WO2009066833A1

WO2009066833A1 - Respiratory unit for gas masks and self-locking/unlocking device for respirator cartridge mounted to the same

Info

Publication number: WO2009066833A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000759
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong-Kee Kim
Original assignee: Sancheong Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-11-23
Filing date: 2008-02-05
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: CN101873877B; TR201004117T2; CN101873877A

Abstract

The present invention provides a respiratory unit for gas masks and a self- locking/unlocking device for a respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit. The respiratory unit includes a support plate (353), which has airflow holes and is provided in the respiratory unit body, a first sealing member (330), which is provided on the support plate to cover the airflow holes, and a second sealing member (370), which is provided on the support plate around the first sealing member and is elastically supported by an elastic support unit (360). Furthermore, a first coupling part (560) and a second coupling part (580) are respectively provided on corresponding surfaces of one selected from the respiratory unit body and the respirator cartridge and a remaining one thereof, so that the respiratory unit body and the respirator cartridge are coupled to each other using the first and second coupling parts.

Description

RESPIRATORY UNIT FOR GAS MASKS AND SELF- LOCKING/UNLOCKING DEVICE FOR RESPIRATOR CARTRIDGE MOUNTED TO THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a respiratory unit for gas masks, in which a support plate having a plurality of airflow holes is provided in a respiratory unit body, through which outside air is drawn into a gas mask, and which forms a double sealing structure using a first sealing member for sealing the airflow holes when discharging air and a second sealing member for sealing the airflow holes using elastic force, such that, when a respirator cartridge has been removed from the respiratory unit, the airflow holes can be reliably sealed, thus preventing contaminated air from being drawn into the gas mask.

[2] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a self-locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge, mounted to the respiratory unit, in which a first coupling part and a second coupling part are respectively provided on corresponding surfaces of one selected from the respiratory unit and the respirator cartridge and a remaining one thereof, so that the respirator cartridge and the respiratory unit are coupled to each other using the first and second coupling parts, thus preventing the respirator cartridge from being undesirably removed from the respiratory unit by the reverse rotation thereof, thereby preventing a reduction in reliability attributable to interruption of sealing. Background Art

[3] Generally, gas masks are used in places where noxious gas or the like is present so as to prevent users from inhaling the noxious gas. Such a gas mask includes a mask body, which is made of soft rubber, and transparent lenses, which are provided in the upper part of the mask body at left and right positions. The gas mask has at least one respirator cartridge mounting hole, which is formed under the transparent lenses at at least one position of left and right positions, and to which a respirator cartridge is mounted, and an exhaust hole, which is formed through the lower part of the mask body below the transparent lenses.

[4] Furthermore, the separate respirator cartridge for purifying contaminated air is mounted to the respirator cartridge mounting hole. A user inhales air, which is drawn into the mask body through the respirator cartridge mounting hole. Exhaust gas, discharged from the respiratory organs of the user, is exhausted outside the mask body through the exhaust hole. [5] Pertaining to this technique, a conventional respiratory unit for gas masks was proposed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 241506. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, an inner surface body 2, which is disposed around the nose and the mouth of a user, is assembled with a mask surface body 1, which has an intake valve installation hole 11 in the lower portion thereof. An intake valve 4, having a spacer 3, is inserted into the intake valve installation hole 11 in the mask surface body in an outward direction, such that the mask surface body 1 and the inner surface body 2 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance by the spacer 3.

[6] In the spacer 3, a plurality of support ribs 33 is formed in a circular body 31 by forming a plurality of through holes 32 in the upper surface of the circular body 31 at regular intervals. The support ribs 33 are inclined towards the center of the lower part of the circular body. Furthermore, several support pieces 34 are provided on the circumferential outer edge of the circular body 31 at positions corresponding to the respective support ribs 33, and are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. A valve 7 is fitted over the center of the lower part of the circular body through an insert hole 72.

[7] The valve body 7 is coupled to the mask surface body 1. An internal thread 6a is formed in the circumferential inner surface of a valve housing 6. A purification filter 8 is coupled to the internal thread of the valve housing, such that air that passes through the purification filter 8 and is thus purified is drawn into the inner surface body through intake holes 71 in the valve body 7, constituting the intake valve 4. A thin film 5 is provided so as to be in close contact with the upper surface of the valve body 7.

[8] In the respiratory unit having the above-mentioned construction, when air that passes through the purification filter 8 and is thus purified is drawn into the mask surface body through the intake holes 71 in the valve body 7, constituting the intake valve 4, pressure is applied to the thin film 5, which is in contact with the upper surface of the valve body 7. Then, the thin film 5 is bent and is in contact with the lower surfaces of the support ribs 33, thus being opened to allow the inflow of air into the mask surface body 1.

[9] However, in the case of the conventional respiratory unit having the thin film 5 for preventing the discharge of air, when the user inhales air when no purification filter 8 is coupled to the respiratory unit, the thin film 5 is bent by the pressure of air, which is supplied through the intake valve installation hole 11, thus permitting the inflow of air. In other words, contaminated air cannot be prevented from being drawn into the gas mask. Therefore, the conventional technique has a disadvantage in that the respirator cartridge cannot be replaced with a new one in a contaminated place.

[10] Furthermore, because there is no separate means that complements the thin film 5, which is made of soft material and allows only the inflow of air, if the thin film 5 is damaged, air discharged by the user may be supplied to the purification filter through the thin film 5 rather than being exhausted outside through the exhaust hole. As such, the conventional technique is problematic in that there is the possibility of an abnormal exhausting operation.

[11] In addition, the purification filter 8 is constructed such that it is coupled to or removed from the gas mask by rotating it in one direction using the coupling structure between the internal thread and an external thread, which is formed in the purification filter, or using the coupling structure between a collar or a socket and a helical screw or a spiral screw. When the cylindrical purification filter 8 having the above-mentioned structure is used as an external peripheral part, it may interfere with the view of the user, and it may be undesirably loosened from the gas mask. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[12] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a respiratory unit for gas masks and a self- locking/unlocking device for a respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit, which has a double sealing structure, such that, when no respirator cartridge is mounted to the respiratory unit, an intake hole can be reliably sealed to prevent outside contaminated air from being drawn into the gas mask, and such that, when a respirator cartridge is mounted to the respiratory unit, the intake hole can reliably enter a state of being openable, and which enhance the sealing ability using the elasticity of a spring, and is constructed such that only when the respirator cartridge is mounted to the respiratory unit can the intake hole be opened, thus making it possible to replace the respirator cartridge with a new one in a contaminated place, and in which sealing members are operated to complement each other, thus increasing the sealing ability.

[13] Another object of the present invention is to provide a respiratory unit for gas masks and a self-locking/unlocking device for a respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit, which is constructed such that the respirator cartridge can be replaced with a new one in a contaminated place and can be rapidly and firmly coupled to the respiratory unit, and such that the respirator cartridge is prevented from being undesirably rotated by external force in the direction in which it is released, thus ensuring reliable coupling, and preventing a reduction in reliability attributable to interruption of sealing even if the respirator cartridge is separated from the respiratory unit, and in which the respirator cartridge can be easily coupled to or removed from the respiratory unit without applying excessive force thereto. Technical Solution [14] In order to accomplish the above objects, in an aspect thereof, the present invention provides a respiratory unit for gas masks which is constructed based on a coupling between a respiratory unit body and a coupling ring, which is tightly coupled around a mounting hole of a mask body to ensure airtightness, the respiratory unit including:

[15] a support plate having at least one airflow hole, the support plate being integrally provided in the respiratory unit body, with a first sealing member provided on the support plate to cover the airflow hole, and

[16] a second sealing member provided on the support plate around the first sealing member, the second sealing member being elastically supported by an elastic support unit.

[17] The mask body may include therein a terminal device having a plurality of terminals.

A mounting seat may be formed around the terminal device in the mask body. A terminal cover, which has an integral cover body and an integral sliding block, may be mounted to the exhaust unit, which has a sliding part connected to the mounting seat, such that the cover body and the sliding block are respectively inserted into the mounting hole and the sliding part.

[18] In another aspect, the present invention provides a self- locking/unlocking device for a respirator cartridge mounted to a respiratory unit for gas masks, including a first coupling part and a second coupling part, which are respectively provided on corresponding surfaces of one selected from the respiratory unit body and the respirator cartridge and a remaining one thereof, such that the respiratory unit body and the respirator cartridge are coupled to each other using the first and second coupling parts, wherein

[19] the first coupling part includes a plurality of locking catches, which are arranged along a circumferential line, and a stopper, which is provided at a predetermined position adjacent to the locking catches, and

[20] the second coupling part has a structure corresponding to the first coupling part, and comprises hooks corresponding to the respective locking catches, and a locking means, which is releasably locked to the stopper.

Advantageous Effects

[21] In the present invention, having a double sealing structure, when a respirator cartridge has been removed from a respiratory unit, an intake hole can be reliably sealed, thus preventing contaminated air from being drawn into a gas mask. Furthermore, when the respirator cartridge is coupled to the respiratory unit, the intake hole is reliably opened. The airtightness is increased by the elastic force of a spring, thus more reliably preventing contaminated air from being drawn into the gas mask. Two sealing members are operated to complement each other, thus increasing the sealing ability. As well, the respirator cartridge can be replaced with a new one even when in a contaminated place.

[22] In addition, the present invention is constructed such that, when the respirator cartridge is replaced with a new one, contaminated air is prevented from being drawn into the gas mask, thus making it possible to replace the respirator cartridge with a new one, even when in a contaminated place. The respirator cartridge can be rapidly and firmly coupled to the respiratory unit by rotating it only once. After the respirator cartridge is positioned in and locked to the respiratory unit by being rotated, the respirator cartridge is prevented from being undesirably released from the respiratory unit by external force, thus preventing a reduction in reliability attributable to interruption of sealing. Because the respirator cartridge can be positioned in the respiratory unit by sliding it once, the respirator cartridge can be easily coupled to the respiratory unit without applying excessive force thereto. Furthermore, the respirator cartridge can be easily removed from the respiratory unit by pushing an operating knob. The operation of positioning the respirator cartridge in the respiratory unit is realized by a stopper and a locking means. As such, the present invention has a simple construction, thus making the manufacture thereof easy.

[23] In addition, a terminal cover reliably covers a terminal device and thus prevents it from being exposed outside. Therefore, because a defective connection or corrosion, attributable to the permeation of dust or moisture, is prevented, the reliability of connection between terminals is enhanced. The terminal cover can be coupled to an exhaust unit by a simple operation, in which the terminal cover is forcibly fitted into the exhaust unit merely by pushing it at one time. Furthermore, because the terminal cover is reliably supported by the exhaust unit, it is prevented from being lost. The terminal cover is constructed such that it is moved upwards and rotated, so that it can be easily coupled to or removed from the terminal device without interfering with other components. In addition, the terminal cover airtightly covers the terminal device, thus reliably preventing water from permeating the terminal device.

[24] Moreover, the terminal cover seals the terminal device in a configuration in which the terminal cover surrounds the terminal device, thus increasing the airtightness of the terminal device. Because the terminal cover is assembled with the exhaust unit by forcibly fitting it into the mounting seat, space for assembly is minimized. Furthermore, the terminal cover is opened or closed by linear motion and rotation thereof, thus ensuring airtightness and operability. Brief Description of Drawings

[25] Figs. 1 and 2 are, respectively, a sectional view and an exploded perspective view showing a critical part of a conventional respiratory device; [26] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a critical part of a respiratory unit mounted to a gas mask, according to the present invention; [27] Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the assembled respiratory unit according to the present invention; [28] Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the mounting of a respirator cartridge to the respiratory unit according to the present invention; [29] Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a cover assembly mounted to a gas mask according to the present invention; [30] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal cover mounted to the gas mask according to the present invention; [31] Fig. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the coupling of the respirator cartridge to the gas mask according to the present invention; [32] Figs. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing a coupling part between the respirator cartridge and the gas mask body according to the present invention; and [33] Fig. 11 is views illustrating a process of coupling the respirator cartridge to the respiratory unit according to the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention [34] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [35] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a critical part of a respiratory unit mounted to a gas mask, according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the assembled respiratory unit according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the mounting of a respirator cartridge to the respiratory unit according to the present invention. [36] The respiratory unit 300 of the present invention is mounted to a mounting hole 110, which is formed at a predetermined position in a mask body 100. The respiratory unit

300 is constructed based on the coupling between a coupling ring 310, which is tightly coupled around the mounting hole 110 to ensure airtightness, and a respiratory unit body 350, provided with first and second sealing members. [37] Furthermore, the coupling ring 310 is coupled to a cover member 400, which has an opening 410 therein, such that drawn air can be guided towards the nose of a user. [38] A support plate 353, which has a plurality of airflow holes 353a therein, is integrally provided in the respiratory unit body 350. [39] A support hole 353b and a seating recess 353c are formed in the central portion of the support plate 353. [40] In addition, a center edge of a first sealing member 330, which is made of soft material and covers the airflow holes 353a, is fitted into the seating recess 353c. [41] The second sealing member 370 is supported by an elastic support unit 360, which is provided in the support hole 353b, such that the second sealing member 370 covers the entire first sealing member and is in close contact with the support plate 353.

[42] The elastic support unit 360 includes a support boss 361, which is integrally coupled to the second sealing member and is inserted into the support hole 353b, a spring 365, which is fitted over the support boss and is supported at a first end thereof on the support plate 353, and an end coupling member 367, which supports a second end of the spring 365.

[43] The second sealing member 370 has on the circumferential outer edge thereof a close contact member 373, which is in close contact with the close contact protrusion 353d, which protrudes from the support plate 353.

[44] Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating a cover assembly, which is mounted to the gas mask according to the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a terminal cover, which is mounted to the gas mask according to the present invention.

[45] An exhaust unit 150, which has the terminal cover 200, is provided at a predetermined position in the mask body 100.

[46] The exhaust unit 150 has exhaust holes 110, through which air is exhausted outside the gas mask, and integrally has a terminal device 130 at a predetermined position therein.

[47] Furthermore, a mounting seat 133, which has a predetermined depth such that part of the terminal device 130 is exposed outside the mounting seat 133, is formed around the terminal device 130. A sliding part 135, which is connected to the mounting seat 133, is provided in the exhaust unit.

[48] The terminal cover 200 has a depression 215 for covering the terminal device 130, and is constructed such that it can be seated in the mounting seat 133.

[49] A sliding block 230 has a support shaft 137, and the support shaft is inserted into guide slots 235, which are formed in the height direction of the mounting seat 133.

[50] Here, the positions of the support shaft 137 and the guide slots 235 may be changed without increasing the danger of malfunction of the sliding block, as long as they form a structure corresponding to each other.

[51] If an inclined surface (not shown), which is inclined from the lower part to the upper part, is formed on the support shaft 137, when installing the sliding block, the support shaft can be easily seated into the guide slot by pushing it downwards.

[52] Furthermore, the sliding part 135 has an arc-shaped rolling surface 135a on an end thereof, so that the sliding block 230 can conduct a rolling motion.

[53] The depression 215 has a tapered surface (not shown), so that, when the sliding block is moved downwards, it can be brought into closer contact with the edge of the terminal device. [54] Fig. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the coupling of the respirator cartridge to the gas mask according to the present invention. Figs. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing a coupling part between the respirator cartridge and the gas mask body according to the present invention. Fig. 11 is views illustrating the process of coupling the respirator cartridge to the respiratory unit according to the present invention.

[55] In the present invention, the mask body 100, which is made of soft material and is brought into contact with the face of a user such that airtightness is ensured, is tightly coupled to the respiratory unit using the coupling structure between the coupling ring 310 and the respiratory unit body 350.

[56] The respirator cartridge 500 is positioned and fastened to the respiratory unit body

350 in a manner in which it is minimally slid.

[57] Here, a first coupling part 560 and a second coupling part 580 are respectively provided on corresponding surfaces of one selected from the respiratory unit body 350 and the respirator cartridge 500 and a remaining one thereof. In other words, in the case where the first coupling part is provided on the respiratory unit body, the second coupling part, corresponding to the first coupling part, is provided on the respirator cartridge. When the first coupling part is provided on the respirator cartridge, the second coupling part, corresponding to the first coupling part, is provided on the respiratory unit body.

[58] The first coupling part 560 includes a plurality of locking catches 561, which are arranged in a circumferential line, and a stopper 553, which is provided at a predetermined position, is oriented in the circumferential direction, and has an inclined surface 553a.

[59] Here, each locking catch 561 may integrally have a reverse movement prevention plate (not shown), to prevent movement in the wrong direction.

[60] The second coupling part 580 has a structure corresponding to the first coupling part

560, and includes hooks 581, which correspond to the locking catches 561, and a locking means 585, which is releasably stopped by the stopper 553.

[61] The locking means 585 includes a locking piece, which corresponds to the stopper

553 and serves to prevent the components from being undesirably removed from each other after the one-way locking is completed.

[62] The locking means 585 is coupled to the second coupling part by a hinge 585c through a spring 585a, interposed therebetween, and a handle 585b is provided at a predetermined position in the locking means 585, so that the locking piece is removably supported by the hook.

[63] Furthermore, a sealing member 570 made of rubber is interposed between the first and second coupling parts 560 and 580, so that, when the respirator cartridge is coupled to the respiratory unit, the first and second coupling parts are airtightly coupled to each other by the sealing member 570.

[64] Meanwhile, the respiratory unit body 350 includes the first and second sealing members 330 and 370. The first and second sealing members 330 and 370 are mounted to the support plate 353, having the several airflow holes 353a therein.

[65] The first sealing member 330, which is made of soft material, is disposed such that it covers the airflow holes 353a. The second sealing member 370 is elastically supported by the support plate using the elastic support unit. The second sealing member 370 is disposed outside the first sealing member 330 and is configured such that it covers the first sealing member 330, and such that, when a portion thereof is pushed by the respirator cartridge, it can be moved.

[66] The operation of the present invention, having the above-mentioned construction, will be explained herein below.

[67] As shown in Figs. 3 through 5, the respiratory unit 300 of the present invention is airtightly coupled to the mask body 100, by the structure in which the coupling ring 310 and the respiratory unit body 350 are airtightly coupled around the mounting hole 110, which is formed at a predetermined position in the mask body 100.

[68] Here, the mask body 100, the coupling ring and the respiratory unit body 350 are airtightly coupled to each other in a force-fitting manner to prevent outside contaminated air from being drawn into the mask body 100 through the junction therebetween.

[69] Furthermore, as alternatives to the use of the coupling structure between the coupling ring and the respiratory unit body, the respiratory unit 300 may be coupled to the mask body using any coupling structure, for example, using only the respiratory unit body, as long as airtightness is ensured between the respiratory unit 300 and the mask body 100.

[70] The support plate 353, which is integrally provided in the respiratory unit body 350, has the several airflow holes 353a therein, and thus defines a passage, through which outside air is drawn into the gas mask upon respiration.

[71] Here, the airflow holes 353a of the support plate 353 are openably closed by the first sealing member 330, which is inserted into the seating recess 353c of the support plate 353 such that the first sealing member is supported by the support plate 353. Thus, exhaust air is prevented from being discharged outside the gas mask through the airflow holes.

[72] In the conventional art, when the gas mask is in the state of having no respirator cartridge 500, outside contaminated air may be drawn into the gas mask through the first sealing member 330 when the user respires. However, in the present invention, the second sealing member 370, which is provided adjacent to the first sealing member, serves to prevent air from being drawn into the gas mask when the gas mask is in the state of having no respirator cartridge 500. Therefore, even when the user is in a contaminated place, the replacement of the respirator cartridge can be conducted.

[73] The second sealing member 370 has a structure such that it is coupled to the support plate 353 through the elastic support unit 360. Therefore, if the respirator cartridge 500 is not in a state in which it is coupled to the respiratory unit, because the coupling member 367 is not pushed by the respirator cartridge, the second sealing member 370 maintains the state of closing the airflow hole 353a, thus preventing contaminated air from being drawn into the gas mask when no respirator cartridge is mounted to the respiratory unit.

[74] Furthermore, air, which is drawn through the second sealing member 370, is guided towards the nose of the user through the opening 410, which is formed only through the portion of the cover member 400 that is airtightly coupled to the coupling ring 310, thus preventing air from being drawn towards the lens of the gas mask, thereby preventing the vision of the user from being impeded by moisture adsorbed on the lens.

[75] The close contact between the second sealing member 370 and the support plate 353 is realized by bringing the close contact member 373, which is fitted over the outer edge of the second sealing member 370, into close contact with the close contact protrusion 353d, which protrudes from the support plate 353, thus preventing the flow of air.

[76] As shown in Figs. 6 through 10, the terminal cover 200, which is provided in the exhaust unit 150 of the mask body 100, is made of soft rubber and is thus easily compressed. In addition, the terminal cover 200 is easily returned to the original state thereof when it is released after being compressed.

[77] The terminal cover 200 is inserted into the mounting seat 133 of the exhaust unit 150 in a state in which the sliding block 230 of the terminal cover 200 is compressed. Then, the support shaft 137, which protrudes outwards from the opposite sidewalls of the sliding block 230, is inserted into the guide slots 235, which are formed in the mounting seat in the vertical direction, thus positioning the terminal cover 200 in the exhaust unit 150.

[78] The support shaft 137 serves as a typical hinge, and has the inclined surface (not shown), which is inclined from the lower part to the upper part. Therefore, when the support shaft is inserted into the guide slots in a downward direction, it can be easily positioned in the guide slots.

[79] Furthermore, the guide slots 235 are designed such that, when the support shaft 137 is disposed at the uppermost position in the guide slots 235, the sidewalls of the sliding block 230 are positioned on the rolling surface 135a of the sliding block, so that the terminal cover 200 is completely separated from the terminal device 130 and enters a state of being rotatable. [80] Of course, the support shaft 137 is always disposed in the guide slots 235, to prevent the terminal cover 200 from being lost.

[81] To realize close contact between the terminal cover 200 and the terminal device 130, when the terminal cover is seated into the mounting seat 133, the terminal device 130 is inserted into the depression 215, and is thus covered with the terminal cover. As well, the sliding block 230 is inserted into and is brought into close contact with the sliding part 135. Therefore, water and dust are prevented from permeating the terminal device.

[82] Furthermore, the tapered surface (not shown) is formed in the depression 215, which is formed in the terminal cover 200, such that, as the depth to which the terminal device 130 is inserted into the depression 215 is increased, the contact force between the terminal cover and the terminal device is increased.

[83] As such, because the terminal cover 200 is brought into tight contact with the terminal device 130, water and dust are prevented from entering thereinto. In addition, because the terminal cover is coupled to the exhaust unit using the structure in which the support shaft 137 is inserted into the guide slots 235 formed in the sidewalls of the terminal cover 200, they can be coupled to each other without a separate coupling unit, and the terminal cover 200 is prevented from being lost.

[84] Meanwhile, as shown in Figs. 8 through 11, when the respirator cartridge 500 is forcibly pushed to the second coupling part 580 of the respiratory unit body 350 and is rotated in one direction, the hooks 581, which are provided on the second coupling part 580, are inserted into and locked to the respective locking catches 561 of the first coupling part 560, which is provided in the respirator cartridge 500.

[85] At this time, the locking means 585, which is provided in the second coupling part

580, is stopped by the stoppers 553, each of which has a predetermined inclination, and which are provided on the circumferential line along which the locking catches 561 are arranged, thus preventing the respirator cartridge from being rotated beyond a predetermined angle. Thereby, the positions of the hooks 581, which are locked to the locking catches 561, are determined, such that the respirator cartridge 500 is mounted to the respiratory unit body 350 at the correct position.

[86] Furthermore, when the respirator cartridge 500 is mounted to the respiratory unit body 350, one surface of the respirator cartridge 500 pushes the elastic support unit, which is provided in the respiratory unit body 350, and thus moves the second sealing member 370, which has been in close contact with the support plate 353, to open the airflow holes in the support plate. Then, the gas mask enters a state in which air can be drawn into the gas mask.

[87] In contrast, when the respirator cartridge 500 is removed from the respiratory unit body, the second sealing member 370 is returned to the original position thereof by the elastic force of the spring, and is brought into close contact with the support plate 353 again, thus preventing the inflow of air.

[88] Because the first sealing member 330 contacts the support plate 353 such that it allows only the inflow of air and prevents the discharge of air, air discharged from the user is prevented from flowing towards the respirator cartridge 500.

[89] Furthermore, each hook 581 has an integral reverse movement prevention plate (not shown) to prevent the hook from being inserted into the corresponding locking catch in an incorrect direction. Therefore, the hooks 581 can always be inserted into the respective locking catches in the correct direction. Thus, when positioning the respirator cartridge, movement thereof can be minimized.

[90] The locking means 585 comprises stop pieces, which correspond to the stoppers 553 to prevent the hooks from being undesirably removed from the locking catches after the insertion of the hooks is completed. Therefore, after the insertion of the hooks into the locking catches is completed, they can be prevented from being undesirably moved backwards, thus making the coupling between the respirator cartridge and the respiratory unit reliable.

[91] Meanwhile, the locking means 585 is coupled to the second coupling part by the hinge 585c using the spring 585a interposed therebetween and has one end thereof the handle 585b. When the handle 585b is forcibly pushed, the stop pieces, which are the locking means, are removed from the stoppers 553, so that the respirator cartridge 500 enters a state of being rotatable in reverse. Thus, the respirator cartridge can be easily removed from the gas mask when it is necessary.

[92] The first and second coupling parts 560 and 580 are constructed such that the sealing member 570, made of rubber, is interposed therebetween, so that, when the first and second coupling parts 560 and 580 are coupled to each other, airtightness therebetween is ensured, thus preventing the inflow of outside contaminated air.

[93] As described above, when rotating the respirator cartridge 500 to couple it to the respiratory unit, the respirator cartridge 500 is positioned and is locked to the respiratory unit under the guidance of the locking means 585. Therefore, the respirator cartridge is prevented from being undesirably removed from the respiratory unit by external force, thus increasing the reliability of coupling. Furthermore, even if the respirator cartridge is replaced with a new one in a contaminated place, because the second sealing member 370 reliably seals the airflow holes 353a, contaminated air is prevented from being drawn into the gas mask. Therefore, the present invention is advantageous in that the replacement of the respirator cartridge can be conducted even when in a contaminated place.

Claims

[1] A respiratory unit for gas masks, the respiratory unit (300) being airtightly mounted to a mounting hole (110), which is formed at a predetermined position through a mask body (100), the respiratory unit comprising: a support plate (353) having a plurality of airflow holes (353a), the support plate being formed as a single body; a first sealing member provided on the support plate (353) to prevent air from being discharged outside through the airflow holes; and a second sealing member supported on and in close contact with the support plate using an elastic support unit to prevent discharge and inflow of air when a respirator cartridge is in a state of having been removed from the respiratory unit.

[2] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 1, wherein the elastic support unit (360) comprises a support boss (361) coupled to the second sealing member, the support boss being inserted into a support hole (353b) of the support plate so as to be movable, a spring (365) fitted over a circumferential outer surface of the support boss, the spring being supported at a first end thereof on one surface of the support plate (353), and an end coupling member (367) provided for supporting a second end of the spring, the elastic support unit constructed such that the elastic support unit is pushed by the respirator cartridge.

[3] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing member (330) is fitted into a seating recess (353c), which is formed in a central portion of the support plate (353).

[4] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 1, the respiratory unit

(300) being constructed based on a coupling between a coupling ring (310), which is tightly coupled around the mounting hole (110) to ensure airtightness between the mounting hole and a respiratory unit body (350), and the respiratory unit body (350), to which the respirator cartridge is mounted, wherein the coupling ring (310) is coupled to a cover member (400) having an opening (410) therein.

[5] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing member (370) has on a circumferential outer edge thereof a close contact member (373), which is made of a soft material and is in close contact with a close contact protrusion (353d), which protrudes from the support plate (353).

[6] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 1, wherein the mask body

(100) has a discharge unit (150) at a predetermined position, with a terminal device (130) disposed in the discharge unit to communicate with an outside, and a terminal cover (200) provided in the discharge unit to cover the terminal device. [7] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 6, wherein a mounting seat

(133), into which the terminal cover (200) is seated, is formed around the terminal device (130), and the terminal cover (200) comprises a sliding block (230) inserted into the mounting seat (133), with a depression (215) formed in the sliding block to cover the terminal device (130). [8] The respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 6, wherein the terminal cover has a support shaft protruding from the sliding block (230), the support shaft inserted into a guide slot (235), which is formed in the mounting seat in a heightwise direction of the mounting seat at a position corresponding to the support shaft. [9] A self- locking/unlocking device for a respirator cartridge mounted to a respiratory unit for gas masks, the respiratory unit (300) being airtightly mounted to a mounting hole (110), which is formed at a predetermined position through a mask body (100), the respiratory unit comprising: a) a support plate (353) having a plurality of airflow holes (353a), the support plate being formed into a single body, with a first sealing member provided on the support plate (353) to prevent air from being discharged outside through the airflow holes; and b) a second sealing member supported on and in close contact with the support plate using an elastic support unit to prevent discharge and inflow of air when a respirator cartridge is in a state of having been removed from the respiratory unit, the self-locking/unlocking device comprising: c) a first coupling part (560) and a second coupling part (580) respectively provided on corresponding surfaces of one selected from the respiratory unit body (350) and the respirator cartridge (500) and a remaining one thereof, such that the respiratory unit body and the respirator cartridge are coupled to each other using the first and second coupling parts.

[10] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein the first coupling part (560) comprises a plurality of locking catches (561) arranged along a circumferential line, and a stopper (553) provided at a predetermined position and oriented in a same direction as the circumferential line defined by the locking catches, and the second coupling part (580) has a structure corresponding to the first coupling part (560), and comprises hooks (581) corresponding to the respective locking catches (561), and a locking means (585) locked to the stopper (553) so as to be releasable.

[11] The self-locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 10, wherein the stopper (553) has an inclined surface (553a).

[12] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 10, wherein the locking means (585) is coupled to the second coupling part by a hinge (585c) using a spring (585a) interposed therebetween, and is releasably locked to the stopper.

[13] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein the respiratory unit body (350) comprises the first and second sealing members, wherein the first sealing member is mounted to the support plate (353) having the plurality of airflow holes (353a), the first sealing member covering the airflow holes, and the second sealing member (370) is coupled to the elastic support unit (360), which is elastically supported by the support plate, such that, when the respirator cartridge pushes the second sealing member, the second sealing member is moved, the second sealing member being disposed outside the first sealing member (330) to cover the first sealing member (330).

[14] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein a sealing member (570) made of rubber is interposed between the first and second coupling parts (560) and (580), so that, when the respirator cartridge is coupled to the respiratory unit, the first and second coupling parts tightly contact the sealing member, thus ensuring airtightness therebetween.

[15] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein the elastic support unit (360) comprises a support boss (361) coupled to the second sealing member, the support boss inserted into a support hole (353a) of the support plate so as to be movable, a spring (365) fitted over a circumferential outer surface of the support boss, the spring being supported at a first end thereof on one surface of the support plate (353), and an end coupling member (367) provided for supporting a second end of the spring, the elastic support unit being constructed such that the elastic support unit is pushed by the respirator cartridge.

[16] The self-locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein the respiratory unit body (350) has a coupling ring (310) on a predetermined portion thereof such that airtightness is maintained between the respiratory unit body and the mask body (100), the self -locking/unlocking device further comprising: a cover member (400) coupled to the coupling ring (310), the cover member having an opening (410) therein.

[17] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein the second sealing member (370) has on a circumferential outer edge thereof a close contact member (373), which is made of soft material and is in close contact with a close contact protrusion (353d), which protrudes from the support plate (353).

[18] The self -locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 9, wherein the mask body (100) has a discharge unit (150) at a predetermined position, with a terminal device (130) disposed in the discharge unit to communicate with an outside, and a terminal cover (200) provided in the discharge unit to cover the terminal device, a mounting seat (133), into which the terminal cover (200) is seated, is formed around the terminal device (130), and the terminal cover (200) comprises a sliding block (230) inserted into the mounting seat (133), with a depression (215) formed in the sliding block to cover the terminal device (130).

[19] The self-locking/unlocking device for the respirator cartridge mounted to the respiratory unit for gas masks according to claim 18, wherein the terminal cover has a support shaft protruding from the sliding block (230), the support shaft being inserted into a guide slot (235), which is formed in the mounting seat in a heightwise direction of the mounting seat at a position corresponding to the support shaft.