JP2022530695A - Face mask - Google Patents

Abstract

The face mask has an outer case and a filter member. A fan module is used, thereby defining the active face mask. When the face mask is worn by the user, a mask cavity is defined inside the filter member and a chamber is defined between the outer case and the filter member. The battery module is placed in the chamber.

Description

The present invention relates to a face mask for providing filtration of contaminants.

Air pollution is a global concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 million people die each year from air pollution. Part of this problem is the quality of the city's outside air. About 300 cities attacked by smog cannot meet national air quality standards.

Official outdoor environmental quality standards define the concentration of particulate matter as mass per unit volume (eg μg / m ³ ). Of particular concern is contamination by particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm (called “PM2.5”), as these particles can enter the gas exchange region of the lungs (alveoli). Very small particles (<100 nm) can pass through the lungs and affect other organs.

Since this problem does not improve significantly in a short time, a common way to deal with this problem is to wear a mask that supplies clean air by filtration, and the mask market in China and other countries has grown significantly in recent years. is doing.

Such masks may be made from a material that acts as a filter for contaminant particles, or may have a filter only on a portion of the mask surface, which filters are replaceable when clogged.

However, during use, the temperature and relative humidity inside the mask increase, coupled with the pressure difference inside the mask with respect to the outside, which makes breathing uncomfortable. This allows most of the exhaled air to escape from the mask without resistance, but the inhaled air must be inhaled through a filter, partly mitigated by providing an outlet valve or check valve. Can be. To improve comfort and effectiveness, a fan is added to the mask, which assists in inhaling and / or exhaling air through the filter.

One potential advantage for wearers using fan motorized masks is that the lungs are relieved of the slight strain caused by inhaling against the resistance of the filter in conventional non-motorized masks. Moreover, in conventional non-electric masks, intake also causes a slight pressure drop in the mask, which leads to the leakage of contaminants into the mask, if the contaminants are toxic. , This leak turns out to be dangerous.

Therefore, the fan-assisted mask can improve breathing comfort by reducing temperature, humidity and respiratory resistance.

In one mechanism, an intake (ie, intake) fan is used to provide continuous intake of air. Thus, the lungs are relieved of the slight burden caused by inhaling against the resistance of the filter in conventional non-motorized masks. It then supplies a stable air flow to the face, for example, applying a slight positive pressure to ensure that any leak is outward rather than inward. However, this provides additional resistance to breathing when exhaling.

In another mechanism, an exhalation (ie, exhaust) fan is used to provide a continuous release of air. It instead provides respiratory assistance when exhaling. The exhalation fan may be combined with a series check valve to prevent air flow into the mask through the fan.

The fan again creates a continuous flow of air through the mask. Air is drawn through the filter into the mask cavity by a flow induced by a fan or by inhaling. This improves the comfort of the wearer.

Another alternative is to have both an intake fan and an exhaust fan, and to control the fan time in synchronization with the user's breathing cycle. The respiratory cycle is measured based on pressure (or differential pressure) measurements. This reduces resistance to breathing, both inspiratory and expiratory, and provides improved temperature and humidity control.

Therefore, several types of masks are available to prevent daily exposure to air pollutants, including passive masks, passive masks with exhalation valves and masks with at least one active fan.

The present invention generally relates to an active mask. These masks are battery-powered devices, and battery life is fundamentally important. In particular, it is desirable to obtain maximum battery life from a given amount of battery. One problem is that battery performance depends on temperature. This is especially problematic for face masks as they are used outdoors and they are sought after all year round.

The present invention is defined by the claims.

According to an embodiment according to an embodiment of the present invention, a face mask is provided, and the face mask is
Outer case,
A filter member attached to the inside of the outer case, wherein when the face mask is worn by the user, a mask cavity is defined between the filter member and the user's face, and the outer case and the filter member The chamber is defined between the filter members,
It has a fan module for generating a flow between the mask cavity and the ambient environment, and a battery module placed in the chamber.

Therefore, the present invention relates to the design of a face mask having a two-layer structure including a filter member and an outer case. The filter member is flexible (so that it can fit the contour of the user's face).

This mask design forms a chamber between the filter member and the outer case. Some of the breath exhaled by the wearer passes through this chamber. As a result, the amount of air in the chamber is continuously replenished by the user's breath, so that the chamber is maintained at a high temperature during the cold season. By placing the battery module in said chamber, the battery module is exposed to higher temperatures and therefore has a longer life in such situations.

The battery module is preferably placed in the path of air exhaled by the user when the mask is worn by the user. Thus, the warmth of the user's exhaled breath is used directly to heat the battery module.

The battery module is placed, for example, in the front area of the face mask. This means that it is not the top, bottom or sides of the face mask, but the general area in front of the mouth and nose. Thus, the battery module is in the path of air expelled from the user's nose or mouth.

The battery module and fan module are, for example, separate units mounted apart from each other. By separating the fan module from the battery module (which feeds the fan module), it is possible to avoid the heavy components from concentrating on the individual positions of the face mask.

The mask body has, for example, facing sides that adapt at least partially laterally outward when the mask is worn by the user, and the fan assembly is attached to one of the facing sides and the battery. The module is attached to the other of the opposite sides.

By providing the fan module and the battery module on the opposite sides, the balance is improved.

The fan module preferably has an exhaust fan for exhausting air from the mask cavity. However, only part of the exhaled air passes through the fan and the other part through the chamber, thereby raising the temperature of the chamber. Therefore, even if an exhaust fan is used, the exhaled air can still be used to heat the battery.

The fan module has an axial inlet communicating with the inside of the mask cavity and a centrifugal fan with a radial outlet outside the mask cavity. The centrifugal fan is compact and this radial outlet is easily hidden out of sight to give the desired aesthetic appearance.

The battery module is, for example, part of a control unit further comprising a fan control circuit for the fan module.

The electrical connector is preferably provided between the fan module and the battery module, which is placed in the chamber. The electrical connector forms, for example, a bridge between both sides of the face mask. The battery module (or control unit) is attached, for example, to the inner surface of the outer case or detachably attached to the filter member.

The filter member has a first connector portion, and the fan module has a second connector portion for connecting to the first connector portion, whereby the fan module is detachably fixed to the filter member. .. Therefore, the fan module can be removed from the filter member so that the filter member can be replaced or cleaned without the need to replace the fan module.

The first and second connector portions are both push fit to allow the filter member to be attached to and removed from the fan module, for example. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly.

The outer case has, for example, an opening, and the fan module extends through the chamber and the opening in the outer case. This is one method of fitting the fan module to the outer case, which is fitted onto the fan module. This provides an easy assembly method.

The fan module has a third connector portion, and the outer case has a fourth connector portion for connecting to the third connector portion, whereby the outer case is fitted to the fan module and the fan module is fitted. Protrudes through the opening.

This additional coupling between the fan module and the outer case, eg, around the inner edge of the opening in the outer case, provides a positional fixation of the position of the fan module with respect to the outer case. Thus, the properties of airflow to and from the fan module are consistently maintained regardless of any shape adjustment of the flexible filter member. The series of connectors also prevents leaks and improves user comfort.

The third connector portion may be pushed into the fourth connector portion.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below and will be described with reference to them.

In order to better understand the invention and to show more clearly how the invention is practiced, reference is made to the accompanying drawings as merely examples.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a mask design to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 shows the design of FIG. 1 in an assembled state as viewed from one front side. FIG. 3 shows the design of FIG. 1 in the assembled state as seen from the opposite front side. FIG. 4 is used to show how the components connect with the wearer and shows an alternative design. FIG. 5 shows the temperature readings and ambient temperature of the battery in the mask design according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the outlet of the centrifugal fan. FIG. 7 shows a first cross-sectional view of the design of the third and fourth connector portions. FIG. 8 shows a second cross-sectional view of the design of FIG. FIG. 9 shows a possible design of the first and second connector portions.

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

Detailed descriptions and specific examples show exemplary embodiments of devices, systems and methods, but these are for illustration purposes only and are intended to limit the scope of the invention. Please understand that it is not a thing. These and other features, embodiments and advantages of the devices, systems and methods of the invention are better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to a certain scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawing to indicate the same or similar parts.

The present invention provides a face mask having an outer case and a filter member housed in the outer case. A fan module is used, thereby defining the active face mask. When the face mask is worn by the user, the mask cavity is defined inside the filter member (ie, between the filter member and the user's face) and the chamber is defined between the outer case and the filter member. The battery module is placed in the chamber.

FIG. 1 shows an example of mask design according to the present invention. The mask 10 has an outer case 12, which is shown in an exploded view and functions as a mask body, and a filter member 14 attached to the inside of the outer case (that is, the side of the outer case facing the user's face). The outer case is a rigid or semi-rigid body with an ear strap 13, whereas the filter member 14 is made of, for example, a woven fabric so that the outer edge can match the shape of the wearer's face. Easy to transform.

The outer case is porous so that air can pass through this outer case. This outer case improves the appearance of the mask. The outer case may be made of a material that is itself porous and may be, for example, an air mesh, a polyurethane layer, a cotton blend or other porous material. However, the outer case may instead be made of a non-porous material such as a plastic material, but has an opening to allow air to flow. Alternatively or additionally, a gap between the outer case and the filter member and around the edge of the outer case can be used to allow air to flow.

The present invention is based on the recognition that a chamber 15 is defined between the outer case 12 and the filter member 14, and this chamber is used to protect the battery by raising the temperature of the battery, especially in winter. There is. Chamber 15 is an air chamber around the battery in which some warm air is trapped. Further, the battery placement is preferably chosen so that the battery is in the path of the user's exhaled air, thereby being most effectively heated by the exhaled air.

The filter member 14 is sealed around the connector module 16. The connector module 16 is for connecting to the fan module 20, and particularly for connecting to the corresponding connector portion 17 of the fan module. This connection can be circular so as to allow relative rotation between the fan module 20 and the filter member 14. The fan module has a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan is a small form factor and can overcome the flow resistance of the check valve.

The fan module is generally intended to create an air flow between the mask cavity and the ambient environment, i.e., the outside of the outer case 12.

In this particular example, the connector module 16 has a check valve. The connector module 16 and the fan module 20 can be considered together to form a fan assembly, which can be manually connected and disconnected, for example with a simple push fit. For example, the lips around one part can collaborate with the indentations around the other part.

The control module 18 is coupled to the outside of the filter member 14. The control module also includes a fan module 20 and a control unit 22 in the fan assembly. This control unit includes a battery module and other control circuits. The control unit 22 is on the inside of the outer case (ie, the side facing the user's face) and on the outside of the filter member (ie, the side opposite to the side of the user's face), and therefore the control unit 22 is , Placed in a chamber 15 defined between these two components.

The control unit 22 and hence the battery module are placed in the path of air exhaled by the user when the mask is worn by the user. For this purpose, they are positioned in the front area of the face mask. In the design shown, the fan module is offset to one side and the control unit is offset to the other side. However, both are generally positioned to be in front of the user's mouth and / or nose. The face mask is on the user's cheeks and connects to the ear strap 13, the top area extending over the user's nose, the bottom area extending under the user's mouth (and chin), It also has a frontal area that defines the boundaries of these top, bottom and side areas. The battery module is in this front area. The front area of the outer case is considered to be, for example, an area corresponding to 50% or 33% of the total surface area of the outer case. The anterior region is symmetrical with respect to the vertical centerline and has a width of less than 60% or less than 50% of the total width of the outer case, for example. The anterior region has a height of less than 60% or less than 50% of the total height of the outer case, for example.

The control unit 22 includes, for example, a sensor. It should also be mentioned that the control circuit is instead on the fan module side and can be incorporated into the fan module. Therefore, various additional circuit elements and battery modules may be distributed between the fan module and the control unit in various ways.

It may be a single module that incorporates all of the components. In a more preferred example shown, the battery module is separate from the fan module and away from the fan module. This means that the weight of the components is distributed among the different locations, which can provide good balance of the mask and reduction of local load.

This also means that the battery module is in an area that is not directly exposed to the fan-driven exhaust stream (ie, the flow through the fan), but is exposed to the exhaled air that has passed through the filter. Thus, the battery module is at least partially isolated, thereby being in a chamber capable of maintaining the high temperature caused by the user's exhaled breath. This air has a lower moisture content, for example as a result of the action of the filter member.

As a result, the battery module of the control unit is protected from the surrounding environment by the outer case 12 and is exposed to the user's breath downstream of the filter member. This allows the battery module to be maintained at a high temperature with respect to the ambient environment.

The connector module 16 is permanently fixed to the filter member 14 so that it can be disposed of together with the filter member 14 when the filter is replaced. The fan module 20 of the fan assembly is reusable and includes (at least) a fan drive circuit and a fan impeller.

The outer case 12 has an opening 24 that accommodates the fan module 20 of the fan assembly.

The inner surface of the outer case can also have a receiving dock area for the control unit 22, or a receiving dock area 26 (shown in FIG. 1) for placing the control unit 22 is on the outer surface of the filter member. May be good. The control unit can be connected to the filter member or the outer case by magnetic coupling, as well as or instead of the mechanical alignment mechanism.

The electrical connector 28 in the form of a bridge provides an electrical connection between the control unit 22 and the fan module 20 of the fan assembly for the transmission of power and control signals.

The fan module 20 and the control unit 22 of the fan assembly are on opposite sides of the mask, one on each side of the wearer's nose. This provides a weight-balanced distribution. Having the two modules reduces the weight of each individual component, thus reducing the load at any one location.

In a preferred design, the fan module is an exhaust fan. In the simplest design, the fan module operates continuously to provide a continuous supply of air to the face (using the air sucked through the mask filter). It provides temperature and humidity control. However, the fan module may operate in synchronization with the wearer's respiration (using appropriate respiration detection) and the fan module may be bidirectionally controlled. Alternatively, for example, there may be separate intake and exhaust fans, one on each side.

The use of an exhaust fan is preferred. That means the fan does not need a filter just before or after the fan to reduce airflow. The user also finds that the air blowing on his face is unpleasant. The fan should be waterproofed as the exhaled air is moist and condensation forms on this air outlet and the fan.

Since the present invention relates specifically to the location of the battery module, all of the various known options for controlling the fan may be applied.

FIG. 2 shows the design of FIG. 1 in an assembled state as seen from one front side, and FIG. 3 shows the design of FIG. 1 in an assembled state as seen from the opposite front side.

The mask design shown is V-shaped when viewed from above. Therefore, the mask has two opposite sides and a ridge between these opposite sides.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative design used to show how the components are coupled to the wearer, with a control circuit on the fan module side and only the battery module 23 on the opposite side.

The wearer's face 30 is shown in cross section from above.

The filter member 14 is connected to the outer case 12 by using the fixture 32. These fixtures are, for example, push fit poppers. The outer circumference of the filter member also carries a seal 34 projecting inward, forming a substantially closed volume between the filter member and the face 30.

When inhaling, air is inhaled through the filter member 14, as indicated by arrow 36. During this time, the exhaust fan may operate and be turned off to provide flow 38 or to save power. When exhaling, the exhaust fan operates to create a flow 38, but there is also an outward flow through the filter member, as indicated by the arrow 40.

This flow 40 heats the chamber 15 between the filter member 14 and the outer case 12.

The flow 36 can continue (depending on how the fan works), but then the flow is not sucked in and instead circulates out through the fan. Breathing comfort is particularly improved, as the fan removes the exhaled air from the mask cavity and thus prevents rebreathing (recirculation) of previously exhaled and therefore not fresh air.

The fan module can have, for example, a printed circuit board carrying the fan, a one-way check valve and a control circuit. The fan is above the check valve.

In the example of FIG. 4, the filter member is replaced (or cleaned), whereas the connector module 16 and the fan module 20 are reseparable so that they can be reused.

FIG. 5 shows the battery temperature measurements for the mask design according to the invention as plot 42 and the ambient temperature as plot 44 over time. The mask is used in an environment of −10 ° C. and is brought into the room and removed at time t1.

In this example, it can be seen that the battery temperature is maintained at a temperature 15 ° C to 20 ° C higher than the ambient temperature.

In the preferred design shown, the fan module has a centrifugal fan with an axial inlet inside the mask cavity and a radial outlet outside the mask cavity.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the mask and shows a radial exit 50. The positioning of this exit is selected, for example, so that the exit is invisible from the front and above of the mask body, i.e., from a position where others are likely to see. For example, the radial exit may point downwards or backwards (ie, towards the user).

In a basic design, the fan module 20 projects through an opening in the outer case, which is a loose fit at the opening. For example, it has been found that the movement of the fan module causes different flow characteristics, as the flow at the outlet hits the outer case and creates a variable turbulence.

Therefore, it is preferred that additional connections be provided between the fan module 20 and the outer case 12, especially around the inner rim of the opening 24 of the outer case 12. The use of a rim around the opening 24 in the outer case also provides stability at the edges of the opening.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a design for the design of the connection configuration around the opening in the outer case. FIG. 8 shows a cross section along line VII-VII to show the connection between the fan module and the outer case.

FIG. 7 shows an outer case 12 having a main structural layer 60.

The mask has four connector parts.

The filter member 14 has a first connector portion 16 (that is, a connector module), and the fan module 20 is connected to the first connector portion, whereby the fan module 20 is fixed to the filter member 14. It has a second connector portion 17. These connector portions are shown in FIG. 1 and further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The fan module also has a third connector section 70 as shown in FIG.

The outer case 12 is connected to the third connector portion 70 with the fan module protruding through the opening, and has a fourth connector portion 72 for fixing the outer case 12 to the fan module 20.

Therefore, the fan module is already connected to the filter by the method described above and there is an additional coupling between the fan module and the outer case. In this way, the fan module is positionedly fixed relative to the outer case. Therefore, the characteristics of the airflow to and from the fan module are consistently maintained regardless of any shape adjustment of the flexible filter member.

In the example shown, the fourth connector portion 72 has a ring around the inner edge of the opening 24. The fan module 20 is extruded through the opening 24 during the assembly of the face mask, and then the fan module 20 is held in place.

Note that this connection is not intended to be broken by the user, as the fan module and outer case remain attached when the filter member is removed for cleaning. However, the connection may be reversible, for example, the user may have another outer case design.

The fourth connector may be a single component, but for ease of assembly, the examples shown include a first ring 74 on the outside of the outer case and a second ring 74 on the inside of the outer case. It has a fourth connector portion provided with a ring 76. The structural layer 60 is sandwiched between the first ring and the second ring. Therefore, the first and second rings provide termination to the opening 24 of the structural layer 60. The structural layer 60 may have some flexibility, but is more rigid than the filter members.

The first and second rings 74, 76 may be mechanically snap-fitted, glued or welded (eg, ultrasonically). These rings are plastic parts. For example, these rings may be formed from a thermoplastic material suitable for ultrasonic welding, for example ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). For example, other plastics such as polypropylene or polycarbonate may be used.

As described above, the first and second connector portions 16 and 17 are push-fitting molds for allowing the filter member to be attached to and removed from the fan module. The third connector portion 70 is also a push-fitting type to the fourth connector portion 72. This makes it possible to easily assemble the fan module into the outer case.

The third connector section 70 is, for example, a recess around the outer sidewall of the fan module, and the fourth connector section 72 is a spring-loaded tab 78, more preferably a series, for engaging the recess. Includes spring-loaded tabs. This provides a snap-fitting connection. The recess may be all around the outer side wall, or may have only a series of recesses at the location of the spring-loaded tabs.

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of tabs and recesses in more detail. The spring-loaded tab 78 is urged outward (ie, towards the center of the opening). The spring-loaded tab 78 is pushed back by inserting the fan module and then bounces back into the recess 70. A series of tabs, eg, three or more tabs, may be around the opening. However, continuous tabs are also possible.

Since the appearance of the first ring 74 (visible) is uniform, the tab design does not impair the visual appearance. The second ring 76 has a region where tabs are formed, in which the connection between the first ring and the second ring is broken. In the example shown, the tab is at the end of a folded leg, the folded leg projecting into a cavity formed in the first ring 74, as shown in FIG.

When the fan module projects through the opening in place, the radial outlet 50 is positioned beyond the outer case and extends outward beyond, for example, the outermost surface of the first ring 74. .. Therefore, the radial outlet is positioned with minimal obstruction to the flow of this outlet. However, an alternative is to position the radial outlet in the desired positional relationship with the flow deflection member 80, as schematically shown in FIG.

Possible designs for the third and fourth connectors are shown above. For completeness, FIG. 9 shows possible designs for the first and second connector sections. In FIG. 9, the third and fourth connector portions are shown schematically as units 70, 72.

The fan module 20 of the fan assembly includes a main housing 86, an outer housing 82, a fan control circuit board 84, and a fan motor 88. There is also a fan impeller (not shown).

In this example, the connector module 16 has an annular channel 90 and the fan module has a spring-loaded engagement mechanism 92. The left figure of FIG. 9 shows the separated connector module 16 and the fan module 20, and the right figure shows the combined connector module and the fan module. When coupled, the mechanism 92 engages the annular channel 90, thereby providing a push fit to attach the connector module to the fan module.

The connector module 16 is connected to the filter member 14 by, for example, ultrasonic welding, and creates a seal around the connector module 16. In this example, the connector module 16 defines a check valve 94, such as a rubber flap valve.

The annular channel 90 results in a larger diameter ring 96 above this channel. When pushing the connector module 16 into the fan module 20 (arrows are intended only to indicate relative movement), the mechanism 92 is radially outwardly deflected by the ring 96 and then bounces back into the channel 90. ..

Since the channel is annular, relative rotation is possible between the two modules. Therefore, the connection can be made without the need for accurate angular alignment. It also means that little force is applied to the filter member, for example, no large torsional force is applied that damages the filter material.

In the example shown, the mechanism 92 has a tab. These tabs have a support arm and a head. The head is designed to fit into the channel and the support arm provides radial inward spring urging. When the tab gets over the ring 96, the main housing 86 is designed to provide space for the tab to deflect outward during coupling.

There may be only two diametrically opposed tabs, or more preferably three sets, or more than three. The annular channel does not have to be continuous. In particular, the bridge 28 of the electrical connector is in the correct position so that the fan module 20 has the correct orientation. Therefore, only a certain degree of freedom of angle is required for adjustment, not complete angle control. Thus, the annular channel has parts of a series of annular channels (one for each tab), but they do not have to form continuous channels.

Of course, the channels and tabs may be reversed, just as the fan module has tabs on the channels and connector modules.

The mechanism 92 is preferably metal in order to provide increased elasticity and durability compared to the plastic mechanism.

The use of spring-loaded connections instead of an interference fit allows for periodic filter replacement (or separation for cleaning).

The filter member 14 is connected to the outer case in any suitable way and the snap shown is just an example. Preferably, a push-fitting connection is used, which allows the filter member to be easily connected to and detached from the outer case.

The above description specifically relates to one design of a face mask comprising a fan module projecting from a filter member through an opening in the outer case. However, other configurations are possible, for example, where the fan module is mounted on the outside of the outer case.

Modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by one of ordinary skill in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from the examination of the drawings, the present disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "having" does not preclude other elements or steps, nor does it preclude that there are multiple elements, even if it does not state that there are multiple elements. The mere fact that certain methods are listed in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these methods cannot be used in an advantageous manner. When the term "adapts to" is used in a claim or specification, the term "adapts to" means that it is similar to the term "consisting to". Any reference code in the claims should not be construed as limiting its scope.

Claims (15)

It is a face mask, and the face mask is
Outer case,
A filter member for attaching to the inside of the outer case, wherein when the face mask is worn by the user, a mask cavity is defined between the filter member and the user's face, and the outer case and the filter. The filter member, wherein the chamber is defined between the member and the member.
A face mask having a fan module for generating a flow between the mask cavity and the surrounding environment, and a battery module placed in the chamber. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the battery module is placed in the path of the air exhaled by the user when the mask is worn by the user. The face mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery module is placed in the front area of the face mask. The face mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery module and the fan module are separate units mounted apart from each other. The body of the mask has facing sides that adapt at least partially laterally outward when the mask is worn by the user, and the fan assembly is attached to one of the facing sides. The face mask according to claim 4, wherein the battery module is attached to the other side of the facing side portions. The face mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fan module has an exhaust fan for discharging air from the mask cavity. The face mask according to claim 6, wherein the fan module has an axial inlet communicating with the inside of the mask cavity and a centrifugal fan having a radial outlet outside the mask cavity. The face mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery module is a part of a control unit, and the control unit further includes a control circuit for the fan module. The face mask according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which has an electric connector between the fan module and the battery module, which is placed in the chamber. The battery module is
Attached to the inside of the outer case or removable to the filter member.
The face mask according to claim 8 or 9. The filter member has a first connector portion, and the fan module has a second connector portion for connecting to the first connector portion, whereby the fan module is attached to the filter member. The face mask according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is releasable and fixed. The face mask according to claim 11, wherein the first and second connector portions are push-fittings for attaching the filter member to the fan module and allowing the filter member to be removed from the fan module. The face mask according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the outer case has an opening, and the fan module extends through the chamber and the opening in the outer case. .. The fan module has a third connector portion, and the outer case has a fourth connector portion for connecting to the third connector portion, whereby the outer case can be attached to the fan module. 13. The face mask of claim 13, wherein the fan module is fixed and projects through the opening. The face mask according to claim 14, wherein the third connector portion is a push-fitting into the fourth connector portion.

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