Emergency vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a BOS vehicle, in particular a fire engine, with a cabin module in which an operating device for operating functional units of the BOS vehicle is arranged, and with a monitoring device for monitoring operating parameters of the functional units and / or environmental conditions, and with an output device coupled to the monitoring device for outputting status information of the operating parameters of the functional units, such that at least one operator located in the cabin module can perceive the status information, wherein the output device has a speech output module via which status information can be output by speech.

[0002] Emergency response vehicles (BOS: authorities and organizations with security responsibilities) have been around for a long time. It is well known that, particularly with airport fire trucks, there is a need to reach the scene of a fire very quickly and begin firefighting immediately upon arrival. For this purpose, these vehicles are equipped with very powerful engines. The driver's cab typically houses two operators, at least one of whom controls the firefighting equipment. This equipment includes, in particular, a monitor unit, which is mounted, for example, on an articulated arm, allowing for precise positioning at the fire. This requires the operator to maintain the utmost concentration, especially since the situation at the fire can change constantly.However, it is necessary to monitor and observe the operating parameters of functional units, such as the fill level of a water tank, in order to better allocate firefighting resources, for example to switch off the pump in time before the tank is completely empty in order to prevent cavitation.

[0003] Operating devices are already known that feature a central control console located in the cabin module, equipped with a control unit on which, for example, individual functional units can be specifically selected and then controlled via control panels. Furthermore, the control units have digital and / or analog displays for the operating parameters of the individual functional units. The operating device also typically includes control elements, for example, in the form of a joystick, for operating specific functional units, such as for controlling the movement of a launcher.

[0004] Since the operator must concentrate intensely when operating a functional unit, such as a dispenser, it is impossible for them to simultaneously monitor the status information of other functional units. It is advantageous to have a second person in the cabin module read and announce the status information.

[0005] US Patent 2013 / 0253711 A1 discloses a fire engine with an onboard fire suppression system. The fire suppression system includes a central computer that can wirelessly or via wired connection receive and process sensor data from various functional units and, if necessary, control these units. It is mentioned that a user input / output interface may be provided for displaying status information from the functional units. Furthermore, it is mentioned that alarms and warnings can be issued, preferably with visualization. It is also mentioned that other communication methods may be used, such as audio warning alarms, recorded audible messages, and voice synthesis systems.

[0006] US patent 2018 / 0221694 A1 discloses an airport fire truck equipped with a so-called "piercing lance" on a boom arm. Various displays for showing status information from the vehicle's functional units are mentioned.

[0007] US patent 2019 / 0259208 discloses a system and a method for presenting location-dependent road signs virtually, for example, on a display. The navigation system or signal processing system may optionally be supplemented by voice support.

[0008] EP 3 599 124 A1 discloses a control system for notifications that analyzes the emotional and cognitive state of the driver of a motor vehicle and issues instructions to the driver based on the determined result.

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a BOS vehicle of the type mentioned above, in which the efficiency in firefighting is further increased compared to conventional BOS vehicles.

[0010] This problem is solved by a BOS vehicle with the features of independent claim 1. Further developments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

[0011] The BOS vehicle according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the voice output module enables a warning of obstacles or poor visibility.

[0012] The voice output module of the output unit enables automated voice output, allowing status information determined by the monitoring device to be announced verbally. This eliminates the need for a second operator in the cabin module to announce status information, freeing them to attend to other tasks. For example, this allows only one operator to be present in the emergency vehicle while still ensuring reliable and efficient firefighting operations. The voice output module thus ensures precise announcement of the necessary status information for the critical functional units.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the functional units are selected from the group consisting of: pump, monitor, water tank, foam agent tank, fuel tank, lighting device, in particular light mast, vehicle engine, and another emergency vehicle connected telemetrically to the emergency vehicle.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the operating parameters are selected from the group consisting of: water delivery quantity, residual extinguishing time depending on the current flow rate, water tank level, foam agent tank level, vehicle engine temperature, vehicle engine oil pressure, fuel tank level, position of a monitor of the monitor system, telemetry data of the Co-BOS vehicle.

[0015] For example, the water tank level can be announced via voice output, such as "Water tank level 50%", so that appropriate measures can be taken in good time before the water tank is completely empty, such as reducing the amount of water supplied or switching off the pump.

[0016] It enables voice output to warn of obstacles, for example when reversing or in poor visibility, for example due to smoke from the source of a fire, fog or extinguishing foam.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, the monitoring device has at least one computer unit with a memory in which target values ​​of the operating parameters and / or environmental conditions to be monitored are stored, wherein the actual values ​​of the operating parameters are comparable with the target values ​​and a voice signal can be output if the target value is met, undershot or exceeded.

[0018] This makes it possible, for example, to configure the voice output so that status information is not continuously announced, but only when predefined values ​​are reached, fallen below, or exceeded. For instance, the predefined values ​​for the water tank fill level could be set so that an announcement is made every 10% increment.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the target values ​​comprise threshold values ​​that represent critical operating states of the operating parameters, whereby a voice signal can be output if the threshold values ​​are undershot or exceeded. For example, the voice output can provide qualitative status information, such as "Vehicle engine temperature critical." In this respect, normal target values, which may include quantitative status information (e.g., "Water tank level 50%"), can be undershot by threshold values ​​that are more of a qualitative, for example, warning, voice output.

[0020] In a particularly preferred manner, the output of speech signals in connection with exceeding or falling below a threshold is additionally accompanied by an acoustic signal.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, the output device comprises at least one loudspeaker, which is arranged, in particular, in the cabin module. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the operator to receive the voice signals via a headset.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fire engine is an airport fire truck equipped with a monitor system comprising at least one monitor. Naturally, the invention can also be applied to other emergency service vehicles, especially fire engines, such as industrial fire trucks, rescue vehicles, etc.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the at least one launcher of the launcher unit is arranged at the front of the vehicle and / or on a movable articulated arm and / or directly on the vehicle roof. With the voice output module of the output device, it is therefore possible to obtain status information about the position of the launcher when it is being operated. The voice output thus serves to provide status information about the currently operated functional unit.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the monitoring device comprises several sensors, each assigned to the functional units to be monitored, which transmit sensor signals corresponding to the measured actual values ​​of the operating variables to the processing unit. The sensors may, for example, be a level sensor on the water or foam agent tank, a temperature sensor on the vehicle engine, a proximity sensor on the vehicle periphery for detecting obstacles, or the like.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the output device can be switched between an offline mode and an operating mode that enables the output of speech signals by means of activation means.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the activation means comprise an activation signal that can be transmitted by the monitoring device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the activation signal can be generated by activating a specific functional unit. For example, the activation of the onboard pump could be mentioned here. Activating the onboard pump effectively defines the start of the operation, so that voice outputs begin from this point onward.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and is explained below. The single figure in the drawing shows a schematic representation of the operating device, the monitoring device, and the output device and their interconnection on board a BOS vehicle according to the invention.

[0028] The single figure schematically shows the important components of the emergency vehicle 11 according to the invention. The emergency vehicle 11 is explained below using an airport fire truck as an example. It is, of course, possible to use the invention in other emergency vehicles as well.

[0029] The BOS vehicle 11 has a cabin module 12, which can be a driver's cabin or a combined driver / crew cabin. In the case of an airport fire truck, cabin module 12 is configured as a driver's cabin, which typically contains two operator positions, one of which is the driver.

[0030] Cabin module 12 contains a control unit 13, which typically includes various controls, such as joysticks and other operating elements. These operating elements usually have different control panel units (not shown), each assigned to a functional unit 14 of the emergency vehicle, in this case, an airport fire truck. The assigned functional unit 14 can be operated by navigating the control unit's menu, i.e., by selecting and activating a control panel.

[0031] The functional units 14 include, in the case of an airfield fire engine, a pump 15, in particular in the form of a fire pump which can be driven by the vehicle engine, a monitor system 16, with at least one monitor, a water tank 17 and a foam agent tank 18.

[0032] The other functional units 14 include the fuel tank, a lighting system, the vehicle engine and a co-BOS vehicle connected telemetrically to the BOS vehicle, in particular the airfield fire engine.

[0033] The BOS vehicle, i.e., in the described example, the airfield fire engine, also has a monitoring device 19 for monitoring operating parameters of the functional units 14 and / or environmental conditions.

[0034] The operating parameters monitored by means of the monitoring device 19 include the water delivery quantity, the remaining extinguishing time depending on the current flow rate, the fill level of the water tank 17, the fill level of the foam agent tank 18, the temperature of the vehicle engine, the oil pressure of the vehicle engine, the fill level of the fuel tank, the position of a monitor of the monitor system and telemetry data from other BOS vehicles.

[0035] As shown schematically in the single figure, the monitoring device 19 has several sensors, each assigned to a functional unit 14. In the case of the water tank 17, a level sensor is expediently assigned to it. In the case of the foam concentrate tank, a level sensor is also expediently assigned to it. In the case of the vehicle engine, a temperature sensor is expediently assigned to it. In the case of the fuel tank, a level sensor is expediently assigned to it.

[0036] Advantageously, the operating unit 13, monitoring unit 19, and output unit with speech output module 22 are interconnected via an on-board bus system, in particular a CAN bus system. Data signals, especially sensor signals, can be transmitted wirelessly or via wired connections.

[0037] The airfield fire truck is equipped with a monitor system 16, which typically includes several monitors. One of the monitors is usually located at the front of the vehicle. Advantageously, a second monitor is mounted on an articulated arm, which may also be equipped with a piercing lance. The articulated arm is usually mounted on the vehicle roof at one end and carries the monitor and, if applicable, the piercing lance at its free end. Advantageously, a position sensor is assigned to each monitor so that its current position can be monitored.

[0038] As shown in particular in the figure, the various sensors transmit actual values ​​of the monitored operating variable, for example the fill level of the water tank or the position of the launcher, to a computer unit 20 of the monitoring device 19.

[0039] The computer unit is typically part of an electronic control system, enabling a comparison of measured actual values ​​of operating parameters with predefined target values ​​in order to readjust the monitored process if necessary. An example of this is monitoring the discharge pressure of the extinguishing agent as it is ejected from the monitor tube, so that if the pressure drops below a predefined target value, the pump output can be increased if necessary.

[0040] The BOS vehicle also includes, as an important component, an output device 21 coupled to the monitoring device 19 for outputting status information on the operating parameters of the functional units 14, such that at least one operator located in the cabin module 12 can perceive the status information. The output device 21 has a voice output module 22, via which status information can be output by voice.

[0041] The computer unit 20 stores target values ​​for the operational parameters and / or environmental conditions to be monitored. The actual values ​​of the operational parameters, transmitted primarily by the sensors, are compared with the target values, and a voice signal can be output if a target value matches, falls below, or exceeds the target value.

[0042] For example, it's possible to store default values ​​for the water tank in 10% increments, so that a voice alert is only triggered when the water tank level has decreased by 10%. The text for one alert might be "Water tank level 50%", and the next would be "Water tank level 40%". The choice of default values ​​is, of course, arbitrary, and if level monitoring is required, storing default values ​​in 5% increments is also conceivable.

[0043] It is essential that the target values ​​include thresholds, i.e., minimum or maximum values, representing critical operating conditions of the operating parameters. A voice signal can be output if these thresholds are exceeded or fallen below. For example, the text of such a voice output, when a minimum value is undershot, could be: "Fuel tank level critical." This would provide a qualitative statement about the fuel tank level, but alternatively, the voice output could also be: "Fuel tank level 10%."

[0044] It is possible that when a so-called voice warning signal is issued, this may also be accompanied by an acoustic signal, such as an alarm, a beep, or the like.

[0045] The output device 21 also has activation means to switch the output device 21 between an offline mode and an operating mode that enables the output of speech signals.

[0046] The activation means can include an activation signal that can be transmitted by the monitoring device 19. The activation signal can be generated by activating a specific functional unit, for example, the pump.

[0047] The invention will now be explained using the example of firefighting by an airport fire truck.

[0048] The airfield fire truck is driving to the fire. The output unit is conveniently in offline mode so that no voice announcements are made while en route. If necessary, output unit 21 can be activated in poor visibility, for example, due to smoke or fog, so that a voice announcement warns of an impending collision with an obstacle. Once the airfield fire truck has reached the fire, its primary task is, of course, to extinguish the blaze. Therefore, the fire pump is activated, which simultaneously sends an activation signal to output unit 21, enabling voice announcements to be made from that point onward.

[0049] The operator's most important task will then be operating the monitors. This requires the operator to maintain the highest level of concentration, so that he cannot simultaneously retrieve status information from other functional units, such as the fill level of the water tank 17, the fill level of the foam agent tank 18, or the fuel gauge.

[0050] This is where the invention comes into play, because the operator can fully concentrate on operating the launching device, as he receives status information about the operating parameters of important functional units via voice output from the output device and the voice output module. For example, he is informed that the fill level of water tank 17 is only at 50%, etc. Furthermore, he can receive warning messages, for example, such as "Engine temperature of vehicle engine critical," so that he can initiate appropriate countermeasures.

[0051] Overall, the speech output module 22 of the output device 21 offers greater safety and efficiency in firefighting.

Claims

1. Emergency response vehicle, in particular fire engine, having at least one cab module (12), in which an operating device (13) is arranged for operating functional units (14) of the emergency response vehicle (11), and having a monitoring device (19) for monitoring operating variables of the functional units (14) and / or environmental conditions, and having an output device (21) coupled to the monitoring device (19) for output of state information of the operating variables of the functional units (14) such that at least one operator present in the cab module (12) can discern state information, wherein the output device (21) has a voice output module (22), via which state information can be output by voice, characterized in that the voice output module provides a warning of obstacles or poor visibility by voice output.

2. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the functional units (14) are selected from the group consisting of: pump (15), ejector device (16), water tank (17), foaming agent tank (18), fuel tank, lighting device, in particular light mast, vehicle engine, co-emergency response vehicle telemetrically connected to the emergency response vehicle.

3. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating variables are selected from the group consisting of: water delivery rate, remaining extinguishing time depending on the current flow rate, water tank fill level, foaming agent tank fill level, vehicle engine temperature, vehicle engine oil pressure, fuel tank fill level, position of an ejector of the ejector device, telemetry data of the co-emergency response vehicle.

4. Emergency response vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device (19) has at least one computer unit (20), having a memory, in which default values of the operating variables to be monitored and / or environmental conditions are stored, wherein actual values of the operating variables can be compared to the default values and a voice signal can be output if they match, undershoot or exceed the default values.

5. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 4, characterized in that the default values comprise threshold values, which represent critical operating states of the operating variables, wherein a voice signal can be output if the threshold values are undershot or exceeded.

6. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 5, characterized in that the output of voice signals in conjunction with a threshold value being exceeded or undershot is also accompanied by an acoustic signal.

7. Emergency response vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (21) has at least one loudspeaker arranged in particular in the cab module.

8. Emergency response vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fire engine is an airport fire-fighting vehicle, which has an ejector device (16) having at least one ejector.

9. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one ejector of the ejector device (16) is arranged on the front of the vehicle and / or on a moveable articulated arm and / or directly on the vehicle roof.

10. Emergency response vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device (19) has a plurality of sensors which are each assigned to the functional units (14) to be monitored and which transmit sensor signals respectively assigned to the measured actual values of the operating variables to the computer unit (20).

11. Emergency response vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output device (21) can be switched between an offline mode and an operating mode that enables voice signals to be output by means of activation means.

12. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 11, characterized in that the activation means comprise an activation signal that can be transmitted by the monitoring device (19).

13. Emergency response vehicle according to Claim 12, characterized in that the activation signal can be produced by activating a certain functional unit (14), for example pump (15).