RESPIRATOR MASK WITH A FILTER

The disclosure relates to a respirator mask including a mask body and at least one filter for filtering a fluid (e.g. air) flowing through the mask and/or the mask body. The at least one filter may include one or more of: an Ultra-Violet (UV) filter and/or UV emitter, a filter fleece, and/or an electrical and/or electrostatic filter.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure is based on a respirator mask for respiratory protection of a mask wearer, with a mask body and at least one filter for filtering a fluid, such as air, flowing through the mask and/or the mask body.

Related Art

Filtering half masks are mask and filter in one. In the case of known half masks, usually the filter cannot be replaced. Rather, these half masks are disposed completely after use, or when the filter is exhausted. Half masks are usually relatively light and comfortable to wear and have a relatively large filter area and are relatively hygienic. On the downside, common half masks are overall somewhat more expensive to use compared to full masks and are usually not suitable for filtering gaseous pollutants. Half masks are often used as work protection, e.g. in the medical field to protect against infections, but also e.g. when working with dust, wood, fiberglass or concrete, comprise a mask body, usually made of rubber or silicone, and encompass the mouth and nose area of a mask wearer. One or two filter cartridges may be attached to the mask body in some embodiments.

A half mask of the type mentioned above is known from DE 40 17 336 C1. The known half mask has a half mask body with a sealing rim, which is inserted into a filter holder. In the mouth area, a filter is attached to the filter holder. The filter holder extends from the mouth area to the cheek area of the half-mask body and rests freely on the half-mask body. Inhalation takes place through an inhalation valve, and exhalation takes place through an exhalation valve buttoned into the half-mask body in the chin area. A strap is fastened in an eyelet of the filter holder, with which the half-mask can be fastened to the head of a device wearer.

In the known half mask, the tightness between the oral cavity and the environment is determined by the geometry and rigidity of the sealing rim, the resilience of the half mask body and the lateral support of the half mask body by the filter holder. A soft mask body or soft sealing rim increases the wearing comfort, but worsens the mechanical stability, while a high stiffness of the mask body or sealing rim is perceived as uncomfortable when wearing the half mask.

The filter holder, which rests against the half-mask body in the cheek area, only provides a certain lateral stabilization of the half-mask body, while there is no direct interaction between the filter holder and the sealing rim, which is decisive for the tightness of the half-mask.

A half mask known from GB-PS 761 263 consists of a flexible half mask body into which a filter holder with a filter is inserted in the mouth area. In the area of the sealing rim of the half-mask body, a wire filament is vulcanized into the mask body to give the sealing rim an appropriate rigidity. The wire filament can be roughly adapted to the facial contour of the mask wearer.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, in public mainly homemade everyday masks or medical hygiene masks, e.g., surgical masks or FFP masks (“filtering face piece” masks) of protection class FFP 1 or FFP 2 are worn. Particle-filtering half masks or FFP masks, depending on the design, protect against the inhalation of particles and aqueous or oily aerosols. They are mostly made entirely of nonwoven fabric with rubber straps and a formable nose clip to optimize the alignment to the face.

Standardized masks with CE marking can protect against respirable dusts and liquid mists within their respective area of application when used properly. In addition to the supporting filter material, they can comprise layers, e.g., with a meltblown fleece, with an electrostatic material. Small dust particles and liquid droplets can be bound in the filter by electrostatic forces. However, the electrostatic effect is lost very quickly due to exhaled humid air and dust accumulation. Tests have shown that after wearing the mask for two hours, the static charge is already lost, partly due to moisture that collects in the mask fabric. Even by drying the mask, e.g., in an oven, the mask function cannot be restored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the disclosure. The connections shown in the figures between functional units or other elements can also be implemented as indirect connections, wherein a connection can be wireless or wired. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

An object of the disclosure to provide a mask that overcomes these disadvantages and whose electrostatic filtering effect lasts longer. The filtering effect of the mask according to the disclosure can be improved.

The present disclosure is characterized in that the at least one filter comprises at least one or more of activated carbon, Ultra-Violet (UV) filter and/or UV emitter, filter fleece, electrical and/or electrostatic filter, membrane filter and/or particle filter. For example, it may be provided that the filter comprises an electrical and/or electrostatic filter. Additionally, the filter may comprise, for example, a filter fleece. Combinations of activated carbon, UV filter and/or UV emitter, filter fleece, electrical and/or electrostatic filter, membrane filter and/or particle filter may also be possible. The filter fleece may be a non-woven fabric. The filter fleece can be set up to filter pollutants and/or viruses from a fluid.

The mask may comprise at least one filter holder, wherein at least one filter may be received in the filter holder, wherein the filter holder may be and/or substantially arranged at least in the mouth region and/or in the nose region of a mask wearer in a donned state of the mask.

The filter can be detachably connected to the mask and/or the mask body, such as to the filter holder. This allows a filter to be replaced quickly, for example when the filter effect is too low due to use or in order to regenerate the filter.

The filter and/or the electrical filter and/or electrostatic filter may comprise a grid. The grid may comprise a metal, such as copper, brass, silver, gold and/or combinations thereof. The grid may also comprise corresponding alloys, for example an alloy comprising copper, brass, silver and/or gold. The grid may be or may get powered. The grid may be or become electrostatically charged. The grid may be or become electrostatically charged by a power supply.

The grid may be arranged between a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first and/or the second layer may comprise a fleece. The grid can be sandwiched between the two layers. The two layers may support and/or fix the grid. The fleece may be an or the filter fleece. The fleece may comprise a filtering effect.

The first and/or the second layer may be or comprise a meltblown fleece. The meltblown fleece may comprise a plastic, such as polypropylene. The filter fleece may be or comprise a meltblown fleece.

The filter may comprise a molecular sieve. The molecular sieve can comprise zeolites or activated carbon. The molecular sieve may be arranged in front of or behind the grid in the direction of flow through the filter. The molecular sieve may be supported, held, or enclosed by the first, second, or a further layer.

The UV emitter can be arranged in the filter in such a way that an or the filter fleece can be illuminated by the UV emitter. This way pollutants or viruses present or filtered on or in the filter fleece can be deactivated or decomposed by the UV light. The filter fleece can be or become disinfected by illumination with the UV emitter. This can increase the reusability of the mask. The filter fleece may have a fluorescent substance with which the filter fleece is impregnated. The fluorescent material may be adapted to be activated by the UV emitter. The emitted wavelength of the fluorescent material may be 250-400 nm, which has been shown to be harmful to many viruses.

The mask and/or filter may include an energy storage, such as a replaceable battery, and a controller. The energy storage may be connected to the electrical filter and/or electrostatic filter and/or the grid for power supply, wherein the controller may be arranged to control or regulate the power supply. For example, the controller may activate or deactivate a power supply of the grid. Alternatively, or additionally, the energy storage may be connected to the UV emitter for power supply, wherein the controller may be adapted to control or actuate the UV emitter.

The mask and/or filter may comprise a solar cell that may be connected to the energy storage and/or the controller. The energy storage can be chargeable by the solar cell.

The mask and/or the filter can comprise a flow sensor that can be adapted to detect fluid to be filtered flowing in through the mask and/or the filter and/or fluid flowing out of the mask and/or the filter.

The flow sensor may be connected to an or the controller so that upon detection of fluid flowing through the mask and/or filter, such as fluid flowing in and/or out, the controller may control the power supply to the grid and/or the electrical filter. Alternatively, or additionally, when detecting fluid flowing through the mask and/or filter, such as fluid flowing in and/or out, the controller can control the UV emitter so that the filter fleece can be or get illuminated by the UV emitter.

The flow sensor can comprise a pivot plate and a contact, which is pivotable about an axis of rotation into a flow-through position when flow passes through the filter, such that in the flow-through position the pivot plate can contact the contact. If the contact is contacted by the pivot plate, it may be provided that the flow sensor transmits a signal to the controller that indicates a flow-through. The flow-through may be or comprise a flow of a fluid into the filter or mask. It may be provided that the flow sensor comprises a second contact arranged in such a way that it is contacted by the pivot plate in the event of a flow-through of the filter in the opposite direction (e.g., a flow out). In this way, the flow sensor can easily detect different flow directions and communicate them to the controller.

The mask and/or the mask body may at least sectionally comprise a superabsorber. The superabsorber may form at least part of the mask body. The superabsorber may be adapted to absorb liquid.

The superabsorber can be arranged, on or in an inner side of the mask, in such a way that moisture located inside the mask in a donned state of the mask can be absorbed or can be absorbable by the superabsorber. The superabsorber can be arranged, for example, at those points on the inner side of the mask where condensate collects and/or exhaled air preferentially condenses when the mask is put on. For example, the superabsorber may be arranged in an area that may be at, near, or close to an area of the mouth or nose in a donned state of the mask.

The mask can comprise an oxygen generator, whereby the oxygen generator can be fluidically connected to an oxygen admixing unit (oxygen admixer), which can be adapted to enrich fluid flowing through the mask with oxygen. It may be provided that the mask comprises a plurality of oxygen generators, for example in order to be able to provide oxygen continuously. If the oxygen generators need to be regenerated, the plurality of oxygen generators may be controlled or operated cyclically in such a way that when at least one oxygen generator is regenerated, at least one of the remaining oxygen generators does not regenerate respectively does provide oxygen. For example, if one of the oxygen generators is regenerated, the remaining oxygen generator(s) may provide oxygen.

The oxygen generator may be adapted to provide or generate oxygen by means of a pressure swing adsorption process or electrolysis. The oxygen generator may be suitably designed, dimensioned and/or constructed.

The filter can be fluidically connected to the oxygen-admixing unit such that air entering the mask is filtered by the filter and supplied to the oxygen-admixing unit. Depending on the mode of operation of the oxygen generator, alternatively or additionally, an or the filter can be fluidically connected upstream of the oxygen generator, for example if the oxygen generator generates oxygen from air.

FIGS.1and2show an embodiment of a mask1000according to the disclosure. The mask1000may be a half mask. The mask1000comprises a mask body1.FIG.1shows a mask wearer1001with an embodiment of the mask1000in a donned state.FIG.2shows the embodiment of the mask1000ofFIG.1in a state before donning by the mask wearer1001or in a discarded state. The mask1000may be made of or comprise a material that is washable, for example washable in a washing machine, and/or disinfectable. The mask1000may made of or comprise a material that is biodegradable or recyclable.

The material may be or comprise a soft plastic with shore hardness of 20-80. The mask1000or mask body1may comprise different zones, for example first zone2, reinforced zone8and/or flexible zone10, with different material thickness or shore hardness, so that a good fitting and/or a good fit of the mask1000on the face of the mask wearer1001in the donned state can be achieved. The material may comprise a memory effect, particularly with respect to its shape. The material of the mask1000may conform to the face of the mask wearer1001when worn. It may be provided to perform a curing of the mask1000by UV radiation.

As shown inFIG.2, the mask1000may have a butterfly shape in its discarded state and/or original state. The mask1000may have a suitable cutout, for example a V-shaped cutout1002inFIG.2. However, other shapes of the mask1000are conceivable. In its discarded state and/or original state, the mask1000may have substantially a two-dimensional shape. In the donned state, see for exampleFIG.1, or when the mask1000is put on, the two wings of the butterfly shape may be connected to each other, resulting in a three-dimensional shape of the mask1000as shown inFIG.1. The three-dimensional shape of the mask1000may be substantially shaped such that it substantially corresponds to a face shape or head shape of a mask wearer1001. Thus, the mask1000may fit particularly tightly against the face of the user1001. The left “wing” of the mask1000may correspond to a left half of the mask. The right “wing” of the mask1000may correspond to a right half of the mask. In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, the left and right mask halves are integrally formed with each other. However, it may also be provided that, when the mask1000is in the discarded state, the mask1000may comprise a plurality of mask parts1000that are separate from each other or at least partially connected to each other. The connection of the respective mask parts may then take place when and/or before the mask1000is put on. In at least one embodiment, the connection of the mask halves may be accomplished via a closure4. In an embodiment not shown, the closure4may be or comprise a zipper.

The mask1000comprises a mask body1. The mask body1may be multilayered. The mask body1may be made of or comprise one or more thermoplastic materials. The mask body1may be manufactured by a thermoforming process or by an injection molding process. The mask body1may be made of or comprise plastics, silicones, and/or fabrics or a combination thereof. If the mask body1is multilayered, each layer may be made of or comprise one or more plastics, silicones and/or fabrics or a combination thereof and one, more or all layers may be made of or comprise the same or different material.

The mask body1can be foamed in a mold. The foamed material can contain additives that have an antibacterial effect, e.g., silver ions. The mask body1can serve as a holder for filter elements and/or itself be a filter and/or comprise a filter function. The material of the mask body1may be porous. By certain folding techniques and cuts, a three-dimensional mask body1can be created from a two-dimensional mask body1.

The mask body1may made of or comprise one or more zones, e.g., first zone2, flexible zone10. The Shore hardness of different zones2,8,10may be different or the same. The zones2,8,10may comprise different material thickness. The zones2,8,10may comprise different materials. It can be provided that in the first zone2the mask1000or the mask body1can be cut, for example, with scissors.

The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise a shaper3. The shaper3may be made of or comprise a pliable material. The shaper3may be made of or comprise a plastic, a metal, or a metal alloy. The shaper3may retain its shape and serve to adapt the mask1000to the anatomical shape of a user. It may be provided that the shaper3is deformable by bending so that the shape of the mask1000is adaptable to a facial shape of a mask wearer1001. The shaper3may also at least partially be made of or comprise a plastic material that can be cured by UV light. Alternatively, or additionally, the mask1000and/or the mask body1may at least partially be made of or comprise a plastic that can be cured by UV light. If the shaper3and/or the mask1000and/or the mask body1comprises such a plastic, an unused mask1000can be stored and/or delivered in a light-tight, black cover.

The mask body1can have a substantially circumferential support means at least in the cheek area and in the nose area, which can be designed in the cheek area as a first shoulder as a stop for a first end face of a filter holder6. In the nose region, the support means may be designed as a second shoulder as a stop for a second end face of the filter holder6. The end faces and the shoulders may be engaged by a strap1003in a manner supporting a sealing rim when the mask is in place. The support means may be or comprise the shaper3. It may also be provided that the support means is of a multi-part design. It is also conceivable that the support means is subsequently attached and/or fastened to the mask body1.

The mask1000or mask body1may comprise an at least partially circumferential sealing rim. The sealing rim can be arranged at and/or along the edge of the mask body1. The mask body1may be stiffened by the support means in the region of the sealing rim. For example, the support means may be engaged, e.g., substantially circumferentially, on the mask body1with the end faces of the fixed filter holder6in a donned state of the mask1000due to the pull of the strap. The sealing rim or the mask body1can therefore be made of particularly flexible material, for example a flexible elastomer, since the support of the sealing rim can be provided by the filter holder6resting against the support means. By attaching a support means to the mask body1in a defined manner, it may also be possible to adjust the stiffness of the sealing rim in the respective area of the mask body1. The stiffness can be influenced, for example, by changing the distance between the support means and the sealing rim, or by a specific geometry of the support means in interaction with the end face of the filter holder6. Between the support means and the associated end faces of the filter holder6, one or more adhesive layers can expediently be present, by means of which the sealing rim of the mask body1can be additionally fixed in and/or on the filter holder6, for example if the pull of the strap1003is not yet fully effective when the mask1000is put on.

The mask1000and/or the mask body1can comprise at least one filter holder6. The filter holder6may be connected to the mask1000and/or the mask body1. The filter holder6may be integrally formed with the mask1000and/or mask body1. The filter holder6may also be retrofittable, i.e., be subsequently connected to the mask1000or mask body1. The filter holder6may be or comprise a filter chamber. The filter holder6may serve to hold one or more, possibly different, filters. For example, one or more filter mats may be received in the filter holder6. The filter holder6may have an outer grid structure. The outer grid structure may be of such a fine mesh that the filter holder6can be used as a pre-filter. The filter holder6may also be formed as a chamber with a closure. The chamber may receive filters and/or substances in loose form, for example granules, gel beads, fibers, silica, zeolite. The filter may comprise at least one or more of membrane, particle filter, UV filter, biofilter, air filter, gas filter, activated carbon filter, electrostatic filter, electro filter, cyclonic filter, liquid filter, oil-impregnated filter, bag filter, or the like, individually or in combination.

The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise one or more filter holders6, which may be arranged symmetrically, for example. If the mask1000comprises, for example, two mask halves or several mask parts, it can be provided that one or both mask halves or one or more of the mask parts each have a filter holder6.

Special embodiments of the filter holder6may be or comprise a first filter holder6for a filter with a screw thread and/or a second filter holder6for a respiratory filter with a round thread. The first filter holder6and the second filter holder6or embodiments thereof may differ, for example, only in the specific connection of the respective types of filters. The filters can be attached directly to or in the connection opening of the filter holder6.

The support means may be configured in the cheek region of the mask body1as a substantially circumferential first shoulder as a stop for a first end face of the filter holder. When the mask1000is placed against the face of the mask wearer1001with the strap, the support of the sealing rim in the cheek region may be provided by the first shoulder, in that the first end face of the filter holder6may abut the first shoulder due to the pull of the strap1003. The support means in the nose region may be configured as a substantially circumferential second shoulder, which may be bead-shaped, for example, and may abut directly against a second end face of the filter holder6. In the nose region of the mask body1, an additional, e.g., bellows-shaped, deformation zone may be provided for adapting the mask body1to the nose region of the mask wearer1001.

In a practical manner, the first shoulder can be designed as an inclined, funnel-shaped surface in the transition area between the sealing rim and the mask body1. In the region of the first shoulder, the first end face of the filter holder6can be designed to correspond to the shoulder, e.g., the inclined funnel-shaped surface.

In the chin region, the mask body1can comprise a support lip facing the filter holder as a support means. The support lip can be supported against a third end face of the filter holder6. The support lip can essentially provide support for the mask body in the chin region in the radial direction.

The filter holder6can be designed in such a way that it at least partially surrounds and/or covers and/or overlaps the nose region, the cheek region and the chin region of the mask body1, see for example the embodiment of the mask1000shown inFIG.1. The filter holder6can be designed in one piece. The filter holder6may thus be or comprise an outer, stabilizing and supporting shell for the mask body1, which may be non-rigid. The filter holder6may be substantially cylindrical in shape. This may enable the filter holder6to be manufactured as a molded part in a particularly cost-effective manner However, the filter holder6can also comprise other geometric shapes, e.g., a polygonal or honeycomb-like shape as shown inFIG.2.

The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise a mounting interface7for fastening a fastening band or strap. The fastening band may be at least partially flexible and/or stretchable and/or elastic. The fastening band may be or comprise a cord.

The mask body1and/or the mask1000may at least partially be made of or comprise solid material, for example in a reinforced zone8. The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise a flexible zone10, wherein the flexible zone10may be held in shape in a stabilized manner and/or be fixed by the reinforced zone8. The filter holder6may be arranged in the region of the reinforced zone8. The mask body1may also comprise a plurality of reinforced zones8, which may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry of the mask1000, for example. By the fact that the mask body1or the mask1000may comprise at least one or more reinforced zones8and flexible zones10, the mask1000may comprise a high stability and/or a good and tight fit of the mask1000on the face of a user1001may be ensured, with at the same time high wearing comfort.

As described, the mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise a flexible zone10. This may ensure that the mask1000has a better seal in areas that are deformed during speech. The flexible zone10may, for example, be hollow and/or inflatable to provide an even better adaptation to the deformations of the mask1000and/or the mask body1caused by speaking.

The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise at least one inflatable cavity. The inflatable cavity may, for example, be located at the edge and/or along the frame of the mask and/or mask body1. The sealing rim may be or comprise the inflatable cavity. Alternatively, or additionally to the sealing rim, however, the inflatable cavity may also be provided. By suitably filling or discharging the cavity with a fluid, for example air, gas and/or liquid, the mask1000can be individually adapted to the facial shape of the user1001in the donned state. The mask1000may be adapted to this purpose, for example comprise suitable valves. If the mask1000and/or the mass body1comprises more than one cavity, the cavities may be fluidically separated from each other and/or filled separately. However, it may also be provided that some cavities are fluidically connected to each other. In one embodiment, the mask1000can for example be connected to a compressed air cartridge via a suitable connecting element for filling the at least one cavity.

FIGS.3A and3Bshow further embodiments of a mask1000. The embodiments of a mask1000shown inFIGS.3A and3Bdo not comprise a cutout1002and do not comprise a closure4. The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise one or more reinforcement zones51. The reinforcement zone may be arranged, for example, symmetrically and/or centrally with respect to the mask1000. The reinforcement zone51may be made of or comprise a memory plastic that may be adapted, for example, to memorize an anatomical shape. One or more zones of the mask1000and/or the mask body1, e.g., the reinforcement zone51, first zone2, reinforced zone8, and/or flexible zone10, may comprise or be made of an electrically conductive plastic such that application of voltage may cause the corresponding zone to change its strength and/or shape.

The mask1000may comprise a holder52for elastic bands1003or the like. The holder52may be pivotable. The holder52may be arranged and/or attached to the mask body1. A mask attachment53may be placed on the filter holder6and/or the filter chamber6, as shown inFIG.3A. The mounting interface7may be or comprise the holder52.

The mask attachment53may comprise a flexible connecting element54. For example, if the mask attachment53has two or more slip-on attachments1005, they may be connected to each other by the flexible connecting element54. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, the flexible connecting element54connects for example a right slip-on attachment1005and a left slip-on attachment1005. The flexible connecting element54may serve as a shaper and/or may be deformable. For example, the flexible connecting element54may be made of or comprise a bendable plastic. The mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise connecting elements complementary to the slip-on attachment, such that the mask attachment53may be attached to the mask1000and/or the mask body. The corresponding attachment may be releasable. The slip-on attachment1005may be or comprise a mask attachment filter chamber.

For example, the slip-on attachment1005may comprise one or more filters. The filter may be or comprise a filter100described below with reference toFIGS.4to6. The slip-on attachment1005may comprise an oxygen generator122described below. It may alternatively or additionally be provided that the slip-on attachment provides further functions, e.g., headphones, microphone, radio interface, energy storage, or the like.

FIG.4shows an embodiment of a filter100. The filter100may be adapted to be received in the filter holder6or to be inserted into the filter holder6. However, it can also be provided that the filter100can be slipped onto the filter holder6. The filter100may be detachably connected to the filter holder6and/or the mask1000and/or mask body1.

The filter100may comprise a UV emitter106, such as a UV-C LED. The filter may comprise a filter fleece capable of filtering viruses and/or contaminants from a fluid flowing through the filter. The UV emitter106may be arranged in the filter100such that it can irradiate the filter fleece. Irradiating the filter fleece with the UV emitter106may disinfect the filter fleece and/or deactivate or decompose contaminants and/or viruses located in or on the filter fleece. The UV emitter can emit, for example, UV-C light with a wavelength of 100-280 nm. With the UV-C light, for example, biogenic substances or viruses can be decomposed.

The filter100may comprise a grid108. The electrical filter and/or electrostatic filter may comprise the grid108. The grid108may comprise a metal, such as copper, brass, silver, gold, corresponding alloys, and/or combinations thereof. The grid may be or become electrically or electrostatically charged. An electrostatic charge of the grid may comprise a charge separation. With the charge of the grid, particles, contaminants, or viruses present in the fluid flowing through the filter or grid can be separated or held to the grid by Coulomb, dipole, or mirror charge forces. It may be provided that the grid is electrostatically charged during filter manufacture. Alternatively, or additionally, it may be provided that the filter or the grid is electrostatically charged, or brought to a reference charge, at predetermined time intervals or according to other rules, e.g. when an air flow is detected through the filter. This can prevent or reduce a reduction of the charge during operation or a reduction of the filter effect.

The mesh108may be arranged between a first layer118and a second layer117. The first layer118and/or the second layer117may be or comprise an or the filter fleece.

The filter fleece, the first layer118and/or the second layer117may be or comprise a meltblown fleece. The meltblown fleece may be or comprise a plastic, such as polypropylene (PP). However, the filter fleece, the first layer118and/or the second layer117may also be or comprise, for example, a polyester, polyamide (PA), PES, PET or combinations thereof. By embedding the grid108between the first layer118and the second layer117, respectively the first and/or second layer arranged at the grid108, the electrostatic charge may last longer respectively the grid108may remain electrostatically charged longer. The first layer118and/or the second layer117may mechanically stabilize or fix the grid108. The first layer118and/or the second layer117and/or the filter fleece may comprise a metal powder. Due to the metal powder the first layer118and/or the second layer117and/or the filter fleece may be electrically conductive. It may also be provided to illuminate the first layer118, the second layer117and/or the filter fleece with the UV emitter106. The UV emitter may be arranged accordingly. For example, the UV emitter may be arranged between the first layer118and the grid108or the second layer117and the grid108. However, it may also be provided, for example, that a first UV emitter may illuminate the first layer118and a second UV emitter may illuminate the second layer117; the first UV emitter and/or the second UV emitter may be arranged outside the filter100and/or the sandwich structure of the first layer118, the grid108and the second layer117.

In the production of the meltblown fleece, the plastic, e.g., polypropylene (PP), can first be melted until it can have approximately the consistency of liquid honey. Trough tiny nozzles subsequently a thin filament is formed that can be blown onto a micro-sieve or the grid108. Thus, the first layer118can be formed. In an equivalent manner, the second layer117can be formed on the other side of the grid108. A consistent electrostatic voltage can be generated by the embedded metallic grid sieve108.

The filter100may comprise a molecular sieve115. The molecular sieve115may comprise or be made of activated carbon, carbons, and/or zeolites. The molecular sieve115may filter contaminants and/or viruses from the fluid flowing through the filter. For example, the molecular sieve115may be received or arranged in a receptacle formed by a layer114, which may be fleece fabric. The molecular sieve115may alternatively or additionally be received or arranged in the filter between two layers of fleece fabric, e.g., the first layer118and the second layer117.

The filter100may comprise a controller111. The controller111may be or include a microprocessor or the like. The controller111may be connected to the grid108. The controller111may be adapted to cause and/or initiate a charge separation of the grid108, such that the grid108may be electrostatically charged at the instigation of the controller111. Alternatively, or additionally, it can be provided that the controller111controls and/or regulates a power supply to the grid108. For example, when in case of a flow through the filter100, the controller111may let current flow through the grid108so that the grid108may act as an electrical filter.

Alternatively, or additionally, the controller111may be connected to the UV emitter106. The controller111may be adapted to control and/or actuate, or turn on or turn off, the UV emitter106.

The filter100may comprise an energy storage device109. The energy storage device109may be received in an energy storage receptacle107. Alternatively, or additionally, the mask1000and/or the mask body1may comprise an or the energy storage device109. The energy storage device109may be or comprise a battery or an accumulator. The energy storage device109may be connected to the controller, the grid108, and/or the UV-C emitter106, and/or may provide power or electrical energy to one, more, or all of them. Alternatively, or additionally, the filter100may comprise a capacitor120that may be connected to the energy storage device109. The capacitor120may be connected to the grid108and/or be configured to provide power to the grid108and/or serve to electrostatically charge the grid108.

The filter100and/or the mask1000may comprise a data storage (memory)110. The data storage10may be connected to the controller111such that the controller111may store data in or retrieve data from the data storage110. The data may be, for example, control or regulation data, e.g., for controlling the UV emitter106or the grid108. The data may also comprise, for example, information regarding a breathing rate, aerosols in the exhaled air, a composition of saliva or the like.

The filter100and/or the mask1000may comprise a telecommunications module (transceiver)112. The telecommunications module112may be, for example, a radio interface. The telecommunications interface112may be configured to wirelessly receive data from or transmit data to external devices. The telecommunication module112may be connected to the data storage110and/or the controller111such that data may be exchanged between the telecommunication module112and data storage110and/or controller111.

The filter100and/or mask1000may comprise an interface113, for example a USB port for connecting a data transfer cable. The interface113may be configured to receive data from or transmit data to external devices via a cable. The interface113may be connected to the data storage110and/or the controller111such that data may be exchanged between the interface113and the data storage110and/or controller111. Via the telecommunications module112and/or the interface113for example, control data may be communicated to the controller111. The control data can specify or modify a control or regulation of the controller111.

The filter100may comprise a sensor101,119. The sensor101,119may be configured to detect aerosols or smoke, for example, in an environment of the mask and/or in the fluid flowing through the filter. For example, the sensor101,119may be or comprise a temperature sensor or an ionization smoke detector, or measure heat, temperature, humidity, pressure, sound field quantities, brightness, accelerations, pH values, ionic strength, electrochemical potential, and/or material characteristics. The filter may comprise a fire alarm103. The sensor101,119may be a flow sensor and/or be configured to detect a through flow. For example, the sensor101,119may be arranged at, near, or fluidically upstream of the grid108, the UV emitter106, between the first layer118and the second layer117, and/or the filter fleece. The sensor101,119may be connected to the controller111and/or the data storage110so that data measured by the sensor can be transmitted to the controller111and/or the data storage110.

The filter100may comprise a solar cell104. It may also be provided that alternatively or additionally the mask1000and/or the mask body1comprises an or the solar cell104. The solar cell104may convert radiant energy, such as sunlight, into electrical energy. The solar cell104may be connected to the energy storage109or the energy storage receptacle107, such that the energy storage109may be charged by the solar cell104.

The filter100may comprise a holder105. The holder105may be or comprise a frame or the like. The holder105may surround or enclose the filter100and stiffen the filter100.

The filter100may comprise an actuating element102with which the controller111and/or functions of the filter and/or mask may be turned on and off. The actuating element102may be or comprise a button, a slider, a knob or the like.

FIG.5shows an embodiment of a mask1000. The mask1000and/or the mask body1can at least sectionally comprise a superabsorber. The superabsorber may be adapted to absorb liquid, for example condensate of exhaled air. Superabsorbers can absorb many times their own weight of polar liquids, for example water or aqueous solutions. When the liquid is absorbed, the superabsorbent swells and forms a hydrogel, whereby the sum of the volume of the liquid and the volume of the dry superabsorber remains the same.

The superabsorber may form at least a portion121of the mask body1. The superabsorber can be arranged on an inner side of the mask. The inner side may mean the side facing a face of a mask wearer1001when the mask is put on. For example, the superabsorber may be arranged at a location where condensate collects or exhaled air condensates. For example, the superabsorber may be arranged in an area that may be at, near, or close to a mouth or nose region of the mask1000and/or mask wearer1in a donned state of the mask. The superabsorber may comprise a polymer, polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, amylopectin, gelatin, cellulose, and/or activated carbon, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, the superabsorbent may comprise a molecular sieve, e.g., comprising zeolites. The molecular sieve may have, for example, a pore width of 3 Å. At this pore width, the molecular sieve can adsorb e.g., NH3 or H2O and/or be suitable for drying polar solvents. Alternatively, or additionally, the molecular sieve may have, for example, a pore width of 4 Å. At this pore width, the molecular sieve can adsorb e.g., H2O, CO2, SO2, H2S, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, EtOH. Does not adsorb C3H8 and higher hydrocarbons and/or be suitable for drying apolar solvents and gases. Alternatively, or additionally, the molecular sieve may have, for example, a pore width of 5 Å. At this pore width, the molecular sieve can adsorb, for example, normal (linear) hydrocarbons up to n-C4H10, alcohols up to C4H9OH, mercaptans up to C4H9SH. Alternatively or additionally, the molecular sieve can have e.g., a pore width of 8 Å. At this pore width, the molecular sieve may adsorb, for example, branched hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds and/or be suitable for drying gases. Alternatively, or additionally, the molecular sieve may have, for example, a pore width of 10 Å. At this pore width, the molecular sieve can adsorb e.g., di-n-butylamine and/or be suitable for drying HMPT.

With the superabsorber moisture inside the mask can be reduced or completely prevented, so that the filter effect can be or is increased. For example, the electrostatic charge of the filter100can be maintained for longer because liquid and moisture are absorbed by the superabsorber. In addition, by reducing the moisture inside the mask, the wearing comfort can be or can get improved.

The mask1000may comprise one or more oxygen generators122. With the oxygen generator122oxygen can be added to the fluid or air supplied to the mask wearer, or to the fluid or air flowing through the filter100and/or the mask1000. If the mask1000comprises multiple oxygen generators122, these can be fluidically connected to each other by means of one or more lines23.

It can be provided to first pass the air supplied to the oxygen generator through a filter system to remove microorganisms and dust.

The oxygen generator122may generate oxygen using a pressure swing adsorption process. In one embodiment, special porous materials (e.g., zeolites or activated carbon) may be used as adsorbents. The separation effect can be achieved by means of different principles. In a first variant, the separation may occur due to, for example, an equilibrium adsorption. In a second variant, the separation can occur due to, for example, a molecular sieve effect. In the first case, one of the components to be separated may be more strongly adsorbed than another, whereby an enrichment of the more poorly adsorbed component in the gas phase may take place. In the second case, certain molecules can penetrate the porous structure of the adsorbent more quickly. If a gas mixture now flows through the adsorbent in a reactor bed, the component that penetrates the pores more poorly takes less time to flow past, hence reach the exit of the reactor bed sooner. This allows oxygen to be extracted from air supplied to the oxygen generator122.

The oxygen generator122may be fluidically connected to an oxygen-admixing unit (not shown in the figures). The oxygen admixing unit may be fluidically connected to the filter100. The oxygen admixing unit may be configured to mix the oxygen generated by the oxygen generator to the air filtered by the filter100. The mixed air with the admixed oxygen can subsequently be driven out by the oxygen admixing unit from the mask1000towards the inside of the mask, i.e., supplied to the mask wearer1001when the mask1000is put on. In this case, it may be provided to also filter the air supplied to the oxygen generator, in particular to filter out pollutants and/or viruses with a further filter, e.g., a further filter100.

However, it may also be provided that the oxygen admixing unit admixes the oxygen generated by the oxygen generator122to an ambient air that may for example flow into the oxygen admixing unit unfiltered, respectively enriches it with oxygen. In this case, it may be provided that the oxygen admixing unit is fluidically connected to the filter100so that the filter100filters the admixed air, e.g., viruses and/or pollutants. The admixed air filtered by the filter100can then be driven out by the oxygen admixing unit from the mask1000to the inside of the mask, i.e., supplied to the mask wearer1001when the mask1000is put on.

The oxygen generator122and/or its adsorbent must be regenerated from time to time, e.g., by driving out the adhering nitrogen. It may therefore be provided that the mask1000comprises a plurality of oxygen generators which alternately generate oxygen and are regenerated. In particular, it may be provided that always at least one oxygen generator122generates oxygen while at least one other oxygen generator122is regenerated.

Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the oxygen generators122may obtain oxygen by electrolysis. The electrolysis may be a water electrolysis, in which water may be separated into hydrogen and oxygen. For this purpose, the oxygen generator122may have two electrodes respectively a cathode125and an anode126. By applying electrical energy, the water can be separated into hydrogen and oxygen.

The oxygen generator122may be connected to and powered by the energy storage109. The oxygen generator122can be connected to the controller111and can be controlled by it or receive control commands from it.

The oxygen generator122may comprise a sleeve124. The sleeve124may be, for example, a fine mesh fabric sleeve. For example, the sleeve may be or comprise a microporous membrane of polytetrafluoroethylene.

The oxygen generator122may comprise a foil127, which may be a semi-permeable foil and may prevent penetration into the interior of the mask. Through a supply line128, a fluid, such as water, may be guided into the oxygen generator122. The fluid may be or comprise, for example, condensate of exhaled air.

It may be provided that the filter100and/or the mask1000comprises a pump129for cleaning, for example, the filter100, the grid108, the first layer118, the second layer117, the filter fleece, the oxygen generator122and/or the oxygen admixing unit. The pump129may be arranged and/or fluidically connected accordingly.

It may be provided that the filter100and/or the mask1000comprises a compressor130. The compressor130can, for example, support the build-up of pressure inside the mask during exhalation and/or support the pressure swing adsorption process.

FIG.6shows an embodiment of a mask1000with a filter100described with reference toFIG.4. The filter100and/or the mask1000may comprise a flow sensor150. The sensor101,119may be or comprise the flow sensor150. The flow sensor may be arranged fluidically upstream of the filter100and/or the grid108or the filter fleece. The arrangement of the flow sensor150shown inFIG.6is merely exemplary. In the example embodiment shown inFIG.6, for example, air may flow through the flow sensor150and be directed into the filter100through a line not shown in the figure. However, it may also be provided that the flow sensor150is arranged on, in, or near the filter100and/or the filter holder6. For example, it may be provided that a fluid, such as air, flows directly from the environment into the filter100and/or the filter holder6. The flow sensor150may be configured to detect a flow through the filter100. The flow sensor may be configured to measure a flow velocity. The flow sensor150may be connected to the controller111so that measured values, signals, or data may be transmitted from the flow sensor150to the controller111. The flow sensor may be fluidically connected to the filter100and/or the oxygen generator122, such that fluid flowing through the flow sensor150flows from the flow sensor150into the filter100and/or the oxygen generator122. The flow sensor150may be open to an environment of the mask1000, such that fluid or air from the environment may flow into the flow sensor150. The flow sensor150may be arranged on an outer side of the mask1000. In the donned state of the mask, the outer side may correspond to the side facing away from the face of the mask wearer respectively the side opposite the inner side.

In one embodiment, the flow sensor150may include a pivot plate136pivotable about a rotation axis137. The flow sensor150may have a contact point131, a contact switch133, a contact transmitter134, and/or a contact receiver135. If a fluid flows through the flow sensor150, see for example streamline132, the pivot plate136may be or become pivoted about the rotation axis137. In a rest position, in which the flow sensor150does not have fluid flowing through it, it may be provided that the pivot plate136contacts the contact point131. For this purpose, the pivot plate may comprise, for example, a contact transmitter134that may contact the contact point131, for example, in the rest position. When the contact point131is contacted, the flow sensor150may communicate a non-flow-through to the controller111. For example, a corresponding non-flow-through signal, such as a voltage or the like, may be communicated or applied to the controller111via the closed contact point131. If the flow sensor150is flowed through, the pivot plate may be or become pivoted to a flow-through position in which the contact point131no longer is or gets contacted. In this case, the flow sensor150may communicate a flow-through to the controller111. It may be provided that the flow sensor150communicates a flow-through signal to the controller111. Alternatively, or additionally, it may be provided that the non-throughflow signal is not or does not get communicated to the controller111, and/or the controller111may conclude a throughflow of the flow sensor150from the non-throughflow signal that is no longer communicated. Alternatively, or additionally, the flow sensor150may comprise one or more contact taker135arranged in such a way that the contact taker135may be or become contacted by the pivot plate136and/or the contact transmitter134in the flow-through position. However, the pivot plate136, the contact switch133, the contact point131and/or the contact taker135can also be arranged in such a way that the pivot plate136and/or the contact giver134can contact the contact taker135and/or cannot contact the contact point131in the rest position, and correspondingly cannot contact the contact taker135and/or contact the contact point131in the flow-through position. The flow direction through the flow sensor150may be suitably guided for this purpose.

However, other flow sensors are also conceivable or usable.

In one embodiment, the controller111may be configured to, upon a detected flow-through of the flow sensor150, electrically switch or connect the solar cell104to the grid108and/or the UV emitter106, or to close a corresponding switch or activate a switching element accordingly. The controller111may measure or detect the amount of energy provided by the solar cell104. If the solar cell104does not provide sufficient electrical energy, the controller111may electrically switch the energy storage109with the grid108and/or the UV emitter106so that the grid108and/or the UV emitter106are powered by the energy storage109. A sensor144may be provided that can measure the voltage or static charge applied to the grid108and/or UV emitter106and communicate it to the controller111. If the voltage and/or static charge is too low, the controller111may electrically switch the capacitor120with the grid108. However, the controller is not limited to the actuation described herein. It can be provided that with each breath the grid108is supplied with electrical power and/or a voltage is applied.

It may be provided that the solar cell104can only charge the energy storage109and/or the capacitor120and is not used to directly power the grid108and/or the UV emitter106.

Alternatively, or additionally, it may be provided that the grid108and/or the UV emitter106is supplied with electric current or voltage only at predetermined, e.g. fixed, time intervals for a predetermined duration. The controller111may be suitably configured for this purpose respectively switch or control suitably. The time interval and/or duration may depend on the voltage measured by the sensor144. It is apparent that other controls are possible.

The features disclosed in the description, figures and claims may be essential to the disclosure individually or in any combination.

To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present disclosure, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present disclosure is described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art on the basis of the embodiments in the present disclosure without any creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, etc. in the description, claims and abovementioned drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish between similar objects, but not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that data used in this way can be interchanged as appropriate so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described here can be implemented in an order other than those shown or described here. In addition, the terms “comprise” and “have” and any variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or equipment comprising a series of steps or modules or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or modules or units which are clearly listed, but may comprise other steps or modules or units which are not clearly listed or are intrinsic to such processes, methods, products or equipment.

Reference List

121mask body portion

1002cut out