One-person air purification device

Abstract

The invention relates to a one-person air purification device (100) comprising a headpiece (200) forming a hollow body, in which the air chamber has a bottom wall intended to extend above the head of the user, characterized in that the bottom wall is provided with a plurality of orifices allowing the passage of air to form an air overpressure zone between the head of the user and the bottom wall.

Description

Single-person air purification device

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of air treatment devices.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular to a single-person air purification device.

[0003] Traditionally, to protect themselves from airborne pathogens, individuals wear masks or visors that create an air zone in front of the mouth and nose.

[0004] Furthermore, these masks or visors also help protect others from pathogens that individuals carry.

[0005] These masks and visors are passive devices in that they only form a barrier to pathogens without destroying them, or at least without reducing them.

[0006] While they provide user protection, these devices are often of limited effectiveness for several reasons.

[0007] Some people are unfamiliar with wearing masks, as well as the constraints and procedures inherent to them. The discomfort that wearing a mask can cause therefore limits its effectiveness and acceptance.

[0008] Furthermore, the mask, which is poorly supported due to its proximity to the face, creates heat and therefore significant discomfort.

[0009] Furthermore, practical use of the mask means that it must be removed and replaced very frequently (especially for drinking and eating), which creates additional discomfort and reduces its effectiveness.

[0010] As for visors, which are much more pleasant to use, they have practically no protective effect against aerosols.

[0011] In order to improve protection against pathogens, active devices have been developed.

[0012] These active devices are notably ventilated devices.

[0013] Active devices, available commercially, are generally intended for a very specialized clientele, carrying out dangerous work.

[0014] These active devices take the form, for example, of a part of a diving suit, encompassing the head, or at least the face, in a sealed and closed space, often under overpressure.

[0015] Wearing such active devices is particularly uncomfortable for long periods and is not suitable for people with claustrophobia.

[0016] Furthermore, such active devices are limiting for many actions such as social and / or playful interactions, or even eating.

[0017] In addition, commercial pressurization and filtration systems are complex because they require watertight connections and large air pumps.

[0018] Such active devices are also complex to implement in daily life, and therefore do not allow for systematic use in social settings.

[0019] Devices such as that described in the patent document published under number FR 3 114 244 were then developed.

[0020] These active devices are simplified and create a protective air gap in front of the user's face.

[0021] However, although they are simpler to design and use and are more compatible with social life, such active devices still have room for improvement, even in the opinion of their designers.

[0022] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing protection by an active device against:- external pathogenic agents present in the air;- the manual application of pathogenic agents to the face;- agents carried by the user and potentially contaminating for others (via droplets, sneezing).

[0023] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a single-person air purification device which makes it possible to limit the penetration of polluted air between the air blade and the user's face.

[0024] The invention also aims to provide such a device which is comfortable for the user.

[0025] The invention further aims to provide such a device which is simple to use.

[0026] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a single-person air purification device comprising a headpiece forming a hollow body, the headpiece being intended to be worn on the head of a user, the hollow body defining an air chamber fluidly connecting: - an air inlet having at least one suction mouth and integrating filtration means, and - an air outlet mouth intended to be arranged in front of the forehead of a user, the device comprising suction means positioned between the air inlet and the air outlet mouth and configured to suck air through the air inlet and discharge it through the air outlet mouth so as to form a blade of air in front of the user's face, in which the air chamber has a lower wall intended to extend above the user's head,characterized in that the lower wall is provided with a plurality of orifices allowing the passage of air to form an air overpressure zone between the user's head and the lower wall, and in that the air chamber comprises a partition dividing the air chamber into a first supply cavity of the plurality of orifices, and a second supply cavity of the outlet mouth, and in that it also comprises a valve configured to allow supply of the first cavity only, of the second cavity only, or of the first cavity and the second cavity simultaneously.,

[0027] Such an overpressure zone helps limit the infiltration of outside air that may be polluted or loaded with bacteria and / or microbes, between the user's face and the air gap.

[0028] This then benefits the effectiveness of user protection.

[0029] In addition, the overpressure zone helps to minimize the weight of the device on the user's head.

[0030] The device then becomes more comfortable for long-term use.

[0031] Furthermore, the overpressure zone is positive pressure, which further improves user protection, particularly by creating a space free of bacteria and pathogens in front of the user's face.

[0032] The presence of two cavities allows the supply of the orifices and the outlet mouth to be promoted simultaneously, in order to prevent one of the two evacuation zones, i.e. the slot or the orifices, from harming the efficiency of the other zone, the air choosing the shortest and easiest path.

[0033] In other words, the partition ensures a sufficient supply of air to the slot and the orifices to enable the creation of an effective air gap and overpressure zone.

[0034] The valve allows you to choose whether the air gap should be favored over the overpressure zone, or conversely, whether the overpressure zone should be favored over the air gap.

[0035] However, the valve also allows for maintaining an identical air supply for each of the overpressure zone and the air blade.

[0036] According to another advantageous aspect, the air inlet comprises two suction vents, each suction vent incorporating filtration means.

[0037] This allows for a supply of air to be maintained in the air chamber if one of the two air inlets becomes blocked.

[0038] In addition, this provides a high suction flow rate to increase the power of the overpressure and / or the air blade.

[0039] According to another advantageous aspect, the device also integrates an electric battery and a control unit configured to control the suction means.

[0040] Such a control unit allows the device to be controlled remotely, for example from a smartphone or tablet, without having to handle the device or provide it with a remote control that can be lost or forgotten.

[0041] According to another advantageous aspect, the valve is of the electronic type, the control unit also being configured to control the valve.

[0042] This allows the air gap and the overpressure zone to be adapted according to the need.

[0043] According to another advantageous aspect, the filtration means comprise a particle filter.

[0044] The use of a particle filter makes it possible to remove large particles from the air, particularly dust, in order to generate an air gap and / or an overpressure zone which are depolluted.

[0045] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings described below.

[0046] This is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a first embodiment of a single-person air purification device according to the invention.

[0047] This is a schematic representation in perspective from above of a second embodiment of a single-person air purification device according to the invention.

[0048] This is a schematic representation in side view of a single-person air purification device according to the invention.

[0049] This is a schematic perspective representation from below of a single-person air purification device according to the invention.

[0050] This is a schematic representation of a slot of an outlet of the single-person air purification device according to the invention.

[0051] This is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the outlet slit of the single-person purification device according to the invention, according to section plane VI – VI.

[0052] With reference to Figures 1-6, a single-person air purification device 100 is now described.

[0053] The device 100 comprises a headgear 200 intended to be positioned on the head of a user.

[0054] According to a first embodiment illustrated by the, the device 100 also comprises a visor 150 intended to be positioned in front of the face of a user.

[0055] The visor 150 is for example pivotally mounted on the cap 200.

[0056] According to a second embodiment illustrated by the, the device is without a visor.

[0057] As will be described below, the device 100 is notably intended to create a blade of air 180 in front of a user's face.

[0058] For this, the cover 200 forms a hollow body defining an air chamber fluidly connecting an air inlet 210 and an air outlet 220.

[0059] The device 100 also comprises suction means 300 positioned between the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 220.

[0060] The suction means 300 are configured to suck air through the air inlet 210 and discharge it through the air outlet 220 so as to form the air blade 180 in front of a user's face.

[0061] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the air inlet 210 has at least one suction mouth 211.

[0062] More specifically, the air inlet 210 has two suction mouths 211 opposite each other.

[0063] As illustrated by the, the air inlet 210 incorporates filtration means 230.

[0064] The filtration means 230 comprise at least one particle filter. When the filtration means 230 comprise one or more particle filters, they are then of the passive type. Alternatively, filtration means 230 of the active type could also be used.

[0065] According to a first embodiment, as illustrated by the, the filtration means 230 are common to each of the two suction mouths 211.

[0066] According to a second embodiment, not shown in the figures, each suction mouth 211 incorporates its own filtration means 230.

[0067] The filtration means 230 thus make it possible to purify the air entering the air chamber through the suction vents 211 before it is ejected from the air chamber through the air outlet vent 220.

[0068] Still with reference to the, the air chamber has a lower wall 240 intended to extend above the user's head.

[0069] The lower wall 240 is provided with a plurality of orifices 241 allowing the passage of air to form an air overpressure zone 242 between the user's head and the lower wall 240 of the air chamber.

[0070] Thus, the air entering the air chamber through the air inlet 210 is evacuated from the air chamber both through the outlet 220 and through the plurality of orifices 241 made in the lower wall 240.

[0071] As illustrated by the, the air chamber is divided into a first cavity 250 and a second cavity 260.

[0072] The first cavity 250 is intended for supplying the plurality of orifices 241 of the lower wall 240, and the second cavity 260 is intended for supplying the outlet mouth 220.

[0073] For this, the air chamber comprises a partition 270 dividing its total volume into the first cavity 250 and the second cavity 260.

[0074] More specifically, the partition 270 extends above the bottom wall 240.

[0075] The partition 270 is connected by a first end 271 to the outlet mouth 220 and has a second free end 272 arranged in the vicinity of the air inlet 210.

[0076] Alternatively, the second end 272 may be spaced from the air inlet 210 so that the volume of the air chamber is only partially divided.

[0077] With reference to the, the device 100 also comprises a valve 400 configured to allow supply of the first cavity 250 only, of the second cavity 260 only, or of the first cavity 250 and of the second cavity 260 simultaneously.

[0078] In the present case, the second end 272 of the partition 270 is attached to the valve 400 so that the first cavity 250 and the second cavity 260 can be fluidically independent of each other.

[0079] Such a valve 400 can be of the manual type, that is to say manually adjusted by the user via a wheel or, on the contrary, piloted.

[0080] In the case of a 400 piloted valve, the device 100 also integrates an electric battery 500 and a control unit 600.

[0081] The control unit 600 is then configured to control the suction means 300 on the one hand, but also the valve 400.

[0082] The control unit 600 may integrate communication means making it possible to create a communication path between the control unit 600 and a portable computer device, such as a smartphone or a digital tablet, allowing the user to control the suction means 300 and / or the valve 400.

[0083] Alternatively, the control unit 600 can be coupled to a control box secured to the cover 200 and directly accessible to the user to control the suction means 300 and / or the valve 400.

[0084] To improve the comfort of use of the device 100, the headgear 200 also comprises a frame 280 incorporating a belt 281 intended to surround the user's head.

[0085] It is this frame 280 which acts as a connection between the user's head and the headdress 200.

[0086] The frame 280 also incorporates adjustment means 282 for the belt 281 to fit the user's head without the frame 280 being uncomfortable.

[0087] In order to further increase the comfort of the device 100, the cover 200 has two adjacent conduits 201, 202 separated by an opening 203.

[0088] According to a first embodiment, each conduit 202, 203 communicates with one of the first cavity 250 and the second cavity 260. In other words, each of the first cavity 250 and the second cavity 260 is fluidically connected to only one of the conduits 202, 203.

[0089] According to a second embodiment, the two conduits 202, 203 are connected to each of the first cavity 250 and the second cavity 260.

[0090] Each of the conduits 202, 203 is connected to the air inlet 210, and, consequently, to each of the two suction mouths 211.

[0091] Alternatively, each conduit 202, 203 could be connected to only one of the suction inlets 211. In this case, each conduit is associated with its own filtration means 230.

[0092] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the air outlet 220 is now described.

[0093] The air outlet 220 extends between two ends 221 separated by a distance greater than or equal to a face width.

[0094] The outlet mouth 220 has a slot 222 through which the air discharged by the suction means 300 is extracted from the air chamber of the cover 200 to form the air blade 180 in front of the user's face.

[0095] The slot 222 extends between the two ends 221 of the outlet mouth 220 and has a curved profile so as to follow the shape of the user's face.

[0096] By the expression "users' face shape" it is meant that between the user's two ears, the face is not flat but follows an ovoid trajectory with the tip centered on the nose.

[0097] As illustrated by the, the slot 222 widens from a central portion 223 intended to be located above the user's nose towards each of the ends 221.

[0098] Still with reference to the, the widening of the slot 222 crosses proportionally as a function of the distance of the central portion 223 towards the ends 221.

[0099] In a variant not shown, the widening of the slot 222 crosses exponentially as a function of the distance from the central portion 223 towards the ends 221.

[0100] In other words, for several points taken successively along the slit 222, there is no proportionality between the widening of the slit 222 and the distance from the central portion 223.

[0101] Still with reference to the, the slot 222 has a symmetry along an axial plane P intended to be confused with a plane of symmetry of the face of a user.

[0102] According to the embodiment illustrated by the, the slot 222 is made in an insert 224 secured to the air outlet mouth 220.

[0103] More precisely, the insert 224 comprises a first lip 225 and a second lip 226 parallel to each other, the first lip 225 being movable in translation relative to the second lip 226 along an axis inscribed in the axial plane P. The translation movement is schematically represented by the double arrow F on the.

[0104] The mobility of the first lip 225 relative to the second lip 226 makes it possible to vary a distance D between the first lip 225 and the second lip 226 and thus to vary the flow of air exiting through the slot 222.

[0105] As illustrated by the, the translation of the first lip 225 relative to the second lip 226 is carried out along an axis extending substantially according to the user's gaze.

[0106] Thus, regardless of the direction in which the user is looking at it, the movement of the first lip 225 relative to the second lip 226 is done in such a way that even if the user turns his head, or looks up or down, the air blade 180 remains located in front of his face.

[0107] To ensure the mobility of the first lip 225 relative to the second lip 226, the device also comprises motor means 227.

[0108] The control unit 600 is also configured to control the motor means 227. Controlling the motor means thus makes it possible to vary the position of the first lip 225 relative to the second lip 226, in order to vary the distance D between the first lip 225 and the second lip 226.

[0109] With reference to the, the device also comprises medium barriers 700 intended to extend between the visor 110 and the user's face.

[0110] More particularly, the barrier means 700 extend between the visor 110 and the user's face along a rim 111 of the visor 110 to form a physical barrier between the user's face and the external environment.

[0111] This thus prevents outside air from entering between the user's face and the visor 150 and disturbing the air gap 120.

[0112] The barrier means 700 comprise at least one elastically deformable member.

[0113] The classically deformable organ can thus adapt to the user's face in order to create an effective barrier.

[0114] Still with reference to the, the barrier means 700 also comprise elastically deformable members intended to extend between the lower wall 240 and the user's head.

[0115] This allows a physical barrier to be formed between the user's head and the external environment.

[0116] The or each elastically deformable member intended to extend between the visor 110 and the user's face is integral with the visor 110 and located along the edge 111 of the visor. This makes it possible to maintain broad visibility for the user, without the barrier means 700 forming a hindrance, or at the very least the hindrance formed by the barrier means being as low as possible.

[0117] Likewise, the or each elastically deformable member intended to extend between the lower wall 240 and the user's head is integral with the lower wall 240.

[0118] According to one embodiment, each elastically deformable member is in the form of a foam block.

[0119] According to another embodiment, each elastically deformable member is in the form of a lip made of polymer material.

[0120] In operation, the outside air is sucked in through the suction vents 211 of the air inlet 210, via the suction means 300.

[0121] Between the suction means 300 and the air chamber, the sucked air passes through the filtration means 230 in order to be depolluted.

[0122] The air is then discharged towards the outlet mouth 220 and / or towards the orifices 241. The choice of evacuation of the air from the air chamber is carried out using the valve 400 when the device 100 is equipped with it. In the absence of the valve 400, the evacuation of the air from the air chamber is carried out both via the outlet mouth 220 and via the orifices 241.

[0123] The air evacuated through the orifices 241 makes it possible to create the overpressure zone between the headpiece 200 and the user's head, as represented schematically by the.

[0124] The air evacuated through the outlet 220, and more precisely through the slot 222, makes it possible to create the air blade 120 in front of the user's face.

[0125] The device 100 which has just been described provides protection for the user against the external environment.

[0126] In effect, the air blade 120 forms a barrier of purified air in front of the user's face, which prevents microbes and / or bacteria from reaching the user's face.

[0127] Furthermore, the overpressure zone, created by the presence of the orifices 241 on the lower wall 240, makes it possible to limit air pollution between the air blade 120 and the user's face.

[0128] In addition, the maintenance of the clear zone, that is to say free from external bacteria or microbes, is ensured by the presence of the barrier means 700.

[0129] Furthermore, the simplicity and lightness of the 100 device, as well as its aesthetics close to lightweight consumer headsets, may facilitate its acceptance by the general public.

[0130] In summary, the device 100 makes it possible to:- supply, in front of the user's nose and mouth, filtered air purified of any pathogenic agent;- prevent the intrusion of potentially polluted air between the device 100 and the user's head, without having to resort to a tight or pressurized closure, which generates discomfort and a feeling of being closed;- a visible barrier in front of the face, by the presence of the visor, giving the user a psychological warning preventing him from mechanically touching his face, and- the considerable limitation of the projection of aerosols, for example by spitting or sneezing, thus reducing the risk of viral spread from the user to his interlocutor.

[0131] Finally, the device 100 also makes it possible to offer the following advantages.

[0132] The airflow passing between the face and the visor 110, i.e. the air gap 120, significantly reduces the tendency of the visor 110 to become dirty or foggy.

[0133] The device 100 thus provides superior protection to that of a visor 110, while limiting the need for cleaning.

[0134] A collar (not shown) located on the bottom of the visor 110 can also limit the flow of air entering the user's face. This collar can be made of either rigid material or flexible material (fabric, transparent plastic), but preferably being removable.

[0135] In the event of a violent sneeze, for example, the masks tend to lift, allowing rapid projection of air and aerosols laterally to the mask. The large volume of air in front of the face and the air blade 120 can more easily absorb a sneeze and immediately evacuate potentially contaminated air from below, without soiling or polluting the device 100.

[0136] The 100 device remains reasonably acceptable in social life, because it is practical and easy to use while respecting the environment, in particular through the choice of recyclable and recycled materials and low energy consumption.

Claims

A single-person air purification device (100) comprising a headpiece (200) forming a hollow body, the headpiece (200) being intended to be worn on the head of a user, the hollow body defining an air chamber fluidly connecting: - an air inlet (210) having at least one suction mouth (211) and integrating filtration means (230), and - an air outlet mouth (220) intended to be arranged in front of the forehead of a user, the device (100) comprising suction means positioned between the air inlet (210) and the air outlet mouth (220) and configured to suck air through the air inlet (211) and discharge it through the air outlet mouth (220) so as to form an air blade (120) in front of the user's face, in which the air chamber has a lower wall (240) intended to extend above the user's head,characterized in that the lower wall (240) is provided with a plurality of orifices (241) allowing the passage of air to form an overpressure zone (242) of air between the user's head and the lower wall (240), and in that the air chamber comprises a partition (270) dividing the air chamber into a first cavity (250) for supplying the plurality of orifices (241), and a second cavity (260) for supplying the outlet mouth (220), and in that it also comprises a valve (400) configured to allow supply of the first cavity (250) only, of the second cavity (260) only, or of the first cavity (250) and of the second cavity (260) simultaneously., Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the air inlet (210) comprises two suction mouths (211), each suction mouth (211) integrating filtration means (230). Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the filtration means (230) comprise a particle filter. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also integrates an electric battery (500) and a control unit (600) configured to control the suction means (300). Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the valve (400) is of the electronic type, the control unit (600) also being configured to control the valve (400).

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