CN114786783A

CN114786783A - Face mask

Info

Publication number: CN114786783A
Application number: CN202080086169.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨一飞
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2019-12-13
Filing date: 2020-12-07
Publication date: 2022-07-22
Also published as: JP2023505375A; WO2021116010A1

Abstract

A face mask having an outlet valve includes a first disk and a second disk configured to rotate relative to each other. Each disc includes at least one opening. The outlet valve is configured to open when relative rotation between the first disk and the second disk causes at least one opening in the first disk to align with at least one opening in the second disk, and to close when relative rotation causes at least one opening in each disk to be blocked by the other disk.

Description

Face mask

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of masks, and in particular to masks having valves.

Background

Face masks (or respiratory masks) are used in a variety of applications to filter air inhaled by a wearer.

For example, in cities with high levels of air pollution, masks are typically worn to filter particulate matter from the air inhaled by the user. If inhaled, small particulate matter can penetrate the lungs, with the smallest particles able to enter the bloodstream and cause many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 420 million premature deaths each year.

Many masks include valves for regulating the flow of gas through the mask. This is typically a check valve that opens during exhalation to reduce breathing resistance and improve comfort of wearing the mask, and closes during inhalation to ensure that only filtered air is inhaled.

Check valves used in face masks typically include a flap that opens in one direction when sufficient air pressure is present and closes when the air pressure drops below a certain threshold. A disadvantage of these check valves is that the valve flap does not open fully, which means that the breathing resistance is not reduced enough to make breathing through the mask easy and comfortable. The resistance of the valves can be further reduced by increasing the size of the valve; however, a larger flap requires a larger gap space, making the mask bulky.

Some masks additionally include a fan to improve airflow through the mask. In masks having flap check valves, the resistance of the check valve reduces the efficiency of the fan's ventilation, and increasing the size of the valve increases the distance between the valve and the fan, which also reduces the ventilation efficiency because a larger clearance space is required. In addition, the fan pulls on the valve flap, preventing the valve from closing completely.

Check valves in which the operation of the valve is pressure-driven are called passive check valves; the check valve may also be operated by the power source. The power check valve is referred to as an active check valve. Current active check valves are too large for use in a mask and consume a large amount of power, and the breath sensors required to trigger operation of the active check valves are expensive and also require a large amount of battery power.

Such check valves are disclosed for example in US 5325892 and GB 2401668.

Accordingly, there is a need for a mask that includes a valve with reduced drag, that requires little or no power consumption to operate, and that is suitable for a fan assisted mask.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to an example according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mask comprising: an air chamber; a filter forming a boundary between the air chamber and an exterior of the air chamber; and an outlet valve adapted to vent the air chamber to the outside, said outlet valve comprising: a first disk; and a second disc, wherein the first and second discs are configured to rotate relative to each other, wherein each disc includes at least one opening, and the outlet valve is configured to open when the first and second discs are in a relative position such that the at least one opening in the first disc is aligned with the at least one opening in the second disc, and to close when the first and second discs are in a relative position such that the at least one opening in each disc is blocked by the other disc.

This valve configuration allows the outlet valve to allow a higher flow of gas through the outlet valve than a check valve that uses a flap that is not fully open. This configuration therefore reduces the resistance of the valve, making exhalation through the mask easier and more comfortable.

Since the opening mechanism of the outlet valve does not require a clearance space, unlike valve structures that include a valve flap, the size of the outlet valve can be increased to allow more air to pass through without increasing the size of the outlet valve in the direction of airflow. This improves ease and comfort of exhalation without making the mask bulkier.

When the mask also includes a fan for ventilation, the reduced resistance means that the fan ventilates more efficiently. Because the valve design does not require clearance space for the valve flap, the fan can be placed closer to the outlet valve, further increasing the ventilation efficiency of the fan. Furthermore, unlike the flap which may be pulled by a fan to prevent the flap check valve from closing properly, the operation of the outlet valve of the present invention is not affected by the fan.

In some embodiments, the at least one opening has a teardrop shape. This shape maximizes the open area for a given valve surface area, thereby reducing the resistance of the outlet valve. This shape also allows for minimal relative rotation of the disc to open and close the outlet valve, thereby reducing power usage when the electrically actuated system is used to open and close the valve.

In some embodiments, the first disk and the second disk each include openings spaced in a range of 8 degrees to 30 degrees apart.

In this way only a small amount of relative rotation is required to open and close the outlet valve. This reduces the size of the battery required when the electric actuation system is used to open and close the outlet valve, making the mask lighter and more comfortable to wear, and requires less pressure when the relative rotation of the discs is pressure driven, reducing the effort required at exhalation.

The first and second disks may each include a plurality of openings spaced at 20 degrees intervals.

The spacing is designed to minimize the relative rotation required to open or close the outlet valve while allowing each opening to be large enough to allow unrestricted airflow. This means that in the example where the relative rotation of the disc is pressure driven, the pressure required to fully open the outlet valve is low, whereas in the example where the relative rotation of the disc is battery powered, a smaller battery may be used.

In some embodiments, the surface of each disc facing the other disc comprises a set of ridges, the number of ridges on each disc corresponding to the number of openings in each disc, and wherein at least one ridge on a first disc is configured to align with at least one ridge on a second disc such that each pair of aligned ridges provides a barrier between an opening in a first disc and an opening in an adjacent second disc when the outlet valve is closed.

In this way, air is prevented from leaking through the outlet valve when the valve is closed.

The aligned ridges may interlock to limit the range of relative rotation. This prevents too much relative rotation when the outlet valve is open or closed, ensuring that the openings do not begin to realign when the outlet valve is closed, and that each disc does not begin to block at least one opening in another disc again when the outlet valve is open.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first disk and the second disk has a fan-like structure adapted to allow the airflow to cause relative rotation of the first disk and the second disk.

This arrangement means that no power is required to cause relative rotation of the discs, making the mask lighter and reducing the cost of manufacturing and using the mask.

In some embodiments, the mask further comprises a flow sensor and a controller for controlling the relative rotation of the first and second disks in response to a signal generated by the flow sensor.

In this way, the amount of relative rotation is independent of air pressure, reducing the effort required to exhale through the mask.

The flow sensor may include a flap valve and an electrical switch, and the controller may include an electromagnetic circuit actuated by the electrical switch.

In some embodiments, the flap valve has a conductive flap portion that forms a contact of the electrical switch.

The electrically conductive flap portion may provide electrical contact between a first contact and a second contact of the electrical switch when the flap valve is open.

In this way, the outlet valve uses the second valve to quickly detect when the airflow is in a particular direction. The outlet valve is thus able to respond quickly to changes in the direction of the airflow, opening when the airflow is in one direction and closing when the airflow is in the opposite direction.

The detection system has the additional advantage that no expensive and complex circuitry is required to detect the direction of the airflow, keeping the cost of manufacturing and using the mask low.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic circuit of the controller comprises: a solenoid; a power source connected to the solenoid; and a permanent magnet attached to the first disk or the second disk, wherein relative rotation between the first disk and the second disk is caused by a magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet.

In this way, a relatively low amount of power can be used to cause relative rotation of the disks. This means that small batteries can be used, keeping the mask light and comfortable to wear.

In some embodiments, the solenoid is configured to produce linear motion perpendicular to the first and second disks, and the controller further comprises: a groove structure perpendicular to the first and second disks and adapted to convert a linear motion to a rotational motion and rotate one of the first and second disks; and a spring adapted to return one of the first and second disks to its original position.

In some embodiments, the mask further comprises a printed circuit board, wherein the outlet valve is configured to have a detachable interface with the printed circuit board.

In this way, the filter and outlet valve can be manufactured and sold separately from the more expensive printed circuit board. This reduces the cost of replacing the filter and reduces waste by avoiding the need to replace the printed circuit board when the filter needs to be replaced.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a valve of a mask in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a valve of a mask in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a valve for a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an open valve for a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the relative rotation of the disk of the valve is controlled by a flow sensor and controller;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a shut-off valve for a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the relative rotation of the disk of the valve is controlled by a flow sensor and controller;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a mechanism to convert linear motion to rotational motion and rotate the disk of the valve of the mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is another schematic view of a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 9 shows a magnetic circuit and one possible magnet arrangement.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

According to the concept of the present invention, there is provided a face mask having an outlet valve comprising first and second discs configured to rotate relative to each other. Each disc includes at least one opening. The outlet valve is configured to open when relative rotation between the first disk and the second disk causes at least one opening in the first disk to align with at least one opening in the second disk, and to close when relative rotation causes at least one opening in each disk to be blocked by the other disk.

Embodiments are based, at least in part, on the realization that an outlet valve comprising two discs that rotate relative to each other to allow or block airflow through openings in the discs provides less resistance than the check valve designs currently used in face masks. The lower resistance makes breathing through the mask easier and more comfortable.

For example, the illustrative embodiments may be employed in a wearable mask to filter particulate matter from air inhaled from places with high levels of air pollution.

Fig. 1 shows a mask 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mask 10 includes an air chamber 12, a filter 14 forming a boundary between the air chamber 12 and the exterior of the air chamber, and an outlet valve 16.

The mask 10 is configured to allow air to flow out of the air chamber 12 to the outside through the outlet valve 16, but only allow air to enter the air chamber 12 from the outside through the filter 14. This ensures that the inhaled air is filtered, for example to remove contaminants, while the exhaled air is rapidly ventilated to reduce the breathing resistance and reduce the humidity and temperature of the air within the air chamber 12.

Fig. 2 shows an example of outlet valve 16 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The outlet valve comprises a first disc 20 and a second disc (not visible in fig. 2), wherein the first disc and the second disc are configured to rotate relative to each other. The disc in fig. 2 is circular, but other shapes of disc may be used.

Each disc comprises an opening 25: in fig. 2, there are 18 openings 25 in each disk, but any number of openings may be used. Openings 25 may be placed at regular intervals around each disc; the size of these intervals can be selected to minimize the rotation required to open and close the valve. In some embodiments, the spacing of the openings 25 is provided in the range of 8 to 30 degrees, although any spacing angle up to 180 degrees may be used.

In some embodiments, the openings 25 are spaced at 20 degrees so that only 10 degrees of rotation is required to open or close the valve. In fig. 2, opening 25 is tear-drop shaped, extending from the center of disk 20, but other shapes, such as slice (slice) or triangular, may be used.

When the valve is in the open position, as shown in fig. 2, the disks are in an opposed position such that the openings 25 in the first disk 20 are aligned with the openings in the second disk, allowing air to pass through the openings.

Fig. 3 shows an example of outlet valve 16 in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the outlet valve is in the closed position, the opening 25 in the first disk 20 is blocked by the second disk 30. The openings in the second pan 30 are not shown in fig. 3 because they are blocked by the first pan 20. The outlet valve may be opened and closed by rotating one of the first disk 20 and the second disk 30 to align or block the opening 25.

The

discs

20 and 30 may be made of a lightweight material, such as a polymer or porous material, in order to minimize the force required to cause relative rotation of the discs.

Fig. 4 shows another example of outlet valve 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The outlet valve 16 comprises a first disk 20 and a second disk 30, said first disk 20 and second disk 30 comprising openings 25 as described above, and further comprising a set of ridges 40 on the surface of each disk facing the other disk. The number of ridges 40 on each disk may correspond to the number of openings 25 in each disk, such that each ridge 40 is between two openings. Each ridge 40 may extend radially outward from the center of the disk.

The at least one ridge 40 on the first disk is configured to align with the at least one ridge on the second disk such that each pair of aligned ridges provides a barrier between the opening 25 in the first disk 20 and the opening in the second disk.

In some embodiments, the first disk 20 and the second disk 30 are positioned close enough to each other such that the aligned ridges 40 can interlock. This limits the relative rotational range of the first disk 20 and the second disk 30: the disks can only be rotated in either direction until the ridges 40 on one disk are in contact with the ridges on the other disk.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first disk 20 and the second disk 30 has a fan-like structure adapted to allow the airflow to cause relative rotation of the first disk and the second disk.

Thus, the air flow against the valve is converted by the fan-like structure into a rotational torque, which then rotates one disk relative to the other. Fan blades that are angularly offset from the direction of airflow may be used to generate this torque.

In other embodiments, the mask 10 includes a flow sensor and a controller for controlling the relative rotation of the first disk 20 and the second disk 30 in response to a signal generated by the flow sensor.

In some embodiments, the flow sensor includes a flap valve and an electrical switch, and the controller includes an electromagnetic circuit actuated by the electrical switch. The flap valve may have a conductive flap portion that forms a contact of the electrical switch. Other types of flow sensors and controllers will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of the outlet valve 16 in which the relative rotation of the first disk 20 and the second disk 30 is controlled by a flow sensor and controller, according to an embodiment of the invention. Outlet valve 16 is in the open position.

Fig. 6 shows the same outlet valve 16 in the closed position.

The flow sensor includes an electrical switch 51 and a flap valve 52. The flap valve 52 has a conductive flap portion that forms a contact of the electrical switch 51 by providing electrical contact between a first contact and a second contact of the electrical switch 51 when the flap valve 52 contacts the electrical switch 51.

The flap valve 52 is configured to be actuated by air pressure generated by exhalation, such that the flap valve 52 opens when the wearer of the mask 10 exhales. When the flap valve 52 is open, the conductive flap portion forms a contact of the electrical switch 51. When the wearer of the mask 10 inhales, the flap valve 52 closes, no longer providing contact between the first and second contacts of the electrical switch 51.

The controller comprises an electromagnetic circuit actuated by an electric switch 51, and a permanent magnet 53 connected to the first or second disk. The electromagnetic circuit includes a solenoid and a power source connected to the solenoid. An iron core may be added to the solenoid to increase the strength of the solenoid magnetic field without increasing power consumption. The solenoid is configured such that the magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet 53 causes relative rotation between the first disk 20 and the second disk 30. For example, the permanent magnet 53 may be attached to the first disk 20, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, and the solenoid may be positioned on the second disk 30, or the permanent magnet may be attached to the second disk 30 and the solenoid may be positioned on the first disk 20.

In some embodiments, the electrical switch 51 is part of an electromagnetic circuit such that the solenoid generates a magnetic field when the switch is closed. In other embodiments, the electrical switch may be part of an electrical circuit that, when closed, acts as a trigger to break the electromagnetic circuit.

The spring may provide a bias to the closed state such that when the electromagnetic circuit is closed, the closed valve is biased. Alternatively, a magnetic bias (of a permanent magnet) may be used to close the valve and overcome by an electromagnetic circuit that generates a stronger magnetic force.

In yet another embodiment, a first closed electromagnetic circuit is formed when the flapper valve 52 is open to contact the electrical switch 51, and a second closed electromagnetic circuit with a reverse current to the first electromagnetic circuit is formed when the flapper valve 52 is closed. This means that the magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet 53 acts in a first direction when the flap valve 52 is open and in a second direction when the flap valve 52 is closed.

In some embodiments, the motion created by the magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet 53 is a rotation of the first disk 20 or the second disk 30; in other embodiments, the solenoid is configured to generate linear motion perpendicular to the first and second disks, and the controller is adapted to convert the linear motion to rotational motion and rotate one of the first and second disks. For example, a groove structure perpendicular to the first and second disks may be used to convert the linear motion generated by the solenoid into a rotational motion and rotate one of the first and second disks. The disk rotated by the groove structure may then be returned to its original position using a mechanism such as a spring. Other mechanisms for converting linear motion to rotary motion and for returning the rotating disk to its original position will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary mechanism 70 for converting linear motion to rotational motion to rotate the disk and for returning the rotating disk to its original position.

The mechanism includes a groove structure 72, a linear slide 74 and a spring 76. In fig. 7, the groove structure is connected to the first disk 20, but may also be connected to the second disk 30 and perpendicular to the first and second disks. In fig. 7, the groove structure is a cylinder with a helical groove, but other shapes may be used.

When the electromagnetic circuit is on, the magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet 53 moves the linear slide 74 toward or away from the first disk 20. A portion of the linear slide 74 is positioned in a groove of the groove structure 72 such that linear movement of the linear slide 74 causes the groove structure 72 and the first disk 20 coupled to the groove structure 72 to rotate.

A spring 76 is attached to the linear slide 74 and is located between the groove structure 72 and the linear slide 74 such that if the linear slide 74 moves toward the first disk 20, the movement of the linear slide compresses the spring 76. If the linear slide 74 moves away from the first disk 20, the spring is extended. When the electromagnetic circuit is opened, the magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet 53 is no longer present and the spring 76 returns to its original length, thereby moving the linear slide 74 away from the first disk 20. The movement of the linear slide 74 rotates the groove structure 72 and the first disk 20 back to their original positions.

Fig. 8 shows an example of a face mask 10 that includes a printed circuit board 80. The printed circuit board 80 controls the opening and closing of the outlet valve 16 using any of the methods described above and may include a power control module. The power control module may include an amplifier, a capacitor, and a resistor. The design of the printed circuit board 80 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The printed circuit board 80 may use the same power supply as the outlet valve 16.

In some embodiments, printed circuit board 80 has a removable interface with outlet valve 16, and outlet valve 16 is integrated with filter 14. This allows the filter 14 and outlet valve 16 to be sold separately from the printed circuit board 80. Methods of constructing a removable interface between outlet valve 16 and printed circuit board 80 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In other embodiments, the printed circuit board 80 is integrated with one disk of the outlet valve 16, while the other disk of the outlet valve 16 is integrated with the filter 14, and the two disks of the outlet valve 16 may be separate from each other. This allows one disc of the filter 14 and outlet valve 16 to be sold separately from the other disc of the printed circuit board 80 and outlet valve 16.

In other embodiments, the printed circuit board 80 is integrated with the outlet valve 16, and the printed circuit board 80 and the outlet valve 16 may be separate from the filter 14. This allows the filter 14 to be sold separately from the printed circuit board 80 and the outlet valve 16.

There are a variety of magnet configurations that can be used to provide rotational control.

Fig. 9 shows the permanent magnet 53 attached to one disc to be rotated, e.g. the first disc 20. A second permanent magnet 54 holds the disc in position for closing the valve. The electromagnetic circuit includes a solenoid 80 implementing an electromagnet and a power supply 82. The solenoid is coupled to a power source through a switch 51. The switch 51 is formed by a flap valve as described above. This flap valve may be a small valve as it does not need to allow a large airflow; it is only used to detect the pressure difference and thus the direction of the gas flow, i.e. to detect inspiration or expiration.

In the left drawing, the switch 51 is open, so the solenoid is not energized. The

permanent magnets

53, 54 are aligned (because they have opposite magnetic poles) to hold the valve in the closed state. An open switch 51 may correspond to a closed flap valve (i.e., no flow to open the flap valve, as described above). This is schematically illustrated in fig. 9.

In the right drawing, the switch 51 is closed (flap valve is open), so the solenoid is energized. The magnetic force overcomes the magnetic force of permanent magnet 54 and the disk rotates to cause a new alignment. In some embodiments, permanent magnet 53 and the disk to which it is attached are configured to rotate 10 degrees relative to permanent magnet 54.

Instead of using a permanent magnet to define the default closed valve position, a torsion spring or a linear spring (e.g., a push control plate) may be used.

The permanent magnets may be in the center of the disk (e.g., mounted about a rotational axis) or at the periphery.

Alternatively, there may be a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet, one for each position of the disk.

To reduce power consumption, lightweight materials may be used for the valve, such as polymers or porous materials.

The present invention relates only to the detection of flow and the opening of the valve in response. The present invention may be used in conjunction with any known mask control scheme. It can be used for active mask (with fan) or passive mask. When used with an active mask, any known fan control method may be used.

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.

If the term "adapted" is used in the claims or the description, it is to be noted that the term "adapted" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A mask (10) comprising:

an air chamber (12);

a filter (14) forming a boundary between the plenum and an exterior of the plenum; and

an outlet valve (16) adapted to vent the air chamber to the exterior,

characterized in that said outlet valve comprises:

a first pan (20); and

a second disc (30), wherein the first disc and the second disc are configured to rotate relative to each other,

wherein each disc (20, 30) comprises at least one opening (25) and the outlet valve (16) is configured to open when the first and second discs are in a relative position such that the at least one opening (25) in the first disc (20) is aligned with the at least one opening (25) in the second disc (30) and to close when the first and second discs are in a relative position such that the at least one opening in each disc is blocked by the other disc, and

the mask includes a flow sensor and a controller for controlling relative rotation of the first and second disks in response to a signal generated by the flow sensor.

2. The mask (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening (25) has a teardrop shape.

3. The face mask (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second trays (20, 30) each include a plurality of openings (25) spaced in a range of 8 degrees to 30 degrees.

4. The face mask (10) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second trays (20, 30) each include a plurality of openings (25) spaced 20 degrees apart.

5. The face mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface of each disc (20, 30) facing the other disc comprises a set of ridges (40), the number of ridges on each disc corresponding to the number of openings (25) in each disc, and wherein the at least one ridge (40) on the first disc (20) is configured to align with the at least one ridge (40) on the second disc (30) such that each pair of aligned ridges provides a barrier between an opening in the first disc and an adjacent opening in the second disc when the outlet valve is closed.

6. The face mask (10) of claim 5, wherein the aligned ridges (40) interlock to limit the range of relative rotation.

7. The face mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second disks (20, 30) has a fan-shaped structure adapted to allow airflow to cause relative rotation of the first and second disks.

8. The mask (10) according to claim 1, wherein the flow sensor includes a flap valve (52) and an electrical switch (51), and the controller includes an electromagnetic circuit actuated by the electrical switch (51).

9. The face mask (10) of claim 8, wherein the flap valve (52) has a conductive flap portion that forms a contact of the electrical switch (51).

10. The face mask (10) of claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive flap portion provides electrical contact between first and second contacts of the electrical switch (51) when the flap valve (52) is open.

11. The mask (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the electromagnetic circuit of the controller includes:

a solenoid;

a power source connected to the solenoid; and

a permanent magnet (53) attached to the first disk (20) or the second disk (30),

wherein relative rotation between the first disk and the second disk is caused by a magnetic force between the solenoid and the permanent magnet.

12. The face mask (10) of claim 11, wherein the solenoid is configured to produce linear motion perpendicular to the first and second plates (20, 30), and wherein the controller further comprises:

a groove structure (72) perpendicular to the first and second discs and adapted to convert the linear motion into a rotational motion and to rotate one of the first and second discs (20, 30); and

a spring (76) adapted to return one of said first and second disks (20, 30) to its original position.

13. The mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a printed circuit board (80) having a plurality of printed circuit boards,

wherein the outlet valve (16) is configured to have a detachable interface with the printed circuit board (80).