CN110891652B - Face mask and control method - Google Patents
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- CN110891652B CN110891652B CN201880047611.8A CN201880047611A CN110891652B CN 110891652 B CN110891652 B CN 110891652B CN 201880047611 A CN201880047611 A CN 201880047611A CN 110891652 B CN110891652 B CN 110891652B
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/006—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort with pumps for forced ventilation
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Abstract
The invention provides a breathing auxiliary mask. A mask is provided comprising an air chamber; a filter, an inhalation fan, an exhalation fan, a sensor, and a controller. The suction fan introduces air into the mask through the filter. The exhalation fan exhausts the exhaled air. The controller causes the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan to operate continuously while the mask is worn. The controller provides a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed to the fan, wherein the first rotational speed is non-zero and lower than the second rotational speed. During inhalation, the exhalation fan operates at the first inhalation speed and the inhalation fan operates at the second inhalation speed. During exhalation, the inhalation fan operates at the first inhalation speed and the exhalation fan operates at the second inhalation speed. The control of the inspiratory and expiratory fans ensures that the airflow in the mask is synchronized with the user's breathing, which ultimately makes breathing more comfortable in the mask.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a mask and control method, and in particular to a mask for providing filtered air to a wearer of the mask with fan assisted flow.
Background
Air pollution is a concern worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 400 million people die of air pollution each year. Part of this problem is the outdoor air quality of the city. The worst of the same grades is the indian city (e.g., dire), whose annual pollution level exceeds 10 times the recommended level. Also well known is Beijing, with an annual average value of 8.5 times the recommended safety level. However, even in european cities like london, paris and berlin, the levels are higher than those suggested by the WHO.
An important factor contributing to air pollution is the particulate matter suspended in the air. Particulate pollution comes from both natural resources (such as volcanoes, sand storms, forest and grassland fires, biological vegetation, and ocean waves) and from human activities (such as burning fuels, transportation, power plants, and various industrial processes). In addition to these primary particle sources, there are secondary sources, which are fine particles produced by the complex atmospheric chemical reactions of gaseous pollutants. The secondary source comprising inorganic fine particles (e.g. from SO)2、NO2、NH3The sulfates, nitrates and ammonium salts produced) and organic fine particles (produced by oxidation of volatile organic gases).
The official outdoor air quality standard defines particulate matter concentration as mass concentration per unit volume (e.g., μ g/m)3)。Of particular interest is contamination by particles less than 2.5 μm in diameter (referred to as "PM 2.5") because they are able to penetrate the gas exchange area of the lungs (alveoli), and very small particles: (<100nm) may cross the lung to affect other organs.
Since the problem does not improve significantly in the short term, the only way to deal with the problem is: a mask is worn that provides cleaner air by filtering. To improve comfort and effectiveness, a fan may be added to the mask that draws air through the filter. For efficiency and lifetime reasons, these are typically electronically commutated brushless DC fans.
The benefits of using a power mask by the wearer are: the slight burden on the lungs, caused by inhalation to counter the resistance of the filter in a conventional unpowered mask, is alleviated.
In addition, in conventional non-powered masks, inhalation also causes a small amount of negative pressure within the mask that causes contaminants to leak into the mask, which can prove dangerous if the contaminants are toxic substances. The powered mask delivers a steady flow of air to the face and may, for example, provide a small amount of positive pressure (which may be determined by the resistance of the exhalation valve) to ensure that any leaks are outward rather than inward.
There are many ways to improve the user experience when wearing a power mask. These approaches tend to focus on the adjustment of the fan speed, both to improve user comfort and to improve the electrical efficiency of the fan.
For example, GB 2032284 discloses a respirator in which the pressure inside the mask is measured by a pressure sensor and the fan speed is varied in dependence on the sensor measurement.
WO 2016/157159 discloses a respiratory mask having: different inlet and outlet paths for the user's breath. Also disclosed are: a fan may be used for one or both of the inlet and outlet paths.
CN 104548406 discloses a respiratory mask, which comprises: a vent hole; and a fan for introducing air through the air vent.
JP 2008295993 discloses a breathing mask for filtering air breathed by a user, comprising a photocatalyst and a fan.
However, there is still a need to further improve the comfort of the user when using the mask.
Disclosure of Invention
The invention is defined by the claims. According to an example of an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mask comprising:
an air chamber;
a filter;
an air suction fan for introducing air from the outside of the air chamber into the air chamber through the filter;
an exhalation fan for introducing air from the inside to the outside of the air chamber;
a sensor for detecting inhalation and exhalation of a user; and
a controller adapted to: continuously operating the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan while the mask is worn by the user;
determining, via a sensor, whether a user is inhaling or exhaling; and
increasing the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan relative to the rotational speed of the expiratory fan at the start of inspiration; and
at the start of exhalation, the rotational speed of the exhalation fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan.
The mask of the present invention ensures that inhalation is assisted by the inhalation fan and exhalation is assisted by the exhalation fan, while keeping the other fan (the exhalation fan in the case of inhalation and the inhalation fan in the case of exhalation) at a suitable rotational speed, so that the fan speed adjustment can be made faster when there is a transition between inhalation and exhalation. Thus, the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan operate simultaneously, and the rotational speeds of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan are carefully controlled to minimize resistance between the fans and to promote synchronization of the airflow in the mask with the user's breathing, thereby making breathing more comfortable in the mask.
References to "at the beginning of inspiration" and "at the beginning of expiration" relate to the point in time at which the sensor detects that inspiration or expiration has begun. This may not correspond exactly to the user's breathing cycle, as there will be some sensing time lag. However, this will be negligible compared to the total duration of the inhalation and exhalation cycles of the user.
In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a differential pressure sensor for determining a pressure difference between air outside the air chamber and air inside the air chamber. Differential pressure sensors are readily available and easy to use.
The rotational speed is preferably increased by pulse width modulation with a duty cycle. Pulse width modulation is a common technique that allows for simple rotational speeds.
In another embodiment, the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan are driven by electronically commutated brushless motors. Electronically commutated brushless motors are preferred for efficiency and lifetime reasons.
Considering the rotation speed in more detail, the inhalation fan has a first rotation speed and a second rotation speed, and the exhalation fan has a first rotation speed and a second rotation speed, and the second rotation speed is higher than the first rotation speed. This provides a lower idle speed that uses minimal power, but reduces latency. For example, the first rotational speed of the two fans is generally 10rpm to 500rpm, preferably 50rpm to 100 rpm. The second rotation speed is typically 5 to 50 times, preferably 10 to 30 times the first rotation speed. This provides a great help to assist the user's breathing. Further, the second rotational speed may be adapted to the user's breathing (e.g., breathing rate and tidal volume) and may be adjusted to account for different breathing scenarios (e.g., walking and running).
Preferably, the first rotational speed of the inspiratory fan is the same as the first rotational speed of the expiratory fan. This provides a consistent user experience in terms of feel and sound. The second rotational speed of the inspiratory fan may be the same or different than the second rotational speed of the expiratory fan, depending on the design of the inlet and outlet flow paths of the mask and the pressure differential created by the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan inside the mask. For example, if air is introduced into the mask through a filter and out of the mask through a valve, an inspiratory fan will need to generate a higher pressure than an expiratory fan. This may be achieved by using a higher second rotational speed for the inspiratory fan than for the expiratory fan.
In one embodiment, the mask further comprises: and a switch for starting and stopping the inhalation and exhalation fans. This will allow the user full control of when to activate and deactivate the inspiratory and expiratory fans. For example, the user may be assured that the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan are always turned off when the mask is not in use.
Alternatively, the timing of wearing the mask is detected to provide automatic control of the fan.
The filter includes a filter member connected in series with the suction fan. The outer wall of the plenum may define a filter, or a filter may be provided only at the location of the suction fan. In this manner, air entering the mask is filtered.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a mask, comprising:
continuously operating the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan while the mask is worn by the user;
introducing air into and out of the air chamber of the mask by using an inhalation fan and an exhalation fan;
detecting inhalation and exhalation of a user;
determining whether the user is inhaling or exhaling; and
at the start of inspiration, increasing the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan relative to the rotational speed of the expiratory fan, an
At the start of exhalation, the rotational speed of the exhalation fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan.
Drawings
Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a mask including an inspiratory fan and an expiratory fan;
FIG. 2 shows an example of a component of a mask;
figure 3 shows the relative rotational speeds of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan in use;
figures 4a and 4b show pulse width modulation of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan during use, which correspond to the first and second rotational speeds shown in figure 3;
figure 5 illustrates a mask operation method.
Detailed Description
The invention provides a breathing auxiliary mask. There is provided a mask comprising: air chamber, filter, inspiratory fan, expiratory fan, sensor and controller. The suction fan introduces air into the mask through the filter. The exhalation fan exhausts the exhaled air. The controller causes the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan to operate continuously while the mask is worn. The controller provides a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed to the fan, wherein the first rotational speed is non-zero and lower than the second rotational speed. During inhalation, the exhalation fan operates at a first inhalation speed and the inhalation fan operates at a second inhalation speed. During exhalation, the inhalation fan operates at a first inhalation speed and the exhalation fan operates at a second inhalation speed. The control of the inspiratory and expiratory fans ensures that the airflow in the mask is synchronized with the user's breathing, which ultimately makes breathing more comfortable in the mask.
The inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan operate simultaneously to generate an airflow through the mask. However, they have been found to resist each other, thereby disrupting the airflow through the mask. In particular, investigations carried out by the applicant have found a problem with waiting times when switching between an inhalation fan and an exhalation fan during use. It has been found that this is a factor that is poorly synchronized with the user's breathing, thus making the breathing uncomfortable.
In the mask of the present invention, the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan are operated continuously so that their rotational speeds never fall back to zero. This reduces the fan start-up latency and minimizes the time it takes to synchronize the airflow in the mask with the user's breathing. Having the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan run continuously at least at a minimum level ensures that: there is minimal delay when switching operation of the inspiratory fan to the expiratory fan during the transition between inspiration and expiration, and when switching operation of the expiratory fan to the inspiratory fan during the transition between expiration and inspiration. Thus, the pulses required to change the fan speed during use are reduced, so that the required fan speed change can be made faster. Thus, the airflow in the mask can be more easily synchronized with the user's breathing, which ultimately makes breathing more comfortable in the mask.
By determining whether the user is inhaling or exhaling via the sensor, the controller can adjust the rotational speed of the inhalation fan and the rotational speed of the exhalation fan. The controller is adapted to: the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the expiratory fan when the user starts an inspiratory cycle, and the rotational speed of the expiratory fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan when the user starts an expiratory cycle. This reduces the interference between the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan, also synchronizing the airflow in the mask with the user's breathing, thus ultimately making breathing more comfortable in the mask.
Fig. 1 shows a mask of the present invention comprising an inspiratory fan and an expiratory fan.
The user 10 is shown wearing a mask 11, which mask 11 covers at least the nose and mouth of the user. The purpose of the mask is to filter the air before the user breathes it. To this end, in fig. 1, the mask body itself acts as the air filter 12. Air is introduced into the air chamber 13 formed by the mask by inhalation. The suction fan 14 helps to introduce air from the outside of the air chamber 13 into the air chamber 13 through the filter 12. The suction fan 14 is positioned before or after the filter 12.
When the subject exhales, air is expelled from the air chamber 13 by exhalation. The exhalation fan 15 helps to draw air from the inside of the air chamber 13 to the outside. The exhaust air need not pass through the filter, but the exhaust air may also be directed out through the filter by an exhalation fan.
In use, the inspiratory fan 14 and the expiratory fan 15 are operated continuously. This avoids startup latency. The continuous operation of the inhalation fan and the exhalation fan means that: the pulses required to change the fan speed setting during use are reduced so that the airflow in the mask is synchronized with the user's breathing, which ultimately makes breathing more comfortable in the mask.
Fig. 2 shows an example of a component of the mask. The same components as in fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals.
In addition to the components shown in fig. 1, fig. 2 also shows a controller 20, a local battery 21 and a sensor 22 for detecting inhalation or exhalation by the user.
The intake fan 14 includes fan blades 14a and a fan motor 14 b. The expiratory fan 15 includes fan blades 15a and a fan motor 15 b. In one example, the fan motors 14b and 15b are electronically commutated brushless motors. Electronically commutated brushless DC fans have an internal sensor that measures the position of the rotor and switches the current through the coils as the rotor rotates.
The sensor 22 for detecting inhalation and exhalation of the user may be a differential pressure sensor for determining the pressure difference between the air outside the air chamber and the air inside the air chamber. For example, for a known pressure (e.g. atmospheric pressure) on one side of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan, the pressure monitoring enables the pressure on the other side of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan to be determined, or at least enables the pressure change on the other side of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan to be determined. For example, the other side is a closed chamber, which therefore has a pressure different from atmospheric pressure. In this way, inspiration and expiration may be detected.
By detecting equal pressure on each side of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan, it can be determined that the chamber is not closed, but that both sides are connected to atmospheric pressure. In this way, inhalation and exhalation are not detected. This may also mean that the mask is not being worn and, therefore, the mask may be used to turn off the fan to save power.
The pressure differential information is transmitted to the controller 20. The controller 20 then determines whether the user is inhaling or exhaling. For example, a decrease in pressure in air inside the plenum relative to air outside the plenum will correspond to inhalation, and a decrease in pressure in air inside the plenum relative to air outside the plenum will correspond to exhalation.
A suitable differential pressure sensor is one of the series Sensirion (trade mark) SPD60 x. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a differential pressure sensor having a measurement range of-500 Pa to 500 Pa. This covers the breathing pressure range. Other sensors may also be used to determine whether the user is inhaling or exhaling. For example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, an oxygen sensor, or a combination of any of the above sensors may be used.
If the transition from expiration to inspiration is determined, the controller 20 sends a signal to the inspiration fan motor 14b to increase the rotational speed of the inspiration fan blades 14a and a signal to the expiration fan motor 15b to decrease the rotational speed of the expiration fan blades 15 a. In this way, the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the expiratory fan. Conversely, if the transition from inhalation to exhalation is determined, the controller 20 sends a signal to the exhalation fan motor 15b to increase the rotational speed of the exhalation fan blades 15a, and sends a signal to the inhalation fan motor 14b to decrease the rotational speed of the inhalation fan blades 14 a. In this way, the rotational speed of the exhalation fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan.
In the simplest example, the rotation speeds of the inhalation fan and the exhalation fan are alternated between two set values, with a rotation speed variation implemented at the detection transition between inhalation and exhalation.
Figure 3 shows the relative rotational speeds of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan in use. In the mask of the present invention, the inspiratory fan 14 has a first rotational speed ("1") and a second rotational speed ("2"). Likewise, the exhalation fan 15 has a first rotational speed ("1") and a second rotational speed ("2"). In both cases, the second rotational speed is higher than the first rotational speed.
In fig. 3, the inspiratory fan 14 and the expiratory fan 15 alternate between level 1 and level 2. Level 1 denotes a first rotational speed and level 2 denotes a second rotational speed. The first rotational speed is the minimum non-zero rotational speed. In use, the fans will not operate below the first rotational speed, i.e. they run continuously.
The second rotational speed is higher than the first rotational speed for both the inspiratory fan 14 and the expiratory fan 15.
Figure 3 begins with expiration. On exhalation, the exhalation fan 15 is at level 2 and the inhalation fan 14 is at level 1. In this way, the rotational speed of the exhalation fan 15 is higher than the rotational speed of the inhalation fan 14. When a subsequent inhalation is detected, the speed of the inhalation fan 14 is increased to level 2 and the speed of the exhalation fan 15 is decreased to level 1.
When inhalation is determined, the rotational speed of the inhalation fan 14 is increased relative to the rotational speed of the exhalation fan 15. When the exhalation is determined, the rotation speed of the exhalation fan 15 is increased relative to the rotation speed of the inhalation fan 14. In this way, the flow of air in the mask is synchronized with the user's breathing, which ultimately makes breathing in the mask more comfortable. The rotation speeds of the inhalation fan and the exhalation fan are changed by changing the supplied voltage.
Preferably, more air is removed than is exhaled so that additional air is supplied to the face. This increases comfort due to the reduction in relative humidity and cooling.
Typically, the first rotational speed of the inspiratory fan 14 is the same as the first rotational speed of the expiratory fan 15. For example, the first rotation speed of the inhalation fan 14 and the first rotation speed of the exhalation fan 15 may be 10rpm to 500rpm, and more preferably, 50rpm to 100 rpm.
The second rotation speed of the inhalation fan 14 and the second rotation speed of the exhalation fan 15 may be 5 times to 50 times, more preferably 10 times to 30 times, the first rotation speed. The second rotational speed may be adapted to the user's breathing (e.g., breathing rate and tidal volume) and may be adjusted to account for different breathing scenarios (e.g., walking and running).
Thus, upon inhalation, preferably by the controller, operating the inhalation fan 14 at its second rotational speed and operating the exhalation fan 15 at its first rotational speed provides an increase in the rotational speed of the inhalation fan 14 relative to the rotational speed of the exhalation fan 15. Conversely, upon exhalation, an increase in the rotational speed of the exhalation fan 15 relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan 14 is provided, preferably by the controller, operating the inhalation fan 14 at its first rotational speed and operating the exhalation fan 15 at its second rotational speed.
The rotational speed to be used may be determined during a calibration procedure or may be provided by the fan manufacturer. For example, the calibration process involves analyzing fan speed information over a period of time that indicates that the user is inhaling and exhaling regularly with normal breathing. The captured fan speed information may then be used to determine the first rotational speed, the second rotational speed, and any intermediate rotational speeds. The controller may also provide the user with settings for adjusting the first rotational speed, the second rotational speed, and any intermediate rotational speeds.
There may also be several intermediate rotational speeds at which the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan may operate between the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed. However, the first rotational speed typically sets the minimum rotational speed. The minimum speed ideally provides the best balance between lag time and power efficiency. The second rotational speed is typically dependent on the user's breathing (e.g., breathing rate and tidal volume) and may be adjusted to account for different breathing scenarios (e.g., walking and running). In a simple embodiment, the second rotational speed sets the maximum rotational speed. In this way, the second rotational speed ideally provides an optimal balance between lag time and power efficiency on the one hand, and assistance to the user on the other hand.
In one embodiment, the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan is controlled by a pulse width modulated signal, whereby the duty cycle controls the rotational speed.
Fig. 4a and 4b show examples of pulse width modulation that can be used to increase the rotational speed of the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan. The pulse width modulation shown in fig. 4a corresponds to level 1 (first rotation speed) in fig. 3, and the pulse width modulation shown in fig. 4b corresponds to level 2 (second rotation speed) in fig. 3. As can be appreciated from fig. 4a and 4b, the first rotational speed has a lower duty cycle than the second rotational speed.
The mask may be turned off when not in use. In one embodiment, the mask includes a switch for activating and deactivating the suction fan. When the mask is switched on, both fans may begin operating at a first rotational speed. Alternatively, the fan may be activated when the mask is worn by the user. In this embodiment, sensors in the mask may be used to determine when to wear the mask and activate the fan. The mask may then go directly to its mode of operation, where the fan speed is determined by the point in the user's inhalation/exhalation cycle.
Figure 5 illustrates a mask operation method. The method comprises the following steps:
in step 50, the inspiratory fan and the expiratory fan are run continuously while the mask is worn by the user;
in step 51, air is introduced into and out of the air chamber of the mask by using an inspiratory fan and an expiratory fan;
in step 52, inhalation and exhalation of the user are detected;
in step 53, it is determined whether the user is inhaling or exhaling; and
in step 54, upon inhalation, the rotational speed of the inhalation fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the exhalation fan, an
Upon exhalation, the rotational speed of the exhalation fan is increased relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan.
Thus, the flow of forced air through the mask is synchronized with the user's breathing, making breathing more comfortable in the mask.
The mask may be used to cover only the nose and mouth (as shown in fig. 1), or the mask may be a full mask.
The example shown is a face mask for filtering ambient air. However, the mask may be used with breathing gas from an external supply (e.g., a breathing assistance device such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) system).
The mask design described above has a main air chamber formed by the filter material through which the user inhales air.
As noted above, an alternative mask design has a filter in series with a fan also mentioned above, but with an impermeable shell. In this case, the suction fan helps the user to introduce air through the filter, thereby reducing the user's breath intensity. An intake valve may be provided near the inhalation fan, and an exhaust valve may be provided near the exhalation fan.
It will be appreciated that the invention can be applied to many different mask designs having fan assisted inhalation and exhalation, and having air chambers formed by filter membranes, or having sealed air tight air chambers.
As discussed above, embodiments utilize a controller to perform the various functions required, which may be implemented in many ways using software and/or hardware. A processor is one example of a controller employing one or more microprocessors that may be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. However, the controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and may also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions.
Examples of controller components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: conventional microprocessors, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).
In various embodiments, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media (such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM). The storage medium may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and/or controllers, perform the desired functions. Various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller or may be removable such that the program or programs stored thereon may be loaded into the processor or controller.
Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims (11)
1. A mask (11) comprising:
an air chamber (13);
a filter (12);
-an air suction fan (14) for introducing air from outside the air chamber (13) into the air chamber (13) through the filter;
an exhalation fan (15) for introducing air from the inside to the outside of the air chamber (13);
a sensor (22) for detecting inhalation and exhalation of the user (10); and a controller (20) adapted to:
-continuously running the inhalation fan (14) and the exhalation fan (15) when the mask is worn by the user;
determining, via the sensor (22), whether the user is inhaling or exhaling; and
at the start of inspiration, increasing the rotational speed of the inspiration fan (14) relative to the rotational speed of the expiration fan (15), an
-increasing the rotational speed of the exhalation fan (15) relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan (14) at the start of exhalation.
2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (22) comprises a differential pressure sensor for determining a pressure difference between air outside the air chamber (13) and air inside the air chamber (13).
3. A mask according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotational speed is controlled by a pulse width modulated signal.
4. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inhalation fan (14) and the exhalation fan (15) are driven by electronically commutated brushless motors.
5. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inhalation fan (14) has a first and a second rotational speed and the exhalation fan (15) has a first and a second rotational speed, and the second rotational speed of both fans is higher than the first rotational speed of both fans.
6. The mask of claim 5, wherein the first rotational speed of both fans is 10 to 500 rpm.
7. The mask of claim 5, wherein the second rotational speed of both fans is 5 to 50 times the first rotational speed of both fans.
8. The mask according to claim 5, wherein the first rotational speed of the inspiratory fan (14) is the same as the first rotational speed of the expiratory fan (15).
9. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mask further comprises a switch for activating the inhalation fan (14) and the exhalation fan (15) and deactivating the inhalation fan (14) and the exhalation fan (15).
10. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter (12) comprises an outer wall of the air chamber (13) or comprises a filter member in series with the suction fan (14).
11. A method of controlling a mask (11), comprising:
-operating the inhalation fan (14) and the exhalation fan (15) continuously while the mask is worn by the user (10);
-introducing air into and out of the air chamber (13) of the mask by using the inhalation fan (14) and the exhalation fan (15);
detecting inhalation and exhalation of the user;
determining whether the user is inhaling or exhaling; and
at the start of inspiration, increasing the rotational speed of the inspiration fan (14) relative to the rotational speed of the expiration fan (15), an
-increasing the rotational speed of the exhalation fan (15) relative to the rotational speed of the inhalation fan (14) at the start of exhalation.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN2017093086 | 2017-07-17 | ||
| CNPCT/CN2017/093086 | 2017-07-17 | ||
| EP17186248.5 | 2017-08-15 | ||
| EP17186248.5A EP3444012A1 (en) | 2017-08-15 | 2017-08-15 | A mask and control method |
| PCT/EP2018/068589 WO2019016018A1 (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2018-07-10 | A mask and control method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN110891652A CN110891652A (en) | 2020-03-17 |
| CN110891652B true CN110891652B (en) | 2020-11-03 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201880047611.8A Active CN110891652B (en) | 2017-07-17 | 2018-07-10 | Face mask and control method |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3655113B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN110891652B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2019016018A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR102671344B1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2024-06-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mask apparatus and method for controlling the same |
| CN111329175A (en) * | 2020-04-08 | 2020-06-26 | 杨理荣 | Epidemic prevention product combined with air heating sterilization mask, goggles and helmet |
| CN117563159A (en) * | 2024-01-04 | 2024-02-20 | 常州迅安科技股份有限公司 | Following type auxiliary air supply respirator and control method thereof |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2019016018A1 (en) | 2019-01-24 |
| CN110891652A (en) | 2020-03-17 |
| EP3655113A1 (en) | 2020-05-27 |
| EP3655113B1 (en) | 2021-03-17 |
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