KR20210158754A - Mask apparatus and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A controlling method of a mask device according to the present invention comprises: a step of driving a fan provided in the mask device; a step of sensing inner pressure of the mask device with a sensor provided in the mask device for a certain time; a step of calculating an average pressure value (P_avg) by using sensed pressure values and calculating a difference value (P_dif) which is a difference between a current pressure value (P_cur) and the average pressure value (P_avg); a step of filtering the difference value (P_dif) by applying a band-pass filter; a step of determining a breathing state of a user by using the filtered difference value (P_dif); and a step of controlling a rotation speed of the fan depending on the determined breathing state. The present invention can accurately determine the breathing state.

Description

MASK APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

The present invention relates to a mask apparatus and a method for controlling the same.

In general, a mask is a device that covers a user's nose and mouth to prevent inhalation and scattering of germs and dust. The mask is attached to the user's face to cover the user's nose and mouth. The mask filters germs and dust contained in the air flowing into the user's nose and mouth, and allows the filtered air to flow into the user's mouth and nose.

Air and germs, dust, etc. contained in the air pass through the body of the mask formed of the filter, while the germs, dust, etc. are filtered by the body of the mask. However, there is a problem in that the user's breathing is not smooth in the process in which air is introduced into the user's nose and mouth after passing through the body of the mask or flows out after passing through the body of the mask.

Recently, in order to solve this problem, a mask having a fan, a motor, and a filter has been developed.

Prior Literature Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2019-0100605 (published on August 29, 2019) discloses a “electric dust mask equipped with a differential pressure sensor”.

The dust mask disclosed in the prior literature includes a mask body, a filter formed on the mask body, a motor for controlling the flow rate of air introduced through the filter, and a differential pressure sensor for measuring a change in pressure inside the mask body .

The dust mask may set an operation mode based on a magnitude value of a pressure difference measured from the differential pressure sensor, and may vary the maximum output or minimum output of the motor according to the set operation mode. Therefore, since the operation mode is determined in real time according to the user's breathing state, and the output of the motor is controlled according to the determined operation mode, the mask wearing environment can be improved.

However, the dust mask disclosed in the prior document has the following problems.

First, since a plurality of differential pressure sensors are required to measure the pressure inside and outside the mask, respectively, for recognizing the user's respiration, there is a problem in that the cost of the mask increases.

Second, the conventional mask uses the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the mask to determine whether the user is breathing or talking, and accordingly controls the output of the motor constantly, and does not specifically consider the user's breathing state. there is a problem.

That is, since there is a breathing deviation according to the individual differences of the user, there is a problem that the optimal fan control cannot be achieved according to this.

Third, there is a problem in that it is difficult to accurately determine the breathing state in a situation in which the surrounding environment suddenly changes (eg, a situation in which air pressure is changed by riding in an elevator). In this case, since the breathing state cannot be accurately determined, there is a problem in that breathing becomes difficult due to a malfunction of the fan.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mask device capable of accurately determining the user's breathing state by sensing the internal pressure of the mask, and a method for controlling the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask device and a control method thereof that can properly provide the flow rate of air introduced into the mask according to the user's breathing state.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask device capable of reliably controlling a fan even when an external environment such as atmospheric pressure changes, and a method for controlling the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask apparatus capable of recognizing whether a mask is mounted or detached and take appropriate measures accordingly, and a method for controlling the same.

A method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of driving a fan provided in the mask apparatus, sensing the internal pressure of the mask apparatus for a predetermined time with a sensor provided in the mask apparatus, and collecting the detected pressure values. calculating an average pressure value (P_avg) using the -pass filter) and filtering, determining the user's breathing state using the filtered difference value (P_dif), and controlling the rotation speed of the fan according to the determined breathing state. have.

The band-pass filter may include a digital filter that passes a signal corresponding to a frequency range corresponding to a human respiratory cycle and removes a signal that does not correspond to the frequency range.

Here, the frequency range may include a margin of twice as much as a frequency corresponding to a human breathing cycle. For example, the frequency range may include a range between 0.1 and 1 Hz.

The method of controlling the mask apparatus further includes determining whether a difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin is less than a first reference value, and it is determined that the difference value is less than the first reference value If so, it is possible to stop the operation of the fan.

In this case, when the time for which the difference value is sensed to be less than the first reference value is maintained for more than the first reference time, the fan may be stopped.

In addition, the control method of the mask device further includes determining whether the absolute value of the difference value P_dif exceeds a second reference value, and when the absolute value of the difference value P_dif exceeds the second reference value, , it is possible to reduce the rotation speed of the fan.

As for the respiration state, when it is determined that the inspiratory state in which inhalation is made and the exhalation state in which exhalation is made are sequentially repeated, and it is determined that the inspiratory state is sensed for a second reference time or longer, the rotational speed of the fan may be reduced.

The step of determining the user's breathing state using the filtered difference value (P_dif) may include comparing the filtered difference value (P_dif) with predetermined upper and lower limits to determine the breathing state according to whether it is large or small.

Specifically, when the filtered difference value (P_dif) is greater than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value, it is determined that the breathing state is exhalation, the rotation speed of the fan is reduced, and the filtered difference value (P_dif) is the predetermined lower limit value If it is smaller than that, it is determined that the breathing state is inhalation, and the rotation speed of the fan may be increased.

The mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mask body that covers a user's face, a fan coupled to the mask body, a sensor installed in the mask body, and a sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the mask body, and the sensor detects Based on the received information, it may include a control unit for controlling the rotation speed of the fan.

The control unit calculates an average pressure value P_avg using the pressure values sensed by the sensor, calculates a difference value P_dif that is a difference between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg, and the The difference value (P_dif) is filtered by applying a band-pass filter, the user's breathing state is determined using the filtered difference value (P_dif), and the fan is rotated according to the determined breathing state You can control the speed.

According to the configuration of the present invention as described above, the following effects are obtained.

First, the user's breathing state (exhalation, inspiration) is determined according to the pressure inside the mask, and the rotation speed of the fan is adjusted based on the determined information, so that the air volume can be appropriately provided during breathing. Therefore, there is an advantage in that breathing becomes easier while wearing the mask device.

Second, the current pressure value, the average pressure value, and the difference value are calculated using the pressure values detected by the sensor, and the respiration state can be more accurately determined by filtering the difference value through a band-pass filter based on the respiration frequency.

In particular, even if the external environment such as atmospheric pressure changes, there is an advantage in that it is possible to control the fan in conjunction with the user's breathing by removing the disturbance through the filter. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that reliability is improved because a malfunction caused by a change in atmospheric pressure is prevented.

Third, it is possible to compare the filtered difference value with a predetermined upper limit value or a lower limit value, and accurately classify the exhalation or inspiration according to the comparison result.

In particular, there is an advantage in that the user's abnormal respiration can be recognized through the time during which exhalation or inhalation is maintained, and accordingly, the rotation speed of the fan can be reduced to help respiration.

Fourth, by using the pressure values sensed by the sensor, it is possible to recognize whether the mask device is detached or not, and appropriate measures can be taken accordingly, thereby improving the convenience of use.

1 is a left perspective view of a mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a right perspective view of a mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a rear view of a mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a bottom view of a mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exploded perspective view of a mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the flow of air when the mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is operated.
8 is a graph showing the amount of change in air inside the lungs according to the amount of exercise of a person.
9 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a graph showing a pressure change cycle corresponding to a tidal breathing cycle and an air flow rate of a fan corresponding to a tidal breathing cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a graph showing changes in the internal pressure value and the differential value of the mask according to the change in atmospheric pressure according to the present invention.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mask apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, or order of the elements are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a left perspective view of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention , Figure 4 is a bottom view of the mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 4 , the mask device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a mask body 10 and a mask body cover 20 coupled to the mask body 10 .

The mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 may be detachably coupled. When the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 are coupled, an inner space may be formed between the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 . Components for driving the mask device 1 may be disposed in the inner space. The inner space may be positioned between the front surface of the mask body 10 and the rear surface of the mask body cover 20 . The mask body 10 may form a rear surface of the mask apparatus 1 , and the mask body cover 20 may form a front surface of the mask apparatus 1 .

The rear of the mask apparatus 1 defines a direction in which the rear surface of the mask apparatus 1 facing the user's face is located, and the front of the mask apparatus 1 is the front surface of the mask apparatus 1 exposed to the outside The direction in which it is located is defined as the opposite direction of the rear.

The mask device 1 may further include a sealing bracket 30 and a sealing part 40 .

The sealing bracket 30 may be detachably coupled to the rear surface of the mask body 10 . The sealing bracket 30 may fix the sealing part 40 to the rear surface of the mask body 10 . When the sealing bracket 30 is separated from the rear surface of the mask body 10 , the sealing part 40 may be separated from the mask body 10 .

The sealing part 40 is supported on the rear surface of the mask body 10 by the sealing bracket 30 , and a breathing space for breathing is defined between the sealing part 40 and the mask body 10 . can be The sealing part 40 may be in close contact with the user's face, and may restrict the inflow of external air into the breathing space by covering the user's nose and mouth.

The mask body cover 20 may include a first filter mounting part 21 and a second filter mounting part 22 . The first filter mounting part 21 may be located on the right side of the mask body cover 20 , and the second filter mounting part 22 may be located on the left side of the mask body cover 20 . A left direction (left) and a right direction (right) are defined based on the mask device 1 mounted on the user's face. In addition, an upward direction (upward) and a downward direction (downward) are defined based on the mask device 1 mounted on the user's face.

A first filter cover 25 may be mounted on the first filter mounting unit 21 , and a second filter cover 26 may be mounted on the second filter mounting unit 22 . A filter is disposed inside the first filter mounting unit 21 and the second filter mounting unit 22 , and the first filter cover 25 and the second filter cover 26 may cover the filter. .

The first filter cover 25 and the second filter cover 26 may be detachably coupled to the first filter mounting unit 21 and the second filter mounting unit 22 , respectively. For example, the first filter cover 25 and the second filter cover 26 may be fitted to the first filter mounting part 21 and the second filter mounting part 22 .

A first air inlet 251 may be formed in the first filter cover 25 . A second air inlet 261 may be formed in the second filter cover 26 . A plurality of the first air inlet 251 and the second air inlet 261 may be provided.

In a state in which the first filter cover 25 is mounted on the first filter mounting part 21 , the first air inlet 251 may be formed to be exposed to an external space. In a state in which the second filter cover 26 is mounted on the second filter mounting part 22 , the second air inlet 261 may be formed to be exposed to the outside space. The first air inlet 251 and the second air inlet 261 may be formed on at least one of an upper surface and a side surface of the first filter cover 25 and the second filter cover 26 .

Based on the filter covers 25 and 26, a surface facing the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 is defined as a bottom surface, a surface exposed to the external space is defined as an upper surface, and the bottom surface and the upper surface are connected A side is defined as a side.

When the first air inlet 251 and the second air inlet 261 are provided on the side surfaces of the filter covers 25 and 26, the lower side of the filter covers 25 and 26 are formed with the filter mounting part ( 21 and 22), the first air inlet 251 and the second air inlet 261 may be formed on the upper side of the filter covers 25 and 26.

In this embodiment, the first air inlet 251 is a first air inlet 251a provided on the side of the first filter cover 25 facing upward of the mask device 1, A first air inlet 251b provided on a side surface of the first filter cover 25 facing forward, and a first air inlet port provided on a side surface of the first filter cover 25 facing downward of the mask device 1 (251c) may be included.

The second air inlet 261 is a second air inlet 261a provided on a side surface of the second filter cover 26 facing upward of the mask device 1, and a second air inlet 261a facing the front of the mask device 1 2 A second air inlet 261b provided on a side surface of the filter cover 26, and a second air inlet 261c provided on a side surface of the second filter cover 26 facing downward of the mask device 1; can do.

Meanwhile, an opening for installing a manipulation unit 195 for controlling the operation of the mask device 1 may be formed in any one of the first filter cover 25 and the second filter cover 26 . The manipulation unit 195 may be provided as a manipulation switch for turning on/off the power of the mask device 1 . The manipulation unit 195 may be exposed to the front of the mask device 1 through the openings of the filter covers 25 and 26 .

The mask body 10 may include a hook mounting part 108 . The hanger mounting portion 108 may be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body 10, respectively. A hook mounting part provided on the right side of the mask body 10 is defined as a first hook mounting part 108a, and a hook mounting part provided on the left side of the mask body 10 is defined as a second hook mounting part 108b.

A plurality of the first hanger mounting part 108a and the second hanger mounting part 108b may be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the mask body 10 . The first hanger mounting portion 108a may be provided on the upper right and lower right sides of the mask body 10, and the second hanger mounting portion 108b may be provided on the upper left and lower left sides of the mask body 10. have.

A string or string for wearing the mask device 1 on the user's face may be mounted on the hanger mounting part 108 . A string or string connects the first hanger mounting part 108a and the second hanger mounting part 108b, or a plurality of first hanger mounting parts 108a spaced apart in the vertical direction and a plurality of second hangers spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each of the hanger mounting portions 108b may be connected.

The hanger mounting part 108 may be formed by cutting a part of the mask body 10 . Therefore, air may be introduced into the inner space of the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 through the hanger mounting part 108 . The external air introduced into the internal space through the hanger mounting part 108 may air-cool the electronic components disposed in the internal space of the mask device 1 .

External air introduced into the inner space of the mask body 10 through the hanger mounting part 108 is discharged back to the external space through the hanger mounting part 108, and the external air is restricted from flowing into the breathing space To this end, the inside of the mask device 1 may have a sealing structure.

The mask body 10 may include an air outlet 129 for discharging filtered air to the breathing space. The user can breathe in the filtered air supplied from the air outlet 129 to the breathing space. The air outlet 129 includes a first air outlet 129a that flows into the first air inlet 251 and discharges filtered air into the breathing space, and the second air inlet 261 introduced into the filtered air. It may include a second air outlet (129b) for discharging air to the breathing space.

The first air outlet 129a may be disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the mask body 10 , and the second air outlet port 129b may be disposed on the left side. The air introduced into the first air inlet 251 may flow to the first air outlet 129a after passing through the filter. The air introduced into the second air inlet 261 may flow to the second air inlet 261 after passing through the filter.

The mask body 10 may include air outlets 154 and 155 for discharging air exhaled by the user to the external space. The air outlets 154 and 155 may be located under the mask body 10 .

The air outlets 154 and 155 may include a first air outlet 154 formed by opening the mask body 10 and a second air outlet 155 formed on the bottom surface of the mask body 10 . . Between the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20, a flow space for passing air passing through the first air outlet 154 and flowing toward the second air outlet 155 may be formed. can

A check valve may be formed at at least one of the first air outlet 154 and the second air outlet 155 . A backflow of external air into the breathing space may be prevented by the check valve. The check valve may be located in a flow space connecting the first air outlet 154 and the second air outlet 155 .

The mask body 10 may include a sensor mounting part 109 . The sensor mounting unit 109 may be equipped with a sensor for acquiring information from the breathing space. The sensor mounting part 109 may be located above the mask body 10 . The sensor mounting part 109 may be located on the upper part of the mask body 10 in consideration of a position where a change in pressure in the breathing space can be constantly detected when the user breathes.

The mask body 10 may include a connector hole 135 . The connector hole 135 may be understood as an opening in which a connector (not shown) for supplying power to the mask device 1 is installed. The connector hole 135 may be located on any one of the left and right sides of the mask body 10 . In this embodiment, since the manipulation unit 195 and the connector are connected to a power module 19 to be described later, the connector hole 135 is a mask body 10 corresponding to a position where the power module 19 is installed. may be provided on either the left or right side of

Hereinafter, the components of the mask device 1 will be described in detail based on an exploded perspective view.

5 is an exploded perspective view of a mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the mask device 1 according to the present invention may include a mask body 10 , a mask body cover 20 , a sealing bracket 30 , and a sealing part 40 . The mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 may be coupled to each other to form a body of the mask device 1 .

An inner space for accommodating components for operating the mask device 1 may be formed between the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 . The sealing bracket 30 and the sealing part 40 are coupled to the rear surface of the mask body 10 to form a breathing space between the user's face and the mask body 10, and external air into the breathing space can be prevented from entering.

The mask body 10 may include a cover coupling groove 101 . The cover coupling groove 101 may be formed on the front edge of the mask body 10 . The cover coupling groove 101 may be formed by a step. The cover coupling groove 101 may be formed to correspond to the edge of the mask body cover 20 . The cover coupling groove 101 may be formed by recessing a portion of the front surface of the mask body 10 to the rear. The mask body cover 20 may be inserted into the cover coupling groove 101 by moving the mask body cover 20 toward the cover coupling groove 101 of the mask body 10 .

The mask body 10 may include a first cover coupling portion 102 . An upper portion of the mask body cover 20 may be supported by the first cover coupling portion 102 . The first cover coupling part 102 may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 . The first cover coupling portion 102 may be located on the mask body 10 .

For example, the first cover coupling portion 102 may be formed as a hook engaging portion to which a hook is coupled to the front surface of the mask body 10 . A hook coupled to the first cover coupling part 102 may be formed on the mask body cover 20 . The first cover coupling portion 102 may be provided in plurality, and the hook may also be provided in plurality to correspond to the first cover coupling portion 102 . In this embodiment, the first cover coupling portion 102 may be provided on the left and right sides with respect to the center of the mask body 10, respectively. The first cover coupling part 102 may be referred to as an upper cover coupling part.

The mask body 10 may include a first bracket coupling part 103 . The first bracket coupling part 103 may support an upper portion of the sealing bracket 30 . The first bracket coupling part 103 may be formed on the rear surface of the mask body 10 . The first bracket coupling part 103 may be located on the mask body 10 .

For example, the first bracket coupling part 103 may be formed in the shape of a hook protruding backward from the rear surface of the mask body 10 . A first body coupling part 304 coupled to the first bracket coupling part 103 may be formed in the sealing bracket 30 . The first bracket coupling part 103 may be provided in plurality, and the first body coupling part 304 may also be provided in plurality to correspond to the first bracket coupling part 103 . In this embodiment, the first bracket coupling part 103 may be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body 10, respectively. The first bracket coupling part 103 may be referred to as an upper bracket coupling part.

The mask body 10 may include a support rib 104 . The support rib 104 may be formed to protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body 10 . The support rib 104 may contact the mask body cover 20 when the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 are coupled. The mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 may resist external force in the front-rear direction by the support rib 104 . A plurality of the support ribs 104 may be provided on the front surface of the mask body 10 .

The mask body 10 may include a second cover coupling part 106 . A lower portion of the mask body cover 20 may be supported by the second cover coupling portion 106 . The second cover coupling part 106 may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 . The second cover coupling part 106 may be located under the mask body 10 .

For example, the second cover coupling part 106 may be formed as a hook on the front surface of the mask body 10 . A hook engaging portion coupled to the second cover coupling portion 106 may be formed on the mask body cover 20 . The second cover coupling portion 106 may be provided in plurality, and the hook engaging portion may also be provided in plurality to correspond to the second cover coupling portion 106 . In this embodiment, the second cover coupling portion 106 may be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body 10, respectively, based on the center. The second cover coupling part 106 may be referred to as a lower cover coupling part.

The mask body 10 may include a second bracket coupling part 107 . A lower portion of the sealing bracket 30 may be supported by the second bracket coupling part 107 . The second bracket coupling part 107 may be formed by opening the mask body 10 . The second bracket coupling part 107 may be located under the mask body 10 .

For example, the second bracket coupling part 107 may be formed as a through hole through which the mask body 10 is opened. A second body coupling part 305 coupled to the second bracket coupling part 107 may be formed in the sealing bracket 30 . The second bracket coupling part 107 may be provided in plurality, and the second body coupling part 305 may also be provided in plurality to correspond to the second bracket coupling part 107 . In this embodiment, the second bracket coupling part 107 may be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body 10, respectively. The second bracket coupling part 107 may be referred to as a lower bracket coupling part.

The mask body 10 may include a sensor mounting part 109 . The sensor mounting part 109 may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 . The sensor mounting part 109 may be formed so that the front surface of the mask body 10 protrudes forward, and has an installation space in which the sensor is installed. A hole communicating the installation space and the breathing space is formed in the mask body 10, and the sensor disposed in the installation space obtains information of the breathing space from the air introduced into the installation space through the hole. can In this embodiment, the sensor is provided as a pressure sensor, it is possible to sense the pressure information of the breathing space.

The mask body 10 may include a fan module mounting unit 110 . The fan module mounting unit 110 may include a first fan module mounting unit 110a in which the first fan module 16 is mounted and a second fan module mounting unit 110b in which the second fan module 17 is mounted. . The first fan module mounting part 110a and the second fan module mounting part 110b may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 .

The first fan module mounting part 110a may be disposed on the right side of the mask body 10 , and the second fan module mounting part 110b may be disposed on the left side of the mask body 10 . The first fan module 16 and the second fan module 17 may be detachably coupled to the first fan module mounting part 110a and the second fan module mounting part 110b, respectively.

The mask body 10 may include an air duct unit 120 . The air duct part 120 may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 . A flow path through which air may pass may be formed in the air duct unit 120 . The air duct unit 120 includes a first air duct unit 120a connected to the first fan module mounting unit 110a and a second air duct unit 120b connected to the second fan module mounting unit 110b. may include

The first air duct part 120a and the second air duct part 120b are one side of the first fan module mounting part 110a facing the center of the mask body 10 and the second fan module mounting part 110b. It may be disposed on the other side. The first air duct part 120a and the second air duct part 120b may be positioned between the first fan module mounting part 110a and the second fan module mounting part 110b. One end of the air duct unit 120 communicates with the fan modules 16 and 17 to introduce air, and the other end of the air duct unit 120 communicates with the air outlet 129 to allow the introduced air to flow. can be ejected.

The air duct unit 120 may include a control module mounting unit 128 for mounting the control module 18 . A part of the air duct part 120 is formed as a plane on which the control module 18 can be mounted, and the plane is defined as the control module mounting part 128 . The control module mounting unit 128 includes a first control module mounting unit 128a provided to the first air duct unit 120a and a second control module mounting unit 128b provided to the second air duct unit 120b. may include One control module 18 or a plurality of control modules may be respectively fixed to the first control module mounting part 128a and the second control module mounting part 128b.

The mask body 10 may include a power module mounting unit 130 for mounting the power module 19 . The power module mounting part 130 may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 . The power module mounting unit 130 may be provided on any one of the left and right sides of the mask body 10 .

The power module mounting unit 130 may be located on the side of the control module mounting unit 128 . The power module mounting unit 130 may be provided between the control module mounting unit 128 and the end of any one of the left and right sides of the mask body 10 . The connector hole 135 may be located adjacent to any one of the left and right sides of the mask body 10 provided with the power module mounting unit 130 .

The mask body 10 may include a battery mounting unit 140 for mounting a battery. The battery mounting part 140 may be formed on the front surface of the mask body 10 . The battery mounting unit 140 may be formed to protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body 10 to surround the battery.

For example, the battery mounting unit 140 may be formed by protruding a plurality of guide ribs from the front surface of the mask body 10 to the front. When some of the plurality of guide ribs protruding forward are bent in a direction to face each other, a battery accommodating space in which the battery is accommodated may be formed between the plurality of guide ribs and the front surface of the mask body 10 . The battery may be moved in the vertical direction to be inserted or removed from the battery accommodating space of the battery mounting unit 140 . A lower portion of the battery inserted into the battery mounting unit 140 may be supported by an air discharge unit 150 to be described later.

The mask body 10 may include an air outlet 150 . The air outlet 150 may be formed under the mask body 10 . The air outlet 150 may form a flow space through which air flowing from the first air outlet 154 toward the second air outlet 155 passes. The air outlet 150 may be formed so that the front surface of the mask body 10 protrudes forward.

When the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 are coupled, the air outlet 150 is in contact with the mask body cover 20, and the inner space of the mask body 10 and the flow space This can be differentiated. For example, the air discharge unit 150 may include an upper surface, a bottom surface, and both sides defining a flow space. The front surface of the air discharge unit 150 is defined by the mask body cover 20 , and the rear surface of the air discharge unit 150 is defined by the mask body 10 . The battery may be supported on the upper surface of the air discharge unit 150 .

A bottom surface of the air outlet 150 may be opened, and the second air outlet 155 may be formed. The bottom surface of the air discharge unit 150 is connected to the bottom surface of the mask body 10 , and the bottom surface of the mask body 10 has a front surface of the mask body 10 protruding toward the air discharge unit 150 . It may be defined as one surface of the reinforcing rib formed by The cover coupling groove 101 is formed on the bottom surface of the mask body 10 , and the lower end of the mask body 10 and the mask body cover 20 may be coupled to each other. A rear surface of the air outlet 150 may be opened, and the first air outlet 154 may be formed. Both side surfaces of the air discharge unit 150 may be formed to be bent.

The mask body cover 20 may include filter mounting parts 21 and 22 . The filter mounting portions 21 and 22 may be formed by being depressed in a direction in which the front surface of the mask body cover 20 faces the rear surface. Filters 23 and 24 are accommodated inside the recessed filter mounting parts 21 and 22, and filter covers 25 and 26 are provided on the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 in a state in which the filters 23 and 24 are accommodated. can be installed.

Air intakes 211 and 221 may be formed on the bottom surfaces of the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 . The air intake ports 211 and 221 may communicate with intake ports of fan modules 16 and 17 to be described later. The air intakes 211 and 221 may have an inclined surface inclined downward. A filter cover mounting groove 212 for fixing the filter covers 25 and 26 may be formed on side surfaces of the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 .

A coupling protrusion inserted into the filter cover mounting groove 212 may be formed on the filter covers 25 and 26 . The upper surfaces of the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 are opened, so that the filters 23 and 24 and the filter covers 25 and 26 can be inserted. The filter mounting parts 21 and 22 define a front surface of the mask body cover 20 as an upper surface, a rear surface of the mask body cover 20 as a bottom surface, and a surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface as a side surface.

The bottom surfaces of the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 may be in close contact with the suction ports of the fan modules 16 and 17 to be described later. A sealing material for sealing may be provided between the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 and the fan modules 16 and 17 . The sealing material may surround the air intake ports 211 and 221 and the intake ports of the fan modules 16 and 17 to prevent external air from being introduced.

The filter mounting parts 25 and 26 include a first filter mounting part 21 provided on the right side of the mask body cover 20 and a second filter mounting part 22 provided on the left side of the mask body cover 20 . can do. An air inlet formed in the first filter mounting part 21 may be defined as a first air inlet 211 , and an air inlet formed in the second filter mounting part 22 may be defined as a second air inlet 221 . have.

The filters 23 and 24 may include a first filter 23 accommodated inside the first filter mounting unit 21 and a second filter 24 accommodated inside the second filter mounting unit 22 . can

The filter covers 25 and 26 may include a first filter cover 25 mounted on the first filter mounting unit 21 and a second filter cover 26 mounted on the second filter mounting unit 22 . have. A plurality of first air inlets 251 are formed in the first filter cover 25 to introduce outside air, and a plurality of second air inlets 261 are formed in the second filter cover 26 to allow outside air to flow in. can be introduced.

The inside of the body of the mask device 1 may include fan modules 16 and 17 , a control module 18 , and a power module 19 . The fan modules 16 and 17, the control module 18, and the power module 19 are provided in an internal space formed between the front surface of the mask body 10 and the rear surface of the mask body cover 20. can be accepted. The control module 18 may be referred to as a first electronic circuit component, and the power module 19 may be referred to as a second electronic circuit component.

The fan modules 16 and 17 may include a fan and a fan motor, and a fan housing accommodating the fan and the fan motor. The fan housing may include an inlet through which air is introduced into the fan and an outlet through which air forced to flow by the fan is discharged. The fan may be provided as a centrifugal fan.

In this embodiment, the fan modules 16 and 17 may suck in air from the front of the mask body cover 20 and discharge it to the side of the mask body 10 . The fan modules 16 and 17 include a first fan module 16 mounted on the first fan module mounting unit 110a and a second fan module 17 mounted on the second fan module mounting unit 110b. may include

The first fan module 16 communicates with the first air inlet 211 and flows into the first air inlet 251 toward the first air inlet 211 to filter the first filter 23 . The air that has passed through can be sucked in. The second fan module 17 communicates with the second air inlet 221 , and flows into the second air inlet 261 toward the second air inlet 221 to filter the second filter 24 . The air that has passed through can be sucked in. The first fan module 16 communicates with the first air duct part 120a to discharge air into the breathing space, and the second fan module 17 communicates with the second air duct part 120b. to be able to discharge air into the breathing space.

The control module 18 may control the operation of the mask device 1 . The control module 18 may be fixed to the control module mounting unit 128 . The control module 18 may operate by receiving power from the battery or the power module 19 . The control module 18 may transmit/receive various information including a communication module.

The control module 18 may include a data storage module to store various information. The control module 18 may control the operation of the fan modules 16 and 17 . The control module 18 may control the operation of the fan modules 16 and 17 based on information sensed by the sensor. The control module 18 may be electrically connected to the power module 19 , the fan modules 16 and 17 , and a battery to interwork.

The power module 19 may receive power from the outside. The power module 19 may charge the battery. The power module 19 may include a connector and a manipulation unit 195 . The power module 19 may control the power of the mask device 1 by the manipulation unit 195 . The power module 19 may be electrically connected to the control module 18 , the fan modules 16 and 17 , and the battery to supply power.

The sealing part 40 may be coupled to the rear surface of the mask body 10 by the sealing bracket 30 to be in close contact with the user's face. The rear surface of the mask body 10 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the user's face by the sealing part 40 .

The sealing bracket 30 may be formed in a ring shape forming a closed loop. The sealing bracket 30 may be configured such that the sealing part 40 is detachably coupled. By separating the sealing bracket 30 from the mask body 10 , the sealing part 40 may be cleaned. After coupling the sealing part 40 to the sealing bracket 30 , when the sealing bracket 30 is coupled to the mask body 10 , the sealing part 40 is firmly fixed to the mask body 10 . can be

The sealing bracket 30 may include a sealing insertion part 301 to which the sealing part 40 is coupled. The sealing insertion part 301 may be formed as an insertion protrusion into which the sealing part 40 is fitted. The sealing insertion part 301 may be formed to extend from the inside to the outside. The sealing insertion part 301 may be formed to have a smaller thickness from the inside to the outside. The body of the sealing bracket 30 may be formed by the sealing insertion part 301 and a fixing guide 302 to be described later.

The sealing bracket 30 may include a fixing guide 302 . The fixing guide 302 may be formed at an inner end of the sealing insert 301 . The fixing guide 302 may guide the fixing position of the sealing part 40 inserted into the sealing insertion part 301 . When the sealing part 40 is in contact with the fixing guide 302 , the sealing part 40 may be closely coupled to the sealing bracket 30 . The fixing guide 302 may be formed to have a thickness greater than that of the sealing insert 301 . Movement of the sealing part 40 may be restricted by the fixing guide 302 having a greater thickness from the outside to the inside of the sealing insertion part 301 and having a thickness greater than that of the sealing insertion part 301 .

The sealing bracket 30 may include a first body coupling part 304 coupled to the first bracket coupling part 103 . The first body coupling part 304 may be provided on the sealing bracket 30 . The first body coupling part 304 may be provided in a position and number corresponding to the first bracket coupling part 103 . The first body coupling part 304 may be referred to as an upper body coupling part. For example, the first body coupling part 304 may be formed in a locking shape in which the first bracket coupling part 103 formed in a hook shape is hooked.

The sealing bracket 30 may include a second body coupling part 305 coupled to the second bracket coupling part 107 . The second body coupling part 305 may be provided under the sealing bracket 30 . The second body coupling part 305 may be provided in a position and number corresponding to the second bracket coupling part 107 . The second body coupling part 305 may be referred to as a lower body coupling part. For example, the second body coupling part 305 may be formed in a hook shape protruding forward from the sealing insertion part 301 .

The sealing bracket 30 may include a bracket insertion part 306 coupled to the mask body 10 . The bracket insertion part 306 may be inserted into the cutout 127 formed in the mask body 10 . The cutout 127 may be understood as an opening through which air communicates with the air duct 120 . The bracket insertion part 306 may be inserted into one side of the cutout 127 . When the bracket insertion part 306 is inserted into one side of the cutout 127, the other side of the cutout 127 is the air outlet 129 through which the air passing through the air duct 120 is discharged. can be defined.

When the bracket insertion part 306 is inserted into one side of the cutout 127 to shield one side of the cutout 127 , the air discharged from the fan modules 16 and 17 is transferred to the air duct part 120 . ) and the bracket insertion part 306 , it may flow to the other side of the cut-out part 127 , the air outlet 129 . The bracket insertion part 306 may provide a function of fixing the sealing bracket 30 to the mask body 10 while forming one side of the air duct part 120 .

The upper part of the sealing bracket 30 is fixed to the upper part of the mask body 10 by the first body coupling part 304, and the lower part of the sealing bracket 30 is the second body coupling part 305. is fixed to the lower portion of the mask body 10 by the , and the middle portion of the sealing bracket 30 may be fixed to the middle portion of the mask body 10 by the bracket insertion portion 306 .

The sealing part 40 may be formed of a material having elasticity. The sealing part 40 may be in close contact with the user's face and be deformed to correspond to the user's face. The sealing part 40 may be formed in a ring shape forming a closed loop. The sealing part 40 may be formed to cover the user's nose and mouth.

The sealing part 40 may include a rear surface in contact with the user's face, a front surface in contact with the mask body 10 , and a side surface connecting the rear surface and the front surface and having a hollow inner side. A first opening may be included in the front inner side of the sealing part 40 , and a second opening may be included in the rear inner side of the sealing part 40 . When the sealing part 40 is coupled to the mask body 10 , the air outlet 129 and the air outlets 154 and 155 may be positioned inside the first opening. When the user's face and the sealing part 40 come into contact, the user's nose and mouth may be located inside the second opening.

The sealing unit 40 is positioned between the user's face and the mask body 10, and the front side of the sealing unit 40, the back side, and the inside of the side connecting the front side and the back side for breathing space is defined.

The sealing part 40 may include a bracket insertion groove 401 . The bracket insertion groove 401 may be configured to be inserted into the sealing insertion part 301 of the sealing bracket 30 . The bracket insertion groove 401 may be formed on the front surface of the sealing part 40 . The bracket insertion groove 401 may be formed at an inner end of the front surface. The bracket insertion groove 401 formed on the front surface of the sealing part 40 is inserted into the sealing insertion part 301 of the sealing bracket 30 so that the sealing part 40 and the sealing bracket 30 are coupled to each other. can

The sealing part 40 includes seating grooves 404 and 406 in which the first body coupling part 304 and the bracket insertion part 306 are seated, and a through hole 405 through which the second body coupling part 305 passes. ) may be included. The seating grooves 404 and 406 and the through hole 405 may be formed on the front surface of the sealing part 40 .

The seating grooves 404 and 406 are first seating grooves 404 formed in the number and position corresponding to the first body coupling part 304, and the number and position corresponding to the bracket insertion part 306. A second seating groove 406 may be included. The through-holes 405 may be formed in the number and positions corresponding to the second body coupling parts 305 .

When the first body coupling part 304, the second body coupling part 305, and the bracket insertion part 306 are inserted into the seating grooves 404 and 406 and the through hole 405, the sealing part ( 40) and the sealing bracket 30 may be closely coupled.

6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the flow of air when the mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention is operated.

6 and 7 , the mask device 1 according to the present invention may suck in external air through the air inlets 251,261 formed in the filter covers 25 and 26 . The flow direction of the external air sucked into the mask device 1 is indicated by an arrow "A". Since a plurality of the air inlets 251,261 are configured to suck air in various directions, an inflow of external air may be increased.

For example, the air inlets 251,261 include the air inlets 251a and 261a for sucking air from above the mask device 1, the air inlets 251b for sucking air from the front of the mask device 1, 261b), air inlets 251c and 261c for sucking air from a lower side of the mask device 1 may be included. Since the filter covers 25 and 26 in which the air inlets 251,261 are formed are respectively disposed on both sides of the mask device 1 , external air can be smoothly sucked from both sides of the mask device 1 .

Foreign matter may be filtered out of the external air introduced through the air inlets 251,261 by the filters 23 and 24 located inside the filter covers 25 and 26 and the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 . The filters 23 and 24 are replaceable when the filter covers 25 and 26 are separated from the mask device 1 .

The air passing through the filters 23 and 24 may be introduced into the intake ports of the fan modules 16 and 17 through the air intake ports 211 and 221 . Since the filter mounting parts 21 and 22 where the air intakes 211 and 221 are formed and the fan modules 16 and 17 are in close contact with each other, it is possible to prevent filtered air from leaking or external air from being introduced.

The air discharged through the outlets of the fan modules 16 and 17 may be introduced into the breathing space through the air outlet 129 after passing through the air duct unit 120 . The flow direction of the air introduced into the breathing space through the air outlet 129 is indicated by an arrow “B”. The breathing space may be defined by the mask body 10 and the sealing part 40 . When the mask body 10 is mounted on the user's face, the sealing part 40 is in close contact with the mask body 10 and the user's face to form an independent breathing space separated from the external space.

The filtered air supplied through the air outlet 129 may be inhaled by the user, and air exhaled by the user may be discharged to the external space through the air outlets 154 and 155 . The air outlets 154 and 155 include a first air outlet 154 communicating with the breathing space and a second air outlet 155 communicating with an external space, the first air outlet 154 and the second air outlet 155 may be in communication with each other by a flow space. Air exhaled by the user may flow into the flow space through the first air outlet 154 . A flow direction of the air flowing into the flow space through the first air outlet 154 is indicated by an arrow “C”.

The air flowing into the flow space through the first air outlet 154 may be discharged to the external space through the second air outlet 155 . A flow direction of the air flowing into the external space through the second air outlet 155 is indicated by an arrow “D”. A check valve is provided at at least one of the first air outlet 154 and the second air outlet 155 to prevent backflow of external air into the breathing space.

8 is a graph showing the amount of change in air inside the lungs according to the amount of exercise of a person.

In FIG. 8 , the horizontal axis of the graph means the passage of time, and the vertical axis of the graph means the amount of air (pressure value) remaining inside the lungs.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when a person inhales or exhales air, a certain amount of air may enter and exit the lungs. The amount of air or tidal volume that is normally inhaled at one time may vary from person to person. For example, in a stable state, that is, in a resting state, a ventilation volume corresponding to 5 to 7 L may be obtained for 1 minute. Here, the human respiratory rate may be expressed as "tidal volume X respiratory cycle".

However, when a person moves or exercises, a large amount of air can enter and exit the lungs compared to a stable state. For example, if you do light exercise, you may have a respiratory volume corresponding to 25L for 1 minute, and if you do intense exercise, you may have a respiratory volume corresponding to 85L for 1 minute.

In other words, it can be seen that a greater amount of respiration (air volume) is required in the exercised state compared to the resting state.

In addition, when a person moves or exercises, the breathing cycle may be faster than in a stable state. For example, a person's inhalation and exhalation cycles may be faster in a state of exercise than in a state of rest.

In the present invention, when a user wears a mask using this principle, the present invention can accurately determine the user's breathing state, resting state, or exercise state by sensing the internal pressure (air volume) of the mask. In addition, appropriate external air may be provided in consideration of the determined current state of the user.

On the other hand, there is a prior art technology for determining the user's exercise state using the internal pressure of the mask, and providing an appropriate amount of air according to the determined exercise state.

However, in the case of the prior art, it is difficult to accurately predict an individual user's breathing state and breathing pattern, and situations such as external atmospheric pressure changes or abnormal breathing are not taken into account, so that the mask malfunctions and breathing becomes uncomfortable.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes various control methods of a mask device for solving the above-described problems.

9 is a flowchart briefly showing a control method of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a pressure change cycle corresponding to a tidal breathing cycle and a fan corresponding to a tidal breathing cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention It is a graph showing the air flow rate of

Referring to FIG. 9 , in step S1 , the mask device 1 turns on the mask power to drive the fan. And in step S2, the internal pressure of the mask is sensed using the sensor.

Specifically, when the power of the mask device 1 is turned on, the fan modules 16 and 17 are operated and the fan can be rotated at a predetermined RPM. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly breathe in the breathing space of the mask device (1).

And the mask device 1 senses the internal pressure of the mask using a sensor. In this case, the fan modules 16 and 17 may be rotated at a low speed in order to accurately sense the internal pressure of the mask device 1 .

The internal pressure of the mask may mean the pressure of the breathing space defined by the user's face and the sealing part 30 .

The sensor may include the pressure sensor 14 or the barometric pressure sensor described above. The mask device 1 may sense the internal pressure of the mask device 1 for a predetermined time through a single sensor mounted on the mask body 10 . The information sensed by the pressure sensor 14 may be provided to the control unit of the mask device 1 in real time.

The mask device 1 determines the time it takes for one breath (one inhalation and one exhalation) through the information obtained from the sensor, one breathing cycle, the maximum and minimum pressure values at one breath, and the next You can check the breathing cycle, etc.

When the fan modules 16 and 17 are operated, external air may be sucked into the fan modules 16 and 17 after passing through the filter covers 25 and 26 and the filters 23 and 24 . In addition, the air sucked into the fan modules 16 and 17 may pass through the air duct unit 120 and the air outlets 129a and 129b to be introduced into the breathing space. Then, the user can inhale and exhale the air introduced into the breathing space.

At this time, when the user inhales air through the respirator in the respiration space (inhalation), the air in the respiration space is introduced into the respirator of the user, so that the pressure of the respiration space may be lowered. Conversely, when the user exhales air through the respirator in the breathing space (exhalation), air is discharged from the user's respirator to the breathing space, thereby increasing the pressure in the breathing space.

As described above, the pressure in the breathing space may be lowered or higher depending on the user's breathing state (inhalation, exhalation). And the pressure in the breathing space may be sensed by the pressure sensor 14 .

In step S3, the mask device 1 calculates an average pressure value P_avg using the sensed pressure values, and a difference value that is a difference between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg ( P_dif) is calculated.

Here, the difference value P_dif may be understood as a pressure difference value between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg. That is, the difference value P_dif may be understood as “pressure deviation”.

In step S4, the mask apparatus 1 filters the difference value P_dif by applying a bandpass filter.

Specifically, the mask apparatus 1 may use a bandpass filter to accurately determine the user's breathing state by improving the reliability of the calculated difference value P_dif.

The band-pass filter may include a digital filter that passes a signal corresponding to a frequency range corresponding to a human respiratory cycle and removes a signal that does not correspond to the frequency range. That is, if a band-pass filter based on the breathing frequency band is applied to the measured pressure, the influence by disturbance or noise can be reduced, and thus, malfunction of the fan can be prevented.

In addition, the band-pass filter may have a frequency range including a margin of twice as much as a frequency corresponding to a human breathing cycle.

In general, the respiratory cycle of a person is 12 to 30 times per minute when a person's moderate-intensity activity is lower than that, and when converted to a frequency, it corresponds to 0.2Hz to 0.5Hz (2-5sec/time).

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the frequency range of the band-pass filter may be set in a range between 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz.

In step S5, the mask device 1 determines the user's breathing state using the filtered difference value P_dif, and controls the rotation speed of the fan according to the breathing state determined in step S6.

Specifically, the mask apparatus 1 may use the filtered difference value P_dif to check the pressure deviation cycle as shown in the graph of FIG. 10 .

The upper graph in FIG. 10 means a pressure deviation (or differential value) cycle corresponding to one respiration cycle. In the upper graph of FIG. 10 , the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and the vertical axis indicates the pressure deviation (or difference value). The pressure deviation cycle according to the user's breathing state may be formed in a sine wave shape.

As described above, when the user breathes air (inhalation), the air in the breathing space flows into the user's respiratory tract, the pressure in the breathing space gradually decreases, and when the user exhales air (exhalation), from the respiratory tract Air may be discharged into the breathing space to gradually increase the pressure in the breathing space.

As a result, it can be predicted that the point where the pressure of the breathing space is the highest is the point where the exhalation ends, and the point where the pressure of the breathing space is the lowest is the point where the inspiration ends. Accordingly, inspiration may be started for a predetermined time from the point at which the exhalation ends, and exhalation may be started for a predetermined time from the point where the inspiration ends. According to this principle, it is possible to predict the user's breathing cycle, that is, the expected inhalation time and the expected expiration time.

In addition, the filtered difference value P_dif may have a relatively high value in the exhalation period, and the filtered difference value P_dif may have a relatively low value in the inspiration period.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the mask apparatus 1 may compare the filtered difference value P_dif with a predetermined upper limit value Tmax and a lower limit value Tmin to determine the breathing state according to whether it is large or small.

The upper limit value Tmax may be set to a value higher than 0, and the lower limit value Tmin may be set to a value lower than 0 value.

When the filtered difference value P_dif is greater than or equal to a predetermined upper limit, it may be determined that the respiration state is exhalation. In addition, when the filtered difference value P_dif is smaller than a predetermined lower limit, it may be determined that the breathing state is inspiration.

At this time, exhalation and inspiration may be performed in a ratio of 1:1. In the exhalation section, the rotation speed of the fan of the mask device 1 may be decreased, and in the intake section, the rotation speed of the fan of the mask device 1 may be increased.

As shown in the lower graph of FIG. 10 , the mask device 1 can rapidly decrease the rotational speed of the fan in the exhalation section and sharply increase the rotational speed of the fan in the intake section.

For example, when entering the exhalation section, the mask device 1 sharply decreases the rotational speed of the fan and then maintains it at a low speed for a certain period of time. can be maintained at high speed. The time for varying the rotational speed of the fan in the exhalation section and the inhalation section may be the same.

In summary, the mask device 1 determines the user's breathing state by averaging, differential, and filtering (band-pass filter) the pressure values measured through the sensor, and as a result of the determination, the fan operates at a low speed in the exhalation section, In the intake section, the fan can be operated at high speed. Therefore, more accurate fan control is possible and there is an advantage in that the user's breathing becomes easier.

11 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a method of controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a graph showing changes in the internal pressure value and the differential value of the mask according to the change in atmospheric pressure according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in step S11 , the mask device 1 turns on the mask power to drive the fan. And in step S12, the internal pressure of the mask is sensed using the sensor.

In step S13, the mask device 1 calculates an average pressure value P_avg using the sensed pressure values, and obtains a difference value that is a difference between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg ( P_dif) is calculated. And in step S14, the mask device 1 filters the difference value P_dif by applying a bandpass filter.

Since steps S11 to S14 are the same as steps S1 to S4 described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S15 , the mask apparatus 1 determines whether the time for which the difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin is sensed to be less than a first reference value is equal to or longer than a first reference time.

The mask device 1 may compare pressure values inside the mask to determine whether the user is wearing the mask device 1 .

For example, when the user wears the mask device 1 , the difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin detected by the sensor may be relatively large. Conversely, when the user removes the mask device 1 , the difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin detected by the sensor may be relatively small.

Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the mask device 1 is detached or not based on the difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin detected by the sensor.

When the difference between the maximum pressure value (Pmax) and the minimum pressure value (Pmin) sensed by the sensor is sensed to be less than the first reference value for more than the first reference time, in step S22, the mask device (1) stops the fan motor.

That is, when it is determined that the user has not worn the mask device 1 for a certain period of time or more, the driving of the fan motor of the mask device 1 is stopped and the rotation of the fan is stopped.

On the other hand, when the difference between the maximum pressure value (Pmax) and the minimum pressure value (Pmin) sensed by the sensor is sensed to be less than the first reference value for more than the first reference time, in step S16, the mask The device 1 determines whether the absolute value of the difference value P_dif exceeds a second reference value.

When it is determined that the user wears the mask device 1 , the mask device 1 may determine whether an abrupt change in atmospheric pressure has occurred using the difference value P_dif.

12 is a graph showing pressure values sensed and calculated by the mask device 1 when the elevator in which the user wearing the mask device 1 rides goes up and down.

As shown in FIG. 12 , when the elevator goes up and down and the altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases, and the pressure values sensed by the sensor may generally represent a downward-sloping curve.

In particular, when the atmospheric pressure is rapidly lowered due to an elevation in altitude, the graph of the difference value P_dif, which is the difference between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg, may be shifted to a negative value.

Conversely, when the atmospheric pressure is rapidly increased due to the altitude descent, the graph of the difference value P_dif that is the difference between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg may be shifted to a positive value.

That is, in a general situation, the difference value (P_dif) may have a positive value and a negative value depending on the state of expiration and inspiration, but the graph of the difference value (P_dif) has a negative value or a positive value can be convenient.

In the present invention, when the absolute value of the difference value P_dif exceeds the second reference value using this principle, it may be determined that the atmospheric pressure change has occurred.

Here, the second reference value may be, for example, 1 hPa (hectopascals).

If the absolute value of the difference value P_dif exceeds the second reference value, in step S20, the mask apparatus 1 switches the fan to an exhalation mode and drives it.

Here, the "exhalation mode" may be understood as an operation mode in which the rotational speed of the fan is reduced by a predetermined speed to provide a low air volume.

That is, when the air pressure is greatly changed due to an altitude rise or an altitude fall, the fan motor may malfunction and the rotation speed of the fan may become unstable. Therefore, in this case, by reducing the rotation speed of the fan, it is possible to maintain a state in which the user is easy to breathe.

On the other hand, if the absolute value of the difference value (P_dif) does not exceed the second reference value, the mask apparatus 1 determines the user's breathing state using the difference value (P_dif) in step S17, and determines in step S18 Based on the breathing state, the fan is driven in either the exhalation mode or the inspiration mode.

Here, the “intake mode” may be understood as an operation mode in which a high airflow is provided by increasing the rotational speed of the fan by a predetermined speed.

Specifically, the mask apparatus 1 may compare the filtered difference value P_dif with a predetermined upper limit value Tmax and a lower limit value Tmin to determine the breathing state according to whether it is large or small.

When the filtered difference value P_dif is greater than or equal to a predetermined upper limit, it may be determined that the respiration state is exhalation. In addition, when the filtered difference value P_dif is smaller than a predetermined lower limit, it may be determined that the breathing state is inspiration.

As a result of the determination, when the respiration state is the exhalation state, the mask device 1 reduces the rotation speed of the fan by a certain speed to provide a low air volume. Accordingly, the user's exhalation may be facilitated, so that breathing may be easier.

Alternatively, when the breathing state is an inhalation state, the mask device 1 increases the rotation speed of the fan by a predetermined speed to provide a high air volume. Accordingly, since the user's inhalation is easily made, breathing can be comfortable.

The mask device 1 may determine the user's breathing state for a predetermined time or one breathing cycle, and may control the operation mode of the fan according to the determined breathing state.

On the other hand, in step S19, the mask device 1 determines whether or not the intake state is detected for a second reference time or longer, and when the intake state is detected for a second reference time or longer, the fan is switched to the exhalation mode and driven in step S20 .

The mask device 1 may monitor the time during which the inhalation state is maintained in order to determine whether there is an abnormality in the user's breathing state.

In general, a tidal breathing cycle may be about 3 seconds, and an expiratory section and an inspiratory section may be formed in a 1:1 ratio within a tidal breathing cycle.

However, if the inspiratory period continues for a certain period of time (eg, 3 seconds) or more, it may be judged as abnormal respiration. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the inspiratory state is maintained for 3 seconds or more, it is determined that the breathing is abnormal and can be switched to the exhalation mode.

In step S21, the mask device 1 determines whether a mask power-off command is input, and when the mask power-off command is input, stops the fan motor from driving in step S22.

On the other hand, when the intake state is not detected for more than the second reference time in step S19 or when the mask power-off command is not input in step S21, the mask apparatus 1 enters step S13 and repeats the operations below step S13. can be done by

According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to determine the user's breathing state or breathing pattern, and there is an advantage in that breathing becomes easier by providing an appropriate air volume for it. In addition, by using a band-pass filter that removes a signal that does not correspond to the respiratory cycle of a person, it is possible to reduce the effect of air pressure change, disturbance, or noise, and thus there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent malfunction.

13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mask apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in step S31 , the mask device 1 turns on the mask power to drive the fan, and in step S32 , the internal pressure of the mask is sensed using a sensor.

In step S33, the mask device 1 determines the user's current state using the sensed pressure values.

Specifically, as described above, the mask device 1 uses the pressure values sensed by the sensor to obtain a maximum pressure value (Pmax), a minimum pressure value (Pmin), an average pressure value (P_avg), and a difference value ( P_dif) and a difference value P_dif filtered by the band pass filter may be calculated, respectively.

And by comparing the filtered difference value (P_dif) with a predetermined upper limit value (Tmax) and a lower limit value (Tmin), it is possible to determine the respiration state according to whether it is large or small.

When the filtered difference value P_dif is greater than or equal to a predetermined upper limit, it may be determined that the respiration state is exhalation. In addition, when the filtered difference value P_dif is smaller than a predetermined lower limit, it may be determined that the breathing state is inspiration.

In step S34, the mask device 1 determines whether respiration is in a normal state. Specifically, the mask device 1 may determine whether the user's respiration is in a normal state or an abnormal state through the time during which the inspiration time or the expiration time is maintained.

For example, when the inhalation time is maintained for a predetermined time (eg, 3 seconds) or more, the mask device 1 may determine that the breathing state is abnormal. Alternatively, the mask device 1 may determine that it is in a normal breathing state when the inspiratory time is maintained for less than a predetermined time (eg, 3 seconds).

When it is determined that respiration is in a normal state, in step S35, the mask device 1 performs a low-speed operation or a high-speed operation of the fan according to the type of respiration.

Specifically, the mask device 1 may perform a low-speed operation of the fan when the type of respiration is exhalation in a normal state of respiration, and high-speed operation of the fan when the type of respiration is inspiration.

That is, the mask device 1 operates the fan at a low speed in the exhalation section to provide a low air volume, so that the air remaining inside the mask device 1 is easily discharged to the outside of the mask device 1 . In this case, carbon dioxide and foreign substances remaining in the breathing space may be discharged to the outside of the mask device 1 .

In addition, the mask device 1 operates a fan at high speed in the intake section to provide a high air volume, so that air from the outside of the mask device 1 can easily flow into the inside of the mask device 1 .

On the other hand, if it is determined that respiration is abnormal, in step S38, the mask device 1 determines whether or not the mask device is detached.

Specifically, when the difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin is sensed to be less than the first reference value, the mask apparatus 1 determines that the mask apparatus 1 is detached. In addition, when the difference between the maximum pressure value Pmax and the minimum pressure value Pmin is detected to be greater than or equal to the first reference value, the mask apparatus 1 determines that the mask apparatus 1 is mounted.

If it is determined that the mask device is detached, the mask device 1 stops driving the fan in step S39. Alternatively, the mask device 1 may turn off the power of the mask device 1 when it is determined that the mask device is detached.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the mask device is not detached, the mask device 1 may perform a low-speed operation of the fan in step S40.

That is, if it is determined that breathing is abnormal in a state in which the mask device is mounted, the fan of the mask device 1 may be rotated at a low speed to assist the user in breathing.

As described above, the mask device 1 may determine the user's current state using the sensed pressure values, and may perform appropriate fan control according to each state. Then, in step S36, the mask device 1 determines whether a mask power-off command is input, and when the mask power-off command is input, turns off the mask power supply and stops the fan in step S37.

Meanwhile, when the mask power-off command is not input in step S36 , the mask apparatus 1 may enter step S33 and repeatedly perform operations following step S33 .

According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to determine the user's breathing state or breathing pattern, and there is an advantage in that breathing becomes easier by providing an appropriate air volume for it. In addition, by using a band-pass filter that removes a signal that does not correspond to the respiratory cycle of a person, it is possible to reduce the effect of air pressure change, disturbance, or noise, and thus, there is an advantage in that it is possible to prevent malfunction.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through representative embodiments above, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that various modifications are possible within the limits without departing from the scope of the present invention with respect to the above-described embodiments. will be. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by all changes or modifications derived from the claims and equivalent concepts as well as the claims to be described later.

Claims (20)

driving a fan provided in the mask device;
detecting an internal pressure of the mask device for a predetermined time with a sensor provided in the mask device;
calculating an average pressure value P_avg using the sensed pressure values, and calculating a difference value P_dif that is a difference between the current pressure value P_cur and the average pressure value P_avg;
filtering the difference value (P_dif) by applying a band-pass filter;
determining the user's breathing state using the filtered difference value (P_dif); and
Control method of a mask device comprising the step of controlling the rotation speed of the fan according to the determined breathing state. The method of claim 1,
The band-pass filter is a control method of a mask device including a digital filter for passing a signal corresponding to a frequency range corresponding to the breathing cycle of a person, and removing a signal that does not correspond to the frequency range. 3. The method of claim 2,
The frequency range is a control method of a mask device including a margin of twice the frequency corresponding to the breathing cycle of a person. 3. The method of claim 2,
The frequency range is a control method of a mask device including a range between 0.1 and 1 Hz. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising the step of determining whether the difference between the maximum pressure value (Pmax) and the minimum pressure value (Pmin) is less than the first reference value,
When it is determined that the difference value is less than the first reference value, the control method of the mask device for stopping the driving of the fan. 6. The method of claim 5,
When the time for which the difference value is sensed to be less than the first reference value is maintained for more than the first reference time, the control method of the mask device for stopping the driving of the fan. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising the step of determining whether the absolute value of the difference value (P_dif) exceeds a second reference value,
When the absolute value of the difference value (P_dif) exceeds a second reference value, the control method of the mask device for reducing the rotation speed of the fan. The method of claim 1,
In the respiration state, the inspiratory state in which the inhalation is made and the exhalation state in which the exhalation is made are sequentially repeated,
When it is determined that the intake state is detected for more than a second reference time, the control method of the mask device for reducing the rotation speed of the fan. The method of claim 1,
The step of determining the user's breathing state using the filtered difference value (P_dif) comprises comparing the filtered difference value (P_dif) with predetermined upper and lower limits to determine the breathing state according to whether the mask device is large or small. control method. 10. The method of claim 9,
When the filtered difference value (P_dif) is greater than or equal to a predetermined upper limit, it is determined that the breathing state is exhalation, and the rotation speed of the fan is reduced,
When the filtered difference value (P_dif) is smaller than a predetermined lower limit, it is determined that the breathing state is inhalation and the rotation speed of the fan is increased. a mask body covering the user's face;
a fan coupled to the mask body;
a sensor installed on the mask body and sensing an internal pressure of the mask body; and
Based on the information sensed by the sensor, comprising a control unit for controlling the rotation speed of the fan,
The control unit is
Calculate the average pressure value (P_avg) using the pressure values sensed by the sensor, and calculate the difference value (P_dif), which is the difference between the current pressure value (P_cur) and the average pressure value (P_avg),
The difference value (P_dif) is filtered by applying a band-pass filter, and the user's breathing state is determined using the filtered difference value (P_dif),
A mask device for controlling the rotation speed of the fan according to the determined breathing state. 12. The method of claim 11,
The band-pass filter is a mask device including a digital filter that passes a signal corresponding to a frequency range corresponding to a human respiratory cycle and removes a signal that does not correspond to the frequency range. 13. The method of claim 12,
The frequency range is a mask device including a margin of twice the frequency corresponding to the breathing cycle of a person. 13. The method of claim 12,
The frequency range is a mask device including a range between 0.1 and 1 Hz. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit is
It is determined whether the difference between the maximum pressure value (Pmax) and the minimum pressure value (Pmin) is less than the first reference value,
When it is determined that the difference value is less than the first reference value, the mask device stops driving of the fan. 16. The method of claim 15,
The control unit is
When the time for which the difference value is sensed to be less than the first reference value is maintained for more than the first reference time, the mask device stops the operation of the fan. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit is
It is determined whether the absolute value of the difference value (P_dif) exceeds a second reference value,
When the absolute value of the difference value (P_dif) exceeds a second reference value, the mask device reduces the rotation speed of the fan. 12. The method of claim 11,
In the respiration state, the inspiratory state in which the inhalation is made and the exhalation state in which the exhalation is made are sequentially repeated,
The control unit may decrease the rotation speed of the fan when it is determined that the intake state is detected for a second reference time period or longer. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit is
A mask device for determining a respiration state according to whether or not the filtered difference value (P_dif) is compared with predetermined upper and lower limits. 20. The method of claim 19,
The control unit is
When the filtered difference value (P_dif) is greater than or equal to a predetermined upper limit, it is determined that the breathing state is exhalation, and the rotation speed of the fan is reduced,
When the filtered difference value (P_dif) is less than a predetermined lower limit, it is determined that the breathing state is inhalation and the rotation speed of the fan is increased.

Images