rate of the air taken into the flow path 16 from the outside gradually increases in response to the narrowing of the width of the flow path 16 before it flows into the region where the curved guide portion 7 is provided. The outside air straightening portion 8 may be omitted.

[0041] Also, referring to Fig. 4, a reference line Ax1 is drawn. In Fig. 4, the reference line Ax1 is drawn as a line that passes through a midpoint E that is at the same distance from both ends of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 and extends in the horizontal direction (X direction). In this embodiment, the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 has a predetermined radius of curvature and a cross section of a substantially semicircular shape, and the midpoint E overlaps with the center of this substantially semicircle. Also, the horizontal direction (X direction in Fig. 4) corresponds to the first direction.

[0042] The radius of curvature of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 can be set to about 2 mm to 5 mm. In this embodiment, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 can be set to about 3 mm.

[0043] In addition, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 does not need to be fixed at a constant value, and may be changed. For example, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 may be gradually decreased from the inlet side to the outlet side of the flow path 16. The centrifugal force acting on the foreign matter increases in response to the gradually decreasing radius of curvature of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7, so that the separation ability of the foreign matter can be more effectively improved. The radius of curvature of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 may be set to be gradually decreased, for example, from 4 [mm] to 1 [mm], from the inlet side to the outlet side of the flow path 16.

[0044] In Fig. 4, the deflection guide member 6 is disposed at a distance f1 above the reference line Ax1 (Y direction in Fig. 4). This allows the width of the inlet side of the flow path 16 to be increased by the distance f1 from the reference line. Meanwhile, the width of the outlet side of the flow path 16 can be decreased by the distance f1 from the reference line. In other words, the volume of the outlet side of the flow path 16 is configured to be smaller than the volume of the inlet side.

[0045] This allows the flow velocity of the air taken in from the inlet side to increase from the inlet side to the outlet side in accordance with the change in the width (or volume) of the flow path 16. As a result, the air taken in from the inlet side moves to the curved guide section 7 (curved section) while gradually increasing its flow velocity, and the direction is suddenly changed at the curved guide section 7.

[0046] Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on foreign objects such as pollen and dust contained in the air becomes even stronger, and foreign objects can be separated from the air more effectively. For example, if the width of the flow path is 2 mm on both the inlet and outlet sides, and the distance f1 is 1.0 mm, the width of the flow path will be 3 mm on the inlet side and 1 mm on the outlet side, and the width of the flow path on the outlet side will be 1 / 3 of the width of the flow path on the inlet side, so the flow rate will be three times faster.

[0047] 4 again, foreign object capture unit 9 is connected to the other end of curved guide unit 7. Foreign object capture unit 9 has a foreign object storage section for storing foreign objects, and is configured to collect foreign objects into the foreign object storage section from an opening of the storage section. In this embodiment, the foreign object storage section of foreign object capture unit 9 may have a cross section that is roughly U-shaped.

[0048] In order to prevent foreign objects once collected in the foreign object storage section of foreign object capture unit 9 from escaping again from the opening into flow path 16, the opening of the foreign object storage section can be provided with an eave section curved in the extension direction. By providing an eave section on the outlet side of the flow path of the opening of the foreign object storage section in foreign object capture unit 9, it is possible to prevent the captured foreign objects from emerging again into flow path 16.

[0049] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the foreign object storage portion of the foreign object capture portion 9 is substantially U-shaped, but is not limited to this, and may be a shape using a substantially circular arc.

[0050] 4, the connection point 25 where the other end of the curved guide portion 7 and one end of the foreign object capture portion 9 are connected and the tip of the direction-changing guide straight member 6 are disposed at approximately the same position in the first direction (X direction). The outlet of the flow path 16 is formed by the connection point 25 where the other end of the curved guide portion 7 and one end of the foreign object capture portion 9 are connected and the tip of the direction-changing guide straight member 6.

[0051] In addition, at connection point 25 where the other end of curved guide portion 7 and one end of foreign object capture portion 9 are connected, one end of foreign object capture portion 9 connected to the other end of curved guide portion 7 extends from connection point 25 in a direction (Y direction or second direction in Figure 4) that intersects with the extension direction of the other end of curved guide portion 7 (X direction or first direction in Figure 4).

[0052] In this embodiment, the extension direction of foreign object capture part 9 at connection point 25 is set in a direction intersecting with the extension direction of the other end of curved guide part 7 (X direction or first direction in FIG. 4). For example, the angle between the extension direction of foreign object capture part 9 and the extension direction of the other end of curved guide part 7 can be in the range of -10 degrees to +40 degrees.

[0053] Foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air passing through the area where the curved guide portion 7 of the flow path 16 is provided moves to the inner surface of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 due to centrifugal force, but at the connection point 25, the foreign matter separated by centrifugal force is collected within the foreign matter capture portion 9 along the inner surface extending from one end of the foreign matter capture portion 9 in the Y direction (second direction).

[0054] In this embodiment, centrifugal force acts on the foreign matter while it passes through the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 of the flow path 16, so that it can be separated from the air. The centrifugal force acting on the foreign matter decreases after it passes through the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7. For this reason, by arranging the connection point 25, where the other end of the curved guide portion 7 and one end of the foreign matter capture portion 9 are connected, and the tip end of the direction-changing guide member 6 at approximately the same position in the first direction (X direction), the foreign matter can be efficiently collected in the foreign matter capture portion along the inner surface of the foreign matter capture portion as it is before the centrifugal force decreases.

[0055] In addition, while the air passes through the curved guide section 7 of the flow path 16, foreign matter that has moved to the inner surface of the curved section also moves along the inner surface of the curved section toward the foreign matter capture section 9 along the air flow, and is collected in the foreign matter capture section 9.

[0056] Moreover, the foreign matter collected in the foreign matter capturing section 9 is configured to move downward (in the Z direction or the first direction in FIG. 4) and be removed to the outside of the foreign matter removing unit 3. Therefore, air from which most of the foreign matter has been removed can be introduced from the outlet of the flow path 16 to the inside of the mask 1 (the region indicated by T in FIG. 4).

[0057] Next, it will be described in detail how foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air is removed by the mask 1 (or foreign matter removal unit 3) according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the air flow and movement of foreign matter near the flow path 16 of the curved guide section 7 in the foreign matter removal unit 3 of the mask 1. In the mask 1 according to this embodiment, the flow direction of the air passing through the area where the curved guide section 7 of the flow path 16 is provided is suddenly changed, so that the centrifugal force F causes foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air to move to the inner surface side of the curved section of the curved guide section 7.

[0058] This utilizes the difference between the magnitude of centrifugal force applied to the foreign matter and the magnitude of centrifugal force applied to the air, allowing the foreign matter to be separated and removed from the air.

[0059] The following describes in detail the principle by which foreign matter can be removed using the mask 1. In Fig. 5, the centrifugal force F acting on foreign matter contained in air passing through the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 is expressed by the following formula (1). F=M×r×ω 2 =M×V 2 / r (1)

[0060] Here, M is the mass of the air or foreign matter (unit: [kg]), r is the radius of curvature of the flow path 16 (unit: [m]), ω is the angular velocity of the air or foreign matter (unit: [radian / second]), and V is the speed of the air or foreign matter (unit: [m / second]).

[0061] The pollen of cedars and cypresses, which are dispersed from winter to spring, has an average outer diameter of about 30 μm (micrometers) and weighs about 12 ng (nanograms). Therefore, its density (weight / volume) is 850 kg / m 3 On the other hand, the density of air is calculated to be about 1.29 kg / m 3 ], which means that the density of pollen is about 600 times greater than the density of air.

[0062] In other words, when air and foreign matter such as pollen mixed in the air pass through a flow path 16 having a given radius of curvature (r) at the same speed (V), the foreign matter is subjected to a centrifugal force several hundred times greater than that of the air. By utilizing the difference in centrifugal force applied to the foreign matter and the air, the foreign matter can be separated and removed from the air.

[0063] Next, the speed of air or foreign matter passing through the flow path 16 is simulated. The average person's inhalation time at rest is about 2 seconds. The amount of air inhaled at one time is 800 cm3. 3 ], the average flow rate during inspiration is about 400 [cm 3 / sec]. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the inlet (slit) for taking in air from outside the flow passage 16 of the mask 1 can be set to a width of about 1 [mm] and a length in the extension direction (vertical direction) of the foreign body removal unit 3 of about 25 [mm]. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the inlet (slit) is 25 [mm2 ], and there is one on each side of the face, so the total opening area of ​​the inlet (slit) is 50 [mm 2 ](=0.5[cm 2 ]) can be considered.

[0064] At this time, the average flow velocity V of the air flowing into the flow path 16 from this inlet (slit) is V=400[cm 3 / sec] / 0.5[cm 2 ] =800[cm / sec] =8[m / sec] However, if we assume that there is a 20% leakage from around the mask, the average flow velocity of the air flowing into the flow path 16 can be expected to be approximately 6.4 [m / sec].

[0065] In addition, as far as the inventor knows, in a small vacuum cleaner that uses the general cyclone effect (cyclone vacuum cleaner), the flow rate is 2 to 3 m 3 / min], and the average flow velocity V of the air passing through the suction pipe with a diameter of about 4 [cm] and entering the dust collection section of the vacuum cleaner is V = 3 [m 3 / min] / (2[cm] 2 ×π) =40[m / sec] This shows that the maximum speed is about 40 m / sec. From this, in a typical cyclone vacuum cleaner with a cylindrical dust collection section with a radius of 4 cm, the weight of one pollen grain is 12 [ng] (nanogram: 10 -9 The centrifugal force F acting on one pollen grain is calculated as follows: F=M×V 2 / r =12×10 -9 ([g])×(40[m / sec]) 2 / 0.04[m] =480×10 -9 [kgm / sec 2 ] =480[nN] (nanonewtons)

[0066] On the other hand, in the mask 1 (or the foreign substance removal unit 3) in this embodiment, the curvature radius r of the curved portion of the curved guide portion 7 is 1 [mm] (=0.001 [m]). In formula (1), the weight of one pollen grain is 12 [ng] (nanogram: 10 -9 If we assume that the mass of a pollen grain is 100 g (grams), the centrifugal force F acting on one pollen grain can be calculated as follows: F=M×V 2 / r =12×10 -9 ([g])×(6.4[m / sec]) 2 / 0.001[m] =768×10 -9 [kgm / sec 2 ] =492[nN](nanonewtons) From the above calculation results, it can be seen that for pollen of the same mass (M), the mask 1 (or the foreign matter removal unit 3) in this embodiment produces centrifugal force equivalent to that of a typical cyclone vacuum cleaner.

[0067] Therefore, in the mask 1 (or the foreign matter removing unit 3) in this embodiment, a centrifugal force equivalent to that of a cyclone vacuum cleaner can be obtained, which makes it possible to effectively separate foreign matters such as pollen and dust contained in the air.

[0068] Next, a modified example of the foreign object removal unit 3 will be described in detail. Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a foreign object removal unit 103 in the modified example. Note that the foreign object removal unit 103 can have a redirection slit 104 that has a different configuration from the redirection slit 4 in Fig. 3. The configuration other than the redirection slit 104 is the same as that of the foreign object removal unit 3, so a description will be omitted unless otherwise necessary.

[0069] 6, the turning slit 104 may have a turning guide curved member 105 and a turning guide straight member 106 arranged at a predetermined distance from the turning guide curved member 105. The turning guide curved member 105 may have a curved guide portion 107 having a curved shape with a predetermined curvature, an outside air straightening portion 108 connected to one end of the curved guide portion 107, and a foreign object capturing portion 109 connected to the other end of the curved guide portion 107.

[0070] A cylindrical member 126 having a substantially circular cross section is provided at the tip of the turning guide straight member 106 facing the turning guide curved member 105. A flow path 116 for passing air is formed between the turning guide curved member 105 and the turning guide straight member 106.

[0071] 6, the cylindrical member 126 provided at the tip of the deflection guide member 106 is a cylindrical member with a substantially circular cross section, and extends in the extension direction (vertical direction) of the foreign matter removal unit 103. The curved guide portion 107 extends so that its peripheral portion surrounds the outer edge portion of the cylindrical member 126, and its cross section is substantially C-shaped. Since the curved guide portion 107 is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the cylindrical member 126, the length of the flow path 116 formed between the curved guide portion 107 and the cylindrical member 126 is configured to be relatively large. This allows centrifugal force to act on the foreign matter for a longer period of time, thereby improving the ability to separate the foreign matter.

[0072] In Fig. 6, as in Fig. 4, the direction-changing guide member 106 is disposed at a distance f2 shifted upward from the reference line Ax1 (Y direction in Fig. 6). This allows the width of the inlet side of the flow path 116 to be increased by the distance f2 shifted from the reference line. Meanwhile, the width of the outlet side of the flow path 116 can be decreased by the distance f2 shifted from the reference line. In other words, the volume of the outlet side of the flow path 116 is configured to be smaller than the volume of the inlet side.

[0073] This allows the flow velocity of the air taken in from the inlet side to increase from the inlet side to the outlet side in accordance with the change in the width (or volume) of the flow path 116. As a result, the air taken in from the inlet side moves to the curved guide portion 107 (curved portion) while gradually increasing its flow velocity, and the direction is suddenly changed at the curved guide portion 107.

[0074] Therefore, the centrifugal force acting on foreign matter such as pollen and dust contained in the air becomes even greater, so that the foreign matter can be more effectively separated from the air.

[0075] As a result, in Fig. 6, the centrifugal force can start acting earlier and end later than in Fig. 4. This has the advantage that the time during which the centrifugal force acts can be longer in Fig. 6 than in Fig. 4.

[0076] Next, the mask 201 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. The mask 201, like the mask 1 according to the first embodiment, can include a mask body 202 and a foreign body removal unit 203 attached to both sides of the mask body 202. In addition, ear straps 14 are attached to the left and right rear ends of the mask body 202 for attaching the mask body 202 to the user's face. Since the mask 1 according to the first embodiment is similar to the mask 1 according to the first embodiment except for the foreign matter removing unit 203, detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the following description, the foreign matter removing unit 203 will be described in detail.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a foreign matter removal unit 203 of a mask 201 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 7(a) is a schematic perspective view of the foreign matter removal unit 203, and Fig. 7(b) is a schematic view of components constituting the foreign matter removal unit. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the foreign matter removal unit taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7(a). Fig. 9 is a schematic view for explaining a modified example of the foreign matter removal unit shown in Fig. 8.

[0078] 7, the foreign body removal unit 203 may include a redirecting slit 204 extending in the up-down direction (Z direction in FIG. 7), and an upper cover member 211a and a lower cover member 211b attached to the upper end and the lower end, respectively, of the redirecting slit 204. The upper cover member 211a and the lower cover member 211b are attached to the redirecting slit 204 by adhesive fixation.

[0079] The redirecting slit 204 may include a first redirecting slit 204a and a second redirecting slit 204b connected to the first redirecting slit 204a. The redirecting slit 204 extends in a first direction (the X direction in FIG. 7) with the first redirecting slit 204a and the second redirecting slit 204b connected to each other.

[0080] The first deflection slit 204a may have a first deflection guide curve 205a and a first deflection guide straight member 206a arranged opposite the first deflection guide curve 205a, while the second deflection slit 204b may have a second deflection guide curve 205b and a second deflection guide straight member 206b arranged opposite the second deflection guide curve 205b.

[0081] Next, the deflection slit 204 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8. Referring to Fig. 8, the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b of the deflection slit 204 are connected by the first deflection guide straight member 206a of the first deflection slit 204a. More specifically, the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b are connected to each other by the first deflection guide straight member 206a of the first deflection slit 204a being connected to the second deflection guide curved member 205b of the second deflection slit 204b. In addition, a reference line Ax2 is shown in FIG.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the first deflection guide straight member 206a connecting the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b extends in the first direction (X direction), and its other end is connected to the outer surface of the second deflection guide curved member 205b of the second deflection slit 204b, thereby connecting and fixing the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first turning guide straight member 206a is disposed at a distance f3 above the reference line Ax2 (Y direction in FIG. 8). Similarly, the second turning guide straight member 206b is disposed at a distance f4 above the reference line Ax2 (Y direction in FIG. 8). The first turning guide straight member 206a and the second turning guide straight member 206b can be disposed at the same distance (e.g., distance f3) above the reference line Ax2 (Y direction in FIG. 8).

[0084] The first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b are arranged and connected so that the first midpoint Ea of the first deflection guide bending member 205a and the second midpoint Eb of the second deflection guide bending member 205b are on the reference line Ax2. Therefore, the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b are connected by extending in the first direction (X direction) along the reference line Ax2.

[0085] The first deflection guide curved member 205a of the first deflection slit 204a may have a first curved guide portion 207a having a substantially semicircular cross section, a first outside air straightening portion 208a connected to one end of the first curved guide portion 207a, and a first foreign object capturing portion 209a connected to the other end of the first curved guide portion 207a. The first deflection guide straight member 206a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first deflection guide curved member 205a to form a first flow passage 216a for passing air between the first deflection guide curved member 205a and the first deflection guide straight member 206a.

[0086] Similarly, the second direction-changing guide curved member 205b of the second direction-changing slit 204b may have a second curved guide portion 207b having an approximately semicircular cross-section, a second outside air straightening portion 208b connected to one end of the second curved guide portion 207b, and a second foreign object capture portion 209b connected to the other end of the second curved guide portion 207b.

[0087] The second turning guide straight member 206b is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second turning guide curved member 205b, and a second flow passage 216b for passing air is formed between the second turning guide curved member 205b and the second turning guide straight member 206b. In this embodiment, an example in which two pieces are connected is shown, but this is not limiting, and multiple pieces can be connected and provided.

[0088] By connecting them in a straight line in the X direction, the amount of air taken in and the amount of foreign matter filtered (removed) can be increased. In addition, by configuring the first deflection guide straight member 206a connecting the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b with a freely deformable material (for example, resin such as plastic), or by configuring the first deflection slit 204a and the second deflection slit 204b to be connected in such a way that the connected portion is freely movable, the foreign matter removal unit can be two-dimensionally adapted to the contours of the face. This reduces leakage and improves the fit.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first deflection guide curved member 205a and the first deflection guide straight member 206a constituting the first deflection slit 204a may be made of resin such as plastic, or metal material. The thickness of the first deflection guide curved member 205a and the first deflection guide straight member 206a may be, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The length of the first deflection slit 204a in the extension direction (vertical direction) may be about 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0090] Similarly, the second deflection guide curved member 205b and the second deflection guide straight member 206b constituting the second deflection slit 204b may be made of resin such as plastic, or metal material. The thickness of the second deflection guide curved member 205b and the second deflection guide straight member 206b may be, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The length of the second deflection slit 204b in the extension direction (vertical direction) may be about 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0091] The first redirection slit 204a and the second redirection slit 204b have the same configuration as the redirection slit 4 in the first embodiment, and also function in the same manner, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] Next, the deflection slit 304 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. Referring to Fig. 9, the first deflection slit 304a and the second deflection slit 304b are connected to each other by connecting the first deflection guide straight member 306a of the first deflection slit 304a to the second deflection guide curved member 305b of the second deflection slit 304b. In Fig. 9, the reference line Ax3 and the reference line Ax4 are shown.

[0093] In FIG. 9, the first turning guide curve 305a and the second turning guide curve 305b are arranged so that the midpoint Ea of the first turning guide curve 305a is located on the reference line Ax3, while the midpoint Eb of the second turning guide curve 305b is located on the reference line Ax4.

[0094] The first deflection guide straight member 306a connecting the first deflection slit 304a and the second deflection slit 304b extends in the first direction (X direction), and the other end is connected to the outer surface of the second deflection guide curved member 305b of the second deflection slit 304b. In other words, the first deflection guide curved member 305a and the second deflection guide curved member 305b are arranged to be shifted downward by the amount of deviation between the reference line Ax3 and the reference line Ax4.

[0095] The redirecting slit 304 is similar to the redirecting slit 204 except for the arrangement of the first redirecting slit 304a and the second redirecting slit 304b, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 9, the first direction-changing guide curved member 305a and the second direction-changing guide curved member 305b of the direction-changing slit 304 are arranged so as to be shifted downward by the amount of deviation between the reference line Ax3 and the reference line Ax4. Needless to say, by connecting a plurality of first deflection slits 304a and second deflection slits 304b in the X direction, the same effects as the deflection slits 204 (increasing the amount and easily deforming) can be obtained. Furthermore, by arranging the first deflection guide curved member 305a and the second deflection guide curved member 305b in a shifted manner, the foreign body removal unit can be two-dimensionally adapted to the unevenness of the face. This reduces leakage and improves the fit. In addition, the direction of the air flowing into the mask can be directed toward the nostrils and mouth, reducing air pressure loss and making breathing easier.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the mask body constituting the mask according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, by attaching the deflection slit 404 to the mask body and attaching the foreign body removal unit that is deformed to fit the shape of the face, leakage can be reduced and the fit can be improved.

[0098] As described above, the deflection slit (foreign matter removal unit) extends in the same shape in the vertical direction (Z direction). However, this is not limited to this, and the deflection slit may extend while curving, for example, so as to bulge outward in accordance with the shape of the mask body.

[0099] While the principles of the present invention have been illustrated and described in preferred embodiments, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the invention may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. The invention is not limited to the specific constructions disclosed in the present embodiments. We therefore claim all modifications and changes that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Mask 2 Mask body 3,203,403 Foreign object removal unit 4,204,304,404 Turning slit 5,105,205,305 Directional guide bending material 6,106,206,306 Straight guide for deflection 7,107,207,307 Curved guide section 8,108,208,308 Fresh air rectification section 9,109,209,309 Foreign object capture section 10 Guide opening 11a, 211a Upper cover member 11b, 211b Lower cover member 12,212 Spacing member 15 Mask body opening 16,116,216,316 Channel 17,18,217,218 Mounting parts 25 Connection points 126 Cylindrical member

Claims

1. a mask body having a mask body opening; a foreign matter removal unit attached to the mask body in the vicinity of the mask body opening, The foreign matter removal unit has a guide opening for taking in air from the outside, and a curved flow path for taking air into the mask body through the guide opening.

2. the foreign body removal unit has a curved guide portion having a curved portion curved concavely with a predetermined curvature, and a direction-changing slit including a direction-changing guide straight member arranged to face the concave side of the curved portion and extending in a first direction, 2. The mask of claim 1, wherein the flow passage is formed between the curved guide portion and the deflection guide straight member.

3. The deflection guide straight member is disposed at a predetermined distance in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to a reference line that passes through a center of the curved portion and extends in the first direction, 3. The mask of claim 2, wherein the outlet of the flow channel is configured to have a width smaller than the inlet of the flow channel.

4. The foreign object removal unit further includes an outside air rectification unit, The outside air rectification part is connected to one end of the curved guide part at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the deflection guide straight member, 4. The mask according to claim 2, wherein the width of the flow path is gradually reduced from the inlet to the outlet.

5. The foreign matter removal unit further includes a foreign matter capture section for storing foreign matter separated during passage through the flow path, the foreign object capture portion is on the outlet side of the flow path, is connected to the other end of the curved guide portion, and has a foreign object capture portion opening at a connection point where the curved guide portion and the foreign object capture portion are connected, 4. The mask according to claim 2, wherein the connection point and the tip of the deflection guide member are disposed at substantially the same position in the first direction.

6. the foreign body removal unit has first and second curved guide portions each having a curved portion curved concavely at a predetermined curvature, and first and second deflection slits each including a first and second deflection guide member disposed opposite to the concave side of the curved portion of each of the first and second curved guide portions and extending in a first direction; The flow path is formed between the first curved guide portion and the first turning guide straight member, and between the second curved guide portion and the second turning guide straight member, The mask described in claim 1, characterized in that the first deflection slit and the second deflection slit are connected in the first direction by connecting the first deflection guide straight member of the first deflection slit to the second curved guide portion of the second deflection slit.

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