Following-type assisted air-supply respirator and control method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of respirators, and in particular to a following-type assisted air-supply respirator and a control method therefor. The respirator comprises: a tight-fitting mask, wherein the tight-fitting mask covers an area where the mouth and the nose are located, and an inner cavity is formed inside the tight-fitting mask; an exhalation valve connected to the tight-fitting mask and communicated with the inner cavity, wherein the exhalation valve is opened in one direction during exhalation; an air inlet cavity formed inside the tight-fitting mask, wherein an inhalation valve is arranged on the air inlet cavity, and the inhalation valve is configured to be opened in one direction during inhalation; a filter arranged on the tight-fitting mask and communicated with the air inlet cavity; and an assisted air-supply mechanism comprising a fan extending into the air inlet cavity, a controller for controlling the rotating speed of the fan, and a sensor arranged in the tight-fitting mask, wherein the fan is used for delivering external air into the air inlet cavity, when the sensor senses inhalation of a human body, the rotating speed of the fan is increased, and when the sensor senses exhalation of the human body, the rotating speed of the fan is slowed down. By means of the assisted air-supply mode, the present invention improves user experience.

Description

A follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator and its control method Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of respirators, and in particular to a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A respirator is a protective device that is mainly used to prevent the inhalation of harmful substances such as hypoxia, toxic and harmful substances, and particulate matter into the respiratory tract. Existing respirators mostly include active air supply type and self-priming filter type.

[0003] For example, the Chinese utility model patent with authorization publication number CN205460545U disclosed a portable air-purifying respirator on August 17, 2016, which connects the purified air to the mask through an air purifier and an air duct; for another example, the Chinese utility model patent with authorization publication number CN211935234U disclosed a self-priming filtering respirator on November 17, 2020, which generally fits the mask to the user's face, and a filter layer is provided between the first and second shells that are detachably provided on the mask, so that the user can filter the inhaled gas when breathing.

[0004] However, the inventors have found that both the active air supply respirator and the self-priming filter respirator have certain disadvantages. For example, the active air supply respirator will cause discomfort when the human face is blown for a long time, while the self-priming filter respirator has a large breathing resistance when used, and users will feel tired after wearing it for a long time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of at least one of the above technical problems, the present invention provides a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator and a control method thereof, which adopts structural improvements to improve the comfort of users during use.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator, comprising:

[0007] A close-fitting mask, the close-fitting mask covering at least the area where the mouth and nose are located, and forming an inner cavity inside the close-fitting mask;

[0008] an exhalation valve connected to the tight-fitting mask and in communication with the inner cavity, the exhalation valve being configured to open unidirectionally during exhalation, so that the gas in the inner cavity is discharged from the exhalation valve;

[0009] An air inlet cavity is provided inside the tight-fitting mask, and an inhalation valve is provided on the air inlet cavity. The inhalation valve is configured to open in one direction during inhalation, so that the gas in the air inlet cavity enters the inner cavity through the inhalation valve;

[0010] a filter, disposed on the tight-fitting mask, the filter being in communication with the air inlet cavity;

[0011] an auxiliary air supply mechanism, comprising a fan extending into the air inlet cavity, a controller for controlling the speed of the fan, and a sensor disposed in the tight-fitting mask;

[0012] The fan is used to transmit external air into the air inlet cavity. When the sensor senses that the human body is inhaling, the controller controls the speed of the fan to increase. When the sensor senses that the human body is exhaling, the controller controls the speed of the fan to slow down.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the exhalation valve is arranged at the bottom of the tight-fitting mask, and a first valve plate is provided in the exhalation valve, and the first valve plate opens when the pressure is greater than a set value.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air inlet cavity is arranged at a central position of the tight-fitting mask, and an outer wall of the air inlet cavity has a guide surface arranged toward the exhalation valve.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air inlet cavity includes a front cavity and a rear cavity, the fan is arranged in the rear cavity, the rear cavity has an annular necking wall protruding toward the front cavity, the blades of the fan are arranged in the annular necking wall, and the annular necking wall is connected to the front cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter includes a filter disc disposed outside the tight-fitting mask and a connecting pipe connected to the filter disc and the front cavity respectively.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air intake valve is arranged at the top of the rear cavity and includes a second valve plate fixed in the middle and surrounded by free ends.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the second valve sheet corresponds to the inhalation area where the nostrils of a human body are located.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tight-fitting mask further has an acoustic membrane.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor is a pressure sensor, and the controller adjusts the fan speed according to pressure changes monitored by the sensor.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for controlling the above-mentioned follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator, comprising the following steps:

[0022] Collecting the value of the pressure sensor in the inner cavity;

[0023] When the pressure value monitored by the pressure sensor is less than the set threshold range, the controller controls the fan to accelerate rotation to maintain the pressure in the inner cavity within the set threshold range;

[0024] When the pressure value monitored by the pressure sensor is greater than the set threshold range, the controller controls the fan to slow down so that the pressure value in the inner cavity is reduced to within the set threshold range;

[0025] The frequency of the pressure sensor change is recorded synchronously, and when the difference in the detected frequency change is within the set range, the synchronous air supply mode is entered. The synchronous air supply mode includes setting an analog frequency and controlling the fan to accelerate and decelerate in sequence at the analog frequency. When the difference in the detected frequency change exceeds the set range, the synchronous air supply mode is exited.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention arranges an exhalation valve in the inner cavity and an inhalation valve on the air inlet cavity in the inner cavity, and arranges a sensor, a controller and a fan, so that the fan rotates faster when the human body inhales, and the outside air enters the air inlet cavity through the filter. Compared with the existing technology, the present invention does not require continuous blowing and also reduces the resistance of the outside air entering the inside of the tightly fitting mask, thereby reducing the user's fatigue during use and improving the user's experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the front perspective structure of a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the back perspective structure of a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the area where the inner cavity is located in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG2 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG2 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG6 is a partial enlarged view of point C in FIG4 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the exhalation valve in FIG6 when it is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the auxiliary air supply mechanism and the filter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of FIG8 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG10 is a sectional view taken along line DD in FIG8 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wearing structure of a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG12 is a flowchart showing the steps of a control method for a follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0041] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] The follow-up assisted air supply respirator as shown in Figures 1 to 11 includes a tight-fitting mask 1, an exhalation valve 2, an air inlet cavity 3, a filter 4 and an auxiliary air supply mechanism 5, wherein, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tight-fitting mask 1 covers at least the area where the mouth and nose are located, and an inner cavity 1a is formed inside the tight-fitting mask 1; the structure of the inner cavity 1a is shown in Figure 3, that is, a seal is formed by the contact between the tight-fitting mask 1 and the human face, that is, in the embodiment of the present invention, the outside air only enters the inner cavity 1a through the filter 4; of course, it should be pointed out here that in some embodiments of the present invention, the tight-fitting mask 1 has various structural forms, which can only cover the mouth and nose of the human body as described above, or can fully cover the face of the human body, or adopt a full helmet-like structure for the user to wear as a headgear, or can fully cover the human body like protective clothing.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7, in an embodiment of the present invention, the exhalation valve 2 is connected to the tight-fitting mask 1 and communicates with the inner cavity 1a. The exhalation valve 2 is configured to open in one direction during exhalation, and the gas in the inner cavity 1a is discharged from the exhalation valve 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the exhalation valve 2 is a one-way valve and is only connected to the outside of the tight-fitting mask 1. Through this arrangement, when the human body exhales, the waste gas will be discharged through the exhalation valve 2. It should be pointed out here that the one-way valve in the prior art has a variety of structural forms, and those skilled in the art can choose according to their needs. The structural forms of the exhalation valve 2 will not be illustrated one by one here.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the air inlet chamber 3 is arranged inside the close-fitting mask 1, and the air inlet chamber 3 is provided with an inhalation valve 31. The inhalation valve 31 is configured to open in one direction during inhalation, and the gas in the air inlet chamber 3 enters the inner chamber 1a through the inhalation valve 31; in an embodiment of the present invention, a filter 4 is provided on the close-fitting mask 1, and the filter 4 is connected to the air inlet chamber 3; through such a configuration, the outside air enters the air inlet chamber 3 through the filter 4, and the fresh air in the air inlet chamber 3 enters the inner chamber 1a through the inhalation valve 31. In this way, when the user inhales, the inhalation valve 31 opens in one direction, and the fresh air in the air inlet chamber 3 is introduced into the inner chamber 1a for inhalation by the user;

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG4 , the auxiliary air supply mechanism 5 includes a fan 51 extending into the air inlet cavity 3, a controller 52 for controlling the rotation speed of the fan 51, and a sensor 53 disposed within the tight-fitting mask 1; wherein the fan 51 is used to deliver external air into the air inlet cavity 3, and when the sensor 53 senses that a person is inhaling, the controller 52 controls the rotation speed of the fan 51 to increase, and when the sensor 53 senses that a person is exhaling, the controller 52 controls the rotation speed of the fan 51 to decrease. Of course, it should be pointed out here that the sensor 53 has various structural forms for sensing human breathing, for example, it can sense breathing by detecting the pressure of the inner cavity 1a through a pressure sensor 53, or it can sense changes in the concentration of CO2 in the inner cavity 1a through a gas concentration sensor 53, and so on.

[0047] In the above embodiment of the present invention, by setting the exhalation valve 2 in the inner cavity 1a and the inhalation valve 31 on the air inlet cavity 3 arranged in the inner cavity 1a, and by setting the sensor 53, the controller 52 and the fan 51, the fan 51 is accelerated when the human body inhales, and the outside air enters the air inlet cavity 3 through the filter 4. Compared with the prior art, there is no need for continuous blowing and the resistance of the outside air entering the inside of the tightly fitting mask 1 is also reduced, thereby reducing the user's fatigue during use and improving the user's experience.

[0048] On the basis of the above embodiment, please continue to refer to Figures 4, 6 and 7. In the embodiment of the present invention, the exhalation valve 2 is set at the bottom of the tight-fitting mask 1. The exhalation valve 2 has a first valve plate 21. The first valve plate 21 opens when the pressure is greater than the set value. The valve plate here is set at the bottom of the exhalation valve 2. Through this setting, when the human body inhales, the pressure in the inner cavity 1a becomes smaller, and the first valve plate 21 will remain closed. When the human body exhales, the first valve plate 21 is opened under the action of pressure. In addition, by setting the exhalation valve 2 at the bottom of the tight-fitting mask 1, the discharge rate of carbon dioxide exhaled by the human body can be increased, thereby ensuring the safety of the user.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 4. In some embodiments of the present invention, the air inlet cavity 3 is arranged in the middle of the tight-fitting mask 1, and the outer wall of the air inlet cavity 3 has a guide surface 3a arranged toward the exhalation valve 2. It should be pointed out here that in the embodiments of the present invention, the middle of the tight-fitting mask 1 refers to the position directly in front of the interior of the tight-fitting mask 1. Through this arrangement, the air intake of the air inlet cavity 3 can be made uniform, and the guide surface 3a can be provided to guide the gas exhaled from the human body so that the gas exhaled from the mouth flows toward the exhalation valve 2 under the action of the guide surface 3a, thereby increasing the discharge of exhaust gas, thereby reducing the occurrence of accidents affecting user safety caused by the increase of CO2 in the exhaust gas.

[0050] Regarding the specific structure of the air inlet chamber 3, please refer to Figures 8 to 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, the air inlet chamber 3 includes a front chamber 3b and a rear chamber 3c. The fan 51 is disposed in the rear chamber 3c. The rear chamber 3c has an annular constricted wall 3d protruding toward the front chamber 3b. The blades of the fan 51 are disposed in the annular constricted wall 3d, which is connected to the front chamber 3b. As shown in Figure 10, with this arrangement, when the blades of the fan 51 rotate, the gas in the rear chamber 3c is pushed toward the direction of the intake valve 31. At this time, the rotation of the fan causes the air pressure in the rear chamber 3c to decrease, thereby sucking the gas in the front chamber 3b into the rear chamber 3c. With this structural arrangement, only the blades of the fan 51 need to be fixed in the rear chamber 3c, and the motor can achieve a seal with the rear chamber 3c, thereby ensuring the sealing of the inner chamber 1a.

[0051] Regarding the specific structure of the filter 4, please continue to refer to Figures 8 to 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter 4 includes a filter disc 41 disposed on the outside of the mask 1 and a connecting pipe 42 connected to the filter disc 41 and the front cavity 3b respectively. In some embodiments of the present invention, the area of ​​the filter disc 41 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting pipe 42. This arrangement can improve the filtering effect while reducing the resistance when air enters.

[0052] The specific structure of the inhalation valve 31 is shown in Figures 9 and 10. The inhalation valve 31 is positioned at the top of the rear cavity 3c and includes a second valve plate 31a fixed in the middle with free ends on all sides. As shown in Figure 9, the periphery of the second valve plate 31a overlaps the top of the rear cavity 3c. With this arrangement, during inhalation, the periphery of the second valve plate 31a opens. During exhalation, the pressure in the inner cavity 1a increases, pressing the periphery of the second valve plate 31a against the top of the rear cavity 3c. To further ensure that the gas inhaled by the human body is filtered fresh air, as shown in Figure 11, in some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the second valve plate 31a corresponds to the inhalation area where the human nostrils are located. In this way, when inhaling, the user inhales through the nose, causing the second valve plate 31a to open, and the gas coming out of the air inlet chamber 3 enters the human nasal cavity. When exhaling, the exhaled gas passes through the guide surface 3a set on the outer wall of the front chamber 3b and guides the exhaled gas to the lower exhalation valve 2 for discharge. Through this arrangement, it can be ensured that fresh air is inhaled and exhaled waste gas is discharged when the user is working, thereby ensuring the user's safety and comfort.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, since the inner cavity 1a is a sealed space, to reduce barriers to communication with the outside world, as shown in Figures 4 and 11, the tight-fitting mask 1 also includes an acoustic membrane 6. In this embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic membrane 6 is fixed in a hollowed-out hole in the tight-fitting mask 1, thereby preventing the ingress of outside air and ensuring the tightness of the tight-fitting mask 1. At the same time, the vibration of the acoustic membrane 6 can transmit the user's voice, thereby further reducing the difficulty of communication during use.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 53 for sensing the user's breathing is a pressure sensor 53, and the controller 52 adjusts the speed of the fan 51 according to the pressure change detected by the sensor 53. Specifically, referring to FIG12, the control method of the follow-up auxiliary air supply respirator in the embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0055] S10: Collecting the value of the pressure sensor 53 in the inner cavity 1a; the pressure sensor 53 is electrically connected to the controller 52;

[0056] S20: When the pressure value monitored by the pressure sensor 53 is less than the set threshold range, the controller 52 controls the fan 51 to rotate faster to maintain the pressure in the inner cavity 1a within the set threshold range. When the pressure is detected to be less than the set value, it indicates that the human body is inhaling, causing the pressure in the inner cavity 1a to decrease. By controlling the fan 51 to rotate faster, external air can be introduced into the air inlet cavity 3 through the filter 4 and then into the inner cavity 1a.

[0057] S30: When the pressure value monitored by the pressure sensor 53 is greater than the set threshold range, the controller 52 controls the fan 51 to slow down so that the pressure value in the inner cavity 1a is reduced to within the set threshold range. When the pressure is detected to increase, it indicates that the person is exhaling, causing the pressure in the inner cavity 1a to increase. By reducing the speed of the fan 51, the opening of the intake valve 31 is avoided, and the exhaust gas is discharged through the exhalation valve 2.

[0058] However, the inventors have discovered that the speed adjustment of the fan 51 is based on changes in pressure, and thus has a certain lag. That is, there is still a certain resistance at the beginning of inhalation and exhalation. In order to further improve the user's comfort, in some embodiments of the present invention, a synchronous air supply mode is also provided. For details, please refer to step S40.

[0059] S40: Synchronously record the frequency of the pressure sensor 53 change, and when the difference in the frequency change is detected to be within a set range, enter the synchronous air supply mode. The synchronous air supply mode includes setting an analog frequency and controlling the fan 51 to accelerate and decelerate in sequence at the analog frequency. When the difference in the frequency change is detected to be beyond the set range, exit the synchronous air supply mode. It should be noted here that by recording the frequency of the pressure change, the frequency of human breathing can be known. When the human breathing tends to be stable, the breathing frequency at this time is almost the same. The frequency difference here can be set by those skilled in the art as needed. After it tends to be stable, the system sets a frequency value equal to the stable frequency, and then adjusts the speed of the fan 51 to speed up or slow down according to the frequency value, that is, the adjustment of the fan 51 is synchronized with the human breathing. Through this setting, the system delay of the pressure sensor 53 is eliminated, so that the speed adjustment of the fan 51 is synchronized with the user's breathing, thereby avoiding the user's sense of hysteresis during use, making it easier to use.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The foregoing embodiments and descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for a follow-up assisted air supply respirator, characterized in that, The follow-up assisted air supply respirator includes: A sealed face mask that at least covers the area where the mouth and nose are located and forms an inner cavity inside the sealed face mask; An exhalation valve connected to the sealed face mask and communicating with the inner cavity. The exhalation valve is configured to open unidirectionally during exhalation, and the gas in the inner cavity is discharged from the exhalation valve; An intake cavity provided inside the sealed face mask. The intake cavity is provided with an inhalation valve, and the inhalation valve is configured to open unidirectionally during inhalation. The gas in the intake cavity enters the inner cavity from the inhalation valve; A filter provided on the sealed face mask, and the filter communicates with the intake cavity; An assisted air supply mechanism including a blower extending into the intake cavity, a controller for controlling the rotational speed of the blower, and a sensor provided inside the sealed face mask; Wherein, the blower is used to convey external air into the intake cavity. When the sensor senses human inhalation, the controller controls the rotational speed of the blower to increase. When the sensor senses human exhalation, the controller controls the rotational speed of the blower to decrease; The exhalation valve is provided at the bottom of the sealed face mask, and the exhalation valve has a first valve piece that opens when the pressure is greater than a set value; The intake cavity is provided at the middle position of the sealed face mask, and the outer wall of the intake cavity has a guiding surface facing the exhalation valve. The guiding surface is used to guide the gas exhaled by the human body, so that the gas exhaled from the mouth flows towards the exhalation valve, thereby increasing the discharge amount of waste gas and reducing safety accidents caused by the increase of CO2 in the waste gas; The control method includes the following steps: Collect the value of the pressure sensor in the inner cavity; When the pressure value monitored by the pressure sensor is less than the set threshold range, the controller controls the blower to rotate at an accelerated speed to maintain the pressure in the inner cavity within the set threshold range; When the pressure value monitored by the pressure sensor is greater than the set threshold range, the controller controls the blower to run at a reduced speed so that the pressure value in the inner cavity is reduced to within the set threshold range; Synchronously record the change frequency of the pressure sensor. By recording the change frequency of the pressure, the breathing frequency of the human body is known. The system sets a frequency value equal to the breathing frequency of the human body, and adjusts the rotational speed of the blower to increase and decrease according to this frequency value. When the difference in the detected change frequency is within the set range, enter the synchronous air supply mode. The synchronous air supply mode includes setting an analog frequency and controlling the blower to rotate sequentially at an accelerated and decelerated speed at this analog frequency. When the difference in the detected change frequency exceeds the set range, exit the synchronous air supply mode; The intake cavity includes a front cavity and a rear cavity. The blower is provided in the rear cavity. The rear cavity has an annular constricted wall protruding towards the front cavity. The blades of the blower are provided inside the annular constricted wall, and the annular constricted wall communicates with the front cavity; The filter includes a filter disc provided outside the sealed face mask and a connecting pipe that communicates with the filter disc and the front cavity respectively; The inhalation valve is provided at the top position of the rear cavity and includes a second valve piece fixed in the middle and with free ends at the periphery; The height of the second valve plate corresponds to the inhalation area where the nostrils of the human body are located, and the guiding surface is used to direct the gas flowing towards the exhalation valve.

2. The control method of the follow-up assisted air supply respirator according to claim 1, characterized in that The airtight face mask is also provided with a sound transmission membrane.

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