Valve assembly for respiratory protection mask

Abstract

A valve assembly (101) with a valve disk (3) for a respiratory protection mask is shown. The valve disk (3) is designed with a retaining element (5) in the form of a spring element (7). The spring element (7) urges a rest position (8) of the valve disc (3) in the valve assembly (101) in the event of inflow from the blocking direction (13) and urges the valve disc (3) to be lifted into the working position (10) in the event of inflow from the passage direction (15), whereby an open state (9) of the valve assembly (101) is derived.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the design of a respiratory protection mask. Respiratory protection masks are used in a wide variety of areas to protect people from harmful gases or substances in the environment. For example, respiratory protection masks are used in areas with increased dust loads. Other areas of use are in clinical environments, for example as part of a protective suit in areas with patients with infectious diseases. Background Art

[0002] Such masks are also called "FFP" masks, "FFP" stands for "filtering facepiece". These FFP respirators protect against dust and viruses and can be divided into different filter protection levels FFP1, FFB2, FFP3 in FFP respirators. This classification is based on the factor of the so-called workplace limit (AGW). If the permitted workplace limit is exceeded by 4 times, it is recommended to wear an FFP1 mask; if it exceeds the workplace limit by 10 times, it is recommended to wear an FFP mask; in the case of exceeding the workplace limit by 30 times, it is recommended to wear an FFP3 mask.

[0003] Respiratory protection masks are available in designs with or without an exhalation valve.

[0004] WO16146324 A1, EP1647310 B1 and EP1224011 B1 show respiratory protection masks with exhalation valves.

[0005] US7188622 BB, EP3675969 A1, EP2570156 B1 show exhalation valves for respiratory protection masks.

[0006] EP 2 570 156 B1 shows a directional valve having a fixing projection which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the valve membrane and which is arranged on the valve housing.

[0007] US2008178884AA shows a valve in which the valve membrane is centrally fastened to a holding structure of star-shaped design.

[0008] US Pat. No. 3,990,439 A shows a valve having a one-sided design, ie, an eccentrically arranged holding structure with respect to the center of the valve disk or valve membrane (diaphragm), which serves to fix the valve disk or valve membrane.

[0009] The design of a fixing part with a valve membrane arranged in the middle in the outflow area of ​​the valve reduces the diameter of the opening of the valve that is freely available for flow through. The reduction in the opening diameter determines the exhalation resistance of the valve to a large extent. If the closing effect of the valve disk is also caused by the action of gravity, a position dependency in the closing effect can be obtained. This position dependency can lead to leaks in the respiratory mask when the head of the wearer of the respiratory protection device moves during the use of the respiratory mask, and thus can also lead to impairment of the filtering and protective functions of the respiratory mask. In the further development of exhalation valves for respiratory masks, efforts have been and are being made to keep the resistance of the wearer of the respiratory mask during exhalation as low as possible while maintaining reliable filtering and protective functions. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention is therefore directed to the object of providing a valve arrangement for a respiratory protection mask which has the lowest possible resistance during exhalation.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to specify a method for designing a valve disk having an integrated retaining element.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by a valve arrangement having the features of patent claim 1 .

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for designing a valve disk with an integrated retaining element having the features of patent claim 9 .

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and are explained in greater detail in the following description, partly with reference to the drawings.

[0015] The valve assembly according to the invention has a low resistance in the throughflow direction. The valve assembly according to the invention closes against the throughflow direction, i.e. in the blocking direction. According to the invention, the valve assembly has a housing and a valve disk. According to the invention, a spring element (Federelement, sometimes referred to as an elastic element) which is preloaded as an integral element of the valve disk is provided as a retaining element.

[0016] The spring element can also be referred to as a spring arm, wherein the term "spring arm" also includes the function of lifting the valve disc in a linguistically symbolic and understandable manner. In the case of inflow from the blocking direction, the spring element applies a force to the housing or the sealing contour by means of a preload, so that the valve disc occupies a static position and the valve assembly occupies a first state, in which the flow through the valve assembly in the blocking direction is blocked. In the case of inflow from a through direction opposite to the blocking direction, the spring element is lifted from the static position to a second state of the working position, wherein the force applied to the sealing contour is reduced, so that the flow through the valve assembly in the through direction can be achieved and an open state can be obtained for the valve assembly (101, 201). In order to design this function, at least two spring elements are required as integral retaining elements, and the spring elements can be realized by the design of the valve disc. A practical design has three to six spring elements, but a design with a certain number of up to twelve spring elements can also be designed in terms of structure.

[0017] In round In a preferred embodiment of the geometry of the valve disk in the form of a circular ring or annular ring, the spring element is obtained, for example, by a certain number of at least two circular arcs having a predetermined length. The cutouts are introduced into the valve disk. The cutouts of a predetermined length are introduced at two different distances from the center point of the valve disk. The cutouts at the two different distances from the center point are designed to overlap with one another in an offset manner. The cutouts form a segment or a dome segment on the valve disk. The width of the segment is formed by the distances of two different spacing distances or diameters defined relative to the center point of the valve disk.

[0018] In embodiments in which the contour of the valve disk is designed to deviate from a circular ring shape, the positions of the cutouts and segments are derived relative to the center point or the center of gravity of the selected geometry of the valve disk. Possible geometries of the valve disk are, for example, elliptical or oval shapes, as well as triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal or polygonal shapes. Thus, for example, an octagonal (octagonal) or enneagonal (nonagonal) shape, especially in designs with rounded corners, can be considered equivalent to a circular ring geometry with regard to the arrangement of the cutouts at two different diameters from the center point and the construction of the segments, so that the properties and advantages of a valve disk with a circular ring or circular geometry can also be transferred to the geometry of a polygonal valve disk, and vice versa. The segments in the valve disk are derived by the cutouts in the valve disk. The section forms a retaining element and enables freedom of movement when the valve disk is firmly connected or fixed at the center point or edge or outer periphery of the valve disk, so that the valve disk can be lifted by the inflow, wherein the section is erected in the form of a spring element and in this way forms an integral retaining element of the valve disk as a spring element.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is arranged at the outer region of the valve disk and is connected to the valve assembly. In this preferred embodiment, the outflow of exhaled air can be achieved at the outer region of the valve assembly in a flow direction through the valve assembly.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the spring element is arranged at the inner area of ​​the valve disk and is connected to the valve assembly. Here, the spring element is preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to the center point of the valve disk.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the valve disc is configured as a substantially circular or round (rund) shape or an elliptical or oval shape. When the valve assembly with the valve disc is integrated into a mask body (e.g. a mask body of a textile mask), the elliptical or oval shape can have advantages in terms of wearing comfort.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the valve disk is designed in a triangular, square or polygonal shape. The polygonal shape has advantages with regard to the production of the valve disk and also with regard to the automated application of the valve disk into the mask body.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the spring element is designed in a Z-shaped or angled shape. The Z-shaped or angled spring element provides a defined dimensioning and thus a reproducible spring force for a defined adjustment of the rest position and the operating position of the valve disk.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the spring element is designed in the form of a spiral. A spring element designed in the form of a spiral can have a decreasing or progressive function when adjusting the rest position or the operating position of the valve disk due to the way in which the spiral is formed, for example spirally outwards from a center point in a manner that widens in terms of the distance from spiral ring to spiral ring, or for example spirally outwards from a center point in a manner that narrows in terms of the distance from spiral ring to spiral ring.

[0025] Further preferred embodiments show how the valve disc can be constructed from a variety of materials or material combinations, so that the valve disc can be constructed from a metallic material, an elastomeric material, a plastic material, a textile material or a fiber composite material. Here, the cutouts for forming the spring element can be implemented, for example, by means of laser cutting, knife cutting or by pressure cutting.

[0026] The method according to the invention for designing a valve disk with an integrated retaining element is distinguished by the following:

[0027] Introduce a certain number of cutouts into the flat valve disc,

[0028] The cut has a predetermined length,

[0029] The cutouts are constructed at two different distances from the center point of the valve disc.

[0030] The cutouts are constructed with offset overlaps,

[0031] o Among them, the cutout structure section,

[0032] owhere the width of the segment is constructed from two different distances from the center point of the valve disc,

[0033] The section therefore forms an integral retaining element of the valve disk as a spring element.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the method with a design of a circular annular or round valve disk, the cutout is designed in the form of a circular arc. In this design of a circular annular or round valve disk, the section forms a circular arc section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the following figures and the associated figure description, without restricting the overall inventive idea.

[0036] in:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a valve disc is shown,

[0038] Figure 2 Shows the open state according to Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the valve disc,

[0039] Figures 3 to 6 A diagram showing an alternative design of a valve disk,

[0040] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the valve assembly,

[0041] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an alternative valve assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of a valve disk 3 with a retaining element 5 designed in the form of a spring element 7 is shown. The valve disk 3 is shown with a center point 19 and an edge region 17. The cutouts 6 are shown, which are designed at different distances from the center point 19. The cutouts 6 form the spring element 7 as a section of the valve disk 3, which enables the valve disk 3 to be moved from a rest position 8 ( Figure 2 ) to work position 10( Figure 2 ) changes in position. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a number of four spring elements 7 are constructed from a number of eight cutouts in total.

[0043] Figure 2 9 shows in perspective view in the open state Figure 1In the open state, the valve disk 3 is lifted by the flow from the through-direction 15 and is held in the lifted position 10 . Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same elements in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used in the figures. The raised position 10 is defined by the retaining element 5 which is designed as a spring element 7. In the raised position 10, the valve disk 3 is raised at least by a major surface portion around the center point 19. A gas quantity can flow upward from the flow direction 15 and then flow away or continue to flow at the peripheral region 17 of the valve disk 3.

[0044] Figures 3 to 6 Various further embodiments of a flat valve disk are schematically shown. Figures 1 to 6 The same components in Figures 1 to 6 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings. Figure 3 The valve plate 31 is shown with a cutout 6, which results in a Z-shaped or angled design of the spring element 7. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, a number of five spring elements 7 are formed in the valve disk 31 by a number of cutouts 6 formed in a total of five angles.

[0045] Figure 4 The valve plate 31 is shown with a cutout 6, which results in a rounded variant design of the spring element 7 in a Z-shaped or angled shape. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a certain number of four spring elements 7 are formed in the valve disk 33 by means of a certain number of four rounded cutouts 6 .

[0046] Figure 5 A valve plate 35 is shown having three cutouts 6 , which results in an asymmetrical configuration of the spring elements 7 at the circumference 17 of the valve plate 35 .

[0047] Figure 6 The valve disk 36 is shown with four cutouts 6 , which results in a design of the spring element 7 that is symmetrical with respect to the center point 19 of the valve disk 37 and that is close to the center point 19 of the valve disk 37 .

[0048] Figure 7 The housing 50 is shown according to Figures 1 to 5 Schematic diagram 100 of a valve assembly 101 in a design for use with a planar valve disc. Figures 1 to 5 The flat valve disk 3, 31, 33, 35 can be arranged in the valve component 101 and held, secured or fixed at the edge region 17 by means of the clamping geometry 40. The valve component 101 (e.g. according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The function of the valve disk 3 in the diagram is as the valve disk 8 ( Figure 2 ) to working position 10( Figure 2 ) is obtained by changing the position in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As explained.

[0049] Figure 8 The invention shows a case 60 according to Figure 6 Schematic diagram 200 of an alternative valve assembly 201 for a flat valve disc 37. Figure 6 The flat valve disk 37 can be arranged in the valve assembly 201 and held, secured or fixed in a floating manner at the center point 19 by means of the fixing point 70. The function of the valve assembly 201 differs from that of the valve assembly 101 in that the fixing and arrangement of the valve disk 37 in the housing 60 is designed as a floating support. The valve disk 37 rests with its edge 17 on the valve seat 11 and seals there in the rest position. The valve seat 11 is part of the housing 60.

[0050] Reference Numbers List

[0051] 3 valve disc

[0052] 5. Holding element

[0053] 6 incisions

[0054] 7 Spring element

[0055] 8 resting position

[0056] 9 Open state

[0057] 10 working positions

[0058] 11 Sealing profile

[0059] 13 Blocking direction

[0060] 15 by direction

[0061] 17 External area, edge / peripheral area of ​​the valve disc

[0062] 18Inner area and middle area of ​​valve disc

[0063] 19 Center point of valve disc

[0064] 31,33,35,37 valve disc

[0065] 40 Clamping Geometry

[0066] 50,60 Shell

[0067] 70 fixed points

[0068] 80 floating bearing

Claims

1. A valve assembly (101, 201) having. Shell (50,60), Valve disc (3,31,33,35,37), in, The retaining element (5) is arranged on the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) as an integral element of the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37), wherein the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) and the retaining element (5) are of substantially planar design, The retaining element (5) is designed as a preloaded spring element (7). wherein, in the event of an inflow from the blocking direction (13), the spring element (7) exerts a force on the housing (50, 60) by means of a preload force, so that the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) assumes a rest position (8) and the valve assembly (101, 102) assumes a first state in which a throughflow in the blocking direction (13) is prevented, In which, the spring element (7) is lifted from the rest position (8) to a second state of the working position (10) when an inflow flows in a through direction (15) opposite to the blocking direction (13), wherein the force acting on the housing (50, 60) is reduced, allowing flow through the valve component (101, 201) in the through direction (15) and resulting in an open state (9) for the valve component (101, 201).

2. The valve assembly (101) according to claim 1, in, The spring element (7) is arranged on an outer region (17) of the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35) and is connected to the valve component (101).

3. The valve assembly (201) according to claim 1, in, The spring element (7) is arranged in the inner region (18) of the valve disk (37) and is connected to the valve component (201).

4. The valve assembly (101, 201) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The valve disc (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) is configured in a substantially circular or round shape or an elliptical or oval shape.

5. The valve assembly (101, 201) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The valve disc (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) is constructed in a triangular, quadrilateral or polygonal shape.

6. The valve assembly (101, 201) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The spring element (7) is designed in a Z-shape or an angle shape.

7. The valve assembly (101, 201) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The spring element (7) is designed in a helical shape.

8. The valve assembly (101, 201) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) is made of a metallic material, an elastomeric material, a plastic material, a textile material or a fiber composite material.

9. A method for designing a valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) with an integrated retaining element (5), ·in, A certain number of cutouts (6) are introduced into the flat valve disc (3, 31, 33, 35, 37), wherein the cutout (6) has a predetermined length, wherein the cutout (6) is formed at two different distances from the center point (19) of the valve disc (3, 31, 33, 35, 37), Wherein, the cutouts (6) are configured to be offset and overlapped, wherein the cutout (6) forms a section in the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37), The width of the section is formed by two different distances from the center point (19) of the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) and the section thus forms an integral retaining element (5) of the valve disk (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) as a spring element (7).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The cutout is introduced into the valve plate (3, 31, 33, 35, 37) in such a way that the spring element (7) is designed in a Z-shaped, angled or spiral shape.

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