Masks and their manufacturing methods

Abstract

To provide a mask formed by joining two overlapped members by fusion, compatibly achieving suppression of protrusion of a material melted at a joining part from a seam of the overlapped members, and securement of joint strength of the joining part.SOLUTION: A mask 1 comprised of a plurality of members, the mask 1 is so configured that joining of at least a first member 10a1 and a second member 10a2 out of the plurality of members is formed at a fusion part 10b. The first member 10a1 includes a nonwoven fabric. The fusion part 10b includes a thin high-compression part 11 and a thick low-compression part 12 that are adjacent to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] A mask is known which is composed of a plurality of members such as a mask body and ear loops, and in which a member containing a non-woven fabric among the plurality of members is joined to another member by fusion bonding. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an integrated mask formed by punching out a stretchable sheet material, and having a non-stretchable vertical core continuous in the vertical direction at the center of a protective surface covering the wearer's mouth. In this mask, as an example, a non-woven fabric sheet containing plastic fibers is used for the sheet material, and the vertical core is formed by heating and compressing the center of the protective surface to a temperature above the melting point of the plastic fibers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a mask, when a member containing a non-woven fabric and another member (such as a member containing a non-woven fabric or a film member) that are overlapped are joined by fusion bonding while supplying energy and squeezing (examples: ultrasonic welding, thermal welding), it has been found that due to variations in the basis weight of the non-woven fabric in the plane direction, the melted material at the joining portion may protrude from the seam of the overlapped members at the end of the joining portion. The melted and protruding material may solidify in a lump and become like a protrusion. If such a protruding material exists on the mask, the wearer's skin may come into contact with the protruding material, and the wearer may feel discomfort.

[0005] However, it was found that if the degree of compression during fusion is reduced, variations in the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric in the planar direction can cause variations in the bonding at the joints, potentially resulting in areas with low bonding strength. If such areas with low bonding strength occur in the mask, there is a risk that parts of the joints may peel off when the mask is used.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a mask and a method for manufacturing the same that can simultaneously suppress the molten material from overflowing from the edges of the overlapping members at the joint of the joined parts, and ensure the joint strength at the joined parts, in a mask in which a member containing overlapping nonwoven fabrics and other members (such as a member containing nonwoven fabrics or a film member) are joined by fusion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a mask composed of a plurality of members, wherein at least a first member and a second member among the plurality of members are joined at a fusion joint, the first member comprising a nonwoven fabric, and the fusion joint comprising adjacent, thin, high-pressure compressed sections and thick, low-pressure compressed sections.

[0008] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mask, wherein the mask is composed of a plurality of members, and the joint between at least a first member and a second member among the plurality of members is formed by a fusion joint, wherein the first member includes a nonwoven fabric, and the method for manufacturing a mask comprises a forming step of forming a joint between a first sheet for the first member and a second sheet for the second member by a fusion joint, wherein the forming step includes a step of forming a fusion joint that includes a thin high-pressure compressed section and a thick low-pressure compressed section, which are adjacent to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in a mask in which a member containing overlapping nonwoven fabrics is joined to another member (such as a member containing nonwoven fabrics or a film member) by fusion bonding, it is possible to provide a mask and a method for manufacturing the same that can simultaneously suppress the molten material at the joining point from overflowing from the edges of the joining point, which are the seams of the overlapping members, and ensure the bonding strength of the joining point. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of the mask configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing an example of the mask configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of the fusion section of the mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of a mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the formation process for the manufacturing method of the mask according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates yet another configuration example of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing an example of the mask configuration according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a rear view showing an example of the mask configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13]It is a diagram for explaining the state of wearing a mask according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a front view showing a configuration example of a mask according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the state of wearing a mask according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a rear view showing a configuration example of a mask according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the state of wearing a mask according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a front view showing a configuration example of a mask according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the state of wearing a mask according to the sixth embodiment. [Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention]

[0011] This embodiment relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] A mask composed of a plurality of members, wherein the joining of at least a first member and a second member among the plurality of members is formed by a fusion part, the first member includes a non-woven fabric, and the fusion part includes a high-pressure squeezing part with a thin thickness and a low-pressure squeezing part with a thick thickness that are adjacent to each other.

[0012] In this mask, the joining of the first member (including a non-woven fabric) and the second member (for example, a member including a non-woven fabric, a film member, etc.) is formed by fusion such as ultrasonic welding or thermal welding. The fusion part includes a high-pressure squeezing part with a thin thickness and a low-pressure squeezing part with a thick thickness that are adjacent to each other. In this mask, the high-pressure section is compressed relatively strongly during formation, receiving a relatively large amount of energy and melting thoroughly. As a result, its density is high and its thickness is thin. On the other hand, the low-pressure section is compressed relatively weakly during formation, receiving a relatively small amount of energy and suppressing melting. As a result, its density is low and its thickness is not significantly reduced. However, because the high-pressure section melts thoroughly, the molten material can easily move around the high-pressure section and may spill out around the fusion area. However, in this mask, the low-pressure section is located adjacent to the high-pressure section. Therefore, because melting is suppressed and the density is kept low in the low-pressure section, the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section can be received inside the low-pressure section. This reduces the amount of molten material that could spill out around the fusion area, thus preventing the molten material from spilling out around the fusion area. In this process, the low-pressure section receives the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section, resulting in a relatively high density similar to that of the high-pressure section, and a greater thickness than the high-pressure section. Thus, having a low-pressure section with a relatively high density and thickness increases the bonding strength of the low-pressure section, and consequently, the bonding strength of the entire fused section, including both the low-pressure and high-pressure sections. Thus, this mask can provide a mask that simultaneously prevents the molten material from overflowing from the edges of the fused joints (joints) and ensures the joint strength of the fused joints (joints). Furthermore, it can prevent the overflowing material from coming into contact with the wearer's skin and causing discomfort.

[0013] [Aspect 2] The mask according to embodiment 1, wherein in the fusion portion, at least a portion of the low-compression portion is located closer to the end of the fusion portion than the high-compression portion. In this mask, at least a portion of the low-pressure section is located closer to the edge of the fusion section than the high-pressure section. Therefore, during the formation of the fusion section, the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section can be received by the low-pressure section located near the edge of the fusion section before it spills out around the fusion section. This further suppresses the spillage of molten material around the fusion section and ensures greater joint strength in the low-pressure section.

[0014] [Aspect 3] The mask according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing section and the low-pressure pressing section are adjacent, the width of the high-pressure pressing section is narrower than the width of the low-pressure pressing section. In this mask, the width of the high-pressure section is narrower than the width of the low-pressure section, which suppresses the amount of molten material that moves from the high-pressure section during the formation of the fused joint. As a result, the molten material that moves from the high-pressure section can be more reliably received into the low-pressure section before it spills out around the fused joint, and a wider area contributing to the joining of the low-pressure section can be secured. This further suppresses the spillage of molten material around the fused joint and ensures greater joint strength in the low-pressure section.

[0015] [Aspect 4] The mask according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing section and the low-pressure pressing section are adjacent, the width of the high-pressure pressing section is wider than the width of the low-pressure pressing section. In this mask, the width of the high-pressure section is wider than the width of the low-pressure section, which allows for the maintenance of high bonding strength by the high-pressure section during the formation of the fused joint. As a result, the molten material from the high-pressure section is received by the low-pressure section, preventing it from overflowing around the fused joint, and maintaining high bonding strength for the entire fused joint, including the low-pressure section.

[0016] [Aspect 5] The mask according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the high-pressure pressing section and the low-pressure pressing section are adjacent to each other. In this mask, the high-pressure and low-pressure sections are adjacent to each other. Therefore, during the formation of the fused area, the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section can be immediately received into the low-pressure section, and the joint strength of the low-pressure section can be further increased. As a result, the overflow of molten material around the fused area can be more reliably suppressed, and the joint strength of the low-pressure section can be further ensured.

[0017] [Aspect 6] The mask according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the fused portion further includes an intermediate compression portion adjacent to the low compression portion on the side opposite to the high compression portion with the low compression portion in between, and having a thickness between the high compression portion and the low compression portion. In this mask, an intermediate compression section is positioned between the high-pressure and low-pressure sections in the fusion zone. During the formation of the fusion zone, the intermediate compression section is held in place by a relatively moderate force from above and below, allowing melting to proceed more rapidly than in the low-pressure section, and the density increase is also more rapid in the intermediate compression section. Therefore, when the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section is received by the low-pressure section and then tries to spill out of the low-pressure section, the intermediate compression section acts as a barrier, preventing further movement of the molten material. As a result, the intermediate compression section, together with the low-pressure section, can further suppress the spillage of molten material around the fusion zone, and can also increase the combined joint strength of the low-pressure and intermediate compression sections. Consequently, the resulting mask can prevent the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to contact between the spilled material and the wearer's skin, and can also prevent the fusion zone from peeling off.

[0018] [Aspect 7] The mask according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fusion portion has a non-compressed portion arranged between the high-pressure portion and the low-pressure portion. In this mask, a non-compressed section is positioned between the high-pressure and low-pressure sections in the fused area. Therefore, the non-compressed section is not substantially pressed from above or below, is not melted, and does not experience an increase in density during the formation of the fused area. As a result, the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section can be received into the non-compressed section. This allows the non-compressed section, together with the low-pressure section, to further suppress the outflow of molten material around the fused area and to increase the combined joint strength of the low-pressure and non-compressed sections. Consequently, the resulting mask can prevent the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to outflowing material coming into contact with their skin and can prevent the fused joint from peeling off.

[0019] [Aspect 8] The mask according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the mask comprises a mask body, the mask body includes a first body member and a second body member that divide the mask body as a plurality of members, one of the first body member and the second body member is the first member and the other is the second member, and the joint between the first body member and the second body member is formed by the fusion portion. In this mask, one of the first and second main body members that partition the mask body is the first member, and the other is the second member. The joint between the first and second main body members is formed by the aforementioned fusion joint, which includes adjacent high-pressure and low-pressure sections. Therefore, at the joint (fusion joint) between the first and second main body members, it is possible to suppress the material molten at the fusion joint from overflowing from the joint. At the same time, it is possible to ensure joint strength at the joint (fusion joint) between the first and second main body members.

[0020] [Aspect 9] The mask according to embodiment 8, wherein the first main body member and the second main body member constitute a cup portion, and in the fusion portion where the first main body member and the second main body member are joined, the low-pressure portion is located on the skin side of the wearer more than the high-pressure portion when the mask is worn by the wearer. In this mask, the first and second main body members constitute the cup portion, and the joint between the first and second main body members is formed by a fusion joint; therefore, this mask is a three-dimensional mask. The low-compression section is located closer to the wearer's skin than the high-compression section when the mask is worn by the wearer. As a result, the molten material is prevented from overflowing onto the skin side of the fusion joint, and the joint strength of the low-compression section is increased. Consequently, the resulting mask can prevent the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to overflowing material coming into contact with their skin, and it can also prevent the fusion joint from coming apart.

[0021] [Aspect 10] The mask according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, comprising a mask body and a pair of ear loops joined to both lateral sides of the mask body, wherein one of the mask body and the pair of ear loops is the first member and the other is the second member, and the joining of the mask body and the pair of ear loops is formed by the fusion portion. In this mask, one of the mask body and the pair of ear loops is a first component, and the other is a second component. The joint between the mask body and the pair of ear loops is formed by the aforementioned fusion joint, which includes adjacent high-pressure and low-pressure sections. Therefore, at the joint (fusion joint) between the mask body and the pair of ear loops, it is possible to suppress the molten material from overflowing from the joint. At the same time, it is possible to ensure joint strength at the joint (fusion joint) between the mask body and the pair of ear loops.

[0022] [Aspect 11] The mask according to embodiment 10, wherein, in the fusion portion where the mask body and the pair of ear loops are joined, the low-compression portion is located on the skin side of the wearer more than the high-compression portion when the mask is worn by the wearer. In this mask, the joint between the mask body and the pair of ear loops is formed by a fusion joint, and the low-pressure section is located closer to the wearer's skin than the high-pressure section when the mask is worn. As a result, the molten material is prevented from overflowing onto the skin side of the fusion joint, and the joint strength of the low-pressure section is increased. Consequently, the resulting mask can prevent the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to contact between the overflowing material and their skin, and it can also prevent the fusion joint from coming apart.

[0023] [Aspect 12] A method for manufacturing a mask comprising a plurality of members, wherein at least a first member and a second member among the plurality of members are joined at a fusion joint, the first member including a nonwoven fabric, the method comprising a forming step of forming a fusion joint between a first sheet for the first member and a second sheet for the second member, the forming step of forming the fusion joint which includes adjacent, thin high-pressure compressed sections and thick low-pressure compressed sections. In the manufacturing method of this mask, the first sheet (including nonwoven fabric) and the second sheet are joined together in the forming process by a fusion joint such as ultrasonic welding or heat welding. The forming process includes the step of forming a fusion joint that includes a thin, high-pressure compressed section and a thick, low-pressure compressed section adjacent to each other. In this mask, the high-pressure section is compressed relatively strongly during formation, receiving a relatively large amount of energy and melting sufficiently, thus increasing its density and reducing its thickness. On the other hand, the low-pressure section is compressed relatively weakly during formation, receiving a relatively small amount of energy and suppressing melting, thus keeping its density low and preventing it from becoming too thin. However, because the high-pressure section melts sufficiently, the molten material can easily move around the high-pressure section and may spill out around the fusion area. In this mask, however, the low-pressure section is located adjacent to the high-pressure section. Therefore, because the low-pressure section is compressed and has a low density during formation, it can receive the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section into its interior. This reduces the amount of molten material that could spill out around the fusion area, thus preventing the molten material from spilling out around the fusion area. In this process, the low-pressure section receives the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section, resulting in a relatively high density similar to that of the high-pressure section, and a greater thickness than the high-pressure section. By forming a low-pressure section with a relatively high density and thickness in this way, the joint strength of the low-pressure section, and consequently the joint strength of the entire fused section combining the low-pressure and high-pressure sections, can be increased. Thus, this mask manufacturing method makes it possible to produce a mask that can both suppress the molten material at the fused joint (joint) from overflowing from the edges of the fused joint (joint) and ensure the joint strength of the fused joint (joint).

[0024] The mask and its manufacturing method according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] (First Embodiment) The mask 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figures 1 and 2 show examples of the configuration of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. However, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the mask 1 when worn. Figure 2 is a side view showing the mask 1 folded in half.

[0026] Mask 1 is composed of multiple members, and at least one of these members, a first member and a second member, are joined at a fusion joint. The first member contains a nonwoven fabric. The second member may or may not contain a nonwoven fabric. The fusion joint includes a thin, high-pressure compressed section and a thick, low-pressure compressed section that are adjacent to each other. The fusion joint is formed by a method that compresses and melts the joint while supplying energy to the joint, such as ultrasonic melting or thermal welding. The nonwoven fabric of the first member contains heat-fusible fibers. The second member may be formed from the aforementioned nonwoven fabric containing heat-fusible fibers or a film containing heat-fusible resin.

[0027] In this embodiment, the mask 1 has a vertical direction L, a horizontal direction W, and a thickness direction T, and comprises a mask body 10 and a pair of ear loops 20 as multiple components constituting the mask 1. The mask body 10 is a component that covers the wearer's mouth and nose. The pair of ear loops 20 are components that are worn over a pair of the wearer's ears, and are fused (joined) to both ends of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction W with fusion parts 30, and are formed to extend outward from both ends of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction W. The mask body 10 is formed from a sheet-like component including one or more layers of nonwoven fabric. The pair of ear loops 20 are formed from string-like or strip-like components (which may also be nonwoven fabric).

[0028] Here, the vertical direction L is the direction of the straight line formed by the fold when the mask body 10 is folded in half. However, in the case where the fold forms a curve, as in this embodiment (Figure 2), the vertical direction L is the direction of the straight line CL that connects the apex Ca, which will be the highest point on the face when worn, and the apex Cb, which will be the lowest point on the face. The horizontal direction W is perpendicular to the vertical direction L and follows the outer surface of the folded mask body 10. The thickness direction T is perpendicular to the vertical direction L and the horizontal direction W, and therefore is the direction of the thickness of the sheet that makes up the mask body 10. Note that the shape of the mask body 10 is not limited to the examples shown in these figures as long as it can cover the nose and mouth, for example, it can be a roughly elliptical shape, a roughly inverted triangular shape, a roughly polygonal shape, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The mask body 10 includes a first body member 10a1 and a second body member 10a2, which are multiple components constituting the mask 1 and demarcate the mask body 10. In this embodiment, the first body member 10a1 is a component that covers the right half (left half from the wearer's perspective) of the wearer's face, and the second body member 10a2 is a component that covers the left half (right half from the wearer's perspective) of the wearer's face. The first body member 10a1 and the second body member 10a2 are integrated by fusing (joining) their opposing ends along the edges at a fusion portion 10b, which is a fusion portion constituting the mask 1. At that time, because the edges of their ends have a substantially curved shape that is convex to each other, the integrated first body member 10a1 and the second body member 10a2 form a three-dimensional shape (cup portion) that is concave against the wearer's face. The following describes the case where either the first main body member 10a1 or the second main body member 10a2 is the first member among the multiple members constituting the mask 1, and the other is the second member.

[0030] In this embodiment, the mask body 10 (first body member 10a1 and second body member 10a2) is formed by laminating multiple layers of sheet-like material and fusing them together with multiple fusion portions 16 that frame the outer edge. The ends of the ear loops 20 are fused (joined) to the ends of the first body member 10a1 and the second body member 10a2 opposite to the fusion portion 10b in the lateral direction W, with fusion portions 30 acting as fusion portions. Note that each of the first body member 10a1 and the second body member 10a2 may be the first member of the multiple members constituting the mask 1, and each of the pair of ear loops 20 may be the second member. That case will be described later.

[0031] Although the mask body 10 is divided into two regions, the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2, the mask body 10 may have yet another region (division), or at least one of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 may be further divided into multiple regions.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of the fusion section 10b of the mask 1 according to the embodiment. However, Figure 3(a) shows a partial cross-section along the line IIIa-IIIa in Figure 2, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram corresponding to Figure 3(a) of the fusion section 210b of a conventional mask. However, the scale of the thickness of the fusion section and the height of the protrusions of the fusion device are not the same, and for clarity, the thickness of the fusion section is schematically exaggerated to be thicker. Therefore, for example, the scale of the thickness of the high-pressure pressing section 11 and low-pressure pressing section 12 of the fusion section 10b and the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and low-pressure pressing section 52 of the protrusions 50 of the fusion device are not the same, and the thickness of the high-pressure pressing section 11 and low-pressure pressing section 12 of the fusion section 10b is schematically exaggerated to be thicker. The same applies to Figures 6 to 10 below.

[0033] As shown in the left-hand diagram of Figure 3(a), the fusion joint 10b that joins the first main body member 10a1 (of the first main body member corresponding region 110a1 (described later)) and the second main body member 10a2 (of the second main body member corresponding region 110a2 (described later)) comprises a thin high-pressure section 11 and a thick low-pressure section 12. The fusion joint 10b is formed by a method (ultrasonic welding or thermal welding) in which energy is supplied to the joining area while the joining area is compressed and melted. At that time, the area where the degree of compression is strong becomes the high-pressure section 11, and the area where it is weak becomes the low-pressure section 12.

[0034] Specifically, first, the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 are clamped between the flat surface 61 of the base 60 against which the members are pressed in the device that forms the fused portion 10b (examples: ultrasonic welding device, heat welding device) and the top surface 50t of the convex portion 50 that supplies energy. Then, by reducing the distance between the flat surface 61 and the top surface 50t, the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 are compressed by the flat surface 61 and the top surface 50t, while energy is applied to the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 from the top surface 50t. For example, if the top surface 50t is an ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic waves are applied, and if it is a heating element, heat is applied. At this time, the top surface 50t of the convex portion 50 has a high-pressure squeezing portion 51 and a low-pressure squeezing portion 52 which is relatively lower in height than the high-pressure squeezing portion 51. Therefore, the high-pressure squeezing section 51 presses the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 relatively strongly against the flat surface 61, while the low-pressure squeezing section 52 presses them relatively weakly.

[0035] As a result, the portion of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 that is compressed by the high-pressure compression section 51 is compressed relatively strongly (high-pressure compression), so a relatively large amount of energy is supplied and it is sufficiently melted. Therefore, its density is high and its thickness is thin. This portion becomes the high-pressure compression section 11. At that time, as the high-pressure compression section 11 is sufficiently melted, the molten material spills out around the high-pressure compression section. On the other hand, the portion of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 that is compressed by the low-pressure compression section 52 is compressed relatively weakly (low-pressure compression), so the degree of energy transfer is relatively reduced, a relatively small amount of energy is supplied and melting is suppressed. Therefore, its density is low (gaps remain between the fibers of the nonwoven fabric) and its thickness is not thinned very much. This portion becomes the low-pressure compression section 12. Furthermore, because the low-pressure section 12 has a low density, if molten material moves (overflows) from the high-pressure section 11 to its surroundings, it can receive that molten material internally (between the fibers, etc.), thereby ultimately increasing its density. Note that the tip of the high-pressure section 11 and the components beyond it (not shown) are cut and removed at the cutting line 15 in the final product.

[0036] Subsequently, when the mask 1 is fitted to the wearer, the low-pressure section 12 is positioned closer to the wearer's skin than the high-pressure section 11, thereby suppressing the molten material from overflowing from at least the low-pressure section 12 side of the fused section 10b. As a result, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 3(a), when the mask 1 is fitted, if the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 are opened with the fused section 10b as the base point (baseline), it becomes less likely that material overflowing from the fused section 10b will be present in the boundary region Q between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2.

[0037] In this process, the low-pressure section 12 receives the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section 11, resulting in a relatively high density similar to that of the high-pressure section 11, and also being thicker than the high-pressure section 11. Thus, having a low-pressure section 12 with relatively high density and thickness increases the bonding strength of the low-pressure section 12, and consequently, the bonding strength of the entire fused section 10b, which combines the low-pressure section 12 and the high-pressure section 11.

[0038] Thus, the high-pressure compression section 11 is a thin-walled section with a thin thickness, while the low-pressure compression section is a thick-walled section with a thick thickness. This mask can provide a mask that can both suppress the molten material at the fusion section (joint) from overflowing from the joint of the overlapping members at the edge of the fusion section (joint), and ensure the joint strength of the fusion section (joint). Furthermore, it can prevent the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to the overflowing material coming into contact with their skin.

[0039] On the other hand, in conventional masks, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 3(b), the fusion section 210b that joins the first main body member 210a1 and the second main body member 210a2 is equipped with a thin high-pressure section 211, but not with a thick low-pressure section (the tip of the high-pressure section 211 and the member beyond it (not shown) are cut and removed at the position of the cutting line 215). As a result, the high-pressure section 211 is sufficiently melted, and the molten material easily moves around the high-pressure section 211 and spills out around the fusion section 210b. Consequently, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 3(b), when wearing the conventional mask, if the first main body member 210a1 and the second main body member 210a2 are opened with the fused portion 210b as the base point (baseline), a phenomenon may occur where the material P that has protruded from the fused portion 210b protrudes in the boundary region Q between the first main body member 210a1 and the second main body member 210a2. In that case, the wearer's skin may come into contact with the protruding material P, and the wearer may feel discomfort.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the mask 1, the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 constitute a cup portion, and the joint between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 is formed by a fusion portion 10b, and therefore the mask 1 is a three-dimensional mask. The low-compression portion 12 is positioned closer to the wearer's skin than the high-compression portion 11 when the mask 1 is worn by the wearer. As a result, the molten material is prevented from overflowing onto the skin side of the fusion portion 10b, and the bonding strength of the low-compression portion 12 is increased. As a result, the resulting mask 1 can prevent the wearer from feeling discomfort due to the overflowing material coming into contact with their skin, and it can also prevent the joint of the fusion portion 10b from peeling off.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of the mask 1, the high-pressure section 11 and the low-pressure section 12 are adjacent to each other. Therefore, when forming the fused section 10b, the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section 11 can be immediately received into the low-pressure section 12. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the molten material from spilling out around the fused section. In addition, the bonding strength of the low-pressure section 12 can be increased, and the bonding strength of the low-pressure section 12 can be more securely ensured.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(a), the low-pressure section 12 is positioned on one side of the high-pressure section 11. However, the arrangement of the low-pressure section 12 is not limited to this example; for example, the low-pressure section 12 may also be positioned on the other side of the high-pressure section 11, and therefore on both sides of the high-pressure section 11. In that case, the material that melts from both sides of the high-pressure section 11 can be received by the low-pressure sections 12 on both sides, making it less likely for it to spill out to the outside. Furthermore, the low-pressure sections 12 may be positioned to surround the high-pressure section 11. In that case, the material that melts from around the high-pressure section 11 can be received by the surrounding low-pressure sections 12, making it less likely for it to spill out to the outside.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(a), the tip of the high-pressure pressing section 11 and the member beyond it are cut and removed at the position of the cutting line 15 in the final product, so material overflow from the member beyond is not a problem. However, the cutting position is not limited to this example, and the member beyond the tip of the high-pressure pressing section 11 may also be cut. In this case, there is a possibility that melted material may overflow into the unfused portion beyond the fused portion 10b (high-pressure pressing section 11), but since that portion does not face the skin side, it does not have a significant impact.

[0044] Next, a method for manufacturing the mask 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the method for manufacturing the mask according to this embodiment.

[0045] The manufacturing method for the mask 1 includes a forming step of forming a joint between a first sheet for a first member (example: either the first main body member 10a1 or the second main body member 10a2) and a second sheet for a second member (example: the other of the first main body member 10a1 or the second main body member 10a2) at a fusion joint (example: fusion joint 10b). The forming step includes forming adjacent, thin high-pressure compressed sections (example: high-pressure compressed section 11) and thick low-pressure compressed sections (example: low-pressure compressed section 12).

[0046] The manufacturing method of this embodiment includes the forming step S5 described above, which includes the step of forming the high-pressure pressing section 11 and the low-pressure pressing section 12, and further includes the steps of preparation step S1, edge fusion step S2, ear-hook joining step S3, folding step S4, and cutting step S6.

[0047] Preparation step S1 is a step of preparing a first sheet for the first member and a second sheet for the second member. In this embodiment, the first sheet and the second sheet are the portions on one side (example: left side) and the other side (example: right side) of the same sheet (one sheet) 150 in the transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction (conveying direction). The sheet 150 has a center line CCB that passes through the center in the transverse direction and is aligned with the machine direction. The sheet 150 may be a sheet with multiple layers (example: three layers) or a single sheet. In this embodiment, it is a three-layer sheet. There are no particular restrictions on the three layers, but examples include a spunbond (SB) layer (large fiber diameter, low density) for the inner sheet, a meltblown (MB) layer (small fiber diameter, high density) for the filter layer, and a spunbond (SB) layer (large fiber diameter, low density) for the outer sheet.

[0048] Next, in the edging fusion process S2, multiple layers of sheets 150 are joined together at fusion portions 16 so as to outline the shape of the mask 1. The fusion portions 16 are formed, for example, by ultrasonic welding. The fusion portions 16 divide (form) the sheet 150 into a first main body member corresponding region 110a1 including the first main body member 10a1 and a second main body member corresponding region 110a2 including the second main body member 10a2, which are arranged symmetrically in the transverse direction on both sides of the center line CCB.

[0049] Next, in the ear hook joining process S3, a pair of ear hooks 20 are joined to the first main body member corresponding region 110a1 and the second main body member corresponding region 110a2 by a fusion joint 30. The fusion joint 30 is formed by methods such as ultrasonic welding or heat welding, but ultrasonic welding is more preferable because it allows for welding only the intended portion. Therefore, in this embodiment, ultrasonic welding is used.

[0050] Next, in the folding process S4, a cut is made in the sheet 150 along the transverse direction, from one edge in the transverse direction to the center line CCB. Then, the sheet 150 with the cut is folded along the fold line that coincides with the center line CCB, so that one side in the transverse direction (example: left side) overlaps with the other side (example: right side) (folded in half). At that time, the fused portion 30 is folded outwards. The folded sheet 150 is made sheet 151.

[0051] Next, the forming step S5 joins the first sheet (the region corresponding to the first main body member 110a1) and the second sheet (the region corresponding to the second main body member 110a2) of the sheet 151 to each other at a fusion portion 10b. The fusion portion 10b is formed by methods such as ultrasonic welding or heat welding, but ultrasonic welding is more preferable because it allows for welding only the intended portion. Therefore, in this embodiment, ultrasonic welding is used here as well. The forming step S5 includes the step of forming a fusion portion 10b that includes a thin high-pressure compressed portion 11 and a thick low-pressure compressed portion 12 that are adjacent to each other. The fusion portion 10b and the fusion portion 16 divide (form) the first main body member 10a1 within the region corresponding to the first main body member 110a1, and the second main body member 10a2 within the region corresponding to the second main body member 110a2.

[0052] Next, in cutting step S6, the portion 150b other than the portion that will become the mask 1 is cut out from the sheet 151 (a laminate of the first and second sheets). In other words, the mask 1 is cut out from the sheet 151. This is how the mask 1 is manufactured.

[0053] Here, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the forming process S5. First, as shown in Figure 5(a), a sheet 150 in which the first main body member corresponding region 110a1 and the second main body member corresponding region 110a2 have been folded and laminated in the preceding folding process S4 is supplied to the forming process S5.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 5(b), the laminate of the first main body member corresponding region 110a1 and the second main body member corresponding region 110a2 is sandwiched between the flat surface 61 of the base 60 and the top surface 50t of the convex portion 50 in a fusion device (example: ultrasonic welding device, heat welding device) that forms the fused portion. At this time, the laminate of the first main body member corresponding region 110a1 and the second main body member corresponding region 110a2 is pressed relatively strongly by the relatively high-pressure squeezing portion 51 on the top surface 50t of the convex portion 50, and relatively weakly by the relatively low-pressure squeezing portion 52 on the relatively low-pressure squeezing portion. The distance between the surface of the high-pressure squeezing portion 51 facing the flat surface 61 of the base 60 and the flat surface 61 of the base 60 is relatively short, and the distance between the surface of the low-pressure squeezing portion 52 facing the flat surface 61 of the base 60 and the flat surface 61 of the base 60 is relatively long.

[0055] As a result, as shown in Figure 5(c), the portion of the laminate of the first main body member region 110a1 and the second main body member region 110a2 that is compressed by the high-pressure compression portion 51 is compressed relatively strongly (high-pressure compression), so a relatively large amount of energy is supplied and it is sufficiently melted. Therefore, its density is high and its thickness is thin. This portion becomes the high-pressure compression portion 11. On the other hand, the portion of the laminate of the first main body member region 110a1 and the second main body member region 110a2 that is compressed by the low-pressure compression portion 52 is compressed relatively weakly (low-pressure compression), so the degree of energy transfer is relatively reduced, a relatively small amount of energy is supplied and melting is suppressed. Therefore, its density is low and its thickness is not very thin. This portion becomes the low-pressure compression portion 12. Furthermore, because the low-pressure section 12 has a low density, when the high-pressure section 11 is sufficiently melted and the molten material moves around the high-pressure section 11, the low-pressure section 12 accepts the molten material into its interior, ultimately increasing its density.

[0056] Subsequently, the portion 151b other than the portion that will become the mask 1 is cut from the laminate of the first main body member corresponding region 110a1 and the second main body member corresponding region 110a2 at the position of the cutting line 15 that outlines the shape of the mask (slightly before the tip of the high-pressure compression section 11 in the fusion section 10b), and the mask 1 is formed. In other words, the mask 1 can be manufactured by the above method.

[0057] In the manufacturing method of the mask 1 described above, in the forming step S5, a joint is formed between the first sheet (including nonwoven fabric; one side of the sheet 150 in the transverse direction) and the second member (the other side of the sheet 150 in the transverse direction) by fusion bonding using methods such as ultrasonic bonding or heat sealing. The forming step S5 includes a step of forming a fused portion 10b that includes a thin high-pressure compressed portion 11 and a thick low-pressure compressed portion 12 adjacent to each other. The high-pressure compressed portion is compressed relatively strongly during formation, so a relatively large amount of heat is supplied and it is sufficiently melted, resulting in a high density and a thin thickness. On the other hand, the low-pressure compressed portion 12 is compressed relatively weakly during formation, so a relatively small amount of heat is supplied and melting is suppressed, resulting in a low density and not a very thin thickness. In this case, the high-pressure pressing section 11 is sufficiently melted during formation, so the molten material can easily move around the high-pressure pressing section 11 and may spill out around the fusion section 10b. However, in this mask 1, a low-pressure pressing section 12 is located adjacent to the high-pressure pressing section 11. In the low-pressure pressing section 12, melting is suppressed during formation, and the density is kept low. Therefore, the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure pressing section 11 can be received inside the low-pressure pressing section 12. This reduces the amount of molten material that could spill out around the fusion section 10b, and prevents the molten material from spilling out around the fusion section 10b. On the other hand, the low-pressure section 12 receives the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section 11, resulting in a relatively high density similar to that of the high-pressure section 11, and a greater thickness than the high-pressure section 11. Thus, having a low-pressure section 12 with a relatively high density and thickness increases the bonding strength of the low-pressure section 12, and consequently the bonding strength of the entire fused section 10b, which combines the low-pressure section 12 and the high-pressure section 11. Thus, this mask provides a mask 1 that can simultaneously suppress the molten material at the fused portion 10b (joint area) from overflowing from the joint of the overlapping members at the edge of the fused portion 10b (joint area), and ensure the joint strength of the fused portion 10b (joint area). Furthermore, it can suppress the wearer from experiencing discomfort due to the overflowing material coming into contact with their skin.

[0058] In addition, in the method for manufacturing the mask 1 described above, in the ear loop joining step S3 in which a pair of ear loops 20 are joined to each of the first main body member corresponding area 110a1 and the second main body member corresponding area 110a2 by a fusion joint 30, fusion as in the forming step S5 may be performed.

[0059] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to this embodiment. The same applies to Figures 6 to 10 below.

[0060] In this configuration example, as in the configuration example in Figure 5, with respect to the fusion joint 10b that joins the first main body member 10a1 (in the first main body member corresponding region 110a1) and the second main body member 10a2 (in the second main body member corresponding region 110a2), the convex portion 50 of the fusion device has a high-pressure pressing portion 51 with a relatively high height and a low-pressure pressing portion 52 with a relatively low height on its top surface 50t.

[0061] Due to the difference e2 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the low-pressure pressing section 52, the laminate of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 is pressed relatively strongly by the high-pressure pressing section 51 and relatively weakly by the low-pressure pressing section 52. As a result, the thickness D11 of the formed high-pressure pressing section 11 becomes relatively thinner, and the thickness D12 of the low-pressure pressing section 12 becomes relatively thicker. Furthermore, the presence of the low-pressure pressing section 12 makes it less likely for material that has spilled out from the fused section 10b (high-pressure pressing section 11) to extend into the boundary region Q between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2. At the same time, the thickness D12 of the low-pressure pressing section 12 is thicker, and the joint strength of the fused section 10b is increased by absorbing the material that has melted out from the high-pressure pressing section 11.

[0062] However, in the figure, material protruding from the side of the high-pressure pressing section 11 opposite to the low-pressure pressing section 12 may extend outside the high-pressure pressing section 11 if the low-pressure pressing section 12 is not present. However, this protruding material is cut and removed at the position of the cutting line 15 in the cutting process S6, along with the tip of the high-pressure pressing section 11 and the member beyond it (not shown), so it does not pose a problem (the same applies hereafter in Figures 8 to 10).

[0063] The height h and width d0 of the protrusion 50 are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set based on the thickness and basis weight of the laminate of sheet members to be joined at the fused portion, the width of the fused portion to be formed, etc. In this embodiment, the height h of the protrusion can be, for example, 1 to 6 mm, and preferably 2 to 4 mm. The width d0 of the protrusion can be, for example, 1 to 6 mm, and preferably 2 to 4 mm.

[0064] The height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 is the same as the height h of the protrusion 50, and the height of the low-pressure pressing section 52 is lower than the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51, with a difference of e2 (>0). The size of e2 is not particularly limited as long as the thickness of the low-pressure pressing section 12 can be made thicker than the thickness of the high-pressure pressing section 11, and should be at least 0.05 mm. The ratio of the difference e2 to the height h of the high-pressure pressing section 51, e2 / h, can be, for example, 0.01 to 0.5, and preferably 0.02 to 0.3. In that case, the size of e2 can be, for example, 0.05 to 2 mm, and preferably 0.1 to 1 mm. If e2 / h or the size of e2 is too small, the thickness of the low-pressure pressing section 12 cannot be made sufficiently thick, making it difficult for the low-pressure pressing section 12 to accept the material melted from the high-pressure pressing section 11, and material overflow is likely to occur. If the size is too large, the thickness of the low-pressure section 12 becomes too thick, making it difficult for the density of the low-pressure section 12 to increase even when it accepts the material melted from the high-pressure section 11, and thus making it difficult for the bonding strength of the fused section 10b to increase.

[0065] The sum of the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing portion 51 and the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing portion 52 is the width d0 of the convex portion 50 (d0 = d1 + d2). In the present embodiment, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing portion 51 and the low-pressure pressing portion 52 are adjacent to each other, the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing portion 51 is larger than the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing portion 52. As the ratio d1 / d0 of the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing portion 51 to the width d0 of the convex portion, for example, it is larger than 0.5 and not more than 0.8, and preferably 0.6 to 0.7. At that time, as the size of d1, for example, it is larger than 0.5 mm and not more than 5 mm, and preferably 1 to 3 mm. If the ratio d1 / d0 or the size of d1 is too small, it is difficult for the joining strength by the high-pressure pressing portion 12 to increase, and the volume of the low-pressure pressing portion 12 becomes too large. Even if the material melted out from the high-pressure pressing portion 11 is received, it is difficult for the density of the low-pressure pressing portion 12 to increase, and it is difficult for the joining strength of the low-pressure pressing portion 12 to increase. If the size is too large, the volume of the low-pressure pressing portion 12 becomes too small, and it becomes difficult for the low-pressure pressing portion 12 to receive the material melted out from the high-pressure pressing portion 11, and material extrusion is likely to occur. (Note that the depth of the high-pressure pressing portion 51 and the low-pressure pressing portion 52 is substantially the same as the shape in plan view of the fusion-bonded portion 10b extending along the edges of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 in FIG. 2.)<(0000292)><(0000293)><(0000294)>Regarding the thickness D11 of the high-pressure pressing portion 11 and the thickness D12 of the low-pressure pressing portion 12, there is no particular limitation as long as the size relationship of D11 < D12 is satisfied and the material melted out from the high-pressure pressing portion 11 can be received by the low-pressure pressing portion 12. As D11, for example, 0.01 to 0.5 mm can be mentioned, and preferably 0.02 to 0.3 mm. As D12, for example, 0.1 to 3 mm can be mentioned, and preferably 0.2 to 2 mm. The width of the high-pressure pressing portion 11 is generally the width obtained by excluding the portion (about 0.5 to 1 mm) cut in the cutting step S6 from the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing portion 51. The width of the low-pressure pressing portion 12 is substantially the same as the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing portion 52. (Note that the depth of the high-pressure pressing portion 51 and the low-pressure pressing portion 52 is substantially the same as the shape in plan view of the fusion-bonded portion 10b extending along the edges of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 in FIG. 2.)<(0000295)><(0000296)><(0000297)>In this embodiment, as described above, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing portion 51 and the low-pressure pressing portion 52 are adjacent, the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing portion 51 is wider than the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing portion 52. Therefore, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing portion 11 and the low-pressure pressing portion 12 are adjacent, the width of the high-pressure pressing portion 11 is wider than the width of the low-pressure pressing portion 12. As a result, the joining strength by the high-pressure pressing portion 11 can be maintained at a high level when forming the fused portion 10b. This has the effect of receiving the molten material from the high-pressure pressing portion 11 into the low-pressure pressing portion 12 and suppressing it from overflowing around the fused portion 10b, as well as maintaining a high joining strength for the entire fused portion 10b, including the low-pressure pressing portion 12.

[0068] In another embodiment, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the low-pressure pressing section 52 are adjacent, the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51 may be narrower than the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52. Therefore, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing section 11 and the low-pressure pressing section 12 are adjacent, the width of the high-pressure pressing section 11 may be narrower than the width of the low-pressure pressing section 12. As a result, the amount of molten material that moves from the high-pressure pressing section 11 when forming the fused section 10b can be suppressed. This allows the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure pressing section 11 to be more reliably received into the low-pressure pressing section 12 before it spills out around the fused section 10b, and a wider area contributing to the joining of the low-pressure pressing section 12 can be secured. This further suppresses the spillage of molten material around the fused section 10b, and further ensures the joining strength of the low-pressure pressing section 12.

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration example of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to this embodiment. In this configuration example, with respect to the fusion portion 30 that joins each of the first main body member 10a1 (of the first main body member corresponding area 110a1) and the second main body member 10a2 (of the second main body member corresponding area 110a2) to each of the pair of ear hooks 20, the protrusion 50 of the fusion device has a high-pressure squeezing portion 51 with a relatively high height and a low-pressure squeezing portion 52 with a relatively low height on its top surface 50t.

[0070] Due to the difference e2 between the height of the high-pressure squeezing portion 51 and the height of the low-pressure squeezing portion 52, the laminate of each of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 and each of the pair of ear-hook portions 20 is pressed relatively strongly at the high-pressure squeezing portion 51 and relatively weakly at the low-pressure squeezing portion 52. As a result, the thickness D31 of the formed high-pressure squeezing portion 31 becomes relatively thinner, and the thickness D32 of the low-pressure squeezing portion 32 becomes relatively thicker. Furthermore, the presence of the low-pressure squeezing portion 32 makes it less likely for material that has overflowed from the fused portion 30 to extend into the boundary region Q between each of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 and each of the pair of ear-hook portions 20. At the same time, the thickness D32 of the low-pressure squeezing portion 32 is thicker, and the joint strength of the fused portion 30 can be increased by absorbing the material that has melted from the high-pressure squeezing portion 31.

[0071] The height h and width d0 of the protrusion 50, the difference in height e2 between the high-pressure squeezing section 51 and the low-pressure squeezing section 52 and its ratio e2 / h to the height h of the protrusion 50, and the width d1 of the high-pressure squeezing section 51 and its ratio d1 / d0 to the width d0 of the protrusion are basically the same as in the configuration example in Figure 6. Also, the thickness D31 of the high-pressure squeezing section 31 and the thickness D32 of the low-pressure squeezing section 32 are basically the same as the thickness D11 of the high-pressure squeezing section 11 and the thickness D12 of the low-pressure squeezing section 12 in the configuration example in Figure 6.

[0072] Thus, in mask 1, one of the mask body 10 and the pair of ear loops 20 is a first member, and the other is a second member, and the joint between the mask body 10 and the pair of ear loops 20 is formed by the aforementioned fusion joint 30, which includes adjacent high-pressure compression sections 31 and low-pressure compression sections 32. Therefore, at the joint (fusion joint 30) between the mask body 10 and the pair of ear loops 20, it is possible to suppress the material molten at the fusion joint 30 from overflowing from the joint. At the same time, it is possible to ensure joint strength at the joint (fusion joint) between the mask body 10 and the pair of ear loops 20.

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another configuration example of the fusion portion of the mask and the protrusion of the fusion device according to this embodiment. In this configuration example, with respect to the fusion portion 10b that joins the first main body member 10a1 (of the first main body member corresponding region 110a1) and the second main body member 10a2 (of the second main body member corresponding region 110a2), the protrusion 50 of the fusion device has a high-pressure pressing portion 51 with a relatively high height, a low-pressure pressing portion 52 with a relatively low height, and a medium-pressure pressing portion 53 with a relatively medium height on its top surface 50t. That is, the protrusion 50 of the fusion device further includes a medium-pressure pressing portion 53 on the side opposite to the high-pressure pressing portion 51, with the low-pressure pressing portion 52 in between, adjacent to the low-pressure pressing portion 52 (more preferably adjacent in this embodiment), and having a thickness between the high-pressure pressing portion 51 and the low-pressure pressing portion 52.

[0074] Due to the difference e2 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the low-pressure pressing section 52, and the difference e3 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the medium-pressure pressing section 53, the laminate of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 is pressed relatively strongly in the high-pressure pressing section 51, relatively weakly in the low-pressure pressing section 52, and relatively moderately in the medium-pressure pressing section 53. Here, since the medium-pressure pressing section 13 is pressed with a relatively moderate force, a relatively moderate amount of heat is supplied, resulting in a moderate melt, a moderate density, and a moderate thickness (where "moderate" means between the case of the high-pressure pressing section 11 and the case of the low-pressure pressing section 12). Consequently, the thickness D11 of the formed high-pressure pressing section 11 becomes relatively thin, the thickness D12 of the low-pressure pressing section 12 becomes relatively thick, and the thickness D13 of the medium-pressure pressing section 13 becomes relatively moderate. At this time, the intermediate compression section 13 acts as a dam, blocking and preventing the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section 11 from overflowing from the low-pressure section 12 after it has been received by the low-pressure section 12, thereby suppressing the movement of the molten material. As a result, the intermediate compression section 13, together with the low-pressure section 12, makes it less likely for the material that has overflowed from the fused section 10b to extend into the boundary region Q between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2. Furthermore, the thickness D12 of the low-pressure section 12 and the thickness D13 of the intermediate compression section 13 are thick, and by absorbing the material that has melted from the high-pressure section 11, the combined joint strength of the low-pressure section 12 and the intermediate compression section 13 can be further increased. The high-pressure pressing section 11 is a thin-walled section with a thin thickness, the low-pressure pressing section 12 is a thick-walled section with a thick thickness, and the medium-pressure pressing section 13 is a medium-walled section with a medium thickness.

[0075] In this embodiment, the intermediate pressing section 13 may be positioned further away from the high-pressure pressing section 11 than the low-pressure pressing section 12. Therefore, if the low-pressure pressing section 12 is positioned on both sides of the high-pressure pressing section 11, the intermediate pressing section 13 may similarly be positioned on both sides of the low-pressure pressing section 12 relative to the high-pressure pressing section 11. Furthermore, if the low-pressure pressing section 12 is positioned around the high-pressure pressing section 11, the intermediate pressing section 13 may similarly be positioned around the low-pressure pressing section 12 surrounding the high-pressure pressing section 11.

[0076] The height h and width d0 of the convex portion 50, the height difference e2 between the high-pressure squeezing portion 51 and the low-pressure squeezing portion 52, the ratio e2 / h of the height difference e2 to the height h of the convex portion 50, and the width d1 of the high-pressure squeezing portion 51 and the ratio d1 / d0 of the width d1 to the width d0 of the convex portion are basically the same as those in the configuration example of FIG. 6.

[0077] The height of the medium-pressure squeezing portion 53 is lower than the height of the high-pressure squeezing portion 51, and the difference is e3 (>0, <e2). The magnitude of e3 is not particularly limited as long as the thickness of the medium-pressure squeezing portion 13 can be made thinner than the thickness of the low-pressure squeezing portion 12 and thicker than the thickness of the high-pressure squeezing portion 11, and it may be at least 0.02 mm or more. Examples of the magnitude of the ratio e3 / h of the difference e3 to the height h of the high-pressure squeezing portion 51 include 0.005 to 0.25, and 0.01 to 0.15 is preferable. In that case, examples of the magnitude of e3 include 0.025 to 1 mm, and 0.05 to 0.5 mm is preferable. If e3 / h or the magnitude of e3 is too small, the thickness of the medium-pressure squeezing portion 13 cannot be made sufficiently thick, and it becomes the same as the high-pressure squeezing portion 11, and the material melts out from the medium-pressure squeezing portion 13 and is likely to protrude from the fusion portion 10b. If the magnitude is too large, the thickness of the medium-pressure squeezing portion 13 becomes too thick and becomes the same as the low-pressure squeezing portion 12, making it difficult to block the melted-out material received in the low-pressure squeezing portion 12.

[0078] The sum of the widths d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51, d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52, and d3 of the medium-pressure pressing section 53 is the width d0 of the protrusion 50 (d0 = d1 + d2 + d3). In this embodiment, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing section 51, the low-pressure pressing section 52, and the medium-pressure pressing section 53 are adjacent to each other, the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51 is greater than the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52, and the width d3 of the medium-pressure pressing section 53 is smaller than the widths d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52. The ratio d3 / d0 of the width d3 of the medium-pressure pressing section 53 to the width d0 of the protrusion is, for example, 0.04 to 0.4 or less, and preferably 0.08 to 0.2. In that case, the size of d3 is, for example, 0.1 to 1 mm or less, and preferably 0.2 to 0.5 mm. If the size of d3 / d0 or d3 is too small, it becomes difficult to block the melted material, and if the size is too large, the high-pressure pressing section 11 and / or the low-pressure pressing section 12 become relatively smaller, which can lead to a decrease in the bonding strength of the high-pressure pressing section 11 and / or difficulty in the low-pressure pressing section 12 receiving the material melted from the high-pressure pressing section 11. The width d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52 are basically the same as in the configuration example in Figure 6, but one of them may be made smaller by the width d3 of the medium-pressure pressing section 53.

[0079] Regarding the thickness D11 of the high-pressure squeezing part 11, the thickness D13 of the medium-pressure squeezing part 13, and the thickness D12 of the low-pressure squeezing part 12, as long as the size relationship of D11 < D13 < D12 is satisfied and the material melted out from the high-pressure squeezing part 11 can be received by the low-pressure squeezing part 12 and blocked by the medium-pressure squeezing part 13, there is no particular limitation. Examples of D11 include 0.01 to 0.5 mm, and preferably 0.02 to 0.3 mm. Examples of D12 include 0.1 to 3 mm, and preferably 0.2 to 2 mm. Examples of D13 include 0.05 to 2 mm, and preferably 0.1 to 1 mm. The width of the high-pressure squeezing part 11 is generally the width excluding the part (about 0.5 to 1 mm) cut in the cutting step S6 from the width d1 of the high-pressure squeezing part 51. The widths of the medium-pressure squeezing part 13 and the low-pressure squeezing part 12 are approximately the same as the width d3 of the medium-pressure squeezing part 53 and the width d2 of the low-pressure squeezing part 52, respectively. (Note that the depth of the high-pressure squeezing part 51, the medium-pressure squeezing part 13, and the low-pressure squeezing part 52 is substantially the same as the shape in plan view of the fusion part 10b extending along the edges of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 in FIG. 2.)

[0080] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining still another configuration example of the fusion part of the mask and the convex part of the fusion device according to the present embodiment. In this configuration example, regarding the fusion part 10b that joins the first main body member 10a1 (in the first main body member corresponding region 110a1) and the second main body member 10a2 (in the second main body member corresponding region 110a2), the convex part 50 of the fusion device includes a high-pressure squeezing part 51 with a relatively high height, a non-squeezing part 54 with a relatively very low height, and a low-pressure squeezing part 52 with a relatively low height on the top surface 50t. That is, the convex part 50 of the fusion device further includes a non-squeezing part 54 between the high-pressure squeezing part 51 and the low-pressure squeezing part 52.

[0081] Due to the difference e4 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the non-pressure pressing section 54, and the difference e2 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the low-pressure pressing section 52, the laminate of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 is relatively strongly pressed in the high-pressure pressing section 51, hardly pressed in the non-pressure pressing section 54, and relatively weakly pressed in the low-pressure pressing section 52. Here, since the non-pressure pressing section 54 is hardly pressed, almost no heat is supplied to it, almost no melting occurs, its density remains low and does not change much, and its thickness remains thick and does not change much (however, it is pulled by the pressure of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the low-pressure pressing section 52 on both sides, so its density increases slightly and its thickness decreases slightly). Therefore, the thickness D11 of the formed high-pressure compressed section 11 becomes relatively thin, the thickness D14 of the non-compressed section 14 becomes relatively very thick, and the thickness D12 of the low-compression section 12 becomes relatively thick. At this time, the non-compressed section 14 can receive the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure compressed section 11 into its interior. As a result, the non-compressed section 14, together with the low-compression section 12, can suppress the movement of the molten material, making it less likely for material that has overflowed from the fused section 10b to extend into the boundary region Q between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2. At the same time, the thickness D14 of the non-compressed section 14 and the thickness D12 of the low-compression section 12 are thick, and by absorbing the material that has melted from the high-pressure compressed section 11, the combined joint strength of the non-compressed section 14 and the low-compression section 12 can be further increased. The high-pressure pressing section 11 is a thin-walled section with a thin thickness, the low-pressure pressing section 12 is a thick-walled section with a thick thickness, and the non-pressure section 14 is a very thick-walled section with a thick thickness.

[0082] In this embodiment, the non-compression section 14 may be positioned between the high-pressure section 11 and the low-pressure section 12. Therefore, if the low-pressure section 12 is positioned on both sides of the high-pressure section 11, the non-compression section 14 may similarly be positioned on both sides of the high-pressure section 11, between the high-pressure section 11 and the low-pressure section 12. Furthermore, if the low-pressure section 12 is positioned around the high-pressure section 11, the non-compression section 14 may similarly be positioned around the high-pressure section 11, between the high-pressure section 11 and the low-pressure section 12.

[0083] The height h and width d0 of the protrusion 50, the difference in height e2 between the high-pressure squeezing section 51 and the low-pressure squeezing section 52 and its ratio e2 / h to the height h of the protrusion 50, and the width d1 of the high-pressure squeezing section 51 and its ratio d1 / d0 to the width d0 of the protrusion are basically the same as in the configuration example in Figure 6.

[0084] The height of the non-compression section 54 is lower than the heights of the high-pressure section 51 and the low-pressure section 52, with a difference of e4 (>0, >e2). The size of e4 is not particularly limited as long as the thickness of the non-compression section 14 can be made thicker than the thickness of the high-pressure section 11 and the low-pressure section 12; it should be at least greater than 0.05 mm. The ratio of the difference e4 to the height h of the high-pressure section 51, e4 / h, can be, for example, 0.015 to 0.8, with 0.025 to 0.5 being preferred. In that case, the size of e4 can be, for example, 0.07 to 3 mm, with 0.15 to 1.5 mm being preferred. If e4 / h or the size of e4 is too small, the thickness of the non-compression section 14 cannot be made sufficiently thick, becoming the same as the low-pressure section 12, and it becomes difficult to accept material that has melted out from the high-pressure section 11 into the low-pressure section 12 or higher. If the size is too large, the strength of the protrusion 50 tends to decrease.

[0085] The sum of the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51, the width d4 of the non-pressure pressing section 54, and the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52 is the width d0 of the protrusion 50 (d0 = d1 + d4 + d2). In this embodiment, in the direction in which the high-pressure pressing section 51, the non-pressure pressing section 54, and the low-pressure pressing section 52 are adjacent, the width d1 of the high-pressure pressing section 51 is greater than the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52 and the width d4 of the non-pressure pressing section 54. The width d4 of the non-pressure pressing section 54 may be greater than or less than the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52. The magnitude of the ratio (d4 + d2) / d0 of the sum of the width d4 of the non-pressure pressing section 54 and the width d2 of the low-pressure pressing section 52 to the width d0 of the protrusion is, for example, 0.2 to 0.5, and preferably 0.3 to 0.4. In that case, the size of (d4+d2) can be, for example, 0.25 to 2.5 mm or less, and preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The ratio of d4 to d2 can be, for example, 2:8 to 8:2, and preferably 3:7 to 7:3. If the size of (d4+d2) / d0 or (d4+d2) is too large, the bonding strength of the high-pressure section 12 will not increase easily, and the volume of the non-pressure section 14 and low-pressure section 12 will become too large, making it difficult for the density of the non-pressure section 14 and low-pressure section 12 to increase even if they accept the material that has melted out from the high-pressure section 11, and thus the bonding strength of the non-pressure section 14 and low-pressure section 12 will not increase easily. If the size is too small, the volume of the non-pressure section 14 and low-pressure section 12 will become too small, making it difficult for the non-pressure section 14 and low-pressure section 12 to accept the material that has melted out from the high-pressure section 11, and material overflow will easily occur. The width d1 of the high-pressure squeezing section 51 and the width d2 of the low-pressure squeezing section 52 are basically the same as in the configuration example in Figure 6, but either one may be made smaller by the width d4 of the non-squeezing section 54.

[0086] Regarding the thickness D11 of the high-pressure squeezing part 11, the thickness D14 of the non-squeezing part 14, and the thickness D12 of the low-pressure squeezing part 12, as long as the magnitude relationship of D11 < D12 < D14 is satisfied and the material melted out from the high-pressure squeezing part 11 can be received by the non-squeezing part 14 and the low-pressure squeezing part 12, there is no particular limitation. As D11, for example, 0.01 to 0.5 mm can be mentioned, and 0.02 to 0.3 mm is preferable. As D14, for example, 0.15 to 4 mm can be mentioned, and 0.25 to 3 mm is preferable. As D12, for example, 0.1 to 3 mm can be mentioned, and 0.2 to 2 mm is preferable. The width of the high-pressure squeezing part 11 is generally the width excluding the part (about 0.5 to 1 mm) cut in the cutting step S6 from the width d1 of the high-pressure squeezing part 51. The widths of the non-squeezing part 14 and the low-pressure squeezing part 12 are approximately the same as the width d4 of the non-squeezing part 54 and the width d2 of the low-pressure squeezing part 52, respectively. (Note that the depth of the high-pressure squeezing part 51, the non-squeezing part 14, and the low-pressure squeezing part 52 is substantially the same as the shape in plan view of the fusion part 10b extending along the edges of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 in FIG. 2.)

[0087] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining still another configuration example of the fusion part of the mask and the convex part of the fusion device according to the present embodiment. In this configuration example, regarding the fusion part 10b that joins the first main body member 10a1 (in the first main body member corresponding region 110a1) and the second main body member 10a2 (in the second main body member corresponding region 110a2), the convex part 50 of the fusion device has, on the top surface 50t, a high-pressure squeezing part 51 with a relatively high height, a non-squeezing part 54 with a relatively very low height, a low-pressure squeezing part 52 with a relatively low height, a non-squeezing part 54 with a relatively very low height, and a medium-pressure squeezing part 53 with a relatively medium height. That is, the convex part 50 of the fusion device is formed by sandwiching non-squeezing parts 54 between the high-pressure squeezing part 51 and the low-pressure squeezing part 52, and between the low-pressure squeezing part 52 and the medium-pressure squeezing part 53, respectively, in the configuration of FIG. 8.

[0088] Due to the difference e4 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the non-pressure pressing section 54, the difference e2 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the low-pressure pressing section 52, and the difference e3 between the height of the high-pressure pressing section 51 and the height of the medium-pressure pressing section 53, the laminate of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 is pressed relatively strongly in the high-pressure pressing section 51, hardly pressed in the non-pressure pressing section 54, relatively weakly pressed in the low-pressure pressing section 52, hardly pressed in the non-pressure pressing section 54, and pressed with a relatively moderate force in the medium-pressure pressing section 53. At this time, the adjacent non-pressure sections 14, low-pressure sections 12 and non-pressure sections 14 can receive the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure pressing section 11 into the interior of the non-pressure sections 14. The intermediate compression section 13 acts as a dam, blocking and preventing the molten material that has moved from the high-pressure section 11 from overflowing from the non-compression section 14 after it has been received by the non-compression section 14 and the low-compression section 12. As a result, the intermediate compression section 13, together with the non-compression section 14 and the low-compression section 12, makes it less likely for material that has overflowed from the fused section 10b to extend into the boundary region Q between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2. Furthermore, the thickness D14 of the non-compression section 14, the thickness D12 of the low-compression section 12, and the thickness D13 of the intermediate compression section 13 are thick, and by absorbing the material that has melted from the high-pressure section 11, the combined joint strength of the non-compression section 14, the low-compression section 12, and the intermediate compression section 13 can be further increased.

[0089] The height and width of the protrusion 50, the high-pressure pressing section 51, the non-pressure pressing section 54, the low-pressure pressing section 52, and the medium-pressure pressing section 53, as well as the thickness, width, and positional relationship of the high-pressure pressing section 11, the non-pressure pressing section 14, the low-pressure pressing section 12, and the medium-pressure pressing section 13, are the same as in Figures 6, 8, and 9, so their explanations are omitted.

[0090] (Second Embodiment) The mask 1 and the method for manufacturing the mask 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. However, Figure 11 is a side view showing the mask 1 in a folded state. Compared with the mask of the first embodiment, the mask 1 of this embodiment differs in the configuration of the lateral W end of the fused portion 10b and in the shape and joining of the pair of ear loops 20. The following will mainly describe these differences.

[0091] In the lateral direction W, the end of the fused portion 10b opposite to the ear loop portion 20 is not cut off at the tip. Instead, the unfused portion beyond the fused portion 10b is cut off. In this case, there is a possibility that some material may protrude into the unfused portion beyond the fused portion 10b, but since that portion does not face the skin side, it does not have a significant impact.

[0092] Each of the pair of ear loops 20 is one of several components that make up the mask 1, and is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30. Specifically, each of the pair of ear loops 20 is formed from an annular sheet member having a roughly triangular outer shape. A strip-shaped portion corresponding to one side of the triangle, along the vertical direction L, is joined to the end of each of the first body member 10a1 and the second body member 10a2 opposite to the fusion joint 10b by a fusion joint 30 along the vertical direction L.

[0093] In this case, in the fused portion 30, each of the pair of ear hooks 20 is located on the skin side, and each of the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 is located on the non-skin side. In this case, there is a possibility that material may protrude from the edge on the fused portion 10b side in the lateral direction W of each of the pair of ear hooks 20. Therefore, in the fused portion 30, it is preferable to arrange the low-pressure section 12 on the fused portion 10b side in the lateral direction W relative to the high-pressure section 11.

[0094] In this embodiment, the fused portion 30 is formed by arranging a plurality of small fused portions 30a in a grid pattern. In this case, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device as shown in Figure 6 is applied to each of the plurality of fused portions 30a. However, it is not necessary to apply this technology to all of the plurality of fused portions 30a; it is sufficient to apply it to at least the fused portions 30a that may come into contact with the wearer's skin when the mask 1 is worn (for example, 50% of the total; those on the lateral W side of the plurality of fused portions 30a, on the fused portion 10b side (inner side)). Also, the plan view shape of each of the plurality of fused portions 30a is circular, but is not limited to this example, and may be any shape, such as an ellipse, polygon, or star shape. Also, the arrangement of the plurality of fused portions 30a is grid-like, but is not limited to this example, and may be any arrangement, such as a staggered grid. Furthermore, the technology of the fusion section and the protrusion of the fusion device described in Figures 8 to 10 may be applied to the fusion section 30 of this embodiment.

[0095] The fusion portion 10b in this embodiment is the same as the fusion portion 10b in the first embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5. Furthermore, the technology of the fusion portion and the protrusion of the fusion device described in Figures 8 to 10 may be applied to the fusion portion 10b in this embodiment.

[0096] The method for manufacturing the mask 1 is the same as that for the fusion portion 10b in the first embodiment.

[0097] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0098] (Third embodiment) The mask 1 and the manufacturing method of the mask 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. Compared to the mask of the first embodiment, the mask 1 of this embodiment differs in the configuration of the mask body 10 and the shape and joining of the pair of ear loops 20. The following will mainly describe these differences.

[0099] The mask body 10 is one of several components that make up the mask 1, and has a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the lateral direction W, and is formed from a sheet member containing one or more layers of nonwoven fabric. The aforementioned sheet member has several pleats that are folded in the vertical direction L.

[0100] Each of the pair of ear loops 20 is one of several components that make up the mask 1, and is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30. Specifically, each of the pair of ear loops 20 is formed from an annular sheet member having a roughly rectangular outer shape. A strip-shaped portion along the vertical direction L, corresponding to one side of these rectangles, is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30 along the vertical direction L.

[0101] Figure 13 illustrates the state of wearing mask 1. When wearing mask 1 as shown in Figure 12, the wearer opens the pair of ear loops 20 towards the front of the drawing, turns the surface of the mask body 10 that was covered by the pair of ear loops 20 and in contact with the pair of ear loops 20 towards the face, and places the ear holes of the pair of ear loops 20 over the ears. Then, near the center of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W, the multiple pleats are unfolded in the vertical direction L.

[0102] In this case, as shown in Figure 13, in the region Q at the boundary between the mask body 10 and the ear loop portion 20 (the region of the inner edge in the lateral direction W of the fused portion 30), it is possible that melted material may spill out from the fused portion 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device described in Figure 6 is applied to the fused portion 30. That is, when the mask 1 is fitted to the wearer, the low-compression portion 32 (not shown) is located closer to the wearer's skin (the side indicated as Q in Figure 13) than the high-compression portion 31 (not shown). Therefore, this phenomenon can be suppressed.

[0103] In this embodiment, the fused portion 30 is formed by intermittently arranging a plurality of small fused portions in a linear fashion. In this case, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device, as shown in Figure 6, is applied to each of the plurality of fused portions. However, it is not necessary to apply the technology to all of the plurality of fused portions; it is sufficient to apply the technology to at least the fused portions that may come into contact with the wearer's skin when the mask 1 is worn (for example, 50% of the total). Also, the shape of each of the plurality of fused portions in plan view is linear, but is not limited to this example, and may be any shape, such as a circle, ellipse, polygon, or star shape. Also, the arrangement method of the plurality of small fused portions is linear, but is not limited to this example, and may be any arrangement, such as a grid or staggered grid. Furthermore, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, may be applied to the fused portion 30 of this embodiment.

[0104] Regarding the manufacturing method of the mask 1, when joining each of the lateral W ends of the mask body 10 and each of the pair of ear loops 20 with a fusion joint 30, if fusion is performed as in the forming step S5 of the first embodiment, known steps can be used for the other steps.

[0105] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0106] Thus, in mask 1, the joint between the mask body 10 and the pair of ear loops 20 is formed by a fusion joint 30, and the low-compression joint 32 (not shown) is located on the skin side (inward in the lateral direction W) of the wearer than the high-compression joint 31 (not shown) when mask 1 is worn by the wearer. As a result, the molten material is prevented from overflowing onto the skin side of the fusion joint 30, and the bonding strength of the low-compression joint 32 (not shown) is increased. Consequently, in the resulting mask 1, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling discomfort due to the overflowing material coming into contact with their skin, and to prevent the joint of the fusion joint 30 from peeling off.

[0107] (Fourth Embodiment) The mask 1 and the method for manufacturing the mask 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 14 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. Compared to the mask of the first embodiment, the mask 1 of this embodiment differs in the configuration of the mask body 10 and the shape and joining of the pair of ear loops 20. The following will mainly describe these differences.

[0108] The mask body 10 is one of several components that make up the mask 1, and has a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the horizontal direction W, and is formed from a sheet member containing one or more nonwoven fabrics. The aforementioned sheet member has a plurality of pleats that are folded in the vertical direction L.

[0109] Each of the pair of ear loops 20 is one of several components that make up the mask 1, and is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30. Specifically, each of the pair of ear loops 20 is formed from an annular sheet member having a roughly rectangular outer shape. A strip-shaped portion along the vertical direction L, corresponding to one side of these rectangles, is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30 along the vertical direction L.

[0110] Figure 15 illustrates the state of wearing mask 1. When wearing mask 1 as shown in Figure 14, the wearer opens the pair of ear loops 20 towards the front of the drawing, turns the surface of the mask body 10 that was covered by the pair of ear loops 20 and in contact with the pair of ear loops 20 outwards, and turns the surface of the back of the mask body 10 toward the face, and places the ear holes of the pair of ear loops 20 over the ears. After that, near the center of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W, the multiple pleats are unfolded in the vertical direction L.

[0111] In this case, as shown in Figure 15, in region Q at the boundary between the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20 (the region of the outer edge in the lateral direction W of the mask body 10 and the pair of ear loops 20), it is possible that melted material may spill out from the fused portion 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device described in Figure 6 is applied to the fused portion 30. That is, when the mask 1 is fitted to the wearer, the low-compression portion 32 (not shown) is located on the wearer's skin side (the side indicated as Q in Figure 15) rather than the high-compression portion 31 (not shown). Therefore, this phenomenon can be suppressed.

[0112] In this embodiment, the fused portion 30 is formed by arranging a plurality of small fused portions 30a in a grid pattern. In this case, the technology of the convex portion of the fused portion and fused device as shown in Figure 6 is applied to each of the plurality of fused portions 30a. However, it is not necessary to apply the technology to all of the plurality of fused portions 30a; it is sufficient to apply the technology to at least the fused portions 30a that may come into contact with the wearer's skin when the mask 1 is worn (for example, 50% of the total; those on the outer side in the lateral direction W of the plurality of fused portions 30a). Also, the shape of each of the plurality of fused portions 30a in plan view is circular, but is not limited to this example, and may be any shape, such as an ellipse, polygon, or star shape. Also, the arrangement of the plurality of fused portions 30a is grid-like, but is not limited to this example, and may be any arrangement, such as a staggered grid. Furthermore, the technology of the convex portion of the fused portion and fused device as shown in Figures 8 to 10 may be applied to the fused portion 30 of this embodiment.

[0113] During manufacturing, after joining each of the lateral W ends of the mask body 10 to each of the pair of ear loops 20 at the fusion joint 30, the outer ends of the fusion joint 30 in the lateral W direction (the left end of the left fusion joint 30, and the right end of the right fusion joint 30) may be cut off as excess material. In that case, it is conceivable that the excess material at the fusion joint 30 is cut off and removed. However, the fusion joint 30 in this embodiment is composed of multiple fusion joints 30a, and there is a possibility of material overflow due to the high-pressure compression section 11 at each fusion joint 30a. Therefore, even if the excess portion is cut off, the technology of the fusion joint and the convex part of the fusion device as shown in Figure 6 is applied to the remaining fusion joints 30a.

[0114] Regarding the manufacturing method of the mask 1, when joining each of the lateral W ends of the mask body 10 and each of the pair of ear loops 20 with a fusion joint 30, if fusion is performed as in the forming step S5 of the first embodiment, known steps can be used for the other steps.

[0115] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0116] (Fifth embodiment) The mask 1 and the method for manufacturing the mask 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. The mask 1 of this embodiment differs from the mask of the first embodiment in the configuration of the mask body 10. The differences will be mainly described below.

[0117] The mask body 10 has a roughly hexagonal shape that is elongated in the horizontal direction W, and is formed from a sheet member containing one or more nonwoven fabrics.

[0118] The mask body 10 includes, as multiple components, a first main body member 10a1 that demarcates the mask body, and two second main body members 10a2. The first main body member 10a1 is a member that covers the front of the wearer's face. Each of the two second main body members 10a2 is a member that covers the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction L of the space formed by the face and the first main body member 10a1. Each of the two second main body members 10a2 is joined to both ends of the first main body member 10a1 in the vertical direction L, i.e., the upper end and the lower end, respectively, by fusion parts 10b1 and 10b2. At that time, the upper edge of the first main body member 10a1 in the vertical direction L and the upper edge of the second main body member 10a2, which is positioned on the upper side in the vertical direction L of the two second main body members 10a2, are fused (joined) at the fused portion 10b1, which is a fused portion. Simultaneously, the portions of the first main body member 10a1 at both ends in the horizontal direction W, slightly below the upper side of the vertical direction L, and the portions of the second main body member 10a2 at both ends in the horizontal direction W, which is positioned on the upper side of the vertical direction L, slightly below the upper side of the upper side of the vertical direction L, are fused (joined) at the fused portion 10b2, which is a fused portion. Similarly, the lower edge of the first main body member 10a1 in the vertical direction L and the lower edge of the second main body member 10a2, which is located on the lower side in the vertical direction L of the two second main body members 10a2, are fused (joined) at the fused portion 10b1, which is a fused portion. At the same time, the portions of the first main body member 10a1 at both ends in the horizontal direction W, slightly above the lower side in the vertical direction L, and the portions of the second main body member 10a2 at both ends in the horizontal direction W, which is located on the lower side in the vertical direction L, slightly above the lower side in the vertical direction L, are fused (joined) at the fused portion 10b2, which is a fused portion.

[0119] Figure 17 illustrates the state of wearing mask 1. When wearing mask 1 as shown in Figure 16, the wearer opens the upper of the two second main body members 10a2, which is located in the vertical direction L, upwards in the vertical direction L. Next, the lower of the two second main body members 10a2, which is located in the vertical direction L, downwards in the vertical direction. This creates a space enclosed by the first main body member 10a1 and the two second main body members 10a2. The mask 1 is then worn so that this space is in front of the wearer's face, that is, so that it covers the wearer's nose and mouth.

[0120] In this case, as shown in Figure 17, in the boundary region Q between the first main body member 10a1 of the mask body 10 and each of the two second main body members 10a2 (the region of the inner edge in the vertical direction L of the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2), it is possible that melted material may spill out from the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the technology of the convex portion of the fused portion and fusion device described in Figure 5 is applied to the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2, so that this phenomenon can be suppressed. Note that it is not necessary to apply the technology of the convex portion of the fused portion and fusion device described in Figure 5 to all of the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2, and depending on the degree of spillage of melted material, the technology may be applied to at least one of the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2, or to a part of each of the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2.

[0121] In this embodiment, the fused portions 10b1 and 10b2 are formed by intermittently arranging a plurality of small fused portions linearly. In this case, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device as shown in Figure 6 is applied to each of the plurality of fused portions. However, it is not necessary to apply the technology to all of the plurality of fused portions; it is sufficient to apply the technology to at least the fused portions that may come into contact with the wearer's skin when the mask 1 is worn (for example, 50% of the total). Also, the plan view shape of each of the plurality of fused portions is rectangular and circular, respectively, but is not limited to these examples, and may be any shape, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, or star-shaped. Also, the arrangement method of the plurality of fused portions is linear, but is not limited to this example, and may be any arrangement, such as a grid or staggered grid. Furthermore, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device as shown in Figures 8 to 10 may be applied to the fused portion 30 of this embodiment.

[0122] Furthermore, when joining each of the lateral W ends of the mask body 10 (each of the first main body member 10a1 and the two second main body members 10a2) to each of the pair of ear loops 20 with a fusion joint 30, the technology of the fusion joint and the protrusion of the fusion device described in Figure 6 may be applied.

[0123] Regarding the manufacturing method of the mask 1, when joining each of the ends of the first main body member 10a1 in the vertical direction L with the upper end of the second main body member 10a2 on the upper side in the vertical direction L, and the lower end of the second main body member 10a2 on the lower side in the vertical direction L, using fusion portions 10b1 and 10b2, if fusion is performed as in the forming step S5 of the first embodiment, known steps can be used for the other steps.

[0124] Furthermore, when joining the mask body 10 to each of the two ends in the lateral direction W and the pair of ear loops 20 with the fusion joint 30, if fusion is performed as in the forming step S5 of the first embodiment, known steps can be used for the other steps.

[0125] Furthermore, a transparent sheet material may be used for the first main body member 10a1 so that the mouth of the person wearing the mask 1 is visible. In this case, the function of the mask 1 as a filter can be performed by two second main body members 10a2 fused to both ends of the first main body member 10a1 in the vertical direction L. Even in this case, as described above, the technology of the fused portion and the protrusion of the fused device as shown in Figure 6 is applied to each of the multiple fused portions 10b1 and 10b2.

[0126] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0127] (Sixth Embodiment) The mask 1 and the method for manufacturing the mask 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 18 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. Compared to the mask of the first embodiment, the mask 1 of this embodiment differs in the configuration of the mask body 10 and the shape and joining of the pair of ear loops 20. The following will mainly describe these differences.

[0128] The mask body 10 has a roughly hexagonal shape that is elongated in the horizontal direction W, and is formed from a sheet member containing one or more layers of nonwoven fabric and a transparent sheet member that allows the mouth of the person wearing the mask 1 to be visible.

[0129] The mask body 10 includes a first main body member 10a1 and a second main body member 10a2, which are multiple components constituting the mask 1, and which demarcate the mask body. The first main body member 10a1 is a transparent sheet member that covers the front of the wearer's face. The second main body member 10a2 is a frame-shaped member that surrounds the first main body member 10a1. The second main body member 10a2 is joined to the peripheral edge of the first main body member 10a1 by a fusion joint.

[0130] Each of the pair of ear loops 20 is one of several components and is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30. Specifically, each of the pair of ear loops 20 is formed from an annular sheet member having a roughly rectangular outer shape. A strip-shaped portion corresponding to one side of these rectangles, along the vertical direction L, is joined to each of the ends of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction W by a fusion joint 30 along the vertical direction L.

[0131] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the state of wearing mask 1. When wearing mask 1 as shown in Figure 18, the wearer places the mask body 10 against their face and puts the ear loops 20 over their ears.

[0132] In this case, as shown in Figure 19, in the region Q at the boundary between the first main body member 10a1 and the second main body member 10a2 of the mask body 10 (the region at the inner edge of the fused portion 10b), it is possible that melted material may spill out from the fused portion 10b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the technology of the fused portion and the protruding part of the fused portion and fused device described in Figure 5 is applied to the fused portion 10b, so that this phenomenon can be suppressed. Note that it is not necessary to apply the technology of the fused portion and the protruding part of the fused portion and fused device described in Figure 5 to the entire fused portion 10b; the technology may be applied to only a part of the fused portion 10b depending on the degree of spillage of melted material.

[0133] In this embodiment, the fused portion 10b is formed by intermittently arranging a plurality of small fused portions in a linear fashion. In this case, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device, as shown in Figure 5, is applied to each of the plurality of fused portions. However, it is not necessary to apply this technology to all of the plurality of fused portions; it is sufficient to apply it to at least the fused portions that may come into contact with the wearer's skin when the mask 1 is worn (for example, 50% of the total). Also, although the plan view shape of each of the plurality of fused portions is linear, it is not limited to this example and may be any shape, such as a circle, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, or star. Also, although the arrangement method of the plurality of fused portions is linear, it is not limited to this example and may be any arrangement, such as a grid or staggered grid. Furthermore, the technology of the fused portion and the convex portion of the fused device, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, may be applied to the fused portion 10b of this embodiment.

[0134] Furthermore, when joining each of the lateral W ends of the mask body 10 (first body member 10a1 and second body member 10a2) to each of the pair of ear loops 20 with a fusion joint 30, the technology of the fusion joint and the protrusion of the fusion device described in Figure 6 may be applied.

[0135] Regarding the manufacturing method of the mask 1, when joining the second main body member 10a2 to the peripheral edge portion of the first main body member 10a1 with a fusion joint 10b, if fusion bonding is performed as in the forming step S5 of the first embodiment, known steps can be used for the other steps.

[0136] Furthermore, when joining the mask body 10 to each of the two ends in the lateral direction W and the pair of ear loops 20 with the fusion joint 30, if fusion is performed as in the forming step S5 of the first embodiment, known steps can be used for the other steps.

[0137] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0138] (Regarding materials) In each embodiment, the mask body 10 (first body member 10a1, second body member 10a2, etc.) is a laminate comprising an inner sheet on the skin side, an outer sheet on the non-skin side, and a filter sheet located between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. However, the laminate is not limited to these examples and may be a laminate of an outer sheet and a filter sheet that also functions as an inner sheet, a laminate of an inner sheet and a filter sheet that also functions as an outer sheet, or a filter sheet that functions as both an inner sheet and an outer sheet (in this case, it will also be called a laminate). The inner sheet, outer sheet, and filter sheet may each be a single layer (one sheet) or two or more layers (two or more sheets).

[0139] The materials for the inner sheet, outer sheet, and filter sheet are not particularly limited as long as they are heat-sealable and can be used for the mask body, but examples include nonwoven fabrics or sheet members containing nonwoven fabrics (hereinafter also simply referred to as "nonwoven fabrics, etc."). Examples of nonwoven fabrics include spunlace nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, airlaid nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, flash-spun nonwoven fabrics, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabrics, carding nonwoven fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics that combine several of these. Examples of fibers constituting the nonwoven fabrics include synthetic resin fibers (examples: polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and ionomer resin; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polylactic acid; and polyamides such as nylon). Furthermore, natural fibers (e.g., wool, cotton) and regenerated fibers (e.g., rayon, acetate) may be included in part. The fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric may be composed of a single component, or of composite fibers such as core-sheath type fibers, side-by-side type fibers, or island / sea type fibers. Each sheet may be a single layer of nonwoven fabric, or a laminate of single layers of nonwoven fabric. The basis weight of the inner sheet, outer sheet, and filter sheet may be, for example, 10 to 100 g / m². 2 These are some examples.

[0140] In each embodiment, there are no particular restrictions on the material of the ear loop portion 20 as long as it can be placed over the wearer's ear, but examples include elastic members such as round rubber with a circular cross-section or rectangular flat rubber. Examples of elastic members include woven or knitted rubber formed by weaving or knitting synthetic resin fibers (stretchable fibers are also acceptable). Among these, woven rubber does not change in width when stretched, so the ear loop portion 20 does not become thinner when placed over the ear, and a sufficient area of ​​the woven rubber that comes into contact with the user's ear can be secured, thereby improving the comfort of wearing the mask 1.

[0141] When a nonwoven fabric is used as the material for the ear loop portion 20 (for example, in the second to fourth embodiments), there are no particular restrictions on the nonwoven fabric, but it is preferable that it be a stretchable nonwoven fabric having elasticity in the transverse direction W, containing elongable fibers such as polyolefin fibers and elastic fibers such as elastomer fibers. In this case, the stretchable nonwoven fabric is given elasticity in the transverse direction W by, for example, gear stretching in the transverse direction W (processing is performed so that the gear stretch grooves run along the vertical direction L).

[0142] The stretchable fibers are not particularly limited, but examples include polyolefin fibers made from polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and core-sheath type composite fibers made by combining multiple types of these polyolefin resins. These fibers may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The elastic fibers are not particularly limited, but examples include elastomer fibers such as polyurethane elastomer fibers, polystyrene elastomer fibers, polyolefin elastomer fibers, polyamide elastomer fibers, polyester elastomer fibers, and rubber elastomer fibers. These elastomer fibers may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of stretchable fibers and elastic fibers in the stretchable nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, but examples include 80:20 to 25:75.

[0143] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, when a transparent sheet member is used for the first main body member 10a1, there are no particular restrictions on the material of the transparent sheet member, as long as it is a transparent and heat-sealable material. Examples include transparent sheet members (film members) such as polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate.

[0144] In this specification, the basis weight and thickness of the sheet, and the thickness of each compressed section, shall be measured by the following method. <Sheet basis weight> Ten 5cm x 5cm samples were cut from any location on the sheet to be measured. Next, the mass of each sample was measured. Then, the basis weight (grammage) of the sample was calculated by dividing the measured mass by the area of ​​the sample. The average basis weight (grammage) of the ten samples was taken as the basis weight (grammage) of the sheet. <Sheet data> 15cm 2 A thickness gauge, model FS-60DS (manufactured by Daiei Chemical Machinery Co., Ltd.), equipped with a measuring probe, was used to measure 3 g / cm². 2 The sheet thickness is measured under the specified load conditions. The thickness of the sheet to be measured is measured at any three locations, and the average of the three thicknesses is taken as the sheet thickness. <Thickness of each compressed section> (i) The mask product itself shall be used as the sample to be measured. However, a 3cm x 3cm area including the fused portion may also be cut out and used as the sample. (ii) Prepare a microscope (Keyence Corporation: VHX-7000) as the measuring device. Then, place the sample with the surface to be measured facing upwards on the sample stage of the measuring device, and align the part of the sample to be measured with the measurement area of ​​the measuring device. (iii) Perform depth stacking at a magnification of 30x and measure the dimensions to determine the thickness (adjust the magnification as appropriate depending on the object being measured). (iv) If there is a recess on the back side of the surface to be measured, measure the same location from the back side as well, and determine the thickness from both measurement results. Alternatively, measurements can also be taken from a cross-section. For example, the method shown below. <Thickness of each compression section (Part 2)> (i) Cut out a 1cm x 1cm area including the fused portion from the mask using a sharp blade (e.g., a utility knife) to obtain the sample. (ii) Place the sample on the sample stage of the electron microscope (Hitachi High-Tech Corporation: FlexSEM1000) so that the cut surface of the fused portion faces upwards. (iii) Take an image of the cross-section of the sample at a magnification of 100x. (iv) Identify each compressed area in the cross-section of the captured image and determine its thickness. [Examples]

[0145] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0146] (1) Sample For Examples 1 to 6, masks of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 2, were fabricated. The fused portions of these masks are fused portions (high-pressure pressing portion + low-pressure pressing portion) as shown in the left-hand diagram of Figure 3(a). On the other hand, for Comparative Examples 1 to 3, masks were fabricated that were similar in appearance to the masks of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 2, but whose fused portions were the same as the conventional fused portions (high-pressure pressing portion only) as shown in the left-hand diagram of Figure 3(b).

[0147] (2) Evaluation method (a) Excess material at the fusion joint For each mask in Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-3, the presence or absence of material overflow at the fusion joint (corresponding to 10b) where the first main body member and the second main body member are joined was visually inspected with the first main body member and the second main body member separated from each other, as shown in the right-hand diagram of Figure 3(a). (b) Joint strength of the fused joint For each mask in Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-3, the bonding strength at the fused joint (corresponding to 10b) where the first main body member and the second main body member are joined was measured using the following test method. (i) Prepare a tensile testing machine (Shimadzu Corporation, Autograph, model AGS-1kNG). (ii) From each of the masks of Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, a rectangular sample with a width of 15 mm is cut out of the fused portion and the portion including the first main body member and the second main body member joined at the fused portion. However, as shown in Figure 2, in each mask, the fused portion is divided into three equal parts vertically, and from the central part of each section, the portion near the nose A1, the central part A2, and the portion near the chin A3 (hereinafter also referred to as the "nose portion," "central portion," and "chin portion," respectively) is cut out as a sample so that the length of the fused portion is 15 mm. (iii) In the sample, the end of the first main body member opposite to the fused portion and the end of the second main body member opposite to the fused portion are each clamped in the chucks of the tensile testing machine (chuck distance 20 mm). (iv) Using a tensile testing machine, the first and second main body members of the sample are pulled apart at a 180° angle to each other, and the load value is measured. (v) The maximum value of the measured load is defined as the joint strength (N / 15mm).

[0148] (3) Evaluation results (a) Excess material at the fusion joint In all of the masks in Examples 1 to 6, no material overflow was observed at the fusion joint. However, in the masks in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, some material overflow was observed, although it could not be said to affect the wearer. (b) Joint strength of the fused joint The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below. In all of the masks of Examples 1 to 6, the bonding strength was very high, exceeding 35 N / 15 mm. On the other hand, in the masks of Comparative Examples 1 to 3, although the bonding strength met the mask standard of 15 N / 15 mm, it remained low, at 35 N / 15 mm or less.

[0149] [Table 1]

[0150] The mask and its manufacturing method of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and combinations and substitutions of the technologies of each embodiment and known technologies in the relevant art are possible, without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention and without creating technical contradictions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1 mask 10a1 First member 10a2 Second member 10b Fusion part 11 High-pressure moving section 12 Low-pressure section

Claims

1. A mask composed of multiple members, wherein at least one first member and one second member among the multiple members are joined at a fusion joint, The first member includes a nonwoven fabric, The fused portion joins the end of the first member and the end of the second member. The fused portion includes adjacent thin-walled portions and thick-walled portions, At least a portion of the thickened portion is positioned on the skin side of the wearer when the mask is worn by the wearer, mask.

2. A mask composed of multiple members, wherein at least one first member and one second member among the multiple members are joined at a fusion joint, The first member includes a nonwoven fabric, The fused portion joins the end of the first member and the end of the second member. The fused portion includes adjacent thin-walled portions and thick-walled portions, When the mask is fitted to the wearer, there is no material protruding from the joint between the first member and the second member on the thickened side of the fused portion onto the wearer's skin. mask.

3. In the fused portion, at least a portion of the thick portion is positioned on the skin side of the wearer than the thin portion when the mask is worn by the wearer. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the direction in which the thin-walled portion and the thick-walled portion are adjacent, the width of the thin-walled portion is narrower than the width of the thick-walled portion. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the direction in which the thin-walled portion and the thick-walled portion are adjacent, the width of the thin-walled portion is wider than the width of the thick-walled portion. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The thin-walled portion and the thick-walled portion are adjacent to each other. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The fused portion further includes an intermediate thickness portion adjacent to the thick portion on the side opposite to the thin portion, with the thickness between the thin portion and the thick portion. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

8. In the fused portion, a thicker portion is positioned between the thin portion and the thick portion, with the thicker portion being thicker than the thick portion. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The aforementioned mask comprises a mask body, The mask body includes a first body member and a second body member that divide the mask body as a plurality of components, One of the first main body member and the second main body member is the first member, and the other is the second member. The joint between the end of the first main body member and the end of the second main body member is formed by the fusion portion. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The mask comprises a mask body and a pair of ear loops attached to both sides of the mask body in the lateral direction. The mask body and one of the pair of ear loops are the first member, and the other is the second member. The joint between the end of the mask body and the ends of the pair of ear loops is formed by the fusion joint. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A mask comprising a plurality of members, wherein at least a first member and a second member among the plurality of members are joined at a fusion joint, the first member includes a nonwoven fabric, and the fusion joint joins the end of the first member and the end of the second member, a method for manufacturing the mask, The invention comprises a forming step of forming a joint between the first sheet for the first member and the second sheet for the second member at the fusion joint, The forming step includes forming the fused portion which comprises adjacent, thin high-pressure compressed portions and thick low-pressure compressed portions. The above step includes forming at least a portion of the low-pressure portion so that when the mask is fitted to the wearer, it is positioned closer to the wearer's skin than the high-pressure portion. Mask manufacturing method.

12. A mask comprising a plurality of members, wherein at least a first member and a second member among the plurality of members are joined at a fusion joint, the first member includes a nonwoven fabric, and the fusion joint joins the end of the first member and the end of the second member, a method for manufacturing the mask, The method includes a forming step of forming a joint between the first sheet for the first member and the second sheet for the second member at a fusion joint, The forming step includes forming the fused portion which comprises adjacent, thin high-pressure compressed portions and thick low-pressure compressed portions. The above process includes receiving the molten material that has spilled out of the high-pressure pressing section into the low-pressure pressing section. Mask manufacturing method.

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