PROTECTIVE SUIT ORDER, PROTECTIVE SUIT UNIT AND RESPIRATORY PROTECTION UNIT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective suit arrangement, a protective suit unit and a respiratory protection unit.

[0002] Personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly used to protect people and animals from harmful agents, such as nuclear, chemical, or biological agents. Many examples of PPE exist that can enclose a user in a personal protective space, such as chemical protective suits (CPS), protective tents, protective covers for injured persons, and similar items. These systems isolate parts of the body, preferably the entire body, from the harmful agents. In the case of nuclear agents, protection refers to protection from radiological aerosols, particles, and dust; protection from radiation is largely not possible.Since these agents are often harmful to the breathing of the person being protected, various types of outside air purifying or outside air independent air supply systems are used, enabling the user to breathe in and out without harm.

[0003] Different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) are available for handling harmful agents, such as nuclear, biological or chemical agents (hazardous materials).

[0004] These are classified according to specific criteria. The highest level of protection is provided by Category III protective suits (according to 88 / 686 / EEC). This applies to PPE intended to protect against fatal hazards or serious and irreversible health damage (see BGI / GUV-I 8685) and specifies quality requirements. Furthermore, PPE within Category III is divided into different types. Here, the highest level of protection is provided by Type 1 PPE, in particular a gas-tight chemical protective suit (CSA) according to [relevant standard / regulation].

[0005] DIN EN943-1. For PS equipment of category III type 1, a further distinction is made according to the breathing air supply: Type 1a: "Gas-tight" CS suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) worn inside the suit; Type 1b: "Gas-tight" CS suit with an externally worn self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA); Type 1c: "Gas-tight" CS suit with a pressurized breathing air supply (e.g., from external lines)

[0006] The fundamental problem with Type 1a suits is the rapid depletion of the breathing air supply after approximately 30 minutes, especially when using a self-contained breathing apparatus, such as an oxygen cylinder. This also limits the potential operating time, for example, for a firefighter during rescue operations wearing such a suit. Since the breathing air supply is carried inside the suit and constitutes the sole source of air, it must be used as soon as the wearer approaches the hazardous area, even in areas where less extensive respiratory protection would suffice. The potential operating time begins as soon as the breathing air supply is depleted. Changing the breathing air cylinder, if necessary, is not straightforward: the suit would have to be opened, thereby compromising protection against harmful substances.However, the suit can only be safely opened after a time-consuming decontamination process. Therefore, such an exchange of a breathing air cylinder is only safe outside the contaminated area.

[0007] With a Type 1b suit, changing the SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), for example, a breathing air cylinder, is easier since it is carried outside the suit. However, the risk of contamination is still increased. Complete decontamination is not always possible, so the SCBA must be disposed of. Air purification devices can be used, such as recirculating air systems or air regeneration units instead of self-contained breathing apparatus. This can extend the possible operating time to up to four hours or more. However, regeneration units typically release such a significant amount of heat into the air supply that the breathing air temperature rises sharply, making it increasingly difficult for the wearer and potentially requiring a complex air cooling system.However, the potentially significant heating of the equipment itself can also pose a hazard, particularly in potentially explosive environments where, for example, the harmful chemical agents are highly flammable. An elevated equipment temperature can trigger an explosion of the chemical agents, which must be avoided. Therefore, the use of regeneration units is currently rather the exception and is suitable for very specific applications, such as operations in tunnels, etc.

[0008] With a CS suit of type 1c, the limitation of the breathing air supply could be circumvented by providing the necessary air supply via a pressurized breathing air hose. However, the use of such a supply line between the suit and the air supply source is unsuitable for many operations, as it severely restricts the wearer's range of motion.

[0009] In addition to using a CS suit with SCBA according to type 1a or type 1b, a CS suit with a respirator and filter (APR, abbreviation for Air-Purifying Respirator) or with a respirator and blower respirator (PAPR, abbreviation for Powered Air-Purifying Respirator) is also possible, either in combination with it.

[0010] Combining it with an APR is possible, but places a heavy burden on the wearer, as the filter resistance must be overcome with lung power. This is avoided by using a PAPR.

[0011] German patent application DE 43 44 353 A1 discloses a chemical protective suit (CS suit) with a portable air supply unit. The supply unit is worn on the back of the wearer of the protective suit. It is connected to the CS suit's respirator mask via a breathing air supply hose. The breathing air can be cooled. Similar arrangements are known from FR1417205 A and US2007 / 235030 A1.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a protective suit arrangement for protecting persons from harmful, e.g., atomic, chemical and / or biological agents, which avoids the known disadvantages of the above-mentioned protective suit arrangements with respiratory protective equipment in the form of APR, PAPR and / or SCBA, which in particular can increase the maximum possible dwell time of wearers of such protective suit arrangements in a danger area and can improve the recyclability of the respiratory protective equipment; as well as suitable protective suit units and respiratory protection units with respiratory protective equipment.

[0013] This task is accomplished by a respiratory protection unit and a protective suit unit according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the respiratory protection unit and the protective suit unit, as well as of the protective suit arrangement consisting of the protective suit unit and respiratory protection unit, are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to one aspect, protective suits are required to protect individuals from harmful agents, particularly nuclear, chemical, and / or biological agents. Harmful chemical agents can include, for example, harmful gases released uncontrollably in a chemical accident, as well as chemical warfare agents or similar substances. Biological agents can include, for example, pathogens in the air, or also biological warfare agents, as well as biological contaminants from industrial facilities. Nuclear agents can be released, for example, in an accident at a nuclear power plant, but also in terrorist attacks using a so-called "dirty bomb."

[0015] The protective arrangement includes a protective suit unit, for example, a chemical protective suit (CPS). A suitable protective suit unit typically consists of two leg units with booties, a torso unit, two sleeves with attached protective gloves, and a head unit, usually equipped with a respirator. This allows a person to be completely enclosed in the protective suit unit and to operate as freely as possible in the hazardous environment while wearing it.

[0016] The individual components of the protective suit unit can be formed as a single unit or as multiple parts, in which case they are fluid-tight and connected to the rest of the suit unit. Due to the fluid-tight design of the protective suit unit, which includes gas tightness, the protective suit unit provides a primary media barrier that protects the wearer from harmful environmental influences.

[0017] Furthermore, the protective suit unit has a primary interior space that is as fluid-tight as possible, ideally completely, from an exterior space that may contain potentially harmful agents. This barrier between the interior of the protective suit unit and the exterior space is achieved primarily by the protective suit unit's outer shell, for example, a special plastic and / or rubber shell. If the protective suit unit is multi-part, the outer shell also includes the joints between the individual sub-units, which are also fluid-tight, for example, by welding or other joining and / or bonding methods.

[0018] Furthermore, the protective suit unit includes a breathing apparatus unit containing the breathing apparatus. This breathing apparatus is designed to purify the breathing air. Just as the protective suit assembly has a primary media barrier, so too does the breathing apparatus unit have a secondary media barrier, allowing for a largely fluid-tight separation of a second interior space from the external environment. This media separation is achieved by a breathing apparatus unit casing, which, like the protective suit unit casing, can be made of a single or multiple piece of material, such as rubber and / or plastic. In particular, the breathing apparatus casing provides the breathing apparatus unit with a largely fluid-tight separation from the external environment, even when operating independently of the protective suit unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the protective suit arrangement has one or more breathing air hoses through which the two interior spaces of the protective suit unit and the breathing apparatus unit can be connected in such a way that this connection represents the only fluidic connection between the two interior spaces and the common interior space thus fluidically connected is separated from the exterior space as largely as possible in a fluid-tight manner.

[0020] Such a two-part protective suit assembly can also be referred to as a hybrid protective suit. The independent, complete media separation, achieved through a largely fluid-tight seal to the outside environment, makes it possible, particularly in the presence of harmful agents such as nuclear, chemical, and / or biological substances, to completely replace the entire respiratory protection unit without opening the protective suit unit and compromising its media separation.

[0021] For example, the exchange can be carried out with the help of a second person who briefly enters the danger zone. The breathing apparatus unit being replaced can then be retrieved from the danger zone, decontaminated, and reprocessed in a non-contaminated environment, for example, by being refilled.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the protective suit assembly comprises an external coupling element for the protective suit unit, and the respiratory protection unit comprises an external coupling element for the respiratory protection unit. The external coupling element for the protective suit unit is attached to the outside of the protective suit unit shell, either directly or indirectly via a carrier body.

[0023] Similarly, the coupling element on the breathing apparatus side is also arranged on the outside of the breathing apparatus housing. The coupling elements allow for a mechanical connection between the protective suit unit and the breathing apparatus unit, particularly without interrupting the largely fluid-tight separation of the respective interior and exterior spaces. Thanks to the mechanical coupling, the breathing apparatus unit can be conveniently carried by the wearer of the protective suit unit. Specifically, the breathing apparatus unit can be carried like a backpack, attached to the protective suit unit via the coupling elements.

[0024] The protective suit assembly preferably includes a respirator mask, which is either integrated into the protective suit unit on one side or connected to the rest of the protective suit unit as a separate component, ideally in a fluid-tight manner. For example, the respirator mask can be connected to the rest of the protective suit unit in a sealed connection, for example by plastic welding or similar means.

[0025] The at least one breathing air hose of the protective suit arrangement, or several such breathing air hoses, are preferably connected to the respiratory mask.

[0026] Advantageously, the breathing apparatus unit features a coupling element for the breathing air hose, allowing for easy connection to the unit and its respiratory protection equipment, thus establishing a fluid connection with the other end, which is connected to the face mask. This breathing air hose coupling element allows, for example, the aforementioned helper to easily connect and disconnect the new and old breathing apparatus units. A demand valve can be integrated into the supply hose.

[0027] Advantageously, the respiratory protection equipment includes a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) located in the second compartment of the respiratory protection unit, or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or a combination of both. These different configurations allow the respiratory protection to be selected according to the specific hazard situation. In the combined PAPR and SCBA configuration, the breathing air hose has a switching device. Preferably, this device is located on the breathing air hose or on the face mask and is designed, for example, as a control switch that can be manually operated by the user. This allows switching between PAPR and SCBA depending on the hazardous environment.

[0028] In one configuration, the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) includes a compressed air cylinder located within the breathing apparatus unit. This cylinder typically contains a breathable air-gas mixture, which is compressed within the cylinder and connected, for example, via an exhaust valve system, to a demand valve, such as the aforementioned demand valve in the breathing hose leading to the face mask. Because the air-gas mixture is pressurized, the user, for example, the wearer of the protective suit, can be supplied with breathable air for a longer period than without pressurization of the air-gas mixture in the cylinder.

[0029] In one embodiment of respiratory protective equipment with self-contained breathing apparatus (SBCA) and blower-assisted breathing apparatus, the breathing air cylinder can advantageously be attached to the blower-assisted breathing apparatus (PAPR), for example by screwing it on, attaching it with a strap or by means of a double-sided coupling closure.

[0030] In one embodiment of a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), the respirator comprises a blower with at least one, and usually several, air filters. For easy replacement of these air filters, the respirator unit, into which the blower is integrated, has an access point through which a person can reach and connect the air filter to the blower from the outside, for example, by screwing or attaching it to the blower.

[0031] In one embodiment, the protective suit unit of the protective suit arrangement has a coupling plate on the inside of the protective suit unit in its (second) interior space. This coupling plate is attached either directly to the inside of the protective suit unit shell, so that there is direct, material-bonded contact between the coupling plate and the protective suit unit shell, or indirectly, so that there is at least a mechanically fixed connection with the protective suit unit shell.

[0032] Similarly, a coupling plate is arranged on the outside of the protective suit unit, on the outer surface of the protective suit unit's outer shell. The two coupling plates must be mechanically connected and can preferably serve as a carrying frame on the inside, or be connected to a carrying frame, so that a wearer can conveniently carry the coupling plate on the inside of the protective suit. In particular, the wearer can attach the carrying frame to their upper body, for example, using one or more shoulder straps, similar to a backpack. The respiratory protection unit can be attached to the coupling plate on the outside of the protective suit, so that the wearer can conveniently carry it.

[0033] To connect the outer coupling plate of the protective suit unit to the corresponding inner coupling plate, these two coupling plates are mechanically connected by means of connecting elements. These connecting elements pass through the protective suit unit shell at penetration points, where additional sealing elements may be applied on both sides to further ensure the highest possible gas tightness of the protective suit unit shell. The sealing elements can be, for example, a sealing ring or similar device. The connecting elements can be, for example, rivets or screws that connect the inner and outer coupling plates of the protective suit unit through the protective suit unit shell. The rivets or screws, preferably with a lock nut, can reinforce the sealing effect of the sealing elements through frictional engagement.

[0034] Analogous to the two coupling plates of the protective suit unit, an internal coupling plate is also arranged inside the breathing apparatus unit. This plate is located either directly in contact with the inside of the breathing apparatus unit shell or indirectly attached to it. A separate coupling plate is also attached to the outside of the breathing apparatus unit shell. Similar to the protective suit unit, both the internal and external coupling plates are connected using the same or similar connecting elements, creating a largely gas-tight seal through penetrations in the breathing apparatus unit shell. The same connecting elements can be used here as in the case of the protective suit unit.

[0035] Preferably, both the breathing apparatus unit and the protective suit unit have at least one coupling element: a coupling element on the outside of the breathing apparatus unit and a coupling element on the side of the protective suit unit. Preferably, several of these coupling elements can also be arranged on the respective outer coupling plates.

[0036] Preferably, the protective suit unit can be mechanically coupled to the respiratory protection unit using the coupling elements on the outside of the protective suit and on the outside of the respiratory protection unit, so that the wearer of the protective suit unit can conveniently carry the respiratory protection unit, for example in the manner of a backpack as described above.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, both coupling plates, that of the protective suit unit and that of the respiratory protection unit, are made of stainless steel, which is particularly resistant to corrosion and easy to decontaminate. Alternatively, a decontaminable plastic can also be used.

[0038] According to a second aspect, a protective suit unit is specified that can be used in a protective suit arrangement according to the first aspect. This unit preferably has the features of the protective suit unit already mentioned above, in particular: a first barrier by which a first interior space of the protective suit unit can be separated as far as possible from an exterior space which may contain the harmful agents by means of a protective suit unit shell, at least one protective suit unit exterior coupling element which is arranged on the exterior side of the protective suit unit shell, wherein the coupling element(s) enable a mechanical coupling of the protective suit unit with a respiratory protection unit without interrupting the separation of the interior space of the protective suit unit from the exterior space as far as possible in a fluid-tight manner.The coupling is designed so that a breathing apparatus attached to the protective suit unit can be carried by the wearer of the protective suit unit, particularly in the form of a backpack, for example with a corresponding carrying frame arranged inside the protective suit unit, which has, for example, one or more shoulder straps, so that the person can carry the breathing apparatus unit comfortably.

[0039] According to a third aspect, a respiratory protection unit is specified, comprising: a respiratory protection device for the treatment of breathing air, a second barrier by which an interior of the respiratory protection unit can be separated from the outside space, but also from the interior of the protective suit unit, as largely fluid-tight as possible, by means of a respiratory protection unit cover, at least one external coupling element of the respiratory protection unit, preferably several, whichwhich are arranged on the outside of the breathing apparatus unit casing, wherein the coupling elements on the breathing apparatus unit side correspond to the corresponding coupling elements of the protective suit unit and enable a mechanical coupling of the two units, without interrupting the respective fluid-tight separation of the respective interior spaces from the exterior space, so that the breathing apparatus unit can be conveniently carried by the person while wearing the protective suit unit, in particular in the manner of a backpack as described above.

[0040] Furthermore, in advantageous embodiments, both the protective suit unit and the respiratory protection unit can contain the corresponding features disclosed above with regard to the protective suit arrangement and the protective suit units and respiratory protection units described therein.

[0041] Further advantages and beneficial designs and further developments of the protective suit arrangement, the protective suit unit and the respiratory protection unit result from the following exemplary embodiments, which are shown in conjunction with schematic figures.

[0042] They show: Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a protective suit assembly with a protective suit unit and a respiratory protection unit as well as a breathing air hose and respiratory mask, Fig. 2 a protective suit unit in cross-sectional view, Fig. 3 a respiratory protection unit with a breathing air hose as well as respiratory protection equipment with SCBA and PAPR, including respiratory protection filters, Fig. 4 a respiratory protection unit according to Fig. 3 In a reduced representation, without SCBA and PAPR with respiratory protection filters in cross-sectional view, Fig. 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the two inner and outer coupling plates of the protective suit unit.

[0043] Identical, similar, and equivalent elements are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures. In some figures, individual reference symbols may be omitted for clarity. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements depicted within them are not to be considered to scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for better representation and / or comprehensibility.

[0044] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a protective suit arrangement 1, comprising a protective suit unit 2, which can be designed as a chemical protective suit (CPS). This unit has an interior space 22, which is separated from an exterior space 3 by the protective suit unit shell 23. The exterior space 3 may contain harmful agents, such as a nuclear, chemical, or biological hazard, for example, harmful gases or biochemical airborne particles, or even nuclear, chemical, or biologically contaminated precipitation. The separation of the interior space 22 from the exterior space 3 is achieved by a protective suit shell 23. This shell is, for example, a single piece and has a head area 21, an arm area 25, a hand area 26, a leg area 27, and a foot area 28, so that a person 7 can easily wear the suit 2 close to their body.The individual sections can also be designed as separate parts, connected to each other by gas-tight connections, for example, plastic welds or the like. Crucially, the protective suit unit shell 23 is designed as a media-separating barrier 21, which separates the first interior space 22 of the protective suit unit 2 from the outer space 3 containing the hazard source in such a way that any hazardous agents potentially present in the outer space 3 cannot penetrate the protective suit unit shell, thus protecting the health of the wearer 7 even in the hazardous area.

[0045] A respiratory mask 24 is molded or attached to the head area 29 and is fluidically connected to a breathing air supply via a breathing air supply hose 5.

[0046] Breathing air is supplied via a breathing apparatus unit 4, which is connected to the breathing air supply hose and, via that hose, to the breathing mask 24 via an easily attachable quick-release coupling 45. The quick-release coupling 45 can be easily disconnected from the breathing apparatus unit, preferably by an assistant, when it needs to be replaced, and reconnected to a new breathing apparatus unit. This new unit contains, for example, a new, freshly filled breathing air cylinder 46, which supplies the wearer 7 with breathing air so that they can continue working in the hazardous area.

[0047] Preferably, the breathing air hose 5 is protected from contamination by a protective sleeve made of special protective material, which surrounds the breathing air hose 5 from the connection to the respiratory mask 24 to the quick coupling 45.

[0048] A protective suit unit inner coupling plate 71 is located in the interior 22, forming a material bond with the inner surface of the protective suit unit shell 23. On the opposite side of the protective suit unit shell 23, protective suit unit outer coupling plates 72 are also attached to the protective suit unit shell 23 in a material bond. The inner and outer protective suit unit coupling plates are force-fitted to each other via rivets 73 at shoulder and abdominal height, such that the protective suit unit shell 23 is clamped by the two protective suit unit-side coupling plates 71 and 72. This clamping action maintains the largely gas-tight seal of the protective suit unit shell 23.If necessary, additional sealing rings, for example O-rings made of rubber, are arranged concentrically around the rivets on both sides in the penetration areas for the rivets 73 through the protective suit unit shell 23, so that the sealing effect is increased.

[0049] On the outer side, two upper coupling elements 612, 622 are attached to the outer coupling plate of the protective suit unit 2 by means of the rivets 73 located near the shoulders; on the stomach side, two lower coupling elements 611, 621 are attached to the outer coupling plate 72 by means of the rivets 73 located there (only one rivet is visible in perspective).

[0050] Figure 1Figure 4 further shows a breathing apparatus unit 4, which, analogous to the protective suit unit 2, comprises a breathing apparatus unit shell 43 that encloses an interior space 42 of the breathing apparatus unit 4 as tightly as possible, in particular gas-tight. A breathing apparatus 44 for the preparation and supply of breathing air is arranged in the breathing apparatus unit 4. The breathing apparatus unit shell 43 serves as a second media-separating barrier 41 of the protective suit assembly 1, separating the interior space 42 of the breathing apparatus unit 4 from the potentially hazardous external environment in the outer space 3. A breathing apparatus 44, here in the form of a SCBA and a PAPR, is arranged in the breathing apparatus unit 4. Also in Figure 1 Two respiratory protection filters 441 are visibly attached to the outside of the respiratory protection unit 4, through which the PAPR can draw in air, thereby potentially preventing dangerous airborne particles and other hazardous substances from the breathing air supply.

[0051] The area containing the breathing air filters 441 is easily accessible from the outside, allowing for convenient replacement. For example, a helper can simply unscrew the used filters and screw in new, unused filters 441 from the outside.

[0052] The breathing apparatus unit 4 also features an internal coupling plate 81, which is directly and materially bonded to the breathing apparatus unit shell 43. A corresponding external coupling plate 82 is located on the outer side of the breathing apparatus unit shell 43. Similar to the clamping of the protective suit unit shell by its coupling plates, the breathing apparatus unit shell 43 is clamped as gas-tight as possible between the two coupling plates 81 and 82 by means of rivets at the shoulder and hip sides, which forcefully connect the two coupling plates 81 and 82 by clamping the breathing apparatus unit shell 43. Here, too, O-rings can be slipped over the rivets on both sides, if necessary, to increase the gas tightness.

[0053] The breathing apparatus 44 is attached to the internal coupling plate 81 of the breathing apparatus unit via a breathing apparatus coupling element 444, so that the breathing apparatus 44 can be quickly replaced when the breathing apparatus unit needs to be exchanged or reconditioned after an operation. Preferably, the breathing apparatus coupling element 444 is also attached to the internal coupling plate 81 of the breathing apparatus unit via the rivets 73.

[0054] The breathing apparatus unit 4 also features upper and lower coupling elements 622 and 621, which can be mechanically coupled to the corresponding upper and lower coupling elements 612 and 611 via interlocking L-shaped connecting pieces. In this way, the breathing apparatus unit 4 can be mechanically coupled to the protective suit unit 2 without, for example, having to open the protective suit unit. This allows for the easy exchange of a used breathing apparatus 44 with a fresh, unused one in the operational area, simply by replacing the entire breathing apparatus unit 4, preferably by a single person. This can significantly increase the operational time in the hazardous area where breathing apparatus must be used, which is often crucial in particularly time-consuming operations.

[0055] A quick coupling 45, for example a gas-tight hose coupling which is attached to the breathing apparatus unit 4, allows a simple and quick coupling of the breathing air hose 5 and thus also with the associated breathing mask 24.

[0056] A switching element 51 on the breathing air hose 5 allows switching from PAPR to SCBA as needed, as soon as the hazardous situation makes further breathing air supply via PAPR impossible and a switch to cylinder supply via SCBA is necessary. Conversely, switching back to PAPR mode is of course possible as soon as the hazardous situation has subsided and a PAPR supply via the respiratory protection filters 441 again offers sufficient protection in the hazardous situation. Switching between SCBA and PAPR is also possible as soon as the filters 441 have reached an excessively high level of contamination, so that only SCBA operation is possible.

[0057] Figure 2Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the protective suit unit 2. Inside the protective suit unit 2 is a carrying frame 74, which is to be fixed to the upper body of person 7 and is connected to the inner coupling plate 71 of the protective suit unit 2. Two shoulder straps 75 are arranged on the carrying frame, of which only one shoulder strap 75 is shown in the cross-sectional view. The shoulder strap 75, as well as the shoulder strap 75 for the other shoulder of person 7 (not shown), is also attached to the inner coupling plate 71 of the protective suit unit 2. Therefore, both the coupling plates 71 and 72 on the protective suit unit side and the breathing apparatus unit 4, which is coupled via the upper and lower coupling elements (612, 622, 621, 611), can be worn like a backpack.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a breathing apparatus unit 4 according to the protective suit arrangement. Figure 1as well as a breathing air hose 5 with a switching element 51, for example an electronic control switch 51, which controls valves accordingly so that switching between SCBA and PAPR operation is possible. The breathing air cylinder 46, which is part of the SCBA, is connected to the breathing apparatus blower 442.

[0059] Figure 4 Figure 4 shows a breathing apparatus unit 4 without breathing apparatus 44 and without filter elements 441. The breathing apparatus unit 4 is designed as a backpack 4. It is manufactured in at least two versions. The first version is for holding the PAPR, the second version holds both the SCBA and PAPR. If operation with only the SCBA were required, a third backpack version would be necessary, not shown here. The coupling plate 81 inside the backpack 4 is used to attach the breathing apparatus 44, for example, the SCBA, PAPR, and breathing air cylinder 46.

[0060] A PAPR or the combination of PAPR and SCBA is / are permanently attached to the plate by a fastening element (not shown here); alternatively, only an SCBA is attached to the plate. The backpack 4 is designed so that the filters 441 required for the operation of the PAPR can be connected gas-tight to the breathing apparatus blower 442 from the outside. For this purpose, openings 443 are provided through which the filters 441 can be mounted from the outside through the breathing apparatus cover 43. In pure SCBA operation, no openings 443 for the filters need to be provided in the backpack.

[0061] For ergonomic reasons, the protective suit unit 2 and the carrying device 74, 75 should be put on first, and then, before closing the protective suit unit 2, the SCBA with breathing air cylinder 46 and the PAPR with blower 442, as well as the protective mask, should be put on. This ensures that the carrying device 74, 75 can be optimally adjusted to the body with the additional weight of the respiratory protection equipment 44 (SCBA and / or PAPR). This should also preferably be done with the help of a second person.

[0062] The protective suit arrangement 1 is therefore designed in two parts and can thus be referred to as hybrid respiratory protection system 1.

[0063] To ensure that the hybrid respiratory protection system 1 remains free of contamination at all times, it is stored in its own gas-tight backpack 4 made of special protective material before use. This backpack 4 (respiratory protection unit 4) is attached to the protective suit unit 2. To ensure that every variant of protective suit configurations 1, whether with PAPR, SCBA, or both, can be worn safely, there is a separate backpack 4 for each variant.

[0064] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described therein. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. Reference symbol list (Part of the description)

[0065] 1 Protective suit arrangement 2 Protective suit unit 21 Media barrier 22 First interior 23 Protective suit unit cover 24 Respirator 3 Exterior 4 Respiratory protection unit 41 Media barrier 42 Second interior 43 Respiratory protection unit cover 44 Respiratory protection equipment 441 Breathing air filter 442 Breathing air blower 443 Openings (of respiratory protection unit 4) 45 Breathing air hose coupling element 46 Breathing air cylinder 5 Breathing air hose 51 Changeover device 611 Upper protective suit unit exterior coupling element 612 Lower protective suit unit exterior coupling element 621 Lower respiratory protection unit exterior coupling element 622 Upper respiratory protection unit exterior coupling element 7 Person 71 Protective suit exterior coupling plate 72 Protective suit interior coupling plate 73 Rivets, screws 74 Carrying frame 75 Shoulder straps 81 Internal coupling plate for breathing apparatus 82 External coupling plate for breathing apparatus 83 Rivets, screws PAPR powered air-purifying respirator,Powered Air-Purifying Respirator SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

Claims

1. Respiratory protection unit (4) for the protection of a person (7) from pollutants in the vicinity of the person (7), comprising: - respiratory protection equipment (44) for the preparation of the breathing air, - a media barrier (41) by means of which an interior (42) of the respiratory protection unit (4) can be separated by itself from an outdoor space (3) which may contain the pollutants for at least a period of predetermined duration, - at least one external coupling element (621, 622) of the respirator unit, which is arranged on the external side of the respirator unit shell (43), - wherein at least one coupling element (621, 622) is formed, a mechanical coupling of the respirator unit (4) with a protective suit unit (2) , wherein the protective suit unit (2) has a media barrier (21) by means of which an interior (22) of the protective suit unit (2) can be separated fluid-tight from an outer space (3) which may contain the pollutants by means of a protective suit unit (23) for at least a period of predetermined duration, without interrupting the fluid-tight separation of the respective indoor spaces (22, 42) from the outdoor space (3), which is predetermined for at least a period of time, in such a way that the respiratory protection unit (4) can be carried by the person (7) while wearing the protective suit unit (2), characterized by the fact that - in the interior (22) of the respiratory protection unit (4) a coupling plate (81) on the inside of the protective suit unit (23) is arranged on the inside of the protective suit unit (23) and - a coupling plate (82) on the outside of the breathing apparatus unit shell (23) is arranged on the outside of the breathing apparatus unit shell (23), - wherein the coupling plate (81) on the inside of the respirator unit and the coupling plate (82) on the outer side of the respirator unit (82) are mechanically connected to each other by means of connecting elements (83), which are routed through the respirator unit shell (23) at breakthrough points that are largely gas-tight and sealed in a gas-tight manner, and - that at least one external coupling element (621, 622) is arranged on the external coupling plate (82) and can be coupled to at least one protective suit unit external coupling element (611, 612).

2. Respirator unit (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the respirator equipment (44) comprises a fan-assisted respirator (PAPR) and / or a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) located in the interior (42) of the respirator (4).

3. Respiratory protection unit (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - at least two external coupling elements (611, 612) are arranged on the external coupling plate (72), in particular at least one upper and lower coupling element (612, 611), and - which are designed to be coupled with at least two protective unit unit coupling elements (611, 612) arranged on a protective suit outer coupling plate (82).

4. Protective suit unit (2), in particular chemical protective suit (CSA), for the protection of a person (7) from pollutants in the environment of the person (7), comprising: - a media barrier (21) by means of which an interior (22) of the protective suit unit (2) can be separated fluid-tight from an outdoor space (3), which may contain the pollutants, by means of a protective suit unit cover (23) for at least a period of predetermined duration, - at least one protective suit unit coupling element (611, 612), which is arranged on the external space side of the protective suit unit cover (23), - wherein at least one coupling element (611, 612) is formed, a mechanical coupling of the protective suit unit (2) with a respiratory protection unit (4), wherein the respiratory protection unit (4) has respiratory protective equipment (44) for the treatment of the breathing air and a media barrier (41) by means of which an interior (42) of the respiratory protection unit (4) can be separated from the outer space (3) by itself for at least a period of predetermined duration by means of a respiratory protection unit shell (43) is to be permitted without interrupting the separation of the respective interior rooms (22, 42) from the outdoor space (3), which is as fluid-tight as possible, in such a way that the respiratory protection unit (4) can be carried by the person (7) while wearing the protective suit unit (2), characterized by the fact that - in the interior (22) of the protective suit unit (2) a protective suit unit unit plate (71) is arranged on the inside of the protective suit unit (23) on the inside of the protective suit unit (23) and - a protective suit unit coupling plate (72) is arranged on the outside of the protective suit unit cover (23), - wherein the protective suit unit unit plate (71) is mechanically connected to the protective suit unit unit (72) with the protective suit unit unit plate (72) by means of connecting elements (73), which are passed through the protective suit unit shell (23) at largely fluid-tight sealed breakthrough points, and - that at least one protective suit unit coupling element (611, 612 arranged on the protective suit outer coupling plate (72)) and can be coupled with a respirator unit external coupling element (621, 622) arranged on the external side of the respirator unit shell (43) on the external space side.

5. Protective suit unit (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that in the interior (22) of the protective suit unit (2) a carrying frame (74) is arranged which is connected to the protective suit inner coupling plate (71) and can be attached to an upper body of a carrier person (7) of the protective suit unit (2) in such a way that a respiratory protection unit (4) coupled to the protective suit unit (2) can be conveniently carried by the carrier person (7).

6. Protective suit unit (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the carrying frame (74) is designed in the manner of a backpack with one or more shoulder straps (75).

7. Protective suit unit (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that - on the protective suit outer coupling plate (82) at least two protective suit unit outer coupling elements (611, 612) are arranged, in particular at least one protective suit unit outer upper and lower coupling element (612, 611) and / or - the at least two protective suit unit coupling elements (611, 612) are designed to be coupling with at least two external coupling elements (621, 622) arranged on a respirator unit outer coupling plate (72).

8. Protective suit arrangement (1) for the protection of a person (7) from harmful substances in the vicinity of the person (7), comprising: - a protective suit unit (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 7; - a respiratory protection unit (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3; - at least one or more breathing air hoses (5) by means of which the first interior (22) and the second interior (42) can be connected to each other in such a way that this forms the only fluidic connection between the two interior spaces and also the fluidically connected common interior (22, 42) is fluid-tight and separated from the outer space (3) for at least a period of predetermined duration.

9. Protective suit arrangement (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the protective suit unit (2) has a respirator mask (24) which - is either designed as a one-piece with the protective suit unit (2) or is fluid-tight connected to the rest of the protective suit unit as a separate part for at least a period of predetermined duration, and - with which at least one breathing air hose (5) or the several breathing air hoses (5) can be fluidically connected.

10. Protective suit arrangement (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the respiratory protective equipment (44) comprises a fan-assisted breathing apparatus (PAPR) and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), characterised in that a switching device (51) is arranged on the breathing air hose (5) which is connected between the breathing air supply of the respirator (24) by the fan-assisted breathing apparatus (PAPR) or by the breathing air supply of the respirator (24) by the blower-assisted breathing apparatus (PAPR) or by the air-independent breathing apparatus (SCBA).