KR20220010351A - Mask apparatus and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A mask apparatus according to the present invention includes: a mask body which covers a user's face; a pressure sensor which is coupled to the mask body, and measures internal pressure of the mask body; a plurality of motors which are installed on the mask body, and forcibly circulate air inside the mask body; and a control unit which controls the plurality of motors. The control unit analyzes the user's breathing cycle based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, determines an inhalation time by using the analyzed breathing cycle, and controls the driving of the plurality of motors according to the inhalation time.

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 fan 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 do.

Specifically, the dust mask may set an operation mode based on the magnitude value of the pressure difference measured from the differential pressure sensor, and may vary the maximum output or minimum output of the fan 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, the conventional mask only controls the rotational speed of the motor depending on whether the wearer is breathing or talking, and does not consider inhalation or exhalation. That is, since the rotational speed of the fan when the inhalation occurs and when the exhalation occurs is controlled to be the same, there is an inconvenience problem when the user actually breathes.

Second, the conventional mask has a structure in which by-products (powder, water vapor, carbon dioxide, etc.) by exhalation are accumulated inside the mask and are difficult to be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, when the mask is used for a long time, the inside of the mask becomes humid and the level of carbon dioxide increases, so there is a problem of dizziness.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mask device and a control method therefor that can make breathing easier for a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask apparatus and a method for controlling the same in which air circulation in the mask can be effectively made.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask device and a control method therefor that can be well circulated without causing inconvenience to the user's breathing.

A mask device according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the mask body, a pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure of the mask body, is installed in the mask body, a plurality of forcibly circulating air inside the mask body It includes a motor, and a controller for controlling the plurality of motors.

At this time, the control unit analyzes the user's breathing cycle based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, determines whether it is an inhalation time using the analyzed breathing cycle, and determines whether The drive can be controlled differently.

For example, if it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the control unit controls the plurality of motors to form positive pressure, respectively, and if it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, some of the motors of the plurality of motors generate positive pressure may be controlled to form a negative pressure, and the remaining part of the motor may be controlled to form a negative pressure.

Or, the control unit, when it is determined that the inhalation time, control the plurality of motors to rotate in the first rotational direction, and when it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, some of the motors of the plurality of motors rotate in the first rotational direction and control so that the remaining part of the motor rotates in the second rotational direction.

According to this configuration, there is an advantage in that the driving of a plurality of motors is controlled differently according to the user's breathing state, thereby making breathing in and out breathing easier. In addition, by controlling the motor to circulate the internal air of the mask body at a time when inhalation does not occur, the accumulation of by-products due to exhalation is prevented and the level of carbon dioxide can be reduced.

Specifically, the plurality of motors include a first motor installed in an air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body and a second motor installed in an air outlet through which air is discharged to the outside of the mask body. can do.

At this time, when it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the control unit controls the driving of the first motor and the second motor so that a positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet and the air outlet, and the inhalation time is not If it is determined that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet, the driving of the first motor may be controlled, and the driving of the second motor may be controlled so that negative pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air outlet. have.

Alternatively, the plurality of motors may include a first motor installed in a first air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body and a second motor installed in a second air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body. It may include a motor.

At this time, when it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the control unit controls the driving of the first motor and the second motor so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the first air inlet and the second air inlet, If it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, control the driving of the first motor so that positive pressure is applied to the air passing through the first air inlet, and negative pressure is applied to the air passing through the second air inlet, the second It can control the driving of 2 motors.

The controller may analyze a breathing cycle using a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor. Here, the respiration cycle may include an inhalation time during which an inhalation occurs, an expiration time at which an exhalation occurs, and an apnea time during which no respiration occurs between the inhalation time and the expiration time.

When the maximum pressure value is sensed through the pressure sensor, the control unit checks the pressure change value for the reference time, and when it is determined that the pressure change value for the reference time exceeds the reference value, it can be determined that the inhalation time has arrived have. At this time, when it is determined that the inhalation time has arrived, the controller may control all of the plurality of motors to form positive pressure.

In addition, the controller may determine whether a minimum pressure value is sensed through the pressure sensor, and when it is determined that the minimum pressure value is sensed, it may be determined that the inhalation time is over. At this time, when it is determined that the inhalation time is over, the controller may control some of the plurality of motors to form a positive pressure, and control some of the motors to form a negative pressure.

The control method of the mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of detecting the internal pressure of the mask using a pressure sensor, analyzing the user's breathing cycle based on the sensed pressure, and the analyzed breathing cycle Determining whether it is the inhalation time by using the , and may include the steps of differently controlling the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time.

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

First, the user's breathing state (inhalation, exhalation, apnea) may be determined according to the internal pressure of the mask, and a plurality of motors may be controlled based on the determined information.

Specifically, a plurality of motors each form a positive pressure during the inhalation time, and when it is determined that it is not the inspiration time, some of the plurality of motors are controlled to form a positive pressure, and the remaining motors are negative pressure (Negative pressure) can be formed.

That is, the external air is rapidly introduced into the inside of the mask at the time of inhalation, and the air inside the mask is rapidly discharged to the outside at the time of exhalation, so that inhalation and exhalation become easier.

Second, since the air inside the mask is discharged to the outside not only during the exhalation time but also during the apnea time, air circulation can be achieved. If the air circulation is good, there is an advantage that by-products due to exhalation are prevented from accumulating and the level of carbon dioxide inside the mask can be reduced.

Third, since the reverse flow of external air into the mask is prevented in the process of exhaling the air by the user, there is an advantage that a separate check valve for preventing the reverse flow can be omitted.

Fourth, since the flow direction of air can be easily switched by controlling a plurality of fans to help breathing, it can be applied to the same type of fan, and there is an advantage of reducing costs because a separate air flow path is not required.

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 device according to an embodiment of the present invention is operated.
8 is a block diagram illustrating a block configuration of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view showing a pressure change cycle for a single breathing cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view showing an air flow by driving a motor during inhalation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a view showing an air flow by driving a motor during exhalation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a view showing an air flow by driving a motor during inhalation according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a view showing an air flow by driving a motor during exhalation 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 the present 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 forcedly flowing 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.

The mask device 1 may further include an exhaust fan module 160 .

The exhaust fan module 160 may be configured to discharge air inside the mask body 10 to the outside of the mask body 10 . The exhaust fan module 160 may include a fan, a motor, and a rotation shaft.

The exhaust fan module 160 may be located in a space formed between the mask body 10 and the mask cover 20 . The exhaust fan module 160 may be installed inside the air outlet 150 through which the air inside the mask body 10 is discharged to the outside.

The exhaust fan module 160 may be a centrifugal fan or an axial fan. The exhaust fan module 160 may rotate forward or reverse, and the air in the breathing space may be easily discharged to the outside through the air discharge unit 150 .

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 block diagram illustrating a block configuration of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the mask device 1 may include some or all of the pressure sensor 14 , the power supply unit 170 , the first motor 180 , the second motor 190 , and the control unit 200 . have.

The pressure sensor 14 senses the internal pressure of the mask device 1 .

Here, the internal pressure of the mask may mean the pressure of the breathing space defined by the face of the mask wearer (user) and the sealing part 30 .

The pressure sensor 14 may be an air pressure sensor that measures the pressure or air pressure of an enclosed space by using a flow rate or wind strength of air introduced into the mask device 1 . Alternatively, the pressure sensor 14 may be a differential pressure sensor that measures a change in pressure in an enclosed space. Since the pressure sensor 14 is a known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The pressure sensor 14 may be operated when the power of the mask device 1 is turned on. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 14 may operate according to a user's control command to sense the internal pressure of the mask. Information measured by the pressure sensor 14 may be transmitted to the control unit 200 .

The power supply unit 170 functions to provide power to the pressure sensor 14 , the first motor 180 , the second motor 190 , and the control unit 200 .

The power supply unit 170 may be provided as a battery or power module mounted on the mask device 1 . The power unit 170 may be charged with power by wire or wirelessly by an external power supply device.

The first motor 180 is installed in the mask body 10 , and functions to forcibly circulate air inside the mask body 10 . The first motor 180 may rotate forward or reverse, and accordingly, the motor shaft may be rotated in the first or second rotational direction.

For example, the first rotational direction may be a clockwise direction, and the second rotational direction may be a counterclockwise direction. That is, the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be opposite directions.

The first motor 180 may be installed in an air inlet through which external air flows into the mask body 10 .

In this embodiment, the first motor 180 may be configured to rotate the first fan module 16 and/or the second fan module 17 described above. That is, the first motor 180 may be provided on both sides of the mask body 10 , respectively.

When the first motor 180 rotates in the first rotation direction, a positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet in which the first motor 180 is installed.

Here, the positive pressure may mean a pressure state higher than atmospheric pressure by a predetermined pressure. Accordingly, external air can be easily introduced into the breathing space inside the mask body 10 through the fan modules 16 and 17 .

The second motor 190 is installed in the mask body 10 and functions to forcibly circulate air inside the mask body 10 . The second motor 190 may rotate forward or reverse, and accordingly, the rotation shaft may rotate in the first rotation direction or the second rotation direction.

For example, the first rotational direction may be a clockwise direction, and the second rotational direction may be a counterclockwise direction. That is, the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction may be opposite directions.

The second motor 190 may be installed in an air outlet through which air inside the mask body 10 is discharged to the outside.

In this embodiment, the second motor 190 may be configured to rotate the exhaust fan module 160 described above. That is, the second motor 190 may be provided in the air outlet 150 of the mask body 10 .

When the second motor 190 rotates in the first rotational direction, a positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air outlet in which the second motor 190 is installed. Accordingly, external air may be introduced into the breathing space inside the mask body 10 through the exhaust fan module 160 .

In addition, when the second motor 190 rotates in the second rotation direction, negative pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air outlet in which the second motor 190 is installed.

Here, the negative pressure may mean a pressure state lower than atmospheric pressure by a predetermined pressure. Accordingly, the air in the breathing space may be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust fan module 160 .

The controller 200 analyzes the information sensed by the pressure sensor 14 and controls the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 through the analyzed information.

Specifically, the control unit 200 may include a breathing state determination unit 210 , a motor direction control unit 220 , and a motor speed control unit 230 .

The respiration state determination unit 210 analyzes the information sensed by the pressure sensor 14 to determine the user's respiration state.

The respiration state determination unit 210 may determine a respiration state or a respiration cycle by using a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor 14 .

Specifically, the respiration state determination unit 210 may determine a single respiration cycle by detecting a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor 14 .

Here, the respiration cycle may include an inhalation time during which the user actually breathes in, an exhalation time during which the user exhales, and an apnea time during which no respiration occurs between the inhalation time and the expiration time. In addition, the respiration state determination unit 210 may predict the next respiration cycle by using a time difference between the time point corresponding to the maximum pressure value and the time point corresponding to the minimum pressure value.

Also, the respiration state determination unit 210 may calculate a difference value between the maximum pressure value and the minimum pressure value, and compare the calculated difference value with a reference value to determine the respiration state. For example, if the calculated difference value is less than the reference value, it may be determined that the stable breathing state, if the calculated difference value is greater than the reference value, it may be determined that the exercise breathing state.

The motor direction controller 220 may control the rotation directions of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 . The motor direction control unit 220 rotates the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 according to the respiration state (inhalation state, exhalation state, apnea state) determined by the respiration state determination unit 210 . You can set the direction to be the same or different.

The motor speed controller 230 may control the rotational speeds of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 . The motor speed control unit 230 rotates the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 according to the respiration state (inhalation state, exhalation state, apnea state) determined by the respiration state determination unit 210 . You can set the speed to be the same or different.

In this embodiment, the motor direction control unit 220 and the motor speed control unit 230 may be configured independently. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the motor direction control unit 220 and the motor speed control unit 230 may be modularized into one motor control unit. That is, one motor control unit may be configured to control the rotation direction and rotation speed of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 together.

Meanwhile, the mask device 1 may further include a ground unit and a switch unit.

The ground portion may be understood as a portion to which the wires of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 are grounded. The first motor 180 and the second motor 190 may have an anode and a cathode respectively connected to each other by the ground unit and the power source unit 170 .

In this case, the polarity of the ground part may be negative (-), and the polarity of the power supply unit 170 may be positive (+).

The switch unit may function to selectively connect the ground unit and the power source unit 170 . The switch unit may be turned on or off to switch the connection between the ground unit and the power unit 170 . Accordingly, the on/off of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 may be controlled by the configuration of the switch unit.

9 is a flowchart showing a control method of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a pressure change cycle for a tidal breathing cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram of the present invention It is a view showing an air flow by a motor driving during inspiration according to an embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an air flow by a motor driving during exhalation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 9 , in step S11 , the mask device 1 senses the internal pressure of the mask using the pressure sensor 14 .

Here, the internal pressure of the mask may mean a pressure in the breathing space defined by the user's face and the sealing unit 30 .

The mask device 1 may sense the internal pressure of the mask for a predetermined time through the pressure sensor 14 .

At this time, the fan modules 16 and 17 may be operated. The fan modules 16 and 17 may rotate a fan at a predetermined RPM to facilitate breathing in the breathing space of the mask device 1 .

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.

In this case, when the user inhales (inhales) air through the respirator in the respiration space, the air in the respiration space flows into the user's respirator, so that the pressure in the respiration space may be lowered. Conversely, when the user exhales air through the respirator in the breathing space (exhalation), the air is discharged into the breathing space and the pressure in the breathing space may be increased.

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 S12, the mask device 1 analyzes the user's breathing cycle based on the sensed pressure.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the mask device 1 collects pressure data sensed by the pressure sensor 14 for a predetermined time. The pressure data includes real-time measured pressure values, and accordingly, the time taken for tidal breathing (one inhalation and one exhalation), tidal cycle and maximum pressure value (Pmax) and minimum pressure at tidal breathing The value (Pmin), and the next breathing cycle, etc. can be checked.

As described above, when the user breathes air (inhale), 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 the air (exhale), the user's respiratory tract Air is discharged from the breathing space to the pressure of the breathing space may be gradually increased.

As a result, it can be predicted that the first time point (Tmax), at which the pressure of the breathing space is the highest, is the end point of exhalation, and the second time point (Tmin), the pressure of the breathing space, is the lowest point, is the point where the inhalation is finished.

In addition, the breathing cycle may further include an apnea time.

The apnea time may mean a time during which the user does not actually breathe. The apnea time may mean a waiting time in which no respiration occurs between the inhalation time and the expiration time, or between the exhalation time and the inspiration time.

That is, apnea may be performed immediately after the first time point (Tmax) at which the exhalation ends, and the apnea may be performed after the second time point (Tmin) at which the inhalation ends.

In summary, one respiration cycle of a person may have a sine wave graph in which the exhalation time, the apnea time, the inhalation time, and the apnea time are repeatedly formed.

In step S13, the mask device 1 determines whether it is an inhalation time using the analyzed breathing cycle.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the user's inhalation maximum pressure value (Pmax) is sensed, and may be performed after a predetermined time (apnea time) has elapsed. And when the inhalation starts, the pressure in the breathing space is rapidly dropped and the pressure change value may be greatly increased.

According to this principle, the time point (Ts) at which the change value of the pressure measured after the end of the exhalation largely fluctuates may be understood as the time point at which the inhalation starts.

Accordingly, in the present invention, when the maximum pressure value (Pmax) is sensed and the pressure change value during the reference time exceeds the reference value, it may be determined that inhalation starts. The reference value may be understood as a slope value for determining whether the user's inhalation starts.

In step S14, the mask device 1 differently controls the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time.

Specifically, when it is determined that the current time is the user's inhalation time, the mask apparatus 1 controls all of the plurality of motors to form positive pressure.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the mask device 1 may include at least one air inlet through which external air flows into the inside S of the mask body 10 . . In addition, the first motor 180 may be installed in the at least one air inlet.

In addition, the mask device 1 may include an air outlet through which the air inside the mask body 10 is discharged to the outside of the mask device 1 . And a second motor 190 may be installed in the air outlet.

When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the mask device 1 controls the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 to respectively generate positive pressure. For example, the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 may be respectively rotated in the first rotation direction to form positive pressure in the air flowing through the air inlet and the air outlet.

Then, by the driving of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190, the air outside the mask body 10 is quickly introduced into the inside (S) of the mask body 10, The user U may inhale the air introduced into the interior S of the mask body 10 . Accordingly, the user has the advantage that breathing becomes easier at the time of inhalation.

Conversely, when it is determined that it is the exhalation time, the mask device 1 controls the first motor 180 to form a positive pressure, and controls the second motor 190 to form a negative pressure. For example, the first motor 180 may be rotated in the first rotational direction to form a positive pressure in the air passing through the air inlet. In addition, the second motor 190 may be rotated in a second rotational direction to form a negative pressure in the air passing through the air outlet.

Then, by the driving of the first motor 180 , air from the outside of the mask body 10 is quickly introduced into the interior S of the mask body 10 , and the By driving, the air in the inside (S) of the mask body 10 can be quickly discharged to the air outlet. Accordingly, the user has the advantage of being comfortable breathing at the time when the exhalation is made.

In addition, during the apnea time when the user does not breathe, external air is introduced into the interior S of the mask body 10 by the driving of the first motor 180 , and the introduced air is transferred to the second motor It can be naturally discharged to the outside by the driving of (190). Therefore, the exhalation by-products are prevented from accumulating inside the mask (S), and there is an advantage in that the level of carbon dioxide is lowered by air circulation.

13 is a flowchart illustrating in detail a method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , when the power of the mask device 1 is turned on in step S21 , the mask device 1 senses the internal pressure of the mask using the pressure sensor 14 in step S22 .

In step S23, the mask device 1 analyzes the user's breathing cycle based on the sensed pressure.

As described above, the mask device 1 determines the breathing cycle using the pressure data sensed by the pressure sensor 14 . The pressure data includes real-time measured pressure values, and accordingly, the time taken for tidal breathing (one inhalation and one exhalation), tidal cycle, and maximum pressure value (Pmax) and minimum pressure for tidal breathing The value (Pmin), and the next breathing cycle, etc. can be checked.

In step S24, the mask device 1 drives the first motor 180 to generate a positive pressure and the second motor 190 to generate a negative pressure.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the mask device 1 moves the first motor 180 installed in the air inlet through which external air flows into the inside S of the mask body 10 in the first rotational direction. By rotating it, it is possible to form a positive pressure in the air flowing through the air inlet.

And the mask device 1 rotates in the second rotation direction a second motor 190 installed in the air discharge unit from which the air inside (S) of the mask body 10 is discharged to the outside, so that the air discharge unit A negative pressure can be created in the flowing air.

With this configuration, the air introduced from the outside of the mask body 10 may flow through the inside S of the mask body 10 and be discharged to the outside of the mask body 10 . Accordingly, as the air inside the mask body 10 is forcibly circulated, by-products due to exhalation can be easily discharged to the outside.

In addition, since the reverse flow of external air into the inside of the mask is prevented while the user exhales the air, there is an advantage that a separate check valve for preventing the reverse flow can be omitted.

The motor driving mode made in step S24 may be called "exhalation driving mode".

In step S25, the mask device 1 determines whether a maximum pressure value Pmax is detected, and when the maximum pressure value is detected, in step S26, it is determined whether the pressure change value exceeds a reference value.

Specifically, the mask device 1 may determine whether the maximum pressure value (Pmax) is sensed in order to determine when the exhalation ends. This is because the internal pressure of the mask device 1 is the highest at the time when the exhalation ends.

In addition, the mask device 1 may determine whether a pressure change value during a reference time exceeds a reference value in order to determine when the inhalation starts. This is because the point at which the internal pressure rapidly decreases after the end of the exhalation is the point at which the inhalation begins. That is, when the pressure rapidly decreases after a predetermined time (apnea time) has elapsed from the time when the exhalation is terminated, it can be expected that the inhalation has started.

When the maximum pressure value Pmax is detected and the pressure change value exceeds the reference value, the mask device 1 is driven so that both the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 form positive pressure in step S27. make it

Specifically, when the maximum pressure value Pmax is sensed, and the pressure change value exceeds the reference value, the mask device 1 determines that it is the inhalation time during which the inhalation is made, and the first motor 180 and the second motor (190) to create a positive pressure.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the mask device 1 rotates the first motor 180 installed in the air inlet part and the second motor 190 installed in the air exhaust part in the first rotation direction, respectively, and the A positive pressure may be formed in the air flowing through the air inlet and the air outlet.

Accordingly, external air is rapidly introduced into the inside (S) of the mask body 10 through the air inlet and the air outlet, and the user enters the inside (S) of the mask body 10. You will be able to breathe air.

The motor driving mode made in step S27 may be referred to as an “inhalation driving mode”.

In step S28, the mask device 1 determines whether a minimum pressure value Pmin is sensed.

Specifically, the mask device 1 may determine whether the minimum pressure value Pmin is sensed in order to determine when the inhalation ends. The reason for this is that the internal pressure of the mask device 1 is the lowest at the end of the inhalation.

And the mask device 1 can be induced to discharge foreign substances and carbon dioxide accumulated in the inside of the mask body 10 to the outside by switching the inhalation driving mode to the exhalation driving mode from the time when the inhalation ends. .

When the minimum pressure value Pmin is sensed, in step S29, the mask device 1 determines whether a mask power-off command is input, and if the mask power-off command is input, the mask device 1 in step S30 turn off the power of

If the mask power-off command is not input, the mask device 1 may enter step S24 and operate in the exhalation driving mode described above.

That is, when the inhalation time passes, the apnea time not to breathe comes, and the exhalation driving mode is performed from this point on, so that foreign substances and carbon dioxide accumulated in the mask body 10 can be induced to be discharged to the outside.

In addition, when the apnea time passes, the exhalation time arrives, and at this time, by maintaining the exhalation driving mode, there is an advantage that exhalation becomes easier.

14 is a view showing an air flow by driving a motor during inspiration according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an air flow by driving a motor during exhalation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a difference in the installation positions of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 described above. That is, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first motor 180 is positioned at the first air inlet of the mask body 10 , and the second motor 190 is positioned at the second air inlet.

14 and 15 , the mask device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first motor 180 and a second motor 190 .

The first motor 180 is installed in the mask body 10 , and functions to forcibly circulate air inside the mask body 10 . The first motor 180 may rotate forward or reverse, and accordingly, the motor shaft may be rotated in the first or second rotational direction.

For example, the first rotational direction may be a clockwise direction, and the second rotational direction may be a counterclockwise direction. That is, the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction may be opposite directions.

The first motor 180 may be installed in a first air inlet through which external air flows into the mask body 10 .

In this embodiment, the first motor 180 may be configured to rotate the first fan module 16 described above. That is, the first motor 180 may be provided on the right side of the mask body 10 .

When the first motor 180 rotates in the first rotation direction, a positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the first air inlet in which the first motor 180 is installed.

Here, the positive pressure may mean a pressure state higher than atmospheric pressure by a predetermined pressure.

Accordingly, external air may be introduced into the breathing space that is the inside S of the mask body 10 through the first fan module 16 .

The second motor 190 is installed in the mask body 10 and functions to forcibly circulate air inside the mask body 10 . The second motor 190 may rotate forward or reverse, and accordingly, the motor shaft may be rotated in the first or second rotational direction.

The second motor 190 may be installed in a second air inlet through which external air flows into the mask body 10 .

In this embodiment, the second motor 190 may be configured to rotate the second fan module 17 described above. That is, the second motor 190 may be provided on the left side of the mask body 10 .

When the second motor 190 rotates in the first rotational direction, a positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the second air inlet in which the second motor 190 is installed.

Accordingly, external air may be introduced into the breathing space that is the inside S of the mask body 10 through the second fan module 17 .

In addition, when the second motor 190 rotates in the second rotation direction, negative pressure is applied to the air passing through the second air inlet in which the second motor 190 is installed.

Here, the negative pressure may mean a pressure state lower than atmospheric pressure by a predetermined pressure.

Accordingly, the air inside the mask body 10 may be discharged to the outside through the second fan module 17 .

On the other hand, the mask device 1 differently controls the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time.

Specifically, when it is determined that the current time is the user's inhalation time, the mask apparatus 1 drives a plurality of motors to all generate positive pressure.

As shown in FIG. 14 , when it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the mask device 1 controls the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 to respectively generate positive pressure. For example, the first motor 180 and the second motor 190 are respectively rotated in the first rotation direction to form a positive pressure in the air flowing through the first air inlet and the second air inlet. can

Then, by the driving of the first motor 180 and the second motor 190, the air outside the mask body 10 is quickly introduced into the inside (S) of the mask body 10, The user U may inhale the air introduced into the interior S of the mask body 10 . Accordingly, the user has an advantage in that breathing becomes easier at the time of inhalation.

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 15 , when it is determined that it is the expiration time, the mask device 1 controls the first motor 180 to form a positive pressure, and the second motor 190 to form a negative pressure. Control. For example, the first motor 180 may be rotated in a first rotational direction to form a positive pressure in the air flowing through the first air inlet. In addition, the second motor 190 may be rotated in a second rotational direction to form a negative pressure in the air flowing through the second air inlet.

Then, by the driving of the first motor 180 , air from the outside of the mask body 10 is quickly introduced into the interior S of the mask body 10 , and the By driving, the air in the inside (S) of the mask body 10 may be rapidly discharged to the second air inlet. Accordingly, the user has the advantage of being comfortable breathing at the time when the exhalation is made.

In addition, during the apnea time when the user does not breathe, external air is introduced into the interior (S) of the mask body 10, and the introduced air may be naturally discharged to the outside. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that exhalation by-products are prevented from accumulating inside the mask, and carbon dioxide is easily discharged by air circulation.

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 and 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)

a mask body covering the user's face;
a pressure sensor coupled to the mask body and configured to measure an internal pressure of the mask body;
a plurality of motors installed on the mask body and forcibly circulating air inside the mask body; and
A control unit for controlling the plurality of motors,
The control unit is
Analyze the user's breathing cycle based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor,
It is determined whether it is an inhalation time using the analyzed breathing cycle,
A mask device, characterized in that the driving of the plurality of motors is differently controlled according to the inhalation time. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the plurality of motors are controlled to form a positive pressure, respectively,
When it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, a mask device for controlling some of the plurality of motors to form a positive pressure and a remaining part of the motors to form a negative pressure. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the plurality of motors are controlled to rotate in the first rotational direction,
When it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, a mask device for controlling some of the plurality of motors to rotate in a first rotational direction, and controlling the remaining motors to rotate in a second rotational direction. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of motors,
a first motor installed in an air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body; and
and a second motor installed in an air outlet through which air is discharged to the outside of the mask body,
The control unit is
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the driving of the first motor and the second motor is controlled so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet and the air outlet,
When it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, the driving of the first motor is controlled so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet, and negative pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air outlet, the second motor is driven control the mask device. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of motors,
a first motor installed in a first air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body; and
and a second motor installed in a second air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body,
The control unit is
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the driving of the first motor and the second motor is controlled so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the first air inlet and the second air inlet,
If it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, control the driving of the first motor so that positive pressure is applied to the air passing through the first air inlet, and negative pressure is applied to the air passing through the second air inlet, the second 2A mask device that controls the driving of the motor. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
Among the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor, the breathing cycle is analyzed using the maximum pressure value and the minimum pressure value,
The breathing cycle includes an inhalation time during which an inhalation occurs, an expiration time at which an exhalation occurs, and an apnea time during which no respiration occurs between the inhalation time and the expiration time. 7. The method of claim 6,
The control unit is
When the maximum pressure value is detected through the pressure sensor, the pressure change value is checked during the reference time,
When it is determined that the pressure change value during the reference time exceeds the reference value, the mask device determines that the inhalation time has arrived. 8. The method of claim 7,
The control unit is
When it is determined that the inhalation time has arrived, the mask device controls all of the plurality of motors to form a positive pressure. 7. The method of claim 6,
The control unit is
It is determined whether the minimum pressure value is detected through the pressure sensor,
When it is determined that the minimum pressure value is sensed, the mask device determines that the inhalation time is over. 10. The method of claim 9,
The control unit is
When it is determined that the inhalation time is over, a mask device for controlling some of the plurality of motors to form a positive pressure and a remaining part of the motors to form a negative pressure. detecting an internal pressure of the mask using a pressure sensor;
analyzing the user's breathing cycle based on the sensed pressure;
determining whether it is an inspiration time using the analyzed breathing cycle; and
A control method of a mask device comprising the step of differently controlling the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of differently controlling the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time is,
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the plurality of motors are controlled to form a positive pressure, respectively,
When it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, controlling some of the motors to form a positive pressure and controlling the remaining motors to form a negative pressure. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of differently controlling the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time is,
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the plurality of motors are controlled to rotate in the first rotational direction,
When it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, controlling some of the plurality of motors to rotate in a first rotational direction, and controlling the remaining motors to rotate in a second rotational direction. . 12. The method of claim 11,
The plurality of motors,
a first motor installed in an air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body; and
and a second motor installed in an air outlet through which air is discharged to the outside of the mask body,
The step of differently controlling the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time is,
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the driving of the first motor and the second motor is controlled so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet and the air outlet,
When it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, the driving of the first motor is controlled so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air inlet, and negative pressure is applied to the air flowing through the air outlet, the second motor is driven A control method of a mask device comprising the step of controlling the. 12. The method of claim 11,
The plurality of motors,
a first motor installed in a first air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body; and
and a second motor installed in a second air inlet through which air is introduced into the mask body,
The step of differently controlling the driving of a plurality of motors according to the inhalation time is,
When it is determined that it is the inhalation time, the driving of the first motor and the second motor is controlled so that positive pressure is applied to the air flowing through the first air inlet and the second air inlet,
If it is determined that it is not the inhalation time, control the driving of the first motor so that positive pressure is applied to the air passing through the first air inlet, and negative pressure is applied to the air passing through the second air inlet, the second 2 A control method of a mask device comprising the step of controlling the driving of the motor. 12. The method of claim 11,
Analyzing the user's breathing cycle based on the sensed pressure,
Among the pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor, analyzing the breathing cycle using a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value,
The breathing cycle includes an in-breath time during which an in-breath occurs, an out-breath time at which an exhalation occurs, and an apnea time during which no respiration occurs between the inhalation time and the exhalation time. 17. The method of claim 16,
When the maximum pressure value is detected through the pressure sensor, further comprising the step of checking the pressure change value for a reference time,
When it is determined that the pressure change value during the reference time exceeds the reference value, the control method of the mask device for determining that the inhalation time has arrived. 18. The method of claim 17,
When it is determined that the inhalation time has arrived, the control method of the mask device for controlling all of the plurality of motors to form a positive pressure. 17. The method of claim 16,
Further comprising the step of determining whether a minimum pressure value is sensed through the pressure sensor,
When it is determined that the minimum pressure value is sensed, the control method of the mask device for determining that the inhalation time has expired. 20. The method of claim 19,
When it is determined that the inhalation time is over, a control method of a mask device for controlling some of the motors to form a positive pressure and a remaining part of the motors to form a negative pressure.

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