Patent Description:
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 the filtered air to user. Air containing germs and dust 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 the air is introduced into the user's nose and mouth and discharged to the outside through the body of the mask. In some cases, a mask can include a motor, a fan, and a filter to help breathing with the mask.

For example, a mask can include a mask-detachable air purifier and an air suction.

The mask including the mask-detachable air purifier can include an air purifier that is configured to filter external air introduced through an air inlet and directly supplies the air to the inside of the mask.

The mask including the air suction has a structure in which an air passage through which air filtered by a filter is suctioned from both sides so as to be supplied to a suction fan is provided, and the air discharged from the suction fan is supplied to a user along a flow space defined above the air passage inside the mask.

However, for the mask including the mask-detachable air purifier, since the air filtered by the air purifier is directly supplied to the user, there is a limitation that user's breathing is uncomfortable due to a pressure of the air discharged from the air purifier.

Also, an amount of air supplied through the air inlet corresponds to the number of rotation of a blowing fan. Thus, when the number of rotation of the blowing fan increases, the amount of air to be supplied increases, but there is a limitation that vibration caused by the blowing fan also increase.

Further, for the mask including the air suction, since the suction fan is disposed in front of the air passage, there is a limitation that a length of the mask in a front and rear direction increases.

Also, there is a limitation that a length of a flow space defined above the air passage in the front and rear direction also increases due to the increasing length in the front and rear direction, and flow resistance increases due to an increasing flow distance of the air.

Moreover, there is a limitation that a time until the air is supplied to the user after the suction fan operates increases by the increasing flow distance of the air.

<CIT> discloses a mask apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Related technology is shown in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, or <CIT>.

The present application describes a mask apparatus.

Hereinafter, one or more implementations of a mask apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

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

Referring to <FIG>, a mask apparatus <NUM> can include 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 can be 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 can be 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> can be 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> can be defined as a direction which is opposite to the rear side and in which a front surface of the mask apparatus, 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>. Also, 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 can be defined between the seal <NUM> and the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can be in close contact with a user's face and can surround user's nose and mouth to restrict introduction of external air into the suction space.

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>.

Also, 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> may be detachably coupled to the first filter mounting portion <NUM> and the second filter mounting portion <NUM>. 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 implementations, each of the first and second air inlets <NUM> and <NUM> are 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>. Also, 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> is mounted on the first filter cover <NUM> as an example.

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>.

The mask body <NUM> can include a hook mounting portion <NUM>. The hook mounting portion <NUM> can be provided on the left and right sides of the mask body <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 and each of the plurality of second hook mounting portions 108b spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction to each other.

In some cases, 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. Also, 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>. Also, 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.

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

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 suction space and a second air outlet 129b through which the filtered air introduced into the second air inlet <NUM> is discharged to the suction space.

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, or the air discharged through the second air exhaust hole <NUM> can be blocked from flowing backward by the check valve.

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 block the external air or the discharged air 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 <NUM> 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, since the manipulation portion <NUM> and the connector <NUM> 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 showing the mask apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, 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 components 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>, and the seal <NUM> can block the external air 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>. 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 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 in the form of a hook that protrudes backward from the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. A first body coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the first bracket coupling portion <NUM> can be disposed on the sealing bracket <NUM>.

The first body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided in plurality to correspond to the plurality of first bracket coupling portions <NUM>. 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 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 portion 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 each of the left and right sides of the mask body cover <NUM> on the rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> can include a 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 may 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 respectively 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.

Also, 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>.

A first 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, a second end of the air duct <NUM> communicates with the air outlet <NUM> so that the external air introduced into the air duct <NUM> is discharged into the breathing space S.

The air duct <NUM> can include a control module mounting portion <NUM> for mounting the control module <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 may be defined as the control module mounting portion <NUM>. The control module mounting portion <NUM> can include a first control module mounting portion 128a (see <FIG>) provided in the front surface of the first air duct and a second control module mounting portion 128b (see <FIG>) provided in the front surface of 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. Also, 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 at a center of 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. Also, 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> to be described later.

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>. Also, 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 contact 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. Also, 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 holes <NUM> and <NUM> can be defined in the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The air suction holes <NUM> and <NUM> can communicate with fan inlets defined in bottom surfaces of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Each of edges of the air suction holes <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>,<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>,<NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed on each of the filter covers <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates only the coupling protrusion <NUM> disposed on the left filter cover <NUM>, but the same coupling protrusion is disposed on the right filter cover <NUM> as well.

A sealing material for sealing can be provided between the edges of the rear surfaces of the air suction holes <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 holes <NUM> and <NUM> and edges of the fan inlets of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> to block the external air.

In some implementations, an orifice is disposed on each of the edges of the air suction holes <NUM> and <NUM>, and the orifice can be in close contact with the edges of the fan suction holes of the fan module <NUM> and <NUM> to block the external air. The orifice can be a guide rib extending or protruding backward along the edges of the air suction holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

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 hole <NUM>, and the air suction hole defined in the second filter mounting portion <NUM> can be defined as a second air suction hole <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 component, and the power module <NUM> can be referred to as a second electronic circuit component.

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 fan inlet through which the air is introduced into the fan, and a fan outlet through which the air forcedly flowing by the fan is discharged.

The fan can include 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 implementations, the fan can include the axial fan or the 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 hole <NUM>. Also, the air introduced through the second air inlet <NUM> to pass through the second filter <NUM> is suctioned through the second air suction hole <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 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> (see <FIG>) 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 to 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>.

Also, 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 the 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> to which the seal <NUM> is coupled. The sealing insertion portion <NUM> can have a flat band shape and thus can be inserted into a groove defined in an inner edge of the seal <NUM>. The sealing insertion portion <NUM> can be a body of the sealing bracket <NUM>. In detail, an inner edge of the seal <NUM> can be provided in the form of seal lips split into two parts, and the sealing insertion portion <NUM> can be inserted between the seal lips so that the seal <NUM> and the sealing bracket <NUM> are coupled to each other.

The sealing insertion portion <NUM> can be provided in a shape of which a thickness decreases from the inner edge to the outer edge thereof.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include the fixing guide <NUM>. The fixing guide <NUM> can be disposed along the inner edge of the sealing insertion portion <NUM>. The fixing guide <NUM> can function to set a limit in which the sealing insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into a groove defined in the inner edge of the seal <NUM>. That is, the fixing position of the inner edge of the seal <NUM> can be determined by the fixing guide <NUM>.

When the inner edge of the seal <NUM> is in contact with the fixing guide <NUM>, it can be seen that the sealing insertion portion <NUM> is completely inserted into the seal lips of the seal <NUM>. The fixing guide <NUM> can be designed to be larger than a thickness of the inner edge of the sealing insertion portion <NUM>.

A portion constituted by the sealing insertion portion <NUM> and the fixing guide <NUM> can be defined as a bracket body.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include a first body coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the first bracket coupling portion <NUM>. The first body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided on an upper portion of the sealing bracket <NUM>. The first body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided at a position and in number corresponding to the first bracket coupling portion <NUM>. The first body coupling portion <NUM> can be referred to as an upper body coupling portion. For example, the first body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided in a hook-fixed shape to which the first bracket coupling portion <NUM> having the form of a hook is hooked and fixed.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include a second body coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the second bracket coupling portion <NUM>. The second body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided under the sealing bracket <NUM>. The second body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided at a position and in number corresponding to the second bracket coupling portion <NUM>. The second body coupling portion <NUM> can be referred to as a lower body coupling portion. For example, the second body coupling portion <NUM> can be provided in the form of a hook protruding forward from the sealing insertion portion <NUM>.

The sealing bracket <NUM> can include a bracket insertion portion <NUM> extending from an inner edge of the bracket body and coupled to the mask body <NUM>. The bracket insertion portion <NUM> can be inserted into a cutoff portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) defined in the mask body <NUM> to shield a portion of an edge of the cutoff portion <NUM>.

The cutoff portion <NUM> can be 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 <NUM>, specifically, an outer edge.

The air outlet <NUM> already described can be understood as the remaining portion of the cutoff portion <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

When the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into or coupled to the one side of the cutoff portion <NUM> to shield the one side of the cutoff portion <NUM>, 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 perform 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 potion 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> can include 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, 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.

Also, 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 examples, 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, and as an 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>.

The seal <NUM> can include a bracket insertion groove <NUM>. The bracket insertion groove <NUM> can be configured so that the sealing insertion portion <NUM> of the sealing bracket <NUM> is inserted therein. The bracket insertion groove <NUM> can be defined in the coupling portion 400a of the seal <NUM>. The bracket insertion groove <NUM> can be defined in an inner edge of the coupling portion 400a. The sealing insertion portion <NUM> of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be inserted into the bracket insertion groove <NUM> defined in the coupling portion 400a so that the seal <NUM> and the sealing bracket <NUM> are coupled to each other.

The seal <NUM> can include seating grooves <NUM> and <NUM>, on which the first body coupling portion <NUM> and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> are respectively seated, and a through-hole <NUM> through which the second body coupling portion <NUM> passes. The seating grooves <NUM> and <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM> can be defined in the coupling portion 400a. The seating grooves <NUM> and <NUM> can include a first seating groove <NUM> that is defined in number and position corresponding to the number and position of the first body coupling portion <NUM> and a second seating groove <NUM> that is defined in number and position corresponding to the bracket insertion portion <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> can be defined in number and at a position corresponding to the second body coupling portion <NUM>.

When the first body coupling portion <NUM>, the second body coupling portion <NUM>, and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> are inserted into the seating grooves <NUM> and <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM>, the seal <NUM> and the sealing bracket <NUM> can be coupled to be in close contact with each other.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating examples of 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 a reference symbol 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 suction holes 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 fan inlets of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> through the air suction holes <NUM> and <NUM>. Since the filter mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>, in which the air suction holes <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 passing through the filter may not leak, or the external air may not be introduced 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 a reference symbol B.

The breathing space 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 air that 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 a reference symbol 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 discharged into the external space through the second air exhaust hole <NUM> is indicated by a reference symbol D.

<FIG> is a front exploded view showing the mask apparatus, <FIG> is a front perspective view showing an example of a mask body of the mask apparatus, and <FIG> is a rear exploded view showing the mask apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, an outer appearance of the mask apparatus <NUM> can be defined by coupling the mask body <NUM> to the mask body cover <NUM>. An inner space in which fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, at least a portion or the whole of a power module <NUM>, a control module <NUM>, and a battery are accommodated can be defined between the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM>.

At least a portion or the whole of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, the power module <NUM>, the control module <NUM>, and the battery accommodated in the inner space can be fixed to the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. In some implementations, the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be fixed to the front surface of the mask body <NUM>, and the power module <NUM>, the power module <NUM>, and the battery can be fixed to the rear surface of the mask body cover <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> can be fixed to the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> by the sealing bracket <NUM>. A breathing space S can be defined inside the seal <NUM>, and when the seal <NUM> is in close contact with the user's face, the mouth and nose of the user can be accommodated in the breathing space S.

The breathing space S can communicate with the air outlet <NUM> and the air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the mask body <NUM>. The air introduced into the breathing space S through the air outlet <NUM> can be inhaled by the user, and the air collected in the breathing space S when the user exhales can be discharged to the external space through the air exhaust holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> can be deformed between the mask body <NUM> and the user's face to be in close contact between the mask body <NUM> and the user's face.

The mask body <NUM> can include a support rib <NUM>. The support rib <NUM> can allow the mask body <NUM> and the mask body cover <NUM> to be coupled in a state of being spaced apart from each other. In some implementations, the support rib <NUM> can further include a fixing hook 104a for supporting one side of the control module <NUM>. In detail, the fixing hook 104a can be hung on an upper end of the control module <NUM> so that an upper portion of the control module <NUM> is supported by the support rib <NUM>.

The fan module mounting portion <NUM> can include a first fixing rib <NUM> and a second fixing rib <NUM>. The first fixing rib <NUM> and the second fixing rib <NUM> can support top and bottom surfaces of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The first fixing rib <NUM> and the second fixing rib <NUM> can protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body <NUM>, and the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be accommodated between the first fixing rib <NUM> and the second fixing rib <NUM>.

The air duct <NUM> can be disposed at a first end of each of the first fixing rib <NUM> and the second fixing rib <NUM>, and a coupling portion for fixing a portion of each of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be disposed at a second end of each of the first fixing rib <NUM> and the second fixing rib <NUM>.

The fan module mounting portion <NUM> can include a cable fixing rib <NUM>. The cable fixing rib <NUM> can be provided on a top surface of the first fixing rib <NUM> and the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. The cable fixing rib <NUM> can be provided to fix a cable extending from the control module <NUM> toward the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, the power module <NUM>, and the like.

The cable fixing rib <NUM> can include a first cable fixing rib provided on a top surface of the first fixing rib <NUM> or a bottom surface of the second fixing rib <NUM> and a second cable fixing rib provided on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>.

The first cable fixing rib and the second cable fixing rib are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the mask body <NUM>. Also, the first and second cable fixing ribs can protrude in a direction crossing each other and can extend in the width direction of the mask body <NUM>. A portion of the cable can be fixed by the first cable fixing rib, and a remaining portion of the cable can be fixed by the second cable fixing rib.

The fan module mounting portion <NUM> can include fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided in plurality. The fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be portions for supporting the edges of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> mounted on the fan module mounting portion <NUM>, and thus, a coupling member passing through the edges of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be inserted into the fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can protrude from the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. A coupling hole into which the coupling member is inserted can be defined in each of the fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In some implementations, the fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can be provided in a pair of coupling ribs facing each other, and the coupling member may be inserted into a space defined between the pair of coupling ribs.

The fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> can include a first side coupling portion and a second side coupling portion <NUM>. The first side coupling portion and the second side coupling portion can be provided to be spaced apart from each other in a height direction (upward and downward direction) perpendicular to the width direction of the mask body <NUM> to support upper and lower sides of the side ends of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

An inclined surface can be provided on each of the fan module coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The inclined surface can be provided to be inclined upward from an outer edge (an edge close to the side end of the mask body) to an inner edge (an edge close to the center of the mask body) of the fan module mounting portion <NUM>. Thus, the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be slid from the side end of the mask body <NUM> toward a center along the inclined surface so as to be in close contact with a suction end of the air duct <NUM>.

The air duct <NUM> can be established by a front surface portion 120a provided on the front surface of the mask body <NUM>, a rear surface portion 120b facing the front surface portion and provided on the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>, and top and bottom surface portions 120c and 120d that connect the front surface portion 120a to the rear surface portion 120b.

The top surface portion 120c and the bottom surface portion 120d can extend in a direction crossing the front portion 120a at the upper and lower ends of the front surface portion 120a and be defined as a first connection portion and a second connection portion, which are respectively disposed at upper and lower sides. Also, the rear surface portion 120b can be an opened surface and can refer to the cutoff portion <NUM>.

The front surface portion 120a can be constituted by a curved portion <NUM> and a flat portion <NUM>, and the flat portion <NUM> can be defined as the control module mounting portion <NUM> as described above.

Since the side surface portion of the air duct <NUM> is opened, external air can be introduced through the opened side surface portion. Also, since the discharge ports of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> are in contact with the opened side surface, the opened side surface can be defined as the fan module insertion hole <NUM> (see <FIG>). In some implementations, the opened side surface portion can be defined as an inlet of an air passage provided inside the air duct <NUM>.

A portion of the rear surface portion 120b can be shielded by the bracket insertion portion <NUM>, and the rest of the rear surface portion 120b except for the portion shielded by the bracket insertion portion <NUM> can be defined as an air outlet <NUM>.

In detail, the side surface portion of the air duct <NUM>, that is, a front end of the fan module insertion hole <NUM> can be connected to one side end of the front surface portion 120a, and a rear end of the fan module insertion hole <NUM> can be connected to one side end of the rear surface portion 120b.

Also, the other side end of the front surface portion 120a can be connected to the other side end of the rear surface portion 120b so that the air duct <NUM> has a shape having one side portion.

The front surface portion 120a can be provided by allowing a portion of the mask body <NUM> to protrude forward.

According to the invention, an uneven (embossed) portion <NUM> is disposed on the rear end of the flat portion <NUM>.

The uneven portion <NUM> can be a plurality of protrusions or ribs that protrude from the rear surface of the flat portion <NUM> to extend vertically and are spaced apart from each other in a width direction (lateral direction) of the mask body <NUM>.

The air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can pass through the air duct <NUM> and be introduced into the breathing space. In detail, the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can flow in a laminar flow manner between the curved portion <NUM> and the bracket insertion portion <NUM>. The air passing between the curved portion <NUM> and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> can flow in the laminar flow manner due to a flow velocity of air forcedly flowing by the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>.

The air flowing in a laminar flow manner can be guided by the curved portion <NUM> to flow toward the uneven portion <NUM> of the flat portion <NUM>. The air flowing in the laminar flow manner can be converted into a turbulent flow while passing through the uneven portion <NUM> of the flat portion <NUM>.

The air converted from the laminar flow to the turbulent flow by the uneven portion <NUM> can pass through the air outlet <NUM> and be discharged into the breathing space. When the air flow is converted from the laminar flow into the turbulent flow by the uneven portion <NUM>, noise can be reduced while the flow rate of the air supplied to the breathing space S through the air outlet <NUM> increases. Also, the air converted from the laminar flow to the turbulent flow can be efficiently supplied to the breathing space because a diffusion effect is very strong.

The air duct <NUM> can include a division portion <NUM>. The division portion <NUM> can protrude from a rear surface of the front surface portion 120a to extend in a flow direction of the suctioned air. Also, a plurality of division portions <NUM> can be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the front surface portion 120a. As a result, the air passing through the air duct <NUM> can be divided into a plurality of passages by the plurality of division portions <NUM> and then be introduced into the breathing space.

The division portion <NUM> can extend up to an inner side end of the front surface portion 120a at a point that is spaced a predetermined distance from an outer side end (an edge in which the fan module insertion hole is defined) of the front surface portion 120a in the flow direction of the air.

The division portion <NUM> can include a bracket coupling groove <NUM>. The bracket insertion portion <NUM> of the sealing bracket <NUM> can be disposed in the bracket coupling groove <NUM>.

The bracket coupling groove <NUM> can be defined by recessing or stepping an end of the division portion <NUM>. When the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is disposed in the bracket coupling groove <NUM>, an edge of the bracket insertion portion <NUM> can be supported by the division portion <NUM>. The cutoff portion <NUM> can be divided into a second space <NUM> into which the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is inserted and a first space <NUM> through which air is discharged by the bracket coupling groove <NUM>.

The air duct <NUM> can include a fan module support <NUM>. The fan module support <NUM> can be provided to be recessed or stepped in a central direction of the air duct <NUM> from the top surface portion 120c and the bottom surface portion 120d of the air duct <NUM>, respectively (see <FIG>). An outer end of the fan module support <NUM> can function as a preventing protrusion that can block the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> from being excessively inserted into the inside of the air duct <NUM> through the fan module insertion hole <NUM>. Also, an inner end of the fan module support <NUM> is provided to be inclined as illustrated in the drawings to function as a support protrusion that supports the bracket insertion portion <NUM>. Thus, the fan module support <NUM> can be defined as a bracket support.

The top surface portion 120c and the bottom surface portion 120d can be connected to the first fixing rib <NUM> and the second fixing rib <NUM>, respectively.

The mask body <NUM> can include a cutoff portion <NUM>. The cutoff portion <NUM> can be defined by cutting a portion of the mask body <NUM>. The cutoff portion <NUM> can be an opening defined by cutting a portion of the rear surface of the mask body <NUM> to connect the air duct <NUM> provided to the mask body <NUM> to the breathing space S. In some implementations, the cutoff portion can be an outlet of the air duct <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the air duct <NUM> can include a first air duct 120A and a second air duct 120B. The cutoff portion <NUM> can include a first cutoff portion communicating with a first air duct 120A and a second cutoff portion communicating with a second air duct 120B. The first cutoff portion can be provided at either side of the left or right from the center of the mask body <NUM>, and the second cutoff portion can be provided at the other of the left and right from the center of the mask body <NUM>.

For example, the first air duct 120A and the first cutoff portion can be disposed between the center of the mask body <NUM> and the first fan module <NUM>, and the second air duct 120B and the second cutoff portion can be disposed between the center of the mask body and the second fan module <NUM>.

The cutoff portion <NUM> can include a first space <NUM> corresponding to the air outlet <NUM> and a second space <NUM> into which the bracket insertion portion <NUM> of the sealing bracket <NUM> is shielded. The first space <NUM> can be defined as a discharge space through which the air flows. The second space <NUM> can be defined as a mounting space into which the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is disposed.

Since the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into the second space, an effect of extending the air passage can be obtained in addition to the effect of stably supporting the central portion of the seal <NUM>.

For example, when the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is placed in the second space <NUM>, and the second space <NUM> is shielded, an outlet of the air duct <NUM> can decrease, but the effect of extending the air passage can be obtained. Accordingly, most of the inhaled air is concentrated to the user's nose and mouth, and an amount of air distributed toward the user's cheeks can be minimized.

In some implementations, the rear surface portion 120b can be divided into the first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM>, but when the bracket insertion portion <NUM> is not inserted, the second space <NUM> together with the first space <NUM> can be also defined as a portion of the air outlet <NUM>. That is, it can be understood that the entire rear portion 120b functions as the air outlet <NUM>.

The air discharge portion <NUM> protruding from a lower portion of the front surface of the mask body <NUM> can define a flow space for discharging air to an external space.

The air discharge portion <NUM> can include an upper side surface (or upper surface) 150a, a lower side surface (or lower surface) 150c, and both side surfaces 150b. The upper side surface 150a, the lower side surface 150c, and both side surfaces 150b can protrude forward from the front surface of the mask body <NUM>. In some implementations, the upper side surface 150a defines a top surface of a flow space, the lower side surface 150c defines a bottom surface of the flow space, and both side surfaces 150b define both side surfaces of the flow space.

<FIG> is a partial cutaway perspective of the mask body, taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG> to <FIG> are transverse cross-sectional views of the mask body, taken along <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG> to <FIG>, the air duct <NUM> can be configured so that air flows from the fan module insertion hole <NUM> towards the air outlet <NUM>.

In detail, one side in which the fan module insertion hole <NUM> is defined can be defined as an inlet side of the air duct <NUM>, and the other side in which the air outlet <NUM> is provided can be defined as an outlet side of the air duct <NUM>.

As described above, the air duct <NUM> can include a front surface portion 120a, a rear surface portion 120b, a top surface portion (or a first connection portion) 120c, and a bottom surface portion (or a second connection portion) 120d. The front surface portion 120a can guide a flow direction so that the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> flows toward the breathing space. The rear surface portion 120b can be partially or entirely shielded by a bracket insertion portion <NUM> of the sealing bracket <NUM>.

According to the invention, the front surface portion 120a of the air duct <NUM> can include a curved portion <NUM> and a flat portion <NUM>, and an uneven portion <NUM> is disposed on a rear surface of the flat portion <NUM>.

The rear surface portion 120b of the air duct <NUM> can be rounded along a contour of the rear surface of the mask body <NUM>. An entire length of the front surface portion 120a can extend longer than the rear surface portion 120b. An end of the flat portion <NUM> and an end of the rear surface portion 120b meet each other to provide the air duct <NUM> having a curved shape.

The curved portion <NUM> can be disposed at an inlet side of the air duct <NUM>, and the uneven portion <NUM> can be disposed at an outlet side of the air duct <NUM>. The air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> passes between the curved portion <NUM> and the bracket insertion portion <NUM> to reach the uneven portion <NUM>. The air reaching the uneven portion <NUM> can be discharged to the air outlet <NUM> by being changed in air flow characteristic by the uneven portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the curved portion <NUM> disposed on the air duct <NUM> can be rounded to guide the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> toward the air outlet <NUM>. Since the mask apparatus <NUM> worn on the user's face has a small size, the passage of the air duct <NUM> extending from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> to the air outlet <NUM> can be formed to be relatively short. When the passage of the air duct <NUM> is configured to be short, the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can be quickly supplied to the user. A portion of the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> may not be guided along the curved portion <NUM> and may flow in a straight direction by a discharge pressure of the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>. The air guided in flow direction by the curved portion <NUM> and air flowing in a straight direction reach the uneven portion <NUM>.

That is, a portion of the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can flow toward the uneven portion <NUM> due to a curvature of the curved portion <NUM>, and the rest of the air discharged from the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM> can flow straightly to reach the uneven portion <NUM>. The former can be defined as air flowing in the first form, and the latter can be defined as air flowing in the second form.

While the air reaching the uneven portion <NUM> passes the uneven portion <NUM>, the flow direction of the air passing through the uneven portion <NUM> can be guided toward the breathing space by an uneven shape of the uneven portion <NUM>. The uneven portion <NUM> can combine the air streams having two different air flow types into one stream and changes the flow characteristic such that the air discharged from the air duct <NUM> can be smoothly diffused into the breathing space.

The uneven portion <NUM> can be disposed from the other end of the curved portion <NUM> to the air outlet <NUM>. That is, the uneven portion <NUM> can be disposed on the entire rear surface of the flat portion <NUM>. One end of the curved portion <NUM> can be in contact with the fan module insertion hole <NUM>, and the other end of the curved portion <NUM> can be in contact with the flat portion <NUM> on which the uneven portion <NUM> is disposed.

Hereinafter, the shape of the uneven portion <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates that a transverse cross-section of the uneven portion <NUM> has a rounded shape, and <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that the transverse cross-section of the uneven portion <NUM> has a polygonal shape. For example, <FIG> illustrates an example in which the transverse cross-section of the uneven portion <NUM> has a triangular shape, and <FIG> illustrates an example in which the transverse cross-section of the uneven portion <NUM> has a rectangular shape.

The uneven portion <NUM> can be a combination of a plurality of protrusions and recesses. That is, the uneven portion <NUM> can include a structure in which a recess recessed inward from a reference surface and a protrusion protruding outward from the reference surface are alternately provided. For example, the reference surface can be a rear surface of the flat portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the uneven portion <NUM> can include a structure in which a plurality of protrusions 1221a protruding outward from the reference surface are arranged in succession or spaced a predetermined interval L from each other.

In some implementations, the uneven portion <NUM> can include a structure in which a plurality of recesses 1221b recessed inward from the reference surface are arranged in succession or spaced a predetermined interval L from each other.

A virtual line (ℓ ) illustrated in the drawing can refer to a line or surface passing through the rear surface of the flat portion <NUM>.

(a) of <FIG> illustrates a structure in which a plurality of protrusions 1221a protrude by a predetermined length T from the reference surface, and (b) of <FIG> illustrates a structure in which a plurality of recesses 1221b are recessed by a predetermined length T from the reference surface.

In some implementations, a plurality of protrusions and recesses are alternately provided. Here, the protrusions protrude from the reference surface by a predetermined length (T/<NUM> or T), and the recesses are recessed by a predetermined length (T/<NUM> or T) from the reference surface.

In some implementations, the predetermined length T can be provided in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. When the predetermined thickness T is less than about <NUM>, a diffusion effect of air due to the uneven portion <NUM> can be reduced. When the predetermined thickness T is greater than about <NUM>, durability of the flat portion <NUM> can be weakened.

Further, the spaced distance L between the adjacent recesses or the adjacent protrusions can be provided in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. When the spaced distance L is less than about <NUM>, a noise reduction effect can be deteriorated. In some implementations, when the spaced distance L is provided to be greater than about <NUM>, noise can increase. The spaced distance L can be defined as a distance between centers of the adjacent recesses or a distance between centers of the adjacent protrusions.

Here, in the structure in which the plurality of recesses 1221b and the protrusions 1221a are alternately provided, a distance between the centers of each of the adjacent recesses 1221b and each of the protrusions 1221a can be L/<NUM>.

The protrusion 1221a or the recess 122b constituting the uneven portion <NUM> can extend in a direction crossing the flow direction of the air suctioned by the fan modules <NUM> and <NUM>, specifically in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction. That is, the protrusion 122a or the recess 122b constituting the uneven portion <NUM> can extend in a direction from the top surface portion (the first connection portion) <NUM> to the bottom surface portion (the second connection portion) <NUM> of the air duct <NUM>.

In some implementations, although the front surface portion 120a of the air duct <NUM> is disposed on the curved portion <NUM> of the inlet side of the air duct <NUM>, and the uneven portion is disposed at the outlet side of the air duct, the curved portion <NUM> and the uneven portion <NUM> can be disposed at opposite positions.

(a) of <FIG> illustrates a structure in which a protrusion 1221c having a triangular transverse cross-section protrudes by a predetermined length T and is disposed to be spaced a predetermined interval L from a rear surface of the flat portion <NUM> in a flow direction of air.

(b) of <FIG> illustrates a structure in which a recess 1221d having a triangular transverse cross-section protrudes by a predetermined length T and is disposed to be spaced a predetermined interval L from a rear surface of the flat portion <NUM> in a flow direction of air.

(a) of <FIG> illustrates a structure in which a protrusion 1221e having a rectangular transverse cross-section protrudes by a predetermined length T and is disposed to be spaced a predetermined interval L from a rear surface of the flat portion <NUM> in a flow direction of air.

(b) of <FIG> illustrates a structure in which a protrusion 1221f having a rectangular transverse cross-section protrudes by a predetermined length T and is disposed to be spaced a predetermined interval L from a rear surface of the flat portion <NUM> in a flow direction of air.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a relationship between a rotation speed and a flow rate, which can vary according to whether an uneven portion is provided, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating a relationship between a flow rate and noise, which can vary according to whether the uneven portion is provided.

Referring to <FIG>, when confirming a flow rate of air passing the air duct <NUM>, on which the uneven portion <NUM> is not provided, and the air duct <NUM>, on which the uneven portion <NUM> is provided, according to a change in rotation speed of the fan, it is seen that the flow rate increases in the case in which the uneven portion <NUM> is provided when compared to the case in which the uneven portion <NUM> is not provided. Particularly, it is seen that the flow rate of the air passing through the air duct <NUM> provided with the uneven portion <NUM> increases by about <NUM>% when compared to the flow rate of the air passing through the air duct <NUM> without the uneven portion <NUM>.

Further, it can be seen that the flow rate of the air introduced into the breathing space S increases due to the diffusion effect of the air generated from the air duct <NUM> through the uneven portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, for each of the cases of the air duct <NUM> without the uneven portion <NUM> and the air duct <NUM> provided with the uneven portion <NUM>, when comparing intensities of noise due to the change in flow rate, it is seen that the air duct <NUM> provided with the uneven portion <NUM> has an excellent noise reduction effect compared to the air duct <NUM> without the uneven portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mask apparatus comprising:
a mask body (<NUM>) including an air duct (<NUM>) disposed at a front surface of the mask body (<NUM>);
a seal (<NUM>) disposed at a rear surface of the mask body (<NUM>) and defining a breathing space (S) that is in communication with an outlet of the air duct (<NUM>) and that is configured to accommodate a part of user's face;
a fan module (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at the front surface of the mask body (<NUM>) to correspond to a suction hole of the air duct (<NUM>), and configured to suction external air to supply the suctioned air to the air duct (<NUM>); and
a mask body cover (<NUM>) that is coupled to the front surface of the mask body (<NUM>) and that covers the fan module (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the air duct (<NUM>),
wherein an air passage through which air suctioned by the fan module (<NUM>, <NUM>) flows is provided in the air duct (<NUM>),
characterized in that the air duct (<NUM>) comprises:
a front surface portion (120a) including an upper end, a lower end, an inner side end, and an outer side end defined as an edge of an opposite side of the inner side end;
a top surface portion (120c) connecting the front surface of the mask body (<NUM>) to the upper end of the front surface portion (120a);
a bottom surface portion (120d) connecting the front surface of the mask body (<NUM>) to the lower end of the front surface portion (<NUM>) ;
a side surface portion connecting the front surface of the mask body (<NUM>) to the outer side end of the front surface portion (120a); and
a rear surface portion (120b) defined at an opposite side of the front surface portion (120a),
wherein the inner side end of the front surface portion (120a) is connected to the front surface of the mask body (<NUM>),
wherein the front surface portion (120a) of the air duct (<NUM>) comprises:
a curved portion (<NUM>) extending by a predetermined length from the outer side end in a central direction of the mask body (<NUM>); and
a flat portion (<NUM>) extending from an end of the curved portion (<NUM>) up to the inner side end of the front surface portion (120a) of the air duct (<NUM>), and
wherein an embossed portion (<NUM>) is disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the air duct (<NUM>) that is configured to be in contact with the air flowing through the air passage, and
wherein the embossed portion (<NUM>) is disposed on a rear surface of the flat portion (<NUM>).