Power supply system and power supply method

Abstract

1. A power supply system for portable personal protective equipment carried by a user, the portable personal protective equipment having a housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing and configured to operate with a power supply, the power supply system comprising: an internal battery pack non-removably disposed within the housing and configured to selectively power the operating unit; an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment or configured separate from the portable personal protective equipment, the external battery pack configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack; a controller communicatively coupled to at least the internal battery pack and the external battery pack, the controller configured to electrically connect at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit such that the operating unit is powered by at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack. Power supply system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to power supply systems, and more particularly to power supply systems for portable personal protective equipment (PPE) and methods for powering portable personal protective equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Worker safety and health are major concerns in many industries. To maintain worker safety and health, individuals may be required to don, wear, carry, or otherwise use personal protective equipment when entering or remaining in a work environment under hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions. Personal protective equipment helps protect worker safety.

[0003] Typically, powered PPE receives power through batteries. In some applications, additional or alternative power sources may be required to keep the PPE functioning. Furthermore, the working environment of the PPE may be dusty or dirty, which can damage the internal components of the PPE, such as electrical terminals. For example, the electrical conductivity of the PPE's electrical terminals may decrease due to contact with dust or dirt particles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a power supply system for a portable article of personal protective equipment carried by a user. The portable personal protective equipment includes a housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing and configured to operate with a power supply. The power supply system includes an internal battery pack non-removably disposed within the housing and configured to selectively power the operating unit. The power supply system further includes an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment or configured separate from the portable personal protective equipment. The external battery pack is configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack. The power supply system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to at least the internal battery pack and the external battery pack. The controller is configured to electrically connect at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit, thereby powering the operating unit by at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack.

[0005] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable personal protective device comprising the power supply system of the first aspect, the portable personal protective device further comprising a housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing, the operating unit configured to operate from the power supply.

[0006] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for powering portable personal protective equipment carried by a user. The portable personal protective equipment has a housing and an operational unit enclosed by the housing and configured to operate with a power supply. The method includes providing an internal battery pack non-removably disposed within the housing and configured to selectively power the operational unit. The method further includes providing an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment or configured separate from the portable personal protective equipment. The external battery pack is configured to selectively electrically connect to at least one of the operational unit and the internal battery pack. The method further includes electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operational unit such that the operational unit is powered by at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack.

[0007] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description in connection with the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the drawings refer to like parts. However, it should be understood that the use of a number to refer to a part in a particular figure is not intended to limit the part labeled with the same number in other figures. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system for portable personal protective equipment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A illustrates a circuit connection between a power supply system and an operating unit of the portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates a circuit connection between the power supply system and the operating unit of the portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C illustrates a circuit connection between a power supply system and an operating unit of the portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D illustrates a circuit connection between a power supply system and an operating unit of the portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E illustrates a circuit connection between a power supply system and an operating unit of the portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 with an external battery pack of the power supply system removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 4A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 3 with the external battery pack removed from the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic bottom perspective view of a portion of the portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 5A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 with the external battery pack of the power supply system removed from the portable personal protective equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 5A with an external battery pack removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]6A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 with the external battery pack of the power supply system removed from the portable personal protective equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6B is a detailed schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 6A with an external battery pack removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 7A is a schematic front view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 1 with the external battery pack of the power supply system removed from the portable personal protective equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7B is a detailed schematic front view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 7A with an external battery pack removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system for portable personal protective equipment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 9A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 8 with the external battery pack of the power supply system separated from the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 9A with the external battery pack fully and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 10A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 8 with the external battery pack of the power supply system separated from the portable personal protective equipment, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B]FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 10A with the external battery pack fully and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 11A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 8 with the external battery pack of the power supply system separated from the portable personal protective equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 11A with the external battery pack fully and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system for portable personal protective equipment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] 13A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 12 with the external battery pack of the power supply system electrically disconnected from the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 13A with the external battery pack of the power supply system electrically connected to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] 14A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 12 with the external battery pack of the power supply system electrically disconnected from the portable personal protective equipment in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 14A with the external battery pack of the power supply system electrically connected to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15A]15A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 12 with the external battery pack of the power supply system electrically disconnected from the portable personal protective equipment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] 15B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system and portable personal protective equipment of FIG. 15A with the external battery pack of the power supply system electrically connected to the portable personal protective equipment, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for powering portable personal protective equipment carried by a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0010] In the disclosure that follows, the following definitions are employed:

[0011] All numbers used herein should be considered to be modified by the term "about." As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably.

[0012] The term "about," unless otherwise defined, means a high degree of approximation (e.g., within ±5% for quantitative properties), but does not require absolute precision or exact agreement.

[0013] The term "generally," as used herein as a modifier of a characteristic or attribute, unless otherwise defined, means that the characteristic or attribute is readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill in the art, but does not require absolute precision or exact agreement (e.g., within ±20% for quantitative characteristics).

[0014] The terms "coupled" or "connected" may include a direct physical connection between two or more components, or an indirect physical connection between two or more components connected through one or more additional components. For example, if a first component is coupled to a second component, they may be directly connected or may be connected through a third component.

[0015] As used herein, terms such as "configured to" are at least as restrictive as "adapted," requiring actual design intent to achieve a specified function rather than merely the physical ability to achieve such function.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system for portable personal protective equipment carried by a user, which may be a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective headgear, a mining cap lamp, a hard hat, hearing protection, or other suitable powered equipment carried by a user.

[0017] Traditionally, personal protective equipment (PPE) uses external batteries that can be removed from the PPE. A removable external battery allows users to quickly replace a discharged battery with a charged one, restoring the PPE to working order. However, PPE is typically operated in hazardous environments where dust and dirt particles are present. These particles can come into contact with the PPE's electrical terminals and reduce their conductivity. This can cause the external battery and PPE system to malfunction. Furthermore, once dirt particles have adhered to the electrical terminals, cleaning them can be difficult due to the presence of sharp edges, deep grooves, and rough metal surfaces in the vicinity of the terminals. Additionally, the addition of a removable battery further increases the cost, complexity, and weight of the PPE.

[0018] To prevent dust particles from coming into contact with the electrical terminals of PPE, an internal battery (built-in battery) may be used to power the PPE. The internal battery may be located inside the PPE and charged through an interface such as a USB port, barrel jack, or other charging connector. The USB port or barrel jack may be covered with a cover, such as a rubber plug, to protect the internal battery from foreign particles. However, in some cases, the internal battery may not have enough energy to provide the PPE with the desired operating time. As a result, an additional power supply is required to keep the PPE functioning. Also, in some applications, it may take a relatively long time to recharge the internal battery, which may cause downtime for the PPE.

[0019] Therefore, there is a need for a power supply system that can provide the desired power to the personal protective equipment. Additionally, there is a need to protect the electrical terminals of the personal protective equipment from foreign objects.

[0020] The present disclosure provides a power supply system for portable personal protective equipment carried by a user. The portable personal protective equipment has a housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing and configured to operate with a power supply. The power supply system includes an internal battery pack non-removably disposed within the housing and configured to selectively power the operating unit. The power supply system further includes an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment or configured separately from the portable personal protective equipment. The external battery pack is configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack. The power supply system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to at least the internal battery pack and the external battery pack. The controller is configured to electrically connect at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit, thereby powering the operating unit by at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack.

[0021] The power supply system of the present disclosure uses an internal battery pack and / or an external battery pack to provide the necessary power to the portable personal protective equipment for its smooth functioning. If the desired operating time of the portable personal protective equipment is relatively longer than the normal operating time, the power supply system may allow the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to simultaneously power the portable personal protective equipment. In some cases, the internal battery pack and the external battery pack may simultaneously power the portable personal protective equipment while the internal battery pack is being charged by the external battery pack. In other words, the external battery pack charges the internal battery pack and also powers the portable personal protective equipment.

[0022] If the desired run time of the portable personal protective equipment is approximately the same as the normal run time, the power supply system may allow the internal battery pack to power the portable personal protective equipment while the internal battery pack is being charged by the external battery pack. If the state of charge of the internal battery pack is below a predetermined charge threshold, the power supply system may allow the external battery pack to power the portable personal protective equipment. Alternatively, if the state of charge of the internal battery pack is below a predetermined charge threshold, the power supply system may allow the external battery pack to charge the internal battery pack and power the portable personal protective equipment. Thus, the power supply system of the present disclosure may provide desired power to portable personal protective equipment based on different application attributes.

[0023] In some embodiments, the external battery pack is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment. The control device is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack when the external battery pack is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment. The external battery pack includes a plurality of external terminals. The plurality of housing terminals are disposed on a housing of the portable personal protective equipment. When the external battery pack is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment, the plurality of external terminals contact the plurality of housing terminals. The power supply system further includes a cover configured to enclose the plurality of housing terminals when the external battery pack is removed from the portable personal protective equipment. In some embodiments, the external battery pack is separate from the portable personal protective equipment and electrically connected to the operating unit of the portable personal protective equipment via a wireless interface. Thus, the portable personal protective equipment can be powered from the external battery pack through a wireless connection. For example, the wireless connection can include near-field or non-radiative techniques that transfer power over short distances via a magnetic field using inductive coupling between coils of wire or via an electric field using capacitive coupling between metal electrodes. Inductive coupling is the most widely used wireless technology.

[0024] When portable personal protective equipment (PPE) is used in hazardous locations where dust, smoke, dirt particles, etc. are present, a cover can prevent foreign particles (dust, smoke, dirt particles) that may reduce the electrical conductivity of the housing terminals from contacting the PPE housing terminals. Preventing foreign particles from contacting the PPE housing terminals can also ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the PPE and external battery pack. Furthermore, the addition of a cover can save operators a lot of time and effort from having to manually remove / clean foreign particles from the PPE's internal components (e.g., housing terminals).

[0025] Additionally, the cover has a surface roughness value of approximately 0.8 μm, which may allow users to easily clean the cover. The cover may also prevent foreign particles from accumulating on the housing terminals of the portable personal protective device and prevent unnecessary heating of various components.

[0026] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system 200 for portable personal protective equipment 100 carried by a user (not shown). Portable personal protective equipment 100 may be a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective headgear, a mining cap lamp, a helmet, hearing protection, or other suitable powered equipment carried by a user. In some embodiments, portable personal protective equipment 100 may include power supply system 200. Portable personal protective equipment 100 includes a housing 102 and an operating unit 104 enclosed by housing 102. Operating unit 104 is configured to operate from a power supply.

[0027] In some examples, the operating unit 104 may be a head-mounted electronic display, a communication unit, a display unit, an output device such as a speaker, a ventilation unit, a filtering unit, a visual indicator, an optical unit such as a camera, or other component of the portable personal protective equipment 100 that operates from a power supply.

[0028] The power supply system 200 includes an internal battery pack 202 non-removably disposed within the housing 102 and configured to selectively power the operating unit 104. The internal battery pack 202 can use various types of electrochemical cells having Li-ion, NiMH, NiCd, or other rechargeable chemistries, and the cells can be of any or a wide variety of shapes, such as prismatic, disc-shaped, or cylindrical. In some embodiments, the internal battery pack 202 includes a plurality of thin-pouch electrochemical cells. In some examples, the thin-pouch electrochemical cells can be electrochemical cells heat-sealed in a flexible aluminum / plastic laminate foil pouch. In some examples, the thin-pouch electrochemical cells can have a rectangular planar shape with opposing long and short sides. An internal battery pack 202 designed using thin-pouch cells can achieve significantly higher energy densities.

[0029] The power supply system 200 further includes an external battery pack 204 configured to be removably attached to the portable PPE 100 or configured separate from the portable PPE 100. The external battery pack 204 may be a separate component from the portable PPE 100. Thus, the external battery pack 204 may be detachable from the housing 102. The external battery pack 204 is configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit 104 and the internal battery pack 202. In some examples, the external battery pack 204 includes a plurality of cylindrical electrochemical cells. An external battery pack 204 designed using cylindrical electrochemical cells may achieve significantly higher energy density.

[0030] Power supply system 200 further includes a controller 206 communicatively coupled to at least internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204. Controller 206 is configured to electrically connect at least one of internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204 to operational unit 104 such that operational unit 104 is powered by at least one of internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204. In other words, power supply system 200 uses internal battery pack 202 and / or external battery pack 204 to provide the necessary power to portable personal protective equipment 100 for its smooth functioning.

[0031] In some applications, controller 206 may be a power supply control circuit, a charge controller, a computer, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, or any suitable device or equipment. Controller 206 may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and / or other mechanisms for electronically processing information.

[0032] 2A illustrates a circuit connection C1 between the power supply system 200 and the operational unit 104 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the controller 206 is further configured to electrically connect the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 in parallel to the operational unit 104, such that the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 simultaneously supply power to the operational unit 104. Thus, in circuit connection C1, the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 simultaneously supply power to the operational unit 104.

[0033] 2A , when switch S1 is closed, internal battery pack 202 supplies power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Furthermore, when switch S2 is closed, external battery pack 204 supplies power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Therefore, when both switches S1 and S2 are closed, internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204 simultaneously supply power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Furthermore, when switch S3 is open, external battery pack 204 does not supply power to internal battery pack 202. In other words, portable personal protective equipment 100 carried by a user is powered through both internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204 until either of them is depleted or electrically disconnected from portable personal protective equipment 100. Therefore, in circuit connection C1, switch S1 is closed, switch S2 is closed, and switch S3 is open.

[0034] Controller 206 is communicatively coupled to each of switches S1, S2, and S3. In some examples, controller 206 may be coupled to a memory (not shown). The memory may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as internal circuitry of controller 206. In some examples, the memory may be cache memory, system memory, or other memory. The memory may store data from one or more sensors and provide instructions to controller 206 regarding the operation of each of switches S1, S2, and S3. In some examples, each of switches S1, S2, and S3 may be a single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switch, a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch, a double-pole, single-throw (DPST) switch, or a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) switch. Additionally, the one or more sensors may include sensors for monitoring load parameters and battery parameters of portable personal protective equipment 100 (e.g., battery parameters of internal battery pack 202). The battery parameters may include parameters based on voltage, current, temperature, the state of charge of the internal battery pack 202, the last or average run time, or a user-desired run time. In other words, the controller 206 may control the operation (closed or open) of each of the switches S1, S2, and S3 based on data received from one or more sensors. For example, if the state of charge of the internal battery pack 202 falls below a predetermined charge threshold or if the desired run time of the portable personal protective equipment 100 is relatively longer than the normal run time or the remaining run time of the internal battery pack 202, the controller 206 may control the switch S2 or S3 to electrically connect / disconnect the external battery pack 204 to either the operating unit 104 or the internal battery pack 202. As apparent from FIG. 2A , the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 share a power supply and simultaneously power the portable personal protective equipment 100. Therefore, when the desired operating time of portable personal protective equipment 100 is relatively longer than the normal operating time, power supply system 200 allows internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204 to simultaneously power portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0035] In other applications, the power required by portable PPE 100 may exceed the maximum power that internal battery pack 202 can provide to operational unit 104 of portable PPE 100. In such applications, external battery pack 204 may provide the remaining power to operational unit 104 of portable PPE 100, while internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204 are electrically connected in parallel to operational unit 104. Thus, when portable PPE 100 has high power demands, external battery pack 204 may supplement the power supply to portable PPE 100.

[0036] 2B illustrates a circuit connection C2 between the power supply system 200 and the operational unit 104 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the controller 206 is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack 204 to the operational unit 104 while electrically disconnecting the internal battery pack 202 from the operational unit 104, such that only the external battery pack 204 supplies power to the operational unit 104. Thus, at circuit connection C2, only the external battery pack 204 supplies power to the operational unit 104.

[0037] 2B , because switch S1 is open, internal battery pack 202 does not supply power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Furthermore, because switch S2 is closed, external battery pack 204 supplies power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Furthermore, because switch S3 is open, external battery pack 204 does not supply power to internal battery pack 202. Therefore, it can be said that external battery pack 204 supplies power to portable personal protective equipment 100 only when switch S2 is closed. Furthermore, portable personal protective equipment 100 carried by a user is powered through external battery pack 204 until external battery pack 204 is depleted or electrically disconnected from portable personal protective equipment 100. Therefore, in circuit connection C2, switch S1 is open, switch S2 is closed, and switch S3 is open.

[0038] Additionally, the controller 206 is configured to electrically disconnect the internal battery pack 202 from the operating unit 104 if the state of charge of the internal battery pack 202 falls below a predetermined charge threshold. The predetermined charge threshold of the internal battery pack 202 may be 10%, 20%, or 30% of the total capacity of the internal battery pack 202. Alternatively, the predetermined charge threshold of the internal battery pack 202 may be selected by a user based on various application attributes.

[0039] Thus, if the state of charge of the internal battery pack 202 falls below a predetermined charge threshold, the power supply system 200 may cause the external battery pack 204 to supply power to the portable personal protective equipment 100 .

[0040] 2C illustrates a circuit connection C3 between the power supply system 200 and the operational unit 104 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, the controller 206 is further configured to electrically connect the internal battery pack 202 to the operational unit 104 when the external battery pack 204 is discharged or electrically disconnected from the operational unit 104.

[0041] 2C , because switch S1 is closed, internal battery pack 202 powers portable personal protective equipment 100. Furthermore, because switch S2 is open, external battery pack 204 does not power portable personal protective equipment 100. Furthermore, because switch S3 is open, external battery pack 204 does not power internal battery pack 202. Therefore, it can be said that internal battery pack 202 powers portable personal protective equipment 100 only when switch S1 is closed. In other words, portable personal protective equipment 100 carried by a user is powered solely through internal battery pack 202 until internal battery pack 202 is depleted. Therefore, in circuit connection C3, switch S1 is closed, switch S2 is open, and switch S3 is open.

[0042] 2D illustrates a circuit connection C4 between the power supply system 200 and the operational unit 104 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2D , the controller 206 is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack 204 to the internal battery pack 202 while the internal battery pack 202 is electrically connected to the operational unit 104, thereby powering the operational unit 104 while the internal battery pack 202 is being charged by the external battery pack 204.

[0043] 2D , because switch S1 is closed, internal battery pack 202 powers portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, because switch S2 is open, external battery pack 204 does not power portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, because switch S3 is closed, external battery pack 204 powers (charges) internal battery pack 202. Therefore, when both switches S1 and S3 are closed and switch S2 is open, internal battery pack 202 powers portable personal protective equipment 100 while being charged by external battery pack 204.

[0044] Therefore, if the desired operating time of portable personal protective equipment 100 is approximately the same as the normal operating time, power supply system 200 may cause internal battery pack 202 to power portable personal protective equipment 100 while being charged by external battery pack 204.

[0045] 2E illustrates a circuit connection C5 between the power supply system 200 and the operational unit 104 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2E, the controller 206 is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack 204 to the internal battery pack 202 while electrically connecting the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 in parallel to the operational unit 104, such that the internal battery pack 202 is charged by the external battery pack 204 while the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 simultaneously supply power to the operational unit 104.

[0046] 2E, because switch S1 is closed, internal battery pack 202 supplies power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, because switch S2 is closed, external battery pack 204 also supplies power to portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, because switch S3 is closed, external battery pack 204 supplies power (for charging) to internal battery pack 202. Therefore, when switches S1, S2, and S3 are each closed, it can be said that internal battery pack 202 and external battery pack 204 supply power to portable personal protective equipment 100, while internal battery pack 202 is being charged by external battery pack 204.

[0047] Thus, if the desired run time of portable personal protective equipment 100 is longer than the normal run time, power supply system 200 may cause both external battery pack 204 and internal battery pack 202 to supply power to portable personal protective equipment 100, while internal battery pack 202 is being charged by external battery pack 204. Additionally, if the state of charge of internal battery pack 202 falls below a predetermined charge threshold, power supply system 200 may cause external battery pack 204 to charge internal battery pack 202 and supply power to portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a power supply system 200 and the portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, with an external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. The portable personal protective equipment 100 may be a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), as shown in FIG. 3 . For illustrative purposes, only a portion of the PAPR is shown in FIG. 3 . Additionally, the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 is shown transparent for illustrative purposes. In particular, the external battery pack 204 is configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0049] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3, the controller 206 (shown only in FIG. 1) is configured to electrically connect the external battery pack 204 to at least one of the operating unit 104 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3) and the internal battery pack 202 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3) when the external battery pack 204 is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0050] 4A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 3, with the external battery pack 204 shown detached from the portable personal protective equipment 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the external battery pack 204 includes a plurality of protrusions 208.

[0051] Additionally, a plurality of housing terminals 214 are disposed on the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100. The power supply system 200 further includes a cover 216 configured to enclose the plurality of housing terminals 214 when the external battery pack 204 is removed from the portable personal protective equipment 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A , the cover 216 is removably connected to the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100. In other embodiments, the cover 216 may be pivotally connected to the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100. A user can removably attach the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100 by removing the cover 216 from the housing 102.

[0052] In some embodiments, cover 216 is made of an impermeable, non-porous, corrosion-resistant material. In other embodiments, cover 216 may be made of a ceramic, metallic, or polymeric material. In some embodiments, cover 216 may have a surface roughness value of approximately 0.8 μm, allowing a user to easily clean cover 216. In some embodiments, the corners of cover 216 have a radius of curvature of at least 3 mm.

[0053] The cover 216 prevents foreign particles (e.g., dust and dirt particles) from contacting the plurality of housing terminals 214, which can reduce the electrical conductivity of the housing terminals 214. The cover 216 may protect the housing terminals 214 from water splashes, thereby preventing damage to the housing terminals 214. Furthermore, preventing foreign particles from contacting the housing terminals 214 of the portable PPE 100 may also ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the portable PPE 100 and the external battery pack 204. Additionally, the addition of the cover 216 may save the operator a great deal of time and effort from having to manually remove / clean foreign particles from the internal components (e.g., the housing terminals 214) of the portable PPE 100. In some applications, the cover 216 may prevent foreign particles from accumulating on the housing terminals 214 of the portable PPE 100, thereby preventing unnecessary heating of various components.

[0054] FIG. 4B is a schematic bottom perspective view of a portion of the portable PPE 100 of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the portable PPE 100 includes a plurality of slots 210 disposed in its housing 102. The external battery pack 204 includes a plurality of external terminals 212. A user would remove the cover 216 to connect the external battery pack 204 to the portable PPE 100. To removably attach the external battery pack 204 to the portable PPE 100, the plurality of protrusions 208 are received into a corresponding plurality of slots 210 disposed on the housing 102 of the portable PPE 100, forming a snap-fit ​​connection between the external battery pack 204 and the portable PPE 100. In other words, the plurality of slots 210 receive the plurality of protrusions 208, forming a snap-fit ​​connection between the external battery pack 204 and the portable PPE 100.

[0055] The plurality of external terminals 212 of the external battery pack 204 contact the plurality of housing terminals 214 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 when the external battery pack 204 is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. Thus, the external battery pack 204 provides power to the portable personal protective equipment 100 when the plurality of external terminals 212 contact the plurality of housing terminals 214.

[0056] FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 shown detached from the portable personal protective equipment 100. Notably, the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 5A may have different structure and design features than the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 3. The external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 shown in FIG. 5A may have different structure and design features than the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 shown in FIG. 3. The external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 5A is functionally similar to the external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 3. However, the external battery pack 204 does not include protrusions. Instead, the external battery pack 204 includes a plurality of flexible catches 218. Additionally, a portion of the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 is shown as transparent. FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 5A, with an external battery pack 204 removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0057] 5A and 5B, the flexible fasteners 218 may be made of a flexible metal material or a flexible polymer material. The plurality of flexible fasteners 218 may include a pair of flexible fasteners 218 disposed on opposite sides of the external battery pack 204. In other embodiments, the external battery pack 204 may include any number of flexible fasteners 218.

[0058] A plurality of flexible fasteners 218 fasten the external battery pack 204 to the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 to removably attach the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100. In other words, to connect the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100, a user may press the portable personal protective equipment 100 and the external battery pack 204 together, causing the plurality of flexible fasteners 218 to fasten to the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 and removably attach the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0059] 6A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 shown detached from the portable personal protective equipment 100. In particular, the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 6A may have different structural and design features than the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 3 and the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 5A. The external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 shown in FIG. 6A may have different structural and design features than the external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 3 and the external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 5A. The external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 6A is functionally similar to the external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 3 and the external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 5A. However, the external battery pack 204 does not include a clasping feature and protrusions (such as the protrusions 208 shown in FIG. 4A). FIG. 6B is a detailed schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 6A, with the external battery pack 204 removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, a portion of the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0060] 6A and 6B, the portable personal protective equipment 100 includes a plurality of grooves 220 on the housing 102. The external battery pack 204 includes a plurality of rails 222 that are received into corresponding grooves 220 on the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 by sliding the external battery pack 204 (e.g., in direction A1) therethrough, thereby removably attaching the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the power supply system 200 further includes a cover 216′ (different from the cover 216 shown in FIG. 4A) configured to enclose the plurality of housing terminals 214 (not shown in FIG. 6A ) when the external battery pack 204 is removed from the portable personal protective equipment 100. The cover 216′ is a flap 217 pivotally coupled to the housing 102 and configured to move between an open position P1 and a closed position P2. 6A, the flap 217 is shown in a closed position P2. When the flap 217 is in the closed position P2, the flap 217 covers the housing terminals 214 and prevents the housing terminals 214 from coming into contact with dust particles.

[0061] The external battery pack 204 includes a keyed portion 224 configured to allow movement of the flap 217 from the closed position P2 to the open position P1 when the external battery pack 204 is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. Sliding the external battery pack 204 moves the keyed portion 224, allowing the flap 217 to move from the closed position P2 to the open position P1. In other words, the keyed portion 224 of the external battery pack 204 allows the flap 217 to move from the closed position P2 to the open position P1 when the external battery pack 204 is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. When the flap 217 is in the open position P1, the plurality of housing terminals 214 are exposed. Furthermore, in the open position P1 of the flap 217, the external terminals 212 of the external battery pack 204 contact the housing terminals 214 disposed on the housing 102, thereby enabling the supply of power from the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the external battery pack 204 can be removed from the housing 102 by sliding the external battery pack 204 in a direction opposite to direction A1, thereby separating the rails 222 of the external battery pack 204 from the corresponding grooves 220 of the housing 102. Because the flap 217 is pivotally coupled to the housing 102, when the external battery pack 204 is removed from the portable personal protective equipment 100, the flap 217 automatically moves from the open position P1 to the closed position P2.

[0063] FIG. 7A is a schematic front view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 detached from the portable personal protective equipment 100. In particular, the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 7A may have different structure and design features than the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 3 through 6B. The external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200 shown in FIG. 7A may have different structure and design features than the external battery pack 204 shown in FIGS. 3 through 6B. The external battery pack 204 shown in FIG. 6A is functionally similar to the external battery pack 204 shown in FIGS. 3 through 6B. However, the external battery pack 204 does not include a fastening structure, a protrusion (such as the protrusion 208 shown in FIG. 4A), or a rail (such as the plurality of rails 222 shown in FIG. 6A). 7B is a detailed schematic front view of the power supply system 200 and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 7A, with an external battery pack 204 removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, a portion of the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0064] 7A and 7B, the portable personal protective equipment 100 includes a plurality of recesses 226 in the housing 102. The external battery pack 204 includes a plurality of protrusions 228 that are received within a corresponding plurality of recesses 226 disposed on the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100 by rotating the external battery pack 204 (e.g., in direction A2), thereby removably attaching the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the power supply system 200 further includes a cover 216′ (also shown in FIG. 6A ) in the form of a flap 217. In FIG. 7A , the flap 217 is shown in a closed position P2.

[0065] The external battery pack 204 further includes a keyed portion 224 (also shown in FIG. 6A ). Rotation of the external battery pack 204 moves the keyed portion 224, enabling movement of the flap 217 from the closed position P2 to the open position P1. In other words, the keyed portion 224 of the external battery pack 204 enables movement of the flap 217 from the closed position P2 to the open position P1 when the external battery pack 204 is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment 100. When the flap 217 is in the open position P1, the multiple housing terminals 214 are exposed. Furthermore, when the flap 217 is in the open position P1, the external terminals 212 of the external battery pack 204 contact the housing terminals 214 disposed on the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100, thereby enabling power to be supplied from the external battery pack 204 to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0066] The external battery pack 204 can be removed from the housing 102 by rotating the external battery pack 204 in a direction opposite direction A2, thereby separating the plurality of protrusions 228 from the corresponding plurality of recesses 226 on the housing 102. Because the flap 217 is pivotally coupled to the housing 102, removing the external battery pack 204 from the portable personal protective equipment 100 automatically moves the flap 217 from the open position P1 to the closed position P2.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system 200′ for portable personal protective equipment 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Power supply system 200′ is substantially the same as and functionally equivalent to power supply system 200 shown in FIG. 1, with common components designated with the same reference numerals. However, in power supply system 200′, external battery pack 204 is fully and removably received within (rather than removably attached to) housing 102 of portable personal protective equipment 100. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, personal protective equipment 100 includes power supply system 200′.

[0068] 9A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200′ and portable PPE 100 of FIG. 8 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200′ separated from the portable PPE 100. Further, for purposes of illustration, only a portion of the housing 102 of the portable PPE 100 is shown in FIG. 9A . Additionally, some components of the portable PPE 100 (e.g., the operating unit 104) are not shown in FIG. 9A for purposes of illustration.

[0069] FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200′ and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 9A, with an external battery pack 204 completely and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0070] 9A and 9B, the power supply system 200′ of the portable personal protective equipment 100 includes a cover 240 configured to enclose a plurality of housing terminals 214 (shown in FIG. 4A but not shown in FIG. 9A for illustrative purposes) when the external battery pack 204 is detached or removed from the portable personal protective equipment 100. The cover 240 is a lid. In some examples, the housing 102 and the cover 240 may include corresponding securing features for fully and removably receiving and securing the external battery pack 204 within the portable personal protective equipment 100. In some cases, the cover 240 may include a magnetic latch feature for fully and removably receiving and securing the external battery pack 204 within the portable personal protective equipment 100. In some applications, once the cover 240 is removed from the portable PPE 100, a user may fully and removably insert the external battery pack 204 and connect the external battery pack 204 to at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the operating unit 104 of the portable PPE 100. Additionally, the cover 240 allows for easy replacement of the external battery pack 204 when it is depleted or when the desired run time of the portable PPE 100 is shorter than the normal run time. When the external battery pack 204 is not in use, a lid of the same shape as the cover 240 may be used to cover the opening of the portable PPE 100, keeping the portable PPE 100 smooth and easy to clean.

[0071] FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200′ and portable PPE 100 of FIG. 8 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200′ separated from the portable PPE 100. Notably, the portable PPE 100 shown in FIG. 10A may have different structure and design features than the portable PPE 100 shown in FIG. 9A. Additionally, some components of the portable PPE 100 (e.g., the operating unit 104) are not shown in FIG. 10A for illustrative purposes.

[0072] FIG. 10B shows a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200′ and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 10A, with the external battery pack 204 completely and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0073] 10A and 10B, the power supply system 200′ of the portable personal protective equipment 100 includes a cover 241 configured to enclose a plurality of housing terminals 214 (shown in FIG. 4A but not shown in FIG. 10A for illustrative purposes) when the external battery pack 204 is detached or removed from the portable personal protective equipment 100. The cover 241 is a door pivotally attached to the housing 102 and allows the external battery pack 204 to be inserted so that it is fully and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment 100. In some applications, when the cover 241 is open (as shown in FIG. 10A ), a user may fully and removably insert the external battery pack 204 and connect it to at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the operating unit 104 of the portable personal protective equipment 100. The cover 241 may be closed using a snap-in feature provided on the cover 241 and the housing 102 of the portable personal protective equipment 100. If the external battery pack 204 becomes depleted or if the desired runtime of the portable personal protective equipment 100 is less than the normal runtime, the user may open the cover 241 and remove the external battery pack 204 from the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0074] FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200′ and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 8 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the external battery pack 204 of the power supply system 200′ separated from the portable personal protective equipment 100. Notably, the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 11A may have different structure and design features than the portable personal protective equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A. Additionally, some components of the portable personal protective equipment 100 (e.g., the operating unit 104) are not shown in FIG. 11A for illustrative purposes.

[0075] FIG. 11B shows a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200′ and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 11A, with the external battery pack 204 completely and removably received within the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0076] 11A and 11B, the power supply system 200′ of the portable personal protective equipment 100 includes a cover 242 configured to enclose a plurality of housing terminals 214 (shown in FIG. 4A but not shown in FIG. 11A for purposes of illustration) when the external battery pack 204 is detached or removed from the portable personal protective equipment 100. The cover 242 includes a first strap 246 and a second strap 248. The first strap 246 includes a groove 250, and the second strap 248 includes a protrusion 252. When the protrusion 252 is not received in the groove 250, the cover 242 is open, allowing a user to insert or remove the external battery pack 204 into or from the portable personal protective equipment 100. Once the external battery pack 204 is fully and removably received within the portable PPE 100, a user may close the cover 242 by securing the protrusions 252 within the grooves 250 to form a snap-fit ​​connection. If the external battery pack 204 is depleted or if the desired run time of the portable PPE 100 is less than the normal run time, the user may open the cover 242 and remove the external battery pack 204 from the portable PPE 100. Alternatively, if the external battery pack is not required for the operation of the portable PPE 100, the first strap 246 and the second strap 248 may be folded over the ends of the portable PPE 100 and secured to form a smooth overlap that is easy to clean.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply system 200″ for portable personal protective equipment 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Power supply system 200″ is substantially the same as and functionally equivalent to power supply system 200 shown in FIG. 1, with common components designated with the same reference numerals. However, in power supply system 200′, external battery pack 204 is separate from portable personal protective equipment 100 and is electrically connected to at least one of operating unit 104 and internal battery pack 202 via a wireless or wired connection (rather than a removably attached connection).

[0078] FIG. 13A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200'' and portable PPE 100 of FIG. 12, with the external battery pack 204 electrically disconnected from the portable PPE 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, for purposes of illustration, only a portion of the housing 102 of the portable PPE 100 is shown in FIG. 13A. Additionally, some components of the portable PPE 100 (e.g., the operating unit 104) are not shown in FIG. 13A for purposes of illustration.

[0079] FIG. 13B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200'' and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 13A, with an external battery pack 204 electrically connected to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0080] 13A and 13B, power supply system 200'' includes a cover 254 configured to enclose interface 256 and multiple housing terminals 214 (shown in FIG. 4A but not shown in FIG. 13A for illustrative purposes) when external battery pack 204 is electrically disconnected from portable personal protective equipment 100. In some examples, interface 256 may be a USB port or a barrel jack. In some examples, cover 254 is a rubber stopper and may prevent foreign particles (e.g., dirt or dust particles) from contacting interface 256 and multiple housing terminals 214. Cover 254 is a door pivotally attached to housing 102 and allows external battery pack 204 to electrically connect to portable personal protective equipment 100 via wired connection 258. In some examples, wired connection 258 may be a USB cable.

[0081] In certain applications, when cover 254 is open (as shown in FIG. 13A ), a user may electrically connect external battery pack 204 to at least one of internal battery pack 202 and operating unit 104 of portable personal protective equipment 100. In some examples, cover 254 may be closed utilizing a snap-in feature provided on cover 254 and housing 102 of portable personal protective equipment 100. If the desired run time of portable personal protective equipment 100 is relatively longer than the normal run time, a user may connect external battery pack 204 to portable personal protective equipment 100 by connecting wired connection 258 to interface 256.

[0082] FIG. 14A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200″ and portable PPE 100 of FIG. 12 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the external battery pack 204 electrically disconnected from the portable PPE 100. The portable PPE 100 shown in FIG. 14A has substantially the same structure and design features as the portable PPE 100 shown in FIG. 13A, and common parts are designated with the same numbers. Additionally, some parts of the portable PPE 100 (e.g., the operating unit 104) are not shown for illustrative purposes.

[0083] FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200'' and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 14A, with an external battery pack 204 electrically connected to the portable personal protective equipment 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the portable personal protective equipment 100 is a PAPR.

[0084] 14A and 14B , portable PPE 100 may include an interface 256 at opening 260. A user may electrically connect external battery pack 204 to at least one of internal battery pack 202 and operating unit 104 of portable PPE 100 via wired connection 258 by removing flexible hose 262 from opening 260 of portable PPE 100. In other words, when internal battery pack 202 of portable PPE 100 is depleted, the user may remove flexible hose 262 from opening 260 and then connect external battery pack 204 to portable PPE 100 via wired connection 258 to charge internal battery pack 202. Flexible hose 262 may be connected to the interior of a helmet (part of a PAPR, not shown) worn by the user to provide clean air.

[0085] FIG. 15A is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200″ and portable PPE 100 of FIG. 12 with the external battery pack 204 electrically disconnected from the portable PPE 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The portable PPE 100 shown in FIG. 15A has substantially the same structure and design features as the portable PPE 100 shown in FIG. 13A, and common components are designated with the same numbers. Additionally, some components of the portable PPE 100 (e.g., the operating unit 104) are not shown in FIG. 15A for illustrative purposes.

[0086] FIG. 15B is a schematic perspective view of the power supply system 200'' and portable personal protective equipment 100 of FIG. 15A, with an external battery pack 204 electrically connected to the portable personal protective equipment 100.

[0087] 15A and 15B, at least a portion of wired connection 258 is disposed within portable personal protective equipment 100 and is not directly exposed to the external environment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15A, wired connection 258 is fixedly connected to housing 102 of portable personal protective equipment 100. Additionally, external battery pack 204 (rather than on housing 102 as shown in FIG. 13A) may include interface 256. A user may electrically connect external battery pack 204 to at least one of internal battery pack 202 and operating unit 104 of portable personal protective equipment 100 via wired connection 258.

[0088] 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for powering a portable personal protective equipment 100 carried by a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1-15, in step 602, the method 600 includes providing an internal battery pack 202 non-removably disposed within the housing 102 and configured to selectively power the operating unit 104.

[0089] In step 604, method 600 includes providing an external battery pack 204 configured to be removably attached to portable personal protective equipment 100 or configured separately from portable personal protective equipment 100. External battery pack 204 is configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of operating unit 104 and internal battery pack 202. Method 600 further includes removably attaching external battery pack 204 to portable personal protective equipment 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , 5A , 6A , and 7A ).

[0090] In step 606, the method 600 includes electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 to the operational unit 104 such that the operational unit 104 is powered by at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204. As apparent from FIG. 2A , electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 to the operational unit 104 further includes electrically connecting the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 in parallel to the operational unit 104 such that the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 simultaneously supply power to the operational unit 104. 2B, electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 to the operational unit 104 further includes electrically connecting the external battery pack 204 to the operational unit 104 while the internal battery pack 202 is electrically disconnected from the operational unit 104, so that only the external battery pack 204 supplies power to the operational unit 104. As is apparent from FIG. 2C, electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 to the operational unit 104 further includes electrically connecting the internal battery pack 202 to the operational unit 104 when the external battery pack 204 is discharged or electrically disconnected from the operational unit 104. As can be seen from FIG. 2D , electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 to the operating unit 104 further includes electrically connecting the external battery pack 204 to the internal battery pack 202 while the internal battery pack 202 is electrically connected to the operating unit 104, thereby supplying power to the operating unit 104 while the internal battery pack 202 is being charged by the external battery pack 204.2E , electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 to the operating unit 104 further includes electrically connecting the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 in parallel to the operating unit 104 with the external battery pack 204 electrically connected to the internal battery pack 202, such that the internal battery pack 202 and the external battery pack 204 simultaneously supply power to the operating unit 104 while the internal battery pack 202 is charged by the external battery pack 204. Method 600 further includes electrically disconnecting the internal battery pack 202 from the operating unit 104 when the state of charge of the internal battery pack 202 is below a predetermined charge threshold.

[0091] All numbers expressing size, quantities, and physical properties of features used in the specification and claims, unless otherwise indicated, are understood to be modified by the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by artisans having the benefit of the teachings disclosed herein.

[0092] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass embodiments with plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense to include "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0093] Spatially related terms, such as "proximal," "distal," "lower," "upper," "below," "belower," "above," "above," and the like, when used herein, are for convenience in describing the spatial relationship of one element to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the specific orientations shown in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object shown in a figure is turned over, parts previously described as being below or below other elements will now be above or above the other elements.

[0094] As used herein, for example, when an element, component, or layer is described as "forming a mating interface," "overlying," "connected," "coupled," "stacked," or "in contact with" another element, component, or layer, it may be directly overlying, directly connected, directly coupled, directly stacked, or in direct contact, or intervening elements, components, or layers may be overlying, connected, coupled, or in contact with the particular element, component, or layer. For example, when an element, component, or layer is referred to as "directly overlying," "directly connected," "directly coupled," or "in direct contact with" another element, there are no intervening elements, components, or layers present.

[0095] Various examples are described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A power supply system for portable personal protective equipment carried by a user, the portable personal protective equipment having a housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing and configured to operate with a power supply, the power supply system comprising: an internal battery pack non-removably disposed within the housing and configured to selectively power the operating unit; an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment or configured separate from the portable personal protective equipment, the external battery pack configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack; a control device communicatively coupled to at least the internal battery pack and the external battery pack, the control device configured to electrically connect at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit such that the operating unit is powered by at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack. Power supply system.

2. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device is further configured to electrically connect the internal battery pack and the external battery pack in parallel to the operating unit, such that the internal battery pack and the external battery pack simultaneously supply power to the operating unit.

3. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack to the operating unit while electrically disconnecting the internal battery pack from the operating unit, so that only the external battery pack supplies power to the operating unit.

4. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to electrically disconnect the internal battery pack from the operating unit when a state of charge of the internal battery pack is below a predetermined charge threshold.

5. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device is further configured to electrically connect the internal battery pack to the operating unit when the external battery pack is discharged or electrically disconnected from the operating unit.

6. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack to the internal battery pack while the internal battery pack is electrically connected to the operating unit, thereby supplying power to the operating unit while the internal battery pack is being charged by the external battery pack.

7. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device is further configured to electrically connect the internal battery pack and the external battery pack in parallel to the operating unit while the external battery pack is electrically connected to the internal battery pack, so that the internal battery pack and the external battery pack simultaneously supply power to the operating unit while the internal battery pack is charged by the external battery pack.

8. 2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the external battery pack is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment, and the control device is further configured to electrically connect the external battery pack to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack when the external battery pack is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment.

9. 9. The power supply system of claim 8, wherein the external battery pack has a plurality of protrusions configured to be received within a plurality of corresponding slots disposed on a housing of the portable personal protective equipment to removably attach the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment, forming a snap-fit ​​connection between the external battery pack and the portable personal protective equipment.

10. 9. The power supply system of claim 8, wherein the external battery pack has a plurality of flexible fasteners configured to fasten the external battery pack to a housing of the portable personal protective equipment to removably attach the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment.

11. the external battery pack has a plurality of external terminals; a plurality of housing terminals disposed on a housing of the portable personal protective device; 9. The power supply system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of external terminals are configured to contact the plurality of housing terminals when the external battery pack is removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment.

12. 12. The power supply system of claim 11, further comprising a cover configured to enclose the plurality of housing terminals when the external battery pack is removed from the portable personal protective equipment.

13. 13. The power supply system of claim 12, wherein the cover is removably connected to the housing and configured to allow a user to removably attach the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment by removing the cover from the housing.

14. 13. The power supply system of claim 12, wherein the cover is a flap pivotally coupled to the housing and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, such that when the flap is in the closed position, the flap covers the plurality of housing terminals and when the flap is in the open position, the plurality of housing terminals are exposed.

15. 15. The power supply system of claim 14, wherein the external battery pack has a keyed portion configured to allow movement of the flap from the closed position to the open position upon removably attaching the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment.

16. the external battery pack further comprising a plurality of rails; sliding the external battery pack so that the rails are received within corresponding grooves on the housing of the portable personal protective equipment, thereby removably attaching the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment; Sliding the external battery pack moves the keyed portion, thereby enabling movement of the flap from the closed position to the open position.

16. The power supply system according to claim 15.

17. the external battery pack further having a plurality of protrusions; rotating the external battery pack so that the plurality of protrusions are received within a plurality of corresponding recesses on the housing of the portable personal protective equipment, thereby removably attaching the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment; Rotating the external battery pack moves the keyed portion, thereby enabling movement of the flap from the closed position to the open position.

16. The power supply system according to claim 15.

18. 15. The power supply system of claim 14, wherein the flap automatically moves from the open position to the closed position when the external battery pack is removed from the portable personal protective equipment.

19. The power supply system of claim 12 , wherein the cover has a surface roughness value of about 0.8 μm.

20. 13. The power supply system of claim 12, wherein the corners of the cover have a radius of curvature of at least 3 mm.

21. 13. The power supply system of claim 12, wherein the cover is made of a material that is impermeable, non-porous, and corrosion resistant.

22. The power supply system of claim 1 , wherein the external battery pack is configured to be completely and removably received within the housing.

23. 10. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the external battery pack is separate from the portable personal protective equipment and electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack via a wireless or wired connection.

24. 24. The power supply system of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of the wired connection is disposed within the portable personal protective equipment and is not directly exposed to the external environment.

25. 10. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the external battery pack comprises a plurality of cylindrical electrochemical cells.

26. 10. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the internal battery pack comprises a plurality of thin pouch electrochemical cells.

27. The power supply system according to claim 1; Housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing; The operating unit is configured to operate by power supply. Portable personal protective equipment.

28. 1. A method of powering a portable personal protective equipment carried by a user, the portable personal protective equipment having a housing and an operating unit enclosed by the housing and configured to operate from a power supply, the method comprising: providing an internal battery pack non-removably disposed within the housing and configured to selectively power the operating unit; providing an external battery pack configured to be removably attached to the portable personal protective equipment or configured separate from the portable personal protective equipment, the external battery pack configured to be selectively electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack; electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit such that the operating unit is powered by at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack; A method comprising:

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit further comprises electrically connecting the internal battery pack and the external battery pack in parallel to the operating unit such that the internal battery pack and the external battery pack simultaneously supply power to the operating unit.

30. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit further comprises electrically connecting the external battery pack to the operating unit while electrically disconnecting the internal battery pack from the operating unit so that only the external battery pack supplies power to the operating unit.

31. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising electrically disconnecting the internal battery pack from the operating unit when the state of charge of the internal battery pack is below a predetermined charge threshold.

32. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit further comprises electrically connecting the internal battery pack to the operating unit when the external battery pack is discharged or electrically disconnected from the operating unit.

33. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit further comprises electrically connecting the external battery pack to the internal battery pack while the internal battery pack is electrically connected to the operating unit, thereby providing power to the operating unit while the internal battery pack is being charged by the external battery pack.

34. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein electrically connecting at least one of the internal battery pack and the external battery pack to the operating unit further comprises electrically connecting the internal battery pack and the external battery pack in parallel to the operating unit with the external battery pack electrically connected to the internal battery pack, such that the internal battery pack and the external battery pack simultaneously supply power to the operating unit while the internal battery pack is charged by the external battery pack.

35. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising removably attaching the external battery pack to the portable personal protective equipment.

36. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the external battery pack is separate from the portable personal protective equipment and electrically connected to at least one of the operating unit and the internal battery pack via a wireless or wired connection.

37. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the external battery pack is configured to be completely and removably received within the housing.

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