Mask

Abstract

To provide a mask excellent in sealing property.SOLUTION: In the mask according to the present invention, the fitting member is not present on the face side of the lower end portion of the nose clip. That is, in the lower end portion of the nose clip, the function of deforming the mask body so as to fit the face shape of the wearer is not inhibited by the fitting member. Therefore, the nose clip has a portion (the lower end portion of the nose clip) that effectively exhibits the function of deforming the mask body so as to fit the shape of the face of the wearer, and the gap existing between the face of the wearer and the mask body can be reduced. As a result, a mask having an excellent sealing property can be provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask that has excellent sealing ability between the mask body and the face when the mask is worn. [Background technology]

[0002] There has been a demand for a mask that has excellent sealing ability between the mask body and the face when worn (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as sealing ability). For example, a mask with such ability has been proposed, as described in Patent Document 1 (JP 2010-525878 A). That is, the proposed mask includes a fitting member (referred to as a nose foam in Patent Document 1) provided on the main surface of the mask body that faces the face when worn, and a nose clip provided on the main surface of the mask body that faces away from the main surface that faces the face.

[0003] In a mask with this configuration, the nose clip plays a role in deforming the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape, and the fitting member plays a role in filling the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body, thereby reducing the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body and providing a mask with excellent sealing properties.

[0004] 1 of the present invention, Patent Document 1 discloses a schematic cross-sectional view of a cross section formed by cutting a folded mask in the thickness direction of the mask. The schematic cross-sectional view shows an embodiment in which a fitting member (37 in FIG. 1) and a nose clip (36 in FIG. 1) are provided on the mask body of the mask when worn, in which the upper end (left end in FIG. 1) of the fitting member (37 in FIG. 1) is located above the wearer (left side in FIG. 1) of the nose clip (36 in FIG. 1), and the lower end (right end in FIG. 1) of the fitting member (37 in FIG. 1) is located at the same position as the lower end (right end in FIG. 1) of the nose clip (36 in FIG. 1).

[0005] When wearing the mask, a large gap is likely to form between the upper end of the mask body and the wearer's face. However, as in the mask disclosed in Patent Document 1, by using a mask in which at least a portion of the fitting member is located above the nose clip, the large gap can be effectively filled by the fitting member. As a result, a mask with excellent sealing properties is provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-525878 A (claims, 0051-0052, Figures 1, 8, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the applicant of the present application has found that the sealing performance of the mask disclosed in Patent Document 1 is still not sufficient. The reason for this is believed to be as follows.

[0008] In order to deform the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape, the nose clip must be pressed against the wearer's face to deform the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape. However, in the mask disclosed in Patent Document 1, a contact member is present across the entire face-side area of ​​the nose clip, via the mask body. Therefore, the nose clip's function of deforming the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape is hindered by the contact member present across the entire face-side area of ​​the nose clip. In particular, if the contact member is made of a thick material or a highly elastic material such as sponge, the nose clip's function of deforming the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape is further hindered. Therefore, in the mask disclosed in Patent Document 1, the nose clip cannot deform the mask body to fully fit the wearer's facial shape, and the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body cannot be sufficiently reduced.

[0009] The present invention has been made under these circumstances, and has an object to provide a mask with excellent sealing properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a mask comprising: a mask body; a fitting member provided on a face-side main surface of the mask body when the mask is worn; a nose clip provided on a main surface of the mask body opposite to the face-side main surface; and a mask fixing member provided on the mask body, In a cross section formed by cutting the mask in the thickness direction through the upper end of the mask body and parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer of the mask body when wearing the mask (a direction parallel to the direction of gravity of the wearer), a mask, wherein an upper end of the close-fitting member is located above an upper end of the nose clip in a vertical direction of the wearer, a lower end of the nose clip is located on the lower side of the wearer than a lower end of the close-fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer; Mask. The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is that "the upper end of the nose clip is located at the same position as the lower end of the close-fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer, or the upper end of the nose clip is located further downward than the lower end of the close-fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer, The mask according to claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Unlike conventional masks, the present invention provides a mask with excellent sealing properties, in which the lower end of the nose clip is located further downward than the lower end of the fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer.

[0012] The reason for this is not completely clear, but it is thought to be due to the following effects.

[0013] In the mask of the present invention, there is no fitting member on the face side of the lower end of the nose clip, meaning that the fitting member does not interfere with the function of the lower end of the nose clip in deforming the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape. Therefore, the nose clip has a part (the lower end part of the nose clip) that effectively deforms the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape, thereby reducing the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body. As a result, a mask with excellent sealing properties can be provided.

[0014] In another aspect of the mask according to the present invention, the upper end of the nose clip is located at the same position as the lower end of the fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer, or the upper end of the nose clip is located further downward than the lower end of the fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer. In other words, the function of the nose clip to deform the mask body to fit the shape of the wearer's face over the entire area on the face side is not hindered by the fitting member. This allows the nose clip to more effectively deform the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape, further reducing the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body. As a result, a mask with better sealing properties can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cross section formed by cutting a folded mask disclosed in Patent Document 1 in the thickness direction, passing through the upper end of the mask body and parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer when wearing the mask. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are schematic views of a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the main surface opposite to the face-side main surface of the mask body, respectively; [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are schematic cross-sectional views of the upper end portion of the mask body when the mask according to the present invention is cut in the thickness direction through the upper end of the mask body and parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer when wearing the mask. Exemplary embodiments in which the arrangement of the fitting member and nose clip is different are shown as (a) to (c). [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of the upper end portion of the mask body when the mask prepared in the comparative example is cut in the thickness direction through the upper end of the mask body and parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer when wearing the mask. (d) to (f) show examples of different arrangements of the fitting member and nose clip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In the present invention, various configurations can be appropriately selected, for example, the following configurations. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the various measurements described in the present invention are performed under atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, measurements are performed under a temperature condition of 25°C. Unless otherwise specified, the various measurement results described in the present invention are measured to a value one digit smaller than the desired value, and the value is calculated by rounding off the value. Specifically, when the desired value is expressed to one decimal place, the value is measured to two decimal places, and the obtained value is rounded to one decimal place to calculate the value to one decimal place, and this value is used as the desired value. The upper and lower limits exemplified in the present invention can be combined in any combination.

[0017] The mask according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2(a), which is a schematic view of the mask body as viewed from the main surface opposite the face-side main surface, Fig. 2(b), which is a schematic view of the mask body as viewed from the face side, and Fig. 3, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mask according to the present invention at the upper end portion of the mask body when the mask is cut in the thickness direction through the upper end of the mask body and parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer of the mask body when the mask is worn.

[0018] In the present invention, the vertical direction of the wearer in the mask body when wearing the mask refers to the direction parallel to the direction of gravity for a wearer standing upright, and refers to the vertical direction on the paper in Figures 2 to 4. The thickness direction of the mask (and mask body) refers to the direction perpendicular to the main surface of the mask body, and refers to the horizontal direction on the paper in Figures 3 and 4.

[0019] The upper end of the mask body refers to the upper end of the mask body facing the wearer when the mask is worn. Line Y passes through the upper end of the mask body and is parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer when the mask is worn.

[0020] The mask (100) according to the present invention comprises a mask body (10) and mask fixing members (11) attached to the mask body (10) on both the left and right sides of the wearer when the mask is worn (the left and right directions on the paper in FIG. 2). The mask body (10) covers the nose and mouth of a person and serves to capture dust and other particles to be captured. The mask fixing members (11) also serve to keep the mask body (10) attached to the wearer's face.

[0021] The type of mask body (10) can be appropriately selected depending on the type of mask (100) desired. For example, it can be a mask body constituting a cup-type mask, a mask body constituting a pleated mask, a mask body constituting a bifold mask, or a mask body constituting a flat mask. In particular, a mask body constituting a cup-type mask with excellent shape retention is preferred so that the mask body (10) can be prevented from unintentionally deforming due to tension generated by the mask fixing member (11) when the mask (100) is worn.

[0022] The materials constituting the mask body (10) can be selected as appropriate. For example, direct-spun nonwoven fabrics made by collecting continuous fibers, such as meltblown nonwoven fabrics and spunbond nonwoven fabrics, short-fiber nonwoven fabrics made of fibers cut to a specific length, nonwoven fabrics made of a mixture of continuous fibers and fibers cut to a specific length, mesh, porous film, breathable foam sheet, etc. The mask body (10) may include a single such material, or may be made by laminating multiple such materials, or may be made by laminating multiple types of materials.

[0023] The above-described members may be electrically charged. The charging method can be appropriately selected, and examples of the method include a liquid charging method in which energy is applied to the members via a fluid such as water to charge them, a corona charging method in which a voltage is applied to charge them, and a tribocharging method in which first and second fibers, which contain different constituent resins as constituent fibers and can be charged by rubbing against each other, are rubbed together to charge them.

[0024] In particular, in the mask (100) according to the present invention, the nose clip (n) is less likely to impede the function of deforming the mask body (10) to fit the wearer's facial shape. Therefore, even if the mask (100) according to the present invention includes a mask body (10) that is difficult to deform, the nose clip (n) is likely to deform the mask body (10) to fit the wearer's facial shape. Therefore, even if the mask (100) includes a mask body (10) that is difficult to deform, such as a laminate of multiple nonwoven fabrics and / or a laminate of nonwoven fabric and other components such as mesh, or a mask body (10) that has a layer of short-fiber nonwoven fabric that tends to be thick (especially a tribo-charged nonwoven fabric in which first fibers and second fibers that are made of different constituent resins and can be charged by rubbing against each other are entangled and mixed, so that the first fibers and second fibers are charged), a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties can be provided.

[0025] The mask (100) according to the present invention is provided with a fitting member (s) on the main surface of the mask body (10) on the face side when the mask is worn (the rear side on the paper in FIG. 2(a), the front side on the paper in FIG. 2(b), and side A on the paper in FIG. 3).

[0026] The material and shape of the fitting member (s) are appropriately selected so as to fill the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body (10).

[0027] The material of the contact member (s) can be, for example, a sponge sheet, an elastic material sheet such as a rubber plate, or a fabric (nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, etc.). In particular, it is preferable to use a sponge sheet as the contact member (s) because it has excellent thickness recovery performance, conformability, and deformability after compression, making it easy to effectively fill the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body (10).

[0028] The shape of the contact member (s) when viewed from the face-side main surface of the mask body (10) is not limited, and can be, for example, a rectangular shape, a boomerang shape, a triangle, or any other polygonal shape. The size of the contact member (s) is adjusted appropriately so that it does not protrude from the mask body (10), and the horizontal length can be, for example, 10 to 300 mm, 50 to 200 mm, or 80 to 150 mm. The vertical length can be 1 to 40 mm, 2.5 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm. The thickness of the contact member (s) is also adjusted appropriately, and can be 1 to 15 mm, 2 to 10 mm, or 3 to 8 mm. The thickness refers to a density of 0.5 g / cm in the direction perpendicular to the main surface. 2 The term "main surface" refers to the length in the vertical direction when a compressive load of 1000 mm is applied. The term "main surface" refers to the surface having the widest area.

[0029] The position of the contact member (s) on the mask body (10) can be adjusted as appropriate as long as it maintains its relationship with the position of the nose clip (n) defined by the present invention. To provide a mask (100) with superior sealing performance, it is preferable that the contact member (s) be provided on the upper side of the mask body (10) of the wearer when the mask (100) is worn (the upper side in the plane of the paper in Figures 2 and 3). It is particularly preferable that the upper end (s1) of the contact member (s) be located within a range of 20 mm from the upper end (M) of the mask body (10), more preferably within a range of 10 mm, and even more preferably that the upper end (M) of the mask body (10) and the upper end (s1) of the contact member (s) be located at the same position.

[0030] The upper end (s1) of the contact member (s) refers to the uppermost part of the contact area between the mask body (10) and the contact member (s) on the upper side of the wearer (upper side on the paper in Figs. 2 and 3). The lower end (s2) of the contact member (s) refers to the lowermost part of the contact area between the mask body (10) and the contact member (s) on the lower side of the wearer (lower side on the paper in Figs. 2 and 3).

[0031] The mask (100) according to the present invention is provided with a nose clip (n) on the main surface side of the mask body (10) opposite the face-side main surface (the front side on the paper in FIG. 2(a), the back side on the paper in FIG. 2(b), and side B on the paper in FIG. 3).

[0032] The material and shape of the nose clip (n) are appropriately selected so that the mask body (10) can be deformed to fit the wearer's facial shape. The material of the nose clip (n) can be, for example, a flat plate made of organic resin or metal. The shape of the nose clip (n) when viewed from the main surface opposite the face-side main surface of the mask body (10) is not limited, and can be, for example, a rectangular shape, a boomerang shape, or a polygonal shape other than a rectangle, such as a triangle. The nose clip (n) has a three-dimensional structure. The size of the nose clip (n) is appropriately adjusted so that it does not protrude from the mask body (10). For example, the width can be 10 to 300 mm, 50 to 200 mm, or 80 to 150 mm. The vertical width can be 1 to 40 mm, 2.5 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm. The thickness of the nose clip (n) is also adjusted appropriately, and can be 0.1 to 5 mm, 0.5 to 3.5 mm, or 0.8 to 2 mm.

[0033] The position of the nose clip (n) on the mask body (10) can be adjusted as appropriate as long as it maintains its relationship with the position of the fitting member (s) defined by the present invention. To provide a mask (100) with better sealing performance, it is preferable that the nose clip (n) is provided on the mask body (10) above the wearer when the mask (100) is worn. In particular, it is preferable that the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) be located within 20 mm, and more preferably within 10 mm, of the upper end (M) of the mask body (10).

[0034] The upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) refers to the uppermost part of the contact area between the mask body (10) and the nose clip (n) that is located above the wearer, and the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) refers to the lowermost part of the contact area between the mask body (10) and the nose clip (n) that is located below the wearer.

[0035] The present invention differs from conventional masks in that the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) is located further downward than the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer, thereby providing a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties.

[0036] The reason for this is not completely clear, but it is thought to be due to the following effects.

[0037] In the mask (100) according to the present invention, the fitting member (s) is not present on the face side (side A in FIG. 3) of the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n). In other words, the fitting member (s) does not inhibit the function of the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) in deforming the mask body (10) to fit the shape of the wearer's face. Therefore, the nose clip (n) has a portion (the lower end (n2) portion of the nose clip (n)) that effectively performs the function of deforming the mask body (10) to fit the wearer's facial shape, thereby reducing the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body (10). As a result, a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties can be provided.

[0038] Furthermore, when the mask is worn, a large gap is likely to form between the upper end (M) of the mask body (10) and the wearer's face. However, by positioning at least a portion of the fitting member (s) above the nose clip (n), the fitting member (s) can effectively fill the large gap. As a result, a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties can be provided.

[0039] An example of the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the mask (100) of the present invention is shown in Figs. 3(a) to (c).

[0040] FIG. 3(a) shows a mask (100) in which the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is at the same position as the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer. Also, Figure 3(b) shows a mask (100) in which the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is located above the wearer in the vertical direction of the wearer relative to the lower end (s2) of the close-fitting member (s), and is located below the upper end (s1) of the close-fitting member (s). FIG. 3(c) shows a mask (100) in which the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is located below the wearer in the vertical direction of the wearer relative to the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s).

[0041] The length of the portion where the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) do not overlap in the vertical direction of the wearer (the length between the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) and the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer as shown in FIG. 3(b)) is adjusted appropriately to provide a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties. Specifically, it is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and most preferably 5 mm or more.

[0042] The distance between the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer (the length between the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) and the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer as shown in FIG. 3(c)) is appropriately adjusted to provide a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties. Specific examples of this distance may be 1 to 10 mm, 2 to 7 mm, or 3 to 5 mm.

[0043] In particular, it is preferable that the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is located at the same position as the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer, or that the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is located further downward than the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer. In other words, the function of the nose clip (n) to deform the mask body (10) to fit the shape of the wearer's face over the entire area on the face side is not hindered by the fitting member (s). Therefore, the nose clip (n) can more effectively deform the mask body (10) to fit the wearer's facial shape, thereby further reducing the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body (10). As a result, a mask (100) with better sealing properties can be provided.

[0044] Regarding the mask (100) according to the present invention, the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the mask body (10) has been explained using the straight line Y.

[0045] In the present invention, in a cross section of the mask body cut in its thickness direction along line Y, the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the contact member (s) in the mask body (10) only needs to satisfy the mode defined by the present invention (i.e., the upper end (s1) of the contact member (s) is located above the wearer relative to the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) in the vertical direction of the wearer, and the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) is located below the lower end (s2) of the contact member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer; hereinafter, this may be referred to as mode 1). However, in order to provide a mask (100) with better sealing performance, it is preferable that the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the contact member (s) in the mask body (10) also satisfy the mode 1 described above within a range of 1 cm or more from line Y to the left and right of the wearer (left and right on the paper in FIG. 2 ).

[0046] In particular, it is preferable that the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 1, preferably within a range of 2 cm or more from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to the left and right of the wearer (left and right on the paper in FIG. 2) (a range of 4 cm or more in total centered on the straight line Y), and more preferably within a range of 3 cm or more from the straight line Y to the left and right of the wearer (a range of 6 cm or more in total centered on the straight line Y).

[0047] In particular, it is preferable that the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 1 throughout the entire area from the line Y to both ends of the nose clip (n) in the left and right directions of the wearer (left and right directions on the paper in FIG. 2). In this case, the length of the portion at both ends where the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) do not overlap in the vertical direction of the wearer (the length between the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) and the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer as shown in FIG. 3(b)) is appropriately adjusted to provide a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties. Specifically, it is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and most preferably 5 mm or more.

[0048] Most preferably, when the mask body is cut in its thickness direction along a line other than the straight line Y that is parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer (the direction of gravity on the wearer) through which both the nose clips (n) and the contact members (s) in the mask body (10) pass, the arrangement of the nose clips (n) and the contact members (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 1 in any cross section.

[0049] In this case, the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the contact member (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 1 in the range from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to both ends of the nose clip (n) to the left and right of the wearer (left and right on the paper in FIG. 2), or in the range from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to both ends of the contact member (s) to the left and right of the wearer (left and right on the paper in FIG. 2).

[0050] The length of the portion where the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) do not overlap in the vertical direction of the wearer (the length between the lower end (n2) of the nose clip (n) and the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer as shown in FIG. 3(b)) is adjusted appropriately to provide a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties. Specifically, it is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and most preferably 5 mm or more.

[0051] By satisfying the above-mentioned aspect 1, the nose clip (n) can more effectively deform the mask body (10) to fit the face shape of the wearer, thereby further reducing the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body (10).

[0052] In particular, it is more preferable that in a cross section of the mask body (10) cut in its thickness direction along a straight line Y that is parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer (the direction of gravity on the wearer) through which both the nose clip (n) and the contact member (s) pass, the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is located at the same position as the lower end (S2) of the contact member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer, or that the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) is located further downward than the lower end (S2) of the contact member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer (hereinafter, this may be referred to as mode 2).

[0053] By arranging the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in this manner 2, the nose clip (n) is able to more effectively deform the mask body (10) to fit the wearer's facial shape, and the gap between the wearer's face and the mask body (10) can be further reduced.

[0054] At this time, the distance between the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer (the length between the upper end (n1) of the nose clip (n) and the lower end (s2) of the fitting member (s) in the vertical direction of the wearer as shown in FIG. 3(c)) is appropriately adjusted to provide a mask (100) with excellent sealing properties. This length is 0 mm or more, and specifically, can be 1 to 10 mm, 2 to 7 mm, or 3 to 5 mm.

[0055] Specifically, it is preferable that the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 2 even in ranges of 1 cm or more from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to the left and right of the wearer (left and right on the paper in Figure 2) (a total range of 2 cm or more centered on the straight line Y).

[0056] In particular, it is preferable that the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the fitting member (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 2, preferably within a range of 2 cm or more from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to the left and right of the wearer (left and right on the paper in FIG. 2) (a range of 4 cm or more in total centered on the straight line Y), and more preferably within a range of 3 cm or more from the straight line Y to the left and right of the wearer (a range of 6 cm or more in total centered on the straight line Y).

[0057] Most preferably, when the mask body is cut in its thickness direction along a line other than the straight line Y that is parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer (the direction of gravity on the wearer) through which both the nose clips (n) and the fitting members (s) in the mask body (10) pass, the arrangement of the nose clips (n) and the fitting members (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 2 in any cross section.

[0058] In this case, the arrangement of the nose clip (n) and the contact member (s) in the mask body (10) satisfies the above-mentioned mode 2 in the range from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to both ends of the nose clip (n) in the left and right directions of the wearer (left and right directions on the paper in FIG. 2), or in the range from the straight line Y in the mask (100) to both ends of the contact member (s) in the left and right directions of the wearer (left and right directions on the paper in FIG. 2).

[0059] The type of mask fixing member (11) provided on the mask (100) can be selected as appropriate, but it is preferable to use elastic strings or fabric, as this tends to provide a mask (100) that is easy to put on and take off and feels comfortable to wear. The thickness, length, and elasticity of the mask fixing member (11) are adjusted as appropriate to provide a mask (100) that is easy to put on and take off and feels comfortable to wear. An adhesive may also be used as the mask fixing member (11).

[0060] The positions at which the mask fixing members 11 are attached to the mask body 10 can be adjusted as needed. Generally, when the mask body 10 is worn on the face, the mask fixing members 11 are attached to the left and right ends of the mask body 10 (the ends close to the left and right ears).

[0061] The method of attaching the mask fixing member (11) to the mask body (10) can be selected as appropriate, and includes bonding with a binder or the like, sewing, fastening with a stapler or by caulking, and a method in which a holding member (12) such as a clip capable of holding the mask fixing member (11) is attached to the mask body (10) and held by the member as shown in Figure 2. The method of attaching the holding member (12) to the mask body (10) can be adjusted as appropriate, and examples include bonding with an adhesive or fusing and fixing with heat sealing. In Figure 2, the portion (13) where the holding member (12) is fixed to the mask body (10) is indicated by a circle. [Example]

[0062] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0063] (Preparing the mask body) (i) Cover layer: 20 g / m 2 A polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric was prepared. In addition, liquid-charged melt-blown nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 50 g / m 2 , average fiber diameter: 6 μm) was prepared. Next, 40% by mass of polypropylene fibers (fineness: 2.2 dtex, fiber length: 51 mm) and 60% by mass of acrylic fibers (fineness: 2.2 dtex, fiber length: 51 mm) were blended and fed to a carding machine to form a fiber web, which was then tribo-charged. The tribo-charged fiber web was then mixed with a polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 15 g / m 2 ), and then needle-punched from the fiber web side to give a triboelectrically charged needle-punched composite nonwoven fabric (basis weight: 120 g / m 2 ) was prepared. A total of six nonwoven fabrics were stacked from top to bottom in the following order: spunbond nonwoven fabric-meltblown nonwoven fabric-needle-punched composite nonwoven fabric having polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric on the lower layer-needle-punched composite nonwoven fabric having polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric on the upper layer-meltblown nonwoven fabric-spunbond nonwoven fabric. A laminated nonwoven fabric was formed.

[0064] The laminated nonwoven fabric was ultrasonically cut into a sine curve shape, resulting in a semicircular shape with one convex portion, and the nonwoven fabric layers were fused together at the fused portions. Note that the straight portions of the semicircular shape were not fused. Next, the straight portions of the approximately semicircular laminated nonwoven fabric were spread out to the left and right so that the fusion line formed by the fusion-integrated laminated nonwoven fabrics was at the center, thereby stacking a spunbonded nonwoven fabric-meltblown nonwoven fabric-needle-punched composite nonwoven fabric having a polypropylene spunbonded nonwoven fabric on the lower layer side in this order from upper to lower, thereby preparing a cup-shaped filter layer in which the nonwoven fabrics were fused together at the fusion line.

[0065] (ii) By mixing fibers having the following composition and feeding them to a carding device, the weight of the fiber becomes 40 g / m 2 A first reinforcing web of 1000 mm was prepared. Polyethylene / polypropylene core-sheath composite fiber (fineness: 6.6 dtex, fiber length: 102 mm): 70% by mass Polyethylene terephthalate / polyethylene terephthalate copolymer side-by-side bicomponent fiber (fineness: 2.2 dtex, fiber length: 51 mm): 25% by mass Ethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer / polypropylene sheath-core composite fiber (fineness: 3.3 dtex, fiber length: 64 mm): 5% by mass

[0066] Next, fibers having the following composition were mixed and fed to a carding machine to obtain a fiber weight of 40 g / m 2 A second reinforcing web was prepared. Polyethylene / polypropylene core-sheath composite fiber (fineness: 20 dtex, fiber length: 102 mm): 30% by mass Polyethylene / polypropylene core-sheath composite fiber (fineness: 6.6 dtex, fiber length: 102 mm): 65% by mass Ethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer / polypropylene sheath-core composite fiber (fineness: 3.3 dtex, fiber length: 64 mm): 5% by mass

[0067] Then, the first reinforcing web and the second reinforcing web are laminated together, and needle-punched from the first reinforcing web side to produce a needle-punched laminated nonwoven fabric (basis weight 80 g / m 2 ) was prepared. Two sheets of the needle-punched laminated nonwoven fabric thus prepared were simply stacked together with the second reinforcing webs facing each other, and the stack was placed in an oven and heat-treated at 145°C for 5 minutes. After that, the stack was removed from the oven and immediately press-molded for 5 seconds using a mask mold to obtain a cup-shaped reinforcing material.

[0068] (iii) The cup-shaped filter layer and cup-shaped reinforcing material prepared as described above were laminated together so that the cup-shaped filter layer was exposed to the outside air when the mask was worn, and then the entire outer periphery of both the filter layer and the reinforcing material was integrated with each other by ultrasonic welding to prepare a cup-shaped mask body. Elastic strings serving as mask fixing members were then integrated by ultrasonic welding onto the mask body on both sides of the mask body in the left and right directions of the wearer.

[0069] (Prepare nose clip and adhesive material) A polyethylene flat plate (rectangular shape, length: 5.3 mm, width: 80 mm, thickness: 1 mm) was prepared as a nose clip. A flat sponge plate (rectangular shape with a length of 7 mm, a width of 110 mm, and a thickness of 4 mm) was prepared as the adhesion member A. Also, a flat sponge plate (rectangular shape with a length of 15 mm, a width of 110 mm, and a thickness of 4 mm) was prepared as the adhesion member B.

[0070] (Examples 1-2, Comparative Examples 1-3) An adhesive was used to adhere a contact member (contact member A was used in Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 3, and contact member B was used in Comparative Example 2) to the main surface of the mask body facing the face when the mask is worn, and a nose clip was adhered to the main surface of the mask body opposite the main surface facing the face. At this time, in each example and each comparative example, the arrangement of the nose clip and the contact member was adjusted as follows.

[0071] Example 1: The upper end (M in FIG. 3(a)) of the mask body (10 in FIG. 3(a)) and the upper end (s1 in FIG. 3(a)) of the fitting member A (s in FIG. 3(a)) are arranged to be in the same position. At least in line Y, the upper end (n1 in FIG. 3(a)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(a)) is arranged to be in the same position as the lower end (s2 in FIG. 3(a)) of the fitting member A (s in FIG. 3(a)) in the vertical direction of the wearer. In this manner, five masks having the nose clip and the close-fitting member arrangement shown in FIG. 3(a) were prepared. After the five masks were subjected to the fit test described below, they were cut along a plurality of lines parallel to the line Y, and the cross sections formed were confirmed. As a result of checking, it was found that the overlapping portion between the upper end (not shown in FIG. 3) side of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(a)) and the lower end (not shown in FIG. 3) side of the contact member A (s in FIG. 3(a)) is arranged so as to continuously increase from the straight line Y (in the cross section taken along the straight line Y, the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(a)) and the contact member A (s in FIG. 3(a)) do not overlap) toward both left and right ends of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(a)) of the wearer. In addition, within a range of 2 cm from the line Y on the mask to the left and right of the wearer (a total range of 4 cm centered on the line Y), the lower end of the nose clip was located further downward than the lower end of the fitting member A in the vertical direction of the wearer. However, within a range of more than 2 cm from the line Y on the mask to the left and right of the wearer, there was no portion where the lower end side (not shown in FIG. 3) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(a)) in the vertical direction of the wearer did not overlap with the fitting member (s in FIG. 3(a)).

[0072] Example 2: The upper end (M in FIG. 3(b)) of the mask body (10 in FIG. 3(b)) and the upper end (s1 in FIG. 3(b)) of the fitting member A (s in FIG. 3(b)) were positioned at the same position. At least along the line Y, the upper end (n1 in FIG. 3(b)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(b)) was positioned between the upper end (s1 in FIG. 3(b)) and the lower end (s2 in FIG. 3(b)) of the fitting member A (s in FIG. 3(b)) in the vertical direction of the wearer. The length of the portion of the line Y where the lower end side (n2 side in FIG. 3(b)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(b)) and the fitting member (s in FIG. 3(b)) do not overlap in the vertical direction of the wearer was designed to be 2.3 mm. In this manner, five masks having the nose clip and the close-fitting member arrangement shown in FIG. 3(b) were prepared. After the five masks were subjected to the fit test described below, they were cut along a plurality of lines parallel to the line Y, and the cross sections formed were confirmed. As a result of confirmation, it was found that the overlapping portion between the upper end (not shown in FIG. 3) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(b)) and the lower end (not shown in FIG. 3) of the contact member A (s in FIG. 3(b)) is arranged so that it continuously increases from the straight line Y toward both left and right ends of the wearer on the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(b)). In addition, within a range of 2 cm from the line Y on the mask to the left and right of the wearer (a total range of 4 cm centered on the line Y), the lower end of the nose clip was located further downward than the lower end of the fitting member A in the vertical direction of the wearer. However, within a range of more than 2 cm from the line Y on the mask to the left and right of the wearer, there was no portion where the lower end side (not shown in FIG. 3) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 3(b)) in the vertical direction of the wearer did not overlap with the fitting member (s in FIG. 3(b)).

[0073] Comparative Example 1: The upper end (M in FIG. 4(d)) of the mask body (10 in FIG. 4(d)) and the upper end (s1 in FIG. 4(d)) of the fitting member A (s in FIG. 4(d)) were arranged to be in the same position. At least in the line Y, the upper end (n1 in FIG. 4(d)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(d)) was arranged to be in the same position as the upper end (s1 in FIG. 4(d)) of the fitting member A (s in FIG. 4(d)) in the vertical direction of the wearer. In this manner, five masks having the nose clip and the contact member arrangement shown in FIG. 4(d) were prepared. After the five masks were subjected to the fit test described below, they were cut along a plurality of lines parallel to the line Y, and the cross sections formed were confirmed. As a result of the check, it was found that in the entire range from the straight line Y toward both left and right ends of the wearer on the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(d)), the lower end (not shown in FIG. 4) side of the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(d)) overlapped with the contact member (s in FIG. 4(d)).

[0074] Comparative Example 2: The upper end (M in FIG. 4(e)) of the mask body (10 in FIG. 4(e)) and the upper end (s1 in FIG. 4(e)) of the fitting member B (s in FIG. 4(e)) were arranged to be in the same position. At least in the line Y, the lower end (n2 in FIG. 4(e)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(e)) was arranged to be in the same position as the lower end (s2 in FIG. 4(e)) of the fitting member B (s in FIG. 4(e)) in the vertical direction of the wearer. In this way, five masks were prepared, each having the nose clip and the contact member arrangement shown in Fig. 4(e). The mask prepared in Comparative Example 2 has the nose clip and the contact member arrangement disclosed in Patent Document 1. After the five masks were subjected to the fit test described below, they were cut along a plurality of lines parallel to the line Y, and the cross sections formed were confirmed. As a result of the check, it was found that in the entire range from the straight line Y toward both left and right ends of the wearer on the nose clip (n in Figure 4(e)), the lower end (not shown in Figure 4) side of the nose clip (n in Figure 4(e)) overlapped with the contact member (s in Figure 4(e)).

[0075] Comparative Example 3: The upper end (M in FIG. 4(f)) of the mask body (10 in FIG. 4(f)) and the upper end (n1 in FIG. 4(f)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(f)) were positioned at the same position. At least along the line Y, the upper end (s1 in FIG. 4(f)) of the close-fitting member A (s in FIG. 4(f)) was positioned between the upper end (n1 in FIG. 4(f)) and the lower end (n2 in FIG. 4(f)) of the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(f)) in the vertical direction of the wearer. The length of the portion where the lower end (s2 in FIG. 4(f)) of the close-fitting member (s in FIG. 4(f)) and the nose clip (n in FIG. 4(f)) do not overlap in the vertical direction of the wearer was designed to be 4 mm. In this manner, five masks having the nose clip and the contact member arrangement shown in FIG. 4(f) were prepared. After the five masks were subjected to the fit test described below, they were cut along a plurality of lines parallel to the line Y, and the cross sections formed were confirmed. As a result of the check, it was found that in the entire range from the straight line Y toward both left and right ends of the wearer on the nose clip (n in Figure 4(f)), the lower end (not shown in Figure 4) side of the nose clip (n in Figure 4(f)) overlapped with the contact member (s in Figure 4(f)).

[0076] (Fit Test) Each of the prepared masks was worn by five people (wearers 1 to 5). At this time, the wearers tried to deform the mask body to fit the shape of their face by pressing the nose clip against their face with their fingers. Then, five wearers wearing the masks were subjected to the "JD.6.3.3 Shortened Quantitative Fit Test" described in JIS T8150:2021 "Selection, Use, and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment." The mask fit test was performed using the AccuFIT 9000 PRO MODEL 3000-J1 mask fit tester (manufactured by Nippon Kanomax Co., Ltd.). And in the fit test, First action: Bend forward as described in "Table JD.2 - Actions for disposable dust masks" Second action: Speak as described in "Table JD.2 - Actions for disposable dust masks" Third action: Turn your head left and right as described in "Table JD.2 - Actions for disposable dust masks" Fourth action: Move your head up and down as described in "Table JD.2 - Actions for disposable dust masks" The subjects were asked to breathe during a total of four different movements. The particle concentration values ​​measured during each movement, both outside and inside the mask, were calculated. The fit factor was then calculated from each particle concentration value using the following formula: Fit factor = Cout / Cin Cout: Particle concentration value outside the mask Cin: Particle concentration value inside the mask Through a total of four types of movements, masks with a calculated fit factor of 100 or more were rated as "Good," while masks with a calculated fit factor of less than 100 were rated as "Poor." The more people who wore a mask rated "Good," the better the sealing performance of the mask.

[0077] The results obtained from the above (fit test) are summarized in Table 1.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] From the results of comparing the Examples and Comparative Examples, it became clear that a mask satisfying the configuration according to the present invention is a mask with excellent sealing properties. The mask of Example 2, in which the lower end of the nose clip was located further downward from the wearer than the lower end of the fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer, had better sealing properties than the mask of Comparative Example 3, in which the upper end of the nose clip was located further upward from the wearer than the upper end of the fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer. The reason for this is thought to be that the fitting member being located further upward from the wearer than the nose clip effectively fills the gap that occurs near the upper end of the mask body when the mask is worn, thereby improving sealing properties.

[0080] Furthermore, a comparison of the examples revealed that the mask of Example 1, in which the upper end of the nose clip is at the same position as the lower end of the fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer, is a mask with better sealing properties than the mask of Example 2. The reason for this is thought to be that the nose clip's function of deforming the mask body to fit the wearer's facial shape is not further hindered by the tight-fitting member compared to the mask of Example 2. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The mask according to the present invention has an excellent ability to seal between the mask body and the face when worn, and therefore, the present invention can provide cup-type masks, pleated masks, bifold masks, and flat masks with excellent sealing properties. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100... Masks 10. Mask body 11 Mask fixing member 12. Holding member capable of holding a mask fixing member 13: The part where the holding member is fixed to the mask body Y: A straight line that passes through the top of the mask body and is parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer when wearing the mask. M...Top edge of mask body n···Nose clip s... Adhesion material A: The face side of the mask body when worn B: The main surface of the mask body that faces the face s1: Upper end of the contact part s2: Bottom end of the contact part n1: Top of nose clip n2: Bottom end of nose clip

Claims

1. The mask comprises a mask body, a fitting member provided on a face-side main surface of the mask body when the mask is worn, a nose clip provided on a main surface of the mask body opposite to the face-side main surface, and a mask fixing member provided on the mask body, In a cross section formed by cutting the mask in the thickness direction through the upper end of the mask body and parallel to the vertical direction of the wearer of the mask body when wearing the mask (a direction parallel to the direction of gravity of the wearer), a mask, wherein an upper end of the close-fitting member is located above an upper end of the nose clip in a vertical direction of the wearer, a lower end of the nose clip is located on the lower side of the wearer than a lower end of the close-fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer; mask.

2. an upper end of the nose clip is located at the same position as a lower end of the close-fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer, or an upper end of the nose clip is located further downward than a lower end of the close-fitting member in the vertical direction of the wearer. The mask of claim 1 .

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