Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a mask apparatus.

A mask is a device that can cover a user's nose and mouth to prevent or reduce inhalation of germs and dust or droplet transmitting viruses or bacteria. The mask can be in close contact with the user's face to cover the user's nose and mouth. The mask can filter germs, dust, and the like, which may be contained in the air and provide filtered air into the user's mouth and nose. Air and germs and dust contained in the air can pass through a body of the mask including a filter configured to block the germs and the dust.

In some cases, the mask can cause uncomfortable breathing since air is introduced into the user's nose and mouth and discharged to the outside after passing through the body of the mask. In some cases, a mask can include a motor, a fan, and a filter. The mask can include a face cover having an air suction hole, an air passage portion installed inside the face cover, and a wearing portion coupled to a rear surface of the face cover to cover the air passage portion.

In some cases, the mask includes the fan disposed on an upper portion of the mask, and the relatively heavy battery is disposed on a lower portion of the mask. In such cases, the mask can droop downward due to the gravity, and a gap can be formed between the mask and the user's face.

In some cases, where the mask has both the fan module and the battery at a central portion of a front surface thereof, a weight applied to an ear can increase because the weight is not distributed throughout the mask.

In some cases, a mask may include a frame having an air suction hole, a cover coupled to a front surface of the frame, and a surface body coupled to a rear surface of the frame and in close contact with the user's face. For example, the frame can include a front frame in which an air suction hole is defined and a rear frame coupled to a rear surface of the front frame to form an inner space.

In some cases, a fan may be disposed at a central portion of the inner space, where a substrate can be disposed at one side of the fan, and the battery can be disposed at the other side of the fan.

In some cases, where the battery is relatively heavy compared to other parts, the mask can droop downward when the mask is worn for a long time. When the drooping phenomenon of the mask occurs, a gap can be formed between the user's face and the mask, which can cause inconvenience in using the mask.

In some cases, where the mask has the battery disposed at a point adjacent to the user's ear, a load on the ear can increase due to a weight of the battery, which can cause pain in the ear.

In some cases, where a capacity of the battery is designed to be small so as to reduce the weight of the battery, a usage time of the mask including the fan module may be reduced. In some cases, it may be difficult to operate the fan at a high speed for a high air volume due to the limited capacity of the battery.

<CIT> relates to a mask type head-mounted air purifier.

<CIT> relates to a micro breathing machine which comprises a nose sealing support.

<CIT> relates to a forced inhale and exhale mask.

<CIT> relates to a mask having a fan and an air filter.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact mask apparatus that can reduce a weight of a mask.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask apparatus that can reduce a load applied to an ear when the mask is hung on the ear.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask apparatus including a battery that has a capacity to increase a driving time of a fan and enable a high-speed operation of the fan.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask apparatus that can naturally cool heat of a battery and a circuit board.

These objects are achieved with a mask apparatus according to claim <NUM>. Preferred aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a mask apparatus includes a mask body configured to receive a battery at a center region of a front surface of the mask body, a plurality of electronic components that are disposed at the mask body and that include a pair of fan modules configured to be disposed at left and right sides of the battery, respectively, and a control module configured to be disposed between the battery and at least one of the pair of fan modules, and a mask body cover that is coupled to the mask body and covers the plurality of electronic components. The center region configured to receive the battery, the pair of fan modules, and the control module are arranged along a widthwise direction of the mask body.

Implementations according to this aspect can include one or more of the following features. For example, the control module can be configured to surround at least a portion of an outer circumference of the battery. In some implementations, the control module can include a first substrate configured to be disposed between the battery and a first fan module of the pair of fan modules. In some implementations, the control module can include a second substrate configured to be disposed between the battery and a second fan module of the pair of fan modules. In some examples, the control module can further include a third substrate that connects the first substrate to the second substrate and that can be configured to surround an upper edge of the battery.

In some implementations, the mask apparatus can include a seal that is coupled to a rear surface of the mask body and defines a breathing space therein. In some examples, the mask body can define an air exhaust hole in a lower portion of the mask body, where the air exhaust hole is configured to discharge air exhaled into the breathing space to an outside of the mask body. In some implementations, the air exhaust hole is positioned at a front side of the breathing space. In some implementations, at least one of the battery or the control module can be configured to be disposed above the air exhaust hole.

In some implementations, the mask apparatus can include an air outlet that protrudes from the front surface of the mask body and partitions the air exhaust hole from an inner space defined between the mask body and the mask body cover. In some examples, the air outlet protrudes forward relative to the front surface of the mask body and extends along an edge of the air exhaust hole. In some examples, the air outlet can have an arch shape or a tunnel shape that extends along the edge of the air exhaust hole. In some examples, a front end of the air outlet is in contact with a rear surface of the mask body cover. In some implementations, the air outlet can include a top surface configured to support the battery.

In some implementations, the mask apparatus can include a seal that is coupled to a rear surface of the mask body and defines a breathing space therein, and the mask body includes a plurality of air ducts, where each of the plurality of air ducts defines a passage configured to guide air from one of the pair of fan modules to the breathing space.

In some implementations, the plurality of air ducts can include a first air duct configured to be disposed between the battery and the first fan module. In some implementations, the plurality of air ducts can include a second air duct configured to be disposed between the battery and the second fan module. In some examples, the first substrate can be disposed at a front surface of the first air duct, and the second substrate can be disposed at a front surface of the second air duct, where at least a portion of each of the front surface of the first air duct and the front surface of the second air duct is flat.

In some implementations, the mask body can include a battery mounting portion disposed at the center region of the front surface of the mask body and configured to accommodate the battery. In some examples, the battery mounting portion can include a vertical rib that protrudes forward from the mask body and can be configured to support a side surface of the battery, and a horizontal rib connected the vertical rib and configured to support a front surface of the battery.

In some implementations, the vertical rib can include a pair of vertical ribs that protrude forward from the mask body and are configured to support side surfaces of the battery, and the horizontal rib connects the pair of vertical ribs to each other.

In some implementations, the mask apparatus can include a support rib that extends from the front surface of the mask body and supports the control module.

In some implementations, the battery having a relatively heavy weight can be disposed at the center of the mask apparatus to reduce the load applied to the ear when the user wears the mask apparatus.

In some examples, the battery capacity can be designed to be relatively large to increase the driving time of the fan and enable operation of the fan at a high speed.

In some implementations, the control module can surround at least a portion of the periphery of the battery, where the fan module, the battery, and the control module can be arranged along a line in the widthwise direction of the mask apparatus. Accordingly, the limited inner space of the mask apparatus can be efficiently utilized to realize the compact mask apparatus.

In some implementations, the battery can provide power to the electronic components and the control module that controls operation of the electronic components. The battery and the control module can be arranged at the central portion of the mask apparatus to facilitate supply of power or arrangement of wires to the various electronic components (e.g., fan modules, sensors, etc.).

In some implementations, the battery and the control module can be disposed adjacent to an air passage of the mask apparatus configured to introduce external air, which can help natural cooling of heat generated by the battery and the circuit board.

<FIG> is a left perspective view of a mask apparatus, <FIG> is a right perspective view of the mask apparatus, <FIG> is a rear view of the mask apparatus, and <FIG> is a bottom view of the mask apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, a mask apparatus <NUM> includes a mask body <NUM> and a mask body cover <NUM> coupled to the mask body <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> can be detachably coupled to each other. When the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> are coupled to each other, an inner space is defined between the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM>. Constituents for driving the mask apparatus <NUM> can be disposed in the inner space. The inner space is defined between a front surface of the mask body <NUM> and a rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM>. The mask body <NUM> can define a rear surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>, and the mask body cover <NUM> can define a front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

A rear side of the mask apparatus <NUM> is defined as a direction in which the rear surface of the mask apparatus <NUM> facing a user's face is disposed, and a front side of the mask apparatus <NUM> is defined as a direction which is opposite to the rear side and in which a front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>, which is exposed to the outside, is disposed.

The mask apparatus <NUM> can further include a sealing bracket <NUM> and a seal <NUM> that is detachably coupled to the sealing bracket <NUM>.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can be detachably coupled to a rear surface of the mask body <NUM> to fix the seal <NUM> to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. In some examples, when the sealing bracket <NUM> is separated from the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>, the seal <NUM> can be separated from the mask body <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> can be supported on the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> by the sealing bracket <NUM>, and a breathing space S for breathing is defined between the seal <NUM> and the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is in close contact with a user's face and surrounds user's nose and mouth to restrict introduction of external air into the breathing space S.

The mask body cover <NUM> can include a first filter mounting portion <NUM> and a second filter mounting portion <NUM>. The first filter mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed at a right side of the mask body cover <NUM>, and the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed at a left side of the mask body cover <NUM>.

A left direction (left side) and a right direction (right side) are defined based on the mask apparatus <NUM> worn on the user's face. That is, in the state in which the user wearing the mask apparatus <NUM>, a right side of the user is defined as the right side of the mask apparatus <NUM>, and a left side of the user is defined as the left side of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

In some examples, an upward direction (upward side) and a downward direction (downward side) are defined based on the mask apparatus <NUM> mounted on the user's face.

A first filter cover <NUM> can be mounted on the first filter mounting portion <NUM>, and a second filter cover <NUM> can be mounted on the second filter mounting portion <NUM>. Filters <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) can be disposed inside the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM>, and the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM> can cover the filter.

The first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM> can be detachably coupled to the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM>, respectively. For example, the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM> can be coupled to be fitted into the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM>, respectively.

Each of the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM> can include a front surface portion and side surface portions extending backward along an edge of the front surface portion or an edge of a rear surface.

Each of the side surface portions of the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM> can have four side surfaces, and the four side surfaces can include an upper side surface, a lower side surface, a left side surface, and a right side surface.

One or a plurality of first air inlets <NUM> can be defined in the side surface portion of the first filter cover <NUM>. One or a plurality of second air inlets <NUM> can also be defined in the side surface portion of the second filter cover <NUM>.

In the state in which the first filter cover <NUM> is mounted on the first filter mounting portion <NUM>, the first air inlet <NUM> can be defined to be exposed to the outside. In the state in which the second filter cover <NUM> is mounted on the second filter mounting portion <NUM>, the second air inlet <NUM> can be defined to be exposed to the outside.

The first air inlet <NUM> and the second air inlet <NUM> can be defined in the side surfaces of the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM>, respectively. In some examples, each of the first and second air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> can be respectively defined in the front surface portions of the first and second filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first air inlet <NUM> and the second air inlet <NUM> can be defined at a point closer to the front surface portion from a line that bisects the side surface portion.

When a plurality of the first air inlets <NUM> are provided in the side surface portions of the first filter cover <NUM>, the first air inlets <NUM> can include a first air suction hole 251a defined in the right side surface, a second air suction hole 251b defined in the left side surface, and a third air suction hole 251c defined in the upper side surface.

Similarly, when a plurality of the second air inlets <NUM> are provided in the side surface portions of the second filter cover <NUM>, the second air inlets <NUM> can include a first air suction hole 261a defined in the left side surface, a second air suction hole 261b defined in the right side surface, and a third air suction hole 261c defined in the upper side surface.

An opening <NUM> can be defined in one of the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> can be defined in an edge of one of the first filter cover <NUM> and the second filter cover <NUM>. In some examples, a manipulation portion <NUM> for controlling an operation of the mask apparatus <NUM> can be mounted in the opening <NUM>. In some implementations, the manipulation portion <NUM> can be mounted on the first filter cover <NUM>.

The manipulation portion <NUM> can serve as a manipulation switch that turns on/off power of the mask apparatus <NUM>. The manipulation portion <NUM> can be exposed to the front side of the mask apparatus <NUM> while being mounted in the opening <NUM>.

That is, the hook mounting portion <NUM> can include a first hook mounting portion 108a provided at a right side of the mask body <NUM>, and a second hook mounting portion 108b provided at a left side of the mask body <NUM>.

Each of the first hook mounting portion 108a and the second hook mounting portion 108b can be provided in plurality to be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction of the mask body <NUM>. In detail, the first hook mounting portion 108a can be provided at each of the upper right and lower right sides of the mask body <NUM>, and the second hook mounting portion 108b can be provided at each of the upper left and lower left sides of the mask body <NUM>.

A band for maintaining the mask apparatus <NUM> in close contact with the user's face can be mounted on the hook mounting portion <NUM>.

For example, both ends of the band can connect the first hook mounting portion 108a to the second hook mounting portion 108b or connect each of two first hook mounting portions 108a spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction to each of two second hook mounting portions 108b spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction to each other.

In the former case, the band can have a shape surrounding the user's occipital region, and in the latter case, the band can have a shape that is hooked on both ears of the user.

The hook mounting portion <NUM> can be formed by cutting a portion of the mask body <NUM>. Thus, air can be introduced into the inner space between the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> through a gap defined in the hook mounting portion <NUM>.

In detail, the external air introduced into the inner space through the hook mounting portion <NUM> can cool electronic components disposed in the inner space. In some examples, the air of which a temperature increases while cooling the electronic components can be discharged again to the outside of the mask body <NUM> through the hook mounting portion <NUM>. In some examples, to restrict a flow of the air introduced into the inner space through the hook mounting portion <NUM> into the breathing space, the inside of the mask apparatus <NUM> can have a sealing structure. In some examples, the electronic component can be or include an electronic device, an electric circuit, a battery, a controller, a fan, a memory, etc..

The mask body <NUM> can include an air outlet <NUM> for supplying the filtered air to the breathing space S. The user can breathe while breathing the filtered air supplied through the air outlet <NUM> to the breathing space S.

The air outlet <NUM> can include a first air outlet 129a through which the filtered air introduced into the first air inlet <NUM> is discharged to the breathing space S and a second air outlet 129b through which the filtered air introduced into the second air inlet <NUM> is discharged to the breathing space S.

The first air outlet 129a can be defined at a right side with respect to a center of the mask body <NUM>, and the second air outlet 129b can be defined at a left side with respect to the center of the mask body <NUM>. The air introduced through the first air inlet <NUM> can pass through the filter <NUM> and then flow to the first air outlet 129a. The air introduced through the second air inlet <NUM> can pass through the second filter <NUM> and then flow to the second air inlet <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM> for discharging air exhaled by the user to an external space. The air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM> can be defined in a lower portion the mask body <NUM>.

The air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM> can include a first air exhaust hole <NUM> defined in a front lower end of the mask body <NUM> and a second air exhaust hole <NUM> defined in a bottom surface of the mask body <NUM>.

In detail, a rib extending forward can be formed at the front lower end of the mask body <NUM>, and a surface defined by the rib can be defined as the bottom surface of the mask body <NUM>.

A flow space through the air flowing toward the second air exhaust hole <NUM> by passing through the first air exhaust hole <NUM> descends can be defined between the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM>.

A check valve can be provided in one or more of the first air exhaust hole <NUM> and the second air exhaust hole <NUM>. The external air can be introduced into the breathing space S, or the check valve can block backflow of the air discharged through the second air exhaust hole <NUM>. The check valve can be disposed in the flow space between the first air exhaust hole <NUM> to the second air exhaust hole <NUM>.

For example, the check valve having the form of a flat flap with a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the first air exhaust hole <NUM> can be provided.

In detail, an upper end of the flap can be connected to an upper edge of the first air exhaust hole <NUM>, and when the user exhales, the flap can be bent or rotates to open the first air exhaust hole <NUM>, and when the user inhales, the flap can be in close contact with the first air exhaust hole <NUM> to help to prevent the external air or the discharged air from being introduced again into the breathing space.

The mask body <NUM> can include a sensor mounting portion <NUM>. The sensor mounting portion <NUM> can be equipped with a sensor for acquiring various pieces of information from the breathing space. The sensor mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed above the mask body <NUM>. When the user breathes, the sensor mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed above the mask body <NUM> in consideration of a position at which a pressure change in the breathing space is constantly sensed.

The mask body <NUM> can include a connector hole <NUM>. The connector hole <NUM> can be understood as an opening in which a connector for supplying power to the mask apparatus <NUM> is installed. The connector hole <NUM> can be defined at either a left edge or a right edge of the mask body <NUM>.

In some implementations, where the manipulation portion <NUM> and the connector are connected to a power module <NUM> (see <FIG>) to be described later, the connector hole <NUM> can be provided at one side of the left or the right side of the mask body <NUM>, which corresponds to the position at which the power module <NUM> is installed.

Hereinafter, constituents of the mask apparatus <NUM> will be described in detail based on an exploded perspective view.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the mask apparatus.

Referring to Fog. <NUM>, the mask apparatus <NUM> can include the mask body <NUM>, the mask body cover <NUM>, the sealing bracket <NUM>, and the seal <NUM>.

In detail, the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> can be coupled to each other to form an outer appearance of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

An inner space for accommodating devices for the operation of the mask apparatus <NUM> can be defined between the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM>. The sealing bracket <NUM> and the seal <NUM> are coupled to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> to define the breathing space between the user's face and the mask body <NUM>. The sealing bracket <NUM> and the seal <NUM> can help to prevent the external air from being introduced into the breathing space.

The mask body <NUM> can include a cover coupling groove <NUM>. The cover coupling groove <NUM> can be defined along a front edge of the mask body <NUM>. The cover coupling groove <NUM> can be defined by a height difference. The cover coupling groove <NUM> can be defined to correspond to an edge of the mask body cover <NUM>. The cover coupling groove <NUM> can be defined by recessing a portion of the front surface of the mask body <NUM> backward. The mask body cover <NUM> can move toward the cover coupling groove <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> to allow the mask body cover <NUM> to be inserted into the cover coupling groove <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include a first cover coupling portion <NUM>. An upper portion of the mask body cover <NUM> can be supported on the first cover coupling portion <NUM>. The first cover coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed on a front upper portion of the mask body <NUM>.

For example, the first cover coupling portion <NUM> can have a structure that is capable of being hook-coupled. The hook coupled to the first cover coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed on a rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM>.

The first cover coupling portion <NUM> can be provided in plurality, and the hook can also be provided in plurality to correspond to the first cover coupling portions <NUM>. In some implementations, the first cover coupling portion <NUM> can be provided at the left and right sides of the mask body <NUM> based on the center of the mask body <NUM>, respectively. The first cover coupling portion <NUM> can be referred to as an upper cover coupling portion.

The mask body <NUM> can include a first bracket coupling portion <NUM>. The first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed above the mask body <NUM>. The first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can support an upper portion of the sealing bracket <NUM>.

The first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed above a rear surface of the mask body <NUM>.

For example, the first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be provided by allowing a portion constituting the mask body <NUM> to protruding forward from the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. Thus, the first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be understood as a recess when viewed from a rear side of the mask body <NUM> and a protrusion when viewed from a front side of the mask body <NUM>.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include a first body coupling portion <NUM> that has the same shape as the recessed shape of the first bracket coupling portion <NUM> and is seated on the first bracket coupling portion <NUM>.

The first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be provided at each of the left and right sides of the mask body <NUM>. The first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be defined as an upper bracket coupling portion.

The mask body <NUM> can include a support rib <NUM>.

The support rib <NUM> can be provided to protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. The support rib <NUM> can contact the rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM> when the mask body cover <NUM> is coupled to the mask body <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> can resist external forces acting in a front and rear direction by the support rib <NUM>. The support ribs <NUM> can be provided in a plurality on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>.

The support rib <NUM> can perform a function of fixing a portion of the control module <NUM> mounted on the mask body <NUM>. For this, the support rib <NUM> can include a hook shape. In other words, a hook protrusion can protrude from an end of the support rib <NUM> to fix the end of the control module <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include a second cover coupling portion <NUM>.

A lower portion of the mask body cover <NUM> can be supported on the second cover coupling portion <NUM>. The second cover coupling portion <NUM> can protrude in a hook shape from a front lower end of the mask body <NUM>. The first cover coupling portion <NUM> can be provided at each of the left and right sides of the mask body <NUM> based on the center of the mask body <NUM>. The second cover coupling portion <NUM> can be defined as a lower cover coupling portion.

A hook hooking portion to which the second cover coupling portion <NUM> is coupled can be disposed on the mask body cover <NUM>, and the hook hooking portion can be disposed at each of left and right sides of the mask body cover <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include the second bracket coupling portion <NUM>. A lower portion of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be supported on the second bracket coupling portion <NUM>. The second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be provided by opening the mask body <NUM>. The second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed in a lower portion of the mask body <NUM>. For example, the second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be provided as a through-hole defined in the mask body <NUM>.

A second body coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed on the sealing bracket <NUM>. The second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be provided in plurality, and the second body coupling portion <NUM> can also be provided in plurality to correspond to the second bracket coupling portions <NUM>. In some implementations, the second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be provided at each of the left and right sides with respect to the center of the mask body <NUM>. The second bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be defined as a lower bracket coupling portion.

The mask body <NUM> can include the above-described sensor mounting portion <NUM>.

The sensor mounting portion <NUM> can have a rib shape in which a portion of the front surface of the mask body <NUM> protrudes forward. In detail, the sensor mounting portion <NUM> has a rib shape that is surrounded along an edge of the sensor, and an installation space in which the sensor is installed is defined in the sensor mounting portion <NUM>.

A hole through which the installation space and the breathing space communicate with each other is defined in the mask body <NUM> corresponding to the inside of the sensor mounting portion <NUM>. The sensor disposed in the installation space can include a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor can sense pressure information of the breathing space through the hole.

The mask body <NUM> can include a fan module mounting portion <NUM>.

The fan module mounting portion <NUM> can include a first fan module mounting portion on which a first fan module <NUM> is mounted and a second fan module mounting portion on which a second fan module <NUM> is mounted.

The first fan module mounting portion and the second fan module mounting portion can be disposed on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. In detail, the first fan module mounting portion can be disposed at the right side of the mask body <NUM>, and the second fan module mounting portion can be disposed at the left side of the mask body <NUM>.

The first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM> can be detachably coupled to the first fan module mounting portion and the second fan module mounting portion, respectively.

The mask body <NUM> can include an air duct <NUM>.

The air duct <NUM> can be disposed on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. A passage through which air passes can be provided in the air duct <NUM>.

The air duct <NUM> can include a first air duct connected to the first fan module mounting portion and a second air duct connected to the second fan module mounting portion.

The first air duct and the second air duct can be disposed on an edge of the first fan module mounting portion and an edge of the second fan module mounting portion, which are adjacent to the center of the front surface of the mask body <NUM> so as to be disposed between the first fan module mounting portion and the second fan module mounting portion.

In some examples, the first fan module mounting portion and the second fan module mounting portion can have a shape symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane (or a vertical line) passing through the center of the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. Similarly, the first air duct and the second air duct can also have a shape symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane or the vertical line passing through the center of the front surface of the mask body <NUM>.

One end of the air duct <NUM> communicates with the outlets of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> to allow the external air to be introduced into the air duct <NUM>. In addition, the other end of the air duct <NUM> communicates with the air outlet <NUM> so that the air introduced into the air duct <NUM> is discharged into the breathing space S.

A control module <NUM> can be mounted on the front surface of the air duct <NUM>.

A control module mounting portion <NUM> for mounting the control module <NUM> can be disposed on the front surface of the air duct <NUM>. A portion of the front surface of the air duct <NUM> can be provided as a flat portion on which the control module <NUM> is capable of being seated, and the flat portion can be defined as the control module mounting portion <NUM>.

The control module mounting portion <NUM> can include a first control module mounting portion 128a provided in the first air duct and a second control module mounting portion 128b provided in the second air duct. One control module <NUM> can be fixed to the first control module mounting portion 128a and the second control module mounting portion 128b, or a plurality of control modules can be respectively fixed to the first and second control module mounting portions 128a and 128b.

The mask body <NUM> can include a power module mounting portion <NUM> for mounting the power module <NUM>.

The power module mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. The power module mounting portion <NUM> can be provided at one of the left and the right side of the mask body <NUM>.

The power module mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed at the side of the fan module mounting portion <NUM>. Specifically, the power module mounting portion <NUM> can be provided between the fan module mounting portion <NUM> and a side end of the mask body <NUM>. The side end of the mask body <NUM> can be defined as an end adjacent to the user's ear when worn. In some examples, a connector hole <NUM> can be defined in the side end of the mask body <NUM> provided with the power module mounting portion <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include a battery mounting portion <NUM> for mounting a battery.

The battery mounting portion <NUM> can be disposed on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. The battery mounting portion <NUM> can be provided to protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body <NUM> so as to surround the battery.

For example, the battery mounting portion <NUM> can include a pair of guide ribs protruding forward from the front surface of the mask body <NUM> and a connection rib connecting front ends of the pair of guide ribs to each other. In some examples, the battery can be mounted in a battery accommodation space defined by the pair of guide ribs and the connection rib.

The battery can move downward from an upper side of the battery accommodating space and be inserted into the battery accommodating space and then can move in a reverse direction to be separated. A lower portion of the battery inserted into the battery mounting portion <NUM> can be supported by an air discharge portion <NUM> that defines an air outlet.

The mask body <NUM> can include the air discharge portion <NUM>.

The air discharge portion <NUM> can be disposed in a lower portion of the mask body <NUM>. The air discharge portion <NUM> can define a flow space through which the air flowing from the first air exhaust hole <NUM> toward the second air exhaust hole <NUM> passes.

The air discharge portion <NUM> can protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. In some examples, the air discharge portion <NUM> can extend to be rounded in an arch shape or can be bent several times to extend.

When the mask body cover <NUM> is coupled to the mask body <NUM>, a front end of the air discharge portion <NUM> can be in contact with the rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM>, and the inner space of the mask body <NUM> and the flow space can be distinguished from each other. The air discharge portion <NUM> can define a top surface and both side surfaces of the flow space, and a rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM> can define a front surface of the flow space. In some examples, the front surface of the mask body <NUM> can define a rear surface of the flow space, and the bottom surface of the mask body <NUM> on which the second air exhaust hole <NUM> is defined can define a bottom surface of the flow space.

The top surface of the air discharge portion <NUM> can support a lower end of the battery. It is connected to lower ends of both sides of the air discharge portion <NUM> having the arch shape or tunnel shape can be connected to the bottom surface of the mask body <NUM>, and the bottom surface of the mask body <NUM> can be defined by the rib extending forward from the lower end of the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. The cover coupling groove <NUM> is recessed along the front end of the rib defining the bottom surface of the mask body <NUM>, and the lower end of the rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM> is coupled to the cover coupling groove <NUM>.

The first air exhaust hole <NUM> can be defined in the front surface of the mask body <NUM> defining the rear surface of the flow space.

The mask body cover <NUM> can include a pair of filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>, as described above.

The filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided by recessing the front surface of the mask body cover <NUM> to be recessed by a predetermined depth toward the rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM>. Filters <NUM> and <NUM> are accommodated inside the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> provided by being recessed, and filter covers <NUM> and <NUM> can be mounted on edges of the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> in the state in which the filters <NUM> and <NUM> are accommodated.

Air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM> can be defined in the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM> can communicate with suction holes defined in the front surfaces of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Each of edges of the air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM> can have an inclined surface that inclined in a direction in which a diameter gradually decreases from the front surface to the rear surface.

A filter cover mounting groove <NUM> for fixing each of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM> can be defined in a side surface of each of the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. A coupling protrusion inserted into the filter cover mounting groove <NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed on each of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>. In <FIG>, only the coupling protrusion <NUM> disposed on the left filter cover <NUM> is illustrated, but it is noted that the same coupling protrusion is disposed on the right filter cover <NUM> as well.

In some implementations, a sealing material for sealing can be provided between the edges of the rear surfaces of the air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM> of the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the fan inlets of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>. The sealing material can surround the air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM> and edges of the fan inlets of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> to block introduction of the external air.

The filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> include a first filter mounting portion <NUM> provided at the right side of the mask body cover <NUM> and a second filter mounting portion <NUM> provided at the left side of the mask body cover <NUM>.

The air suction hole defined in the first filter mounting portion <NUM> can be defined as a first air suction port <NUM>, and the air suction hole defined in the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can be defined as a second air suction port <NUM>.

The filters <NUM> and <NUM> can include a first filter <NUM> accommodated inside the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and a second filter <NUM> accommodated inside the second filter mounting portion <NUM>.

The filter covers <NUM> and <NUM> can include a first filter cover <NUM> mounted on the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and a second filter cover <NUM> mounted on the second filter mounting portion <NUM>. A plurality of first air inlets <NUM> can be defined in the first filter cover <NUM> to allow the external air to be introduced, and a plurality of second air inlets <NUM> can be defined in the second filter cover <NUM> to allow the external air to be introduced.

The control module <NUM> can be referred to as a first electronic circuit device, and the power module <NUM> can be referred to as a second electronic circuit device.

The fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can include a fan, a fan motor, and a fan housing accommodating the fan and the fan motor. The fan housing can include a suction hole through which the air is introduced into the fan, and a discharge hole through which the air forcedly flowing by the fan is discharged.

The fan may be any on of various types of fans. For example, the fan may be a centrifugal fan that suctions air from the front side of the mask body cover <NUM> and discharges the air to the side of the mask body <NUM>. In some examples, the fan may be an axial fan or a cross flow fan.

The air introduced through the first air inlet <NUM> to pass through the first filter <NUM> is suctioned through the first air suction port <NUM>. In some examples, the air introduced through the second air inlet <NUM> to pass through the second filter <NUM> is suctioned through the second air suction port <NUM>.

The fan outlet of the first fan module <NUM> can communicate with the first air duct to discharge the air to the breathing space, and the fan outlet of the second fan module <NUM> can communicate with the second air duct to discharge the air to the breathing space.

The control module <NUM> can control an operation of the mask apparatus <NUM>. The control module <NUM> can be fixed to the control module mounting portion <NUM>.

The control module <NUM> can include a communication module to transmit and receive various types of information. The control module <NUM> can include a data storage module to store various types of information.

The control module <NUM> can control an operation of each of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the control module <NUM> can control the operation of each of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> based on information sensed from the sensor.

The control module <NUM> can be electrically connected to the power module <NUM>, the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and the battery so as to be interlocked with each other.

The power module <NUM> can receive power from the outside. The power module <NUM> can include a charging circuit for charging the battery. The power module <NUM> can include the connector <NUM> and the manipulation portion <NUM>. Thus, the control module <NUM> can operate by receiving battery power or external power through the connector <NUM>.

The power module <NUM> can control supply of power to the mask apparatus <NUM> by the manipulation portion <NUM>. In detail, the power module <NUM> can control supply of power from the battery to the control module <NUM> and the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> can be coupled to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> by the sealing bracket <NUM> to be in close contact with the user's face.

The rear surface of the mask body <NUM> can be spaced apart from the user's face by the seal <NUM>.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can be provided in a ring shape forming a closed loop. The seal <NUM> can be detachably coupled to the sealing bracket <NUM>.

In some examples, the sealing bracket <NUM> is coupled to be detachable from the mask body <NUM> to separate the sealing bracket <NUM> from the mask body <NUM>. With this structure, only the sealing bracket <NUM> is separated, or an assembly of the seal <NUM> and the sealing bracket <NUM> is separated from the mask body <NUM> to clean only sealing bracket <NUM> or clean both the sealing bracket <NUM> and the seal <NUM>.

After the seal <NUM> is coupled to the sealing bracket <NUM>, when the sealing bracket <NUM> is coupled to the mask body <NUM>, the seal <NUM> is stably fixed to the mask body <NUM>.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include a sealing insertion portion <NUM> inserted into an inner edge of the seal <NUM>.

The inner edge of the seal <NUM> can be provided in a shape of seal lips that is branched into two portions, and the sealing insertion portion <NUM> can be inserted into the seal lips (see <FIG>).

The sealing insertion portion <NUM> can have a cross-sectional shape having a constant thickness or a cross-sectional shape of which a thickness decreases from an inner edge toward an outer edge. A body of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be provided by the sealing insertion portion <NUM> and a fixing guide <NUM> to be described later.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include the fixing guide <NUM>.

The fixing guide <NUM> can be bent at an inner end of the sealing insertion portion <NUM>. When the sealing insertion portion <NUM> is completely inserted into the seal lips of the seal <NUM>, one of the two seal lips is in contact with the fixing guide <NUM>. That is, when the inner edge of the seal <NUM> is in contact with the fixing guide <NUM>, it is seen that the seal <NUM> is completely coupled to the sealing bracket <NUM>.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include a bracket insertion portion <NUM> coupled to the mask body <NUM>. The bracket insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into a cutoff portion defined in the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> to cover a portion of an edge of the cutoff portion.

The cutoff portion can be understood as an opening communicating with the air duct <NUM> so that the air passes therethrough. The bracket insertion portion <NUM> can be disposed on one edge of the cutoff portion, specifically, an outer edge.

The air outlet <NUM> already described can be understood as the remaining portion of the cutoff portion that is not covered by the bracket insertion portion <NUM> in a state in which the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into one side of the cutoff portion.

When the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into or coupled to the one side of the cutoff portion to shield the one side of the cutoff portion, the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can pass between the air duct <NUM> and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> to flow to the air outlet <NUM>.

The bracket insertion portion <NUM> can serve as a function of fixing the sealing bracket <NUM> to the mask body <NUM> while defining one surface of the air duct <NUM>. In detail, an upper portion of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be fixed to the upper portion of the mask body <NUM> by the first body coupling portion <NUM>, a lower portion of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be fixed to the lower portion of the mask body <NUM> by the second body coupling portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be fixed to an intermediate portion of the mask body <NUM> by the bracket insertion portion <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> can be made of a material having elasticity. The seal <NUM> can be in close contact with the user's face and deformed to correspond to an outline of the user's face. The seal <NUM> can be provided in a ring shape forming a closed loop. The seal <NUM> can be provided to cover the user's nose and mouth.

The seal <NUM> includes a coupling portion 400a coupled to the mask body <NUM>, a side surface portion 400c extending from the coupling portion 400a toward the user's face, and a contact portion 400b that is bent from an end of the side surface portion 400c to extend toward the coupling portion 400a.

The contact portion 400b can be a portion that is in close contact with the user's face, and the side surface portion 400c and the contact portion 400b can be angled at an angle of about <NUM> degrees or less to define a space between the side surface portion 400c and the contact portion 400b.

A first opening can be defined inside the coupling portion 400a of the seal <NUM>, and a second opening can be defined inside the contact portion 400b. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second opening can include a main opening in which the front of the user's nose and mouth are disposed and a sub opening extending from an upper end of the main opening and disposed on the user's nose.

In some examples, a lower portion of the main opening, that is, a portion that is in close contact with the front of the user's jaw can be designed closer to the mask body <NUM> than a portion that is in close contact with the front of the user's cheek.

In some implementations, a plurality of ventilation holes can be defined in the contact portion 400b to minimize a phenomenon in which moisture is generated on the user's cheek. The plurality of ventilation holes can have different sizes. For example, a diameter of the ventilation hole can gradually increase from an inner edge to an outer edge of the contact portion 400b.

The air outlet <NUM> and the air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided inside the first opening, and the user's nose and mouth can be disposed inside the second opening.

The seal <NUM> is disposed between the user's face and the mask body <NUM>, and the breathing space S is defined by the coupling portion 400a, the contact portion 400b, and the inner side of the side surface portion 400c of the seal <NUM>.

A bracket insertion groove <NUM> can be defined in an end of the coupling portion 400a of the seal <NUM>.

The bracket insertion groove <NUM> can be understood as a groove or a space defined between the two seal lips when the coupling portion 400a has the shape that is branched into the two seal lips as described above, and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> of the sealing bracket <NUM> is inserted into the bracket insertion groove <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> includes a first seating portion <NUM> on which the first body coupling portion <NUM> is seated, a second seating portion <NUM> on which the second body coupling portion <NUM> is seated, and a third seating portion <NUM> on which the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is seated.

The first and third seating portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be understood as grooves in which a portion of the seal <NUM> is cut to form an accommodation space in which the first body coupling portion <NUM> and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> are accommodated. In some examples, the second seating portion <NUM> can be understood as a hole in which a portion of the seal <NUM> is cut to pass through the second body coupling portion <NUM>.

In another aspect, the first mounting portion <NUM> can be defined as a first opening, the second mounting portion <NUM> can be defined as a second opening, and the third mounting portion <NUM> can be defined as a third opening.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a flow of air when the mask apparatus operates.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the mask apparatus <NUM> can suction the external air through the air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>. The flow direction of the external air suctioned into the mask apparatus <NUM> is indicated by an arrow "A" Since the air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in plurality to suction the air in various directions, an inflow rate of the external air increases.

For example, the air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> can include air inlets 251a and 261a for suctioning air flowing at upper sides of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>, air inlets 251b and 261b for suctioning air flowing at a front side of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>, and air inlets 251c and 261c for suctioning air flowing at a lower side of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>. The side air inlets 251b and 261b can be provided at one or both sides of the left and right sides of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>.

Since the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM> in which the air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> are provided are respectively disposed at left and right sides of the front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>, the external air can be smoothly suctioned from the left and right sides of the front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

The external air introduced through the air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> can be filtered by passing through the filters <NUM> and <NUM> disposed inside the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The filters <NUM> and <NUM> can be replaced when the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM> are separated from the mask apparatus <NUM>.

The air passing through the filters <NUM> and <NUM> can be introduced into the suction holes of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> through the air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM>. In some examples, the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>, in which the air suction ports <NUM> and <NUM> are defined, and the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> are assembled in the state of being in close contact with each other. The air can pass through the filter without leakage, and the external air may not enter between the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

The air discharged through the fan outlets of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can pass through the air duct <NUM> to flow into the breathing space S through the air outlet <NUM>. A flow direction of the air introduced into the breathing space S through the air outlet <NUM> is indicated by an arrow "B".

The breathing space S can be defined by the mask body <NUM> and the seal <NUM>. When the mask body <NUM> is in close contact with the user's face, the seal <NUM> can be in close contact with the mask body <NUM> and the user's face to form an independent breathing space that is separated from the external space.

The user inhales after suctioning the filtered air supplied through the air outlet <NUM> can be exhausted to the external space through the air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

As described above, the air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM> include a first air exhaust hole <NUM> communicating with the breathing space and a second air exhaust hole <NUM> communicating with the external space, and the first air exhaust hole <NUM> and the second air exhaust hole <NUM> can communicate with each other by the flow space defined by the air discharge portion <NUM>. The air exhaled by the user can be guided into the flow space through the first air exhaust hole <NUM>. A flow direction of the air flowing into the flow space through the first air exhaust hole <NUM> is indicated by an arrow "C".

The air guided into the flow space through the first air exhaust hole <NUM> can be discharged to the external space through the second air exhaust hole <NUM>. A flow direction of the air flowing to the external space through the second air exhaust hole <NUM> is indicated by an arrow "D".

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the mask body cover, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the mask body cover.

Referring to <FIG>, the mask body cover <NUM> can be coupled to the front of the mask body <NUM>. The mask body cover <NUM> can be provided to be elongated in the left and right direction, and a center portion of the mask body cover <NUM> can be convexly rounded forward. In some examples, the mask body cover <NUM> can be provided to be symmetrical to each other in the left and right direction with respect to a vertical surface passing through a center of the front surface thereof.

The mask body cover <NUM> can include a cover front surface <NUM> defining an outer surface or a front surface thereof, and a cover rear surface <NUM> defining an inner surface or a rear surface thereof.

The cover front surface <NUM> can be a portion that is exposed to the outside to define an outer appearance thereof when the user wears the mask apparatus <NUM>. The cover front surface <NUM> can include a first filter mounting portion <NUM> on which the first filter <NUM> is mounted and a second filter mounting portion <NUM> on which the second filter <NUM> is mounted.

The first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can be provided to be symmetrical to each other in the left and right direction with respect to the center of the front surface <NUM> of the cover. The first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can have the same or similar shape to each other.

In some implementations, the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can be provided by partially recessing the front surface <NUM> of the cover. For example, in the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM>, a portion of the front surface <NUM> of the cover can be recessed backward to define a space in which the first filter <NUM> and the second filter <NUM> are seated.

Thus, each of the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can have a bottom surface, on which the first filter <NUM> and the second filter <NUM> contact and are supported, and a plurality of side surfaces defining edges of the bottom surface.

A first air suction port <NUM> through which external air is suctioned can be defined in the bottom surface of the first filter mounting portion <NUM>. The air passing through the first filter <NUM> can be suctioned into the first fan module <NUM> through the first air suction port <NUM>.

The first air suction port <NUM> can be disposed at a center of the bottom surface. For example, the first air suction port <NUM> can be provided to be opened in a circular shape.

At least one or more first filter cover mounting grooves <NUM> for mounting the first filter cover <NUM> can be defined in the side surfaces of the first filter mounting portion <NUM>.

The first filter cover mounting groove <NUM> can be defined by being further recessed inward from the side surface of the first filter mounting portion <NUM>. Thus, the coupling protrusion <NUM> protruding from the edge of the first filter cover <NUM> can be fitted and coupled to the first filter cover mounting groove <NUM> and then be mounted on the first filter mounting portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the first filter cover mounting groove <NUM> can be defined in each of two side surfaces of the first filter mounting portion <NUM> facing each other. In detail, the first filter cover mounting groove <NUM> can include one or a plurality of mounting grooves defined in one of the two side surfaces facing each other and one or a plurality of mounting grooves defined in the other of the two side surfaces.

In some implementations, at least one of the side surfaces of the first filter mounting portion <NUM>, i.e., one of the two side surfaces, in which the first filter cover mounting groove is defined, can be provided to be inclined. For example, among the side surfaces of the first filter mounting portion <NUM>, a side adjacent to a front center of the filter cover <NUM> can be provided to be gradually inclined in a direction that is close to the front center of the filter cover <NUM> toward the front surface of the filter cover <NUM>.

The reason in which at least one of the side surfaces of the first filter mounting portion <NUM> is provided to be inclined is to facilitate detachment of the first filter cover <NUM>. That is, when the side in which the first filter cover mounting groove <NUM> is defined is provided to be inclined, in a state in which the coupling protrusion <NUM> protruding from one side end of the first filter cover <NUM> is inserted into the first filter cover mounting groove <NUM>, the coupling protrusion <NUM> can be inserted into the first cover mounting portion <NUM> while the other side end of the first filter cover <NUM> is slid along the inclined side surface. The first cover mounting portion <NUM> can define a groove.

Similarly, a second air suction port <NUM> through which external air is suctioned can be defined in the bottom surface of the second filter mounting portion <NUM>. The air passing through the second filter <NUM> can be suctioned into the second fan module <NUM> through the second air suction port <NUM>.

The second air suction port <NUM> can be disposed at a center of the bottom surface. For example, the second air suction port <NUM> can be provided to be opened in a circular shape.

At least one or more second filter cover mounting grooves <NUM> for mounting the second filter cover <NUM> can be defined in side surfaces of the second filter mounting portion <NUM>.

Since the second filter mounting portion <NUM> has a shape that is symmetrical to the shape of the first filter mounting portion <NUM>, duplicated descriptions of the second filter mounting portion <NUM> will be omitted.

The cover rear surface <NUM> is coupled to cover the entire surface of the mask body <NUM> and serves to protect a plurality of devices mounted on the mask body <NUM>.

A plurality of coupling ribs for coupling to the mask body <NUM> can be disposed on the rear surface <NUM> of the cover. The plurality of coupling ribs can be provided to protrude backward from the cover rear surface <NUM>.

The plurality of coupling ribs can include a first coupling rib <NUM> provided above the cover rear surface <NUM> and a second coupling rib <NUM> provided below the cover rear surface <NUM>.

The first coupling rib <NUM> can be disposed above the cover rear surface <NUM>, and the second coupling rib <NUM> can be disposed below the cover rear surface <NUM>.

The first coupling rib <NUM> can be fitted and coupled to the first cover coupling portion <NUM> provided on the mask body <NUM>. The first coupling ribs <NUM> can be provided in plurality so as to be spaced apart from an upper portion of the cover rear surface <NUM> to both sides.

The second coupling rib <NUM> can be fitted and coupled to the second cover coupling portion <NUM> provided on the mask body <NUM>. The second coupling ribs <NUM> can be plurality in plurality so as to be spaced apart from an upper portion of the cover rear surface <NUM> to both sides.

In this case, an interval between the plurality of second coupling ribs <NUM> can be greater than that between the plurality of first coupling ribs <NUM>.

The plurality of coupling ribs can further include a third coupling rib <NUM> provided under the cover rear surface <NUM>. The third coupling rib <NUM> can be fitted and coupled to the air outlet <NUM> provided in the mask body <NUM>. The third coupling rib <NUM> can be provided between the plurality of second coupling ribs <NUM>.

The third coupling rib <NUM> includes a horizontal rib 205a protruding horizontally backward from the cover rear surface <NUM> and a vertical rib 205b extending downward from both sides of the horizontal rib 205a.

Here, the air outlet <NUM> can be coupled to surround outer edges of the horizontal rib 205a and the vertical rib 205b. In detail, at least a portion of the third coupling rib <NUM> can be coupled in close contact with the inner side of the air outlet <NUM>. Thus, bonding force between the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> can be further improved.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the mask apparatus, from which the mask body cover and a battery are removed, <FIG> is a left perspective view of the mask apparatus, from which the mask body cover is removed, <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mask apparatus, <FIG> is a left perspective view of a mask body, and <FIG> is a front view of the mask body.

Referring to <FIG>, the mask apparatus <NUM> includes a mask body <NUM> on which a plurality of electronic components is installed, and a mask body cover <NUM> detachably coupled to the mask body <NUM>. The mask body cover <NUM> can cover the plurality of electronic components mounted on the mask body <NUM> to prevent the plurality of electronic components from being exposed to the outside.

When the mask body cover <NUM> is separated from the mask body <NUM>, the entire surface of the mask body <NUM> can be exposed as illustrated in <FIG>.

The mask body <NUM> can be coupled to the rear of the mask body cover <NUM>. The mask body <NUM> can be provided to be elongated in the left and right direction, and a center portion of the mask body <NUM> can be convexly rounded forward. In some examples, like the mask body cover <NUM>, the mask body <NUM> can be provided symmetrically in a horizontal direction with respect to the vertical surface passing through the center. That is, the mask body <NUM> can have a shape and size corresponding to the mask body cover <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include a body front surface <NUM> coupled to the mask body cover <NUM> and a body rear surface <NUM> coupled to the sealing bracket <NUM> or the seal <NUM>.

The body front surface <NUM> defines a space in which the plurality of electronic components is mounted, and a plurality of structures coupled with the mask body cover <NUM> are provided.

In some implementations, a battery <NUM> can be disposed at the center of the body front surface <NUM>. The battery <NUM> can supply power to at least one of the control module <NUM>, the power module <NUM>, or the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> can have sufficient capacity to enable high-speed rotation of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>. The battery <NUM> can be provided in a plurality and connected to in parallel to each other.

For example, in the battery <NUM>, two batteries, each of which has a capacity of <NUM> mAh, can be connected to each other in parallel to each other. In some examples, the battery <NUM> can be provided as a relatively light lithium ion battery.

Thus, the battery <NUM> has an advantage that the battery capacity increases relative to the same weight to increase in driving time and enable a high-speed operation of the fan.

Alternatively, the battery <NUM> can be provided with one large-capacity battery.

The battery <NUM> can be relatively heavy among the electronic components. Thus, the battery <NUM> can be disposed at a central portion of the mask body <NUM> hung on the user's nose.

In some implementations, the battery <NUM> can be disposed between the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> can be disposed at an intermediate point between the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM>.

The first fan module <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and the second fan module <NUM> can be arranged in a line in the widthwise direction of the body front surface <NUM>. As a result, a load can be dispersed to left and right sides of the mask apparatus.

In some examples, since the load of the battery <NUM> is dispersed throughout the mask, the user can feel less load on his/her ears when wearing the mask apparatus <NUM>, when compared to a case in which the battery <NUM> is disposed at the edge of the mask body <NUM>.

In some examples, since the battery <NUM> is disposed at the center of the mask body <NUM>, power can be easily provided to some or all of the control module <NUM>, the power module <NUM>, and the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>. That is, wires can be connected to various electronic components to supply power.

In some implementations, a battery mounting portion <NUM> supporting the battery <NUM> is disposed at the central portion of the body front surface <NUM>. The battery mounting portion <NUM> can have a rib shape protruding forward from the body front surface <NUM>.

In some examples, the battery mounting portion <NUM> can include a pair of vertical ribs <NUM>, each of which is disposed to be elongated in the vertical direction on the body front surface <NUM>, and a horizontal rib <NUM> connecting the pair of vertical ribs <NUM> to each other.

The pair of vertical ribs <NUM> can be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction so as to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the body front surface <NUM>. In some examples, each front end of the pair of vertical ribs <NUM> can be bent in a direction facing each other to provide the horizontal ribs <NUM>. Thus, the pair of vertical ribs <NUM> and horizontal ribs <NUM> can define an accommodation space <NUM> that accommodates the battery <NUM>.

When the battery <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation space <NUM>, a front surface of the battery <NUM> can be supported by the horizontal ribs <NUM>, and a side surface of the battery <NUM> can be supported by the vertical ribs <NUM>. In some examples, when the battery <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation space <NUM>, a lower end of the battery <NUM> can be supported by an upper end of the air discharge portion <NUM>.

For example, at least a portion of a top surface of the air discharge portion <NUM> can have a horizontal surface. In some examples, the lower portion of the battery <NUM> can be supported in contact with the top surface of the air discharge portion <NUM>. As a result, the battery <NUM> can be in a state in which all the front, side, and bottom surfaces of the battery <NUM> are supported by the vertical ribs <NUM>, the horizontal ribs <NUM>, and the air discharge portion <NUM>.

From the above configuration, the battery <NUM> can be restricted from being removed from the battery mounting portion <NUM>, and the battery <NUM> can be stably supported.

In some examples, since the battery <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the upper portion of the air discharge portion <NUM>, the battery <NUM> can be naturally cooled by the air discharged through the air discharge portion <NUM>. In detail, since the lower end of the battery <NUM> is in direct contact with the top surface of the air discharge portion <NUM>, the battery <NUM> can be more quickly cooled through heat conduction. That is, air exhaled by the user can absorb heat released from the battery <NUM> and then can be discharged to the outside of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

In some implementations, a control module <NUM> is disposed at a center of the body front surface <NUM>. The control module <NUM> can be electrically connected to the power module <NUM>, the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and the battery <NUM>. The control module <NUM> can be seated on the front surface of the air duct <NUM> through which air suctioned from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> flows and can be cooled by air flowing along the air duct <NUM>. That is, heat generated in the control module <NUM> can be transferred to the air flowing along the air duct <NUM> through heat conduction between the front surface of the air duct <NUM> and the control module <NUM>.

The control module <NUM> can include a processor, a controller, an electric circuit, an integrated circuit, or the like.

In some implementations, the control module <NUM> can be disposed between the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM>. For example, the control module <NUM> can be disposed at the intermediate point between the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM>.

Here, the first fan module <NUM>, the control module <NUM>, and the second fan module <NUM> can be arranged on the body front surface <NUM> in a line in the widthwise direction of the body front surface <NUM>. That is, the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM> can be horizontally symmetrically disposed with respect to the control module <NUM>.

In some examples, the control module <NUM> can be disposed to surround the battery <NUM>. Here, the central portion of the control module <NUM> can be opened, and the battery <NUM> can be disposed at the opened center of the control module <NUM>.

The control module <NUM> can have an n-shape with an opened central portion to avoid an interference with the battery <NUM>. For example, the control module <NUM> can be provided as an n-shaped single substrate, or a plurality of substrates 18a, 18b, and 18c can be connected to each other to define the n-shape.

In some implementations, the substrate constituting the control module <NUM> can include a first substrate 18a disposed at a right side and a second substrate 18b disposed on at left side with respect to the body front surface <NUM>. , the substrate constituting the control module <NUM> can further include a third substrate 18c connecting the first substrate 18a to the second substrate 18b. The first substrate 18a, the second substrate 18b, and the third substrate 18c can be integrated with each other.

The first substrate 18a can be disposed at a right side of the battery <NUM>, the second substrate 18b can be disposed at a left side of the battery <NUM>, and the third substrate 18c can be disposed above the battery <NUM>. The third substrate 18c can be disposed to avoid overlapping with the battery <NUM>. Thus, the battery <NUM> and the control module <NUM> can be efficiently and densely disposed within a limited space.

Control module mounting portions 128a and 128b on which the control module <NUM> is mounted are disposed on the body front surface <NUM>. The control module mounting portions 128a and 128b can be provided so that a portion of the front surface of the air duct <NUM> is provided in a plane.

Coupling portions 125a and 125b for coupling the substrates 18a, 18b, and 18c of the control module <NUM> are disposed on the control module mounting portions 128a and 128b. The plurality of coupling portions 125a and 125b can be disposed on the first control module mounting portion 128a and the second control module mounting portion 128b, respectively.

For example, the plurality of coupling portions 125a, 125b pass through portions of edges of the substrates 18a, 18b, 18c, respectively, so that the control module <NUM> is fixed to the control module mounting portions 128a, 128b. Alternatively, a separate coupling member can pass through the substrates 18a, 18b, and 18c to be coupled to the control module mounting portions 128a and 128b.

In some implementations, the first substrate 18a can be disposed on the first control module mounting portion 128a of the air duct <NUM>, and the second substrate 18b can be disposed on the second control module mounting portion 128b of the air duct <NUM>, and the third substrate 18c can be disposed above the air duct <NUM>. Thus, the air suctioned from the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM> can pass through the air duct <NUM> to cool the first substrate 18a, the second substrate 18b, and the third substrate 18c.

In summary, a plurality of heat generation elements (e.g., the control module <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, etc.) are densely arranged in the central portion of the mask apparatus <NUM>. Here, since the air passage through which the air suctioned from the outside flows is disposed adjacent to the heat generation elements, heat dissipation for the heat generation elements can be effectively performed.

The mask apparatus <NUM> further includes a pressure sensor <NUM>. The pressure sensor <NUM> can be disposed on a sensor mounting portion <NUM> disposed on the body front surface <NUM> to sense a pressure of a breathing space.

The pressure sensor <NUM> can be installed on the substrate of the control module <NUM> and can be disposed in an installation space defined inside the sensor mounting portion <NUM>. For example, the pressure sensor <NUM> can be installed on the third substrate 18c to protrude to the rear of the third substrate 18c. For this, the third substrate 18c can be disposed in front of the sensor mounting portion <NUM>.

When the pressure sensor <NUM> is disposed in the installation space of the sensor mounting portion <NUM>, information of the breathing space can be obtained from air introduced into the installation space through a hole communicating with the installation space and the breathing space.

Pressure information or breathing information sensed by the pressure sensor <NUM> can be provided to the control module <NUM>, and operations of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be controlled based on the pressure information and breathing information.

The sensor mounting portion <NUM> can have a rectangular shape of which the inside is empty, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the sensor mounting portion <NUM> can include a first portion 109a having a predetermined width and protruding in a direction parallel to the ground, a pair of second portions 109c extending downward from each of both sides of the first portion 109a, and a third portion 109b connecting ends of the pair of second portions 109c to each other.

The first portion 109a can define a top surface of the sensor mounting portion <NUM>, the second portion 109c can define both side surfaces of the sensor mounting portion <NUM>, and the third portion 109b can define a bottom surface of the sensor mounting portion <NUM>.

The first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM> are disposed on both sides of the body front surface <NUM>, respectively. The first fan module <NUM> can be disposed at a right side of the control module <NUM>, and the second fan module <NUM> can be disposed at a left side of the control module <NUM>.

The first fan module <NUM> is mounted on a first fan module mounting portion 110a disposed at the right side of the body front surface <NUM>, and the second fan module <NUM> is mounted on a second fan module mounting portion 110b disposed at the left side of the body front surface <NUM>. The first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM> can be disposed to be symmetrical to each other in the left and right direction with respect to the center of the mask body <NUM>.

The power module <NUM> can be disposed on the edge of the body front surface <NUM>. The power module <NUM> can receive power from a power source to perform a function of turning on or off the power of the mask apparatus <NUM>. The power module <NUM> can be disposed on a side of any one of the first fan module <NUM> and the second fan module <NUM>. That is, the power module <NUM> can be disposed on a left edge or a right edge of the body front surface <NUM>.

A power module mounting portion <NUM> for mounting the power module <NUM> is disposed on the body front surface <NUM>. The power module mounting portion <NUM> can include a plurality of ribs, which are disposed on the left edge or the right edge of the body front surface <NUM> to support the power module <NUM>.

The battery <NUM>, the control module <NUM>, the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and the power module <NUM> can be arranged in a line in a widthwise direction of the mask body <NUM>. For example, the widthwise direction of the mask body <NUM> can be parallel to a left-right direction extending through the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mask apparatus comprising:
a mask body (<NUM>) configured to receive a battery (<NUM>) at a center region of a front surface of the mask body (<NUM>);
a plurality of electronic components that are disposed at the mask body (<NUM>) and that comprise:
a pair of fan modules (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be disposed at left and right sides of the battery (<NUM>), respectively, and
a control module (<NUM>) configured to be disposed between the battery (<NUM>) and at least one of the pair of fan modules (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a mask body cover (<NUM>) that is coupled to the mask body (<NUM>) and covers the plurality of electronic components,
wherein the control module (<NUM>) comprises:
a first substrate (18a) configured to be disposed between the battery (<NUM>) and a first fan module (<NUM>) of the pair of fan modules (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a second substrate (18b) configured to be disposed between the battery (<NUM>) and a second fan module (<NUM>) of the pair of fan modules (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the center region configured to receive the battery (<NUM>), the pair of fan modules (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the first substrate (18a) and the second substrate (18b) are arranged along a widthwise direction of the mask body (<NUM>).