阅读说明：本技术 便携式空气处理设备和用于向人供给过滤的空气的方法 (Portable air treatment device and method for supplying filtered air to a person ) 是由 安东尼乌斯·威廉·维尔伯格 乔安妮·塞奥多斯·约瑟夫斯·范·沃尔库姆 于 2018-08-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种便携式空气处理设备,用于向人供给过滤的空气。该设备包括用于提供空气流的气泵、用于过滤空气流的过滤设备、构造用以向人供给空气流的呼吸面罩、以及构造用以控制泵来调节空气流的控制单元。控制单元被构造用以控制泵来调节空气流,以便维持呼吸面罩内部的压力与环境空气之间的期望压力差。本发明进一步提供一种利用便携式空气处理设备向人供给过滤的空气的方法,该方法包括以下步骤：检测呼吸面罩内部与环境空气之间的压力差；利用控制单元控制气泵以根据所述压力差提供空气流,以便维持期望的压力差；过滤空气流；以及将空气流引导向呼吸面罩的内部。(The present invention provides a portable air treatment device for supplying filtered air to a person. The apparatus includes an air pump for providing an air flow, a filtering device for filtering the air flow, a respiratory mask configured to supply the air flow to a person, and a control unit configured to control the pump to regulate the air flow. The control unit is configured to control the pump to regulate the air flow so as to maintain a desired pressure difference between the pressure inside the respiratory mask and the ambient air. The present invention further provides a method of supplying filtered air to a person using a portable air treatment device, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a pressure difference between the interior of the respiratory mask and ambient air; controlling the air pump with a control unit to provide an air flow in dependence of said pressure difference in order to maintain a desired pressure difference; filtering the air stream; and directing the flow of air toward an interior of the respiratory mask.)

1. A portable air treatment device for supplying filtered air to a person, the air treatment device comprising:

an air pump for providing an air flow;

a filtering device for filtering the air stream;

a respiratory mask configured to supply the flow of air to a person; and

a control unit configured to control the pump to regulate the air flow,

the air treatment plant is characterized in that,

the air treatment device comprises a pressure sensor for transmitting a signal representing the pressure difference between the interior of the breathing mask and the ambient air, and in that the control unit is configured to control the pump to regulate the air flow in order to maintain a desired pressure difference between the pressure in the interior of the breathing mask and the ambient air.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the respiratory mask is a nasal mask, preferably a sealed nasal mask, configured to be at least partially inserted into a nostril of a person.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air pump comprises a motor, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the motor by means of magnetic field orientation control.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a hose for directing the flow of air from the pump towards the respiratory mask.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hose includes a first channel for directing the flow of air and a second channel parallel to the first channel and extending between an interior of the respiratory mask and the pressure sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a cross-section of the first channel is substantially larger than a cross-section of the second channel.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the respiratory mask comprises an outlet valve for allowing air to flow from the interior of the respiratory mask to ambient air according to a pressure differential between the interior of the respiratory mask and the ambient air.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the outlet valve is movable between a closed position in which air cannot flow through the outlet valve and one or more open positions in which air can flow through the outlet valve through an outflow opening having a cross-sectional area, wherein the outlet valve is biased in the closed position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein as the pressure differential between the interior of the mask and the ambient air increases:

the cross-sectional area of the outflow opening gradually increases until the pressure difference at the switching point; and is

When the pressure difference exceeds the switching point, the cross-sectional area of the outflow opening increases sharply.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the valve comprises a valve element and a valve seat, wherein the valve element is fixedly connected to the valve seat at a central portion thereof, and wherein the valve element comprises side portions on opposite sides of the central portion, the side portions being configured to be disposed against the valve seat.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said valve includes a link element having two interconnected link arms, said link element extending between said side portions of said valve element so as to straddle said central portion of said valve element.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the link element is movable between a substantially straight orientation in which the link arms are substantially aligned and the link element has a stiffness, and a curved orientation in which the link arms are substantially curved and the link element has a substantially lower stiffness, wherein the link element is in the substantially straight orientation when the valve is in the closed position.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein:

in the closed position of the valve, the side portion of the valve element is disposed against the valve seat, and

in the one or more open positions of the valve, the side portion of the valve element is spaced from the valve seat.

14. The apparatus of claims 9 and 12, wherein:

when the pressure difference is below the switching point, the link element is in the substantially straight orientation, and

when the pressure differential is above the switch point, the linkage element is in the curved orientation.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter device is replaceable.

16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a humidifying apparatus configured to increase the humidity of the air stream supplied to a person.

17. Method for supplying filtered air to a person with a portable air treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting a pressure difference between an interior of the respiratory mask and ambient air with the pressure sensor;

controlling the air pump with a control unit to provide an air flow in dependence of the pressure difference in order to maintain a desired pressure difference;

filtering the air stream with the filter apparatus; and

directing the air flow toward an interior of the respiratory mask.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a portable air treatment device for supplying filtered air to a person. The apparatus includes an air pump to provide an air flow, a filtering device to filter the air flow, a respiratory mask configured to supply the air flow to a person, and a control unit configured to control the air pump to regulate the air flow.

These portable air treatment devices are configured to clean an incoming air stream and deliver the air stream to a person using the device. These devices are typically intended for use by persons who need to work or live in contaminated (e.g., viral) air. These devices are mobile and can be carried around by a person to increase their flexibility.

The invention further relates to a method for supplying filtered air to a person with a portable air treatment device, the method comprising the steps of: filtering the air stream with a filtering device; and directing the flow of air toward an interior of the respiratory mask.

Background

WO 2011/006206 discloses a breathing apparatus having a face mask configured to supply filtered air to a user. The mask is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of the user. The device includes a neck piece attached to the mask and including an airflow generator. The airflow generator is configured to receive unfiltered air, filter the unfiltered air, and provide filtered air to the mask.

With the known device, the amount of air provided is responsive to the user's breathing, and the responsiveness is also user-adjustable. To this end, the device includes a flow or pressure sensor. At the beginning of an inspiration, the increase in airflow is used to indicate the beginning of inspiration, and the target motor speed of the flow generator may be set to a value corresponding to the respiratory effort.

However, the known breathing apparatus has the disadvantage that the flow of gas provided by the flow generator varies during the breathing cycle. Accordingly, the air pressure in the mask also changes. These values are constant during the natural breathing of the person, without using any means. Breathing through the device may feel unnatural to the user and may cause discomfort due to the fluctuations caused by the device.

In FR 2705899 a1, a respiratory mask is disclosed that is configured to cover the mouth and nose of a person. Such a breathing mask has the disadvantage that it is uncomfortable to wear, for example because it blocks any conversation of the person, or because it is daunting to watch it.

In US 2007/175473 a1, a high flow therapy system is disclosed for delivering a flow of air to the nostrils of a person to treat sleep apnea. The system includes a non-sealing nasal mask that, for example, allows for the introduction of pressure sensors between the nares and an insertion tube of the nasal mask in order to measure the pressure in the nares.

However, this non-sealing mask suffers from the disadvantage that it allows a person to inhale bleed air which enters the nose through the gap between the cannula and the nares. When a person is in a toxic environment and the mask is used in conjunction with a filtering device, the bleed air is not filtered, which means that the person will still breathe unfiltered and toxic air.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable air treatment device which lacks or reduces one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least to provide an alternative portable air treatment device.

The present invention provides a portable air treatment device for supplying filtered air to a person, the portable air treatment device comprising: an air pump for providing an air flow; a filtering device for filtering an air stream; a respiratory mask configured to supply a flow of air to a person; and a control unit configured to control the pump to regulate the air flow. The air treatment device comprises a pressure sensor for transmitting a signal representing a pressure difference between the interior of the breathing mask and the ambient air, and the control unit is configured to control the pump to regulate the air flow in order to maintain a desired pressure difference between the pressure in the interior of the breathing mask and the ambient air.

The pressure in the interior of the mask may decrease as the person inhales. In response to the pressure drop in the mask interior, the control unit determines that the air flow towards the mask needs to be increased to increase the pressure in the mask interior and achieve the desired pressure differential between the mask interior and the ambient air.

A high comfort is provided for the person using the device in case the pressure difference is kept substantially constant. The advantage is provided that it appears to him that he is not breathing through a device with a mask, but rather looks as if he is breathing normally, for example through his nose.

However, when the person exhales, the pressure in the mask interior increases again. The control unit is further configured to detect the increase in pressure and control the pump so as to reduce the flow of air to the person. When the air flow is substantially reduced, the air pump will consume less or even no energy. Advantageously, battery life will be increased.

Typically, the apparatus is configured for use in an environment in which a person wishes to breathe filtered air. The portable air treatment device according to the invention can therefore be used in transportation, for example in cities with high smoke levels. Yet another application is in construction work where people need to work in a dust rich environment.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the portable air treatment device according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

fig. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a portable air treatment device according to the invention.

Figure 2A schematically depicts an embodiment of the outlet valve of the device according to the invention shown in the closed position,

figure 2B schematically depicts the outlet valve of figure 2A in a first open position,

figure 2C schematically depicts the outlet valve of figure 2A in a second open position,

FIG. 2D schematically depicts the valve element of the outlet valve of FIG. 2A, and

fig. 3 schematically depicts the opening characteristics of the valve of fig. 2A-2C.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, an embodiment of a portable air treatment device according to the invention is schematically shown, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The device 1 is configured to provide a flow of filtered air to a person for breathing.

The device 1 comprises a housing 2, in which housing 2 an air pump 3 and a filter device 4 are arranged. The air pump 3 is configured to draw air through an inlet 5 of the device 1, which inlet 5 faces ambient air in the environment of the housing 2. In fig. 1, the air flow is shown by solid arrows.

In the present embodiment, the air pump 3 is a centrifugal pump. These pumps are known to be reliable pumps for pumping air and are configured to supply a gas flow at a sufficiently large flow rate and at a desired pressure level.

In the air flow, a filter device 4 is provided between the inlet 5 and the air pump 3. The filtering device 4 is configured to filter the air flow and to remove possible contaminants therefrom. Advantageously, as in the present embodiment, the filtering device 4 is arranged upstream of the air pump 3. By doing so, the air flow is filtered before entering the air pump 3, thereby preventing the air pump 3 from being contaminated by contaminants in the air flow.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the filter device 4 comprises two replaceable filter elements 6, through which the air flow is guided. The first filter element 6' is a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate rejection). The air filter is configured to remove solid particles and liquid particles or droplets from the air stream. The second filter element 6 "is an activated carbon filter element configured to remove gaseous substances from the air stream.

In addition to the two filter elements 6 in this embodiment, in other embodiments of the device, other types of filter elements 6 or different numbers of filter elements 6 may be used. Since the filter elements 6 are replaceable, a person may select an appropriate filter element 6 based on the particular contaminants in the incoming air stream and place it in the filter apparatus 4.

The air pump 3 is configured to send an air flow out of the housing 2 and towards the person. The device 1 thus comprises a tubular hose 7, the tubular hose 7 having a first passage 8, the air flow being guided through this first passage 8. With its first end 8', the first channel 8 is connected to the housing 2 of the device 1 for receiving the air flow from the air pump 3.

A second end 8 "of the first channel 8, opposite the first end 8', is connected to a breathing mask 9 of the device 1. The breathing mask 9 is configured to supply a flow of air into the nostrils of the person and is thus configured to be arranged on the head of the person.

The first passage 8 is configured to direct the flow of air from the air pump 3 near its first end 8' towards the breathing mask 9 at its second end 8 ". Furthermore, the length of the hose 7 between its two ends is chosen such that the housing 2 of the device 1 can be arranged at a sufficient distance from the head of the person. For example, the length of the hose 7 is chosen such that the housing 2 of the device 1 can be arranged near the lumbar region of a person.

The breathing mask 9 comprises a manifold 10, the manifold 10 being connected to the second end 8 "of the first channel 8. Within the manifold 10, defining an interior 11 of the breathing mask 9, the air flow is fed from the first passage 8 to the interior 11.

On the manifold 10, two nasal prongs 12 are mounted, each adapted to be inserted into a nostril of a person. The plugs 12 are fluidly connected to the interior 11 of the mask 9 and may include one or more openings in their front end to allow a flow of air to be delivered into the nose of a person. In fig. 1, the nasal prong 12 is shown as a cylindrical element. However, in alternative embodiments, the plug may include a gripping tool to clamp the plug within the nostril of the person.

The hose 7 of the device 1 comprises a second channel 13, which second channel 13 also extends between the housing 2 and the breathing mask 9. A first end 13' of the second channel 13 extends from within the housing 2 and an opposite second end 13 "of the second channel 13 is fluidly connected to the interior 11 of the mask 9. The second channel 13 is configured to fluidly connect the interior 11 of the facepiece 9 with a pressure sensor 14 in the housing 2, such that air pressure in the interior 11 of the facepiece 9 is also present at the pressure sensor 14.

The cross-sectional area of the first channel 8 is significantly larger than the cross-sectional area of the second channel 13. The first passage 13 may thus be optimally dimensioned to direct a relatively large air flow along the passage 8 with a relatively low pressure drop. However, the second channel 13 is dimensioned to rapidly transmit a pressure gradient along its length such that the air pressure difference between its first end 13' and its second end 13 "is minimized.

The pressure sensor 14 is configured to measure the air pressure difference between the interior 11 of the respiratory mask 9 and the ambient air, and to transmit an electronic signal indicative of the pressure inside the mask. In fig. 1, the electronic signals are schematically shown as dashed arrows.

In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 14 is arranged inside the housing 2. In this way, the breathing mask 9 remains free of electronic components and comprises only mechanical elements. However, in alternative embodiments, the pressure sensor may also be arranged inside the breathing mask. The pressure can thus be measured locally and transmitted as an electronic signal to the housing. In this way, the device will no longer require a second passage between the breathing mask and the housing.

In the present embodiment of the device 1, the pressure sensor 14 is configured to transmit a pressure signal to a control unit 15 of the device 1. The control unit 15 is thus configured to control the air pump 3 in dependence on the pressure difference between the interior 11 of the mask 9 and the ambient air. By controlling the pump 3, the control unit 15 is configured to regulate the air flow provided by the pump 3.

The device 1 is configured to maintain a desired pressure differential between the interior 11 of the mask 9 and the ambient air. In this way, the pressure difference remains substantially constant, wherein the control unit 15 is configured to control the pump to adjust the air flow for compensating for the person's inhalation or exhalation.

The device 1 further comprises an outlet valve 16, which outlet valve 16 is arranged in the manifold 10 of the breathing mask 9. The valve 16 is configured to provide a fluid connection between the interior 11 of the mask 9 and the ambient air in dependence on the pressure difference across the valve 16.

The device 1 further comprises a humidifying device 17, which humidifying device 17 is arranged in the housing 2 and adjacent to the first end 8' of the first channel 8. The humidifying device 17 comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump and a nozzle present in the first channel 8. The humidifying device 17 is configured to supply water into the air stream fed through the first passage 8. Thus, the pump is configured to pump water from the fluid reservoir to the nozzle where it is sprayed into the air flow in the first channel 8 in order to increase the humidity of the air fed towards the breathing mask 9.

Another embodiment of a valve is schematically illustrated in fig. 2A-2C, wherein the valve is shown in a substantially isolated state for clarity. In this embodiment, the outlet valve is generally indicated by reference numeral 100.

In fig. 2A, the outlet valve 100 is shown in its closed position. The valve 100 comprises a flexible valve element 101, which flexible valve element 101 is configured, at least in the closed position of the valve 100, to close a fluid passage between the interior 11' (e.g. the interior 11 of the breathing mask 9) and the exterior (such as ambient air). In the closed position of the valve 100 shown, the valve element 101 is arranged against a valve seat 102 of the valve.

The valve 100 is a check valve and is configured to provide a fluid path therethrough in one flow direction while preventing a fluid path in a second, opposite flow direction. The fluid path is provided when the valve 100 is disposed in one or more open positions, and is blocked in the closed position of the valve 100.

The present embodiment of the valve 100 is configured to allow air to flow from the interior 11F to the exterior. This outflow will occur when the pressure in the interior 11' is higher than the pressure in the exterior.

An oval opening 103 is provided in the valve seat 102, which is closed by the valve element 101 at least in the illustrated closed position of the valve 100. The fixed portion 104 of the valve seat 102 extends across the opening 103 and includes a slot in which the stem 105 of the valve element 101 is disposed. By means of the chord 105, the central portion 106 of the valve element 101 is fixedly connected to the valve seat 102, preventing relative movement between them.

The valve element 101 includes side portions 107 on opposite sides of the central portion 106. The side portion 107 is configured to be disposed against the valve seat 101, at least in the closed position of the valve 100, to prevent air from flowing through the valve 100.

The valve 100 includes a linkage element 108 extending between side portions 107 of the valve. The link member 108 comprises two link arms 109 which are interconnected and together span the central portion 106 of the valve member 101.

In fig. 2D a top view onto the valve element 101 of the outlet valve 100 is shown, in which the valve element 101 is an elliptical element with a major axis (L-L) defining a long mirror plane of the valve element 101 and a minor axis (S-S) defining a short mirror plane of the valve element 101, on both sides of the minor axis (S-S) side portions 107 of the valve element 101 are arranged.

As shown in fig. 2A, in the closed position of the valve 100, the link arms 109 are substantially aligned with respect to each other and the link elements 108 are in a substantially straight orientation. In this embodiment, the arms 109 are integrally connected to each other and to the side portions 107. At the connection between the link arms 109, a thinned section is provided, wherein the arms 109 have a cross section which is significantly smaller than the normal cross section of the arms 109.

When no pressure differential is applied across the valve 100, the outlet valve 100 is biased in the closed position, as shown in fig. 2A. When opening the valve 100, a threshold pressure differential across the valve 100 is required to overcome the biased closing force. If a pressure differential exists across the outlet valve 100 that is below a threshold pressure differential, the valve 100 will remain in the closed position.

In fig. 2B, the valve 100 is shown in a first open position. In the first open position, the valve side portions 107 are spaced from the valve seat 102 and an outflow opening (O') is provided between them at each side portion 107. The outflow opening (O') has a cross-sectional area that depends on the separation distance between the side portion 107 and the valve seat 102.

In the first open position of the valve 100, the side portion 107 has been elastically deformed with respect to its shape in the closed position of the valve 100. Under the influence of the pressure difference across the valve 100, the side portion 107 bends elastically, so that an outflow opening (O') is created between the side portion 107 and the valve seat 102.

In the first open position, the link arms 109 are substantially aligned as in the closed position. In this orientation of the arm 109, the linkage element 108 between the side portions 107 of the valve is configured to provide a relatively large amount of stiffness to the valve element 101. Therefore, the outflow opening (O') of the outlet valve 100 is mainly a result of the deformation of the side portion 107 itself.

When the pressure difference across the valve 100 is further increased relative to the value of the valve 100 shown in fig. 2B, the side portion 107 will flex further away from the valve seat 102, the outflow opening (O') gradually increasing with increasing pressure difference.

In fig. 2C, the valve 100 is shown in the second open position. In the second open position, the side portion 107 has been spaced further from the valve seat 102. Thus, the outflow opening (O ") in the second open position is significantly larger than the outflow opening (O') in the first open position in fig. 2B.

In the second open position, not only the side portion 107 itself has been elastically deformed, but also the central portion 106 of the valve element 101 has been deformed, causing the side portion 107 to rotate about the central portion 106 relative to the valve seat 102.

The link elements 108 between the side portions 107 have also been deformed by the rotation. In the second open position, the link elements 108 are in a curved orientation with the link arms 109 substantially curved relative to each other. The link element 108 is adapted such that bending between the arms 109 occurs in a thinned portion due to local stress concentrations.

In the curved orientation, the linkage element 108 has a substantially lower stiffness than in its substantially straight orientation corresponding to the closed position of the valve 100 as shown in FIG. 2A. Due to the reduced contribution of the linkage element 108 in the curved orientation, the stiffness of the entire valve element 101 will be substantially lower than the stiffness of the valve element 101 when the linkage element 108 is in a substantially straight orientation. As a result of the lower stiffness, the outflow opening (O ") will increase sharply outward from the illustrated second open position of the valve 100 as the pressure differential across the valve 100 increases.

In fig. 3, an opening characteristic of the valve 100 of fig. 2A-2C is schematically illustrated, indicated by reference numeral 200. In the opening characteristic 200, the opening behavior of the outlet valve 100 is shown as a function of the pressure difference (Δ P) applied across the valve 100.

On the x-axis of the characteristic 200, the pressure difference (Δ Ρ) is shown across the valve 100. A positive pressure difference (Δ P) thus corresponds to a pressure difference in which the pressure in the interior 11 of the mask when the valve 100 is installed in the breathing mask 9 is higher than the external pressure.

On the y-axis of the characteristic 200 in fig. 3, the cross-sectional area of the outflow opening (O', O ") of the valve is shown, indicated with (a). The cross-sectional area (a) corresponds to the maximum possible flow through the valve 100. In the characteristic curve 200, it is shown that there is a correlation between the pressure difference (Δ P) across the valve 100 and the cross-sectional area (a) of the outflow opening (O', O ").

The characteristic 200 is divided into three vertically separated regions (C, I, II). For low pressure differences (Δ Ρ), the opening characteristic 200 is in the left region (C) corresponding to the closed position of the valve 100 as shown in figure 2A. The valve 100 is biased to the closed position at least when the pressure differential (Δ P) across the valve 100 equals zero. As the pressure differential (Δ P) increases, the valve 100 remains in the closed position until the threshold pressure differential 201 has been reached.

As shown in fig. 2B, at the threshold pressure differential 201, the pressure differential (Δ P) across the valve 100 becomes high enough to overcome the biased closing force and place the valve 100 in the first open position.

When the valve 100 is in the first open position, as shown by the middle region (I) of the characteristic curve 200, the cross-sectional area (a) of the outflow opening (O') gradually increases up to the pressure difference (Δ P) in the switching point 202 in the characteristic curve 200. This gradual increase of the cross section (a) is due to the gradual increase of the outflow opening (O') caused by the elastic deformation of the lateral portion 107.

As long as the pressure difference (Δ P) across the valve 100 is lower than the pressure difference in the switching point 202, the opening characteristic 200 is in the left region (C) or in the middle region (I) and the link element 108 of the valve extending between the side portions 107 is in its substantially straight orientation.

When the pressure differential (Δ Ρ) across the valve 100 increases beyond the pressure differential in the switching point 202, the linkage element 108 will flex and will move toward its flexed orientation. The additional stiffness of the valve element 101 provided by the link element 108 in its substantially straight orientation is thus lost and the central portion 106 of the valve will deform, causing rotation of the side portions 107.

In this embodiment the device is configured to maintain a desired pressure difference 203 between the pressure in the interior of the breathing mask and the ambient air in the range of 1-6hPa, preferably in the range of 3-5hPa, e.g. 4 hPa.

In this embodiment, the valve 100 is dimensioned such that the threshold pressure difference 201 at which the valve 100 is driven towards its first open position is lower than a desired pressure difference, for example in the range of 0-2hPa below the desired pressure difference 203, such that a small amount of air is continuously expelled through the valve 100, whereby the device, in particular the hose and the breathing mask of the device, may be flushed to prevent contamination.

The valve 100 is dimensioned such that the switching point is arranged in the range of 0-2hPa, preferably 0.5-1hPa, e.g. a pressure difference of 0.7hPa above the desired pressure difference 203.

When the pressure difference (Δ P) is above the pressure difference in the switching point 202, the opening characteristic curve 200 is in the right region (II) and the cross-sectional area (a) of the outflow opening (O ") increases sharply as the pressure difference (Δ P) increases. Furthermore, the right-hand region (II) in the characteristic curve 200 corresponds to the second open position of the valve 100 shown in fig. 2C.

It should be noted that the application of the above described embodiment of the outlet valve is not limited to breathing masks, but the outlet valve may be applied to a variety of different devices for controlling outflow.