DE102024116945A1 - Device and method for ventilating and deventilating objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for ventilating and extracting air from objects, particularly enclosed objects, comprising an inlet opening (12) and an outlet opening (14) formed in a housing (10), wherein the housing (10) further provides an extraction device (16) and/or an intake device (18), preferably a blower or fan (20) and a motor (22) configured to drive the blower (20), in order to either extract gaseous media, such as in particular smoke, exhaust gases, vapors or the like, from the objects by means of the extraction device (16) or to supply fresh air to the objects by means of the intake device (18). According to the invention, the device is a handheld device (1) powered by a battery (24).

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for ventilating and extracting air from objects. Such devices and methods have been known in the art for a long time. A distinction is usually made between mechanical smoke and heat extraction systems and ventilation devices used by fire departments in the event of a fire and also after firefighting operations to remove smoke and harmful gases from objects, such as enclosed spaces. This is achieved both by blowing in fresh air and by extracting the smoke and harmful gases.

Practical experience with fire departments has shown that such mobile ventilation units are very unwieldy due to their weight and therefore always require at least two firefighters to carry them to or into the building. Furthermore, these mobile ventilation units are connected to power cables or similar equipment. This, in turn, also presents disadvantages, such as tripping hazards or new potential fire hazards if the cables are lying on hot or sparking extinguishing agents.

The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a handy and effective device and a method for ventilating and de-ventilating objects, the functional application of which is simple on construction sites, in sewage channels, during firefighting activities with regard to fresh air supply or removal of harmful gases, or the like, and which can be used robustly and reliably in fire, at high temperatures, in smoke or with other pollutants.

This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for ventilating and extracting air from objects, particularly enclosed objects, consists of an inlet opening and an outlet opening formed in a housing. The housing (preferably explosion-proof) also includes an extraction device and/or an intake device, preferably a blower or fan and a motor configured to drive the blower or fan, in order to either extract gaseous media, such as smoke, exhaust gases, vapors, harmful gases, or the like, from the objects by means of the extraction device, or to supply fresh air to the objects by means of the intake device.

Objects, particularly enclosed objects, in which the device according to the invention is preferably used can be poorly ventilated rooms or even completely enclosed spaces, such as basements, elevators, or the like. Other objects, such as a burning barrel, are also conceivable. Thus, the device according to the invention can be used wherever fresh air is needed or harmful gases need to be extracted, such as on construction sites or in sewers.

According to the invention, the device is a handheld unit, preferably powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery can be charged directly via a power source or removed from the housing and charged externally in a charger. It is also conceivable that a charged battery is already available when an empty one is removed, thus avoiding wasting valuable time during a firefighting operation. This also allows the device according to the invention to be used independently of a power source, making it usable regardless of location, particularly at a distance from a fire engine.

The housing of the device according to the invention is preferably made of metal or special plastics, which are advantageously explosion-proof, in order to operate robustly and reliably in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as in the event of a fire in an enclosed living room with electrically connected appliances or in the event of a fire at biogas plants with explosive gases. Consequently, the device according to the invention is available in two versions: one for everyday use and one for explosion-proof areas, which will be used particularly by fire departments.

In a first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the handheld device has a switch which is suitable and intended for switching between the intake and exhaust functions. In other words, with one device, gaseous media can be extracted from the objects, or fresh air can be supplied to the objects via the intake function. It is also conceivable that, to change direction, the device according to the invention only needs to be rotated to switch from intake to exhaust or vice versa; in other words, it would even be conceivable to omit this switch. Furthermore, it is also possible that, by means of this switch, also called a switch, or another switch on the handheld device can simply be set to continuous operation. In particular, the device according to the invention can also be switched on and off via this switch, which can also be a push button.

Preferably, the device is suitable and intended for continuous operation (e.g., when an actuating element of the device, such as the aforementioned switch, is actuated). Preferably, the device can be operated continuously without requiring a person to continuously actuate a switch. Preferably, continuous operation can be set by (in particular, a single) actuation of an actuating element of the device.

Additionally or alternatively, the device can be operated in short-term mode. It is conceivable that, to operate the device in short-term mode, the operator must continuously actuate an operating element of the device (for example, by holding down a switch). Preferably, the short-term operation of the device ends (immediately) when the actuation of the operating element is discontinued.

Preferably, the device can be operated in different operating modes with different power levels and is preferably adjustable by the operator. For example, at least two, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, and particularly preferably at least five different operating modes with different power levels are provided.

Preferably, the device has a dead man's switch for operating the device in at least one operating mode and preferably in all operating modes. For example, the dead man's switch can be provided for operating the device in short-term operation and/or continuous operation.

Preferably, the device is configured and designed to be controlled via a remote control and/or remotely. Preferably, the device includes a communication device for receiving control signals transmitted to the device for operation. Preferably, all operating modes are controllable via the remote control or remotely. However, it is also conceivable that only selected operating modes, such as continuous operation, are controllable via a remote control.

The remote control is preferably a mobile and/or portable (handheld) device. It is conceivable that the remote control is a (mobile) device, particularly one belonging to the operator, such as a smartphone. It is also conceivable that the remote control is an operating device for an emergency vehicle, such as a fire engine.

Preferably, the device has at least one sensor (preferably a plurality of, in particular, different sensors) which detects and/or determines (by means of data collection) at least one sensor parameter characteristic of an air quality and/or air composition and/or a smoke condition and/or a thermal condition.

For example, at least one sensor can determine and/or detect a sensor size characteristic of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and/or other combustion gases (in the vicinity of the device or in the space in which the device is located).

Preferably, at least one sensor should be a heat detector and/or a smoke detector.

Preferably, the device includes a detection unit, in particular a processor-based unit, which determines at least one warning value based on the sensor value determined by the at least one sensor and preferably based on the sensor values determined by the plurality of sensors, if there is a risk of fire and/or smoke inhalation or if such a risk is to be feared (in particular without further intervention in a timely manner). For this purpose, the detection unit can compare the respective sensor value(s) with the threshold values provided to the detection unit.

Preferably, the device can output a warning message, such as an acoustic and/or visual warning signal, depending on the determined warning quantity.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the sensor data and/or sensor size(s) and/or warning size(s) recorded by the at least one sensor and/or by the multitude of sensors are output and/or transmitted (e.g. by means of the communication device of the device), e.g. to the remote control and/or at least a device located away from the device (e.g. of the emergency services), e.g. to a (control) center.

Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the operation and/or control and/or regulation of the device could be based on the sensor data and/or sensor parameters and/or warning parameters determined by the at least one sensor and/or the multitude of sensors. For example, when predefined threshold values are reached, exceeded, or fallen below, the device, in particular a ventilation system, could be switched on and/or a different operating mode (e.g., with a higher or lower power level) could be activated.

It is conceivable that the device can be operated and/or is operated automatically depending on the sensor data and/or sensor parameters and/or warning parameters determined by the at least one sensor and preferably by the multitude of sensors. Preferably, at least one operating parameter can be specified by an operator, depending on which the device is operated based on the sensor data and/or sensor parameters and/or warning parameters. For example, the operator could specify at which air quality and/or smoke detection levels a particular power level is selected. The specification of the at least one operating parameter can be done via an input device (a human-machine interface) of the device (such as a touchscreen or actuators) and/or via a remote control (e.g., via an app on a smartphone).

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the intake device and/or the exhaust device, preferably the blower or fan and the motor configured to drive the blower, are designed to generate positive or negative pressure. To switch the handheld device according to the invention to positive or negative pressure as needed, in the case of negative pressure, a gaseous medium to be compressed by the blower or fan is drawn in through the inlet opening and the compressed gaseous medium is then discharged through the outlet opening. In the case of positive pressure, fresh air is drawn in through the outlet opening and compressed by the blower or fan before being discharged through the inlet opening.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a hose, pipe or the like is associated with the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening, which is suitable and intended to extract the gaseous medium from the object and/or blow fresh air into the object.

The (respective) hose or pipe can be permanently (especially not removable without destruction) attached to the device.

Preferably, these are telescopic hoses or tubes that are assigned to both the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

It is conceivable that the hoses or pipes, preferably between 0.2 m and 1.5 m, preferably between 0.5 m and 1.2 m, preferably between 0.8 m and 1.1 m, and particularly preferably approximately 1 m long, can be extended by their preferably telescopic design by preferably at least 20 cm, preferably 40 cm, preferably 60 cm, and particularly preferably by 80 cm. The diameter of these hoses or pipes is preferably in the range of 5 cm and 20 cm, preferably 7 cm and 15 cm, preferably 8 cm and 12 cm, and particularly preferably approximately 10 cm.

It is conceivable, for example, that the hoses and/or pipes are extendable (telescopically) and/or (multiple) can be assembled in a range between 40 cm and 10 m, preferably 50 cm and 5 m, and that the operator can select/adjust a length within these ranges, either stepwise or continuously.

It is also conceivable that the hoses or pipes, if an extension is desired, can simply be plugged or screwed together. These hoses or pipes can preferably be extended up to 20 m, preferably up to 15 m, preferably up to 10 m, preferably up to 5 m, preferably up to 3 m, and preferably up to 2 m, thanks to their shape and pluggable or screwable extensions. In this way, distances of up to 20 m can advantageously be bridged.

The hoses or pipes (and preferably the housing) are also preferably fireproof, explosion-proof and/or dimensionally stable and/or (especially 100°C) heat-resistant.

Furthermore, the hoses or pipes can have ventilation slots. These are advantageously provided at the front and rear of the hose or pipe to avoid damaging the motor configured to drive the blower or fan. These ventilation slots are preferably between 2 cm and 20 cm long, more preferably between 5 cm and 15 cm, more preferably between 8 cm and 12 cm, and most preferably approximately 10 cm long.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the hose or pipe is extended over at least one The hoses or pipes are preferably connected to the inlet and/or outlet opening by a clamp, bayonet fitting, toggle fitting, or similar device; that is, the hoses or pipes are preferably detachably and securely connected to the inlet and/or outlet opening. However, it is also conceivable that the hose or pipe is permanently attached to the device, as explained above.

The hose can preferably be a corrugated hose.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the hose or tube has at least one fixing element for hanging it in a window. This secures the hose or tube against slippage. The fixing element can be designed as a clamp.

Preferably, the hose is a suction hose and/or pressure hose.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device, designed as a handheld unit, has at least one handle and/or a carrying strap, so that the handheld unit is portable. Since the device according to the invention preferably weighs between 2 kg and 15 kg (conceivably approximately 10 to 15 kg), more preferably between 3 kg and 7 kg, and particularly preferably between 4 kg and 5 kg, it can be easily carried around the scene of an incident by a user, such as a firefighter, either in the hand or slung over the shoulder.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the blower or fan provided above the motor is designed for axial intake of gaseous media to be compressed and radial discharge of the compressed gaseous medium.

The device according to the embodiments described above, and in particular its telescopic design, is such that it, along with all its accessories, can be stored in a bag. In other words, the device, including all hoses, pipes, handles, etc., can be packed into this bag (preferably with a maximum geometric dimension/length of 1.60 m, more preferably 1.30 m, more preferably 1.20 m, more preferably 1.10 m, and most preferably essentially 1 m). Thus, the device according to the invention can be easily transported to the places of use and is ready for immediate deployment. Furthermore, it is conceivable that—if ventilation or aeration is required over a greater distance—several devices according to the invention could even be connected in series.

Preferably, the device, particularly in a transport state (in which it is packed in a bag for transport), has a maximum (geometric) dimension (length) of 1.50 m, preferably 1.30 m, preferably 1.20 m and particularly preferably 1 m.

The present invention further provides a method for ventilating and deventilating objects, in particular closed objects, using a previously described device. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the portable device, powered by a battery and designed as a handheld unit, extracts gaseous media, such as smoke, exhaust gases, vapors, or the like, from the objects or supplies fresh air to the objects.

The device described above is specifically designed and intended to carry out the described method, i.e., all features implemented for the device described above are also disclosed for the method described here and vice versa.

• Darin zeigt:
  • 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Be- und Entlüften von Objekten.

Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawing:

• It shows:
  • 1 A schematic representation of a device for ventilating and deventilating objects.

1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for ventilating and extracting air from objects, in particular enclosed objects such as living spaces. The explosion-proof housing 10 of the device 1 consists of an inlet opening 12 and an outlet opening 14 formed in the housing 10.

In the embodiment shown here, the housing 10 contains an extraction device 16 and an intake device 18, preferably a blower or fan 20 and a motor 22 configured to drive the blower or fan 20, in order to either extract gaseous media, such as in particular smoke, exhaust gases, vapors or the like, from the objects by means of the extraction device 16 or to supply fresh air to the objects by means of the intake device 18. Other embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention may also have only an extraction device 16 or an intake device 18 in the housing 10. see. The blower or fan provided above the motor 22 is designed for axial intake of gaseous media to be compressed and radial discharge of the compressed gaseous medium.

According to the invention, the device, as also shown here, is a handheld device 1 powered by a battery 24, so that the device 1 can be used without any power supply cables or leads. In this embodiment, the handheld device 1 has both a handle 34 and a carrying strap 36. This design allows the device 1 to be carried in two different ways. Other embodiments may also have only a handle 34 or only a carrying strap 36.

The device 1 according to the invention, in the embodiment shown here, also has a switch 26 on the handheld device 1, which is suitable and intended for switching between the intake device 16 and the extraction device 18. In other words, with one device 1, gaseous media can be extracted from the objects, or fresh air can be supplied to the objects via the intake device 16. A change of direction, i.e., whether extraction or intake is to take place, can also be effected simply by rotating the device 1.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, a tube 28 is associated with the inlet opening 12 and the outlet opening 14. This tube is suitable and intended for extracting the gaseous medium from the object and blowing fresh air into the object. The tube 28, or the two tubes 28 at the inlet opening 12 and at the outlet opening 14, are connected to both the tube 28 at the inlet opening 12 and at the outlet opening via a bayonet fitting 30 (not shown). In addition, the device 1 provides a fixing element 32 for hanging the tubes 28 in a window.

Reference symbol list

1

device

10

Housing

12

Inlet opening

14

outlet opening

16

extraction system

18

Intake system

20

blower, fan

22

Motor

24

accumulator

26

switch

28

hose, pipe

30

Clamp, bayonet fitting, lever clasp

32

Fixing element

34

handle

36

carrying strap

Claims (10)

Device (1) for ventilating and extracting air from objects, in particular enclosed objects, comprising an inlet opening (12) formed in a housing (10) and an outlet opening (14) formed in the housing (10), wherein the housing (10) further provides an extraction device (16) and/or an intake device (18), preferably a blower or fan (20) and a motor (22) configured to drive the blower (20), in order to either extract gaseous media, such as in particular smoke, exhaust gases, vapors or the like, from the objects by means of the extraction device (16) or to supply fresh air to the objects by means of the intake device (18), characterized in that the device is a handheld device (1) operated with a battery (24). Device (1) according Claim 1 , wherein the hand device (1) has a switch (26) which is suitable and intended to switch between the suction device (16) and the extraction device (18). Device (1) according Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the intake device (16) and/or the extraction device (18), preferably the blower or fan (20) and the motor (22) configured to drive the blower (20) are designed to generate an overpressure or underpressure. Device (1) according Claim 1 or 2 , wherein a hose (28), pipe or the like is associated with the inlet opening (12) and/or the outlet opening (14), which is suitable and intended to extract the gaseous medium from the object and/or to blow fresh air into the object. Device (1) according Claim 4 , wherein the hose (28) or the tube is connected to the inlet opening (12) and/or the outlet opening (14) via at least one clamp (30), a bayonet fitting, a lever fitting or the like. Device (1) according Claim 4 or 5 , wherein the hose (28) or tube has at least one fixing element (32) for hanging the corresponding item in a window. Device (1) according Claim 4 , 5 or 6 , wherein the hose (28) is a suction hose and/or pressure hose. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device designed as a hand device (1) has at least one handle (34) and/or a carrying strap (36) so that the hand device (1) is portable. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blower or fan (20) provided via the motor (18) is designed for axial intake of gaseous media to be compressed and radial discharge of the compressed gaseous medium. Method for ventilating and deventilating objects, in particular closed objects, with a device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the device (1), which is operated with a battery (20) and designed as a handheld device (1), is transportable and extracts gaseous media, in particular smoke, exhaust gases, vapors or the like, from the objects or supplies fresh air to the objects.