Wearable air delivery device

Abstract

A wearable air delivery device (10) comprising: a hood (12, 14, 16); and a nozzle assembly (100) supported by the hood (12, 14, 16), the nozzle assembly (100) comprising a conduit (102) for receiving an airflow and an outlet region (126, 128) comprising a plurality of apertures (122) defining an air outlet for jetting the airflow from the nozzle assembly, where the outlet region has an opening area of 15% to 28% or 4500 mm2 to 6900 mm2.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application (application number: 202180035881.9, application date: March 11, 2021, invention name: Wearable air delivery device). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a wearable air delivery device and a nozzle assembly for such a wearable air delivery device. Background Art

[0003] Air pollution is a growing problem, and multiple air pollutants are known or suspected to be harmful to human health. The adverse effects that air pollution may cause depend on the type and concentration of the pollutant, as well as the length of exposure to polluted air. For example, high air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems, such as worsened cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, while long-term exposure to polluted air can produce permanent health effects, such as loss of lung capacity and decreased lung function, and the development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer.

[0004] In places where air pollution levels are particularly high, many people have recognized the benefits of minimizing their exposure to these pollutants and have therefore begun wearing face masks with the goal of filtering out at least a portion of the pollutants present in the air before the air reaches the mouth and nose. There have also been various attempts to develop air purifiers that can be worn by a user but do not require covering the wearer's mouth and nose. For example, there are various designs of wearable air purifiers that are worn around the wearer's neck and produce a jet of air that is directed upward toward the wearer's mouth and nose. It is important for such wearable air purifiers to provide the wearer with pollution-free air throughout the life of the purifier. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable air delivery device comprising: a head cover; and a nozzle assembly supported by the head cover, the nozzle assembly comprising a duct for receiving an airflow and an outlet area comprising a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting an airflow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet area has an opening area of ​​15% to 28%.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a nozzle assembly for a wearable air delivery device is provided, the nozzle assembly comprising a conduit for receiving an airflow and an outlet area comprising a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting an airflow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet area has an opening area of ​​15% to 28%.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable air purifier, comprising a hood, an air purifier assembly, and a nozzle assembly supported by the hood, the air purifier assembly being configured to generate a filtered airflow from its outlet hole. The nozzle assembly comprises an inlet hole for receiving the filtered airflow from the outlet hole of the air purifier assembly, a conduit for receiving the filtered airflow, and an outlet region comprising a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting the filtered airflow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has an opening area of ​​15% to 28%.

[0008] The outlet area may include from 18% to 25% or about 18% of the open area. The outlet area may include from 4500mm defined by the aperture. 2 Up to 6900mm 2 , from 4700mm 2 Up to 6700mm 2 or about 5700mm 2 The plurality of holes may have a hole size (eg, width or diameter) from 50 μm to 150 μm. The plurality of holes may be provided by perforations disposed in the outlet region or a mesh extending across the outlet region.

[0009] The outlet region may have a maximum length of at least 90 mm, 100 mm to 130 mm or about 125 mm. The outlet region may have a maximum height of at least 50 mm, 50 mm to 65 mm or about 60 mm.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable air delivery device, comprising: a head cover; and a nozzle assembly supported by the head cover, the nozzle assembly comprising a conduit for receiving an air flow and an outlet region comprising a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting an air flow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has a 4500mm defined by the holes 2 Up to 6900mm 2 total opening area.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nozzle assembly for a wearable air delivery device, the nozzle assembly comprising a conduit for receiving an air flow and an outlet region comprising a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting an air flow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has a 4500 mm defined by the holes 2 Up to 6900mm 2 total opening area.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wearable air purifier, comprising a hood, an air purifier assembly, and a nozzle assembly supported by the hood, the air purifier assembly being configured to generate a filtered airflow from its outlet hole. The nozzle assembly comprises an inlet hole for receiving the filtered airflow from the outlet hole of the air purifier assembly, a conduit for receiving the filtered airflow, and an outlet region comprising a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting the filtered airflow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has a 4500 mm diameter defined by the holes. 2 Up to 6900mm 2 total opening area.

[0013] The outlet area may include from 15% to 28%, from 18% to 25% or about 18% of the open area. The outlet area may include from 4700mm defined by the aperture. 2 Up to 6700mm 2 or about 5700mm 2 The plurality of holes may have a hole size (eg, width or diameter) from 50 μm to 150 μm. The plurality of holes may be provided by perforations disposed in the outlet region or a mesh extending across the outlet region.

[0014] The outlet region may have a maximum length of at least 90 mm, 100 mm to 130 mm or about 125 mm. The outlet region may have a maximum height of at least 50 mm, 50 mm to 65 mm or about 60 mm.

[0015] Where appropriate, features of one aspect of the invention may be equally applied to other aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a wearable air purifier according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic rear lower side view of a wearable air purifier;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a wearable air purifier with the nozzle assembly removed;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic rear view of a nozzle assembly of a wearable air purifier in an exploded configuration; and

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic rear view of a nozzle assembly of a wearable air purifier in an assembled configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 A wearable air purifier is schematically shown in the figure, generally indicated by 10.

[0023] The wearable air purifier includes a hood 12 , 14 , 16 , a purifier assembly 42 , 44 , and a nozzle assembly 100 .

[0024] The headgear has the form of a headset and comprises a headband 12 and a first shell 14 and a second shell 16 connected to respective ends of the headband 12. The headband 12 is generally elongated and arcuate and is configured to cover the top of the wearer's head and the sides of the wearer's head in use. The first shell 14 and the second shell 16 comprise ear cups, such as those commonly used for so-called "ear-hook" headphones, which are generally hemispherical and hollow in form.

[0025] The headband 12 has a first end portion 18, a second end portion 20, and a central portion 22. Each of the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 is connected to the central portion 22 by an extension mechanism. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, each extension mechanism includes an arm 24 that engages with teeth inside the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 to form a ratchet mechanism that enables the wearer to adjust the length of the headband 12. To this end, the teeth, the spacing between the teeth and the opposing wall, or the arm 24 itself can be sufficiently resilient to provide the required retention force.

[0026] The first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 of the headband 12 each include a hollow housing 26. The hollow housing 26 defines a battery compartment for accommodating one or more batteries therein. It should be understood that the battery can be removed from the hollow housing 26, or can remain in the hollow housing 26 during normal use. In the case where the battery is replaceable and is intended to be removed from the hollow housing 26, the hollow housing 26 may, for example, include a releasable door or cover to enable access to the interior of the hollow housing 26. In the case where the battery is rechargeable and is intended to remain within the hollow housing 26 during normal use, the hollow housing 26, or indeed other components of the wearable air purifier 10, may include at least one charging port to enable the battery to be recharged.

[0027] The first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 of the headband 12 are connected to the first shell 14 and the second shell 16, respectively. In some examples, the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 of the headband 12 are connected to the corresponding shells of the first shell 14 and the second shell 16 so that the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 of the headband 12 and the corresponding first shell 14 and the second shell 16 can move relative to each other. Figure 1 As shown, a swivel pin 28 is used for this connection, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that other forms of connection are also possible. In order to enable the battery in the hollow housing 26 of the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 of the headband 12 to be electrically connected to the components inside the first housing 14 and the second housing 16, the swivel pin 28 is hollow, for example to allow wires, etc. to pass through it.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, each housing 14, 16 accommodates a speaker assembly 32 and includes an annular pad 34 configured to surround the ear of the wearer of the wearable air purifier 10. The details of the speaker assembly 32 are not related to the present invention, so for the sake of brevity, it is not described here, but those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable speaker assembly can be selected. In use, the speaker assembly 32 contained in the first housing 14 and the second housing 16 is configured to receive power from all batteries 36, 38. The power transmission line (not shown) passes through the headband 12 between the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20, for example, through the central portion 22 and the arm 24. This arrangement increases the flexibility of power distribution between the speaker assemblies 32. In other embodiments, the speaker assembly 32 contained in the first housing 14 and the second housing 16 can be configured to receive power from batteries 36, 38 located in the first end portion 18 and the second end portion 20 of the headband 12, respectively. For example, the speaker assembly 32 housed within the first housing 14 may be configured to be powered by a battery 36 within the first end portion 18 of the headband 12 , while the speaker assembly 32 housed within the second housing 16 may be configured to be powered by a battery 38 within the second end portion 20 of the headband 12 .

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the first and second housings 14, 16 of the hood also house the filter assembly 42 and airflow generator 44 of the air cleaner assembly. Each housing 14, 16 also provides an ambient air inlet 40 and an outlet aperture (not shown) for the air cleaner assembly.

[0030] Each of the first and second housings 14, 16 provides an ambient air inlet 40 including a plurality of apertures through which air may be drawn into the interior of the housings 14, 16. Each filter assembly 42 is disposed within the respective housing 14, 16 between the ambient air inlet 40 and the respective airflow generator 44. Each filter assembly 42 includes a filter material selected to provide a desired degree of air filtration for the wearer in use.

[0031] Each airflow generator 44 includes a motor-driven impeller that draws air from a respective ambient air inlet 40 through a respective filter assembly 42 and outputs air through a respective outlet aperture (not shown) of an air purifier assembly provided by the housings 14, 16, respectively. The airflow generators 44 in the first housing 14 and the second housing 16 are configured to receive power from all of the batteries 36, 38. As described above with respect to the speaker assembly 32, a power transmission line (not shown) passes through the headband 12. In other embodiments, the airflow generators 44 within the first housing 14 can be configured to be powered by the batteries 36 within the first end portion 18 of the headband 12, while the airflow generators 44 within the second housing 16 can be configured to be powered by the batteries 38 within the second end portion 20 of the headband 12.

[0032] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the nozzle assembly 100 is shown connected to a head cover. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the nozzle assembly 100 is shown separated from the rest of the nose cap.

[0033] The nozzle assembly 100 includes a conduit 102 and an outlet body 104. The conduit 102 has a first end 106 and a second end 108, and is bent between the first end 106 and the second end 108, so that the conduit 102 is generally arcuate. The first end 106 and the second end 108 include respective first connector portions 110 and second connector portions 112, which are connected to corresponding shells in the first shell 14 and the second shell 16 of the head mask. When the nozzle assembly 100 is connected to the first shell 14 and the second shell 16, and the head mask is worn by the wearer, the nozzle assembly 100 is configured to extend in front of the wearer's face, particularly in the wearer's mouth and lower nose area, without contacting the wearer's face.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, the connector portions 110, 112 have curved ends that are curved to match the outer surfaces of the first shell 14 and the second shell 16. The first connector portion 110 and the second connector portion 112 are generally hollow and have an inlet hole 114 that is configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet hole provided by the first shell 14 and the second shell 16 of the purifier assembly when the conduit 102 is connected to the first shell 14 and the second shell 16. As shown, the connector portions 110, 112 include a hinge 116 and a magnetic detent 118 that rotatably connect and retain the conduit 102 relative to the first shell 14 and the second shell 16, respectively. It should be understood that other forms of connection, such as fixed, movable and / or removable, are also contemplated.

[0035] The conduit 102 also includes a body portion 120 extending between the first connector portion 110 and the second connector portion 112. The body portion 120 is arcuate, generally hollow, and has a body aperture 122 that faces inwardly into a gap defined between the first end 106 and the second end 108 of the conduit 102. Specifically, the body portion 120 includes a rearwardly facing sidewall 121, e.g., a wall that faces inwardly into the gap defined between the first end 106 and the second end 108, and a forwardly facing sidewall 123, e.g., a wall that faces outwardly away from the gap defined between the first end 106 and the second end 108. The outlet body 104 is shaped and sized to fit over the body aperture 122, e.g., such that an edge of the outlet body 104 overlaps a perimeter of the body aperture 122. The upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion 120 include airflow guides 124 extending rearwardly, for example, toward a gap defined between the first end 106 and the second end 108 of the conduit 102, and for directing the filtered airflow ejected from the nozzle assembly 100 toward the mouth and nose region of the wearer's face during use. It is contemplated that the flow guides 124 may be formed of a resiliently deformable material to provide comfort to the wearer in the event of accidental contact with the wearer's face during use.

[0036] The outlet body 104 is generally arcuate, and the curvature of the outlet body 104 generally matches the curvature of the main body portion 120 of the conduit 102. The outlet body 104 includes a frame 125 defining an aperture and a mesh 127 supported by the frame 125 to cover the aperture. The frame 125 of the outlet body 104 then further includes a divider 130 that divides the aperture into a first air outlet portion 126 and a second air outlet portion 128. The outlet body 104 is shaped and sized to fit onto the conduit 102 over the main body aperture 122, and the outlet body 104 and the conduit 102 together define a flow passage between the inlet aperture 114 and the air outlet portions 126, 128. The divider 130 is shaped and sized so that it divides the flow passage into the first and second flow passage portions, so that the first and second filtered air streams flow through the nozzle assembly 100 in use and are then delivered to the wearer via the air outlet regions 126, 128.

[0037] The mesh 127 defines an array of holes distributed on the first air outlet portion 126 and the second air outlet portion 128, wherein the plurality of holes each have a hole size (e.g., width or diameter) ranging from 50 μm to 150 μm. The holes thereby define an air outlet of the nozzle assembly 100, through which the filtered airflow is ejected from the wearable air purifier 10. For example, the mesh can be provided by a woven open mesh fabric comprising fibers of a material that is preferably highly moisture-proof and chemical-resistant, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The meshes of the first air outlet portion 126 and the second air outlet portion 128 thereby constitute an outlet area of ​​the outlet body 104 having a maximum length (L max ) (i.e. the arc length of the exit area when bent) and a maximum height of approximately 60 mm (H max ). However, the maximum length may be at least 90 mm, and preferably any value from 100 mm to 130 mm, and the maximum height may be at least 50 mm, and preferably any value from 50 mm to 65 mm.

[0038] The outlet area of ​​the outlet body 104 has an approximately 5700 mm 2 The total opening area is about 18% of the total opening area. However, the total opening area can be from 4500mm 2 Up to 6900mm 2 Any value, preferably from 4700mm 2 Up to 6700mm 2Any value of, and the opening area can be any value from 15% to 28%, preferably any value from 18% to 25%. These features of the outlet area of ​​the outlet body 104 allow the nozzle assembly 100 to have a large area, highly restricted air outlet that produces a low-velocity filtered air area that covers the mouth and lower nose area of ​​the wearer's face, reducing their exposure to ambient air and minimizing the potential harmful effects of crosswinds.

[0039] Alternatively, the outlet body 104 may include a panel rather than a frame, wherein the outlet area of ​​the outlet body 104 is defined by an array of holes formed in the outlet body 104, such as by micro-drilling.

[0040] It will be appreciated that a tight fit between the conduit 102 and the outlet body 104 is desirable both for mechanical retention and to prevent leakage, and therefore in some embodiments, the outlet body 104 fits onto the conduit 102 over the body aperture 122 with a friction fit. In the event that only a friction fit is utilized for retention, the outlet body 104 may include a removal feature that a user may grasp to facilitate removal of the outlet body 104 from the body aperture 122. In some embodiments, a seal (not shown) may be provided to enhance the fit and / or reduce air leakage between the conduit 102 and the outlet body 104. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the conduit 102 is provided with a plurality of clips 134, such as flexible cantilever hooks, which are located near the edge of the body hole 122 and cooperate with features of the outlet body 104 to releasably retain the outlet body 104 relative to the conduit 102. This can further enhance the security of the connection of the outlet body 104 to the conduit 102. In use, the clips 134 are located outside the flow path of the filtered gas flow through the nozzle assembly 100.

[0041] The releasable connection between the conduit 102 and the outlet body 104 can allow the outlet body 104 to be easily removed and separated from the conduit 102 to allow cleaning of the outlet body 104. For example, the outlet body 104 can be separated from the conduit 102 and placed in a cleaning solution, or placed under UV light, which can eliminate bacteria and / or other contaminants from the outlet body 104, thereby ensuring that the filtered airflow ejected from the nozzle assembly 100 during use is as clean as possible for the wearer. In addition, this arrangement can make it easy to clean the conduit 102, and in some examples, can make it easy to access the interior of the conduit 102 for cleaning, such as through the body hole 122 for cleaning.

[0042] In use, the hood is located on the wearer's head so that the first shell 14 and the second shell 16 are on the wearer's ears and the nozzle assembly 100 extends in front of the mouth and lower nose area of ​​the wearer's face without contacting the wearer's face. The airflow generator 44 can be actuated to inhale air through the ambient air inlet 40 provided by each of the first shell 14 and the second shell 16, through the filter assembly 42, and discharge the filtered airflow through the outlet hole into the inlet hole 114 of the first connector part 110 and the second connector part 112 of the conduit 102. The filtered airflow passes through the conduit as the first and second filtered airflows and is delivered to the wearer of the wearable air purifier 10 via the first 126 and the second 128 air outlet parts from the nozzle assembly 100. The speaker assembly 32 can provide audio data to the user, such as in the form of music, etc., and alternatively or additionally, noise cancellation can be provided for noise caused by the operation of the airflow generator 44.

[0043] Although two airflow generators 44 are described herein, each feeding one end of the nozzle assembly 100, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, only a single airflow generator 44 may be provided, which may feed both ends or one end of the nozzle assembly 100. In such embodiments, the nozzle assembly 100 may still include the conduit 102 and the releasable outlet body 104.

[0044] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the filter assembly 42 and the airflow generator 44 of the air cleaner assembly are housed within the housings 14, 16 of the hood (i.e., forming ear cups), and are therefore integral / built-in with the hood, such that the ambient air inlet 40 and outlet aperture 43 of the air cleaner assembly are provided by these housings 14, 16. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the filter assembly 42 and the airflow generator 44 of the air cleaner assembly may be housed within their respective distinct purifier assembly housings, with the ambient air inlet and outlet aperture of the air cleaner assembly being provided by these purifier assembly housings.

[0045] In such an embodiment, the purifier assembly housing may or may not be supported by the hood. For a purifier assembly housing supported by a hood, the nozzle assembly may be directly connected to the outlet hole of the air purifier assembly, so that the nozzle assembly is indirectly connected to the hood. Alternatively, the nozzle assembly may be directly connected to the hood and fluidly connected to the outlet hole of the air purifier assembly via a conduit connected to the hood. For a purifier assembly housing that is not supported by a hood but is worn on other parts of the wearer's body (e.g., worn on a belt or around the wearer's neck), the nozzle assembly may be directly connected to the hood and fluidly connected to the outlet hole of the air purifier assembly via a conduit connected to the hood.

Claims

1. A wearable air delivery device comprising: Hood; and A nozzle assembly supported by the hood, the nozzle assembly comprising a conduit for receiving an air flow and an outlet region comprising a plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting an air flow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has a diameter from 4500 mm to 4500 mm. 2 Up to 6900mm 2 Total opening area and 15% to 28% opening area Therein, the plurality of holes can have a hole size of from 50 μm to 150 μm, and the outlet region has a maximum length of at least 90 mm and a maximum height of at least 50 mm.

2. The wearable air delivery device according to claim 1, wherein: The outlet region has an open area of ​​from 18% to 25%.

3. A wearable air delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The outlet region has an open area of ​​approximately 18%.

4. A wearable air delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The outlet area has a width from 4700mm 2 Up to 6700mm 2 total opening area.

5. The wearable air delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The outlet area has a width of approximately 5700 mm 2 total opening area.

6. The wearable air delivery device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The plurality of holes is provided by any of: Perforations disposed within the outlet region; and A mesh extends across the outlet region.

7. A nozzle assembly for a wearable air delivery device, the nozzle assembly comprising: a conduit for receiving the air flow, and An outlet region, the outlet region comprising a plurality of holes defining an air outlet for ejecting an air flow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has a diameter from 4500 mm 2 Up to 6900mm 2 Total opening area and opening area from 15% to 28%, Therein, the plurality of holes can have a hole size of from 50 μm to 150 μm, and the outlet region has a maximum length of at least 90 mm and a maximum height of at least 50 mm.

8. A wearable air purifier, comprising: Hood; an air cleaner assembly configured to produce a filtered air flow from an outlet aperture thereof; and A nozzle assembly supported by the hood, the nozzle assembly comprising an inlet aperture for receiving a filtered airflow from an outlet aperture of the air cleaner assembly, a conduit for receiving the filtered airflow, and an outlet region comprising a plurality of apertures defining an air outlet for ejecting the filtered airflow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the outlet region has a diameter from 4500 mm to 500 mm. 2 Up to 6900mm 2 Total opening area and 15% to 28% opening area, Therein, the plurality of holes can have a hole size of from 50 μm to 150 μm, and the outlet region has a maximum length of at least 90 mm and a maximum height of at least 50 mm.

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