JP7470618B2 - Mask ventilation device and screening method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mask ventilation device and screening method that can quickly and easily perform screening by temperature check while preventing infection by wearing a mask.

Masks are widely used to prevent bacteria and dust from entering the body through breathing and to prevent secretions from the mouth and nose from scattering around. In recent years, masks have also been proposed as an effective way to prevent hay fever. For example, masks that use a stretchable sheet such as nonwoven fabric to integrally form a cover that covers the mouth and ear loops that extend backwards from the cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and masks that secure breathing space between the mask body and the face by folding parallel to the long sides of the rectangular mask body (see, for example, Patent Document 2) are known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-149945 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-099216

When an infectious disease such as the new coronavirus or influenza becomes prevalent, screening may be conducted at the time of entry to theme parks and stores to detect people who may have a high fever by taking their body temperature. Non-contact thermometers and thermal cameras are generally used for this body temperature screening. Visitors to the facilities are required to wear masks to prevent infection.

Screening using non-contact thermometers and thermal cameras was time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to an increase in the number of visitors waiting to be screened and congestion at the entrance to the facility.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a mask ventilation device and screening method that can quickly and easily perform screening by body temperature check while preventing infection through wearing a mask.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a mask ventilation device that is placed on either the left or right side edge of a mask body that is worn to cover the nose and mouth of the face, and is characterized by comprising an attachment part that is attached so as to be sandwiched between the side edge and the face, an air passage formed between openings provided on the nose and mouth side and the outside side, an exhaust valve provided in the air passage that allows only exhaust from the nose and mouth side to the outside side, a temperature indicator provided on the valve body of the exhaust valve that changes color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air, and a visual confirmation part that makes the color change of the temperature indicator visible from the outside side.

The present invention also provides a mask ventilation device that is disposed on each of the left and right side edges of a mask body that is worn to cover the nose and mouth of the face, and at least one of the mask ventilation devices is characterized by having an attachment part that is attached so as to be sandwiched between the side edges and the face, an air passage formed between openings provided on the nose and mouth side and the outside side, an exhaust valve provided in the air passage that allows only exhaust from the nose and mouth side to the outside side, a temperature indicator provided on the valve body of the exhaust valve that changes color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air, and a visual confirmation part that makes the color change of the temperature indicator visible from the outside side.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the temperature indicator and the visual confirmation part are provided in both mask ventilation devices.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the valve body is formed of a colorless and transparent material, and the temperature indicator is provided on the nose and mouth side of the valve body.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the temperature indicator is provided on the outer side of the valve body.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the valve body itself contains a heat storage material, or a heat storage material is interposed between the valve body and the temperature indicator.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the valve body itself contains a heat insulating material, or a heat insulating member is interposed between the valve body and the temperature indicator.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the temperature indicator is a film having a reversible thermochromic layer containing a thermochromic material attached to the valve body of the exhaust valve.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the temperature indicator is provided with a reversible thermochromic layer containing a thermochromic material on the valve body of the exhaust valve.

In the above invention, the temperature indicator comprises a plurality of temperature indicators arranged in parallel, each of which has a different color change temperature.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the temperature indicator comprises a plurality of temperature indicators arranged in parallel, each of which has a different color change temperature and color.

The present invention is also characterized in that the part in contact with the outside air is provided with an outside temperature indicator that changes color in response to the outside air temperature.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the visibility portion includes an opening on the exterior side, and at least the opening on the exterior side of the mask ventilation device main body is formed of a colorless and transparent material.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the opening on the exterior side of the mask ventilation device main body is formed with a Fresnel lens that expands light toward the exterior.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the valve body of the exhaust valve is a detachable flexible film made of resin.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the mask body is provided with a connection portion that connects each mask ventilation device along the face side surface of the mask body.

The present invention is also characterized in that it has a latch structure that allows the length of the connection to be adjusted.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the connection portion is maintained in a bent or curved state.

The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above invention, the attachment portion has a clip structure.

The present invention is also characterized in that in the above invention, the part that comes into contact with the face is the bottom surface of the upright frame.

The present invention also provides a screening method for screening visitors who have a high fever using a mask ventilation device that is attached to the side edge of a mask body that is worn to cover the nose and mouth of the face, is provided in an air passage from the nose and mouth side to the outside, and has a temperature indicator that changes color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air on the valve body of an exhaust valve that allows only exhaust, and has a visual part that makes the color change of the temperature indicator visible from the outside. The method includes a mask wearing guide step in which an entrance guide device provided on the entrance side of a guide passage that guides visitors to an entrance gate guides visitors to a facility to wear a mask having the mask ventilation device, a waiting step in which the mask is kept worn for a certain period of time or more in the guide passage that guides the visitor wearing the mask to the entrance gate side, and a visual guide step in which an entrance gate guide device provided on the entrance gate side of the guide passage guides the visitor to visually check the color change in the temperature indicator of the mask worn by the visitor, and is characterized in that the method screens visitors who have a high fever by visually checking the color change of the temperature indicator.

The present invention makes it possible to quickly and easily screen people by taking their body temperature while preventing infection by requiring them to wear a mask.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a mask ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a mask and worn by a person. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mask ventilation device attached to the mask, as viewed from the front of the mask. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mask ventilation device after it has been attached to the mask and removed from the person, as viewed from the rear of the mask. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the mask ventilator before being attached to the mask. FIG. 5 is a top view of the mask ventilator shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the mask ventilator shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mask ventilation device shown in FIG. 4, seen from the rear right obliquely. FIG. 8 is a left side view of the mask ventilator shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation unit. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit shown in FIG. 8 taken along line AA. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the ventilation unit as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a temperature indicating section according to the first modification. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit according to the third modification taken along line AA. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screening method for body temperature testing using a ventilation device for a mask.

Below, a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the mask ventilation device and screening method according to the present invention will be given with reference to the attached drawings.

＜Overview＞
First, an overview of the mask ventilation device 10 will be described. The mask 1 illustrated here is a sanitary mask such as a household mask, and is a disposable pleated mask. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the mask ventilation device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mask 1 and worn by a person 100. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the mask ventilation device 10 attached to the mask 1, as viewed from the front of the mask 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mask ventilation device 10 attached to the mask 1 and removed from the person 100, as viewed from the rear of the mask 1.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the mask 1 is worn to cover the nose and mouth 102 of the face 101 of a person 100. The mask 1 has a mask body 2 and ear hooks 3. The mask body 2 has a filter such as a nonwoven fabric inside. The ear hooks 3 are string members attached to the upper and lower ends of the left and right side edges 2a, 2b of the mask body 2, and these string members are hung on both ears to keep the mask body 2 from covering the nose and mouth 102. As described above, the mask 1 is a pleated mask, and the front of the mask body 2 is pleated. By spreading the pleats up and down and wearing it on the person 100, a space is created between the mask body 2 and the nose and mouth 102, making breathing easier and preventing the mask 1 from slipping off even when talking while wearing it.

The mask ventilation device 10 has ventilation units 11a, 11b arranged on both the left and right side edges 2a, 2b of the mask body 2, respectively, and a connection part 12 that connects the ventilation units 11a, 11b. The connection part 12 connects the ventilation units 11a, 11b along the rear surface of the mask body 2, i.e., the face-side surface. As described below, the ventilation units 11a, 11b can function as a mask ventilation device by themselves, but here, a mask ventilation device 10 having two ventilation units 11a, 11b connected via the connection part 12 will be described.

Mounting parts 21 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the ventilation units 11a and 11b. The mounting parts 21 are attached so that the main body parts 20 of the ventilation units 11a and 11b are sandwiched between the side edge parts 2a and 2b and the face surface 101. The mounting parts 21 are clips of rod-shaped members extending along the upper and lower sides of the main body part 20, and sandwich the side edge parts 2a and 2b between the upper and lower sides of the main body part 20. The side edge parts 2a and 2b that cover the main body part 20 and are sandwiched by the mounting parts 21 on the upper and lower sides of the main body part 20 are sandwiched between the mounting parts 21 and the face surface 101 at the upper and lower positions of the main body part 20. In other words, the mounting parts 21 have a clip function. In Figures 1 to 3, two mounting parts are provided on the upper and lower sides of each ventilation unit 11a and 11b, but three or more mounting parts may be provided in the vertical direction. The side edges 2a, 2b are clipped in a zigzag pattern by the multiple attachment parts 21, preventing the ventilation units 11a, 11b from slipping off the mask body 2. The front surface of the body 20 is provided with attachment parts 22, and by clipping the side edges 2a, 2b between the attachment parts 22, the ventilation units 11a, 11b are further prevented from slipping off the mask body 2 and the gap between the side edges 2a, 2b and the front surface of the body 20 can be reduced.

In addition, within each ventilation unit 11a, 11b, an air passage is formed between the openings provided on the nose and mouth part 102 side and the outside side, and an exhaust valve 40 is provided in this air passage to allow exhaust only from the nose and mouth part 102 side to the outside side.

The valve body of the exhaust valve 40 is provided on the nose/mouth section 102 side with a temperature indicator 50 that changes color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air. The valve body is a detachable flexible film made of resin, and the temperature indicator 50 is, for example, a film with a reversible thermochromic layer containing a thermochromic material attached to the valve body. An example of the thermochromic material is Metamocolor (registered trademark), which can change color with a temperature difference of 0.5°C and is suitable for body temperature testing. The temperature indicator 50 may be provided by applying a reversible thermochromic layer containing a thermochromic material to the surface of the valve body.

The above-mentioned thermochromic materials include inorganic materials such as Ag2HgI4 and Cu2HgI4, liquid crystals, and thermochromic materials that are thermally decolorized and contain three components: an electron-donating organic color-forming compound, an electron-accepting compound, and an organic compound medium that reversibly induces a color-forming reaction between the two compounds; and thermochromic materials that are thermally colored and contain three components: an electron-donating organic color-forming compound, an electron-accepting compound, and an organic compound medium that reversibly induces a color-forming reaction between the two compounds.

Here, we will explain a thermochromic material that contains an electron-donating organic color-forming compound, an electron-accepting compound, and an organic compound medium that reversibly induces a color-forming reaction between the two. Thermochromic materials include reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigments (reversible thermochromic pigments) that change color from colored to colorless and contain a reversible thermochromic composition consisting of (a) an electron-donating organic color-forming compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium that determines the temperature at which the color-forming reaction between the two occurs.

As the reversible thermochromic composition, there can be used a reversible thermochromic composition of the heat-discoloring type (discolored by heating and colored by cooling) having a relatively small hysteresis width (ΔH = 0.5 to 7°C), which is described in JP-B-51-44706, JP-B-51-44707, JP-B-1-29398, etc., and which changes color around a certain temperature (discoloration point), exhibits a discolored state in a temperature range above the high-temperature discoloration point, and a colored state in a temperature range below the low-temperature discoloration point, and of the two states, only one specific state exists in the room temperature range, and the other state is maintained while the heat or cold required to express that state is applied, but returns to the state it exhibits in the room temperature range when the application of the heat or cold is removed.

Methods for microencapsulating the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic composition include the interfacial polymerization method, the interfacial polycondensation method, the in situ polymerization method, the liquid hardening coating method, the phase separation method from an aqueous solution, the phase separation method from an organic solvent, the melt dispersion cooling method, the air suspension coating method, the spray drying method, etc., and are appropriately selected according to the application.

Here, a non-thermochromic dye or pigment can be blended into the microcapsules to create a configuration that exhibits an alternating color change from color (1) to color (2).

The above thermochromic material can be dispersed in a vehicle containing water and/or an organic solvent and, if necessary, various additives, and used as a printing ink for screen printing, offset printing, process printing, gravure printing, coater printing, pad printing, etc., or as a paint for brush painting, spray painting, electrostatic painting, electrodeposition painting, flow painting, roller painting, dip painting, etc., and can be applied to the film or valve body to provide a reversible thermochromic layer. Furthermore, the thermochromic material can be mixed with a molding resin and molded to form a valve body equipped with a temperature indicator.

The main body 20 is further provided with a viewing section 28 that allows the color change of the temperature indicator 50 to be visually observed from the outside. The viewing section 28 is on the opening 31 side of the main body 20 and is made of a transparent material. The viewing section 28 includes an opening 31 for exhausting air to the outside, which will be described later.

<Detailed configuration>
Fig. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the mask ventilation device 10 before being attached to the mask 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the mask ventilation device 10 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the mask ventilation device 10 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the mask ventilation device 10 shown in Fig. 4, seen from the rear right diagonally from the rear side. Fig. 8 is a left side view of the mask ventilation device 10 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation unit 11a. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit 11a shown in Fig. 8 taken along line A-A.

As shown in Figures 4 to 10, the ventilation units 11a, 11b are connected by a connection part 12. The connection part 12 is, for example, a flexible cable tie, and both ends are latched by latch structures 27 of each ventilation unit 11a, 11b. The latch structure 27 is a linear protrusion 26 formed in an insertion hole 25 formed on the upper surface (+Z direction) of the cover 20a that engages with the lower main body part 20b. A linear groove that engages with this linear protrusion 26 is continuously formed in the connection part 12. Therefore, the length of the connection part 12 can be adjusted and maintained at a desired length. The insertion hole 25 communicates with the insertion hole 24 formed in the lower main body part 20b to form a single insertion hole. The connection part 12 is inserted into the insertion holes 24, 25. As shown in FIG. 5, the top surface of the cover 20a is inclined so that its height in the Z direction decreases toward the X direction, and if the tip of the connection part 12 protrudes longer, the tip is allowed to protrude from the insertion hole 25.

By connecting each ventilation unit 11a, 11b using this connection part 12, it is possible to reliably attach each ventilation unit 11a, 11b to the mask body part 2 and prevent the ventilation units 11a, 11b from shifting out of position.

Furthermore, the connection parts 12 connecting the ventilation units 11a and 11b are bent or curved to ensure a space between the mask body 2 and the face 101, preventing the mask body 2 from blocking the flow of exhaust air from the nose and mouth part 102 to the ventilation units 11a and 11b.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation unit 11a (11b) is formed by connecting the cover 20a to the lower body portion 20b from the +X direction side.

The lower body portion 20b is formed with an inclined plate that becomes lower in the X direction. An exhaust valve 40 is formed on this inclined plate as a ventilation mechanism. An opening 41 is formed on the inclined plate, and a valve body 42 that can close this opening 41 from above (+Z direction) is disposed on it. One end of the valve body 42 is fixed by an attachment portion 43.

The valve body 42 is a sheet made of a flexible material with a certain degree of rigidity, such as polypropylene or polyester, about 0.1 mm thick. The valve body 42 is a colorless and transparent member. One end of the valve body 42 may be attached with double-sided tape so that it is removable, rather than being fixed by the mounting part 43. If the valve body 42 is removable, it is sufficient to replace the valve body 42, but if it is fixed by the mounting part 43, the entire ventilation unit 11a, 11b can be washed (washed with water), so the valve body 42 can be washed at the same time.

Each ventilation unit 11a, 11b has an air passage L1 formed between an opening 30 on the nose and mouth section 102 side (-X direction side) and an opening 31 on the outside side (+X direction side). The opening of the exhaust valve 40 is provided within this air passage L1. The exhaust valve 40 only allows exhaust from the nose and mouth section 102 side to the outside side.

That is, when the internal pressure between the mask body 2 and the face 101 increases due to exhalation, convection occurs within the mask body 2, and as shown in FIG. 10, the valve body 42 becomes a bent valve body 42', the exhaust valve 40 opens, and the air is exhausted through the air passage L1 as shown by the arrow. When the internal pressure subsequently decreases, the valve body 42 closes the opening 41, and the air passage L1 is blocked.

The exhaust caused by opening the exhaust valve 40 creates an air flow in the space between the mask body 2 and the face 101. At this time, continuous breathing causes water droplets to form inside the mask body 2 due to humidity, and the face temperature drops due to the heat of vaporization generated by air flowing over the surface of the droplets. This drop in the temperature of the face 101 serves as a measure against the heat (heatstroke). In addition, if the wearer is wearing glasses, the amount of exhaust air from the top of the mask is reduced, which also helps prevent the glasses from fogging up.

As described above, a film having a reversible thermochromic layer containing a thermochromic material, which is the temperature indicator 50, is attached to the nose/mouth section 102 side of the valve body 42. The temperature indicator 50 changes color when the valve body 42 opens, breath flows, and the temperature of the breath reaches 37.5°C. When the color of the temperature indicator 50 changes, it is known that the person 100 wearing the mask 1 has a high fever. Therefore, an examiner who screens the person 100 for a body temperature test can visually check the color of the temperature indicator 50 from the opening 31 side while wearing the mask 1 and determine whether the person 100 has a high fever. If the valve body 42 is not made of a colorless and transparent material, the temperature indicator 50 is provided on the opening 31 side of the valve body 42.

Here, because the opening 31 is narrow, in order to make the color of the temperature indicator 50 easier to see, a viewing section 28 made of a colorless and transparent material such as resin is formed on the opening 31 side of the main body 20. This viewing section 28 includes the opening 31. By forming this viewing section 28, the color of the temperature indicator 50 can be easily seen from the outside even when the mask ventilation device 10 is attached to the mask main body 2.

The entire main body 20 may function as the visual confirmation unit 28. In other words, the entire main body 20 may be made of a colorless and transparent material.

In addition, the temperature of the exhaled air may drop before it reaches the temperature indicator 50. In this case, the color change temperature of the temperature indicator 50 may be set to a predetermined temperature lower.

As shown in FIG. 8, the bottom surface of the attachment portion 21 is raised by the thickness d of the mask body 2 relative to the bottom surface S of the main body 20. As a result, even when the ventilation units 11a and 11b are attached to the mask body 2, the bottom surface S of the main body 20 and the face 101 side surface of the mask body 2 are almost flush with each other, so that the antibacterial, antidust and other filtering functions of the mask are not impaired.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the ventilation unit 11a as seen from the back side. As shown in Figure 11, the bottom surface S of the ventilation unit 11a (11b) is U-shaped and contacts the face 101, so that the contact area with the face 101 is small. In other words, the only part that contacts the face 101 is the bottom surface S of the frame that stands upright in the Z direction. This makes it possible to wear the ventilation units 11a and 11b without causing discomfort, and since the face 101 forms part of the ventilation path L1, it is possible to promote a decrease in temperature due to ventilation to the face 101, which is the wearing part of the ventilation units 11a and 11b.

In this embodiment, a person's body temperature can be checked simply by visually checking the color change of the temperature indicator 50 while wearing the mask 1 to prevent infection, making screening by body temperature checks quick and easy.

In addition, in this embodiment, the mask can be used to protect against heat using a simple structure that uses an exhaust valve 40. Furthermore, even if the mask is disposable, each mask can be reused. In addition, the clip structure makes it easy to attach and detach the mask from the mask body 2.

<Modification 1>
In the above embodiment, the temperature indicators 50 have the same color change temperature, but in the temperature indicator 50 of the present modified example 1, temperature indicators with different color change temperatures are arranged in parallel. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the temperature indicator 50 according to the modified example 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the temperature indicator 50 has a plurality of temperature indicators 51 to 53 arranged in parallel facing the outside. Each of the temperature indicators 51 to 53 has a different color change temperature. For example, the temperature indicator 51 has a color change temperature of 35.5°C. The temperature indicator 52 has a color change temperature of 36.5°C. The temperature indicator 53 has a color change temperature of 37.5°C, similar to the temperature indicator 50 of the embodiment. Therefore, in the modified example 1, the color change temperature is stepped, and the body temperature of the human body can be roughly estimated simply by visually checking the color change state of each of the temperature indicators 51 to 53. In addition, it is possible to respond to changes in body temperature due to changes in air temperature, and visually indicate the risk of high fever.

If multiple temperature indicators 51-53 with different color change temperatures are provided in stages according to the body temperature, it is possible to prevent erroneous testing by putting on the mask 1 immediately before screening for a body temperature test and testing before the color change of the temperature indicator 50 occurs. That is, when using only one temperature indicator 50 according to the embodiment, if the color change of the temperature indicator 50 does not occur immediately after putting on the mask, the body temperature will be determined to be normal even if it is a high temperature. In contrast, in variant 1, erroneous testing can be prevented by performing a body temperature test on the premise that the color of one of the temperature indicators 51-53 has changed.

<Modification 2>
In the above-mentioned modified example 1, the temperature indicators 51 to 53 are arranged in parallel with each other, but the temperature indicators in this modified example 2 are made by mixing thermochromic materials with different color change temperatures and colors. For example, the temperature indicators 51 to 53 include thermochromic materials with different color change temperatures and colors, respectively, for 35.5°C, 36.5°C, and 37.5°C. Therefore, in the modified example 2, the color change temperatures and the visible colors of the temperature indicators 51 to 53 are stepped, and the body temperature of the human body can be roughly estimated simply by visually checking the color change state of the temperature indicators 51 to 53. In addition, it is possible to respond to changes in body temperature due to changes in air temperature, and to visually indicate the risk of high fever. Although not shown, the temperature indicators 51 to 53 can also be provided on the parts that come into contact with the face (such as the bottom surface of the standing frame).

<Modification 3>
13 is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation unit according to the third modification taken along line A-A. As shown in FIG. 13, in the third modification, a heat storage member 55, for example in the form of a film, is disposed between the valve body 42 and the temperature indicator 50. This allows the heat of the exhaled air to be absorbed by the heat storage member 55 and dissipated slowly, thereby improving the heat retention of the temperature indicator 50. It is also possible to include a heat storage material in the valve body 42 itself without providing the heat storage member 55. In addition, when the heat storage member 55 is provided on the nose/mouth portion 102 side of the valve body 42, the valve body 42 and the heat storage member 55 are colorless and transparent members. On the other hand, when the heat storage member 55 is provided on the outer side of the valve body 42, the valve body 42 and the heat storage member 55 are not limited to colorless and transparent members.

<Modification 4>
In the third modification, the heat storage member 55 is disposed between the valve body 42 and the temperature indicating part 50 provided on the side of the nose and mouth part 102, but in the fourth modification, a heat insulating member is disposed instead of the heat storage member 55. The heat insulating member prevents the heat of the exhaled air from being transferred to the valve body 42 side, thereby improving the heat retention of the temperature indicating part 50. This heat insulating member is also a colorless and transparent member.

<Modification 5>
13, in the present modified example 5, a Fresnel lens 28a that expands light toward the outside is formed on the outer surface of the visualizing part 28. By forming this Fresnel lens 28a, the solid angle in which the temperature indicating part 50 can be visually recognized can be widened, making it easier to visually recognize the temperature indicating part 50. Note that while the opening 31 is kept open, a plate-like member that covers the opening 31 may be disposed, and the Fresnel lens 23a may be formed on the entire surface of this plate-like member.

<Modification 6>
Furthermore, an outside air temperature indicator that changes color depending on the outside air temperature may be provided in a portion that comes into contact with outside air (for example, the visual confirmation portion 28). This makes it easy to visually determine whether the color change of the temperature indicator 50 is due to breathing or the outside air by referring to the temperature of the outside air temperature indicator, even in situations where it is difficult to determine whether the color change of the temperature indicator 50 is due to breathing or the outside air, such as when the outside air temperature is higher than the color change temperature of the temperature indicator 50.

<Modification 7>
In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, when a mask ventilation device 10 is provided on each of the left and right side edges 2a, 2b of the mask body 2, the temperature indicating unit 50 and the visual confirmation unit 28 may be provided on only one of the mask ventilation devices 10.

<Application Examples>
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a screening method for a body temperature test using the ventilation device for masks 10. FIG. 14 shows a case where a visitor 110 who has a high fever due to a body temperature test using the ventilation device for masks 10 is screened for visitors to a screening facility. As shown in FIG. 14, first, an entrance guide device 120 provided at the entrance side of a guide passage 140 that guides a visitor 110 to the facility to an entrance gate guides the visitor 110 to wear a mask 1 having a ventilation device for masks 10 (step S1). Here, the entrance guide device 120 has a display unit 121 and a mask arrangement unit 122. The display unit 121 displays a message such as "Please take off this mask" to guide the visitor 110 to wear the mask 1. A large number of masks 1 are arranged in the mask arrangement unit 122, and an inspector 111 distributes the masks 1 to the visitor 110.

The visitor 110 then proceeds to the entrance gate 115 side through the guide passage 140, where the visitor 110 is made to wait while keeping the mask 1 on for a certain period of time (step S2). This certain period of time is the time during which the color of the temperature indicator 50 changes.

Then, the entrance gate side guide device 130 installed on the entrance gate 115 side of the guide passage 140 guides the visitor 110 to visually check the color change in the temperature indicator 50 of the mask 1 worn by the visitor 110 (step S3). Here, the entrance gate side guide device 130 has a display unit 131, which displays a message such as "Please show your mask to an attendant." As a result, the visitor 110 hands the mask 1 to the inspector 112, or while wearing the mask 1, the inspector 112 visually checks the color change of the temperature indicator 50 (temperature measurement). Based on the visual check result, the inspector 112 screens the visitor 110 who is in a high temperature state and has them undergo a detailed inspection by the inspector 113, and allows the visitor 110 who is not in a high temperature state to enter the facility through the entrance gate 115.

In this screening method, the mask 1 may be removed after screening, but from the perspective of preventing infection, it is preferable to keep the mask 1 on even after entering the facility. Wearing the mask 1 not only prevents infection, but also allows the temperature indicator 50 to be constantly visible through the viewing unit 28 even after entering the facility.

In addition, in order to make it easier to visually confirm the color change before and after the color change, it is preferable that the color change of the temperature-indicating portion 50 be caused by blending a non-thermochromic dye or pigment, so that the color changes from color (1) to color (2).

In addition, in the above embodiment and modified examples 1 to 3, the mask to which the mask ventilation device is attached is described as being applied to a disposable pleated mask, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to flat masks and three-dimensional masks. The material of the mask is also optional, and it can be a gauze type or a nonwoven fabric type.

Note that the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments and variations are merely functional schematics, and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

The mask ventilation device and screening method of the present invention are effective in quickly and easily screening people by temperature check while preventing infection by wearing a mask.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Mask 2 Mask body 2a, 2b Side edge 3 Ear hook 10 Mask ventilation device 11a, 11b Ventilation unit 12 Connection 20 Body 20a Cover 20b Lower body 21, 22, 43 Mounting section 24, 25 Insertion hole 26 Linear protrusion 27 Latch structure 28 Visual recognition section 28a Fresnel lens 30, 31 Opening 40 Exhaust valve 41 Opening 42 Valve body 50-53 Temperature indicator 55 Heat storage member 100 Person 101 Face 102 Nose and mouth 110 Entrant 111-113 Inspector 115 Entrance gate 120 Entrance side guide device 121, 131 Display section 122 Mask placement section 130 Entrance gate side guide device 140 Guidance passage L1 Ventilation passage S Bottom surface

Claims (21)

A mask ventilation device disposed on one of the left and right side edges of a mask body that is worn to cover the nose and mouth of a face,
an attachment portion that is attached so as to be sandwiched between the side edge portion and the face;
An air passage formed between openings provided on the nose/mouth side and the exterior side,
an exhaust valve that is provided in the air passage and allows exhaust only from the nose/mouth side to the outside side;
A temperature indicator provided on the valve body of the exhaust valve and changing color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air;
and a visual confirmation part that makes a color change of the temperature indicating part visible from the outside. A mask ventilation device is disposed on both the left and right side edges of a mask body that is worn to cover the nose and mouth of a face,
At least one of the mask ventilation devices comprises:
an attachment portion that is attached so as to be sandwiched between the side edge portion and the face;
An air passage formed between openings provided on the nose/mouth side and the exterior side,
an exhaust valve that is provided in the air passage and allows exhaust only from the nose/mouth side to the outside side;
A temperature indicator provided on the valve body of the exhaust valve and changing color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air;
and a visual confirmation part that makes a color change of the temperature indicating part visible from the outside. The mask ventilation device according to claim 2, characterized in that the temperature indicator and the visual confirmation part are provided in both mask ventilation devices. The valve body is formed of a colorless and transparent material,
4. The mask ventilation device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature indicator is provided on the nose/mouth side of the valve body. The mask ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the temperature indicator is provided on the outer side of the valve body. The mask ventilation device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the valve body itself contains a heat storage material, or a heat storage material is interposed between the valve body and the temperature indicator. The mask ventilation device according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve body itself contains a heat insulating material, or a heat insulating material is interposed between the valve body and the temperature indicator. The ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the temperature indicator is a film having a reversible thermochromic layer containing a thermochromic material attached to the valve body of the exhaust valve. The ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the temperature indicator is a reversible thermochromic layer that contains a thermochromic material and is provided on the valve body of the exhaust valve. The ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the temperature indicator comprises a plurality of temperature indicators arranged in parallel, each of which has a different color change temperature. The ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the temperature indicator comprises a plurality of temperature indicators arranged in parallel, each of which has a different color change temperature and color. A ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an outside temperature indicator that changes color in response to the outside air temperature is provided in the part that comes into contact with the outside air. The mask ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the visibility portion includes the opening on the exterior side, and at least the opening on the exterior side of the mask ventilation device main body is formed of a colorless and transparent material. The mask ventilation device according to claim 13, characterized in that the opening on the exterior side of the mask ventilation device main body is formed with a Fresnel lens that expands light toward the exterior. A ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the valve body of the exhaust valve is a detachable flexible film made of resin. A mask ventilation device according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that it is provided with a connection part that connects each mask ventilation device along the face side surface of the mask body. The mask ventilation device according to claim 16, characterized in that it has a latch structure that allows the length of the connection part to be adjusted. The mask ventilation device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the connection portion is maintained in a folded or curved state. The mask ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the attachment portion has a clip structure. A ventilation device for a mask according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the part that comes into contact with the face is the bottom surface of an upright frame. A method for screening visitors with a high fever using a ventilation device for a mask, the ventilation device being attached to the side edge of a mask body that is worn to cover the nose and mouth of the face, being provided in an air passage from the nose and mouth side to the outside, the ventilation device being provided with a temperature indicator that changes color in response to the temperature of the exhaled air on a valve body of an exhaust valve that allows only exhaust, and a visual indicator that makes the color change of the temperature indicator visible from the outside,
a mask wearing guidance step in which an entrance side guide device provided at the entrance side of a guide passageway that guides visitors to an entrance gate guides visitors to the facility on how to wear a mask having the mask ventilation device;
a waiting step of making the visitor wearing the mask wait in a guide passageway that guides the visitor to the entrance gate side while keeping the mask on for a certain period of time or more;
a visual guidance step in which an entrance gate side guidance device provided on the entrance gate side of the guidance passage guides the entrant to visually check the color change in the temperature indicating part of the mask worn by the entrant, thereby screening entrants who have a high fever by visually checking the color change in the temperature indicating part.

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