Arrangement comprising a gas measuring device and a container and method using such an arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for monitoring an area where people are or may be present. A gas detector (1.1, 1.2) measures the concentration of a target gas within its detection range (Det.1, Det.2) and generates a signal containing information about the measured target gas concentration. A container (5) holds an object (6, 7, 8, 9, 14) inside, particularly for rescuing people. A sealing mechanism (4) closes the container (5) in a closed state, thus preventing access to the object inside the container (5). In a released state, the sealing mechanism (4) allows the object to be removed from the container. A signal processing control unit (10) receives and processes the signal from the gas detector (1.1, 1.2) and automatically determines whether the target gas concentration is too high.If the target gas concentration is too high, the control unit (10) causes the closing mechanism (4) to be moved into the releasing state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement and a method which are capable of monitoring an area in which people are or may be located.

[0002] The invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement and a method which, better than known arrangements, enable the protection of people in the presence of at least one gas dangerous to humans in a spatial area.

[0003] The problem is solved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 6. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention are, where appropriate, also advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0004] The arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one gas detector, optionally several gas detectors. Each gas detector is designed to be installed at a specific location and has a defined detection range. In one embodiment, the gas detector can be connected to a stationary power supply network. In another embodiment, the gas detector includes its own power supply unit to operate independently of a stationary power supply network. These two embodiments can be combined.

[0005] Each gas detector is designed to measure the concentration of at least one target gas within its detection range. More precisely, each gas detector is capable of measuring a quantity that correlates with the target gas concentration. In one embodiment, the gas detector can measure the concentration of a single target gas; in another embodiment, it can measure the concentrations of several target gases. The detection range of the gas detector(s) of the arrangement together covers a spatial area in which people are or may be present and in which at least one harmful target gas may be present. Furthermore, each gas detector is capable of generating a signal. This signal contains information about the target gas concentration(s) measured by the gas detector.

[0006] The arrangement further comprises a container. This container includes a wall enclosing an interior space, preferably with a door recessed into the wall. The container is designed to hold at least one object within its interior space. Preferably, the object, or at least one object, held within the interior space is one of the following: - personal protective equipment or a component of personal protective equipment, for example a protective helmet or a self-rescuer with a generator for a breathable gas mixture and a breathing mask, - a tool that a person can use to fight a fire, for example a fire extinguisher, - a tool that allows a person to gain access to a space, for example a burglary tool or a battering ram, - a tool that allows a person to seal a leak in a pipe, - a portable light source, especially a flashlight 14, - a portable alarm unit, for example a warning light or a horn, - a portable gas measuring device capable of measuring the concentration of a target gas and preferably having its own output unit and its own power supply unit.

[0007] The locking mechanism of the arrangement can be selectively switched between a locking and a unlocking state. In the locking state, the mechanism closes the container in such a way that access to the interior, and thus to any object inside, is blocked. In the unlocking state, the locking mechanism allows at least one object to be removed from the container.

[0008] Preferably, the container includes a door, and the locking mechanism either locks or unlocks the door. It is possible that a passive opening mechanism tends to open the door, so that the door springs open when the locking mechanism is moved to the unlocking state, without any human intervention being required.

[0009] A signal processing control unit of the arrangement is permanently or at least intermittently in a data connection with each gas detector in the arrangement. This data connection can be established via a data line and / or radio waves. Through this data connection, the control unit can receive the signal generated by each gas detector in the arrangement. Preferably, the control unit repeatedly queries each gas detector to check whether it is still active.

[0010] The control unit is capable of processing each received signal. The control unit can determine whether a target gas with a concentration above a predefined upper limit is present within the detection range of one or more gas detectors in the system. This decision is made automatically by the control unit based on at least one processed signal from a gas detector.

[0011] If the target gas concentration, or any target gas concentration, is below the respective threshold and no other situation hazardous to humans is detected, the sealing mechanism is in the closed position. At the beginning of the method according to the invention, the sealing mechanism is in the closed position. If the control unit detects that an excessively high target gas concentration is present in one or more detection zones, the control unit does the following: The control unit activates the sealing mechanism. This activation moves the sealing mechanism into the opening position. As a result, the container can be opened or opens automatically. It is now possible to remove the object, or at least one object, from the container and use it.

[0012] The method according to the invention comprises the corresponding steps.

[0013] A target gas concentration above the threshold can be dangerous for a person if the person is within the detection range of a gas detector in the device. The invention makes it easier for a person to protect themselves from the target gas and / or to reduce or at least detect any leakage of the target gas. A suitable object for this purpose is present in the container and can be removed when the sealing mechanism is in the releasing state.

[0014] It would be possible to provide no container for the object at all, or to design the container in such a way that the object can be removed at any time. However, this would create the risk that the object could be removed from the container without authorization and would then be missing when needed. This problem is known, for example, from publicly accessible lifebuoys. The locking mechanism according to the invention completely prevents, or at least reduces, the risk of an object being removed from the container without authorization, i.e., outside of an emergency.

[0015] It would be conceivable for the container to be sealed with a conventional mechanical lock, which could be opened with a matching key. However, there is a significant risk that in an emergency, a suitable key might not be found at all or only after a lengthy search. The locking mechanism according to the invention can be used in combination with a mechanical lock or can incorporate a mechanical lock. The invention eliminates the need for a person to open the container with a key. Instead, according to the invention, the control unit activates the locking mechanism when the target gas concentration is too high, thereby causing the locking mechanism to be moved into the releasing state, allowing an object to be removed from the container.

[0016] The control unit automatically determines whether at least one target gas is present with an excessively high concentration. In response to this, the control unit activates the sealing mechanism, allowing at least one object to be removed from the container. This configuration can be used in combination with an alarm unit, which emits an alarm in at least one form perceptible to a human when an excessively high target gas concentration is detected. However, the invention eliminates the need for a person to perceive the alarm and, in response, open the container or cause it to be opened. Instead, the control unit performs this action automatically.This design reduces the risk of a person being endangered in the danger zone due to their own incorrect decision or the incorrect decision of another person. The incorrect decision can result, in particular, from a person failing to notice an alarm. Furthermore, the invention saves time in many cases.

[0017] In one embodiment, the arrangement additionally includes a smoke detector. This smoke detector is capable of detecting smoke within its detection range. As is well known, smoke in higher concentrations and fire are also harmful to people, namely because they can suffer smoke inhalation or burns. If the smoke detector detects smoke, it generates a signal containing information about the smoke detection. This signal is transmitted to the control unit. In response to receiving this signal, the control unit causes the locking mechanism to be switched to the unlocking state.

[0018] This design ensures that in the event of a high target gas concentration or a fire, the container opens, allowing an object to be removed. Optionally, the smoke detector also emits an alarm, preferably an audible one. While possible, this design does not require a person to hear the alarm and react appropriately.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one signaling unit is arranged on or near the container. This signaling unit can be automatically activated by an external control. When activated, the signaling unit emits a signal in at least one form perceptible to a human. A person can perceive this signal from outside the container. For example, the signaling unit includes a warning light, a horn, or a siren.

[0020] As long as the target gas concentration(s) remain below the respective upper limit and the optional smoke detector has not detected smoke, the alarm unit is not activated and does not output any signal. According to the invention, the control unit moves the locking mechanism to the releasing state if the target gas concentration is too high or if the optional smoke detector has detected smoke. In this configuration, the control unit also activates the alarm unit, thereby triggering it. The activated alarm unit then outputs the signal described above. In one embodiment, the alarm unit outputs the signal in a different manner after activation than before activation.

[0021] In many cases, the alarm unit makes it easier for a person to quickly locate the container. Because the alarm unit does not continuously output the same information in the same way, but only after activation by a control signal, its output is more noticeable than if the alarm unit were to continuously output the same information.

[0022] In one embodiment, the arrangement additionally includes a display unit that can be controlled externally. In response to such a control, the display unit outputs information in at least one way perceptible to a human, in particular visually. This information includes, in particular, one of the following: - an audible and / or visually perceptible alarm indicating that an excessively high target gas concentration / or optionally smoke has occurred, - information about a route to the container with the locking mechanism, for example a directional indicator, - information about the spatial position of the container with the locking mechanism, for example according to a predefined coding for areas in a building.

[0023] According to the invention, the control unit is able to control the locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the control unit is additionally able to control the display unit just described. The control unit activates the display unit when an excessively high target gas concentration and, optionally, smoke are detected.

[0024] The display unit makes it easier for a person to quickly find the container with the locking mechanism, especially if the person is unfamiliar with the location of the container in a building.

[0025] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment. Here, it is shown that... Fig. 1 the components of the arrangement.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention. The components of this arrangement are explained below.

[0027] The arrangement is used in a spatial area where people are present or at least could be present. Examples of such a spatial area include public squares, buildings, storage facilities, or industrial plants.

[0028] Within this spatial area, at least one gas may be present which, at a sufficiently high concentration, is flammable and / or toxic and / or otherwise harmful to humans. Such a harmful gas is hereinafter referred to as a target gas.

[0029] Two stationary gas detectors 1.1, 1.2 of the arrangement are installed at two locations spaced apart from each other. The term "stationary device" specifies that the device is designed to be installed and / or mounted at a specific location. The stationary device includes a communication unit and is capable of transmitting a signal to a spatially distant receiver via this communication unit. The communication unit is capable of transmitting the signal, in particular, via wired connection or radio waves. The signal includes information about a measurement result from the gas detector 1.1, 1.2. The stationary gas detector 1.1, 1.2 does not necessarily include its own output unit that displays measurement results or alarms in at least one form perceptible to a human. Optionally, the stationary gas detector 1.1, 1.2 includes at least one status indicator light that displays an internal status of the device.

[0030] Each gas detector 1.1, 1.2 has a detection range Det.1, Det.2, as shown schematically. Each gas detector 1.1, 1.2 is capable of measuring the concentration of at least one target gas within its detection range Det.1, Det.2. Together, the detection ranges Det.1, Det.2 cover at least that part of the spatial area in which people may be present and in which a concentration of a target gas harmful to humans may occur.

[0031] Each gas detector 1.1, 1.2 is capable of generating a signal. This signal includes information about the measured target gas concentration. In one embodiment, the signal includes information on whether the measured target gas concentration is above a predefined upper limit. Each upper limit is set such that no danger to humans can occur if the target gas concentration is less than or equal to the upper limit. In another embodiment, the signal includes an indication of the measured target gas concentration. A control unit 10, described below, can determine whether this target gas concentration is too high or not. These embodiments can be combined.

[0032] It is possible that gas detectors 1.1 and 1.2 are all capable of detecting the same target gas. It is also possible that gas detectors 1.1 and 1.2 are capable of detecting at least two different target gases.

[0033] A smoke detector 1.3 is capable of detecting an indication of smoke. Smoke is often an indication of fire. The smoke detector 1.3 also has a detection range Det.3. If smoke is present within this detection range Det.3, the smoke detector 1.3 will detect this smoke.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, two gas detectors 1.1, 1.2 and one smoke detector 1.3 are used. Of course, a different number of gas detectors and smoke detectors is also possible.

[0035] Preferably, each gas detector 1.1, 1.2 and the smoke detector 1.3 each comprise a measuring chamber, and the measuring chamber is capable of receiving a gas sample from the detection range Det.1, Det.2. Different detection or measurement principles are possible, such as how a gas detector 1.1, 1.2 can detect a target gas in a gas sample and / or measure the concentration of a target gas in the gas sample. The two gas detectors 1.1, 1.2 can use the same measurement principle or different measurement principles. For example, a radiation source emits electromagnetic radiation or sound into the measuring chamber, a target gas in the measuring chamber attenuates the radiation or sound, and a detector measures the intensity of the incident radiation or sound. The measured intensity correlates with the target gas concentration. The smoke detector 1.3 can also use a corresponding measurement principle.

[0036] A signal processing control unit 10 receives a signal from each of the two gas detectors 1.1, 1.2 and from the smoke detector 1.3. The signal from a gas detector 1.1, 1.2 contains information about the measured target gas concentration, and the signal from the smoke detector 1.3 contains information about the detection or absence of smoke. In one embodiment, the signal from a gas detector 1.1, 1.2 contains information about a measured target gas concentration. The control unit 10 decides whether this target gas concentration is above the predefined upper limit. In another embodiment, the gas detector 1.1, 1.2 itself decides whether the target gas concentration is above the upper limit, and the signal contains information about this result.

[0037] The term "alarm situation" is used below. An alarm situation has occurred if a target gas concentration exceeds the predefined upper limit and / or if smoke has been detected. An alarm situation has also occurred if the smoke detector 1.3 has detected smoke.

[0038] The control unit 10 controls an output unit 2. Depending on the control signal, this output unit 2 is capable of outputting messages that can be perceived by a person, particularly audibly. In one embodiment, the control unit 10 automatically generates a voice message from predefined and stored voice message modules in the event of an alarm. The generated voice message indicates both the alarm situation and provides information about the measures that now need to be taken.

[0039] The voice message issued indicates the alarm situation with information such as: - Which target gas triggered the alarm? Or did the detection of smoke trigger the alarm? - Where was this target gas or smoke detected? This information is derived from which gas detector 1.1, 1.2 detected an excessively high target gas concentration, and / or which smoke detector 1.3 detected smoke. - optionally, an indication of the target gas concentration or the intensity of the smoke.

[0040] The information provided regarding actions to be taken now may include, for example, the following: - The monitored area must be vacated. - The location of a gathering point to which people should go is described. - The list indicates whether and, if so, which personal protective equipment must be worn. - Optionally, instructions are given on how to put on personal protective equipment. - Optionally, it describes which tool should now be used. The route to a container with protective equipment and tools is described. This container is described further below.

[0041] In one configuration, the control unit 10 configures the information about measures depending on which device transmitted a signal indicating an alarm situation. For example, if a gas detector 1.1, 1.2 has detected a toxic target gas at a high concentration, the information about the measures includes the instruction to put on gas masks and, optionally, to carry a portable gas detector. If a smoke detector 1.3 has detected smoke, the information includes, for example, the instruction to use a fire extinguisher.

[0042] Furthermore, in an alarm situation, the control unit 10 activates a display unit 3. This display unit 3 indicates, in a way perceptible to a person, where one should go to leave a now dangerous area, primarily visually. In the example shown, the display unit 3 visually indicates the direction to a safe area, for example, to an assembly point. In one implementation, the display unit 3 is in a standby state as long as it is not activated. The process of the control unit 10 activating the display unit 3 causes the display unit 3 to enter a display state. In one implementation, this activation causes the display unit 3 to illuminate and / or flash.

[0043] The previously mentioned container with protective equipment and tools is described in more detail below. The lockable container 5 comprises a wall 11 that encloses an interior space In. The container 5 is designed, for example, as a cabinet. In the exemplary embodiment, an acoustic signaling unit 12, for example a horn, and an optical signaling unit 13, for example a flashing indicator light 13, are arranged on the outside of the wall 11.

[0044] The interior is designed to hold several items. It can contain multiple shelves. These items can be used to escape from an area with a high concentration of the target gas and / or to combat the leakage of the target gas or the spread of a fire. Fig. 1. The following items, currently located inside, are shown as examples: - an escape hood 6, which a user can place in front of their face and which includes a filter for particles, - a self-rescuer 7 in a container, wherein the self-rescuer 7 comprises a face mask and an oxygen generator and is designed to generate a gas mixture comprising oxygen and to deliver it to the face mask, - a portable gas detector 8, which a person can carry with them, - a fire extinguisher 9 and - a flashlight 14.

[0045] Other items that may be found in container 5 include, for example: - a protective helmet, - a gas mask with a filter unit, - a ladder, - Tools such as axe and / or hammer and - an acoustic warning device, for example a horn.

[0046] A locking mechanism 4 can selectively either lock the container 5 or allow access to the items 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 inside the container 5. When the locking mechanism 4 is in the locking state, access to the items 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 inside the container 5 is prevented. The locking mechanism 4 is therefore selectively in either a locking or a unlocking state. Preferably, the container includes a door. In the locking state, the locking mechanism 4 locks this door. When the locking mechanism 4 is in the unlocking state, the door can be opened or opens automatically.

[0047] In one embodiment, a locking unit with a locking body tends to close the door. The locking mechanism 4 comprises an actuator, and the actuator is capable of moving the locking body. In one implementation, a passive return element, for example a spring, tends to hold the locking body in a closed state. The actuator of the locking mechanism 4 is capable of moving the locking body against the force of the return element.

[0048] In one embodiment, a passive opening element, for example a spring, tends to open the door and hold it in the open position. This embodiment achieves the following: As soon as the locking mechanism 4 is moved into the releasing state, the opening element opens the door without requiring any human intervention.

[0049] The locking mechanism 4 can be controlled externally. Preferably, the locking mechanism 4 is in the locked state as long as it is not controlled. Controlling it causes the locking mechanism 4 to be moved into the unlocking state.

[0050] As already explained, the control unit 10 detects an alarm situation particularly when one of the following events has occurred: - A gas measuring device 1.1, 1.2 measured a target gas concentration above the upper limit. - Smoke detector 13 has detected smoke.

[0051] If control unit 10 has detected an alarm situation, control unit 10 triggers the following steps: - The control unit 10 controls the locking mechanism 4, thereby causing the locking mechanism 4 to be moved into the releasing state, in this embodiment against the restoring force of the return element. The items 6, 7, 8, 9, 14 can then be removed from the container 5. - The control unit 10 controls the acoustic alarm unit 12 and causes it to emit a sound. - The control unit 10 controls the optical signaling unit 13 and causes it to output a visually perceptible message.

[0052] The controlled alarm units 12 and 13 make it easier for a user to find cabinet 5, even in an alarm situation. Reference symbol list 1.1, 1.2 stationary gas measuring device 1.3 Smoke detectors 2 acoustic output units 3 optical escape route indicators 4 controllable locking mechanisms for the cabinet 5 5 Cabinet, accommodates the escape hood 6, the self-rescuer 7, the gas detector 8, the fire extinguisher 9 and the flashlight 14, lockable by the locking mechanism 4, functions as the container 6 Escape hoods in cabinet 5, including a particle filter and a face mask 7 self-rescuers in cabinet 5, comprising an oxygen generator and an escape hood in a container 8 portable gas detectors in cabinet 5 9 fire extinguishers in the cupboard 5 10 signal processing control unit, receives a signal from each stationary gas detector 1.1, 1.2 and from the smoke detector 1.3, controls the loudspeakers 2, the escape route indicator 3, the locking mechanism 4 and the alarm units 12, 13 11 Wall of the container 5 12 acoustic alarm units 13 visual reporting units 14 Flashlight in the cupboard 5 Det.1, Detection range of the gas detector 1.1, 1.2 Det.2 Det.3 Detection range of the smoke detector 1.3 Inside container 5, enclosed by wall 11

Claims

[1] arrangement encompassing - at least one gas detector (1.1, 1.2), wherein the gas detector or each gas detector (1.1, 1.2) has a detection range (Det.1, Det.2), - a container (5) with a wall (11) surrounding an interior space (In), - a locking mechanism (4) for the container (5) and - a signal processing control unit (10), wherein the gas measuring device (1.1, 1.2) is designed to - to be set up at a single location each, - to measure the respective concentration of at least one target gas within its detection range (Det.1, Det.2) and - to generate a signal that includes information about the measured target gas concentration, wherein the container (5) is designed to accommodate at least one object (6, 7, 8, 9, 14) in its interior (In), wherein the locking mechanism (4) can be selectively transferred into a locking and into a releasing state, wherein the locking mechanism (4) - in the closing state, closes the container (5) in such a way that access to an object (6, 7, 8, 9, 14) located in the container (5) is blocked, and - in the releasing state, allows the removal of an object (6, 7, 8, 9, 14) from the container (5), wherein the control unit (10) is designed to - to receive the respective signal from the gas measuring device (1.1, 1.2) of the arrangement and - depending on the signal or signals, to decide whether at least one target gas with a concentration above a predetermined upper limit occurs in at least one detection range (Det.1, Det.2) of a gas measuring device (1.1, 1.2) of the arrangement, and wherein the control unit (10) is further designed to then, if at least one target gas with a concentration above the upper limit occurs in the detection area or at least one detection area (Det.1, Det.2), to cause the locking mechanism (4) to be moved into the releasing state. [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by , that the arrangement includes a smoke detector (1.3) which has a detection range (Det.3), where the smoke alarm (1.3) - is located in one place and - is designed to do so, to detect the event that smoke is present in its detection range (Det.3), and a signal comprehensive to generate information about the presence of smoke, and wherein the control unit (10) is designed to - to receive the signal from the smoke detector (1.3) and - to cause in response to the reception of this signal, that the locking mechanism (4) is moved into the releasing state. [3] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one signaling unit (12, 13) is arranged on the container (5), wherein the signaling unit or each signaling unit (12, 13) on the container (5) is designed to - to be activated and - after activation, to produce an output perceptible to a person from outside the container (5), and wherein the control unit (10) is designed to during the transition of the locking mechanism (4) into the releasing state to control and thereby activate the or at least one reporting unit (12, 13). [4] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the arrangement includes at least one of the following items, where these items are located inside (In) the container (5): - a component (6, 7) of personal protective equipment, - a tool (9) for fighting a fire, - a tool for creating access to a room, - a tool for sealing a leak, - a portable light source (14), - a portable gas detector (8). [5] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the arrangement additionally includes a controllable display unit (3), wherein the display unit (3) is designed to output information in at least one manner perceptible to a human in response to a control input, where the information is a warning and / or a directional indicator and / or an indication of a spatial position, and wherein the control unit (10) is designed to, when at least one target gas with a concentration above the upper limit occurs in at least one detection area (Det.1, Det.2), to control the display unit (3). [6] Methods for monitoring an area, the procedure is carried out using an arrangement, where the arrangement - at least one gas detector (1.1, 1.2), - a container (5) with a wall (11) surrounding an interior space (In), - a locking mechanism (4) for the container (5) and - a signal processing control unit (10), includes wherein the interior (In) of the container (5) accommodates at least one item (6, 7, 8, 9, 14), wherein the locking mechanism (4) - is initially in a closing state and - closes the container (5) in such a way that access to an object (6, 7, 8, 9, 14) located in the container (5) is blocked, where the gas measuring device or devices (1.1, 1.2) - is set up in one location each and - each has a detection area (Det.1, Det.2), wherein the procedure includes the automatically performed steps that the gas measuring device or devices (1.1, 1.2) - repeatedly measures the respective concentration of at least one target gas in its detection range (Det.1, Det.2) and - generates a signal which includes information about the measured target gas concentration, and the control unit (10) - receives the respective signal from the gas measuring device (1.1, 1.2) of the arrangement and - depending on the signal or signals, it automatically decides whether at least one target gas with a concentration above a predetermined upper limit occurs in the respective detection range (Det.1, Det.2) of at least one gas measuring device (1.1, 1.2) of the arrangement, and wherein the procedure includes the further automatically performed step that the control unit (10) then, if at least one target gas with a concentration above the upper limit occurs in the detection area or at least one detection area (Det.1, Det.2), causes the locking mechanism (4) to be moved into a releasing state, wherein the locking mechanism (4) in the releasing state enables the removal of an object (6, 7, 8, 9, 14) from the container (5).

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