EP3819009A1 - Masque facial - Google Patents

Masque facial Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3819009A1
EP3819009A1 EP19207020.9A EP19207020A EP3819009A1 EP 3819009 A1 EP3819009 A1 EP 3819009A1 EP 19207020 A EP19207020 A EP 19207020A EP 3819009 A1 EP3819009 A1 EP 3819009A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
outer casing
fan module
fan
connector part
mask
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Withdrawn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
EP19207020.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ruben Arnold Herman Reekers
Weizhong Chen
Beryl PAN
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 EP19207020.9A priority Critical patent/EP3819009A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2020/069809 priority patent/WO2021013617A1/fr
Priority to EP20740307.2A priority patent/EP3846912B1/fr
Priority to KR1020217032234A priority patent/KR102402886B1/ko
Priority to JP2021575938A priority patent/JP7190593B2/ja
Priority to CN202021449163.5U priority patent/CN213100508U/zh
Priority to CN202010707576.7A priority patent/CN112274796B/zh
Publication of EP3819009A1 publication Critical patent/EP3819009A1/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Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • A62B18/006—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
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to face masks, for providing filtering of pollutants.
  • the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 million people die from air pollution every year. Part of this problem is the outdoor air quality in cities. Nearly 300 smog-hit cities fail to meet national air quality standards.
  • Such masks may be made of material that acts as a filter of pollutant particles, or may have a filter for only part of the mask surface, and this filter may be replaceable when it becomes clogged.
  • Fan-assisted masks thus may improve the breathing comfort by reducing the temperature, humidity and breathing resistance.
  • an inlet (i.e. inhale) fan may be used to provide a continuous intake of air.
  • inhale i.e. inhale
  • a steady stream of air may then be provided to the face and may for example provide a slight positive pressure, to ensure that any leakage is outward rather than inward. However, this gives additional resistance to breathing when exhaling.
  • 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.
  • the fan again creates a continuous flow of air through the mask. Air is drawn into the mask cavity through the filter by the flow induced by the fan or by inhaling. This improves the wearer's comfort.
  • Another alternative is to provide both inlet and exhaust fans, and to time the control of the fans in synchronism with the breathing cycle of the user.
  • the breathing cycle may be measured based on pressure (or differential pressure) measurements. This provides improved control of temperature and humidity as well as reducing the resistance to breathing for both inhalation and exhalation.
  • This invention relates in particular to active masks, having a fan, and more particularly to designs having at least an exhale fan.
  • Axial fans may be used. However, these have the problem of a large size, and the exit or entrance opening is clearly visible. It is preferred to make use of a centrifugal fan, having an axial flow on one side and a radial flow on the other side. By arranging the radial flow on the outside of the mask, the radial outlet can be hidden from view, for example it can face downwardly or backwardly.
  • a face mask comprising:
  • the invention thus relates to a face mask design with a two-layer structure of a filter member and an outer casing.
  • the fan module is connected to the filter member, which itself is flexible (so that it can adapt to the contour of the face of the user). Thus, some movement of the fan module is possible.
  • the fan module extends through an opening in the outer casing.
  • the invention provides a further coupling between the fan module and the outer casing, in particular around the inner edge of the opening in the outer casing. In this way, the fan module is positionally fixed with respect to the outer casing. The characteristics of the airflow to or from the fan module are thus maintained consistent, independent of any shape adjustment of the flexible filter member.
  • the set of connector parts also prevents leakage and improves protection efficacy.
  • the fourth connector part for example comprises a ring around the opening.
  • the ring can be any closed shape, which matches the shape of the opening in the outer casing.
  • the ring may be generally circular or generally square or indeed any other shape.
  • the fourth connector part for example comprises a first ring on the outside of the outer casing (i.e. on the side facing away from the user) and a second ring on the inside of the outer casing (i.e. on the side facing towards the user), and the outer casing comprises a structural layer which is sandwiched between the first and second rings.
  • the first and second rings thus provide a termination to an opening in the structural layer.
  • the structural layer for example has some flexibility, but is preferably more rigid than the filter member.
  • the first and second rings may be:
  • a one-piece fourth connector part is instead possible.
  • the first and second connector parts are for example a push fit together to enable the filter member to be attached to and detached from the fan module. This enables the filter member to be replaced separately from the fan module, with easy assembly and disassembly.
  • the third connector part is for example a push fit to the fourth connector part. This enables easy assembly of the fan module to the outer casing.
  • the third connector part may be a recess and the fourth connector part may be a sprung tab (or more preferably a set of sprung tabs) for engaging with the recess. This provides a snap fit connection.
  • the fan module may comprise a centrifugal fan having an axial inlet communicating with the inside of the mask cavity and a radial outlet outside the mask cavity.
  • the fan module is then an exhaust fan.
  • the flow is outwardly from the mask volume.
  • the fan module for example projects through the opening with the radial outlet positioned beyond the outer casing, for example beyond the fourth connector part.
  • the radial outlet is positioned with a minimum of obstructions to the outlet flow.
  • the invention provides a face mask with an outer casing and a filter member.
  • a fan module is mounted on the filter member and also extends through an opening in the outer casing. It attaches to that opening to fix the position of the fan module relative to the outer casing.
  • FIG. 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 which functions as a mask body and a filter member 14 mounted within the outer casing.
  • the outer casing is rigid or semi-rigid with ear straps 13, whereas the filter member 14 is for example 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 outer casing improves the outer appearance of the mask.
  • the outer casing may be made from a material which itself is porous, for example it may be an air mesh, a polyurethane layer, a cotton blend, or other porous material. However, it may instead be made from a non-porous material, such as a plastics material, but with openings to allow air flow.
  • a gap around the edge of the outer casing, between the outer casing and the filter member, may alternatively or additionally be used to enable air flow.
  • the filter member 14 is sealed around a connector module 16.
  • the connector module 16 is for connecting to a fan module, in particular to a corresponding connector part 17 of the fan module. This connection may be circular so that it allows relative rotation between the fan module 20 and the filter member 14.
  • the fan module comprises a centrifugal fan. A centrifugal fan has a small form factor and is able to overcome the flow resistance of the check valve.
  • the connector module 16 comprises a check valve.
  • the connector module 16 and the fan module 20 may be considered together to comprise a fan assembly and the two modules may be connected together and disconnected manually, for example with a simple push fit.
  • a lip around one part may cooperate with a recess around the other part.
  • a control module 18 is coupled to the outside of the filter member 14.
  • the control module includes the fan module 20 of the fan assembly and also a control unit 22.
  • the control unit is inside the outer casing (i.e. on the side of the outer casing facing the face of the user).
  • the control unit 22 for example comprises a battery and other control circuitry. This may include sensors. Note that the control circuitry may instead be on the fan module side and be integrated into the fan module. Thus, the various additional circuitry elements and battery may be divided between the fan module and the control unit in different ways.
  • the battery of the control unit is protected from the ambient surroundings by the outer casing 12.
  • 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 (as shown in Figure 1 ) 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 module 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. Alternatively, there may be separate inlet and exhaust fans, e.g. one on each lateral side.
  • the use of an exhaust fan is preferred. It means the fan does not need a filter just before or after the fan, reducing the airflow. Users also find air blowing on the face to be uncomfortable.
  • the fan should be made waterproof, as the exhaled air is humid and condensation will be formed at the air outlet and fan.
  • 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.
  • the mask design shown has a V-shape when viewed from above. Thus, it has two opposite lateral sides, and a ridge between the opposite lateral sides.
  • 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 filter member 14 connects to the outer casing 12 with fixings 32. These are for example push fit poppers.
  • An outer periphery of the filter member also carries an inwardly projecting seal 34 to form a substantially closed volume between the filter member and the face 30.
  • the single module of this example is located centrally rather than at a lateral side (again so that the weight is balanced).
  • the module comprises the connector module 16 and the 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 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 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 filter member may be replaced (or washed) while reusing the module.
  • the fan module comprises a centrifugal fan having an axial inlet inside the mask cavity and a radial outlet outside the mask cavity.
  • Figure 5 shows a front view of the mask and shows the radial outlet 50.
  • the positioning of the outlet is for example selected so that it is not visible from in front and above the mask body, i.e. from the likely position of the eyes of another person.
  • the radial outlet may face downwardly or backwardly (i.e. back towards the user).
  • the fan module 20 projects through the opening in the outer casing but is a loose fit in the opening. It has been found that movement of the fan module causes different flow characteristics, for example because the outlet flow may strike the outer casing, creating altered turbulence.
  • the invention provides an additional connection between the fan module 20 and the outer casing 12, in particular around the inner rim of the opening 24 in the outer casing 12.
  • the use of a rim around the opening 24 in the outer casing also provides stability to the edge of the opening.
  • Figure 6 shows one example of a design for a connection arrangement around the opening in the outer casing.
  • Figure 7 shows a cross section along line VII-VII to show connection between the fan module and the outer casing.
  • Figure 6 shows the outer casing 12 with a main structural layer 60.
  • the mask has four connector parts.
  • the filter member 14 comprises a first connector part 16 (i.e. the connector module) and the fan module 20 comprises a second connector part 17 for connection to the first connector part thereby to fix the fan module 20 to the filter member 14.
  • first connector part 16 i.e. the connector module
  • second connector part 17 for connection to the first connector part thereby to fix the fan module 20 to the filter member 14.
  • the fan module also has a third connector part 70.
  • the outer casing 12 has a fourth connector part 72 for connection to the third connector part 70 to fix the outer casing 12 to the fan module 20, with the fan module projecting through the opening.
  • the fan module is thus connected to the inner filter in the manner already explained above, and there is a further coupling between the fan module and the outer casing. In this way, the fan module is positionally fixed with respect to the outer casing. The characteristics of the airflow to or from the fan module are thus maintained consistent, independent of any shape adjustment of the flexible filter.
  • the fourth connector part 72 in the example shown comprises a ring around the inner edge of the opening 24.
  • the fan module 20 is pushed through the opening 24 during assembly of the face mask and it then locks into a fixed position.
  • connection is not intended to be released by the user, since the fan module and outer casing may remain attached when the filter member is removed for cleaning.
  • connection may be reversible, for example the user may have different outer cover designs.
  • the fourth connector part may be a single component, but for ease of assembly, the example shown has a fourth connector part with a first ring 74 on the outside of the outer casing (i.e. on the side facing away from the face of the user) and a second ring 76 on the inside of the outer casing (i.e. on the side facing the face of the user).
  • the structural layer 60 is sandwiched between the first and second rings. The first and second rings thus provide a termination to the opening 24 in the structural layer 60.
  • the structural layer 60 may have some flexibility, but it is more rigid than the filter member.
  • the first and second rings 74, 76 may be a mechanical snap fit together, or glued together or welded (e.g. ultrasonically) together.
  • They are plastics parts.
  • they may be formed of a thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is suitable for ultrasonic welding.
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • Other plastics may be used such as polypropylene or polycarbonate.
  • the first and second connector parts 16, 17 are a push fit together to enable the filter member to be attached to and detached from the fan module as explained above.
  • the third connector part 70 is also a push fit to the fourth connector part 72. This enables easy assembly of the fan module to the outer casing.
  • the third connector part 70 is for example a recess around an outer side wall of the fan module and the fourth connector part 72 includes a sprung tab 78, more preferably a set of sprung tabs, for engaging with the recess. This provides a snap fit connection.
  • the recess may be all around the outer side wall, or there may be only a set of recess portions at the locations of the sprung tabs.
  • Figure 7 shows the tab and recess arrangement in more detail.
  • the sprung tab 78 is biased outwardly (i.e. towards the center of the opening). It is pushed back by insertion of the fan module and then springs back into the recess 70.
  • the outer appearance of the first ring 74 (which is visible) is uniform, so that the tab design does not detract from the visual appearance.
  • the second ring 76 has regions where the tabs are formed where the connection between the first and second rings is interrupted. In the example shown, the tabs are at the end of a folded leg, and this folded leg projects into a cavity formed in the first ring 74 as shown in Figure 7 .
  • the radial outlet 50 When the fan module is in place, projecting through the opening, the radial outlet 50 is positioned beyond the outer casing, for example extending outwardly beyond the outermost surface of the first ring 74. Thus, the radial outlet is positioned with a minimum of obstruction to the outlet flow. However, an alternative is that the radial outlet is positioned with a desired positional relationship to a flow deflecting member 80 as is shown schematically in Figure 5 .
  • Figure 8 shows a possible design for the first and second connector parts.
  • the third and fourth connector parts are represented schematically only as unit 70,72.
  • the fan module 20 of the fan assembly comprises an outer housing 82, a fan control circuit board 84, a main housing 86 of the fan module 20 which houses the fan motor 88 and a fan impeller.
  • the connector module 16 comprises an annular channel 90 and the fan module comprises a spring biased engagement feature 92.
  • Figure 8 The left image of Figure 8 shows the connector module and fan module separated and the right image shows the connector module and fan module coupled together.
  • the feature 92 engages with the annular channel 90 thereby to provide attachment of the connector module to the fan module by a push fit.
  • 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 94, such as a rubber flap valve.
  • the annular channel 90 results in a ring 96 of greater diameter above the channel.
  • the feature 92 is deflected radially outwardly by the ring 96 and then snaps back into the channel 90.
  • 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 feature 92 comprises tabs.
  • the tabs comprise a support arm and a head.
  • the head is designed to fit into the channel and the support arm provides the radially inward spring bias.
  • the main housing 86 is designed to provide space for the tabs to deflect outwardly during the coupling as the tabs ride over the ring 96.
  • annular channel does not need to be continuous. There is a correct orientation for the fan module 20, in particular so that the electrical connector bridge 28 is in the correct position. Thus, only some angular freedom for adjustment is needed, rather than full angular control.
  • the annular channel may comprise a set of annular channel portions (one for each tab) but they do not need to form a continuous channel.
  • channels and tabs may of course be reversed, with the channel on the fan module and the tabs on the connector module.
  • the feature 92 is preferably metal, to provide increased elasticity and durability compared to plastic features.
  • the filter member 14 may connect to the outer casing in any suitable way and the poppers shown are only by way of example.
  • a push fit connection is used as this allows easy connection and disconnection of the filter member from the outer casing.

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  • 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)
EP19207020.9A 2019-07-22 2019-11-05 Masque facial Withdrawn EP3819009A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19207020.9A EP3819009A1 (fr) 2019-11-05 2019-11-05 Masque facial
PCT/EP2020/069809 WO2021013617A1 (fr) 2019-07-22 2020-07-14 Masque facial
EP20740307.2A EP3846912B1 (fr) 2019-07-22 2020-07-14 Masque facial
KR1020217032234A KR102402886B1 (ko) 2019-07-22 2020-07-14 안면 마스크
JP2021575938A JP7190593B2 (ja) 2019-07-22 2020-07-14 フェイスマスク
CN202021449163.5U CN213100508U (zh) 2019-07-22 2020-07-21 面罩
CN202010707576.7A CN112274796B (zh) 2019-07-22 2020-07-21 面罩

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19207020.9A EP3819009A1 (fr) 2019-11-05 2019-11-05 Masque facial

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3819009A1 true EP3819009A1 (fr) 2021-05-12

Family

ID=68468563

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19207020.9A Withdrawn EP3819009A1 (fr) 2019-07-22 2019-11-05 Masque facial

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3819009A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN205055245U (zh) * 2015-10-26 2016-03-02 杨宇坤 一种智能口罩
WO2018220516A1 (fr) * 2017-05-30 2018-12-06 Valentini Ivo Mattia Masque antismog
WO2019043620A1 (fr) * 2017-09-01 2019-03-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Respirateur

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN205055245U (zh) * 2015-10-26 2016-03-02 杨宇坤 一种智能口罩
WO2018220516A1 (fr) * 2017-05-30 2018-12-06 Valentini Ivo Mattia Masque antismog
WO2019043620A1 (fr) * 2017-09-01 2019-03-07 3M Innovative Properties Company Respirateur

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