Patent Description:
The mask may be defined as a hygiene product that can cover the user's nose and mouth so that harmful substances including germs and dust contained in the air are filtered when the user breathes in and so that spreading of the virus or bad breath emitted when the user exhales to surrounding people can be minimized.

Recently, as a virus that is highly spreadable and highly contagious has spread, it is recommended that individuals wear a mask and go out for safety in order to minimize transmission.

Currently, various types and forms of masks are on the market, and in particular, in order to minimize harmful substances contained in the air from introducing into the mask wearer's respiratory tract directly, many masks equipped with a filter module are being sold.

In addition, in order to facilitate the flow of air passing through the mask when the user breathes in or breathes out, a mask equipped with a fan is also on sale.

A conventional mask, including the mask disclosed in the published prior art <CIT>), includes a filter so that harmful substances contained in external air are filtered out and then introduce into the user's respiratory tract.

In addition, the mask is provided with a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the breathing space formed between the mask and the user's face, and a fan module whose rotation speed is variable according to the pressure detected by the pressure detection means, so that the mask helps the user to breathe comfortably even while the mask wears a mask.

However, most of the masks currently on the market and publicly available has a structure in which the air suction port is formed on the front surface of the mask, and the air discharge port is formed on the rear surface of the mask, specifically, the rear surface of the mask corresponding to a point close to the user's mouth or nose. Here, the front surface of the mask means a portion exposed to the outside, and the rear surface of the mask means a portion in close contact with the user's face.

In detail, the air suction port formed in the mask is generally formed on the front surface close to the center of the mask or on the front surface close to both side ends, and, in the case of the prior art, the air suction port is formed on the front surface close to both side ends of the mask.

As such, in a structure in which the air suction port is formed on the front surface of the mask and the air discharge port is formed on the rear surface of the mask, in a process that external air introduces into the mask, passes through the fan and filter, and thus is discharged to the user's respiratory tract through the air discharge port, there is a problem in that the flow conversion of air occurs excessively.

As the number of flow conversions of the suctioned air increases, the flow resistance increases, and as a result, the load of the fan increases. In addition, as the load of the fan increases, there is a problem in that the power consumption of the battery supplying power to the fan increases.

In addition, as the number of flow conversions of the suctioned air increases, there is a problem in that the flow noise increases.

In addition, since there are many case where a user wearing a mask in which the air suction port is disposed on the front surface of the mask often takes off the mask and leaves the air suction port facing upward or forward, there is a disadvantage in that the possibility of dust introducing through the air suction port is relatively high.

In addition, when the air suction port is disposed on the front surface of the mask, it may give an impression that the outer appearance is not good when worn.

In addition, when the user walks or runs while wearing the mask apparatus, since there is a high possibility that foreign substances or flies floating in front of the user are directly introduced into the suction port, there is a disadvantage in that the life of the filter is shortened and the filter replacement cycle is shortened.

In addition, a suction port cover may be mounted to prevent the air suction port from being exposed to the outside as it is, and in this case, a phenomenon that the suction port cover is separated from the mask or damaged due to external force or impact may occur.

In addition, in a case of a structure in which the suction port is not formed in the mask body, but is formed in another portion, for example, a structure in which the suction port is formed in a separate air cleaning module that is detachably or foldably coupled to the side of the mask body, there is a disadvantage in that the flow resistance significantly increases while the suctioned air suctioned into the air cleaning module reaches the discharge port formed in the center of the mask body. A mask apparatus known from <CIT> already addresses many of these issues.

The present disclosure is proposed to improve the above disadvantages.

A mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in order to achieve the above object includes a mask body including a front body; and a rear body coupled to a rear surface of the front body and from which a pair of accommodation portions protrudes forward; a face guard coupled to a rear surface of the rear body to be in close contact with a user's face and having a breathing space formed therein; a fan module seated in the accommodation portion; a flow guide placed on a rear surface of the fan module and forming a portion of a discharge port communicating with the breathing space; a filter seated on the flow guide; and a filter housing rotatably connected to the rear body to cover the filter.

The flow guide includes a mount plate covering a rear side of the fan module; ; an upper flange extended from an upper end of the mount plate; and a lower flange extended from a lower end of the mount plate.

The filter housing includes a pair of filter frames extending in parallel in a state of facing each other; a filter cover connecting rear surfaces of the pair of filter frames; a hinge extending from an edge of each of the pair of filter frames; and a locking means, disposed at the opposite end portion of the filter frame and configured to be detachably coupled to a catching means in the mask body.

The flow guide further comprises a guide shoulder protruding from at least one of the upper flange and the lower flange, and the filter frames further comprise a guide groove configured to engaged with the guide shoulder.

Each of the pair of accommodation portions may include a fastening surface extending forward from a side end portion of the rear body and comprising the catching means; a seating surface extending from an end portion of the fastening surface toward a center of the rear body and having a rear surface on which the filter is seated; an air guide surface connecting an end portion of the seating surface and a front surface of the rear body; an upper surface connecting upper ends of the fastening surface, the seating surface, and the air guide surface to each other; and a lower surface connecting lower ends of the fastening surface, the seating surface, and the air guide surface to each other.

A hinge hole in the form of a long hole into which the hinge is inserted may be formed in each of the upper and lower surfaces. The hinge hole may extend from a front end portion toward a rear end portion of the upper surface, and/or extend obliquely in a direction closer to the side end portion of the rear body toward a rear end.

The flow guide may further comprise a duct flange curved and extending from one end portion of the mount plate. An air duct is defined by the air guide surface and the duct flange. The upper flange may include a mount upper flange bent and extended from an upper end portion of the mount plate; and a duct upper flange bent and extended from an upper end of the duct flange. The lower flange may include a mount lower flange bent and extended from the lower end of the mount plate; and a duct lower flange bent and extended from the lower end of the duct flange. The guide shoulder is formed on the mount upper flange and/or the mount lower flange, respectively.

The guide shoulder and the guide groove are formed at a point closer to the hinge than the locking means.

The filter cover is formed with a suction port for inhaling external air, and the suction port is a set of a plurality of holes having different sizes.

The end portion of the air duct is a discharge port through which the inhaled external air is discharged to the breathing space.

The locking means may be a fastening hook protruding from the opposite end portion of the filter frame. The catching means may be a filter hook disposed in the accommodation portion or the flow guide.

As an alternative embodiment (not shown in the drawings) with respect to the guide shoulder and the guide groove, the guide shoulder is disposed at the filter frames, and the guide groove is disposed at at least one of the upper flange and the lower flange.

According to the mask apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure having the configuration as described above, the following effects are obtained.

First, since both the suction port and the discharge port of the mask apparatus are formed on the rear surface of the mask body that covers the user's face, there is an effect that the flow resistance is significantly lower than when the suction port of the mask apparatus is formed on the front surface of the mask body or other parts other than the mask body.

Second, since the suction port is not exposed to the outside while the user wears the mask apparatus, there is an advantage in that there is no need for a separate cover member to cover the suction port. Furthermore, since a separate cover member does not need to be mounted on the front surface of the mask apparatus, there is an effect in that a phenomenon that the cover member is damaged or separated by external force is not generated.

Third, since the suction port is formed on the rear surface of the mask body, there is an advantage in that, if the mask apparatus is taken off so that the front surface of the mask body faces forward or upward, it is possible to minimize the phenomenon that dust or other foreign substances are introduced into the mask apparatus through the suction port.

Fourth, since the suction port is formed on the rear surface of the mask body, the front surface of the mask apparatus is neatly processed, and there is an additional effect of increasing the purchase desire of the buyer.

Fifth, when one end of the filter housing is separated and then recoupled, there is an effect in that a phenomenon that the hook protruding from the end portion of the filter housing is damaged by the user's hand pressure is prevented.

Sixth, since the waterproof sleeve extends forward from the edge of the strap hole constituting the strap connector and a sealing cap is mounted on the inside of the waterproof sleeve, there is an advantage in that the introduction of sweat or moisture introducing through the strap hole into the mask body can be blocked.

Seventh, since the sealing cover is mounted on the end portion of the exhaust flow path guide, there is an effect in that a phenomenon that moisture penetrates through a gap generated between the exhaust flow path guide and the rear surface of the front body is prevented.

Eighth, since the curving prevention wall is formed on the indicator body constituting the indicator module, there is an effect of preventing the indicator body from being bent by the pressing force applied to the power button.

Ninth, since the curving prevention boss protrudes from the mount plate of the flow guide, there is an effect that the possibility of noise or PCB damage of the fan module due to interference between the fan blade and mount plate is improved.

Hereinafter, a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the mask apparatus, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the mask apparatus, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the mask apparatus illustrating the air flow inside the mask apparatus, and <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mask apparatus illustrating the air flow inside the mask apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, the mask apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mask body <NUM>, a face guard <NUM> that is fixedly or detachably coupled to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>, and an air cleaning module <NUM> mounted inside the mask body <NUM>.

In detail, the mask body <NUM> includes a front body <NUM> forming a front external shape and a rear body <NUM> coupled to a rear surface of the front body <NUM> to form a rear external shape. The front surface of the front body <NUM> forms the front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>, and the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> faces the face of the user (or the wearer).

In addition, the face guard <NUM> is coupled to the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> to be in close contact with the user's face and may be formed of a silicone or rubber material having elasticity. A breathing space is formed inside the face guard <NUM>, and when the user wears the mask apparatus <NUM>, the user's nose and mouth are accommodated in the breathing space. Accordingly, the external air purified while passing through the air cleaning module <NUM> is guided to the breathing space and inhaled by the user, and air generated when the user exhales is also discharged into the breathing space.

A predetermined space is formed between the front body <NUM> and the rear body <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, various electrical components are mounted on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. In addition, the various electrical components are shielded by the front body <NUM> and are not exposed to the outside.

In addition, the air cleaning module <NUM> includes a fan module <NUM> placed in an accommodation portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed in the rear body <NUM>, and a filter <NUM> placed behind the fan module <NUM>. The fan module <NUM> includes a centrifugal fan that suctions air in an axial direction and discharges the air in a radial direction.

The air cleaning module <NUM> further includes a filter housing <NUM> disposed at the rear of the filter <NUM>, and a suction port <NUM> through which external air is suctioned is formed in the filter housing <NUM>. The filter housing <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the rear body <NUM>, and the suction port <NUM> may be a set of a plurality of holes having different diameters as illustrated.

In addition, a discharge port <NUM> is formed at a point spaced apart from the suction port <NUM> in the center direction of the rear body <NUM>. External air suctioned in through the suction port or the suction grill <NUM> by the operation of the fan module <NUM> passes through the filter <NUM> and the fan module <NUM> in turn, and then is discharged into the breathing space through the discharge port <NUM>.

The suction port, that is, the suction grill <NUM> is disposed outside the face guard <NUM>, and the discharge port <NUM> is disposed inside the face guard <NUM>. In other words, the suction grill <NUM> is located outside the breathing space, and the discharge port <NUM> is located inside the breathing space, so that external air suctioned in and air exhaled by the user are not mixed with each other.

Meanwhile, the air cleaning module <NUM> further includes a flow guide <NUM> disposed behind the fan module <NUM>.

In addition, the mask apparatus <NUM> further includes at least one of a main control module <NUM>, a power supply module <NUM>, an indicator module <NUM>, a wireless communication module <NUM>, a speaker module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and an exhaust valve <NUM>.

In detail, the main control module <NUM> is a module for controlling the operation of the fan module <NUM> and the speaker module <NUM> as well as a pressure sensor (not illustrated), a microphone (not illustrated) or the like. The main control module <NUM> may be disposed above the front center of the rear body <NUM>.

The power supply module <NUM> is a control module for supplying power to the electric components mounted on the mask apparatus <NUM>. The power supply module <NUM> may be disposed at a lower right side of the front surface of the rear body <NUM>.

The power supply module <NUM> may be equipped with a terminal connector into which a terminal of a cable for power supply and data transmission is inserted, an LED module used to inform the operation state of the mask apparatus <NUM>, and the like. Then, the light irradiated from the LED module is diffused and guided through the indicator module <NUM> to be emitted to the outside of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

The wireless communication module <NUM> may be any one of various types of short-range wireless communication modules including Bluetooth. The wireless communication module <NUM> may be disposed on the lower left of the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. The wireless communication module <NUM> may be mounted on the front surface of the rear body <NUM> in a direction crossing the rear body <NUM>, for example, horizontally. The wireless communication module <NUM> may be mounted on the front surface of the rear body <NUM> in a horizontal state by a pair of substrate insertion ribs <NUM> protruding from the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. Both side end portions of the wireless communication module <NUM> are supported by the pair of substrate insertion ribs <NUM>.

The speaker module <NUM> may be disposed at the lower left of the front surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to the lower side of the wireless communication module <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be disposed at a front center of the rear body <NUM>, and the exhaust valve <NUM> may be disposed to shield an exhaust port formed below the front center of the rear body <NUM>. In other words, the exhaust valve <NUM> may open the exhaust port when the user exhales, and the exhaust valve <NUM> may shield the exhaust port when the user breathes in. The exhaust valve <NUM> may be bent and provided in the form of a flat flap.

Here, it should be noted that the front, rear, left, and right sides of the mask body <NUM> are defined based on the state where the user wears the mask apparatus <NUM>.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the user operates the fan module <NUM> by pressing the power button, external air is introduced into the mask apparatus <NUM> through the suction ports <NUM> formed on the left and right sides of the rear surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

External air introduced through the suction port <NUM> is purified while passing through the filter <NUM>. Then, the air passing through the filter <NUM> is suctioned in the axial direction of the fan module <NUM> and then discharged in the radial direction.

In addition, the air discharged in the radial direction of the fan module <NUM> is guided to the discharge port <NUM> through the air duct <NUM> formed by the side of the flow guide <NUM> and the air guide surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the accommodation portion <NUM>. In addition, the air is supplied to the breathing space defined inside the face guard <NUM> through the discharge port <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the user exhales, the air discharged through the user's mouth and nose is collected in the breathing space. Then, the air collected in the breathing space descends and is discharged to the outside through the front surface exhaust port <NUM> and the lower surface exhaust port <NUM>. Here, as the exhaust valve <NUM> is curved forward by the pressure of air generated when the user exhales, the front surface exhaust port <NUM> is opened. In addition, when the user breathes in, the pressure inside the breathing space is lower than atmospheric pressure, and the exhaust valve <NUM> returns to the original position thereof to shield the front surface exhaust port <NUM>.

A strap connector <NUM> is formed at the left side end portion and the right side end portion of the rear body <NUM>, respectively. In detail, the strap connector <NUM> is a portion to which an end portion of a strap or band that is caught on the user's ear or wraps around the back of the user's head is connected. The strap connector <NUM> may be formed at an upper portion and a lower portion of lower left ends and an upper portion and a lower portion of the right ends of the rear body <NUM>, respectively.

Both end portions of any one of the pair of straps are respectively connected to the strap connectors <NUM> provided at the upper and lower ends of the left side, and both end portions of the other one can be connected to the strap connectors <NUM> provided at the upper and lower ends of the right side, respectively. Then, the pair of straps can be caught on both ears of the user, respectively.

As another method, both end portions of any one of the pair of straps are respectively connected to the strap connectors <NUM> provided at the upper end of the left side and the upper end of the right side, and both end portions of the other one are connected to the strap connectors <NUM> provided at the lower end of the left side and the lower end of the right end, respectively. Then, the pair of straps may be wrapped around the user's back of the head.

Each of the four strap connectors <NUM> includes a strap groove <NUM> that is recessed from the front surface of the rear body <NUM> and extends in the horizontal direction (the width direction of the rear body), a strap hole <NUM> formed at any point of the strap groove <NUM>, a strap bar <NUM> connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the strap groove <NUM>, and a tubular waterproof sleeve <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending from the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to the edge of the strap hole <NUM>. Then, the hook of the strap is rotatably caught to the strap bar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of a rear body constituting a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the rear body <NUM> constituting the mask apparatus <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a face cover portion <NUM> covering a user's face, a fusion portion <NUM> bent forward from an edge of the face cover portion <NUM>, and a pair of accommodation portions <NUM> protruding forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> to accommodate the air cleaning module <NUM>.

In detail, the fusion portion <NUM> is continuously formed along the top edge, both side edges, and the bottom edge of the face cover portion <NUM>. In addition, the width of the fusion portion <NUM> in the front and rear direction that is bent along the lower surface edge of the face cover portion <NUM> and extends forward is the largest.

Among the fusion portions <NUM>, a portion formed on the bottom edge of the face cover portion <NUM> may be specifically defined as an extended jaw <NUM>. The extended jaw <NUM> has a convexly rounded shape in such a way that the width in the front and rear direction increases from both side ends toward the center of the rear body <NUM>.

The lower surface exhaust port <NUM> is formed in the center of the fusion portion <NUM> defined as an extended jaw, and a button hole <NUM> may be formed at a point spaced apart from the lower surface exhaust port <NUM> toward the side end portion of the rear body <NUM>. A power button is inserted into the button hole <NUM>. A pair of indication holes <NUM> having a small diameter are respectively formed at left and right edges of the button hole <NUM>.

The light irradiated from the light emitting means mounted on the power supply module <NUM> is emitted to the outside through the pair of indication holes <NUM>. The light emitting means includes an LED module.

When light is emitted to the outside through any one of the pair of indication holes <NUM>, it may mean that the power of the mask apparatus <NUM> is turned on. In addition, the remaining amount of the battery <NUM> may be predicted according to the color of light emitted through the other one of the pair of indication holes <NUM>.

A terminal insertion port <NUM> is formed at a point further spaced apart from the button hole <NUM> toward the side end portion of the rear body <NUM>. A universal Serial Bus (USB) cable may pass through the terminal insertion port <NUM> and be inserted into a terminal connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed in the power supply module <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is charged through the USB cable, and the version or function of the mask apparatus <NUM> may be updated or upgraded by data transmitted through the USB cable.

The pair of accommodation portions <NUM> are respectively formed on the left and right sides from the center of the rear body <NUM> and are symmetrical with respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the rear body <NUM>.

Each of the accommodation portions <NUM> protrudes forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> to form a space for accommodating the air cleaning module <NUM>. The accommodation portion <NUM> includes a seating surface <NUM> on which the air cleaning module <NUM>, specifically, the fan module <NUM> is seated, a fastening surface <NUM> connecting the outer edge of the seating surface <NUM> at a side end portion of the face cover portion <NUM>, and an air guide surface <NUM> connecting the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> at the inner edge of the seating surface <NUM>. The air guide surface <NUM> forms the front surface of the air duct <NUM>.

In addition, the accommodation portion <NUM> further includes an upper surface <NUM> connecting the upper ends of the seating surface <NUM>, the air guide surface <NUM>, and the fastening surface <NUM> to the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

In addition, the accommodation portion <NUM> further includes a lower surface <NUM> connecting the lower ends of the seating surface <NUM>, the air guide surface <NUM>, and the fastening surface <NUM> to the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

One or more fastening means, for example, fastening hooks <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) are formed on the fastening surface <NUM>.

A fan mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the seating surface <NUM>, and the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> extend horizontally and may extend in parallel to each other.

The fastening surface <NUM> may be convexly rounded toward the outside of the rear body <NUM>, wherein the fastening surface may be formed to be inclined toward the seating surface <NUM> from the face cover portion <NUM>.

The air guide surface <NUM> may be designed that the air suctioned by the fan module <NUM> is guided gently to the discharge port <NUM> along the air guide surface <NUM> by extending convexly and roundly from the seating surface <NUM> toward the face cover portion <NUM>.

The accommodation portion <NUM> includes a left accommodation portion formed on the left side from the center of the rear body <NUM> and a right accommodation portion formed on the right side from the center of the rear body <NUM>. The left accommodation portion and the right accommodation portion are spaced apart from the center of the rear body <NUM> by a predetermined distance, and the battery <NUM> is mounted in a space between the left accommodation portion and the right accommodation portion.

A battery mounting portion <NUM> may be formed on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. One end portion of the battery mounting portion <NUM> extends from either side of the left air guide surface <NUM> and the right air guide surface <NUM>, and the other end portion thereof is connected to the other side of the left air guide surface <NUM> and the right air guide surface <NUM>.

The battery mounting portion <NUM> has an n-shape and supports the front surface and both sides of the battery <NUM>. Accordingly, a phenomenon in which the battery <NUM> is separated from the rear body <NUM> by the battery mounting portion <NUM> can be prevented.

In addition, the central portion of the battery mounting portion <NUM> further protrudes forward to be selectively capable of mounting batteries of different sizes.

Meanwhile, when the user sweats while wearing the mask apparatus <NUM>, sweat may flow into the strap hole <NUM> along the strap. In addition, even when the mask apparatus <NUM> is not worn, dust or other foreign substances may be introduced into the strap hole <NUM>.

In addition, moisture introducing through the strap hole <NUM> may corrode the electrical components mounted on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>, and there is a risk of causing sparks around the electrical components due to the introducing dust.

In order to improve this problem, a waterproof sleeve <NUM> is formed on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. The waterproof sleeve <NUM> extends by a predetermined length forward from the front surface of the rear body <NUM> along the edge of the strap hole <NUM>.

In addition, a sealing cap <NUM> is inserted into the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, so that the introduction of moisture and foreign substances introduced through the strap hole <NUM> into the space between the front body <NUM> and the rear body <NUM> can be blocked. The structure of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> and the sealing cap <NUM> will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Meanwhile, the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> protrudes forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> corresponding to the lower side of the battery mounting portion <NUM>. In addition, a sealing cover <NUM> is mounted on the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM>, and the sealing cover <NUM> will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

In detail, the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> is formed below the battery mounting portion <NUM>, and the lower end portion of the battery <NUM> mounted on the battery mounting portion <NUM> is supported by the upper surface of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery <NUM> from being pulled downward due to gravity while being inserted into the battery mounting portion <NUM>.

The exhaust flow path guide <NUM> may form a substantially tunnel-shaped longitudinal cross-section, and a front surface exhaust port <NUM> may be formed in the face cover portion <NUM> corresponding to the inner side of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM>.

At least one of the front surface exhaust port <NUM> and the lower surface exhaust port <NUM> may be formed in the form of an exhaust grill divided into a plurality of small exhaust ports by a plurality of grills or partition ribs. In addition, the front surface exhaust port <NUM> is selectively opened and closed by the exhaust valve <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a waterproof sleeve structure to which the sealing cap of the mask apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted.

Referring to <FIG>, the waterproof sleeve <NUM> extends to a length spaced apart from the rear surface of the front body <NUM>.

In detail, the introduction of moisture and foreign substances to a space between the front body <NUM> and the rear body <NUM> can be blocked by allowing the waterproof sleeve <NUM> to extend to a length in contact with the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. However, in a state where the rear body <NUM> and the front body <NUM> are coupled, there is a high possibility that the end portion of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> is not completely in close contact with the rear surface of the front body <NUM> due to assembly tolerance.

Alternatively, the end portion of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> may be thermally fused to the rear surface of the front body <NUM>, but there is a risk that the waterproof sleeve <NUM> may melt or the shape of the front body <NUM> may change during the thermal-fusion process. Furthermore, a portion to which the end portion of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> is thermally fused is exposed on the front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>, which may cause an aesthetic problem.

In order to solve this problem, the sealing cap <NUM> having the same cross-sectional structure as the cross-sectional shape of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> and having a shorter length than the waterproof sleeve <NUM> may be inserted into the waterproof sleeve <NUM>.

The sealing cap <NUM> may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example, a silicone material or a rubber material. The sealing cap <NUM> includes a cap body <NUM> inserted into the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, and a cap cover <NUM> formed on an upper end of the cap body <NUM>. The width of the cap cover <NUM> is formed to be larger than the width of the cap body <NUM>, so that the cap cover <NUM> is caught on the end portion of the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, so that the inserted limit of the sealing cap <NUM> can be determined.

Alternatively, the sealing cap <NUM> may have the same shape as the inner shape of the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, and a stopper protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the waterproof sleeve <NUM>. The insertion limit of the sealing cap <NUM> may be determined by the stopper protrusion <NUM>.

In addition, when the cross-sectional size of the sealing cap <NUM> is manufactured to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> and the sealing cap is pushed into the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, the surface of the sealing cap <NUM> and the inner circumferential surface of the waterproof sleeve <NUM> are strongly in close contact with each other, thereby maximizing the sealing effect.

As a further alternative method, the waterproof sleeve <NUM> may extend forward from the edge of the strap hole <NUM> and extend obliquely to increase the cross-sectional area. Then, when the sealing cap <NUM> is inserted into the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, as the insertion depth of the sealing cap <NUM> increases, while the amount of compression of the sealing cap <NUM> increases, the insertion limit of the sealing cap <NUM> can be determined.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the sealing cover inserted into the front end portion of the flow guide, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the sealing cover.

Referring to <FIG>, when the front body <NUM> is coupled to the rear body <NUM>, the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> is designed to be in close contact with the rear surface of the front body <NUM>.

However, the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the front body <NUM> to generate a gap due to assembly tolerance, the tolerance due to contraction after injection, or the like. In addition, in the process of moving or performing rough exercise while wearing the mask apparatus <NUM> in rain, a phenomenon that moisture or saliva introduces into a space between the front body <NUM> and the rear body <NUM> through the gap may occur.

In order to prevent this phenomenon, like the waterproof sleeve <NUM>, the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> may be thermally fused to the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. Then, the same problem as the problem that occurs when the waterproof sleeve <NUM> is thermally fused may occur.

In order to solve such a problem, a sealing cover <NUM> may be mounted on the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM>.

In detail, the sealing cover <NUM>, like the sealing cap <NUM>, may be made of an elastic material such as silicone or rubber.

The sealing cover <NUM> includes an approximately n-shaped cover frame <NUM> extending along the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM>, an inner rib <NUM> extending rearward from the inner edge of the cover frame <NUM>, an outer rib <NUM> extending rearward from the outer edge of the cover frame <NUM>, and a connection rib <NUM> connecting the left and right portions of the cover frame <NUM>.

A fitting groove <NUM> having a width of a size corresponding to the thickness of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> is formed between the inner rib <NUM> and the outer rib <NUM>, and the front end portion of the exhaust flow path guide <NUM> is inserted in the fitting groove <NUM>.

In addition, since the connection rib <NUM> is formed, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon that both end portions of the cover frame <NUM> are widened.

In addition, both lower end portions of the sealing cover <NUM> are formed with a length in contact with the extension jaws <NUM> formed on the lower edge of the face cover portion <NUM>. Then, when the front body <NUM> is coupled to the rear body <NUM>, a gap is not generated between the lower end portion of the sealing cover <NUM> and the extension jaw <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling relationship between a power module and an indicator module of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the power supply module <NUM> mounted on the mask apparatus <NUM> is disposed on the lower right of the front surface of the rear body <NUM>, and the indicator module <NUM> is assembled and coupled to the substrate of the power supply module <NUM>.

In detail, the power supply module <NUM> includes a power substrate <NUM> and a plurality of electrical components mounted on the front surface of the power substrate <NUM>. The plurality of electrical components includes at least one of a terminal connector <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, a power switch <NUM>, and LEDs <NUM> and <NUM>.

The terminal connector <NUM> performs the interface function for charging the battery <NUM> by inserting the USB cable from the outside or updating or upgrading the version or function of the mask apparatus <NUM> by the data transmitted through the USB cable.

The connector <NUM> performs the function for providing power to the main control module <NUM> by connecting the PCB of the main control module <NUM>.

The power switch <NUM> is turned on or off by the power button <NUM> mounted on the button hole <NUM>. The power switch <NUM> may be mounted on the lower end of the left side of the power substrate <NUM>.

When the power switch <NUM> is turned on by the operation of the power button <NUM>, power is supplied to the electric components mounted on the mask apparatus <NUM>, and when the power switch <NUM> is turned off by the operation of the power button <NUM>, the power supply to the electric components mounted on the mask apparatus <NUM> is cut off.

The LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> emit light to the outside to inform the operation state of the mask apparatus <NUM>. The light irradiated from the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> is diffused and guided through the indicator module <NUM> to be emitted to the outside of the mask apparatus <NUM>. When the indicator module <NUM> is coupled to the power substrate <NUM>, the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> are shielded by the indicator module <NUM> or accommodated in the indicator module <NUM>.

The LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the both sides with respect to the power switch <NUM> in the left and right direction. The LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> include a first LED <NUM> spaced apart from the right side of the power switch <NUM> and a second LED <NUM> spaced apart from the left side of the power switch <NUM>.

In addition, mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM> for mounting the indicator module <NUM> are formed in the power substrate <NUM>. The mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM> are portions to which a portion of the indicator module <NUM> is caught and coupled to each other in a hook manner.

The mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively spaced apart from each other on both sides with respect to the power switch <NUM> in the left and right direction. The mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM> include a first mounting hole <NUM> spaced apart from the right side of the power switch <NUM> and a second mounting hole <NUM> spaced apart from the left side of the power switch <NUM>. The first mounting hole <NUM> is spaced apart from the upper side of the first LED <NUM>, and the second mounting hole <NUM> is spaced apart from the upper side of the second LED <NUM>.

The indicator module <NUM> is mounted on the power substrate <NUM> and functions to focus the light of the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> to diffuse and guide the light to the outside of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

The indicator module <NUM> includes an indicator body <NUM>, a button sealing portion <NUM> inserted inside the bottom surface of the indicator body <NUM>, a power button <NUM> inserted into the button sealing portion <NUM>, and a light guide portion <NUM> inserted into the indicator body <NUM>.

The button sealing portion <NUM> includes a sealing portion body <NUM> forming an insertion space into which the power button <NUM> is inserted. The sealing portion body <NUM> is mounted with a button mounting groove <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed on the bottom surface of the button mounting portion <NUM> in a state where the power button <NUM> is inserted therein. The sealing portion body <NUM> may be disposed to surround the inside of the button mounting groove <NUM>. The sealing portion body <NUM> may be formed of a rubber or silicone material.

The insertion space of the sealing portion body <NUM> may be formed by being recessed upwardly from the bottom surface of the sealing portion body <NUM>. When the button sealing portion <NUM> is inserted into the button mounting groove <NUM>, the bottom surface of the sealing portion body <NUM> may smoothly form a single surface without a step difference with the bottom surface of the button mounting portion <NUM>.

The sealing portion body <NUM> performs a function of preventing moisture or foreign substances introduced into the space between the power button <NUM> and the button hole <NUM> of the rear body <NUM> from introducing into the power substrate <NUM> side. To this end, the sealing portion body <NUM> may be disposed to face the button hole <NUM> and may have a cross-sectional area greater than that of the button hole <NUM>. Accordingly, a plurality of electrical components mounted on the power substrate <NUM> may be waterproofed and protected from the outside.

In addition, a through-boss <NUM> through which a portion of the power button <NUM> passes is formed on the upper surface of the sealing portion body <NUM>. The through-boss <NUM> may have an opening through which the power button <NUM> passes and may protrude upward from the center of the upper surface of the sealing portion body <NUM>.

The through-boss <NUM> is disposed to face the power switch <NUM>. Accordingly, when the power button <NUM> is pressed, a portion of the power button <NUM> may pass through the through-boss <NUM> to be in contact with the power switch <NUM>. The power switch <NUM> includes a tact switch.

The power button <NUM> may be understood as a configuration that operates the power switch <NUM> by being pressed by a user. The power button <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the mask apparatus <NUM> through the button hole <NUM> while being inserted into the button sealing portion <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the power button <NUM> may be elastically installed to be movable by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction between the button sealing portion <NUM> and the rear body <NUM>. To this end, an elastic member may be interposed between the power button <NUM> and the button sealing portion <NUM>. The elastic member may include a spring.

The power button <NUM> may include a button body <NUM> mounted on the button sealing portion <NUM> and pressed by the user, and a button protrusion <NUM> protruding from the upper surface of the button body <NUM> to be in contact with the power switch <NUM>.

The button protrusion <NUM> may protrude upward from the center of the upper surface of the button body <NUM>. The button protrusion <NUM> may be disposed to face the through-boss <NUM>. Accordingly, when the button body <NUM> is pressed by an external force, the button protrusion <NUM> passes through the through-boss <NUM> to press the power switch <NUM>.

The light guide portion <NUM> is accommodated in the indicator body <NUM>, and serves to guide the light emitted from the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> toward the indication hole <NUM> without spreading. A pair of the light guide portions <NUM> are formed and are respectively accommodated inside the pair of reflectors <NUM>. The light guide portion <NUM> may be mounted on the upper surface of the base <NUM>, and a portion of the light guide portion <NUM> may be inserted into the light guide portion hole <NUM>.

In detail, the light guide portion <NUM> may include a tube portion <NUM> formed in a tubular shape and inserted into the indication hole <NUM>, an extension tube <NUM> expanding and extending from the upper end of the tube portion <NUM>, and a fixing portion <NUM> formed on the upper end of the extension tube <NUM> and fixed to the upper surface of the base <NUM>.

A center of the tube portion <NUM> may coincide with a center of the indication hole <NUM>. The extension tube <NUM> may have an outer diameter of an area corresponding to an inner diameter of the light guide portion hole <NUM> and may be inserted into the upper end of the light guide portion hole <NUM>. The fixing portion <NUM> may be disposed to face the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> while being fixed to the upper surface of the base <NUM>. In this case, an opening communicating with the extension tube <NUM> is formed in the fixing portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, the light generated by the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> is focused by the reflector <NUM> and guided into the light guide portion <NUM>. In addition, the light passing through the light guide portion <NUM> is diffused and emitted to the outside of the mask apparatus <NUM> through the indication hole <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an indicator body constituting an indicator module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a bottom view of the indicator body, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the indicator body.

Referring to <FIG>, the indicator body <NUM> constituting the indicator module <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base <NUM>, a button mounting portion <NUM> extending downward from the bottom surface of the base <NUM>, a pair of reflectors <NUM> extending upward from both sides of the upper surface of the base <NUM>, and curving prevention wall <NUM> connecting the pair of reflectors <NUM>. In addition, the indicator body <NUM> may further include catching portions <NUM> and <NUM> respectively formed on upper surfaces of the pair of reflectors <NUM>.

The base <NUM> is formed in a shape extending to be elongated in the left and right direction. A center of the base <NUM> may be aligned with a center of the power switch <NUM>. A button through-hole <NUM> through which the power button <NUM> passes is formed in the center of the upper surface of the base <NUM>. When the power button <NUM> is pressed, the power button <NUM> passes through the button through-hole <NUM> to press the power switch <NUM>.

The button mounting portion <NUM> is formed to be elongated in the left and right direction from the bottom surface of the base <NUM>. In this case, the center of the button mounting portion <NUM> may be aligned with the center of the base <NUM>. A button mounting groove <NUM> into which the power button <NUM> is inserted is formed in the center of the button mounting portion <NUM>. The button mounting groove <NUM> may be formed by being recessed upwardly from the bottom surface of the button mounting portion <NUM>. The button mounting groove <NUM> is connected to the button through-hole <NUM>.

In addition, a light guide portion hole <NUM> into which the light guide portion <NUM> is inserted is formed on a bottom surface of the button mounting portion <NUM>. The light guide portion hole <NUM> may be formed to penetrate upwardly from the bottom surface of the button mounting portion <NUM>. In this case, the light guide portion hole <NUM> may penetrate from the bottom surface of the button mounting portion <NUM> to the upper surface of the base <NUM>.

The light guide portion hole <NUM> is formed to be spaced apart from each other on both sides of the button mounting groove <NUM>. The pair of light guide portion hole <NUM> may be connected to the pair of indication holes <NUM> to face each other.

The reflector <NUM> forms an accommodation space for accommodating the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> and functions to focus the light emitted from the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM>. The reflectors <NUM> are formed to be spaced apart from each other on both sides of the upper surface of the base <NUM> with respect to the button through-holes <NUM>.

The reflector <NUM> may have a shape extending upward from both sides of the upper surface of the base <NUM>, and having a front surface, both sides, and an upper surface closed and a rear surface open. In addition, when the indicator module <NUM> is coupled to the power substrate <NUM>, the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> mounted on the power substrate <NUM> are accommodated in the internal space of the reflector <NUM>. The accommodation space of the reflector <NUM> is connected to the light guide portion hole <NUM>.

The catching portions <NUM> and <NUM> are portions formed in the reflector <NUM> and coupled to the mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The catching portions <NUM> and <NUM> include an extension portion <NUM> extending from the upper surface of the reflector <NUM> and a hook portion <NUM> formed at an end portion of the extension portion <NUM>.

The extension portion <NUM> may extend rearward from the upper surface of the reflector <NUM>, and the hook portion <NUM> may be provided at an end portion thereof. The pair of hook portions <NUM> are respectively hooked to the pair of mounting holes <NUM> and <NUM>, so that the indicator module <NUM> can be stably fixed to the power substrate <NUM> without shaking.

When the user presses the power button <NUM> toward the power switch <NUM> in a state where the indicator module <NUM> is assembled to the mask apparatus, the center of the base <NUM> may be curved upward and convexly to be rounded by the force of pressing the power button <NUM>. In addition, as the base <NUM> is curved, the pair of reflectors <NUM> are spread apart or curved in a direction away from each other. Due to this phenomenon, excessive force is transmitted to the power switch <NUM> to cause damage of the power switch.

In order to solve this problem, the pair of reflectors <NUM> are connected by the curving prevention wall <NUM>. The curving prevention wall <NUM> connects inner edges of the front surfaces of the pair of reflectors <NUM>. In addition, a stepped portion 1819a may be formed at a point where the lower end of the curving prevention wall <NUM> and the upper surface of the base <NUM> meet.

Due to the curving prevention wall <NUM> and the stepped portion 1819a, even when an excessive force is applied to the power button <NUM>, the curving phenomenon of the base <NUM> does not occur, so that the mounted components on the power substrate <NUM> may be prevented from being damaged or from disturbing the alignment between the light guide portion <NUM> and the indication hole.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the rear surface of the rear body in a state where the filter housing and the filter are removed, <FIG> is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the rear surface of the rear body in a state where the flow guide is removed, and <FIG> is a front perspective view of the flow guide.

Referring to <FIG>, as described above, the accommodation portion <NUM> in which the air cleaning module <NUM> is accommodated includes a seating surface <NUM> on which the air cleaning module <NUM>, specifically, the fan module <NUM> is seated, a fastening surface <NUM> connecting the outer edge of the seating surface <NUM> at the side end portion of the face cover portion <NUM>, and an air guide surface <NUM> connecting the front surface of the cover portion <NUM> at the inner edge of the seating surface <NUM>. The air guide surface <NUM> forms the front surface of the air duct <NUM>.

A flow guide hook <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a filter hook <NUM> are formed on the fastening surface <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other in the front and rear direction, respectively. The flow guide hook <NUM> is located closer to the seating surface <NUM> than the filter hook <NUM>.

In addition, a gripping groove <NUM> is formed at the side end of the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to the rear of the filter hook <NUM>.

In addition, the accommodation portion <NUM> further includes an upper surface <NUM> connecting the upper ends of the seating surface <NUM>, the air guide surface <NUM>, and the fastening surface <NUM> and the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

In addition, the accommodation portion <NUM> further includes a lower surface <NUM> connecting the lower ends of the seating surface <NUM>, the air guide surface <NUM>, and the fastening surface <NUM> and the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

In detail, a mounting guide 1332a, a fixing guide 1332b, and a hinge hole 1332c are formed on the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>, respectively.

The mounting guide 1332a is provided in the form of a rib extending by a predetermined length in a direction from the rear surface to the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. The fixing guide 1332b is provided in the form of a protrusion protruding at a portion spaced apart from the mounting guide 1332a in the center direction of the mask body <NUM>.

In addition, the hinge hole 1332c is provided in the form of a long hole at a point spaced apart from the mounting guide 1332a toward the side end portion of the mask body <NUM>. The hinge hole 1332c is a hole into which the hinge <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the filter housing <NUM> is inserted and may have a non-circular shape, for example, an elliptical long hole.

In addition, the hinge hole 1332c may extend obliquely in a direction closer to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> toward the side end portion of the mask body <NUM>. In other words, when the elliptical hinge hole 1332c is designed, the distance from one end portion of the hinge hole 1332c close to the center of the mask body <NUM> to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> may be designed to be longer than the distance from the other end portion of the hinge hole 1332c close to the side end portion of the mask body <NUM> to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>.

The reason why the hinge hole 1332c extends obliquely in the form of a long hole is that when the end portion of the filter housing <NUM> is rotated to separate the filter <NUM>, the filter housing <NUM> is to prevent from being interfered with the rear flange <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>.

In detail, in a state where the fastening hook <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> (see <FIG>) is separated from the filter hook <NUM> protruding from the fastening surface <NUM>, when the filter housing <NUM> is rotated, the filter housing <NUM> is rotated while being pulled toward the side end portion of the mask body <NUM>. Then, the hinge <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> rotates while moving from one end portion of the long-hole-shaped hinge hole 1332c toward the other end portion thereof and is in a state as illustrated in <FIG>.

According to the structure of the hinge hole 1332c of the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that the filter housing <NUM> does not interfere with the rear flange <NUM>, and the rotation amount (or opening angle) of the filter housing <NUM> becomes larger compared to the case where the hinge hole 1332c is circular. As a result, there is an advantage in that the mounting and separation of the filter <NUM> can be made much more easily.

Meanwhile, the fan module <NUM> includes a fan housing <NUM> and a fan <NUM>. In addition, the fan housing <NUM> includes a base <NUM> seated on the seating surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> and a shroud <NUM> protruding from the edge of the base <NUM> by a predetermined height. The shroud <NUM> is surrounded along an edge of the base <NUM>, and a middle portion thereof extends to be rounded along the outer periphery of the fan <NUM>.

A PCB F for driving the fan motor is disposed on the base. The PCB includes a flexible PCB that can be curved.

The shroud <NUM> extends from one edge of one end portion of the base <NUM> in a straight line, and at a certain point along the outer periphery of the fan <NUM>, extends to be rounded with a predetermined curvature, and then extends in a straight line to the other edge of one end portion of the base <NUM>.

A guide protrusion <NUM> protrudes from the inner surface of one end portion of the shroud <NUM>, and air rotates from the space between the guide protrusion <NUM> and the fan <NUM> in the rotation direction of the fan and is discharged toward the side end portion of the shroud <NUM> facing the guide protrusion <NUM>.

The portion where the guide protrusion <NUM> is formed, that is, the portion where the rotation of the air starts can be defined as the inlet a, and the portion through which the air rotating along the shape of the shroud <NUM> exits can be defined as the outlet b.

The air exiting through the outlet b is supplied to the user's face through the discharge port <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in a state where the fan module <NUM> is mounted on the accommodation portion <NUM>, the flow guide <NUM> is placed on the rear surface of the fan module <NUM>. In other words, the flow guide <NUM> is placed at the rear end of the shroud <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> includes a mount plate <NUM> covering the open rear surface of the fan housing <NUM>, a duct flange <NUM> bent and extended from one end of the mount plate <NUM>, upper flanges <NUM> bent and extended from the upper ends of the mount plate <NUM> and the duct flange <NUM>, lower flanges <NUM> bent and extended from the lower ends of the mount plate <NUM> and the duct flange <NUM>, and a rear flange <NUM> extending in a direction crossing the duct flange <NUM> at an end portion of the duct flange <NUM>.

The other end of the mount plate <NUM> is in close contact with the fastening surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>. In addition, a communication hole <NUM> is formed in the mount plate <NUM>, and the communication hole <NUM> functions as a suction port of the fan module <NUM>.

The upper flange <NUM> includes a mount upper flange <NUM>, a duct upper flange <NUM>, and a guide shoulder <NUM>.

The mount upper flange <NUM> is vertically bent at the upper end of the mount plate <NUM> and extends to have a predetermined width. The duct upper flange <NUM> is vertically bent from the upper end of the duct flange <NUM> and extends to have a predetermined width. The mount upper flange <NUM> and the duct upper flange <NUM> are formed as one body to form an L-shape.

The lower flange <NUM> includes a mount lower flange <NUM>, a duct lower flange <NUM>, and a guide shoulder <NUM>.

The mount lower flange <NUM> is vertically bent at the lower end of the mount plate <NUM> and extends to have a predetermined width. The duct lower flange <NUM> is vertically bent at the lower end of the duct flange <NUM> and extends to have a predetermined width.

The upper flange <NUM> and the lower flange <NUM> have a symmetrical shape with respect to a line or a plane that bisects the mount plate <NUM> vertically.

The guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The upper flange <NUM> is in close contact with the upper surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>, and the lower flange <NUM> is in close contact with the lower surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>. In addition, when the flow guide <NUM> is seated in the accommodation portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the duct flange <NUM> forms the rear surface of the air duct <NUM>, and the air guide surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> forms the front surface of the air duct <NUM>.

When the flow guide <NUM> is mounted on the accommodation portion <NUM>, the rear flange <NUM> forms a portion of the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. In addition, one end portion of the rear flange <NUM> is in contact with the end portion of the filter housing <NUM>, and the other end portion of the rear flange <NUM> forms a side end portion of the discharge port <NUM>.

In detail, it can be understood that the discharge port <NUM> defined as the outlet end of the air duct <NUM> is defined by an end portion of the air guide surface <NUM> constituting the accommodation portion <NUM> and the other end portion of the rear flange <NUM>.

In addition, a space in which the filter <NUM> is accommodated is defined by a portion of the mount plate <NUM>, the duct flange <NUM>, the upper flange <NUM>, the lower flange <NUM>, and the rear flange <NUM>.

The upper flange <NUM> and the lower flange <NUM> support a portion of an upper side and a portion of a lower side of the four sides of the filter <NUM>, respectively, so that it prevents the filter from being swung in the vertical direction in a state where the user wears the mask apparatus <NUM>.

In addition, the duct flange <NUM> includes a filter support surface <NUM> bent and extended from the side end portion of the mount plate <NUM> to support a portion of the side of the filter <NUM>, a bent surface <NUM> bent and extended from the end portion of the filter support surface <NUM>, and an air guide surface <NUM> rounded with a predetermined curvature at the end portion of the bent surface <NUM>.

It may be understood that the air guide surface <NUM> of the duct flange <NUM> is formed at a position facing the air guide surface <NUM> constituting the accommodation portion <NUM> and the front and rear surfaces of the air duct <NUM> are defined by the two air guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>.

Due to the rounded shape of the air guide surface <NUM>, the air duct <NUM> may have a shape in which a cross-sectional area increases from a suction port communicating with the discharge port of the fan module <NUM> toward the discharge port <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a guide groove <NUM> and a fixing groove <NUM> are formed in each of the duct upper flange <NUM> of the upper flange <NUM> and the duct lower flange <NUM> of the lower flange <NUM>.

The guide groove <NUM> is formed from the bent surface <NUM> to any point spaced apart from the rear flange <NUM> downward. When the flow guide <NUM> is mounted on the accommodation portion <NUM>, the mounting guide 1332a is slidably inserted into the guide groove <NUM>.

Here, the mounting guide 1332a may be formed on the duct upper flange <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>, and the guide groove <NUM> may be formed on the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>.

Since the mounting guide 1332a is inserted into the guide groove <NUM>, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon that a portion of the air discharged from the fan module <NUM> to the air duct <NUM> leaks. Specifically, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon that a portion of the air discharged to the air duct <NUM> leaks through a gap between the upper surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> and the upper flange <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>, and a gap between the lower surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> and the lower flange <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>.

In addition, the fixing guide 1332b is press-fitted into the fixing groove <NUM>, so that the flow guide <NUM> can be coupled to the accommodation portion <NUM> without shaking. Of course, the positions of the fixing guide 1332b and the fixing groove <NUM> may also be interchanged with each other, similarly to the mounting guide 1332a and the guide groove <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a fan support rib <NUM> may be formed on the front surface of the mount plate <NUM>, that is, a surface covering the open surface of the fan housing <NUM>.

In detail, the fan support rib <NUM> protrudes along the shape of the shroud <NUM> constituting the fan housing <NUM> and extends along the outer surface of the shroud <NUM>, so that the fan housing <NUM> can be stably supported. The communication hole <NUM> is formed in an inner region of the fan support rib <NUM>.

In addition, a fan fixing boss <NUM> may protrude from a front edge of the mount plate <NUM> corresponding to an outer region of the fan support rib <NUM>. The fan fixing boss <NUM> may include a first fan fixing boss formed on an upper edge of the outer side end portion of the mount plate <NUM> and a second fan fixing boss formed on a lower edge thereof. The outer side end portion of the mount plate <NUM> may be understood to mean an end portion in close contact with the fastening surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>.

In addition, a fastening boss <NUM> protrudes at any point spaced apart from the fan fixing boss <NUM>. The fastening boss <NUM> may be understood as a means for fixing the flow guide <NUM> to the seating surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM>.

The fastening boss <NUM> may include a first fastening boss formed at a point spaced apart from the first fan fixing boss and a second fastening boss formed at a point spaced apart from the second fan fixing boss. It should be noted that the number of the fastening boss <NUM> and the fan fixing boss <NUM> is not limited to the presented embodiment.

In addition, a fastening hook <NUM> may protrude from an outer edge of the front surface of the mount plate <NUM>, that is, a region adjacent to an outer side end portion of the mount plate <NUM>. The fastening hook <NUM> is caught on the flow guide hook <NUM> protruding from the fastening surface <NUM> of the accommodation portion <NUM> to prevent the flow guide <NUM> from being detached.

Here, the fastening hook <NUM>, the fastening boss <NUM>, and the fan fixing boss <NUM> may be formed symmetrically with respect to a line dividing the mount plate <NUM> in the vertical direction.

Meanwhile, in the manufacturing process of the base <NUM>, when curving of the base <NUM> occurs or pressure is applied to the mount plate <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>, the PCB F of the fan module <NUM> interferes with the mount plate <NUM> and is damaged, or the blade of the fan <NUM> touches the mount plate <NUM> to generate noise.

In order to prevent this phenomenon, a curving prevention boss <NUM> may protrude from one side of the front surface of the mount plate <NUM>. Specifically, the curving prevention boss <NUM> protrudes from the edge of the front surface of the mount plate <NUM> adjacent to the duct flange <NUM>.

In addition, in order to prevent the flow of air discharged from the fan module <NUM> from being obstructed by the curving prevention boss <NUM>, the curving prevention boss <NUM> is preferably formed on the edge corresponding to the side of the inlet a of the fan module <NUM> among the edges of the front surface of the mount plate <NUM>.

Therefore, when the flow guide <NUM> is seated on the shroud <NUM> of the fan module <NUM>, the end portion of the curving prevention boss <NUM> is in contact with the surface of the base corresponding to the inlet a region. (see the dotted circle illustrated in <FIG>).

By the curving prevention boss <NUM>, a phenomenon which cause any noise due to the interference of the PCB F by the curving of the base <NUM> or an external force acting on the mount plate <NUM>, or the contact of the blade of the fan <NUM> with the mount plate <NUM> does not occur.

Here, it is not excluded that the curving prevention boss <NUM> is respectively formed on the upper and lower edges of the front surface of the mount plate <NUM>. In other words, the two curving prevention bosses <NUM> protrude from positions symmetrical to each other, and it is also possible to be in contact with the inlet a region and the outlet b region.

<FIG> is a cutaway perspective view of a filter housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the front surface of the filter housing <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure faces the rear surface of the filter <NUM> seated on the rear surface of the flow guide <NUM>, and the rear surface of the filter housing <NUM> forms a portion of the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. In other words, when the user wears the mask apparatus <NUM>, the rear surface of the filter housing <NUM> faces the user's face.

In detail, the filter housing <NUM> includes a filter frame <NUM> surrounding three sides of the filter <NUM>, and a filter cover <NUM> formed on a rear surface of the filter frame <NUM>.

The filter cover <NUM> can be explained as consisting of a cover body 342a on which the suction port <NUM> is formed and in which the filter frame <NUM> extends on the front surface, and an extension portion 342b extending from one side end portion of the cover body 342a.

The extension portion 342b may be formed to be smoothly rounded to fit the contour of the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. The gripping groove <NUM> may be formed at an end portion of the extension portion 342b. When the filter cover <NUM> is closed, the gripping groove <NUM> is in contact with the gripping groove <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed at the side end portion of the rear body <NUM>.

In addition, a fastening hook <NUM> protrudes from the center of the front surface of the extension portion 342b. When the filter cover <NUM> is closed, the fastening hook <NUM> is caught by the filter hook <NUM> so that the filter cover <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the rear body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

When the filter cover <NUM> is closed, the rear surface of the filter cover <NUM> forms a portion of the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> or a portion of the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. In other words, a portion of the rear body <NUM> excluding the opening defining the rear surface of the accommodation portion <NUM> and the filter cover <NUM> complete the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>.

Hinges <NUM> protrude from both sides of the inner end portion of the filter housing <NUM>, that is, the opposite end portion of the extension portion 342b. The hinge <NUM> is inserted into the hinge hole 1332c formed in the shape of a long hole and moves between one end and the other end of the hinge hole 1332c during the opening and closing process of the filter housing <NUM>.

In detail, the filter frame <NUM> includes a side frame <NUM> extending forward from the front surface of one side end portion of the cover body 342a, and an upper frame <NUM> extending forward from the front surface of the upper end portion of the cover body 342a, and a lower frame formed opposite to the upper frame <NUM>. Accordingly, only three sides of the filter <NUM> are surrounded by the filter frame <NUM>.

Guide grooves <NUM> are formed in the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame, and guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM> are accommodated in the guide groove <NUM>. When the filter housing <NUM> is closed after the filter is inserted, the fastening hook <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> are gently caught on filter hook <NUM> by the engagement process of the guide groove <NUM> and the guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM>. This will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

In addition, the side frame <NUM> may be described as an interface dividing the filter cover <NUM> into the cover body 342a and the extension portion 342b.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a closing process of a filter housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, as described above, the hinge <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> is inserted into the hinge hole 1332c in the form of a long hole extending obliquely.

In detail, the user grabs the end of the extension portion 342b and lifts it up so that the fastening hook <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> is separated from the filter hook <NUM>. When the fastening hook <NUM> is separated from the filter hook <NUM>, the user grabs the end of the extension portion 342b and lifts the end of the extension portion 342b up while pulling the end of the extension portion 342b toward the side end portion of the mask body <NUM>. Then, as the hinge <NUM> moves from one end portion of the hinge hole 1332c toward the other end portion thereof, the opening angle of the filter housing <NUM> increases. As a result, the filter housing <NUM> is opened without interfering with the rear flange <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the filter housing <NUM> is maximally opened, wherein the hinge <NUM> is positioned at the other end of the hinge hole 1332c.

In this state, if the filter housing <NUM> is pushed in until the hinge <NUM> is in contact with one end of the hinge hole 1332c and is not closed, a situation where the hook does not engage may occur while the catching portion <NUM> of the fastening hook <NUM> slides along the outer surface of the hook <NUM> may occur. Furthermore, when the user closes the filter housing <NUM> with excessive force, a phenomenon in which the fastening hook <NUM> is broken may occur.

According to the present disclosure, even when the user closes the filter housing <NUM> in a state where the user does not push the hinge <NUM> in until the hinge touches one end of the hinge hole 1332c, a structure in which the fastening hook <NUM> is accurately coupled to the filter hook <NUM> is provided.

As an example, guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> protrude from the flow guide <NUM> in a round manner, and a guide groove <NUM> is formed on a side of the filter housing <NUM>. In addition, when the filter housing <NUM> is closed, while the guide groove <NUM> slides along the rounded surfaces of the guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM>, the guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM> are accurately coupled to the guide groove <NUM>, and thus the catching portion <NUM> of the fastening hook <NUM> is caught on the inner surface of the filter hook <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, as the opening angle of the filter housing <NUM> gradually decreases, the guide groove <NUM> moves to a position where the guide groove <NUM> is coupled to the guide shoulders <NUM> and <NUM>. At the same time, the hinge <NUM> moves from the other end to one end of the hinge hole 1332c.

<FIG> is a cutaway perspective view of a filter housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, guide grooves are not separately formed in the upper frame <NUM> and the lower frame <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and a guide shoulder is also not formed in the flow guide <NUM>.

However, the shape of the end portion of the fastening hook <NUM> is improved, so that when the filter housing <NUM> is closed, the fastening hook <NUM> and the filter hook <NUM> are stably fastened.

In detail, the fastening hook <NUM> includes an extension portion <NUM> extending from the filter cover <NUM> and a catching portion <NUM> formed at an end portion of the extension portion <NUM>.

The catching portion <NUM> includes a catching surface 3442a inclined toward the outer edge of the filter housing <NUM>, a sliding surface 3442b extending in a straight line form from an end portion of the catching surface 3442a, and a contact surface 3442c that is rounded with a predetermined curvature at the end portion of the sliding surface 3442b.

The contact surface 3442c is a surface that is first in contact with the filter hook <NUM> when the filter housing <NUM> is closed.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a closing process of a filter housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in a state where the filter housing <NUM> is opened, the hinge <NUM> is in a state of being caught at the other end of the hinge hole 1332c.

In this state, when the user rotates without pushing the end portion of the filter housing <NUM> at the side of the hinge <NUM>, that is, when the filter housing <NUM> is pushed in the direction of the arrow in <FIG> and closed, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tip of the filter hook <NUM> is in contact with the contact surface 3442c.

When the rear surface of the filter housing <NUM> is further pressed while the tip of the filter hook <NUM> is in contact with the contact surface 3442c, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tip of the filter hook <NUM> reaches the sliding surface 3442b while moving along the contact surface 3442c. When the tip of the filter hook <NUM> moves along the contact surface 3442c and the sliding surface 3442b, the hinge <NUM> moves toward one end of the hinge hole 1332c.

When the rear surface of the filter housing <NUM> is completely closed in this state, the inner surface of the filter hook <NUM> is in contact with the catching surface 3442a with a "click" sound, and the catching portion <NUM> is caught on the filter hook <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mask apparatus comprising:
a mask body (<NUM>) including:
a front body (<NUM>), and
a rear body (<NUM>) that is coupled to a rear surface of the front body (<NUM>) and from which a pair of accommodation portions (<NUM>) protrudes forward;
a face guard (<NUM>) that is coupled to a rear surface of the rear body (<NUM>), the face guard (<NUM>) being configured to contact a user's face and defining a breathing space therein;
a fan module (<NUM>) seated in an accommodation portion of the pair of accommodation portions (<NUM>);
a flow guide (<NUM>) provided at a side of the fan module (<NUM>) and defining a portion of a discharge port (<NUM>) configured to communicate with the breathing space;
a filter (<NUM>) seated on the flow guide (<NUM>); and
a filter housing (<NUM>) that is rotatably coupled to the rear body (<NUM>) and configured to cover the filter (<NUM>),
wherein the flow guide (<NUM>) includes:
a mount plate (<NUM>) covering a rear side of the fan module (<NUM>); and
an upper flange (<NUM>) extending from an upper end of the mount plate (<NUM>); and
a lower flange (<NUM>) extending from a lower end of the mount plate (<NUM>), and
wherein the filter housing (<NUM>) includes:
a plurality of filter frames (<NUM>);
a filter cover (<NUM>) provided at a rear side of each filter frame (<NUM>);
a hinge (<NUM>) protruding from an end portion of a filter frame of the plurality of filter frames (<NUM>); and
a locking means (<NUM>) provided at the opposite end portion of the filter frame (<NUM>) and configured to be detachably coupled to a catching means (<NUM>) in the mask body (<NUM>), characterized in that
the flow guide (<NUM>) further comprises a guide shoulder (<NUM>) protruding from at least one of the upper flange (<NUM>) and the lower flange (<NUM>), and the filter frames (<NUM>) further comprise a guide groove (<NUM>) configured to engaged with the guide shoulder (<NUM>).