Patent Description:
A mask may be defined as a hygiene product that covers the user's nose and mouth to filter harmful substances including germs and dust contained in the air when the user inhales and minimize spreads of virus or bad breath discharged when the user exhales to nearby people.

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

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

<CIT>) discloses a pressure sensor-based electric respirator system having a real-time breathing control function.

The prior art document discloses a technique to help breathing by processing data of the pressure sensor according to the breathing of the inhalation and exhalation through a microprocessor and by applying an optimized algorithm to control the breathing in real time.

Particularly, a technique, in which a pressure in the respiratory tract is measured, and when a difference between an average pressure value and the measured value is less than a reference value, it is determined as an inhalation to accelerate a fan, and when the difference between the average pressure value and the measured value is greater than a reference value, it is determined as an exhalation to decelerate the fan, is disclosed.

However, the prior art document has the following limitations.

First, to acquire the average pressure value inside the respiratory tract, a breathing time of at least <NUM> cycles to <NUM> cycles is required, a memory capacity is required to store each pressure value, and a calculation time required to calculate the average pressure value is taken for a long time.

That is, in the case of the prior art document, when the mask is driven, a lot of basic data for obtaining a standard pressure average value is required, and thus, there is a limitation in that it is difficult to quickly control the fan according to the breathing characteristics. If the fan control is not performed quickly, there is a limitation that breathing becomes rather uncomfortable.

Second, there is a limitation in that a breathing cycle and a breathing pattern are different for each user using the respiratory tract, and consistency for each breathing cycle is deteriorated, and thus, it is difficult to measure an accurate average pressure value. When a change in the surrounding environment (pressure change) occurs in the process of acquiring the average pressure value, it is difficult to reflect such an error, and thus, there is a limitation in that it is difficult to accurately determine an inhalation time and an exhalation time.

Third, when the change in the surrounding environment (pressure change) occurs in the process of acquiring the average pressure value, it is difficult to reflect such an error, and thus, there is a limitation in that it is difficult to accurately determine the inhalation time and the exhalation time. For example, when entering an elevator in which an atmospheric pressure is changed instantaneously, there is a limitation in that a calculation error occurs, and the fan is malfunctioned. <CIT> shows a user-wearable device that incorporates a respirator or breathing air filter in combination with an electronic system providing functionality to a wearing user. The functionality can include, for example, physiological data sensing, environmental data sensing, user input, user output, and communication network connectivity. The electronic system can be configured to communicate with an application executing on a user host device, such as a mobile phone, tablet or personal computer for transferring information gathered by the user-wearable device. <CIT> relates to a breathing assistance mask that incorporates an air chamber, a filter, a fan arrangement, a sensor arrangement and a controller. <CIT> relates to an electric powered air purification respirator. <CIT> relates to a mask device which can stably fix a pressure sensor. <CIT> relates to a double fan respirator. <CIT>relates to a mask or shield comprising a flow of positive pressure air directed through substantially opposing jets that creates a stream of laminar flow filtered air to create a turbulent air pocket therein for supplying filtered breathing air to a wearer's face and to exclude outside unpurified air.

Embodiments provide a mask apparatus capable of accurately determining a breathing state of a user by using an internal pressure of a mask, and a method for controlling the same.

Embodiments also provide a mask apparatus capable of inferring a user's breathing state regardless of external environmental changes, and a method for controlling the same.

Embodiments also provide a mask apparatus capable of providing sufficient air to a user in an inhaling state through atmospheric pressure estimation based on the internal pressure of the mask, and a method for controlling the same.

Embodiments also provide a mask apparatus capable of quickly checking a user's breathing state without accumulating sufficient sensor data values.

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Also, in the description of embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) or the like may be used herein when describing components of the present invention. It should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is "connected," "coupled" or "joined" to another component, the former may be directly "connected," "coupled," and "joined" to the latter or "connected", "coupled", and "joined" to the latter via another component.

<FIG> is a front view of a mask apparatus according to an embodiment, <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the mask apparatus, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the mask apparatus, and <FIG> is a front perspective view of the mask apparatus from which a front body is separated.

Referring to <FIG>, a mask apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a mask body <NUM>, a face guard <NUM> that is fixedly or detachably coupled to a 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> defining an outer appearance of a front surface and a rear body <NUM> coupled to a rear surface of the front body <NUM> to define an outer appearance of a rear surface. The front surface of the front body <NUM> defines a front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>, and the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> faces a face of a user (or a wearer).

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

A predetermined space is defined between the front body <NUM> and the rear body <NUM>, and as illustrated in <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> so as not to be exposed to the outside.

In addition, the air cleaning module <NUM> includes a fan module <NUM> placed in an accommodation portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) provided 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 to discharge the air in a radial direction.

The air cleaning module <NUM> further includes a filter housing <NUM> disposed behind the filter <NUM>, and a suction hole through which external air is suctioned is defined in the filter housing <NUM>. The filter housing <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the rear body <NUM>, and the suction hole may be provided in the form of a suction grill <NUM> as illustrated in the drawings.

In detail, the filter housing <NUM> includes a filter frame <NUM> surrounding three side surfaces of the filter <NUM>, and a filter cover <NUM> disposed on a rear surface of the filter frame <NUM>. The filter cover <NUM> includes a suction grill <NUM>.

The suction grill <NUM> may be understood as a structure including a plurality of suction slits <NUM> and a plurality of partition ribs <NUM> disposed between the adjacent suction slits <NUM>. The suction grill <NUM> may be understood as a structure in which one large suction hole is divided into a plurality of narrow and long suction slits <NUM> by the plurality of partition ribs <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of narrow and long suction slits <NUM> may be divided into an upper slit and a lower slit by a reinforcing rib <NUM>. Hereinafter, the suction hole defined in the rear surface of the mask apparatus <NUM> to suction the external air is defined as including various types of holes including the suction grill <NUM>, and the suction hole of the mask body <NUM> and the suction grill <NUM> should be interpreted as the same meaning.

In addition, a discharge hole <NUM> is defined at a point spaced apart from the suction hole in a central direction of the rear body <NUM>. The external air suctioned through the suction hole or the suction grill <NUM> by an operation of the fan module <NUM> sequentially passes through the filter <NUM> and the fan module <NUM> and then is discharged into the breathing space through the discharge hole <NUM>.

The suction hole, i.e., the suction grill <NUM> is disposed outside the face guard <NUM>, and the discharge hole <NUM> is disposed inside the face guard <NUM>. That is, the suction grill <NUM> is disposed outside the breathing space, and the discharge hole <NUM> is defined inside the breathing space, and thus, the suctioned external air and the air exhaled by the user are not mixed with each other.

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 module <NUM>, an indicator module <NUM>, a wireless communication module <NUM>, a speaker module <NUM>, and a battery <NUM>, or an exhaust valve <NUM>.

In detail, the main control module <NUM> is a module for controlling operations of the fan module <NUM>, the speaker module <NUM>, and a pressure sensor and a microphone, which will be described later. The main control module <NUM> may be disposed on an upper portion of a center of the front surface of the rear body <NUM>.

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

A cable connector, into which a terminal of a cable for power supply and data transmission is inserted, and an LED module used to inform an operation state of the mask apparatus <NUM> may be mounted on the power module <NUM>. Then, light irradiated from the LED module is diffused and guided through the indicator module <NUM> and then is 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 a left lower end 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 ends of the wireless communication module <NUM> are supported by the pair of substrate insertion ribs <NUM>.

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

The battery <NUM> may be disposed at a center of the front surface of the rear body <NUM>, and the exhaust valve <NUM> may be disposed to shield an exhaust port provided below the center of the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. That is, when the user exhales, the exhaust valve <NUM> may open the exhaust port, and when the user inhales, the exhaust valve <NUM> may block the exhaust port. 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 a state in which the user wears the mask apparatus <NUM>.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the front body <NUM> constituting the mask apparatus <NUM> according to one configuration defines an outer appearance of the front surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

When the front surface of the front body <NUM> is provided as a single body without a separate component mounted thereon, it has the advantage of being clean in outer appearance. When the suction hole is defined at each of the left and right sides of the front body <NUM>, if the suction hole is placed to face an upper side after taking off the mask apparatus <NUM>, there is disadvantage in that possibility, in which foreign substances are introduced into the mask apparatus <NUM> through the suction hole, is high.

In addition, when a separate cover is installed to shield the suction hole, thereby minimizing the inflow of the foreign substances, a gap needs to be defined between an edge of the cover and the front surface of the front body <NUM> so that external air is introduced. That is, there is a restriction that the separate cover has to be coupled to the front surface of the front body <NUM> in the form that protrudes from the front surface of the front body <NUM>.

As a result, there is a high possibility that the separate cover is damaged by external force or be separated from the front body <NUM> by being caught by a surrounding obstacle. For this reason, it is advantageous in appearance to design the front body <NUM> so that the suction hole for inhaling the external air is not defined as much as possible to prevent a separate component from protruding due to additional mounting of the separate component on the front surface of the front body <NUM>, and also it is advantageous for securing durability.

In consideration of this aspect, the suction hole for suctioning the external air is not defined in the front surface of the front body <NUM> according to a configuration, and also, additional components including the cover are not mounted at all, and thus, the front surface is designed so that a smooth and continuous single surface is provided. However, a speaker hole <NUM> is defined in a side of the lower portion so that user's voice is output to the outside.

A plurality of protrusion structures are disposed on the rear surface of the front body <NUM>.

In detail, one or plurality of substrate fixing ribs <NUM> protrude from an upper end of the center of the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. The one or plurality of substrate fixing ribs <NUM> may press a front surface of the main control module <NUM> mounted on the rear body <NUM> when an edge of the front body <NUM> is coupled to an edge of the front surface of the rear body <NUM> to prevent the main control module <NUM> from being oscillated.

A valve support rib <NUM> horizontally protrudes from the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. The valve support rib <NUM> is disposed at a point at which an upper end of the exhaust valve <NUM> is disposed when the front body <NUM> is coupled to the rear body <NUM>, to press an upper end of a front surface of the exhaust valve <NUM>. For example, the valve support rib <NUM> may have a predetermined width and extend backward by a predetermined length at a point spaced a predetermined distance downward from the center of the rear surface of the front body <NUM>.

In addition, a pair of magnet pressing ribs <NUM> may protrude from the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. In detail, the face guard <NUM> is mounted on the rear surface of the rear body <NUM>, a magnet is mounted on a front surface of the face guard <NUM>, and a magnet that is attractive to the magnet is mounted on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. As a result, the face guard <NUM> is detachably mounted on the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> by the magnetic force of the magnet.

At this time, a pair of lower magnet mounting portions <NUM> (see <FIG>) for mounting the magnet are disposed on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. In addition, the pair of magnet pressing ribs <NUM> function to press the pair of magnets mounted on the pair of lower magnet mounting portions <NUM>, respectively.

In addition, a substrate pressing rib <NUM> that is in contact with a front end of a substrate constituting the wireless communication module <NUM> protrudes from the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. In detail, when the front body <NUM> and the rear body <NUM> are coupled to each other, the substrate pressing rib <NUM> presses the front end of the substrate constituting the wireless communication module <NUM> to prevent the wireless communication module <NUM> from being oscillated or being separated from the substrate insertion rib <NUM>.

In addition, a support rib <NUM> supporting and surrounding an edge of the front end of the speaker module <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface of the front body corresponding to an edge of the speaker hole <NUM>. The support rib <NUM> may be surrounded in a shape corresponding to a shape of the front surface of the speaker module <NUM>.

In addition, a substrate fixing rib <NUM> for pressing a front surface of the power module <NUM> protrudes from the rear surface of the front body <NUM>. The substrate fixing rib <NUM> presses a front surface of the substrate constituting the power module <NUM> to prevent the power module <NUM> from oscillated or being separated from the rear body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of the rear body constituting the mask apparatus according to a configuration, and <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the rear body.

Referring to <FIG>, the rear body <NUM> constituting the mask apparatus <NUM> according to an exemplary configuration includes a face cover portion <NUM> that covers a user's face and a fusion portion <NUM> bent forward from an edge of the face cover portion <NUM>.

In detail, the fusion portion <NUM> is continuously disposed along an edge of a top surface, edges of both surfaces, and an edge of a bottom surface of the face cover portion <NUM>. In addition, a width of the fusion portion <NUM> in a front and rear direction, which is bent along an edge of a bottom surface of the face cover portion <NUM> to extend forward is the largest.

In the fusion portion <NUM>, a portion disposed on the edge of the bottom surface of the face cover portion <NUM> may be specifically defined as an extension protrusion. The extension protrusion has a convexly rounded shape in such a manner that a width in the front and rear direction gradually increases from both side ends of the rear body <NUM> toward the center.

A bottom surface exhaust hole <NUM> is disposed at a center of the fusion portion <NUM> defined as the extension protrusion, and a button hole <NUM> is defined at a point spaced apart from the bottom exhaust port <NUM> toward a side end of the rear body <NUM>. A power button is inserted into the button hole <NUM>. An indication hole <NUM> is defined at a point spaced apart from each of left and right edges of the button hole <NUM>.

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

When the 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, a remaining amount of battery <NUM> may be predicted according to a color of the light emitted through the other one of the pair of indication holes <NUM>.

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

A accommodation portion <NUM> for accommodating the air cleaning module <NUM> is provided in the rear body <NUM>. The accommodation portion <NUM> is provided at each of left and right sides from the center of the rear body <NUM>, and the pair of accommodation portions <NUM> are symmetrical with respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the rear body <NUM>.

The accommodation portion <NUM> protrudes forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> to define a space in which the air cleaning module <NUM> is accommodated. The accommodation portion <NUM> includes a seating surface <NUM> on which the air cleaning module <NUM>, specifically, the fan module <NUM> is seated, a coupling surface <NUM> connecting an outer edge of the seating surface <NUM> at a side end of the face cover portion <NUM>, and an air guide surface <NUM> connecting the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> at an inner edge of the seating surface <NUM>.

In addition, the accommodation portion <NUM> further include a top surface <NUM> connecting upper ends of the seating surface, the air guide surface <NUM>, and the coupling surface <NUM> to the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>. In addition, the accommodation portion <NUM> further include a bottom surface <NUM> connecting lower ends of the seating surface, the air guide surface <NUM>, and the coupling surface <NUM> to the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

One or more coupling units, for example, coupling hooks, are disposed on the coupling surface <NUM>.

A fan mounting hole <NUM> may be defined in the seating surface <NUM>, and the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> may extend horizontally and extend parallel to each other.

The coupling surface <NUM> may be convexly rounded toward the outside of the rear body <NUM> and be inclined toward the center of the rear body <NUM> from the face cover portion <NUM> to the seating surface <NUM>.

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

As another example, the air guide surface <NUM> is constituted by a round portion that is rounded with a predetermined curvature at the inner edge of the seating surface <NUM> and an inclined portion connecting the face cover portion <NUM> flatly and obliquely at an end of the round portion.

The accommodation portion <NUM> includes a left accommodation portion disposed at the left side from the center of the rear body <NUM> and a right accommodation portion disposed at the right side from the center of the rear body <NUM>. The left accommodation portion and the right accommodation portion are spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the rear body <NUM>, 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 disposed on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>. In detail, the battery mounting portion <NUM> includes a pair of battery seating ribs <NUM> and a battery support rib <NUM>.

The pair of battery seating ribs <NUM> protrude forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> or an edge of the air guide surface <NUM> to extend in parallel in the vertical direction. The pair of battery seating ribs <NUM> supports a rear surface of the battery <NUM>.

One end of the battery support rib <NUM> extends from either one of the left air guide surface <NUM> and the right air guide surface <NUM>, and the other end is connected to the other side of the left air guide surface <NUM> and the right air guide surface <NUM>.

The battery support rib <NUM> has an n-shape to support the front and both surfaces of the battery <NUM>. Thus, a phenomenon in which the battery <NUM> is separated from the rear body <NUM> may be prevented by the battery support rib <NUM>.

In addition, a central portion of the battery support rib <NUM> protrudes forward so that a battery having a different size is selectively mounted.

In detail, the battery support rib <NUM> includes a pair of extension portions extending forward from the pair of air guide surfaces <NUM> and a connection portion extending in a horizontal direction to connect the pair of extension portions to each other.

In addition, a portion of the connection portion is bent to extend forward, so that the battery support rib <NUM> is described as being constituted by a first battery support 1382a and a second battery support 1382b. In detail, the first battery support 1382a may be used to support a relatively wide and thin battery, and the second battery support 1382b may be used to support a relatively narrow and thick battery.

The second battery support 1382b may be described as being provided by bending a portion of the connection portion constituting the first battery support 1382a forward a plurality of times. Alternatively, it may be described that the relatively small n-shaped second battery support 1382b protrudes from a front surface of the relatively large n-shaped first battery support 1382a.

An exhaust passage guide <NUM> protrudes forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> corresponding to a lower side of the battery mounting portion <NUM>. In detail, the exhaust passage guide <NUM> is disposed below the battery mounting portion <NUM>, and a lower end of the battery <NUM> mounted on the battery mounting portion <NUM> is supported by a top surface of the exhaust passage 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 passage guide <NUM> may have a substantially tunnel-shaped longitudinal cross-section, and a front exhaust port <NUM> may be disposed on the face cover portion <NUM> corresponding to the inside of the exhaust passage guide <NUM>.

At least one of the front exhaust port <NUM> or the bottom exhaust port <NUM> may be provided 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 exhaust port <NUM> is selectively opened and closed by the exhaust valve <NUM>.

An upper magnet mounting portion <NUM> is disposed at the upper end of the center of the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>, and a pair of lower magnet mounting portions <NUM> are disposed on a lower end of the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

In detail, the lower magnet mounting portion <NUM> is disposed on each of a left edge and a right edge of the exhaust passage guide <NUM>. The magnet mounted on the lower magnet mounting portion <NUM> is pressed by the pair of magnet pressing ribs <NUM> (see <FIG>) protruding from the rear surface of the front body <NUM>.

A strap connection portion <NUM> is disposed at each of the left end and the right end of the rear body <NUM>. In detail, the strap connection portion <NUM> is a portion to which an end 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 connection portion <NUM> is disposed at each of upper and lower portions of the left and right ends of the rear body <NUM>.

Both ends of any one of the pair of straps may be respectively connected to the strap connection portions <NUM> provided at the upper left and lower ends, and both ends of the other one may be respectively connected to the strap connection portions <NUM> provided at the upper right and lower ends. Then, the pair of straps may be hung on both user's ears, respectively.

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

Each of the four strap connection portions <NUM> includes a strap groove <NUM> that is recessed from the front surface of the rear body <NUM> to extend in the horizontal direction (width direction of the rear body), a strap hole <NUM> defined in any point of the strap groove <NUM>, a strap bar <NUM> connecting top and bottom surfaces of the strap groove <NUM> to each other, and a tubular waterproof rib <NUM> extending from the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to an edge of the strap hole <NUM>.

A main control module mounting portion <NUM> is disposed on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>.

In detail, the main control module mounting portion <NUM> includes a substrate fixing hook <NUM> protruding forward from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> and a substrate seating rib <NUM> and substrate support rib <NUM>, which support a rear surface of the main control module <NUM>.

In detail, the substrate fixing hook <NUM> may include a pair of first substrate fixing hooks 1391a disposed above the accommodation portion <NUM> and a pair of second fixing hooks 1391b disposed between the pair of accommodation portions <NUM> facing each other.

The pair of first substrate fixing hooks 1391a may be disposed at a point spaced upward from a top surface of the left accommodation portion and at a point spaced upward from a top surface of the right accommodation portion. The pair of first substrate fixing hooks 1391a function to fix left and right ends of the main control module <NUM>.

In addition, the pair of second substrate fixing hooks 1391b may be respectively disposed at points corresponding to inner upper ends of the pair of accommodation portions <NUM>. In detail, any one of the pair of second substrate fixing hooks 1391b may be disposed at a point at which an upper edge of the right accommodation portion meets the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>. In addition, the other of the pair of second substrate fixing hooks 1391b may be disposed at a point at which an upper edge of the left accommodation portion meets the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>.

The pair of second substrate fixing hooks 1391b function to fix a lower end of the control substrate constituting the main control module <NUM>.

In addition, the substrate seating rib <NUM> may protrude from the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM> corresponding between the pair of second substrate fixing hooks 1391b to support a rear surface of the lower end of the control substrate constituting the main control module <NUM>.

In addition, a rear surface of the upper end of the main control module <NUM> may be supported by a front end of the upper magnet mounting portion <NUM>. The main control module <NUM> is disposed to be spaced apart from the face cover portion <NUM> by the upper magnet mounting portion <NUM> and the substrate seating rib <NUM>, and thus, there is an effect that the main control module <NUM> is stably coupled to the rear body without oscillated by the substrate fixing hook <NUM>.

A pressure sensor mounting portion (or breathing sensor mounting portion) <NUM> may be disposed at a center of the upper portion of the front surface of the face cover portion <NUM>. A pressure sensor (to be described later) mounted on the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> senses a pressure in the breathing space defined inside the face guard <NUM>. That is, it may be determined whether the user is currently inhaling or exhaling according to a change in pressure inside the breathing space. The pressure sensor may be defined as a breathing sensor, and although the terms are different, it should be understood as a sensor performing the same function.

The pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> is provided on the front surface of the rear body <NUM>, and when the main control module <NUM> is mounted on the main control module mounting portion <NUM>, the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> is disposed at a point at which the pressure sensor (or breathing sensor) mounted on the rear surface of the main control module <NUM> is disposed. Thus, when the main control module <NUM> is mounted to the main control module mounting portion <NUM>, the pressure sensor is accommodated in the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM>. In addition, a front end of the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> is in close contact with the rear surface of the control substrate of the main control module <NUM>.

In addition, a portion defining a bottom of the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> protrudes to a rear side of the rear body <NUM>, and a through-hole <NUM> is defined in a bottom surface of the portion protruding backward. The breathing space defined by the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> and the face guard <NUM> and an inner space of the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> communicate with each other through the through-hole <NUM>. As a result, a portion of air generated when the user exhales flows into the inner space of the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> through the through-hole <NUM>. In addition, the pressure sensor accommodated in the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> senses a pressure inside the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM>. Then, the sensed pressure value is transmitted to a microcomputer (to be described later) of the main control module <NUM> so that a user's breathing state is determined.

A magnet mounting groove <NUM> is defined each of the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to a direct rear surface of the upper magnet mounting portion <NUM> and the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to a direct rear surface of the pair of lower magnet mounting portions <NUM>.

The magnet mounting groove <NUM> includes a first magnet mounting groove <NUM> defined in a direct rear surface of the upper magnet mounting portion <NUM> and a second magnet mounting groove <NUM> and a third magnet mounting groove <NUM>, which are defined in a direct rear surface of the lower magnet mounting portion <NUM>.

Three magnets mounted on the face guard <NUM> are attached to the first to third magnet mounting grooves <NUM> to <NUM> by magnetic force, respectively. In addition, when the user pulls the face guard <NUM> with force greater than the magnetic force, the face guard <NUM> is easily separated from the rear body <NUM>.

As described above, the fan mounting hole <NUM> may be defined in the seating surface <NUM> constituting the accommodation portion <NUM>. In addition, one or plurality of flow guide coupling holes 1331a are defined at a point spaced apart from the fan mounting hole <NUM> toward the outer edge of the seating surface <NUM>. The flow guide <NUM> is fixed to the accommodation portion <NUM> by a coupling member passing through the flow guide coupling hole 1331a.

In addition, a flow guide hook <NUM> and a filter hook <NUM> are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the front and rear direction on the coupling surface <NUM> constituting the accommodation portion <NUM>. The flow guide hook <NUM> is disposed closer to the seating surface <NUM> than the filter hook <NUM>.

In addition, a gripping groove <NUM> is defined at a side end of the rear surface of the rear body <NUM> corresponding to a rear side of the filter hook <NUM>. In detail, it may be described that the gripping groove <NUM> is defined at a point at which the fusion portion <NUM> and the coupling surface <NUM> meet each other.

<FIG> is a transverse cross-sectional view of the mask apparatus according to an exemplary configuration, and <FIG> is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mask apparatus.

Referring to <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 grills <NUM> (or suction holes) disposed at the left and right sides of the rear surface of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

The external air introduced through the suction grill <NUM> is purified while passing through the filter <NUM>. Then, the air passing through the filter <NUM> is suctioned in an axial direction of the fan module <NUM> and then discharged in a radial direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a front surface of the fan module <NUM> is seated on the seating surface <NUM>, and a rear surface of the fan module <NUM> is opened. In addition, the opened rear surface of the fan module <NUM> is shielded by the flow guide <NUM>, and a communication hole serving as an suction hole of the fan module <NUM> is defined in the flow guide <NUM>. The air passing through the filter <NUM> is introduced into the fan through the communication hole.

Also, an air duct <NUM> is defined between a side surface of the flow guide <NUM> and the air guide surface <NUM>. In addition, an inlet of the air duct <NUM> communicates with an outlet (or discharge hole) of the fan module <NUM>, and the outlet of the air duct <NUM> communicates with the discharge hole <NUM>.

In addition, the discharge hole <NUM> is defined in the breathing space defined by the rear surface of the face guard <NUM> and the rear body <NUM>. Therefore, the external air suctioned by the fan module <NUM> is discharged to the breathing space, so that the user inhales.

In addition, the air guide surface <NUM> is provided to be smoothly rounded from the outlet of the fan module <NUM> toward the discharge hole <NUM>, so that the air discharged in the radial direction of the fan module <NUM> is not sharply changed in flow direction while flowing toward the discharge hole <NUM>.

In detail, in the case of the centrifugal fan, the discharge of the air in the axial suction and radial discharge are due to a shape of a cone or truncated cone hub. That is, the air suctioned in the axial direction of the centrifugal fan is smoothly changed in direction to <NUM> degrees along the round surface of the hub.

Here, since the rounded direction of the hub constituting the fan module <NUM> and the rounded direction of the air guide surface <NUM> are the same, the air suctioned into the fan module <NUM> smoothly flows in only one direction.

If the suction grill <NUM> is provided on the front body <NUM>, the suction hole of the fan module <NUM> faces the front body <NUM>, and as a result, the rounded direction of the hub constituting the fan module is opposite to the rounded direction of the air guide surface <NUM>. As a result, the air discharged from the fan module <NUM> collides with the beginning of the air guide surface <NUM> corresponding to the suction hole of the air duct <NUM> to generate flow resistance and flow noise.

That is, the air suctioned in the axial direction of the fan module <NUM> substantially generates an S-shaped flow, resulting in a greater flow loss than the structure, in which the C-shaped or n-shaped flow is generated, according to an exemplary configuration.

When the user exhales, the air discharged through the user's mouth and nose is collected in the breathing space. A minute portion of the air collected in the breathing space is introduced into the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> through the through-hole <NUM>.

In addition, most of the air collected in the breathing space descends and is discharged to the outside through the front exhaust port <NUM> and the bottom exhaust port <NUM>. Here, as the exhaust valve <NUM> is bent forward by the pressure of air generated when the user exhales, the front exhaust port <NUM> is opened. In addition, when the user inhales, the pressure inside the breathing space is lower than an atmospheric pressure, and the exhaust valve <NUM> returns to its original position to shield the front exhaust port <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a mask apparatus according to an exemplary configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, a mask apparatus <NUM> measures a current pressure value of a mask using a pressure sensor <NUM>.

The pressure sensor may be mounted on a pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> disposed on a mask body <NUM>. At least a portion of the pressure sensor may be disposed inside the pressure sensor mounting portion <NUM> to sense a pressure of a breathing space.

Here, the current pressure value of the mask may mean a pressure of the breathing space defined by the user's face and the face guard <NUM>.

The pressure sensor may be an air pressure sensor that measures a pressure or air pressure in a sealed space using a flow rate or wind strength of introduced air. Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be a differential pressure sensor that measures a pressure change in a sealed space.

The mask apparatus <NUM> compares the measured current pressure value to the atmospheric pressure estimation and updates the atmospheric pressure estimation based on a difference between the current pressure value and the atmospheric pressure estimation.

The mask apparatus <NUM> may compare the current pressure value measured by the pressure sensor to a preset atmospheric pressure estimation and update the current atmospheric pressure estimation based on the difference.

According to the invention, the atmospheric pressure estimation is an intermediate value defined between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among pressure values measured for a predetermined time by the pressure sensor. That is, the atmospheric pressure estimation may be changed or updated in real time according to the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor. Therefore, there is an advantage of high reliability because an error does not occur due to changes in the external environment (S12 and S13).

The mask apparatus <NUM> controls a rotation speed of the fan module <NUM> based on a difference between the updated atmospheric pressure estimation and the current pressure value.

When the updated atmospheric pressure estimation is greater than the current pressure value, the mask apparatus <NUM> may determine that the user's breathing state is an inhaling state, and a rotation speed of the fan module <NUM> increases.

In addition, the updated atmospheric pressure estimation is less than the current pressure value, the mask apparatus <NUM> may determine that the user's breathing state is an exhaling state, and the rotation speed of the fan module <NUM> decreases.

<FIG> is a detailed flowchart illustrating the method for controlling the mask apparatus according to an exemplary configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, when power of the mask apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the fan module <NUM> operates at a low speed.

When the power of the mask apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the fan module <NUM> may operate. In this case, the fan module <NUM> may perform a low-speed operation with a relatively low rotation speed.

The reason why each of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> operates at the low speed is not only to facilitate the user's breathing, but also to remove moisture or water vapor from the inside of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

If the fan module <NUM> operates at a high speed, a pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor may become unstable due to air resistance caused by the high-speed rotation of the fan module <NUM>. That is, to increase in sensor accuracy of the pressure sensor, the fan module <NUM> may operate at a low speed (S21 and S22).

The mask apparatus <NUM> measures a current pressure value of the mask using the pressure sensor and compares the measured current pressure value to a previous atmospheric pressure estimation.

The atmospheric pressure estimation may be an intermediate value defined between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among pressure values measured for a predetermined time by the pressure sensor.

The atmospheric pressure estimation may be updated in real time by following the current pressure value. The current atmospheric pressure estimation may be updated based on a preset atmospheric pressure estimation and a current pressure value. The updated atmospheric pressure estimation may be accumulated and stored in a memory of the mask apparatus <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the atmospheric pressure estimation may be set as an intermediate value of the sum of an atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and an atmospheric pressure minimum estimation. The atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation may be updated by following or converging the current pressure value. Thus, an error range of the updated atmospheric pressure estimation may be reduced, and reliability may be improved.

The mask apparatus <NUM> may compare each of the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation to the current pressure value and update the current atmospheric pressure estimation based on the difference (S23 and S24).

Hereinafter, a correlation between the current pressure value, the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation, the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation, and the atmospheric pressure estimation will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a graph showing the correlation between the current pressure value, the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation, the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation, and the atmospheric pressure estimation of a mask according to an embodiment, <FIG> is a graph in which the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation and the atmospheric pressure estimation are omitted from <FIG>, <FIG> is a graph in which the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure estimation are omitted from <FIG>, and <FIG> is a graph in which the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation are omitted from <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a horizontal axis of the graph indicates the passage of time, and a vertical axis of the graph indicates an amount of change in pressure. In <FIG>, a dotted line S indicates a current pressure value, a thick solid line H indicates an atmospheric pressure maximum estimation, a thin solid line L indicates an atmospheric pressure minimum estimation, and a dashed-dotted line A indicates an atmospheric pressure estimation.

Referring to <FIG>, a graph of the sensor pressure value S measured by the pressure sensor draws a sine wave according to a person's breathing cycle, i.e., inhalation and exhalation.

For example, the sensor pressure value S decreases in an inhaling state in which the user inhales, and the sensor pressure value S increases in an exhalation state in which the user exhales.

The sensor pressure value S may have maximum pressure values H1, H2, and H3 and minimum pressure values L1, L2, and L3 according to each breathing cycle.

In an exemplary configuration, an atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and an atmospheric pressure minimum estimation may be updated by following the maximum pressure values H1, H2, and H3 and the minimum pressure values L1, L2, and L3 of the sensor pressure value S, and the atmospheric pressure estimation may be updated based on the updated atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation.

Specifically, the mask apparatus <NUM> determines whether the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is equal to or less than the current pressure value. Here, if the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is equal to or less than the current pressure value, the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is updated to the current pressure value, and the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is updated by reflecting a weight.

When it is determined that the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is equal to or less than the current pressure value, the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation may follow the current pressure value. That is, when it is determined that the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is equal to or less than the current pressure value, the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation may increase along the current pressure value and then may be the same as the current pressure value.

Here, when the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is equal to or less than the current pressure value, a period (time point) in which the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is updated to the current pressure value may be defined as first update periods R1 and R2 (S25 and S26).

When the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation exceeds the current pressure value, the mask apparatus <NUM> determines whether the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is equal to or greater than the current pressure value. Here, if the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is equal to or greater than the current pressure value, the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is updated to the current pressure value, and the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is updated by reflecting a weight.

When it is determined that the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is equal to or greater than the current pressure value, the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation may follow the current pressure value. That is, when it is determined that the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is equal to or greater than the current pressure value, the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation may decrease along the current pressure value and then may be the same as the current pressure value.

Here, when the preset atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is equal to or greater than the current pressure value, a period (time point) in which the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is updated to the current pressure value may be defined as second update periods R3, R4, and R5.

Here, the first update periods R1 and R2 and the second update periods R3, R4, and R5 do not overlap each other (S27 and S28).

When the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation exceeds the current pressure value, and the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is less than the current pressure value, each of the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the preset atmospheric pressure maximum estimation may be updated by reflecting the weight.

In detail, when the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is not updated by following the current pressure value, the mask apparatus <NUM> may update the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation to converge to the preset atmospheric pressure estimation by reflecting the weight.

According to this configuration, Equation for updating the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation by reflecting the weight is as follows.

In Equation <NUM>, "APME" may indicate an atmospheric pressure maximum estimation, "APE" may indicate an atmospheric pressure estimation, and "Weight" may indicate a preset weight.

The "Weight" may be a preset constant and may be a reciprocal number of a value obtained by multiplying a person's "maximum breathing time (sec)" and "sensor update period (Hz)".

For example, the maximum breathing time may be about <NUM> seconds, and the sensor update cycle may be about <NUM>. However, an exemplary configuration of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the maximum breathing time and the sensor update period may be set in various manners.

In addition, according to this configuration, Equation for updating the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation by reflecting the weight is as follows.

In Equation <NUM>, "APNE" may indicate an atmospheric pressure minimum estimation, "APE" may indicate an atmospheric pressure estimation, and "Weight" may indicate a preset weight.

For example, the maximum breathing time may be about <NUM> seconds, and the sensor update cycle may be about <NUM>. However, an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the maximum breathing time and the sensor update period may be set in various manners.

As described above, an n-th atmospheric pressure maximum estimation may be updated based on an (n-<NUM>)-th atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and an (n-<NUM>)-th atmospheric pressure estimation, and the n-th atmospheric pressure minimum estimation may be updated based on the (n-<NUM>)-th atmospheric pressure minimum estimation and the (n-<NUM>)-th atmospheric pressure estimation.

Therefore, to update the atmospheric pressure estimation, since only the current pressure value and the previous atmospheric pressure estimation data are required, there is an advantage in that a memory capacity for data accumulation is minimized, and a data processing time is reduced.

Here, a period (time point) in which the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation is updated to converge to the atmospheric pressure estimation may be defined as first convergence periods W1, W2, and W3, and a period (time point) in which the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation is updated to converge to the atmospheric pressure estimation may be defined as second convergence periods W4 and W5.

In summary, when each of the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation meets a predetermined condition, the mask apparatus <NUM> may update the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation by following the current pressure value, and when each of the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation does not meet the predetermined condition, weights (application of Equations <NUM> and <NUM>) may be reflected in the atmospheric pressure maximum estimate and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimate so as to be updated to converge to the atmospheric pressure estimation (S27 and S29).

As described in the operations S24 to S29, when the atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the atmospheric pressure minimum estimation are updated, the mask apparatus <NUM> updates an intermediate value of the sum of the updated atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the updated atmospheric pressure minimum estimation as the atmospheric pressure estimation.

That is, the preset atmospheric pressure estimation may be updated as the intermediate value between the recently updated atmospheric pressure maximum estimation and the updated atmospheric pressure minimum estimation (S30).

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the updated atmospheric pressure estimation A is greater than the sensor pressure value S, the mask apparatus <NUM> may determine that the user's breathing state is in the inhaling states N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, and N6, and thus, the rotation speed of the fan may increase.

That is, when it is determined that the user is in the inhaling state, the rotation speed of the fan module <NUM> may increase to help the breathing (inhalation).

In addition, when the updated atmospheric pressure estimation A is less than the sensor pressure value S, the mask apparatus <NUM> may determine that the user's breathing state is in the exhaling states E1, E2, E3, E4, and E5, and thus, the rotation speed of the fan may decrease (S31).

That is, when it is determined that the user is in the exhaling state, the rotation speed of the fan module <NUM> may decrease to help the breathing (exhalation).

According to the constituents as described above, following effects may be expected.

First, the breathing state may be determined using the internal pressure of the mask and the set atmospheric pressure estimate, and since the fan is controlled according to the determined breathing state to assist the breathing, there is an advantage of making breathing easier.

Second, since the atmospheric pressure estimation is estimated based on the pressure value measured in the mask, and the user's breathing state is determined by comparing the atmospheric pressure estimation to the current pressure value, there is an advantage of being able to accurately determine the breathing state regardless of changes in the external environment.

Third, to update the atmospheric pressure estimation, since only the current pressure value and the previous atmospheric pressure estimation are required, a memory capacity for data accumulation may be minimized, and a data processing time may be reduced. Therefore, there is an advantage that it is possible to quickly determine the breathing state and the cost becomes low.

Fourth, since the atmospheric pressure estimation is updated in real time, and the rotation speed of the fan module is automatically adjusted based on the difference between the updated atmospheric pressure estimation and the current pressure value, there is an advantage in that the user's breathing becomes easier, and the convenience of use is improved.

Claim 1:
A mask apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a mask body (<NUM>) in which a fan module (<NUM>) is provided;
a face guard (<NUM>) coupled to a rear surface of the rear body (<NUM>) so as to be in close contact with user's face and having a breathing space therein;
a pressure sensor installed in the mask body (<NUM>) to measure a pressure of the breathing space; and
a controller configured to:
compare a current pressure value measured by the pressure sensor to a preset atmospheric pressure estimation;
update the atmospheric pressure estimation based on a difference between the current pressure value and the atmospheric pressure estimation; and
control a rotation speed of the fan module (<NUM>) based on a difference between the updated atmospheric pressure estimation and the current pressure value,
wherein
the atmospheric pressure estimation is a pressure value defined between a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among pressure values measured by the pressure sensor,
wherein the atmospheric pressure estimation is changed or updated in real time according to the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor.