Auxiliary ventilation device capable of being worn independently

Abstract

The utility model relates to an auxiliary ventilation device (1) capable of being worn independently, which comprises an air inlet (2), a fan and a main body (6), the main body (6) comprises a first element (7) and a second element (8), the first element (7) comprises an air outlet (4), the air outlet is used for blowing air flow (F) to the respiratory tract, and the auxiliary ventilation device is characterized in that the first element and the second element are connected through a hinge device (13), the hinge device allows the main body to change between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration of the first element and the second element and allows the first element and the second element to pivot between a folded position and an unfolded reference position along a first pivot axis (A-A '). And the first element and the second element pivot along a second pivot axis (B-B ') outside said deployment reference position, said pivot axes being remote and different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the general technical field of auxiliary ventilation devices, for example, in particular to an air filtering device with auxiliary ventilation.

[0002] The utility model more specifically relates to an independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device, which comprises at least one air inlet, at least one fan and at least one main body, wherein the main body comprises at least one first element and at least one second element, and the at least one first element comprises at least one air outlet configured to blow the airflow generated by the fan toward the respiratory tract of the user. Background Art

[0003] Auxiliary ventilation devices are already known, which are used to provide a forced airflow to a user to provide breathing assistance. It is usually a device including a mask with an air outlet, which should be kept against the user's face to cover his mouth and nose, for example, by means of an elastic band around the user's head. The mask is connected to a blower including a fan by a flexible ventilation hose. Although described as "non-invasive", this device is relatively obstructive to the user. Without the help of a third party, the user cannot conveniently carry the device with him, put it in place and use it conveniently outside his residence or a specific care location. Therefore, these known devices are generally dedicated to fixed use, usually under the supervision of professional medical personnel. Air filtering devices with auxiliary ventilation are also known. These devices are used to provide a forced airflow from ambient air to the user, and the ambient air has been pre-filtered to at least partially remove certain pollutants. This device is more specifically used to provide respiratory protection for the user by limiting the user's inhalation of respiratory pollutants, particles and other substances that may be harmful to health present in the ambient air. Such air filter devices with auxiliary ventilation usually include an air inlet, a fan for generating a forced airflow from the ambient air extracted in the immediate environment, one or more filters for filtering the extracted air, and an air outlet through which the filtered forced airflow can be delivered to the user. Recently, such air filter devices with auxiliary ventilation have been introduced to overcome many disadvantages of passive personal respiratory protection devices, such as traditional filtering masks, such as integral filtering masks covering the entire face, or half masks covering only the lower part of the user's face (including the nose and mouth). Such passive personal respiratory protection devices are also referred to as "free ventilation" because the circulation of air through the filter is completely guaranteed by the user's respiratory exchange. Although such air filter devices with auxiliary ventilation are designed for users to wear and accompany them in, for example, professional activities, they are still generally bulky, inconvenient to store and transport, and are also complicated to put on correctly for users who are not accustomed to using them. This is why these known devices are usually used to protect users in professional fields, such as for protecting workers and technicians, firefighters, soldiers, etc.

[0004] Known auxiliary ventilation devices, whether or not they have an air filtering function, are often not very ergonomic and comfortable to use, which sometimes makes their use very limited. They do not always allow the airflow to flow in the best direction to the user's respiratory tract. Known devices are usually designed to be at least partially fixed on the user's head, which may hinder the user's vision and / or communication with his personal or professional environment. In addition, the use of these devices is sometimes incompatible with the simultaneous wearing of glasses, headwear (hats, bonnets, helmets, etc.), earmuffs or over-ear (audio or sound protection) headphones, etc., or the use of cosmetics. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to respond to the above problems, in particular to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device that can be worn independently by the user, which is particularly convenient and safe to put on and take off, and is easy to transport or store after use.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device which is particularly ergonomic and intuitive to use.

[0007] Another object of the utility model is to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device, which helps to protect the respiratory health of the user.

[0008] Another object of the utility model is to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device, which is particularly comfortable to wear and does not hinder the user.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device, which has a particularly reliable and robust structure.

[0010] Another object of the utility model is to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device, which has a particularly compact structure.

[0011] Another object of the utility model is to provide a new auxiliary ventilation device, which can be easily adapted to users of different heights and body shapes.

[0012] The purpose of the utility model is achieved by means of an independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device, which comprises at least one air inlet, at least one fan, and a main body, wherein the main body comprises:

[0013] at least one first element comprising at least one air outlet configured to direct the air flow generated by the fan towards the respiratory tract of a user, and

[0014] - at least one second element,

[0015] The device is characterized in that the first element and the second element are connected to each other by hinge means to allow the body to change between a relative folded configuration of the first element and the second element and a relative unfolded configuration of the first element and the second element or vice versa, the hinge means allowing:

[0016] a first relative pivoting of the first element and the second element along the first pivot axis between a folded position and an unfolded reference position, and

[0017] - a second relative pivoting of the first element and the second element along the second pivot axis beyond said deployed reference position,

[0018] The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are distant from and different from each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge in more detail from a reading of the description made hereinafter, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings given purely by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, in which:

[0020] - Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of an auxiliary ventilation device according to the invention is shown in a schematic front view, in which the device is shown to be worn by a human user. In this particular embodiment, the device constitutes an air filtration device with auxiliary ventilation. The body of the device here forms a substantially annular body that can be worn around the neck of the user. In this embodiment, the body of the device comprises a single first element forming a front element, which is connected to two second elements forming a rear element;

[0021] - Figure 2 The device is shown in a schematic perspective view as being worn by a human user around his neck. Figure 1 The air flow is indicated by arrows;

[0022] - Figure 3 The schematic top view shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device has a main body in a folded configuration, each second element occupies a folded position with the first element;

[0023] - Figure 4 The schematic top view shows Figures 1 to 3 The device, wherein the body is in a deployed configuration, each second element occupies a deployed reference position with the first element;

[0024] - Figure 5 The schematic top view shows Figures 1 to 4 The device, wherein the main body is in the expanded configuration, each second element occupies an area with the first element Figure 3 The expansion position is outside the reference position;

[0025] - Figure 6 According to the schematic side view (left) Figure 4 Devices;

[0026] - Figure 7 According to the schematic perspective view Figure 6 Devices;

[0027] - Figure 8 According to the schematic exploded view Figure 6 and Figure 7 Devices;

[0028] - Fig. 9Shown in a truncated stereogram Figures 1 to 8 The cover element of the second inner surface of the second element is omitted in the figure to make the design of the elastic hinge visible;

[0029] - Fig.10 The truncated cross-sectional view of the main body of the device is shown Fig. 9 Here, the first element and the second element are in an unfolded reference position;

[0030] - Fig.11 According to another truncated cross-sectional view of the body of the device (at the Fig.10 The view is taken at different heights) Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Here, the first element and the second element in the figure are beyond Fig.10 the position of the unfolded reference position shown;

[0031] - Fig.12 Shown in a truncated stereogram Figures 1 to 8 A variant design of the elastic hinge of the hinge device of the device. The cover element of the second inner surface of the second element shown in the figure is omitted so as to make the design of the elastic hinge visible;

[0032] - Fig.13 The truncated cross-sectional view of the main body of the device is shown Fig.12 The first element and the second element are illustrated here in an unfolded reference position;

[0033] - Fig.14 Shown in a truncated stereogram Figures 1 to 8 Another variant design of the elastic hinge of the hinge device of the device. The cover element of the second inner surface of the second element shown in the figure is omitted so as to make the design of the elastic hinge visible;

[0034] - Fig.15 The truncated cross-sectional view of the main body of the device is shown Fig.14 Here, the first element and the second element are shown in an unfolded reference position;

[0035] - Fig.16 Shown in a truncated stereogram Figures 1 to 8 Another variant design of the elastic hinge of the hinge device of the device. The cover element of the second inner surface of the second element shown in the figure is omitted so as to make the design of the elastic hinge visible;

[0036] - Fig.17 The truncated cross-sectional view of the main body of the device is shown Fig.16 Here, the first element and the second element are shown in an unfolded reference position;

[0037] - Fig.18 According to the schematic side view (right) Figures 1 to 8 Basically the same device according to the present invention, but with a different design of the articulation device;

[0038] - Fig.19 The schematic cut-away top view shows Fig.18 Design and operating details of the articulated device of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The utility model relates to an auxiliary ventilation device 1 that can be worn independently, that is, it can be worn by a user. Therefore, advantageously, this is an active breathing device, which is designed and configured to be worn by a user (human or animal) and to deliver a forced airflow F from ambient air to the user. Preferably, it is a device 1 for use by users who lack specific professional skills in respiratory health in a home environment or when engaged in professional activities. The figure illustrates a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the utility model, which includes at least one air inlet 2, at least one fan 3 and at least one air outlet 4, which is configured to blow the airflow F generated by the fan 3 toward the user's respiratory tract (nose and / or mouth). Therefore, the air inlet 2, the fan 3 and the air outlet 4 are in a pneumatically connected state, so that the fan 3 inhales ambient air outside the device 1 through the air inlet 2 when it is running, so as to blow it toward the user's respiratory tract through the air outlet 4. Preferably, the device 1 is designed and configured so that the air outlet 4 is positioned toward the user's respiratory tract and spaced apart from the user's respiratory tract when the device 1 is worn by the user, preferably facing the user's face. Advantageously, as in the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 has no parts or elements intended (i.e. specifically designed and configured) to come into contact with the user's face, in particular for guiding the air flow F distributed through the air outlet 4 and / or ensuring airtightness between the air outlet 4 and the user's face. Therefore, the wearing of the device 1 is particularly comfortable and unobtrusive for the user.

[0040] According to a preferred variant, as in the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 more specifically constitutes an air treatment device 1 with auxiliary ventilation, and further preferably constitutes an air filtering device 1 with auxiliary ventilation. In other words, the device 1 is therefore designed and configured to deliver a processed (preferably filtered, purified and forced) air flow F from the ambient air to the user. To this end, the device 1 advantageously comprises an air filtering mechanism 5, which generally comprises one or more air filters, or is at least specially designed and configured to be used in combination with such an air filtering mechanism 5. The air filtering mechanism 5 can advantageously be arranged inside the device 1, between the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 4, upstream and / or downstream of the fan 3 (considering the air flow direction in the device 1), preferably detachably. For example, the air filtering mechanism 5 can include one or more air filters, which are advantageously arranged between the air inlet 2 and the fan 3, as in the illustrated embodiment, which also allows limiting the risk of fouling of the fan 3. The function of the air filter mechanism 5 is to separate one or more undesirable substances or particles suspended in the ambient air, in the form of solid or aerosol, from the ambient air, and retain or destroy them, so that the forced airflow F delivered by the device 1 to the user reduces, preferably significantly reduces, the undesirable substances or particles originally present in the ambient air. As solid particles, dust, smoke and solid atmospheric pollutants can be listed. The term "aerosol" preferably refers to a collection of solid or liquid particles of a substance or a mixture of substances suspended in a gas medium, and its falling speed is generally less than 0.25 m / s, which can be ignored. In ambient air under normal conditions, this usually corresponds to particles of a size less than 100 microns. This definition covers aerosols containing particles from microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.), animals or plants (pollen, allergens, etc.), also known as bioaerosols. Generally, in terms of filter selection, the air filter mechanism 5 is designed and configured according to the filtering performance level required for one or more substances to be filtered. Preferably, the air filter mechanism 5 of the device 1 is designed and configured to intercept aerosols. To this end, it advantageously comprises one or more air filters, in particular one or more filters of class P1 and / or P2, in particular as defined in French standards NF EN 143:2000 and NF EN143 / A1:2006, which block at least 80% of aerosols (class P1) or at least 94% of aerosols (class P2). Preferably, it is a HEPA filter (so-called "high efficiency particulate air" filter). The name HEPA applies to any mechanism capable of filtering at least 99.97% of particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 microns at one time. The air filtering mechanism 5 may comprise a plurality of identical or different filters, for example an activated carbon filter arranged upstream of a HEPA filter, or two HEPA filters arranged one after the other.Depending on the nature of the particles or substances to be filtered, and on the expected corresponding filtering performance level, other filters may also be considered, such as filters based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ceramics. Optionally, the device 1 may include a particle sensor and a mechanism for controlling the rotation speed of the fan 3 connected to the particle sensor and / or the volatile organic compound sensor, so as to adjust the rotation speed of the fan 3 (and thus the flow rate of the generated airflow F) according to the particle and / or volatile organic compound content of the air to be filtered.

[0041] According to this preferred variant, the device 1 thus advantageously constitutes a respiratory protection device with assisted ventilation, the use of which contributes to protecting the health and quality of life of the user, in particular in the event of atmospheric pollution or a microbial pandemic / epidemic. The generation of a forced airflow F by the device 1 also offers the advantage of compensating for possible air pressure losses generated by the air filtering means 5. In this way, the user of the device 1 does not have to force his own breathing to compensate for this air pressure loss, which allows him to avoid additional effort and fatigue, unlike what can be observed (or at least felt) when wearing a so-called "free ventilation" air filtering means (such as a conventional protective mask or half mask).

[0042] According to another variant (not shown), on the contrary, the device may be devoid of any air treatment means, in particular the air filtering means mentioned above. In this case, the device does not filter, treat the ambient air before delivering it to the user in the form of a forced airflow. However, the advantage of this device is that it allows the user to breathe less strenuously by facilitating the circulation of air in the bronchi and lungs of the user. In this sense, the use of a device according to this second variant contributes to protecting or even improving the health status and quality of life of the user, especially when the user suffers from respiratory system dysfunctions (lung dysfunction, respiratory muscle weakness, etc.).

[0043] The device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one body 6, which comprises, on the one hand, at least one first element 7, which comprises said air outlet 4, and, on the other hand, at least one second element 8, which is designed and configured to hold the body 6 of the device 1 in position relative to the body of the user. Thus, the second element 8 connected to the first element 7 advantageously ensures or at least contributes to ensuring that the body 6 is held in position relative to the body of the user. Preferably, both the first element 7 and the second element 8 of the body 6 are substantially rigid, i.e. lacking inherent flexibility. Advantageously, the first element 7 has a first outer surface 9 and an opposite first inner surface 10, which faces the outside of the body 6 and defines a part of the visible outer surface of the body 6. The first inner surface 10 faces the inside of the body 6 and therefore faces the body of the user when the device 1 is in use, and the first inner surface advantageously defines a part of the visible inner surface of the body 6. Conversely, the second element 8 has a second outer surface 11 and an opposite second inner surface 12, which faces the outside of the body 6 and advantageously defines another part of the visible outer surface of the body 6. The second inner surface 12 is oriented towards the interior of the body 6 and thus faces the body of the user when the device 1 is in use, which advantageously defines another part of the visible inner surface of the body 6 .

[0044] Said first element 7 and second element 8 are connected to each other by articulation means 13, 13', designed and configured to allow the body 6 to be changed between a relative folded configuration of the first element 1 and second element 8 and a relative unfolded configuration of the first element 1 and second element 8 or vice versa. Therefore, the body 6 comprises said articulation means 13, 13'. Therefore, the body 6 is articulated so that the user can change it from a first configuration, namely the folded configuration, to a second configuration, namely the unfolded configuration, preferably manually moving:

[0045] - In the first configuration, the first element 7 and the second element 8 of the body 6 are folded relative to each other, typically folded towards each other, said first inner surface 10 and the second inner surface 12 then advantageously being arranged face to face ( Figure 3 ),

[0046] - In the second configuration, the first element 7 and the second element 8 of the body 6 are unfolded relative to each other, so that the distance between the first inner surface 10 and the second inner surface 12 is greater than in the folded configuration ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0047] Thus, the unfolded configuration of the body 6 advantageously corresponds to the use configuration of the device 1, in which the device can be placed in place, worn and operated by the user, and in which the body 6 occupies a given volume space. The folded configuration of the body 6 advantageously corresponds to the storage configuration, in which the body 6 occupies a smaller volume space. Due to the use of such hinged devices 13, 13', the device 1 according to the utility model is easy to install in place and then remove when in use, and its volume can be significantly reduced in terms of storage after use. Therefore, the device 1 according to the utility model can advantageously constitute a "travel" device, which can conveniently accompany the user's daily life and movement, and can be conveniently stored in a limited space, such as a pocket, a handbag or a small backpack.

[0048] Advantageously, as in the illustrated embodiment, the body 6 of the device 1 is designed and arranged to be positioned and worn by a user around his or her neck ( Figure 1 and Figure 2). Thus, as illustrated in the figure, the at least one second element 8 is advantageously designed and configured to hold the body 6 of the device 1 in position relative to the user's body, and in particular advantageously to fully surround the user's neck to ensure that the body 6 remains around the user's neck. Since the body 6 of the device 1 is initially in a folded configuration, the user can manually change it to an expanded configuration by applying force on the first element 7 and the second element 8 to move them away from each other (expanded configuration), and then arrange the body 6 of the device 1 around the user's neck. Preferably, in the said relative expanded configuration of the first element 7 and the second element 8, as in the illustrated embodiment, the body 6 forms a substantially annular or at least partially annular body, which can be worn around the user's neck. Thus, the body 6 of the device 1 has a shape and mass that is advantageously suitable for being worn around the neck of a human (or animal) user. "Annular" is advantageously understood here to mean that, in the expanded configuration, the body 6 has a substantially elliptical or circular or even rectangular annular shape. "Partially annular" is advantageously understood to mean an annular shape that is open to a quarter of a circle, and if it is continuous, it is annular. This at least partially annular shape of the body 6 of the device 1 contributes to the excellent ergonomics and great comfort of use of the device 1. In particular, the (at least partially annular) shape of the body 6 of the device 1 not only facilitates putting it on, but also facilitates the user to put the body 6 around his neck, once put on, the body 6 can optionally at least partially rest on the shoulders of the user. The wearing of the device 1 is particularly comfortable for the user, the user's hands can advantageously remain free, and the body 6 of the device 1 advantageously accompanies the user's body movements, in particular head movements, without particularly hindering or impeding these movements. As illustrated in the figure, the first inner surface 10 and the second inner surface 12 of the first element 7 and the second element 8 have a preferably curved, concave profile, the concavity of which is oriented towards the free space 14 defined in the center of the body 6 when the body 6 is in the unfolded configuration. When the device 1 is in use, the free space 14 is at least partially occupied by the neck of the user, and the inner surface of the body 6 then faces the neck of the user. Advantageously, the dimensions of the device 6 are such that when the device 1 is worn on the neck of a user, its inner surface is not in close contact with the neck of the user, but rather there is a certain gap between the skin of the neck of the user and said inner surface, at least over part of the circumference of the free space 14 at the center of the body 6 of the device 1 ( Figure 2 ). In this way, the wearing comfort of the device 1 is further improved, reducing the risk of the user feeling strangled. This also advantageously allows the user to wear the device 1 together with a scarf around his neck, for example in winter.

[0049] According to the present invention, the articulation devices 13, 13' included in the body 6 of the device 1 are more specifically designed and configured to allow:

[0050] - the first element 7 and the second element 8 are in the folded position ( Figure 3 ) and the expanded reference position ( Figure 4 ), i.e. in particular from the folded position to the unfolded reference position, and

[0051] - the first element 7 and the second element 8 are beyond the deployment reference position along the second pivot axis BB' ( Figure 5 ) of the second relative pivot R2, the first pivot axis AA' and the second pivot axis BB' are far away from and different from each other.

[0052] The second relative pivoting R2 advantageously corresponds to a relative pivoting of the first element 7 and the second element 8 along the second pivoting axis BB', the direction of rotation being the same as the first relative pivoting R1 along the first pivoting axis AA'. The folded position is the relative position occupied by the first element 7 and the second element 8 when the body 6 is in the folded configuration ( Figure 3 ). On the contrary, the relative position of the deployment reference position and the position beyond the deployment reference position is the position corresponding to the deployment configuration of the main body 6 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). Advantageously, the unfolded reference position corresponds to the relative position of the first element 7 and the second element 8 when the body 6 is worn in place by the user. Preferably, the unfolded reference position is a stable position (or an intermediate stop position) beyond which the first element 7 and the second element 8 cannot pivot relative to each other without applying a specific force to the first element 7 and the second element 8. Therefore, the hinge means 13, 13' define a "double pivot connection" kinematics for the first element 7 and the second element 8 of the body 6 of the device 1. Therefore, if the body 6 of the device 1 is initially in a folded configuration, the first element 7 and the second element 8 occupy their relative folded position ( Figure 3 ), it is desired that the user equipped with the device 1 can manually grasp the body 6 of the device 1 and apply a force to the first element 7 and the second element 8 to pivot them relative to each other (first relative pivot R1) so that they enter their deployed reference position ( Figure 4 If the user has difficulty positioning the body 6 of the device 1 on his body (preferably around his neck), the user can apply a supplementary force to the first element 7 and the second element 8 to further pivot them relative to each other (second relative pivot R2) so as to move them from their deployed reference position to a position beyond their deployed reference position, that is, to further separate the first inner surface 10 and the second inner surface 12 of the first element 7 and the second element 8 ( Figure 5 ).

[0053] Thus, the possibility of separating the first element 7 and the second element 8 beyond their deployed reference position allows to significantly facilitate the putting on of the device 1, while limiting the risk of damage to the second element 8 under the force exerted by the user, especially when the second element 8 is rigid and lacks inherent flexibility. However, if the articulation device is designed to allow only a single pivot connection of the first element 7 and the second element 8, this additional possibility of separation creates a great risk of pinching the user's fingers in the articulation device when changing the first element 7 and the second element 8 from their deployed reference position to a position beyond the deployed reference position. The articulation device 13, 13' according to the utility model adopts a "double pivot connection" and allows to greatly limit this risk of pinching, thus also giving the device 1 according to the utility model a particularly reliable characteristic in use by avoiding the formation of problematic pinching spaces at the articulation device 13. Thanks to such articulation devices 13, 13', the operation of the device 1 according to the utility model is particularly easy and safe for the user in terms of putting it on and taking it off. The adoption of such an articulation device 13, 13' confers particularly ergonomic characteristics to the device 1, as well as high reliability and robustness in use. Moreover, such an articulation device 13, 13' of a "double pivot connection" advantageously allows a particularly compact and aesthetic design of the device 1, while avoiding the formation of geometric discontinuity zones on the outer surface of the body 6, which would otherwise be required to allow a single-axis relative pivoting of the first element 7 and the second element 8 beyond their deployed reference position (in the case of a single pivot connection).

[0054] Advantageously, as illustrated in the figure, the second pivot axis BB' is offset towards the outside of the body 6 and therefore also towards the outside of the device 1, relative to the first pivot axis A-A'. This allows in particular to facilitate the design of the articulation means 13, 13', improving the compactness of the device 1, and also to easily define a large relative deployment range of the first element 7 and the second element 8, which further facilitates the user to put on the device 1. More advantageously, in particular as Figure 5 and Fig.19 As exemplified in FIG. 1 , the second pivot axis BB' is positioned along the edge 15, 15' of the outer surface of the device 1 (in particular its body), i.e. the edge 15, 15' of the surface of the device 1 facing the outside of the body 6. Conversely, the first pivot axis AA' is advantageously located near the surface of the device 1, in particular the surface of the body 6 of the device 1 facing the inside of the body 6. For example, in particular as Figure 5As shown, the second pivot axis BB' is positioned along the edge 15 of the first outer surface 9 of the first element 7. Therefore, when the first element 7 and the second element 8 are pivoted relative to each other to change from the deployed reference position to a relative position beyond the deployed reference position (second relative pivot R2), the first element 7 and the second element 8 are in contact with each other along said edges 15, 15'. This advantageously allows further limiting the risk of the user being pinched when operating the device 1, and also advantageously allows a particularly aesthetic design of the device 1 by avoiding the generation of geometric discontinuities in the outer contour of the body 6 of the device 1.

[0055] Preferably, the articulation means 13, 13' are designed and arranged so that the first pivot axis AA' is substantially orthogonal to the transversely extending median plane P1 of the body 6 of the device 1 (in particular Figure 3 and Figure 6 Preferably, the hinge device 13 is designed and configured so that the first and second pivot axes A-A', BB' are parallel to each other (particularly Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). The adoption of these additional features, preferably combined as in the embodiment shown in the figures, advantageously facilitates the definition of kinematics that are particularly simple and intuitive for the user. The device 1 is therefore particularly simple and intuitive to put on and take off by the user. Furthermore, this also allows facilitating the overall design of the device 1 and contributes to its robustness in use.

[0056] Preferably, in order to further improve the ease of placement of the device 1, the hinge means 13, 13' are designed and configured to allow the first element 7 and the second element 8 to pivot relative to each other around the first pivot axis A-A' at an angle Q1 advantageously between 50° and 170° (first relative pivot R1, Figure 3 ) and pivots relative to each other about a second pivot axis BB' at an angle Q2 advantageously between 5° and 50°, preferably equal to 30° (second relative pivot R2, Figure 5 ).

[0057] According to a variant implemented in the embodiment shown in the figures, the articulation means 13, 13' also constitute means for permanently fixing the second element 8 to the first element 7. Once connected to each other by the articulation means 13, 13', the first element 7 and the second element 8 cannot be separated or separated by the user during normal use of the device 1. According to an alternative variant, the articulation means can constitute means for reversibly and detachably fixing the second element 8 to the first element 7. In this way, the user can separate and reassemble the second element 8 from the first element 7 as required, for example by replacing the second element 8 with another compatible second element. Advantageously, the articulation means 13, 13' include stop means for limiting the maximum deployment position beyond the deployment reference position. Therefore, the second relative pivoting corresponds to the relative pivoting of the first element 7 and the second element 8 along the second pivot axis BB' between the deployment reference position and the maximum deployment position.

[0058] As in the embodiment shown in the figure, the hinge means 13, 13' preferably include elastic hinges 16, 16', which allow and ensure the first relative pivoting R1 of the first element 7 and the second element 8 and the second relative pivoting R2 of the first element 7 and the second element 8. The elastic hinge 16 includes elastic reset members 17, 17' for automatically resetting the first element 7 and the second element 8 to the deployed reference position when the first element 7 and the second element 8 are in a position beyond the deployed reference position. Therefore, the reset of the first element 7 and the second element 8 from the position beyond the deployed reference position to its deployed reference position is advantageously carried out automatically under the action of the elastic reset member, which thus forces the first element 7 and the second element 8 to pivot in the opposite direction along the second pivot axis BB' once the user stops applying a force to the first element 7 and the second element 8 tending to keep it in a position beyond its deployed reference position. The deployed reference position is an advantageously stable relative position of the first element 7 and the second element 8, while any position beyond the deployed reference position is an advantageously unstable relative position of the first element 7 and the second element 8. In this way, the device 1 can be worn on the user more simply, more quickly and more intuitively. In the case where a thick piece of clothing or clothing accessory such as a scarf is worn between the user's skin and the body 6 of the device 1, the use of such an elastic hinge still allows the device 6 to be worn comfortably, and the elastic reset member automatically adjusts the relative position of the first element 7 and the second element 8, if necessary beyond their unfolded reference position, while ensuring that the body 6 of the device 1 is effectively held on the user's body. In addition, the use of such an elastic hinge ensures that the body 6 of the device 1 is reliably held on the user's body, while ensuring the safety of the user in the event that the user himself or an external person or object (third party, etc.) applies a tearing force on the body 6 of the device 1.

[0059] The elastic return member 17 of the elastic hinge 16 may advantageously include at least one of the following: a helical extension spring 17A, a helical torsion spring 17B, a flat helical spring 17C operating in a tension state, and a helical compression spring 17D. In addition, the elastic return member 17 may include a bistable leaf spring. The helical extension spring 17A is preferably a single helical extension spring 17A (especially as Figures 9 to 11 ), which has the advantage of allowing a relatively simple and inexpensive design of the elastic hinge 16. However, assembling such a helical extension spring 17A may be complicated. In addition, the restoring force exerted by such a helical extension spring 17A in place may lack linearity, so that the kinematic characteristics of the elastic hinge 16 may be disturbing to the user in certain circumstances. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As explained by way of example in , the use of a helical torsion spring 17B, preferably at least two independent helical torsion springs 17B, which preferably have the same stiffness and are arranged along their central axis, proves to be particularly advantageous. In fact, this allows a relatively simple and space-saving design and an easy assembly of the elastic hinge 16. This also allows a particularly constant and well-controlled restoring force to be obtained. In addition, this advantageously allows a particularly limited radial clearance to be obtained (taking into account the first and second pivot axes A-A', B-B'), which contributes to a high robustness and high reliability of the operation of the articulated device 13. As Fig.14 and Fig.15 As exemplified in FIG. 1 , the use of a flat helical spring 17C operating in a tension state is advantageous both in terms of the ease of design and assembly of the elastic hinge 16 and in terms of the control of the linearity of the restoring force applied in place. Fig.16 and Fig.17 Using a helical compression spring 17D, preferably a single helical compression spring 17D, as exemplified in the embodiment of the present invention is also advantageous in terms of controlling the linearity of the restoring force applied in place.

[0060] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the elastic hinge 16 comprises an intermediate connection 18, which is connected to the first element 7 by a pivot connection on the one hand and is connected to the second element 8 by sliding along a curvilinear path on the other hand, and an elastic reset member 17 connects the intermediate connection 18 and the second element 8 to each other. As a result, the kinematic design and operation of the articulated device 13 are particularly simple, reliable and robust, and the articulated device 13 ensures an optimal guidance of the relative movement of the first element 7 and the second element 8. Advantageously, the pivot axis of the pivot connection defines a first pivot axis A-A' of the articulated device 13. Advantageously, the intermediate connection 18 is shaped and configured so that the radius of curvature of the curvilinear path defines a center of curvature, which is arranged on the second pivot axis A-A' of the articulated device 13. Preferably, the curvilinear path is a circular arc path.

[0061] In this way, the first relative pivoting R1 of the first element 7 and the second element 8 along the first pivot axis A-A' from the folded position to the deployed reference position is advantageously ensured by the pivoting of the intermediate connection 18 relative to the first element 7 along the pivot connection when the user applies an expansion force to move the first inner surface 10 and the second inner surface 12 away from each other and thus change the body 6 of the device 1 from its folded configuration to its deployed configuration. During this process, the intermediate connection 18 is advantageously kept stationary relative to the second element 8 under the action of the elastic return member 17. Once the deployed reference position ( Figure 4 ), the second element 8 then abuts against the first element 7 at at least one contact point located along the second pivot axis BB' (non-physical pivot axis) (preferably along a contact line corresponding to the edge 15 of the first outer surface 9 of the first element 7). The application of an expansion force by the user causes the first element 7 and the second element 8 to occupy a relative position beyond the deployed reference position ( Figure 5 ), thus causing a second relative pivoting R2 of the first element 7 and the second element 8 along the second pivot axis BB', the direction of rotation of which is advantageously the same as the direction of rotation of the first relative pivoting R1 along the first pivot axis A-A'. In the process, the second element 8 then slides along the said curved trajectory relative to the intermediate connection 18, the intermediate connection 18 advantageously remaining stationary relative to the first element 7, and at the said (at least one) contact point, the second element 8 advantageously remains against the first element 7 ( Fig.11 The relative return of the first element 7 and the second element 8 from a position beyond the unfolded reference position to said unfolded reference position and then from said unfolded reference position to the folded position is then advantageously carried out in a counter kinematic manner by relative pivoting in opposite directions along the second pivot axis BB' and then relative pivoting in opposite directions along the first pivot axis AA'.

[0062] Figures 9 to 11 Examples of Figures 1 to 7The elastic return member 17 of the elastic hinge 16 of the device 1 comprises a variant of a helical tension spring 17A. In this example, the intermediate connection 18 forms an integral rigid component which defines a joint 19 which is arranged in a corresponding compartment provided in the first element 7. The elastic hinge 16 comprises a hinge 20 (or a pivot lever, for example formed by a pin) which passes through the first element 7 and engages with the joint 19, thereby defining an axis of the pivot connection, through which the intermediate connection 18 is thus connected to the first element 7. The axis of the pivot connection then advantageously defines a first pivot axis A-A'. A first end 21 of the helical tension spring 17A is pivotally integral with the intermediate connection 18 along a pivot axis advantageously parallel to the first pivot axis A-A'. An opposite second end 22 of the helical tension spring 17A is pivotally integral with the second element 8 along a pivot axis advantageously parallel to a second pivot axis BB' (the second pivot axis is advantageously parallel to the first pivot axis A-A' here). In order to further connect the intermediate connecting member 18 and the second element 8 slidably along a curved trajectory, the intermediate connecting member 18 further defines a pair of arcuate arms 23 (it may also be a single arcuate arm), which are slidably arranged in a conjugate arc-shaped chamber 23A, and the arc curvature of which is advantageously selected so that when the first element 7 and the second element 8 are connected to each other by the hinge device 13, a curvature center located on the second (non-solid) pivot axis BB' is defined. The free end of the arm 23 is advantageously provided with a protrusion 24, which is designed and configured to come into contact with a corresponding stop surface 25 of the second element 8 to limit the maximum relative sliding stroke, thereby forming a stop device, which defines the maximum unfolded pivot position ( Fig.11 ).

[0063] Fig.12 and 13Another variant is illustrated in which the elastic return member 17 of the elastic hinge 16 of the device 1 comprises at least one helical torsion spring 17B, preferably at least two independent helical torsion springs 17B. As in the above variant (the same reference numerals are used in the figures), the intermediate connection 18 forms an integral rigid component defining a joint 19 arranged in a corresponding compartment provided in the first element 7. The elastic hinge 16 comprises a hinge 20 (or a pivot rod, for example formed by a pin) which passes through the first element 7 and engages with the joint 19, thereby defining an axis of pivot connection, through which the intermediate connection 18 is connected to the first element 7. The axis of the pivot connection then advantageously defines a first pivot axis A-A'. The helical torsion spring 17B is arranged in a spring support 26 provided on (or connected to) the second element 8. The helical torsion springs 17B here have the same stiffness and are arranged along their central axis, which thus forms a single central axis advantageously parallel to the second pivot axis BB' (the second pivot axis is advantageously parallel to the first pivot axis A-A'). In order to connect the intermediate connection 18 to the second element 8 slidingly along a curved trajectory, the intermediate connection 18 defines a pair of arcuate arms 23 (it is also possible to be a single arcuate arm) which are slidingly arranged in a conjugate arc chamber, the arc curvature of which is selected so that when the first element 7 and the second element 8 are connected to each other by the hinge device 13, a curvature center is defined which is located on the second (non-solid) pivot axis BB'. The first leg 27 of the helical torsion spring is fixedly connected to the second element 8 by being arranged in a chamber provided in the spring support 26. The second leg 28 of the helical torsion spring 17B is respectively connected to the intermediate connection 18 and elastically abuts against a luminous surface 29 arranged through the thickness of each arm 23. The free end 30 of the second leg 28 of the helical torsion spring 17B advantageously protrudes from the side surface of each arm 23 so as to be able to come into contact with a corresponding stop surface 25 of the second element 8, which stop surface limits the maximum relative sliding stroke, thereby forming a stop device that limits the maximum deployed pivot position along the second pivot axis BB'.

[0064] Fig.14 and Fig.15Another variant is illustrated in which the elastic return member 17 of the elastic hinge 16 of the device 1 comprises a flat helical spring 17C operating in tension. In this example, the intermediate connection 18 is advantageously identical to the intermediate connection 18 of the above-described "helical tension spring 17A" variant and is pivotally connected to the first element 7 and slidingly connected to the second element 8 in the same manner (the same reference numerals are used in the figures). A first end 31 of the flat helical spring 17C forms the free end of the straight portion of the flat helical spring 17C, the first end being pivotally integral with the intermediate connection 18 along a pivot axis advantageously parallel to the first pivot axis A-A'. The opposite second end 32 of the flat helical spring 17C forms the free end of the helically wound portion of the flat helical spring 17C (which prolongs the straight portion of the flat helical spring), the second end (via Fig.14 Not shown in but in Fig.15 The cover element of the second inner surface 12 of the second element 8 visible in FIG. 1 is immovably integral with the second element 8. And Figures 9 to 11 As in the variant of the embodiment of the present invention, the free end of the arm 23 is advantageously provided with a projection 24 designed and configured to come into contact with a corresponding stop surface 25 of the second element 8 to limit the maximum relative sliding stroke, thereby forming a stop device that limits the maximum unfolded pivot position along the second pivot axis BB' (such as Fig.11 ).

[0065] Fig.16 and Fig.17 Another variant is illustrated in which the elastic return member 17 of the elastic hinge 16 of the device 1 comprises a helical compression spring 17D. In this example, the intermediate connection 18 is advantageously identical to the intermediate connection 18 of the "helical extension spring 17A" variant described above, and it is pivotally connected to the first element 7 on the one hand and slidingly connected to the second element 8 on the other hand in the same way (the same reference numerals are used in the figures). The elastic hinge 16 comprises a rod 33, a first end 34 of which is pivotally integral with the intermediate connection 18 along a pivot axis advantageously parallel to the first pivot axis A-A', and a second opposite end of which is free and provided with an axial stop 35 (for example formed by a radially extending pin). The helical compression spring 17D is mounted coaxially around the rod 33, and a first end 36 of the helical compression spring 17D abuts against a bearing surface 38 defined by the second element 8 ( Fig.16 ), the second end 37 of the helical compression spring 17D abuts against the axial stop 35. Figures 9 to 11 As in the variant of , the free end of the arm 23 is advantageously provided here with a projection 24 designed and configured to come into contact with a corresponding stop surface 25 of the second element 8 to limit the maximum relative sliding travel, thereby forming a stop device that limits the maximum unfolded pivot position along the second pivot axis BB' (as shown in FIG. Fig.11).

[0066] Obviously, in addition to the above-mentioned hinge devices 13, 13', especially the design of the elastic hinge 16, other suitable designs can also be considered if necessary to ensure the "double pivot" hinge of the first element 7 and the second element 8, but it can be understood that the use of the hinge device 13 including the above-mentioned elastic hinge 16 has been shown to be particularly advantageous.

[0067] For example, according to Fig.18 and Fig.19 In a variant shown, the articulated device 13' may include an elastic hinge 16', which includes an intermediate connecting member 18', which:

[0068] - connected on the one hand to the first element 7 by a first pivot connection 39 along a pivot axis advantageously defining a first pivot axis AA' (substantial), for example by means of a first simple hinge (joint / chamber / hinge system), and

[0069] - On the other hand, it is connected to the second element 8 via a second pivot connection 40 along a pivot axis which advantageously defines a second pivot axis BB' (solid), for example by means of a second simple hinge (joint / compartment / hinge system), an elastic return member 17' (e.g. a tension spring) connecting the intermediate connection 18' and the second element 8 to each other.

[0070] like Fig.19 As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 , the intermediate connector 18' may advantageously have first and second connecting surfaces 41, 42 that are opposite and have a curved shape, respectively, and are in contact with (or at least face) the corresponding conjugate curved contact surfaces 43, 44 of the first element 7 and the second element 8 through the complementarity of the concave / convex type. When the first element 7 and the second element 8 are in the folded position and change to the unfolded reference position, the intermediate connector 18' and the second element 8 together form a single moving component that pivots (first relative pivot R1) along the first pivot connection (first pivot axis A-A'), and under the reset action of the elastic reset member 17', the second connecting surface 42 of the intermediate connector 18' is in contact with (or at least faces) the conjugate curved contact surface 44 of the second element 8. Fig.19 (a)). When the first element 7 and the second element 8 occupy the unfolded reference position ( Fig.19 (b)), the second connection surface 42 of the intermediate connection member 18' contacts with (or at least faces) the conjugate curved contact surface 44 of the second element 8, and the first connection surface 41 of the intermediate connection member 18' contacts with (or at least faces) the conjugate curved contact surface 43 of the first element 7. Then, when the first element 7 and the second element 8 are in the deployed reference position and change to a position beyond the deployed reference position ( Fig.19(c)), it is the turn of the intermediate connector 18' and the first element 7 to jointly form a single second motion assembly, which pivots along the second pivot connection (second pivot axis B-B') to overcome the reset force of the elastic reset member 17' (second relative pivot R2), and the first connection surface 41 of the intermediate connector 18' abuts against (or at least faces) the conjugate curved contact surface 43 of the first element 7 to maintain contact. In turn, the elastic reset member 17' then applies a reset force to return the first element 7 and the second element 8 to the unfolded reference position. The relative return of the first element 7 and the second element 8 from a position beyond the unfolded reference position to the unfolded reference position and then from the unfolded reference position to the folded position is advantageously carried out according to inverse kinematics. According to this variant, the intermediate connector 18' may also have an intermediate outer surface 45 and a relative intermediate inner surface, the intermediate outer surface together with the first outer surface 9 and the second outer surface 11 defining the outer surface of the main body 6, and the intermediate inner surface together with the first inner surface 10 and the second inner surface 12 defining the inner surface of the main body 6. As Fig.18 and Fig.19 By way of example, the second pivot axis BB′ is located along the edge 15 ′ of the middle outer surface 45 of the intermediate connecting element 18 ′ (and therefore also on the edge 15 ′ of the outer surface of the device 1 ).

[0071] According to yet another variant, the articulated device 13, 13' may comprise a hinge comprising an intermediate connection 18, 18' according to any of the variants described above, but without the elastic return member 17, 17'. This articulated device thus advantageously has the advantages described above in terms of simplicity, reliability and robustness, as well as in terms of optimal guidance of the relative movement of the first element 7 and the second element 8. Nevertheless, the hinge of the articulated device is not a so-called elastic hinge and the articulated device does not ensure the automatic relative return of the first element 7 and the second element 8 to their deployed reference position, so that the positioning of the device 1 requires additional actions by the user for this purpose.

[0072] Advantageously, the device 1 may include an elastic stop mechanism that prevents the body 6 of the device 1 from changing from the relative folded configuration of the first and second elements 7 and 8 to said relative unfolded configuration of the first and second elements 7 and 8 or vice versa, below a predetermined threshold force applied to the first and second elements 7 and 8. Such an elastic stop mechanism thus limits the possibility of an untimely and undesirable relative pivoting of the first and second elements 7 and 8 along the first pivot axis A-A' towards the unfolded reference position when they are in the folded position, and vice versa when they are in the unfolded reference position and the device 1 is not yet worn on the user. This allows, on the one hand, to ensure that the body 6 of the device 1 remains in the folded configuration and avoids the risk of damaging it during its transportation or its storage. This allows, on the other hand, to facilitate the placement of the device 1 by avoiding the first and second elements 7 and 8 accidentally returning to the folded position when the user places the first and second elements 7 and 8 in the unfolded reference position in order to wear the body 6 of the device 1 on his body, preferably around his neck. For example, the elastic stop mechanism may include a ridge carried by the first element 7 and the second element 8, respectively, which comes into stop contact with each other when the first element 7 and the second element 8 change from the folded position to the unfolded reference position and vice versa, so as to limit (if not prohibit) the first element 7 and the second element 8 from continuing to pivot relative to each other. The ridge is used to elastically deform one and / or the other once the user applies a sufficient relative pivoting force greater than a predetermined threshold force to the first element 7 and the second element 8, so as to allow the first element 7 and the second element 8 to continue to pivot relative to each other. Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in the figure, the elastic stop mechanism may include at least one ridge 46, which is substantially non-elastically deformable, carried by the first element 7 on its first inner surface 10 near the hinge device 13, 13'. The ridge 46 is used to come into stop contact with a portion of the second inner surface 12 of the second element 8 when the first element 7 and the second element 8 change from the folded position to the unfolded reference position and vice versa. Here, when the user applies a relative pivoting force greater than the predetermined threshold force to the first and second elements 7, 8, deformation of the elastic return members 17, 17' of the elastic hinges 16, 16' of the hinges 13, 13' advantageously allows this stop contact to be escaped.

[0073] Preferably, the body 6 of the device 1 comprises the air inlet 2 and the fan 3. In other words, the air inlet 2 and the fan 3 of the device 1 are therefore preferably integrated into the body 6, or at least directly carried by the body 6. Therefore, the air inlet 2 and the fan 3 do not deviate from the body 6, for example in a dedicated housing, which is used to be worn by the user on a belt and connected to the body through an air supply hose of the air flow F. This further improves the compactness and portability of the device 1. More preferably, as in the embodiment shown in the figure, the first element 7 of the body 6 of the device 1 comprises the air inlet 2 and the fan 3. Therefore, the first element 7 advantageously includes all the elements required for the pneumatic operation of the device 1. The use of these preferred characteristics is particularly helpful to simplify the design and manufacture of the device 1 (especially from a pneumatic point of view) and its use. In addition, it also leads to a particularly compact and robust device 1. Preferably, the air inlet 2 is arranged at a height lower than the corresponding height of the air outlet 4. This arrangement allows limiting the air pressure loss of the device 1, thereby limiting the power required by the motor of the fan 3, and thus limiting the interference, especially noise, associated with the motor close to the user's head. Furthermore, the use of a low-power motor allows limiting the energy consumption of the device 1, thereby increasing the endurance. As for the air outlet 4, it is preferably arranged and configured so that the forced airflow F generated by the fan 3 is blown toward the user's respiratory tract in an upward or horizontal average direction. However, in certain cases, it is also possible to envisage that the forced airflow F is blown toward the user's respiratory tract in full or in part in a downward average direction.

[0074] Preferably, the first element 7 of the body 6 of the device 1 is single and thus forms one and the same coherent structural subassembly of the device 1, which allows to significantly simplify the design, manufacture and use of the device 1. The first element 7 of the body 6 of the device 1 preferably forms the front element of the body 6, and thus is the element which advantageously constitutes the front part of the body 6 of the device 1, which is located substantially in front of the user (considering the front of the user) and in particular advantageously in front of the user's head (and therefore also in front of the neck) when the device 1 is in normal use ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). Conversely, the second element 8 of the body 6 of the device 1 preferably forms a rear element of the body 6. It is therefore understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1 , when the device 1 is in normal use, the at least one second element 8 preferably constitutes the rear part of the body 6 of the device 1, which extends to the rear of the user's body, in particular, advantageously to the rear of the user's head (and therefore also to the rear of the neck). This facilitates wearing the device 1 on the user's body, because it does not require precise adjustment of the body 6 of the device 1, but only requires confirmation that the front element is correctly placed in front of the user's head and the rear element is correctly placed behind (or at least towards the rear of) the user's head (and therefore also the neck).

[0075] Advantageously, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the body 6 of the device 1 comprises two independent second elements 8 according to the above description, which second elements more advantageously form two rear elements of said body 6. Preferably, each of said second elements 8 is connected to a first element 7 by means of the above-mentioned articulation means 13, which first element then forms the front element of the body 6. Preferably, the two second elements 8 are identical (in particular, they are symmetrical) by mirroring with respect to the mid-sagittal plane P2 of the body 6 of the device 1. Figures 3 to 5 ). When the body 6 is in the unfolded configuration, the second element 8 can advantageously form two arms or branches for holding the body 6 of the device 1 relative to the user's body, in particular around the user's neck as in the embodiment shown. Through the mirror symmetry relative to the mid-sagittal plane P2 of the body 6 of the device 1, each of the second elements 8 and the corresponding articulation device 13 of the first element 7 are then advantageously identical. Therefore, advantageously, the kinematics of the second element 8 and the first element 7 are advantageously identical with respect to the mirror image relative to the mid-sagittal plane P2 of the body 6, which simplifies the design of the device 1 and makes its use particularly simple, ergonomic and intuitive. Advantageously, as previously mentioned, the first and second pivot axes A-A', BB' are parallel to each other and also parallel to the mid-sagittal plane P2 of the body 6.

[0076] Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the first element 7 of the body 6 forms a single front element of the body 6 and comprises the air inlet 2, the fan 3, the air outlet 4 and, if necessary, the filtering means 5, which are shaped and arranged so that the mid-sagittal plane P2 constitutes the sagittal symmetry plane of the body 6 of the device 1. Therefore, the body 6 has an excellent weight balance, ensuring that it is well kept in place and a high degree of comfort for the user.

[0077] Of course, other configurations are also conceivable, although less advantageous in terms of volume, particularly in the folded configuration of the body. For example, the articulated body of the device may comprise a single second element forming the rear element of the body, and two first elements identical by symmetry, each with an air outlet configured to blow the generated airflow F towards the respiratory tract of the user. According to another example, the articulated body of the device may comprise a single first element forming the front element, which is connected to the second element forming the rear element of the device body respectively by an articulation device.

[0078] Preferably, the device 1 also comprises adjustment means 47 for adjusting the characteristic dimensions of the at least one second element 8, in particular the length of the second element, so as to adjust the device 1 according to the user. By acting on these adjustment means 47, the user can thus adjust the dimensions of the second element 8 of the body 6 of the device 1 according to his body shape. As in the embodiment shown in the figures, the adjustment means 47 can thus advantageously be designed and configured to allow the length of the second element 8 to be adjusted so as to adjust the dimensions of the body 6 of the device 1 according to the diameter of the user's neck, taking into account the clothing or clothing accessories present at the user's neck if necessary. In this way, the body 6 of the device 1 fits perfectly around the user's neck, making the user feel more comfortable when using the device 1. Preferably, the adjustment means 47 comprise a telescopic slider, which advantageously allows a simple, reliable and robust shortening or extension of the length of the second element as required.

[0079] As in the embodiment shown in the figures, the device 1 can advantageously include a reversible temporary locking system 48 to prevent (or at least limit the possibility of) relative pivoting of the first element 7 and the second element 8 along one and / or the other of the first and second pivot axes A-A', B-B' when the body 6 of the device 1 is in said relative deployed configuration of the first element 7 and the second element 8, in particular once the body 6 of the device 1 is worn on the user. In particular, such a temporary locking system 48 allows limiting the risk of separation of the body 6 from the user's body, for example under the effect of an undesired positional change of the first element 7 and the second element 8 from their deployed reference position to one beyond the deployed reference position (for example in the case of a strong jolt to the body 6 during a sudden movement of the user). For example, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the temporary locking system 48 can advantageously be arranged at a free end 49 of each of the two second elements 8, which free end is opposite to one of the ends of the two second elements 8, at which the two second elements are connected to the first element 7 by the hinge device 13. For example, the temporary locking system 48 may comprise magnetic or ferromagnetic elements (for example comprising one or more permanent magnets 50) arranged at the free end 49 of each of the two second elements 8 and cooperating so as to temporarily keep the second elements 8 in magnetic contact after the body 6 has been positioned on the user and, if necessary, after the length of one and / or the other second element 8 has been adjusted by means of the aforementioned adjustment device 47. Thus, as illustrated in the figure, the temporary locking system 48 advantageously allows the free ends 49 of the second elements 8 to be connected and helps to form and maintain the body 6 of the device 1 in a closed annular shape, which perfectly adapts to the morphology of the user's neck periphery. As an alternative, other temporary locking systems may be considered, such as a spring button system, a spring valve system, a locking system with a notch and a release latch, a screw-in system (for example a quarter turn), a force-engaging system, a mechanical snap-in system, etc. In the case where the body 6 comprises only a single first element 7 connected to a single second element 8, the temporary locking system 48 can be arranged at the free end 49 of the second element 8 and the corresponding locking area of ​​the first element 7, so as to temporarily lock the free end 49 of the second element 8 and the said locking area of ​​the first element 7 in case of contact. As an alternative, although much more complicated to implement in practice, the temporary locking system 48 can be designed and configured to mechanically lock the hinge device 13 itself, temporarily and reversibly prohibiting (or at least limiting) the relative pivoting of the first element 7 and the second element 8 once the body 6 of the device 1 is in place.

[0080] Typically, the fan 3 of the device 1 constitutes a motor-fan assembly, which includes at least one motor and at least one propeller or fan wheel connected to the motor. Advantageously, the device 1 also includes a control mechanism for the fan 3, which is used to allow the user to control its startup, rotation speed, etc. Advantageously, the fan 3 is a centrifugal fan or a turbo radial fan, and more advantageously, the so-called "squirrel cage" or "action" centrifugal fan. This fan 3 has the beneficial effects of allowing the generation of high flow and high pressure airflow F, excellent efficiency and limited volume. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the device 1 includes a single fan 3 (or a motor-fan assembly), which is pneumatically connected to a single air inlet 2 and a single air outlet 4 through a single internal air duct. As a variation, the device 1 may include a plurality of fans in pneumatic communication, each fan having the same single air inlet or each fan having a corresponding independent air inlet on the one hand, and each fan having a corresponding independent air outlet on the other hand, thereby generating a plurality of independent forced airflows with the user as the target. For example, the device 1 may include two fans, which are arranged in one and the other of the two rear second elements 8, respectively. Each rear second element 8 may then comprise an air inlet, and the device 1 comprises two independent internal air ducts for directing the two forced air flows thus generated to a single air outlet carried by the front first element. Advantageously, the energy required for the electrical operation of the device 1, and in particular the fan 3, is provided by an accumulator, which is preferably arranged inside the first element 7. Advantageously, the electrical operation of the device 1 can be controlled by the user by means of at least one on / off button, which is preferably carried by the first element 7.

[0081] Optionally, the device 1 may include a retractable foot 51 for adjusting the positioning of the body 6 relative to the user's body, in particular to ensure that the air outlet 4 of the first element 7 of the body 6 is positioned and maintained as stably as possible while being as close as possible to (but advantageously still at a distance from) the user's airway. As illustrated in the figure, the retractable foot 51 can be connected to the first element 7 of the body 6 and provided with a support surface 52 on a body part (preferably the chest) of the user. Advantageously, the retractable foot 51 is designed to be completely retractable inside the first element 7, to be pivotally foldable toward the first element, and / or to be retractable. Such a retractable foot 51 advantageously allows, during use of the device 1, the device 1 to be adapted as much as possible to the user's morphology by orienting the air outlet 4 as close as possible to the user's airway, or conversely allowing the user to move the air outlet 4 away according to his or her needs. When the first element 7 advantageously forms the front element of the body 6 of the device 1, as in the embodiment shown in the figures, the operation of the retractable foot 51 thus advantageously allows to give the front element a stroke from the user's chest (low position) up to the wearer's nose (high position) or vice versa. In this way, the user can move the front element towards or away from his mouth as required and adjust the blown air flow F according to his needs. The user can also lower the front element with one hand in order to facilitate communication with people around him by exposing his face.

[0082] Advantageously, the first element 7 comprises at least one air diffusion portion 53 (or diffuser) which defines or carries said air outlet 4 and is preferably transparent or translucent to limit visual obstruction of the user's face by the device 1. Optionally, the device 1 may comprise a fine particle and / or volatile organic compound sensor which detects the presence of fine particles and / or volatile organic compounds in the ambient air and measures their concentration. Preferably, said sensor is housed in the first element 7. Advantageously, such a sensor is designed and configured to transmit information relating to the presence and concentration of such fine particles and / or volatile organic compounds to a remote computer or smartphone, for example via a wireless data link, so as to inform the user of the quality of the ambient air.

[0083] Obviously, in the above, the terms "first" (primaire), "second" (secondaire), "first" (premier) / "first" (première), and "second" (deuxième) themselves do not mean specific technical limitations, but are only used to distinguish certain elements of the device 1 in terms of meaning.

[0084] Industrial Applicability

[0085] The utility model is suitable for the design and manufacture of auxiliary ventilation devices, for example, especially air filtering devices with auxiliary ventilation.

Claims

1. An auxiliary ventilation device that can be worn independently, characterized in that: It comprises at least one air inlet (2), at least one fan (3) and a main body (6), the main body comprising: - at least one first element (7) comprising at least one air outlet (4) configured to direct the air flow (F) generated by the fan (3) towards the respiratory tract of the user, and - at least one second element (8), The device (1) is characterized in that the first element (7) and the second element (8) are connected to each other by means of articulation means (13, 13') so as to allow the body (6) to change between a relative folded configuration of the first element (7) and the second element (8) and a relative unfolded configuration of the first element (7) and the second element (8), and vice versa, the articulation means (13, 13') allowing: - a first relative pivoting (R1) of said first element (7) and said second element (8) along a first pivoting axis (AA') between a folded position and an unfolded reference position, and - a second relative pivoting (R2) of said first element (7) and said second element (8) along a second pivoting axis (BB') outside said deployed reference position, The first pivot axis (A-A') and the second pivot axis (B-B') are distant from and different from each other.

2. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second pivot axis (BB') is offset toward the outside of the body (6) relative to the first pivot axis (AA').

3. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second pivot axis (BB') is located on an edge (15, 15') of the outer surface of the device (1).

4. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first pivot axis (AA') is substantially orthogonal to a transversely extending median plane (P1) of the body (6) of the device (1).

5. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first pivot axis (A-A') and the second pivot axis (BB') are parallel to each other.

6. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The hinge device (13, 13') comprises an elastic hinge (16, 16'), which allows the first relative pivot (R1) of the first element (7) and the second element (8) and the second relative pivot (R2) of the first element (7) and the second element (8), and the elastic hinge (16, 16') comprises an elastic reset member (17, 17') so as to automatically reset the first element (7) and the second element (8) to the deployed reference position when the first element (7) and the second element (8) are in a position beyond the deployed reference position.

7. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic return member (17, 17') comprises at least one of the following: a helical tension spring (17A), a helical torsion spring (17B), a flat helical spring (17C) operating in a tension state, and a helical compression spring (17D).

8. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic hinge comprises an intermediate connecting member (18), which is connected to the first element (7) by a pivot connection on the one hand, and is slidably connected to the second element (8) along a curved track on the other hand, and the elastic reset member connects the intermediate connecting member (18) and the second element (8) to each other.

9. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The device comprises an elastic stop mechanism which prevents the body (6) of the device (1) from changing from the relative folded configuration of the first element (7) and the second element (8) to the relative unfolded configuration of the first element (7) and the second element (8) or vice versa, when a predetermined threshold force is applied to the first element (7) and the second element (8).

10. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The main body (6) comprises the air inlet (2) and the fan (3).

11. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The main body (6) comprises the air inlet (2) and the fan (3), and the first element (7) comprises the air inlet (2) and the fan (3).

12. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the relatively deployed configuration of the first element (7) and the second element (8), the main body (6) forms a substantially annular or at least partially annular body that can be worn around the neck of a user.

13. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first element (7) forms a front element of the body (6) of the device (1) and the second element (8) forms a rear element of the body (6).

14. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The device comprises two second elements (8) which are identical by mirror symmetry relative to the sagittal plane (P2) of the body (6) of the device (1).

15. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The device comprises adjustment means (47) for adjusting the length of the second element (8) so as to adapt the device (1) to the user.

16. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The device comprises adjustment means (47) for adjusting the length of the second element (8) so as to adapt the device (1) to the user, the adjustment means (47) comprising a telescopic slide.

17. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The device comprises a temporary locking system (48) to prevent relative pivoting of the first element (7) and the second element (8) when the body (6) of the device (1) is in the relative deployed configuration of the first element (7) and the second element (8).

18. The independently wearable auxiliary ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The device (1) constitutes an air filter device (1) with auxiliary ventilation.

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