CN104784842B

CN104784842B - Breathing protective mask

Info

Publication number: CN104784842B
Application number: CN201510025548.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 文正喆; 康守朴; 金荣俊; 姜奉协; 朴亨善
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Current assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date: 2014-01-17
Filing date: 2015-01-19
Publication date: 2020-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-19
Also published as: CN104784842A; JP6571936B2; KR200489143Y1; JP2015134165A; KR20150002911U; CN111202928B; JP2019166411A; JP6785919B2; CN111202928A

Abstract

The invention provides a respiratory protection mask. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a respiratory protection mask comprising: a sealing mask element; a valve seat including an inhalation unit formed with an inhalation port and an exhalation unit formed with an exhalation port; an intake valve that selectively closes the intake port; and an exhalation valve that selectively blocks the exhalation port, wherein the inhalation unit includes: a support member disposed inside the suction port and configured to support the suction valve; and at least one support rib having one end connected to an inner peripheral surface of the suction port and the other end connected to the support member, and having a vertical sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the front of the suction port when viewed from the support member.

Description

Breathing protective mask

Technical Field

The present invention relates to respiratory protection masks.

Background

Respiratory protection masks have been used to prevent dust, dirty particles, foul odors, toxic gases, etc. from flowing into a person's mouth or nose, and various forms of the masks are used according to uses. In particular, there is a need for respiratory protection masks for use in industrial environments, given the health and safety of industrial workers.

The respiratory protection mask includes an inhalation unit that introduces air into the respiratory protection mask when a user inhales, and an exhalation unit that discharges air to the exterior of the respiratory protection mask when the user exhales. The inhalation unit and the exhalation unit may include an inhalation valve and an exhalation valve, respectively, that selectively block the flow of gas. (see Korean patent application laid-open No.10-2006-0039128 (published: 2006, 5/08), and Korean patent application laid-open No.10-2010-0075459 (published: 2010, 7/02))

The inhalation valve provided in the above respiratory protection mask may be a film in the form of a thin film, and an inhalation valve supporting unit configured to support the inhalation valve may be provided in the inhalation unit so that the inhalation valve can selectively block the inhalation port. The suction valve supporting unit may include: a support unit disposed at a central portion of the suction port and configured to support the suction valve; and at least one rib extending in a direction transverse to the suction port (a direction intersecting the suction port) and configured to support the support unit. The at least one rib is formed in a rod shape having a rectangular cross section, and may be provided in a shape extending from an edge of the suction port toward the central portion.

However, the above-described technique has the following problems.

The at least one rib traversing the suction opening interferes with the airflow passing through the suction aperture. As a result, there is a problem in that the pressure of the air passing through the air suction hole is lowered.

In addition, since the at least one rib has low strength, there is a problem in that the at least one rib may be easily broken when an impact is applied or a predetermined external force is applied.

In addition, there is a problem in that the size of the respiratory protection mask is large, so that the use of the respiratory protection mask is inconvenient.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address the above problems and to provide a respiratory protection mask that reduces the air pressure drop when the wearer inhales.

In addition, a respiratory protection mask is provided that reduces damage to ribs supporting an inhalation valve.

Further, a respiratory protection mask capable of being reduced in size is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a respiratory protection mask comprising: a sealing mask element; a valve seat including an inhalation unit formed with an inhalation port and an exhalation unit formed with an exhalation port; an intake valve that selectively closes the intake port; and an exhalation valve that selectively blocks the exhalation port, wherein the inhalation unit includes: a support member disposed inside the suction port and configured to support the suction valve; and at least one support rib having one end connected to an inner peripheral surface of the suction port and the other end connected to the support member, and having a vertical sectional area that decreases (becomes smaller the farther forward) in a direction toward the front of the suction port when viewed from the support member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a respiratory protection mask comprising: a sealing mask element; a valve seat including an upper portion on which an inhalation valve is mounted and a lower portion inclined rearward relative to the upper portion and on which an exhalation valve is mounted; and a frame formed to protrude from the lower portion and support the exhalation valve, and a protruding length of the frame increases in a direction toward a lower side.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a respiratory protection mask capable of reducing the air pressure drop when a wearer inhales.

In addition, a respiratory protection mask capable of reducing damage to ribs supporting an inhalation valve can be provided.

Further, a respiratory protection mask capable of reducing the size of the respiratory protection mask can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a respiratory protection mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the respiratory protection mask of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the respiratory protection mask of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the respiratory protection mask of fig. 1.

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the sealed mask element of figure 4.

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the yoke of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the valve seat of fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the valve seat of fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a rear view of a suction valve supporting means of a suction unit of the valve seat of fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line I-I in fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the sealing mask element of fig. 4 in combination with a valve seat.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the lower end portion of the yoke re-engaged with the sealing mask element of fig. 12 engaged with the valve seat.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the mask sealing element and valve seat of fig. 13 in a state in which the engagement with the yoke is completed.

Fig. 15 is a simulation result showing a change in the flow rate of air passing through the inhalation port of the respiratory protection mask according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a simulation result showing a pressure change of air passing through an inhalation port of a respiratory protection mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Description of the reference numerals

10: respiratory protection mask 100: sealing mask element

101: first hole 102: second hole

110: sealing mask element body 120: bending part

130: first surface 140: second surface

200: valve seat 210: base body

220: the suction unit 221: supporting element

222: the locking projection 223: support rib

224: groove 226: mounting part

227: the upper extension 228: short edge

229: upper coupling part 230: exhalation unit

231: the frame 232: support rib

233: insertion hole 235: yoke fixing recess

236: lower extension 237: lower joint part

300: yoke 301: air suction path

302: exhalation path 310: yoke body

320: the connecting piece 350: annular element

400: belt tool

Detailed Description

Specific embodiments for implementing the scope and spirit of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that for ease of description, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a respiratory protection mask according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view of the respiratory protection mask of fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a rear view of the respiratory protection mask of fig. 1.

Referring to fig. 1-3, a respiratory protection mask 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a sealing mask element 100 configured to be in intimate contact with the face of the wearer; a valve seat 200 configured to be combined with the sealing mask element 100 and to which an inhalation valve 500 and an exhalation valve 600 are mounted on the valve seat 200; a yoke 300 covering the front portions of both the sealing mask element 100 and the valve seat 200; and a harness 400 connected to the loop 350 of the yoke 300 for securing the respiratory protection mask 10 to the head of a wearer.

In the description of the present embodiment, with respect to the respiratory protection mask 10, the direction in which the wearer's face is located is defined as the rear (negative direction along the X axis in fig. 1), the direction opposite to the rear is defined as the front (positive direction along the X axis in fig. 1), the direction in which the wearer's nose is located is defined as the upper (positive direction along the Z axis in fig. 1), and the direction opposite to the upper is defined as the lower (negative direction along the Z axis in fig. 1).

The sealing mask element 100 may be sized to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer and be made of a soft material so as to be in close contact with the wearer's face. By way of example, the sealing mask element 100 may be made of, for example, rubber or silicone, deformed to a predetermined degree by a harness 400 made of an elastic material, and may be brought into close contact with the wearer's face. For this purpose, the rear part of the sealing mask element 100 may have a curvature corresponding to the shape of a human face.

The valve seat 200 is joined to the sealing mask element 100 on the rear side of the sealing mask element, and the valve seat 200 supports the inhalation valve 500 and the exhalation valve 600. Specifically, the valve seat 200 includes: an inhalation unit 220 (fig. 4) which is combined with an inhalation valve 500 and through which inhalation unit 220 air passes when the wearer inhales; and an exhalation unit 230 (fig. 4) coupled to the exhalation valve 600 and through which air passes when the wearer exhales.

The suction unit 220 includes a suction port 201 through which air passes. Inhalation valve 500 is disposed behind inhalation port 201 and partially exposed to the front of respiratory protection mask 10 through inhalation port 201. The suction unit 220 includes a suction valve supporting device configured to support the suction valve 500. The suction valve supporting means may include: a support member 221 inserted into a central hole 510 (fig. 4) of the suction valve 500 of the suction port 201; a locking protrusion 222 provided at a rear end portion of the support member 221 and configured to prevent the suction valve 500 from being separated; and at least one support rib 223 configured to connect the support member 221 with the inner circumferential surface of the suction port 201 and support the suction valve 500. Since the inhalation valve 500 is provided between the support ribs 223 and the locking projections 222 in the front-rear direction of the respiratory protection mask 10, the locking projections 222 may not be exposed when viewed from the front of the respiratory protection mask 10. The specific structure and function of the intake valve supporting device will be described later.

The inhalation valve 500 may partially open the air intake port 201 when the wearer inhales, and block the air intake port 201 to prevent air from being introduced into the sealed mask element 100 through the air intake port 201 when the wearer does not inhale.

A predetermined filter cartridge means (not shown) may be combined with the front end portion of the suction unit 220 to remove debris, harmful materials, etc. contained in the air. By operation of the filter cartridge arrangement, debris, harmful substances, etc. can be prevented from being directed into the wearer's respiratory system as the wearer breathes.

The exhalation unit 230 includes an exhalation port 202 (fig. 4) through which air passes. Exhalation valve 600 may be disposed in front of exhalation port 202 and selectively block exhalation port 202. Specifically, exhalation valve 600 may partially open exhalation port 202 when the wearer exhales and seal off exhalation port 202 when the wearer is not inhaling or exhaling to prevent air from being drawn into sealed mask element 100 through exhalation port 202. The exhalation valve 600 includes an insertion protrusion 610 that protrudes rearward, and when the insertion protrusion 610 is inserted into the valve seat 200, the exhalation valve 600 may be fixed to the valve seat 200.

The inhalation valve 500 and the exhalation valve 600 may be diaphragms made of soft materials that deform due to changes in air pressure generated when a wearer inhales or exhales, and may be made of rubber or silicone, for example.

The yoke 300 may partially cover the front surfaces of both the sealing mask element 100 and the valve seat 200, and in particular, the yoke 300 may be shaped to cover the exhalation valve 600. The rear surface of the exhalation valve 600 and the rear surface of the yoke 300 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and an air discharge space is formed below the respiratory protection mask 10, so that air discharged through the exhalation unit 230 is discharged below the respiratory protection mask 10 when the wearer exhales.

A loop 350 connected with the harness 400 may be formed at both sides of the yoke 300. The harness 400 may include a length adjustment member 410.

With the harness 400 connected to the ring 350, the wearer brings the sealing mask element 100 into close contact with his or her face so that the sealing mask element 100 covers his or her nose and mouth, and the wearer can operate the length adjustment member 410 so that the harness 400 applies a suitable force to the sealing mask element 100. Accordingly, the sealing mask element 100 can be elastically deformed and brought into close contact with the wearer's face, and air can be introduced into the sealing mask element 100 or discharged from the inside of the sealing mask element 100 only according to the operation of the inhalation valve 500 and the exhalation valve 600.

Specific features of the above-described components of the respiratory protection mask 10 are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the respiratory protection mask of fig. 1. Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the sealed mask element shown in figure 4. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the yoke shown in figure 4. Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the valve seat shown in fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a side view of the valve seat shown in fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 4-8, the respiratory protection mask 10 may be assembled using the following method: the valve seat 200, to which the inhalation valve 500 and the exhalation valve 600 are coupled, is coupled to the sealing mask element 100, and the yoke 300 is coupled to the inhalation unit 220 and the exhalation unit 230, which are exposed forward via the sealing mask element 100.

Although the present embodiment exemplarily shows an example in which the inhalation valve 500 and the exhalation valve 600 are combined with the valve seat 200 before combining the valve seat 200 with the sealing mask element 100, the assembly sequence of the inhalation valve 500 and the exhalation valve 600 is not limited thereto. For example, the inhalation valve 500 and exhalation valve 600 may be combined with the valve seat 200 after combining the valve seat 200 with the sealing mask element 100.

The sealing mask element 100 may include: a sealing mask element body 110 formed to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer; a curved portion 120 that forms a seal against the rear of the mask element body 110 and is in intimate contact with the wearer's face; a first surface 130 disposed on the upper portion of the sealing mask element body 110; and a second surface 140 disposed on a lower portion of the sealing mask element body 110.

The sealing mask element body 110 is formed in a shape that the rear surface is open and protrudes forward. The valve seat 200 can be combined with the sealing mask element body 110 so as to be received inside the sealing mask element body 110. In this case, the valve seat 200 is mounted and fixed on the first surface 130 and the second surface 140.

A yoke mounting portion 112 may be formed on the front surface of the sealing mask element main body 110, and a yoke 300 may be mounted to the yoke mounting portion 112 while being fixed to the valve seat 200. The yoke mounting portion 112 may be formed to correspond to the circumferential shape of the rear surface of the yoke 300, and may be provided in the form of a stepped surface recessed by a predetermined depth in the front surface of the sealing mask element body 110.

The first surface 130 may be in close contact with the upper portion 211 of the valve seat 200 where the suction unit 220 is formed. The second surface 140 may be in close contact with the lower portion 212 of the valve seat 200 where the exhalation unit 230 is formed. In this case, the second surface 140 may be disposed to be inclined rearward with respect to the first surface 130. Accordingly, a portion of the exhalation unit 230 protrudes to the front of the sealing mask element 100, and the lower portion of the yoke 300 can be combined with the exhalation unit 230.

A first hole 101 may be formed on the first surface 130, and the suction unit 220 is inserted into the first hole 101. A second hole 102 may be formed on the second surface 140, and the exhalation unit 230 is inserted into the second hole 102. Since the suction unit 220 formed with the suction port 201 is inserted into the first hole 101, the first hole 101 forms a part of the suction path. In addition, since the exhalation unit 230 formed with the exhalation port 202 is inserted into the second hole 102, the second hole 102 forms a part of the exhalation path.

As described below, the peripheral portion of the first bore 101 may be inserted into the upper bonding portion 229 of the valve seat 200, and the peripheral portion of the second bore 102 may be inserted into the lower bonding portion 237 of the valve seat 200. Accordingly, the upper and lower portions of the sealing mask member 100 can be firmly coupled and fixed to the valve seat 200.

Meanwhile, the yoke 300 may include: a yoke body 310 that partially covers the front surfaces of both the sealing mask element 100 and the valve seat 200; a connecting member 320 formed on both rear surfaces of the yoke body 310; and a ring 350 formed at both sides of the yoke body 310 and connected with the harness 400.

A suction path 301 may be formed at an upper portion of the yoke body 310 at a position corresponding to the first hole 101 and the suction unit 220.

In addition, a yoke locking portion 312 that fixes an upper portion of the yoke body 310 to the valve seat 200 may be formed near the suction path 301 of the yoke body 310. The yoke locking portions 312 may be provided as protrusions protruding toward the center of the suction path 301 along the periphery of the suction path 301, and the yoke locking portions 312 may fix the upper portion of the yoke body 310 to the valve seat 200 when hooked in the short edges 228 formed in the suction unit 220. Since the link 320 and the yoke locking portion 312 can be fastened and fixed to the yoke fixing groove 235 and the short edge 228 of the valve seat 200, respectively, the yoke 300 has a double fixing structure and can be firmly fixed to the valve seat 200, and is not easily separated from the valve seat 200 even when external impact is applied.

The yoke body 310 may be formed in a form in which both sides of the lower portion thereof extend rearward. The middle of the lower portion of the yoke body 310 may be formed in a forwardly protruding shape. The exhalation path 302 may be formed by a rearward extending portion and a forward protruding portion of the lower portion of the yoke body 310. Air expelled through exhalation port 202 is expelled to the exterior of respiratory protection mask 10 via exhalation path 302.

The connecting members 320 are formed on both rear surfaces of the yoke body 310. Link 320 may be formed in a cylindrical or hemispherical shape such that yoke 300 is rotatable about link 320. The present embodiment exemplarily shows an example in which the connection member 320 is formed in a hemispherical shape. During assembly of the yoke 300, the connector 320 may be inserted into the yoke securing recess 235 of the valve seat 200. To insert the connector 320, the yoke 300 may be elastically deformed to some extent.

The valve seat 200 may include a seat body 210, the seat body 210 having an upper portion 211 and a lower portion 212, an inhalation unit 220 disposed in the upper portion 211, and an exhalation unit 230 disposed in the lower portion 212. That is, the valve seat 200 may include both the inhalation unit 220 and the exhalation unit 230. Accordingly, the total number of components of the respiratory protection mask 10 can be reduced and the structure of the respiratory protection mask 10 can be simplified.

The upper portion 211 may be formed such that: the inhalation unit 220 enables air to flow in the front-rear direction of the respiratory protection mask 10 when the respiratory protection mask 10 is worn. The front surface of the upper portion 211 may be in intimate contact with the back surface of the first surface 130 of the sealing mask element 100.

In addition, the lower portion 212 may be formed in a shape inclined rearward at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper portion 211. Therefore, the size of the respiratory protection mask 10 (specifically, the vertical length of the respiratory protection mask 10) can be made smaller. The front surface of the lower portion 212 may be in intimate contact with the rear surface of the second surface 140 of the sealing mask element 100.

Although the embodiment exemplarily shows an example in which the air flow direction of the inhalation unit 220 and the air flow direction of the exhalation unit 230 are front-rear directions when the respiratory protection mask 10 is worn, the front-rear directions herein do not only indicate the X-axis direction in fig. 1, but may also be understood to conceptually include directions inclined at substantially the same degree.

The suction unit 220 may be formed in a substantially tubular shape protruding from the upper portion 211, and include the suction port 201 and the suction valve supporting means described above. The air inlet 201 is a hole passing through the upper portion 211 in the front-rear direction, and is provided with a path through which air passes when the wearer inhales.

The suction unit 220 may include: a mounting portion 226 formed on a free end side and connectable to a filter cartridge or the like; an upper extension 227 disposed rearward of the mounting portion 226 and having a diameter that increases in a radial direction; a short edge 228 formed at the end of the upper extension 227; and an upper coupling portion 229 disposed between the upper extension portion 227 and the front surface of the upper portion 211.

The upper extension 227 may be formed to have a diameter greater than that of the first hole 101. When the valve seat 200 is coupled with the sealing mask element 100, the first surface 130 may be elastically deformed due to interference with the upper extension 227, restored to the original state of the first surface 130 again, moved to the rear of the upper extension 227, and then inserted into the upper coupling portion 229.

The upper bonding portion 229 may have a size corresponding to a diameter of the first hole 101 and be provided in the form of a groove between the upper extension 227 and the front surface of the upper portion 211. When the first surface 130 is inserted into the upper coupling portion 229, the state in which the sealing mask element 100 is coupled to the inhalation unit 220 (i.e., the state in which the sealing mask element 100 is coupled to the upper portion 211 of the valve seat 200) can be maintained until an external force of a certain degree or more is applied to the sealing mask element 100.

A short edge 228 may be formed in the rear end of the upper extension 227 along the circumference of the upper extension 227. The yoke locking portion 312 formed in the rear surface of the yoke 300 may pass over the upper extension 227 and be inserted into the short edge 228 by elastic deformation. Thereby, the yoke 300 can be fixed to the valve seat 200.

Meanwhile, the suction valve 500 made of a soft material may have a size capable of blocking the suction port 201 and include a central hole 510 to be combined with the suction unit 220. The inhalation valve 500 may be combined with inhalation valve supporting means of the inhalation unit 220 and supported from the rear side of the valve seat 200, and when the wearer inhales, the inhalation valve 500 is pulled backward by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the respiratory protection mask 10 (the inside of the respiratory protection mask 10 is in a low pressure state) to open the inhalation port 201, and when the wearer exhales, the inhalation valve 500 is brought into close contact with the inhalation valve supporting means by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the respiratory protection mask 10 (the inside of the respiratory protection mask 10 is in a high pressure state) to block the inhalation port 201.

Fig. 9 is a rear view of a suction valve supporting means of a suction unit of the valve seat of fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line I-I in fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in fig. 9.

Referring to fig. 9 to 11, a suction valve supporting means is provided in the suction port 201, and as described above, the suction valve supporting means may include a supporting member 221, a locking protrusion 222, and a supporting rib 223.

The support member 221 is inserted into the central hole 510 of the suction valve 500, supported by the plurality of support ribs 223, and may be positioned at the central portion of the suction port 201. The support member 221 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis parallel to the air circulation direction and a diameter corresponding to the size of the central hole 510.

The locking protrusion 222 prevents the inhalation valve 500 inserted on the support member 221 from being disengaged during the wearer's breathing, and the locking protrusion 222 may have the form of a protrusion protruding from the rear end portion of the support member 221 by a predetermined length in the radial direction of the inhalation port 201. A plurality of locking protrusions 222 may be provided along the circumferential direction of the support member 221. The present embodiment exemplarily shows an example of three locking protrusions 222 disposed at predetermined intervals. When the wearer inhales, the inhalation valve 500 moves backward to open the inhalation port 201, interferes with the locking protrusion 222, and does not leave the support member 221.

The support rib 223 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the suction port 201, supports the support member 221, and restricts forward movement of the suction valve 500. A plurality of support ribs 223 may be provided. That is, the suction valve 500 is disposed behind the support ribs 223, and the front surface of the suction valve 500 is supported by the support ribs 223. Although the present embodiment exemplarily shows an example in which three support ribs 223 are disposed at predetermined intervals, the number and positions of the support ribs 223 may be changed.

The support rib 223 is coupled with the front of the support member 221 with respect to the locking protrusion 222. Accordingly, the suction valve 500 can move between the locking protrusion 222 and the support rib 223.

In addition, the support ribs 223 may have a wedge-shaped cross-section pointing forward when viewed from the position of the support element 221. In other words, the vertical sectional area of the support rib 223 decreases in a direction toward the front of the suction port 201. In the present embodiment, the vertical sectional area refers to a sectional area along a plane perpendicular to the X axis in fig. 1. With such a shape, when air is introduced into the suction port 201, the air pressure drop due to the support ribs 223 may be reduced, and the flow rate of the air may be more uniformly distributed.

In general, since the support rib provided in the inhalation port of the respiratory protection mask is provided in the form of a rod having a simple rectangular cross section with a vertical cross-sectional area that does not vary, the support rib acts as an obstacle in the flow of air and causes a phenomenon of pressure drop and unstable flow. However, with the support rib 223 in the present embodiment, since the air introduced through the air suction port 201 can be smoothly dispersed and smoothly moved along the support rib 223, the function of the support rib as an obstacle is weakened and the phenomenon of pressure drop amount and unstable flow can be reduced.

Specifically, the front end portion of the support rib 223 may be rounded, may include a portion in which the amount of change in the vertical sectional area increases in the direction toward the front, and may be formed with a substantially streamlined section when viewed from the position of the support member 221. In this case, the pressure drop amount and the unstable flow phenomenon of the air passing through the air inlet 201 can be further reduced.

In addition, the support rib 223 may be formed in the following shape: when viewed from the support member 221, the cross-sectional area thereof increases in a direction away from the support member 221. That is, when the air inlet 201 is viewed from the front, the width of the support rib 223 may decrease in a direction toward the support member 221.

With the above-described structure, the support rib 223 can be more firmly fixed on the inner circumferential surface of the suction port 201 and effectively support the suction valve 500 with a small area.

Meanwhile, the support rib 223 may include a groove 224 opened in the rear surface thereof to the rear. The depth and width of the groove 224 may be formed to increase in a direction away from the support member 221 so as to maintain a constant thickness of the injection molding around the groove 224. In addition, the groove 224 may extend along the extending direction of the support rib 223.

The support rib 223 may be structurally reinforced due to the formation of the groove 224. In addition, when the wearer exhales, the inhalation valve 500 is in close contact with the rear surface of the support rib 223. When the groove 224 is formed, since a phenomenon that a portion of the suction valve 500 moves into the groove 224 may occur, the suction valve 500 may be more reliably brought into close contact with the support rib 223.

Meanwhile, the exhalation unit 230 may include: a frame 231 projecting from the lower portion 212 and formed so that the exhalation valve 600 does not disengage due to gravity; an exhalation port 202 formed in the frame 231; a plurality of support ribs 232 that each traverse exhalation port 202; an insertion hole 233 into which the insertion protrusion 610 of the exhalation valve 600 can be inserted; and yoke fixing grooves 235 formed on both side surfaces of the frame 231, respectively, and the connection pieces 320 of the yoke 300 are inserted into the yoke fixing grooves 235.

The frame 231 may be formed to have a protruding length gradually increasing in a direction from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the front surface in close contact with the exhalation valve 600 may be formed in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity or the upward direction. That is, the exhalation valve 600 may be provided to extend in the direction of gravity, or the upper end 600a of the exhalation valve 600 may be located rearward of the lower end 600 b. Specifically, the frame 231 may be formed in a state in which the front surface of the frame 231 is not inclined forward or backward when the respiratory protection mask 10 is worn, or in a state in which the front surface of the frame 231 is inclined forward when the respiratory protection mask 10 is worn. Accordingly, when there is no external force from the outside and the wearer does not inhale or exhale, the exhalation valve 600 may be in close contact with the front surface of the frame 231. When describing the tilted state of the exhalation valve 600 in this embodiment, "tilted backward" means that the upper end portion 600a of the exhalation valve 600 is located forward of the lower end portion 600b of the exhalation valve 600, and "tilted forward" means that the upper end portion 600a of the exhalation valve 600 is located rearward of the lower end portion 600 b.

Moisture exhaled by the wearer may collect on the rear surface of the exhalation valve 600. The weight of the exhalation valve 600 may increase due to moisture and the free end of the exhalation valve 600 may sag. In this case, a problem may occur in that the exhalation port 202 is opened even when the wearer is not inhaling or exhaling. This can create a series of safety issues for the wearer in view of the environment in which the respiratory protection mask 10 is worn.

However, according to the present embodiment, when the wearer does not exhale, the state in which the exhalation valve 600 is in close contact with the front surface of the frame 231 can be maintained. Therefore, the occurrence of the above-described safety problem can be prevented.

That is, the lower portion 212 of the valve seat 200 is formed to be inclined rearward with respect to the upper portion 211, and the frame 231 is formed in a shape to protrude more forward as it gets closer to the lower portion. The respiratory protection mask 10 according to the present embodiment can have a small size and allow the exhalation valve 600 to be stably operated. Accordingly, the wearability and ease of use of the respiratory protection mask 10 can be improved.

The exhalation valve 600 may be made of a soft material having dimensions capable of occluding the exhalation port 202. An insertion protrusion 610, which is elastically deformed and inserted into the insertion hole 233, may be provided on the rear surface of the exhalation valve 600.

When the wearer inhales, the exhalation valve 600 may be subjected to forces that are drawn into the respiratory protection mask 10, similar to inhalation valve 500, since the interior of the respiratory protection mask 10 has a lower pressure than the exterior of the respiratory protection mask 10. However, since the exhalation valve 600 is supported by the support ribs 232, the exhalation valve 600 can be brought into close contact with the front surface of the frame 231 to close off the exhalation port 202. When the wearer exhales, since the inside of the respiratory protection mask 10 has a higher pressure than the outside of the respiratory protection mask 10, the free end portion (lower end portion) of the exhalation valve 600 is pushed out with respect to the insertion projection 610, and the exhalation port 202 is accordingly opened. Thus, air can be discharged to the outside of the respiratory protection mask 10.

The yoke fixing grooves 235 may be provided on both side surfaces of the frame 231, respectively. The height of the protrusion forming the groove is reduced in a forward direction so that the connecting member 320 can be smoothly guided into the yoke fixing groove 235. Yoke fixing recess 235 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of link 320 and be formed such that yoke 300 may rotate about link 320.

When the yoke fixing grooves 235 are provided on both side surfaces of the frame 231 as in the present embodiment, since the valve seat 200 does not need to have a large length in order to increase a structure for fixing the lower portion of the valve seat 200, the vertical length of the valve seat 200 can be set smaller.

Meanwhile, a lower extension 236 and a lower coupling portion 237 may be formed at a rear end portion of the frame 231, and the lower extension 236 and the lower coupling portion 237 have functions corresponding to the upper extension 227 and the upper coupling portion 229 of the suction unit 220, respectively.

Specifically, the lower extension 236 is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the second hole 102. When the valve seat 200 is combined with the sealing mask member 100, the second surface 140 may be elastically deformed due to interference with the lower extension 236, restored to the original state of the second surface 140 again, moved to the rear of the lower extension 236, and then inserted into the lower combining portion 237.

The lower binding 237 may have a size corresponding to the diameter of the second bore 102 and be provided in the form of a groove between the lower extension 236 and the front surface of the lower portion 212. When the second surface 140 is inserted into the lower coupling portion 237, the coupled state between the sealing mask element 100 and the exhalation unit 230 (i.e., the coupled state between the sealing mask element 100 and the lower portion 212 of the valve seat 200) can be maintained until an external force of a certain degree or more is applied to the sealing mask element 100.

A method of assembling the respiratory protection mask 10 having the above-described configuration will be described in detail below.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the sealing mask element of fig. 4 in combination with a valve seat. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the lower end portion of the yoke re-engaged when the sealing mask element of fig. 12 is engaged with the valve seat. Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the mask sealing element and valve seat of fig. 13 in a state in which the engagement with the yoke is completed.

Referring to fig. 12 to 14, the valve seat 200 is combined with the sealing mask element 100 when the inhalation valve 500 is combined with the inhalation unit 220 from the rear of the valve seat 200 and the exhalation valve 600 is combined with the exhalation unit 230 from the front of the valve seat 200.

In this case, the first surface 130 is elastically deformed and inserted into the upper bonding portion 229, and the second surface 140 is elastically deformed and inserted into the lower bonding portion 237. Therefore, the rear surface of the sealing mask member 100 can be brought into close contact with the front surface of the valve seat 200. The mounting portion 226, the upper extension portion 227, and the short edge 228 of the suction unit 220 pass through the first hole 101 and are exposed forward. The frame 231, the yoke fixing groove 235 and the lower extension 236 of the exhalation unit 230 may pass through the second hole 102 and be exposed forward.

When the engagement of the sealing mask element 100 with the valve seat 200 is completed, the yoke 300 is engaged with the valve seat 200. Specifically, the attachment 320 of the yoke 300 is inserted into the yoke fixing recess 235. Then, by rotating the yoke 300 upward, the yoke lock 312 is elastically deformed and then locked into the short edge 228. Accordingly, the yoke 300 may be secured into the valve seat 200.

In this case, the mounting portion 226 of the air suction unit 220 may pass through the air suction path 301, be exposed forward, and then be coupled with the filter cartridge or the like.

Harness 400 may be connected with loop 350 of yoke 300 in any of the processes described above during the assembly process.

As described above, since the respiratory protection mask 10 according to the present embodiment can be easily assembled without adopting a method requiring separate means for joining such as bolts or requiring welding, the manufacturing productivity can be improved. Specifically, since the valve seat 200 includes both the inhalation unit 220 and the exhalation unit 230 (in other words, since the inhalation unit 220 and the exhalation unit 230 are manufactured as one component), the total number of components constituting the respiratory protection mask 10 can be reduced and the valve seat 200 and the sealing mask element 100 can be simply assembled. As a result, the production productivity of the respiratory protection mask 10 can be improved.

The function and effect of the respiratory protection mask 10 having the above-described configuration according to the present embodiment will be described below.

When the assembly is completed by the above-described process, the user can wear the respiratory protection mask 10 using the harness 400.

In the worn state, the respiratory protection mask 10 blocks the nose and mouth of the wearer. As the wearer breathes, the inhalation valve 500 and exhalation valve 600 deform and air can flow into the respiratory protection mask 10 or out of the interior of the respiratory protection mask 10.

Specifically, when the wearer inhales, the inhalation valve 500 is moved or deformed backward while being inserted on the support member 221 so as to open the inhalation port 201, and the exhalation valve 600 is brought into close contact with the front surface of the frame 231 to close off the exhalation port 202. Accordingly, air may flow into the respiratory protection mask 10 via the inhalation port 201. When the wearer exhales, the inhalation valve 500 moves while being inserted on the support member 221, is supported by the support ribs 223, and blocks the inhalation port 201, and the exhalation valve 600 is separated from the front surface of the frame 231 so as to open the exhalation port 202. Thus, air may be expelled to the exterior of the respiratory protection mask 10 via the exhalation port 202.

With the above function, it is possible to prevent debris, harmful substances, and the like outside the respiratory protection mask 10 from being introduced into the respiratory tract of the wearer.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, since the support rib 223 has a shape in which the vertical sectional area is reduced in a direction toward the front of the suction port 201, it is possible to reduce a pressure drop of air and a phenomenon of unstable flow occurring in the suction unit 220 when a wearer inhales. Accordingly, since the wearer can inhale a sufficient amount of air with more effort, breathing can be easily performed.

Specifically, since the front end portions of the support ribs are rounded and have a substantially streamlined wedge shape, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of a pressure drop of air and an unstable flow phenomenon.

In addition, when the groove 224 is formed on the rear surface of the support rib 223, the support rib 223 may be structurally reinforced, deformation during injection molding may be prevented, and the suction valve 500 may be more reliably brought into close contact with the support rib 223 and supported by the support rib 223.

Fig. 15 is a simulation result showing a change in the flow rate of air passing through the inhalation port of the respiratory protection mask according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a simulation result showing a pressure change of air passing through an inhalation port of a respiratory protection mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In fig. 15 and 16, the simulation results on the left side are the simulation results of a respiratory protection mask to which the support rib of the related art in which the vertical sectional area does not change is applied. The simulation result on the right side is a simulation result of a respiratory protection mask to which the support rib according to the present embodiment having a shape in which the vertical cross-sectional area decreases in the forward direction is applied.

As can be understood with reference to fig. 15 and 16, in the present embodiment, the flow rate gradient of the air passing through the suction unit 220 is more stably distributed and the pressure drop amount is lower.

The following lists various embodiments of the invention.

An article 1 is a respiratory protection mask comprising: a sealing mask element; a valve seat including an inhalation unit formed with an inhalation port and an exhalation unit formed with an exhalation port; an intake valve that selectively closes the intake port; and an exhalation valve that selectively blocks the exhalation port. Wherein the suction unit includes: a support member disposed inside the suction port and configured to support the suction valve; and at least one support rib having one end connected to an inner peripheral surface of the suction port and the other end connected to the support member, and having a vertical sectional area that decreases in a direction toward the front of the suction port when viewed from the support member.

Item 2 is the respiratory protection mask of item 1, wherein the support rib has a wedge shape extending forward from the inhalation port.

Item 3 is the respiratory protection mask of items 1 and 2, wherein the support rib has a rounded front end.

Item 4 is the respiratory protection mask according to items 1 to 3, wherein the support rib includes a portion in which an amount of change in vertical cross-sectional area increases in a direction toward the front of the inhalation port.

Item 5 is the respiratory protection mask of items 1 to 4, wherein the cross-sectional area of the support ribs increases in a direction away from the support element when viewed from the support element.

Item 6 is the respiratory protection mask according to items 1 to 5, wherein a groove that opens rearward is formed on a rear surface of the support rib.

Item 7 is the respiratory protection mask according to items 1 to 6, wherein the groove extends along an extending direction of the support rib.

Item 8 is a respiratory protection mask comprising: a sealing mask element; a valve seat including an upper portion on which an inhalation valve is mounted and a lower portion inclined rearward relative to the upper portion and on which an exhalation valve is mounted; and a frame formed to protrude from the lower portion and support the exhalation valve, and a protruding length of the frame increases in a direction toward a lower side.

Item 9 is the respiratory protection mask of item 8, wherein the front portion of the frame in intimate contact with the exhalation valve is formed such that the exhalation valve is disposed to extend longitudinally in the direction of gravity.

Item 10 is the respiratory protection mask of items 8 and 9, wherein a front portion of the frame in close contact with the exhalation valve is formed such that an upper end portion of the exhalation valve is disposed rearward of a lower end portion of the exhalation valve.

Item 11 is the respiratory protection mask according to items 8 to 10, further comprising a yoke partially covering a front surface of the mask sealing element, wherein a connecting piece is formed at a lower portion of a rear surface of the yoke, and yoke fixing grooves to which the connecting piece is combined are formed on both side surfaces of the frame.

Item 12 is the respiratory protection mask according to items 8 to 11, wherein the yoke is rotatable about the connection, and the yoke is assembled by: the yoke is first coupled with the connecting member, and then the yoke is rotated, and then the upper side of the yoke is coupled with the valve seat.

Item 13 is the respiratory protection mask according to item 8 to item 12, wherein an upper joining portion and an upper extending portion forming the upper joining portion are provided on the valve seat, the upper joining portion is a groove into which the sealing mask element is inserted, a yoke locking portion to be inserted into a short edge formed in an end portion of the upper extending portion is formed on a rear surface of the yoke, and the yoke locking portion is elastically deformed and inserted into the short edge.

Item 14 is a respiratory protection mask according to items 8 to 13, wherein the valve seat is bonded to a rear side of the sealing mask element.

Although specific embodiments of the respiratory protection mask of the present invention have been described above, they are by way of example only and the invention is not limited thereto but is to be understood as having the broadest scope of protection in accordance with the basic concept disclosed in the present specification. Those skilled in the art can apply shapes patterns not shown by combining and replacing the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may be readily modified and improved by those skilled in the art based on the present specification, and such modifications and improvements are clearly included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A respiratory protection mask comprising:

a sealing mask element;

a valve seat including an inhalation unit formed with an inhalation port and an exhalation unit formed with an exhalation port;

an intake valve that selectively closes the intake port; and

an exhalation valve that selectively blocks the exhalation port,

wherein the suction unit includes:

a support member disposed inside the suction port and configured to support the suction valve; and

at least one support rib having one end connected to an inner circumferential surface of the suction port and the other end connected to the support member, and having a vertical sectional area that decreases in a direction toward a front of the suction port when viewed from the support member, wherein a groove that opens rearward is formed on a rear surface of the support rib.

2. A respiratory protection mask according to claim 1, wherein the support rib has a wedge shape extending forwardly from the inhalation port.

3. A respiratory protection mask according to claim 1, wherein the support ribs have rounded front ends.

4. A respiratory protection mask according to claim 1, wherein the support rib includes a portion in which the amount of change in vertical cross-sectional area increases in a direction toward the front of the inhalation port.

5. A respiratory protection mask according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the support ribs increases in a direction away from the support element when viewed from the support element.

6. A respiratory protection mask according to claim 1, wherein the grooves extend along the direction of extension of the support ribs.