SE542132C2

SE542132C2 - Escape Hood Device

Info

Publication number: SE542132C2
Application number: SE1650660A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Mathias Scholz; Michael Dietrich; Michael Rosert
Original assignee: Draeger Safety Ag & Co Kgaa
Priority date: 2015-06-02
Filing date: 2016-05-17
Publication date: 2020-03-03
Also published as: AT16405U1; AT517313A2; DE102015006826B4; DE102015006826A1; SE1650660A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an escape hood device (1) with an escape hood (10) in a protective cover (50), wherein the escape hood (10) comprises a flexible head hood (11) with an integrated, flexible viewing window (12) and a filter (20), wherein the filter (20) has a filter inlet opening (15), which is arranged on the outside (17) ofthe flexible head hood (11), and a filter outlet opening (16), which leads into the interior (18) ofthe flexible head hood (11), wherein the protective cover (50) is connected to at least one filter plug (21, 22), and wherein the filter plug(s) (21, 22) can be inserted into the filter (20) in a manner so they can be pulled out, and they block the activation of the filter (20).

Description

Escape Hood Device DESCRIPTION The invention relates to an escape hood device according to Claim 1.

The escape hood or fire escape hood is a protective hood made of a coated fabric, for example, plastic-coated textiles or a plastic of low flammability, in each case having a flexible integrated viewing window and a (multigrade) filter integrated in the escape hood. The escape hood is worn on the head and used primarily by firefighters in smoky areas, for example, in burning buildings.

The filter prevents the penetration of poisonous products generated by fire (gases, vapors, soot) and also carbon monoxide into the interior of the escape hood, which can be released in a fire and lead to fatal smoke gas intoxications. The protective effect against carbon monoxide (CO) is achieved by a catalytic filter, in particular Hopkalite, which catalyzes the oxidation of CO with atmospheric oxygen to CO2. The escape hood is thus an air circulation-dependent protective breathing apparatus (escape filter apparatus) that filters poisonous gases from the air.

In contrast to protective breathing apparatuses operated by pressurized air, an escape hood does not protect against oxygen deficiency in the ambient air. However, escape hoods also exist to which a compressed air breathing apparatus can optionally be connected. As a result of the overpressure that is then generated in the escape hood, it does not have to be entirely closed off relative to the wearer. In addition, this makes it possible to supply a person engaged in a rescue operation with fresh breathing air.

Typically, the escape hoods are carried along packed, and are unpacked and put on only when needed. Here, in the prior art, packages made of cardboard or paperboard, barrier layer pouches, and vacuum packages made of aluminum are known. The escape hoods thus packaged are accommodated in a (belt) holster so that they can be carried along comfortably.

The disadvantage of the use of paperboard or cardboard is that these materials become damaged in contact with moisture. Often, the customer already throws the escape hood away after a single contact with water for fear of mold development. Moreover, in the case of a cardboard package, there is insufficient protection against the penetration of dust and soot. An additional disadvantage is the large-volume and rigid geometry of the cardboard.

In the case of barrier layer pouches, in particular vacuum packages made of aluminum, the problem is that it is impossible to visually check the escape hood without destroying the package. Damage to the barrier layer pouch is often detected only late. This leads to the filter being damaged if the barrier layer pouch is damaged, so that, in an emergency, the filter performance is no longer entirely available or is completely absent. On the one hand, the filter is in an exchange with gases, so that it works as a filter. On the other hand, the filter material becomes enriched with moisture, which reduces its performance capacity. In practice, in order to detect damage, one checks the water vapor permeability of the barrier layer pouch, for example, by weighing. However, this is technically complicated and expensive.

The object of the invention therefore is to provide an escape hood device with an escape hood in a protective cover, wherein the protective cover reliably packages the escape hood until its use, and wherein a simple checking of the escape hood is possible. The escape hood device should be compact, light, soft and inexpensive. In addition, in an emergency, the escape hood should be ready for use in the most convenient, intuitive and rapid manner.

The main features of the invention are indicated in the characterizing part of Claim 1. Designs are the subject matter of Claims 2 to 12.

In an escape hood device with an escape hood in a protective cover, wherein the escape hood comprises a flexible head hood with an integrated, flexible viewing window and a filter, wherein the filter has a filter inlet opening which is arranged on the outside of the flexible head hood, and a filter outlet opening which leads into the interior of the flexible head hood, the invention provides that the protective cover is connected to at least one filter plug, wherein the filter plug(s) is/are inserted into the filter in an extractable manner, and it blocks or they block the activation of the filter.

It is advantageous here that, even in the case of damage to the protective cover, the filter performance does not decrease. This is reliably prevented by the filter plugs. The blocking of the activation of the filter is understood to mean the prevention of any reduction in the performance of the filter, which is based on active filtering processes or chemical filter reactions. Thus, a functional separation is achieved between protection from dust and moisture of the entire escape hood by the protective cover, and protection of the filter by the filter plug. Here, the filter plugs should enable the activation of the catalyst when they are pulled, in particular when they are pulled out of the filter. Expensive tests for damage in the protective cover in order to check the state of the filter can be dispensed with. Moreover, the flexible head hood should be made of a coated fabric, for example, plastic-coated textiles or a plastic of low flammability. These materials are light and can be stored compactly.

Due to the connection of the protective cover to the filter plug(s), it is achieved that the latter can be pulled out at the time of removal from the protective cover, without additional handles. Therefore, a variant of the escape hood device also provides that the filter plug(s) enable(s) the activation of the filter when the escape hood is pulled out of the protective cover. Accordingly, a simple and intuitive operation is possible, with, so to speak, automatic activation of the filter at the time of removal from the protective cover. At the same time, the connection and thus the escape hood device itself can be manufactured cost effectively.

According to a more detailed design of the escape hood device, it is provided that the filter plug(s) close the filter inlet opening and the filter outlet opening in a gas-tight manner. In this way, filter media located in the interior of the filter are protected from outside influences, in particular from the entry of air and fluid.

A particularly preferable embodiment of the escape hood device is one in which two filter plugs are provided, wherein one of the filter plugs is arranged in the filter inlet opening which forms a plug seat for this filter plug, and wherein this filter plug can be pulled out in the direction of the outside of the flexible head hood, and wherein the other filter plug is arranged in the filter outlet opening which forms a plug seat for this filter plug, and wherein this filter plug can be pulled out in the direction towards the interior of the flexible head hood. In this way, simple and intuitive pulling directions are predetermined. The escape hood is preferably packaged in the protective cover in such a manner that the neck opening is arranged radially around the filter. The inner valve plug is thus uncovered at the time of removal and can be simply removed.

Here, the filter plugs should each be connected with a strap to the protective cover. It is preferable that one strap is longer than the other, so that first one valve plug is pulled out and subsequently the second valve plug is pulled out, in particular after manual alignment of the pulling direction. This prevents the valve plug from becoming caught in the head hood. In addition, the reduction to few pulling directions, in particular to a single pulling direction for pulling out the valve plug is convenient to handle.

A particularly simple removal of the plug can be achieved if one or both valve plugs comprise, on the outside, a flat plastic plate as fastening means to which the strap is attached. As a result, the lever arm is larger in order to separate the valve plug from the plug seat. In addition, the plastic plate can be used as gripping mean even with gloves in order to be able to directly grip the valve plug and pull it out.

Preferably, the filter plugs are designed in the form of a disk with a peripheral groove. The result is a flat compact construction. The plastic plates can also be arranged flat on the filter housing.

In a special design of the escape hood device, the filter has a catalyst, and the filter plug(s) block(s) the activation of the catalyst. Catalysts are particularly sensitive and, in the case of contact with air, lose their filter performance. In addition, catalysts become saturated with moisture, which can drastically reduce the filter performance.

In an optional variant, the catalyst is a Hopkalite. Using it, the conversion of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) to relatively harmless carbon dioxide (CO2) by (atmospheric) oxygen (O2) via oxidation is possible. Hopkalite is the term for mixed catalysts that consist, in particular, of manganese dioxide and copper(II) oxide. In addition, they can contain other metal oxides, for example, cobalt oxides and silver(I) oxide. Examples of compositions are 60% MnO2/ 40% CuO or 50% MnO2/ 30% CuO / 15% CoO and 5% Ag2O. In addition, hopkalites catalyze the oxidation of various organic compounds at increased temperature (200-500 °C).

Preferably, the filter or the catalyst is designed so as to be exchangeable. As a result, the escape hood can be returned to a functional state in a cost effective manner after use or after expiration of the minimum useful life.

Optionally, the filter can comprise a particle filter. By means of said particle filter, the breathing in of dirt and soot particles is prevented. In order to also protect an optional catalyst, it is possible to position the particle filter upstream of the catalyst in the direction from the outside to the interior of the flexible head hood. In particular, the particle filter can include filter paper. As construction, ring filters are particularly suitable as particle filter.

Furthermore, in a more detailed design of the escape hood device, it is provided that the protective cover is connected via at least one strap to the filter plug(s). The pulling strap then allows the user to recognize the pulling direction on the valve plug and to pull on the valve plug in an optimal direction. In addition, removing the escape hood from the protective cover and packing the escape hood with the protective cover are made possible in a convenient manner, which simplifies the manufacture or also a filter replacement. The strap is preferably made of TPU (Desmopan).

To ensure that the protective cover can be closed in a sealing manner, the connection between the protective cover and the filter plug(s) should be in the interior of the protective cover.

A particularly long-lived and sealing protection of the filter is achieved in a special embodiment according to which the filter plug(s) consist(s) substantially or entirely of butyl. In particular, butyl plugs prevent penetration of moisture particularly well. In this manner, a minimum useful life of 6-8 years can be achieved.

The protective cover is a flexible protective pouch. Such a protective pouch is compact, light and adapted to the content and the surroundings. Accordingly, it does not cause pressure pain and moreover is not damaged even if exposed to force from the outside.

The protective cover is preferably welded. As a result, it seals particularly well against dust particles and moisture.

According to a special design, the protective cover is a plastic cover, preferably filmbased. Protective covers prevent penetration of dust particles and humidity in a particularly good and lasting manner.

In order to enable a visual check of the escape hood, the protective cover is transparent. Moreover, in a more detailed design, it is provided that the protective cover comprises a pressure compensation valve. With it, a pressure compensation is possible, and the protective cover does not inflate and burst even at high temperatures. In addition, the pressure compensation valve should be a one-way valve that allows a fluid, in particular gas, to flow out of the protective cover. Preferably, the pressure compensation valve is an overpressure valve. As a result, the pressure compensation occurs only starting at a defined pressure, and the overpressure valve prevents an undesired inflow of gas or moisture into the protective cover in a particularly reliable manner.

An addition to the escape hood device provides that the escape hood with the protective cover is arranged extractably in a fireproof holster. The holster protects the protective cover and the escape hood contained therein from flames. In addition, it enables the escape hood to be carried along conveniently in the protective cover. The holster preferably protects the protective cover against contact with sharp-edged objects in particular. For this purpose, the holster consists substantially of nylon. According to a special design, the holster has a closable receiving space for the escape hood in the protective cover. In this manner, the protective cover is protected all around, and the escape hood cannot fall out of the holster.

In a more detailed design, the escape hood has an inner mask that can be placed over the mouth and the nose and is air-tight, wherein the filter leads out via the filter output opening and through the inner mask to the outside. With the inner mask, the position of the escape hood can be determined correctly. In addition, the breathing air is supplied directly via the filter. It is not critical that gases penetrate easily into the escape hood. Comfortable breathing during prolonged use is achieved if the inner mask comprises an exhalation valve. Said exhalation valve should lead, in particular, past the filter. In this way, the air resistance of the filter does not have to be overcome during exhalation valve. In addition, the filter performance of the filter is not reduced by the air that is exhaled. To prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the interior of the escape hood, the exhalation valve should lead out on the outside of the flexible head hood.

So that the escape hood can be packed compactly, adapts to the head to the wearer, and channels the respiration air, the inner mask should have a rubber layer. High wearing comfort is achieved if a cloth fabric layer is provided in addition.

Furthermore, the handling of the escape hood is particularly simple if elastic banding is provided. In particular, this banding should be connected to the inner mask and run by behind the head. An additional elastic banding is provided preferably in the neck area, in order to prevent penetration of smoke and soot. If the banding is implemented as an inner banding, it is protected inside the escape hood against outside influences such as heat.

An additional optional addition to the escape hood can consist of a pressurized air connection that leads into the flexible head hood. If a pressurized air respirator is connected, an overpressure is generated in the escape hood and the pressurized air respirator does not have to be closed off entirely relative to the wearer. In addition, this makes it possible to supply a person engaged in a rescue operation with fresh breathing air. Moreover, the pressurized air connection should lead, in particular, into the inner mask. Preferably, an overpressure valve is arranged in the pressurized air connection, so that nothing can penetrate if no pressurized air respirator is connected.

Additional features, details and advantages of the invention result from the text of the claims as well as from the following description of embodiment examples in reference to the drawings. In the drawing: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of an escape hood that has just been taken out of a protective cover; Figure 2 shows a side view of an escape hood with partial sections; Figure 3 shows a front view of an escape hood; Figure 4 shows a front view of a filter; and Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of an escape hood device, in which an escape hood is arranged in a protective cover.

In Figure 1, an escape hood device 1 can be seen in a diagrammatic side view. An escape hood 10 is shown in a half-removed position relative to a protective cover 50. The escape hood device 1 thus comprises an escape hood 10, which was arranged initially or in a storage state in the protective cover 50 shown (compare with Figure 5), according to the representation of Figure 1, but pulled out of said protective cover. The escape hood 10 is in part still folded up. Except for this difference in arrangement, the description pertaining to Figure 1 also applies to Figure 5.

In addition, the removed and unfolded escape hood 10 is represented in greater detail in Figures 2 and 3, namely, in Figure 2 in a side view with partial sections and in Figure 3 in a front view. The explanations pertaining to Figure 1 concerning the escape hood 10 therefore apply accordingly to Figures 2 and 3.

According to Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, the escape hood 10 has a flexible headhood 11 with an integrated, flexible viewing window 12 and a filter 20.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the filter 20, and the explanations pertaining to Figure 1 concerning the characterizing features of the filter 20 apply accordingly to Figure 4.

As can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, the filter 20 has a filter inlet opening 15 which is arranged on the outside 17 of the flexible head hood 11, and a filter outlet opening 16 (visible only in Figures 1 and 2) which leads into the interior 18 of the flexible head hood 11 (compare with Figure 2). The filter inlet opening 15 and the filter outlet opening 16 are formed, in particular, in a filter housing 23, in which a catalyst 19 is arranged. This catalyst 19 is Hopkalite. In addition, the filter 20 contains a particle filter 14 with a filter paper. It is designed as ring filter.

The particle filter 14 is placed upstream of the catalyst 19 in the direction from the outside 17 into the interior 18 of the flexible head hood 11.

According to Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, the flexible head hood 11 consists either of a coated fabric, for example, plastic-coated textiles or a plastic of low flammability. An elastic banding 32 is incorporated in the flexible head hood 11 (compare Figure 2). With this banding, the escape hood 11 can be put firmly on the head, so that the mouth, nose and eyes are positioned correctly relative to the escape hood 11. According to Figures 2, 3 and 5, additional elastic banding 33 is provided around a neck opening 13 in the flexible head hood 11. The bandings 32, 33 are each designed as inner banding, i.e., lying protected from flames on the inner side of the flexible head hood 11.

In particular, in Figure 2, it can be seen that the escape hood 10 comprises an inner mask 30 which can be placed on the mouth and nose and is airtight. Here, the filter 20 leads via the filter outlet opening 16 and through the inner mask 30 into the interior 18 of the escape hood 10. The inner mask 30 has an air-tight rubber layer as well as a cloth fabric layer. At least one banding 32 is firmly secured to the inner mask 30 and led around the back of the head area (compare with Figure 2).

According to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the inner mask 30 additionally comprises an exhalation valve 31, going past the filter 20 and leading out on the outside 17 of the flexible head hood 11. In particular, the exhalation valve 31 points geodetically downward if the wearer is in a normal upright position. In this way, accumulating fluid can be discharged.

The filter inlet opening 15 forms a plug seat 24 for a filter plug 21. This filter plug 21 can be pulled out in the direction towards the outside 17 of the flexible head hood 11. According to Figures 1 and 2, the filter outlet opening 16 forms a plug seat 25 for a second filter plug 22. The second filter plug 22 can be pulled out in a direction leading into the interior 18 of the flexible head hood 11. In this position, the two filter plugs 21, 22 block the activation of the filter 20, in particular, of the catalyst 19, by closing the filter inlet opening 15 and the filter outlet opening 16 in a gas-tight manner. For this purpose, the filter plugs 21, 22 are made of butyl.

As one can see in the partial section in Figure 1, the filter plugs 21, 22 are each formed in the shape of a disk and with peripheral groove. The result is a flat compact construction. On the outside, the filter plugs 21, 22 each have a fastening means 26, 27 to which a strap 51, 52 is attached and which is formed as a flat, round plastic plate. These plastic plates extend flat over the filter housing 23.

According to Figures 1 and 5, the straps 51, 52 are connected to the protective cover 50. According to Figure 1, one strap 52 is longer than the other strap 51, so that first the valve plug 21 with the shorter strap 51 is pulled out, and subsequently, in particular after manual alignment of the pulling direction, the second valve plug 22 is pulled out.

As can be seen in Figures 1, 5, the protective cover 50 is connected via the two straps 51, 52 in each case to a filter plug 21, 22. In the starting position according to Figure 5, the connection between the protective cover 50 and the filter plug 21, 22, namely the straps 51, 52 is located in the interior of the protective cover 50. The straps 51, 52 according to Figure 1 are sufficiently long that the escape hood 10 can be entirely pulled out of the protective cover 50 without any tensile load on the straps 51, 52.

If the escape hood 10 is pulled out further from the protective cover 50 or away from said protective cover, as represented in Figure 1, the filter 20 is activated by pulling on the filter plugs 21, 22 by means of the straps 51, 52, to the point that said filter plugs have been removed from their respective plug seats 24, 25. They are then attached to the protective cover 50 and can be left behind at the deployment site.

The protective cover 50 according to Figures 1 and 5 consists in each case of a flexible protective pouch. Said protective pouch is made of a transparent plastic or a transparent plastic film and is welded together according to Figure 5, and opened according to Figure 1, for the purpose of which a tear comer 54 is provided (see Figure 5). A pressure compensation valve 53 is integrated in the protective cover 50, allowing a fluid, in particular, gas, to flow out of the protective cover 50. In particular, this pertains to a one-way valve as well as to an overpressure valve. It should be noted that the protective cover according to Figure 5 can also be designed to be considerably smaller. For this purpose, the flexible portions of the escape hood 10 would have to be assembled more strongly.

The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified instead in numerous ways.

Thus, among other possibilities, the escape hood 10 with the protective cover 50 can be arranged in a fireproof holster in a removable manner. This holster is provided with a belt fastening means, for example, a belt loop or a clip. Preferably, the holster consists substantially of nylon. Here, the holster should form a closable receiving space for the escape hood in the protective cover.

All the features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including construction details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and also in all the various combinations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 1 Escape hood device Escape hood 11 Flexible head hood 12 Viewing window 13 Neck opening 14 Particle filter Filter inlet opening 16 Filter outlet opening 17 Outside (head hood) 18 Interior (head hood) 19 Catalyst Filter 21 Filter plug 22 Filter plug 23 Filter housing 24 Plug seat Plug seat 26 Fastening means 27 Fastening means 30 Inner mask 31 Exhalation valve 32 Banding (head) 33 Banding (neck) 50 Protective cover 51 Strap 52 Strap 53 Pressure compensation valve 54 Tear comer

Claims

1. An escape hood device (1) with an escape hood (10) in a protective cover (50), wherein the escape hood (10) comprises a flexible head hood (11) with an integrated, flexible viewing window (12) and a filter (20), wherein the filter (20) has a filter inlet opening (15) which is arranged on the outside (17) of the flexible head hood (11), and a filter outlet opening (16) which leads into the interior (18) of the flexible head hood (11), characterized in that the protective cover (50) is connected to at least one filter plug (21, 22), wherein the filter plug(s) (21, 22) is (are) inserted into the filter (20) in an extractable manner, and it blocks or they block the activation of the filter (20) and in that the protective cover (50) is a flexible protective pouch and in that the protective cover (50) is transparent.

2. The escape hood device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter plug(s) (21, 22) enable the activation of the filter (20) when the escape hood (10) is pulled out of the protective cover (50).

3. The escape hood device (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the filter plug(s) (21, 22) close the filter inlet opening (15) and the filter outlet opening (16) in a gas-tight manner.

4. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two filter plugs (21, 22) are provided, wherein one of the filter plugs (21) is arranged in the filter inlet opening (15) which forms a plug seat (25) for this filter plug (21), and wherein this filter plug (21) can be pulled out in the direction of the outside (17) of the flexible head hood (11), and wherein the other filter plug (22) is arranged in the filter outlet opening (26) which forms a plug seat (26) for this filter plug (22), and wherein this filter plug (22) can be pulled out in the direction of the interior (18) of the flexible head hood (11).

5. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover (50) is connected via at least one strap (51) to the filter plug(s) (21, 22).

6. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the protective cover (50) and the filter plug(s) (21, 22) is located in the interior of the protective cover (50).

7. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter plug(s) (21, 22) consist(s) substantially or entirely of butyl.

8. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover (50) is a plastic cover.

9. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective cover (50) comprises a pressure compensation valve (53).

10. The escape hood device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the escape hood (10) with the protective cover (50) is arranged in a fireproof holster in a removable manner.