Docking station for secure stationary operation of a mobile fire safety training device in interiors

Abstract

To safely operate at least one mobile fire training device 2, which has a burner device 3 for generating a training flame 4, within enclosed spaces, a docking station 1 is proposed. The docking station 1 has a flame monitoring sensor 5 with which the extinguishing of the training flame 4 can be detected when the fire training device 2 is inserted into the docking station 1 and operated there. To further increase safety, the training set 10, consisting of the docking station 1 and the mobile fire training device 2, can also include an additional safety column 23 via which the fire training device 2 can be supplied with fuel and / or monitored and / or electrically controlled, preferably via the docking station 1 (Fig. 4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a docking station for a mobile fire training device. The fire training device has a burner device for generating an open training flame and can be inserted into and coupled to the docking station.

[0002] The invention further relates to a set comprising several such docking stations and a central control unit, as well as a training set comprising such a docking station and an associated mobile fire protection training device.

[0003] Mobile fire training devices for generating practice flames / fires, which are usable outdoors and relatively easy to move around to allow for firefighting exercises at different locations, have been known for some time, for example from US 7,175,439 B2. Typically, mobile gas sources such as propane cylinders are connected to the burner device via gas lines, enabling it to generate a practice gas flame that the trainee can then extinguish using various extinguishing agents.

[0004] Furthermore, so-called fire training buildings are also known, which have interior spaces with permanently installed burner devices in which firefighting exercises or rescue scenarios can be practiced. One such fire training building is described, for example, in CN 101 814 245 B.

[0005] While outdoor training offers a high level of safety, it has the disadvantage that the fire scenario cannot realistically simulate conditions such as severely limited visibility or the heat and smoke development that occur in fires in enclosed spaces. Therefore, professional fire departments in particular practice such fire scenarios in so-called fire training buildings.

[0006] Such a fire training building can, for example, be designed as a (potentially mobile) container approximately 12 meters long, with fuel sources, such as gas sources, typically in the form of propane cylinders or stationary gas tanks, located outside the container. Inside the container, stationary burner devices are typically installed, connected to the external gas source via hose or pipe systems permanently installed within the container. These devices can be controlled remotely by an instructor from outside the container. This allows the instructor inside the container to remotely simulate a wide variety of realistic fire scenarios by igniting practice fires using the burner device.For example, if several such burner devices are used, especially together with a smoke gas generator and / or a jet flame burner, different fire scenarios can be simulated, with the firefighters training entering the container in full protective clothing to extinguish the practice fires under realistic fire conditions.

[0007] Based on this, the invention aims to enable comparable training fire scenarios in enclosed spaces with reduced technical and financial effort, in order to offer such training opportunities to a larger number of users and thus contribute to improving fire protection.

[0008] To solve this problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention for a docking station. In particular, it is thus proposed according to the invention, to solve the problem in a docking station of the type mentioned at the outset, that the docking station has a flame monitoring sensor with which the open training flame can be monitored when the mobile fire training device is inserted into the docking station. The flame monitoring sensor can, for example, output a warning signal as soon as it detects that the training flame has gone out.

[0009] In other words, the docking station is equipped and possesses the necessary means to detect the extinguishing of a training flame generated by the burner of the fire training device while the latter is inserted into the docking station. The main advantage of this docking station design is that a mobile fire training device, normally intended for outdoor use, can be safely used for training purposes within the docking station in an indoor environment, particularly a fire training building. This is because, upon detection of the training flame's extinguishing via the warning signal, appropriate countermeasures can be taken to prevent further release of unburned fuel from the fire training device.

[0010] The docking station may, for example, have fastening means to permanently connect the docking station to a building (a wall or floor surface), especially in the interior of a fire-damaged building.

[0011] The fire training device, on the other hand, can have at least one wheel, preferably two wheels, so that it can be easily moved. The fire training device can thus be designed as a mobile module and also have a suitable carrying handle, so that it can be easily moved by one person.

[0012] According to the invention, the docking station can be further developed by additional advantageous embodiments. For example, it is particularly advantageous for careless use if an electronic monitoring module is provided which is configured to read an output signal from the flame monitoring sensor and interrupt the fuel supply from the docking station to the burner of the fire training device as soon as the output signal indicates that the training flame has gone out (= warning signal). This eliminates the need for the trainee to take countermeasures based on a warning signal from the flame monitoring sensor; instead, the docking station monitors and shuts off the fuel supply to the burner, thus preventing the uncontrolled release of fuel.

[0013] For this purpose, the monitoring module can preferably be configured, in the event of detection of the extinguishing of the training flame, to control a fuel flow valve of the fire training device via a control line that can be formed between the docking station and the fire training device, so that the fuel flow to the burner device is interrupted / switched off. This prevents any further fuel from exiting the fire training device.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable to locate the monitoring module within the docking station. Positioning the monitoring module inside the docking station, preferably near the flame monitoring sensor, has the advantage of keeping the signal path from the sensor to the monitoring module short. This is beneficial for reliably reading very small currents, for example, when the sensor is a capacitive sensor.

[0015] Such configurations allow the monitoring module to implement automatic flame monitoring. This increases safety during the operation of the mobile fire training device used in the docking station to such an extent that the mobile fire training device, together with the docking station, can be used indoors to enable realistic fire training exercises, particularly in the fire training buildings described earlier.

[0016] While the fire training device is operating in a defined position within the docking station, the monitoring module can continuously monitor the flame sensor signal and thus detect when the training flame goes out. In this case, it shuts off the fuel supply to the burner. This ensures that if the training flame goes out, no fuel is released uncontrollably from the fire training device into the environment for extended periods. This prevents the formation of explosive gas mixtures indoors when the fire training device and docking station are used in an enclosed space. As soon as the readout module detects the loss of the training flame, it interrupts the fuel supply from the docking station to the burner of the mobile fire training device.

[0017] The flame monitoring sensor can be designed, in particular, with the aid of a probe, preferably a stationary one. A preferred embodiment provides that the probe head is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the training flame when the fire training device is inserted into the docking station.

[0018] The probe can, for example, be designed as a metal tube. This has the advantage that cable leads to the flame monitoring sensor can be routed inside the metal tube and are protected there from the test flame.

[0019] Another possible design involves positioning the actual flame monitoring sensor at a distance from the training flame, but detecting the training flame via the probe. This can be done optically, for example, using appropriate fiber optics guided along the probe, or by designing the probe as a gas sampling device that draws gas produced during the combustion of the training flame to the flame monitoring sensor.

[0020] According to a specific embodiment, the flame monitoring sensor can be read via a separate control unit. In this case, the monitoring module can be arranged in a control unit, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0021] Furthermore, the flame monitoring sensor can be designed as an electrical, preferably capacitive, sensor. For example, the flame monitoring sensor can be designed to detect ionization of gas molecules caused by the training flame. The absence of this ionization can then be interpreted by the monitoring module as the training flame extinguishing.

[0022] Alternatively, the flame monitoring sensor can also be designed as an electro-optical sensor, in particular as a spectral sensor.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the docking station has a fuel supply interface for supplying fuel to the fire training device. This eliminates the need to connect a mobile gas source to the fire training device when it is used in the docking station.

[0024] Furthermore, the docking station may also have a fuel connection for connecting a fuel source (in particular via a fuel supply).

[0025] The fuel source for supplying the docking station can therefore be, for example, a gas pipeline, which in turn is supplied by a mobile fuel source such as a propane gas cylinder or a stationary fuel source, such as a fuel tank permanently installed outside a fire house.

[0026] Such a design makes it possible for the docking station to provide a fuel supply for the burner device of the fire training device when the fire training device is inserted into the docking station and coupled / connected to it via the fuel supply interface of the docking station.

[0027] The fuel supply interface of the docking station can preferably be designed using self-closing connection valves. These connection valves can be permanently installed, for example, or integrated into flexible fuel supply lines, such as flexible hoses. In the first case, the fuel connection elements of the fire training device can be designed as fuel supply hoses, for example, with connection nipples for reversible coupling into the connection valves of the docking station.

[0028] In the second case, however, it suffices to design the fuel connection means of the fire training device as connection nipples formed on the fire training device, which can be coupled (gas-tight) to the connection valves at the ends of the flexible fuel supply lines of the docking station. Such designs thus enable a fuel, preferably a fuel gas, to be safely transferred from the docking station to the fire training device via the fuel interface in order to operate the training flame.

[0029] The docking station preferably also includes a control interface for controlling the fire training device. This control interface can be used, for example, to control an (preferably electrical) ignition device and / or a fuel flow valve of the fire training device. That is, the fire training device can include an ignition device for igniting the training flame and / or a fuel flow valve for regulating the fuel flow to the burner and thus to the training flame.

[0030] The docking station may also preferably have a control port for connecting a control unit. In this case, the control unit can control the fire training device via the control port and the control interface.

[0031] It can therefore be provided that the docking station is connected to an associated control unit, preferably designed in the form of a separate safety column, via at least one control line.

[0032] The control unit may, for example, include a manually operated emergency stop switch to interrupt the fuel supply to a burner device of a fire training device installed in the docking station.

[0033] To further increase safety, the control unit can also feature a mechanical shutdown of a fuel supply from a fuel source to the docking station.

[0034] The control unit can also have a readout interface for reading the flame monitoring sensor. This is particularly useful if the monitoring module is located in the control unit.

[0035] Finally, the control unit can be configured to control a smoke generator (for generating training smoke) and / or a ventilation system. Both of these controls can preferably be triggered by an output signal from the flame monitoring sensor. For example, the control unit can operate the smoke generator when the training flame is lit and / or switch on the ventilation system (and, if necessary, switch off the smoke generator) as soon as the flame monitoring sensor detects that the training flame has gone out.

[0036] Such precautions allow realistic fire scenarios to be realized using the docking station, the control unit and a fire protection training device installed in the docking station, because heavy smoke development in an interior space can be simulated with the smoke generator.

[0037] The ventilation system can be used, on the one hand, to clear the interior of the generated smoke; on the other hand, the control unit can be configured to activate the ventilation system as soon as the monitoring module detects that the training flame has gone out. This effectively removes any unburned fuel that has escaped from the fire training device operating in the docking station into the interior atmosphere, thus preventing the formation of an explosive mixture.

[0038] The control unit can also include a power supply that provides a 24 V voltage from a standard 230 V supply, which can be used to operate the docking station and the fire training device integrated within it. Using a low-voltage voltage for the docking station and the fire training device is advantageous because water is applied to these components during firefighting, which can lead to electrical failures at high voltage.

[0039] The docking station's fuel connection can be connected to the control unit via a fuel supply. In this case, the control unit can be connected to a fuel source via a further fuel supply (which then supplies the docking station).

[0040] The docking station, or preferably the control unit, may have a control interface configured for connecting a remote control. This remote control may be configured to control the fire drill device via the docking station and thus forms a component of the overall system.

[0041] To solve the aforementioned problem, a set is consequently proposed comprising several docking stations, each designed and configured according to claim 1 for inserting and connecting a mobile fire training device equipped with a burner assembly. This set further includes a central control unit, which may be designed, in particular, as a safety column. It is provided that each of the docking stations of the set is connected, or connectable, to the control unit via a respective control line, and thus each fire training device can be monitored and / or controlled by the control unit as soon as it is inserted into the respective docking station, i.e., as soon as this fire training device is coupled to the associated docking station.

[0042] For particularly safe operation, it is preferable if the control unit can only operate one of the connected burner devices at any given time, while the other docking stations are inoperable. This prevents, in particular, unintentional ignitions of practice flames.

[0043] During use of the set, the control can be achieved by transmitting control signals via a control line to the control unit / security pillar using a remote control designed, for example, as a handheld device. This unit then forwards these signals to the connected docking stations, whereby, as mentioned, it can also be provided that only one of the docking stations can be selected and controlled or operated at a certain time.

[0044] There can also be one security column per docking station.

[0045] Finally, to solve the aforementioned problem, a training set is proposed. This set comprises a docking station according to claim 1 and a mobile fire safety training device, which can also be designed as described above. The fire safety training device is designed precisely so that it can be inserted into and coupled to the docking station.

[0046] The training set is further characterized in that the fire safety training device has a burner device for generating an open flame, which is preferably designed as a dry gas burner. The fire safety training device can therefore be designed such that a fuel gas is released directly into the air atmosphere from a fuel gas outlet opening of the fire safety training device (= dry burner).

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the training set can also be characterized by the fact that the docking station, the fire training device, and an additional control unit for the fire training device (which is also part of the training set) are each designed modularly as independent structural units. This has the significant advantage that the units can be easily dismantled and shipped or replaced in case of defects or for maintenance, without major modifications and without the need for service personnel to travel to the site, as is the case with permanently installed fire training devices.

[0048] The control unit in question, which can be designed as previously explained, can, for example, be connected to the docking station via a control line and thus, mediated via a control line between the docking station and the fire training device, access the fire training device in a controlling manner, in particular to ignite and / or extinguish a training flame and / or to regulate a fuel supply to the burner device of the fire training device, in particular to switch it off.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned training set can also be characterized by the fact that the fire protection training device has a control interface that can be coupled to a control interface of the docking station in order to establish a control line between the docking station and the fire protection training device.

[0050] Finally, the aforementioned training set can also be characterized by the fact that the fire protection training device has a fuel connection device which can be coupled to a fuel supply interface of the docking station in order to establish a fuel supply line between the docking station and the fire protection training device.

[0051] The training set may also have other advantageous features. For example, it is particularly advantageous for ease of use if the docking station has a mechanical locking device that allows the fire training device (especially a first fire training device) to be locked in a defined relative position to the docking station. For enhanced safety, it is preferable if the previously described flame monitoring sensor is always positioned above the training flame when the fire training device is inserted into the docking station and in operation.

[0052] The locking aid can be designed relatively simply as a base plate with recesses (= first set of recesses) in which a wheel and / or foot, preferably at least two wheels and / or feet, of the fire protection training device can be locked.

[0053] Another preferred embodiment provides that the docking station has an additional locking device for securing a second fire training device, which differs from the previously described (first) fire training device. This additional locking device can, for example, be formed by a second set of recesses in the same base plate, the second set of recesses being arranged in different positions than the first set of recesses. For example, the second fire training device can have different external dimensions compared to the (first) fire training device or, for example, be implemented as a liquid burner (e.g., with a burner device that releases a fuel gas into a water reservoir, with the training flame then burning on the surface of the water), while the first fire training device is implemented as a dry burner.This allows two different mobile fire training devices (each configured as previously described) to be used safely with the same docking station, since each of these fire training devices can be securely locked in the docking station in the desired position using the respective locking mechanism. Naturally, the second fire training device can also have the same features (interfaces, ignition device, etc.) previously described in relation to the first fire training device.

[0054] To further expand the training scenarios, each mobile fire training device can have a mechanical interface in the burner area for the reversible attachment of various mechanical fire attachments. These (preferably non-combustible) fire attachments can be designed, for example, in the form of a monitor or a wastebasket, to name just two examples. A monitor fire or a paper fire can then be simulated using the training flame. It is advantageous if this mechanical interface is identical on all fire training devices used, so that the same fire attachments can be used in each case.

[0055] As previously explained, the fire training device can have at least one self-closing fuel flow valve for supplying fuel gas to the burner device, which can be switched off via the control line. According to a preferred embodiment, the fuel flow valve is designed to close automatically as soon as the electrical power supply to the fire training device is interrupted. This is easily achieved, for example, if the valve is designed as a solenoid valve, which opens only when an electrical control current is applied and closes otherwise.

[0056] The electrical power supply can be provided by an electrical power source integrated into the fire training device (for example, in the form of a battery) or by the docking station. The docking station, in turn, can draw electrical power from an external source or from the control unit. For example, the control unit can provide a 24V voltage for operating the docking station and the fire training device via a suitable electrical interface.

[0057] To expand the usability of the training set, more precisely the fire safety training device, it can be provided that the fire safety training device has a built-in electrical power source, for example in the form of a battery, and / or a fuel interface for connecting a fuel source, preferably a mobile one. This would allow the fire safety training device to be used independently, i.e., without the docking station, for example outdoors.

[0058] It is particularly advantageous if this fuel interface is formed by the previously described fuel connection device, as this reduces the construction effort. In this case, depending on the exercise scenario, the fuel connection device can serve either to connect to the fuel supply interface of the docking station or to connect to a mobile gas source.

[0059] Therefore, the fire protection training device can be set up in such a way that it can be used independently of the docking station outdoors to ignite training fires to be extinguished.

[0060] Finally, the fire training device can have a control interface for connecting a remote control. This remote control can be configured to operate the fire training device independently of the docking station, for example, if the fire training device is to be used independently outdoors. This allows the fire training device to be controlled independently via the remote control when used outdoors without the docking station.

[0061] Here too, it is preferable if the control interface is formed by the aforementioned control interface.

[0062] The remote control, as well as the previously described remote control, can be either wired or wireless. This also means that the previously described control lines, control interfaces, and control cables can be implemented as wired connections or as wireless connections.

[0063] The remote control can be designed, for example, as a stationary stand-alone control panel or as an easily transportable handheld device. The transmission of control commands from the remote control to the fire training device and / or from the remote control to the control unit can be wired or wireless. In the latter case, the control interface can be implemented using a wireless communication module to enable wireless communication between the remote control and the fire training device. The remote control can be used, for example, to control a fuel flow valve that regulates the fuel flow to the burner of the fire training device and / or an electric ignition device of the fire training device to ignite the training flame.

[0064] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. Further embodiments of the invention can be derived from the following description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the general description, the claims, and the drawings.

[0065] It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a docking station according to the invention, Fig. 2 a side view of the docking station Figure 1 , Fig. 3 a frontal view of the docking station of Figure 1 from the front, Fig. 4 the docking station of the Figure 1 with a type A fire training device installed, Fig. 5, the situation of Figure 4 in side view, Fig. 6 the situation of Figure 4 in a top view, Fig. 7 the docking station of the Figure 1 with a type B fire training device installed, Fig. 8, the situation of Figure 7in side view, Fig. 9 the situation of Figure 7 In a top view, Fig. 10, a control unit for controlling a docking station according to the invention, designed in the form of a safety column, Fig. 11, a remote control for operating a fire training device inserted into the docking station, Fig. 12, an oblique view of a fire attachment for mounting on a fire training device, Fig. 13, the fire attachment of the Figure 12 in side view, and Fig. 14 a schematic concept representation illustrating the operation of an exercise set according to the invention consisting of a docking station, a fire protection training device and an associated safety column.

[0066] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a docking station 1 according to the invention, which can be mounted in a stationary position and is designed for docking / inserting various mobile fire protection training devices 2, as shown in the figures. Figures 4 to 9 and 14 illustrated.

[0067] The mobile fire safety training device 2 of type A, which is located in the Figures 4 to 6 and in the Figure 14 The device, shown in the position inserted into docking station 1, has a fuel interface 16 for connecting a mobile fuel source such as a gas cylinder via a fuel supply line 19 and also a burner device 3 connected to the fuel interface 16. The burner device 3, which is designed as a dry gas burner, can be ignited via an ignition device 9 integrated into the fire training device 2 to ignite a training flame 4, which can then be extinguished by a trainee using various extinguishing agents for training purposes.

[0068] The fire training device 2 also has two wheels 34 and a transport handle 47 and can thus be easily moved outdoors for operation by means of a remote control 30, which can be connected to a control interface 12 of the fire training device 2 via a control line 24 (see the Figures 4 and 14 For this self-sufficient outdoor operation independent of the docking station 1, the fire training device 2 also has an integrated electrical power source 15 in the form of a battery. This supplies the ignition device 9 with electrical voltage as well as a fuel flow valve 14, which can be controlled via the remote control 30 to regulate the fuel flow from the external fuel source 25 (not shown in the figure). Figure 14) or the fuel interface 16 to the burner device 3. To increase safety, the fuel flow valve 14 is self-closing, i.e., it closes automatically as soon as the electrical power supply to the fire training device 2 is interrupted.

[0069] The second fire safety training device 2 of type B, which is located in the Figures 7 to 9 The illustrated system is analogous in design and can also be operated autonomously, i.e., independently of docking station 1, and mobile outdoors. In addition to a first burner device 3a, onto which the [unclear text] is attached, Figures 12 and 13 The illustrated fire attachment 49 can be mounted on this second fire protection training device 2 also has a second burner device 3b which provides a large fire area 48 in order to be able to simulate a surface fire outdoors.

[0070] To enable the safe operation of the fire training device 2 of type A and the first burner device 3a of the fire training device 2 of type B in enclosed spaces, the docking station 1 has a flame monitoring sensor 5 with which the presence / burning of the respective training flame 4 can be monitored when the respective (actually mobile) fire training device 2 is statically inserted into the docking station 1, as is the case, for example, in Figure 4 or Figure 7 is illustrated.

[0071] The flame monitoring sensor 5 is designed with the aid of a probe 31, the probe head 44 of which is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the training flame 4 (cf. Figure 4 To ensure this positioning, the docking station 1 has a mechanical locking aid 40 in the form of a base plate 32, which rests on four feet 35 on the floor (cf. Figure 1). Various recesses 33a and 33b are formed in the base plate 32, into which the wheels 34 and the feet 35 of the respective fire training device 2 can be inserted (see the Figures 4 and 7 ), in order to achieve an exact relative positioning between the respective fire protection training device 2 and the docking station 1, more precisely the probe head 44.

[0072] The flame monitoring sensor 5 can, for example, be arranged in the probe head 44, as shown in Figure 14 illustrated, or in a separate housing 46 of the docking station 1, as in Figure 1 shown as an example.

[0073] As the Figure 14As shown, docking station 1 supplies the fire training device 2 with fuel via a fuel supply interface 6, which is connected to the aforementioned fuel interface 16 of the fire training device 2 by means of a fuel supply line 19. Docking station 1, in turn, obtains fuel via a fuel supply 26 from a permanently installed fuel source 25, as shown in Figure 14 Illustrated. The fuel path includes a... Figure 10 The safety column 23, illustrated in detail, is used, which provides a mechanical shut-off of the fuel supply 26 by means of a manually operated valve 51. The safety column 23 is connected to the fuel source 25 and the docking station 1 via respective fuel interfaces 16 and fuel supply lines 26.

[0074] Optionally, docking station 1 can also provide an electrical power supply for the fire safety training device 2 (not shown in Figure 14 ), wherein the docking station 1 is in turn supplied via an electrical voltage supply 36 from the security column 23.

[0075] As in Figure 14Also illustrated, docking station 1 has an electronic monitoring module 41, which is configured to read an output signal from the flame monitoring sensor 5. If this output signal indicates that the training flame 4 has gone out, the monitoring module 41 interrupts the fuel supply from docking station 1 to the burner device 3 of the fire training device 2. This is most easily achieved by controlling the fuel flow valve 14 described above. For this purpose, docking station 1 has a control interface 17, via which the monitoring module 41 can control the fuel flow valve 14 of the fire training device 2 in order to interrupt the fuel supply.

[0076] The control interface 17 is connected to the control interface 12 of the fire protection training device 2 by means of a control line 18.

[0077] In the event that the training flame 4 is detected as extinguished by the flame monitoring sensor 5, the monitoring module 41 controls the fuel flow valve 14 via the control line 18 so that the fuel flow to the burner device 3 is interrupted. This automatically eliminates the risk of large quantities of unburned fuel escaping from the burner device 3 into the atmosphere of the enclosed space, such as a fire training building, in which the exercise is taking place.

[0078] Alternatively, the monitoring module 41 can also be arranged in a separate control unit 22, as described in Figure 14which in turn can be designed as a safety column 23. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 22 / the safety column 23 has a control interface 13, via which an instructor (trainer) can control the fire protection training device 2 by means of the remote control 29 illustrated in Figures 11 and 14, mediated by the docking station 1, more precisely the control line 18.

[0079] Providing a separate safety column 23 offers the advantage that several docking stations 1 can be supplied with fuel and / or electrical energy and / or control signals from such a safety column 23 and electronically monitored. Furthermore, the docking stations 1 can then be operated, preferably alternately, using the safety column 23. This is particularly easy if a remote control 29 (see Figure 23) is used. Figure 11 ), as in Figure 14shown, is connected to the safety column 23 / the control unit 22 via a control line 24, while the respective docking station 1 (and thus the respective fire protection training device 2 used in it) is connected to the control unit 22 via another control line 24. (e.g. mediated via the in Figure 14 (illustrated socket 53) can be controlled / monitored. As soon as the respective fire training device 2 is inserted into the respective docking station 1, more precisely its locking aid 40, and connected to the docking station 1 via the corresponding control line 28 and the respective fuel supply line 19, the fire training device 2 can be controlled and monitored via the control unit 22.

[0080] The control unit 22, located externally from the docking station 1, can thus, in particular, provide a readout interface 28 via which the flame monitoring sensor 5 can be read when it is located in the docking station 1. Furthermore, the control unit 22 can control the docking station 1 via a control port 21 and, consequently, the fire protection training device 2, in particular the fuel flow valve 14, via the control line 18.

[0081] Via the control lines 24, an instructor can also safely control the fire training device 2 from a greater distance (especially outside the enclosed space / fire training building) using the remote control 29, provided it is installed in a respective docking station 1. The instructor can also use the remote control 29 to select which docking station 1 / fire training device 2 is to be controlled, if several docking stations 1 are connected to the safety column 23.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 22 can also control a smoke generator 42 – particularly taking into account the output signal of the flame monitoring sensor 5 – in order to enable even more realistic training scenarios. For example, the in Figure 14 The schematically illustrated smoke generator 42 can be switched on and off by a teacher via the remote control 29.

[0083] If the control unit 22 detects that the training flame 4 has gone out using the flame monitoring sensor 5, it can, as an additional safety measure, activate the [function / mechanism / etc.] in [the system / device]. Figure 14 Illustrated ventilation system 43 is activated to ensure rapid ventilation of the interior, thus counteracting any potential danger of the formation of an explosive gas mixture.

[0084] In addition, further safety features can be incorporated on such a safety column 23 - as illustrated in Figure 10 - such as an emergency stop switch 27 for immediately interrupting the fuel supply to the burner device 3 of the fire training device 2 and / or an additional gas sensor 50, with which a composition, in particular an oxygen content, of an atmosphere in the enclosed space in which the docking station 1 is currently being used can be monitored.

[0085] In summary, a docking station 1 is proposed that allows at least one associated mobile fire training device 2, which has a burner device 3 for generating a training flame 4, to be operated safely within enclosed spaces. For this purpose, the docking station 1 has a flame monitoring sensor 5 with which the extinguishing of the training flame 4 can be detected when the fire training device 2 is inserted into and operated in the docking station 1. To further increase safety, the training set 10, consisting of the docking station 1 and the mobile fire training device 2, can also include an additional safety column 23 via which the fire training device 2 can be supplied with fuel and / or monitored and / or electrically controlled, preferably via the docking station 1. Reference symbol list

[0086] 1 Docking station 2 Fire training device 3 Burner device (of 2) 4 Training flame (generated by 3) 5 Flame monitoring sensor 6 Fuel supply interface (of 1) 7 Fuel connection device (of 2) 8 Mechanical interface (for coupling 49 to 1) 9 Ignition device (of 2, for igniting 4) 10 Training set (comprising 1 and 2) 11 Fuel gas outlet (of 3) 12 Control interface (of 2, for connecting to 17) 13 Regulation interface (of 1 / 23, for connecting to 29 / 30 and / or 17; possibly identical to 12) 14 Fuel flow valve (of 2) 15 Electrical power source (e.g., battery or stationary power supply)230V / 24V)) 16 Fuel interface (from 2 / 23) 17 Control interface (from 1, for connecting to 12 of 2) 18 Control line (from 1 to 2) 19 Fuel supply line (from 1 to 2) 20 Fuel connection (from 1, for connecting a fuel source) 21 Control connection (from 1, for connecting 22 to 1) 22 Control unit (for controlling 2 mediated via 1) 23 Safety column 24 Control line (e.g. between 22 and 1 - can be either wired or wireless) 25 Fuel source 26 Fuel supply (from 25 to 1 or from 22 to 1) 27 Emergency stop switch 28 Readout interface (from 23, for reading 5) 29 Remote control (for controlling 1 or2 over 1) 30 Remote control (for controlling 2, independently of 1) 31 Probe 32 Base plate 33 Recess (depending on shape 33a or 33b) 34 Wheel / Roller 35 Foot 36 Electrical power supply 37 Mechanical cut-off (from 23, for cutting off 26 between 23 and 2) 38 Operating elements 39 Electrical interface (from 23) 40 Mechanical locking aid (e.g. formed by 32, 33) 41 Monitoring module 42 Smoke generator 43 Ventilation system 44 Probe head 45 Loading ramp 46 Housing 47 Transport handle 48 Fire surface 49 Fire attachment 50 Gas sensor 51 Valve 52 Rear panel 53 Socket.

Claims

1. Stationary docking station (1) for inserting and docking a mobile fire safety training device (2), wherein the mobile fire safety training system (2) is designed for outdoor use, wherein - the mobile fire safety training device (2) comprises a burner device (3) for generating an open training flame (4) outdoors, and - the docking station (1) comprises a flame monitoring sensor (5) with which the open training flame (4) can be monitored within the docking station (1) in an interior space of a fire training building during use of the mobile fire safety training device (2) when the mobile fire safety training device (2) is inserted into the docking station (1).

2. Docking station (1) according to claim 1, wherein an electronic monitoring module (41) is provided, which is configured - to read out an output signal from the flame monitoring sensor (5) and - to interrupt a fuel supply from the docking station (1) to the burner device (3) of the fire safety training device (2) as soon as the output signal indicates that the training flame (4) has gone out, - preferably wherein the monitoring module (41) is configured, in the event of detection of the extinguishing of the training flame (4), to control a fuel flow valve (14) of the fire safety training device (2) via a control line (18) between the docking station (1) and the fire safety training device (2) such that fuel flow to the burner device (3) is interrupted and / or - preferably wherein the monitoring module (41) is arranged in the docking station (1).

3. Docking station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flame monitoring sensor (5) is configured with the aid of a, preferably stationary, probe (31), - preferably wherein a probe head (44) of the probe (31) is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the training flame (4) when the fire safety training device (2) is inserted into the docking station (1).

4. Docking station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flame monitoring sensor (5) - can be read out via a separate control unit (22), - in particular wherein the monitoring module (41) is arranged in the control unit (22), and / or - is designed as an electrical, preferably capacitive, sensor, - in particular wherein the flame monitoring sensor (5) detects ionization of gas molecules caused by the training flame (4).

5. Docking station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station (1) comprises a fuel supply interface (6) for supplying fuel to the fire safety training device (2), - preferably and a fuel connection (20) for connecting a fuel source (25).

6. Docking station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station (1) comprises a control interface (17) for controlling the fire safety training device (2), - preferably and a control connection (21) for connecting a control unit (22), in particular the control unit (22).

7. Docking station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station (1) is connected to an associated control unit (22), preferably configured in the form of a safety column (23), via at least one control line (24), and - wherein the control unit (22) / the safety column (23) comprises - a manually operable emergency stop switch (27), configured to interrupt a fuel supply to a burner device (3) of a fire safety training device (2) inserted into the docking station (1) and / or - a mechanical shut-off (37) of a fuel feed (26) from a fuel source (25) to the docking station (1) and / or - a readout interface (28) configured to read out the flame monitoring sensor (5) and / or - wherein the control unit (22) is configured to - control a smoke generator (42) and / or - a ventilation system (43), - in particular in response to an output signal from the flame monitoring sensor (5).

8. Docking station (1) according to the preceding claims 5 to 7, wherein the fuel connection (20) of the docking station (1) is connected to the control unit (22) / the safety column (23) via a fuel feed (26), - in particular wherein the control unit (22) / safety column (23) is connected to a fuel source (25) via a further fuel feed (26).

9. Docking station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking station (1), preferably the control unit (22), comprises a control interface (13) for connecting a remote control (29) configured to control the fire safety training device (2) via the docking station (1).

10. Set consisting of a plurality of docking stations (1), each configured according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the docking stations (1) are each configured for inserting and coupling a mobile fire safety training device (2) comprising a burner device (3), and a central control unit (22), in particular configured as a safety column (23), - wherein each of the docking stations (1) is connected to the control unit (22) via a respective control line (24) and thus - a respective fire safety training device (2) can be monitored and / or controlled by means of the control unit (22) as soon as this fire safety training device (2) is coupled to the associated docking station (1), - preferably wherein, at any given time, only one of the connected burner devices (3) can be operated via the control unit (22), while the remaining docking stations (1) / fire safety training devices (2) cannot be operated at that time.

11. Training set (10), comprising - a docking station (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and - a mobile fire safety training device (2) designed for outdoor use, wherein the fire safety training device (2) comprises a burner device (3) for generating an open flame (4), - preferably wherein the burner device (3) is configured as a gas dry burner, and / or such that a fuel gas is emitted from a fuel gas outlet opening (11) directly into the ambient air from the fire safety training device (2), and / or - preferably wherein the docking station (1), the fire safety training device (2), and a control unit (22) controlling the fire safety training device (2) are each designed modularly as independent structural units, - in particular wherein the control unit (22) is connected to the docking station (1) via a control line (24) and can thus, via a control line (18) between the docking station (1) and the fire safety training device (2), access the fire safety training device (2) in a controlling manner in order to ignite and / or extinguish a training flame (4).

12. Training set (10) according to claim 11, wherein the fire safety training device (2) comprises a control interface (12) that can be coupled to a control interface (17) of the docking station (1) to establish a control line (18) between the docking station (1) and the fire safety training device (2).

13. Training set (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fire safety training device (2) comprises a fuel connection means (7) that can be coupled to a fuel supply interface (6) of the docking station (1) to establish a fuel feed line (19) between the docking station (1) and the fire safety training device (2).

14. Training set (10) according to one of claims 11-13, - wherein the docking station (1) comprises a mechanical locking aid (40) with which the fire safety training device (2) can be locked in a defined relative position to the docking station (1), - preferably such that the flame monitoring sensor (5) is always positioned above the training flame (4) when the fire safety training device (2) is inserted into the docking station (1) and is in operation, - in particular wherein the locking aid (40) is designed as a base plate (32) with recesses (33a, 33b) in which a wheel (34) or foot (35), preferably at least two wheels (34) and / or feet (35), of the fire safety training device (2) can be locked, - particularly preferably wherein the docking station (1) comprises a further locking aid (40) intended for locking a second fire safety training device (2) that differs from the first-mentioned fire safety training device (2).

15. Training set (10) according to one of claims 11-14, wherein the fire safety training device (2) comprises at least one automatically closing fuel flow valve (14) for supplying fuel to the burner device (3), which can be shut off via the control line (18), - preferably wherein the at least one fuel flow valve (14) closes automatically as soon as the electrical power supply to the fire safety training device (2) is interrupted.

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