EP3791935A1 - Masque facial - Google Patents

Masque facial Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3791935A1
EP3791935A1 EP19197162.1A EP19197162A EP3791935A1 EP 3791935 A1 EP3791935 A1 EP 3791935A1 EP 19197162 A EP19197162 A EP 19197162A EP 3791935 A1 EP3791935 A1 EP 3791935A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fan
module
receiving channel
face mask
filter member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19197162.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ruben Arnold Herman Reekers
Aaron QIN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Philips NV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips NV filed Critical Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority to EP19197162.1A priority Critical patent/EP3791935A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2020/070070 priority patent/WO2021013664A1/fr
Priority to CN202021443060.8U priority patent/CN213374824U/zh
Priority to CN202010704298.XA priority patent/CN112274795B/zh
Publication of EP3791935A1 publication Critical patent/EP3791935A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A62B18/02—Masks
    • A62B18/025—Halfmasks
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to face mask, for providing filtering of pollutants.
  • an exhaust (i.e. exhale) fan may be used to provide a continuous release of air. This instead provides breathing assistance when exhaling.
  • An exhale fan may be combined with a series check valve so that no flow can enter the mask through the fan.
  • This invention relates in particular to active masks, having a fan.
  • the fan is typically formed in such a way that a seal is formed between the fan and the mask filter. This seal needs to be released in order to separate the fan from the mask filter, because the fan (in particular its associated electrical and electronic components) is not suitable for cleaning and does not need to be replaced as regularly as the filter.
  • This mask has a connection between two modules of the fan assembly, and hence between one module of the fan assembly and the filter member, which is achieved by a spring based system.
  • a spring biased connection instead of an interference fit (for example of plastic parts)
  • the durability is improved, to allow regular filter replacement.
  • This design also makes assembly easy, because precise alignment is not needed, due to the use of a receiving channel design.
  • the engagement of the spring biased engagement feature with the receiving channel preferably provides attachment of the connector module to the fan module by a push fit.
  • the spring based system can thus be pressed ("clicked") together.
  • the spring biased engagement feature may instead comprise a spring ring. This may expand when located radially outside the receiving channel and contract when engaging with the receiving channel.
  • the fan module may further comprise a check valve.
  • the connector module may simply comprise a connector which forms a seal with the filter member.
  • the connector module may comprise a check valve. This may be a low cost component and it may also be washable, so it can be a part of the filter member.
  • the fan assembly (the combined fan module and connector module) then defines a fan and check valve assembly.
  • the fan module for example has the spring biased engagement feature and the connector module has the receiving channel or set of receiving channel portions.
  • the fan assembly for example comprises an exhaust (or exhale) fan for expelling air from a volume defined by the inner filter member. This is one possible option for the fan, to provide a continuous release of air. This provides breathing assistance when exhaling and also ensures a continuous supply of air to the face.
  • the exhaust fan is for example combined with a check valve (which may be part of the connector module or the fan module).
  • An electrical connector bridge is then preferably provided between the control unit and the fan module, located outside the filter member.
  • the filter member may define the outer surface of the mask.
  • the decoupling of the connector module and fan module then basically disconnects the reusable (and non-washable) parts of the mask from the filter member.
  • the mask further comprises an outer casing, wherein the filter member is an inner filter member for mounting inside the outer casing.
  • the inner filter member for example is a push fit to connect to the outer casing, for example with poppers.
  • control unit is attached to the inside of the outer casing.
  • the control unit and the fan module of the fan assembly remain supported by the outer casing.
  • control unit is removably attached to the inner filter member. This may simply be a location function rather than a secure connection.
  • a magnetic coupling may be provided to retain the control unit in place.
  • the outer casing for example comprises an opening, and the fan module is fixed to the outer casing aligned with (and extending into or through) the opening.
  • the invention also provides a fan module for use in a face mask as defined above, comprising:
  • the invention also provides a filter for use in a face mask as defined above, comprising:
  • the invention provides a face mask which comprises a filter member and a fan assembly.
  • the fan assembly has two modules, one connected to the filter member and the other carrying the reusable parts of the fan assembly.
  • the two modules are connected together by a spring biased coupling, preferably a push fit coupling.
  • Figure 1 shows one example of a mask design to which the invention may be applied.
  • the mask 10 is shown in exploded view and comprises an outer casing 12 and an inner filter member 14.
  • the outer casing is rigid or semi-rigid with ear straps 13, whereas the filter member 14 is formed of a fabric and thus easily deforms such that an outer edge can match the shape of a wearer's face.
  • the outer casing is porous so that air can flow through the outer casing.
  • the inner filter member 14 is sealed around a connector module 16.
  • the connector module 16 is for connecting to a fan module 20.
  • the connector module 16 comprises a passive check valve.
  • the connector module and the fan module may be considered together to comprise a fan assembly and the two modules may be connected together and disconnected manually.
  • the connector module 16 is permanently fixed to the filter member 14 so that it is discarded with the filter member 14 when there is filter replacement.
  • the fan module 20 of the fan assembly is reusable and includes (at least) the fan drive circuitry and fan impeller.
  • the outer casing 12 has an opening 24 in which the fan module 20 of the fan assembly is received.
  • An inner surface of the outer casing may also have a receiving dock area for the control unit 22, or else there may be a receiving dock area 26 on the outer surface of the filter member for locating the control unit 22.
  • the control unit may connect to the filter member or to the outer casing by a magnetic coupling as well as, or instead of, a mechanical alignment feature.
  • An electrical connector bridge 28 provides electrical connection between the control unit 22 and the fan module 20 of the fan assembly, for transfer of power and control signals.
  • the fan module 20 of the fan assembly and the control unit 22 are at opposite lateral sides of the mask, i.e. one on each side of the nose of the wearer. This provides a balanced weight distribution. By having two modules, the weight of each individual part is reduced, so that the loading at any one location is reduced.
  • the fan assembly is an exhaust fan. In a most simple design, it operates continuously to provide a continuous supply of air to the face (using air drawn through the mask filter). This provides temperature and humidity control. However, it may be operated in synchronism with the breathing of the wearer (with suitable breath sensing), and it may be controlled bi-directionally.
  • Figure 2 shows the design of Figure 1 in an assembled state from one front side and Figure 3 shows the design of Figure 1 in an assembled state from an opposite front side.
  • Figure 4 is used to show the way the components interface with the wearer and shows an alternative design with a single module.
  • the invention may equally be applied to a single module design.
  • the face 30 of the wearer is shown in cross section from above.
  • the inner filter member 14 connects to the outer casing 12 with fixings 32. These are for example push fit poppers.
  • An outer periphery of the inner filter member also carries an inwardly projecting seal 34 to form a substantially closed volume between the inner filter member and the face 30.
  • the single module of this example is located centrally (again so that the weight is balanced).
  • the module comprises a connector module 16 and a fan module 20 as in the example of Figure 1 .
  • the fan module 20 then incorporates the reusable parts of both the fan assembly and the control module.
  • the exhaust fan When breathing in, air is drawn through the inner filter member 14 as shown by arrow 36.
  • the exhaust fan may be operating during this time, providing flow 38, or it may be turned off to save power.
  • the exhaust fan When breathing out, the exhaust fan is operating to create flow 38, and there may also be outward flow through the inner filter member as shown by arrow 40.
  • the flow 36 may also continue (depending on how the fan is being operated) but that flow is not breathed in at that time, but instead circulates out through the fan. Breathing comfort is improved particularly because the fan removes the exhaled air from the mask cavity and therefore prevents re-breathing (recycling) of previously exhaled and hence un-fresh air.
  • the single module may for example comprise a fan, a one-way check valve, a battery and a printed circuit board carrying control circuitry.
  • the fan is on top of the check valve.
  • the connector module 16 and fan module 20 are again separable so that the inner filter member may be replaced (or washed) while reusing the module.
  • Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the control module 18.
  • the fan module 20 of the fan assembly comprises an outer housing 40, a power button 42 which extends through an opening 44, a fan control circuit board 46, a main housing 48 of the fan module 20 which houses the fan motor 49, a fan impeller 50 an a pressure plate 52.
  • the pressure plate improve the performance of the fan and protects the impeller from the user for any potential misuse, such as touching the impeller in any way.
  • the control unit 22 comprises an outer housing 60, a battery 62, a control unit circuit board 64 and an inner housing 66.
  • the control unit is not intended for separation or dismantling by the user. Instead it is retained, as a closed unit, in a receiving port on the inner surface of the outer casing, or on the outer surface of the filter member, as explained above.
  • This invention relates in particular to the way the two fan assembly modules are coupled together.
  • Figure 6 shows the coupling design
  • the connector module 16 comprises a receiving channel 70, in this example an annular channel, in particular a circular annular channel, and the fan module comprises a spring biased engagement feature 72.
  • a circular receiving channel enables connection to be made in different relative rotational positions.
  • the receiving channel may have other shapes such as a polygonal shape. Again, this may allow connection in a discrete number of different orientations.
  • the left image of Figure 6 shows the connector module and fan module separated and the right image shows the connector module and fan module coupled together.
  • the feature 72 engages with the annular channel 70 thereby to provide attachment of the connector module to the fan module.
  • This is preferably achieved with a push fit, however a push and twist connection is also possible, wherein the final twist engages the spring biased engagement feature with the channel or channel portions. In all cases, the retention is achieved by the engagement against the spring bias, rather than by a tight interference fit such as a screw thread.
  • the connector module 16 is connected to the filter member 14 for example with ultrasonic welding, to create a seal around the connector module 16.
  • the connector module 16 defines a check valve 74, such as a rubber flap valve.
  • the fan module 20 is connected to the outer casing 12, for example by clamping to it during assembly. This connection is not intended to be released by the user.
  • the annular channel 70 results in a ring 76 of greater diameter above the channel.
  • connection can be made without needing accurate angular alignment. It also means that little force is applied to the filter member, for example no significant twisting force, which could damage the filter material.
  • the main example above has an outer shell and an inner mask.
  • the same connection approach may be used for a mask with only a filter layer.
  • the fan assembly is then attached to the filter layer in the same way, namely the mask of Figure 1 does not need the outer cover.
  • the control unit may connect to the filter in the same way as the fan module, with the same, e.g. push fit, spring biased arrangement.
  • the control unit may instead connect in a different way, for example with interference fit plastic parts, plastic and rubber parts with an interference fit, or Velcro, a button arrangement, a magnet or any other suitable design. This is a less critical coupling as it is not involved in creating a seal.
  • the filter will then have a strap or other connection for fitting the mask to the wearer.
  • control unit does not need to attach firmly to the filter or the casing, it just needs to be retained in position, for example simply docking into a receiving port.
  • connection system described above may be applied to a mask with one fan and control module or with separate control and fan modules as shown in detail above.
  • connection between the connector module and fan module may take various forms.
  • the fan module may have the smaller male connecting part i.e. the projecting annular channel, or the connector module may have the smaller male connecting part.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
EP19197162.1A 2019-07-22 2019-09-13 Masque facial Withdrawn EP3791935A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19197162.1A EP3791935A1 (fr) 2019-09-13 2019-09-13 Masque facial
PCT/EP2020/070070 WO2021013664A1 (fr) 2019-07-22 2020-07-16 Masque facial
CN202021443060.8U CN213374824U (zh) 2019-07-22 2020-07-21 面罩和过滤器
CN202010704298.XA CN112274795B (zh) 2019-07-22 2020-07-21 面罩

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19197162.1A EP3791935A1 (fr) 2019-09-13 2019-09-13 Masque facial

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3791935A1 true EP3791935A1 (fr) 2021-03-17

Family

ID=67956495

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19197162.1A Withdrawn EP3791935A1 (fr) 2019-07-22 2019-09-13 Masque facial

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3791935A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3943163A1 (fr) * 2020-07-20 2022-01-26 Make Great Sales Limited Dispositif d'écoulement d'air de masque amovible
WO2022018537A1 (fr) * 2020-07-20 2022-01-27 Make Great Sales Limited Dispositif d'écoulement d'air à masque amovible
US20220047897A1 (en) * 2020-08-13 2022-02-17 Claudia Miscinski Facemask Fan System

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0352113A2 (fr) * 1988-07-20 1990-01-24 Eagle, Military Gear Overseas Limited Dispositif de filtration à ventilation forcée

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0352113A2 (fr) * 1988-07-20 1990-01-24 Eagle, Military Gear Overseas Limited Dispositif de filtration à ventilation forcée

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3943163A1 (fr) * 2020-07-20 2022-01-26 Make Great Sales Limited Dispositif d'écoulement d'air de masque amovible
WO2022018537A1 (fr) * 2020-07-20 2022-01-27 Make Great Sales Limited Dispositif d'écoulement d'air à masque amovible
US20220047897A1 (en) * 2020-08-13 2022-02-17 Claudia Miscinski Facemask Fan System

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