DE102013011195A1 - Personal protection system, helmet, respirator and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a personal protection system which comprises: a helmet (10) a first microphone device (20) which can be arranged on the helmet (10), a remote communication device (40) which communicatively connects to the first microphone device (20) a respiratory mask (50), a second microphone device (60) which can be arranged on the respiratory mask (50), and - connection means (71, 76) for communicatively connecting the second microphone device (60) to the remote communication device (40) , The invention also relates to a helmet (10), a respiratory mask (50) and a method for controlling communication of the personal protection system. The method comprises the steps of: detecting whether the helmet (10) and the respirator (50) are electrically coupled or have a positional relationship with each other according to their respective deployment positions; and selectively connecting either the first microphone device (20) or the second microphone device (60) to the remote communication device (40), the second microphone device (60) being connected to the remote communication device (40) if it has been detected in the detecting step that the second microphone device (60) is remote communication device (40) Helmet (10) and the respirator (50) are electrically coupled together or have a positional relationship to each other according to their respective deployment positions.

Description

The present invention relates to a personal protection system, in particular a personal protection system for emergency services that allows communication with helmet and with or without respirator. The invention further relates to a helmet and a respiratory mask and a method for controlling a communication of a personal protection system.

Forces such as the fire department are used in very different situations. This area ranges from technical assistance to fire fighting and dangerous goods operations. Different components are needed for self-protection. Common to many operations is the use of a mandatory helmet in combination with fire-resistant jackets and trousers. In firefighting, the headgear (helmet) is augmented with respiratory protection by combining a full-face respirator in combination with a forced air respirator or a circuit breathing device.

In addition to the means of self-protection, the emergency services rely on adequate communication. For missions, it is structured individually or in teams (eg teams of two) as needed. Communicating with a chief of operations and below the teams is important for a smooth deployment. The use of analog or digital radio is known. Furthermore, for the two scenarios "use with helmet" and "use with helmet and respiratory protection" special headset solutions are common, which allow either an integration in the helmet or the breathing mask in order to improve the voice communication in the respective situation ,

11 exemplifies a personal protection system 1100 for helmet communication. The personal protection system 1100 has a helmet 10 and a radio 40 on. On a chin guard 14 is a microphone 20 attached. Instead of the chin strap 14 is the microphone 20 Also often attached to a gooseneck or boom or the like. There are also one or two earphones 30 intended. These can be in the helmet 10 such as helmet padding, integrated or incorporated into a chin strap mount, or designed as an earmold insertable into an ear of the wearer. microphone 20 and earphones 30 are also often summarized as a headset. A radio interface 80 is for connection to the radio 40 or a command center in the helmet 10 integrated and over batteries 88 can be supplied with electricity. In addition, to protect the batteries 88 or as a substitute for same and the radio interface 80 , is a wire connection 42 provided with leads of the earphone 30 and the microphone 20 is connectable. That is, two scenarios can be distinguished, namely once wired and once wirelessly from the headset to the radio. An adapter 16 for coupling a respirator (not shown here) is on the sides of the helmet 10 intended. The administration 42 can, depending on the transmission technique used, a bidirectional signal wire or two or more unidirectional signal wires (voice / audible, possibly right / left, possibly data signal), a Masseader and optionally have a power supply wire. The administration 42 can be on the side of the radio 40 one to a type of radio 40 have adapted plug or a plug according to a standard industry standard or fixed to the radio 40 be connected. The administration 42 can be on the side of the helmet 10 have a product-specific or standardized plug or fixed to the helmet 10 be connected.

12 exemplifies a personal protection system 1200 for mask communication. The personal protection system 1200 has a respirator 50 and a radio 40 on. In a connection piece 58 the mask 50 , in which also valves for inhaling and exhaling and a speech diaphragm are arranged, is a microphone 60 attached. There are also one or two earphones 31 intended. These can be in the mask 50 , like a mask body 52 where this on a cheekbone or a forehead of a wearer of the mask 50 is present, or in a mounting strap 54 be integrated or designed as an insertable into an ear of the wearer earmould. Also on the mask is often a headset, including, for example, a gooseneck or boom having used, are summarized in which earphone and microphone. A radio interface 81 is for connection to the radio 40 or a command center in the mask 50 integrated and over batteries 89 can be supplied with electricity. In addition, to protect the batteries 89 or as a substitute for same and the radio interface 81 , is a wire connection 42 provided with leads of the earphone 31 and the microphone 60 is connectable. The administration 42 can be related as above 11 be described described.

The currently known solutions described above have the disadvantage that they offer a communication solution either in the helmet or in the breathing mask. For example, if a firefighter wears a helmet with communication solution, he is only conditionally radio-controlled after putting on a breathing mask, since the attenuation of the high frequencies over the mask body and a modified sound conduction from the mouth through the mask will impair speech intelligibility.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a personal protection system which provides improvements for emergency services in the fire department, disaster relief, emergency technical assistance or the like, in particular with regard to at least one of the aspects reliability, reliability, intelligibility and convenience in the control center communication and team communication.

At least one of the above objects is achieved by a personal protection system having the features of claim 1, by a helmet having the features of claim 10, by a respiratory mask having the features of claim 16, and by a method of communication control having the features of claim 18. Further details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the personal protection system according to the invention apply, of course, also in connection with the helmet according to the invention, the respirator according to the invention and the method according to the invention and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is made or . can be.

• – einen Helm,
• – eine erste Mikrofoneinrichtung, die an dem Helm anordenbar ist,
• – eine Fernkommunikationseinrichtung, die mit der ersten Mikrofoneinrichtung kommunikationstechnisch verbindbar ist,
• – eine Atemschutzmaske,
• – eine zweite Mikrofoneinrichtung, die an der Atemschutzmaske anordenbar ist, und
• – Verbindungsmittel zum kommunikationstechnischen Verbinden der zweiten Mikrofoneinrichtung mit der Fernkommunikationseinrichtung.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a personal protection system is proposed which comprises:

• - a helmet,
• A first microphone device, which can be arranged on the helmet,
• A remote communication device that can be connected to the first microphone device in terms of communication technology,
• - a respirator,
• A second microphone device, which can be arranged on the respiratory mask, and
• - Connection means for communicatively connecting the second microphone device with the remote communication device.

Since according to the present invention, two microphone devices are provided, namely one on the helmet and one on the respirator, an operator is a clear communication allows whether the mask is attached to the helmet or not, because it is always a microphone device available, which with the Fernkommunikationseinrichtung is connectable and in which can be spoken directly. Thus, when using a respirator, the spoken word can be converted directly from the second microphone device (mask microphone) and transmitted via the means for connecting to the remote communication device; A damping of the spoken word through the respirator before it reaches the first microphone device (helmet microphone), is no longer significant. Therefore, the spoken word is clearly understandable, and communication with a control center is facilitated. In the respirator does not have its own speaker device and no remote communication device be provided; This makes the respirator lighter, less prone and more comfortable to use.

For the purposes of the invention, a microphone device is understood to be a sound converter device for converting acoustic signals into electrical signals. For the purposes of the invention, a remote communication device is understood to be a data transmission device for communicating an emergency force with a control center, other team members, a mobile radio base station or directly with other remote communication devices, and may, for example, but not only, be a unidirectional or bi-directional radiotelephone Radio transmitter / receiver, a mobile phone, a satellite phone, a wired telephone device or other communication device may be formed. The data transmission can be encrypted or unencrypted. In general, the remote communication in the meaning of the invention thus takes place in particular via a radio remote communication such as radiotelephony, radiotelephony, radio or the like. To be distinguished from the remote communication device is the connection of the microphone devices and an existing speaker device within the personal protection system. This is designed as a close communication between devices such as Bluetooth, infrared or the like, but can also be wired. Incidentally, the word "connect", although not explicitly mentioned, is used throughout this application in the sense of an electrical or signal or communication connection, while a mechanical connection is explicitly designated as such or by another word selection such as " Fixing "or" attaching "is clarified. The connection to the remote communication device may be wireless or wired. An integration of the remote communication device with a speaker device and / or the first microphone device is not excluded. The connection means may be implemented, for example, but not limited to, by spring contacts, plug connection, field coupling or the like, by near field communication such as Bluetooth or the like, or by a direct wire connection.

For attachment of the respirator this can for example be equipped with a so-called head spider, so a belt assembly, which spans a head of the task force and sits firmly on lashing members and / or by elastic training. The head spider is worn under the helmet and the respirator first applied.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal protection system can be designed such that a switching device is provided which is set up for selectively connecting either the first microphone device or the second microphone device to the remote communication device. Due to the selective switching can also be ensured that only one of the first or the second microphone device is connected to the remote communication device, while the other microphone device is separated from the remote communication device (communication technology). Therefore, echoes, crosstalk and other undesirable effects can also be avoided, further improving communication. A separation does not have to be physical. It is sufficient if a signal is not forwarded. Such a separation can be realized, for example, but not only, by electronic signal processing. On the other hand, a purely mechanical switching over a switching mimic is conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal protection system can be designed such that the switching device is designed to connect the second microphone device to the remote communication device automatically when an electrical line connection between the second microphone device and the switching device is detected. In other words, if it is determined that there is an electrical line connection between the second microphone device and the switching device (ie if the respirator mask is placed on and a connection of the second microphone device arranged on the respiratory mask is established either manually or automatically) the switching device automatically from the first microphone device (helmet microphone) to the second microphone device (mask microphone) to. The automatic switching facilitates handling and increases operational safety.

In a further preferred embodiment, the personal protection system can be designed such that the switching device is designed to connect the second microphone device to the remote communication device automatically when the helmet and the respiratory mask have a positional relationship to one another according to their respective deployment positions. In other words, in this embodiment, the respirator and helmet system may be configured to automatically establish electrical conduction with the second microphone device when the respirator is seated and properly engaged. This is recognized in this embodiment and causes the switching device to automatically switch from the first microphone device (helm microphone) to the second microphone device (mask microphone). The automatic switching facilitates handling and increases operational safety. A control function is also established for the proper placement and attachment of the mask, since communication with the mask microphone occurs only when the helmet and respirator have a positional relationship to one another according to their respective deployment positions. In other words, if, for example, a control center requests a response force to speak after putting on the mask and the speech signal does not arrive, or only attenuated or distorted, the control center can request the deployment force to check the fit of the mask. Thus, an insufficient fit of the mask can be prevented and the safety of the deployment force can be further improved.

The switching device may in a preferred embodiment at least one permanent magnet and at least one magnetically actuated switching element, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein the permanent magnet on the respirator and the switching element on the helmet or vice versa are arranged such that the permanent magnet, the switching element caused to switch from a first switching state to a second switching state when the helmet and the respirator have a positional relationship corresponding to their respective use positions, wherein in the second switching state of the switching element, the second microphone device is connected to the remote communication device. In this effective embodiment, an automatic connection is realized in an effective and simple manner. The permanent magnet acts as an actuating element for the magnetically actuated switching element. In this case, proven, robust and readily available components can be used with a reed contact or a Hall sensor.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal protection system can be configured such that a manually operable dialer is provided for manually selecting which of the first microphone device and the second microphone device is to be connected to the remote communication device. The manually operable dialer may be provided additionally or alternatively to an automatic switchover. Manual switching can be an effective and safe alternative, especially in environments with strong magnetic fields, in which magnetically controlled switching devices could be disturbed, or with strong alternating electromagnetic fields in which electronic devices could be disturbed in general. It is conceivable that the automatic switching can be overruled by the selector, for example, at the direction of a command center, when about the speech intelligibility is impaired over the second microphone device, which occur for example because of damage to the microphone, the adapter, a cable, a radio link or the like can.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal protection system can be designed such that an evaluation device is provided, which is set up to evaluate signals from the first microphone device and from the second microphone device with regard to at least one signal parameter, and the switching device is designed to switch over to Depend on a result of the evaluation automatically. In this alternative embodiment, but need not be waived magnetically triggered switch, while still a safe and automatic switching is possible.

It should be noted that all the above alternatives for performing the switching can be combined with each other.

The personal security system may include voice amplification means arranged to amplify voice signals picked up by the second microphone device. This can also be a communication with team members who are in the vicinity, can be improved, as this also the attenuation of the sound can be overcome through the mask and the resulting difficult understanding in acoustic communication. The voice amplification device may include an external speaker which reproduces the voice signals intercepted and amplified by the second microphone device, the external speaker preferably being arranged on the respiratory mask. In this case, an external loudspeaker is understood as meaning a loudspeaker device (a sound converter device for converting electrical signals into acoustic signals) which is attached to the mask or the helmet and does not radiate inwards (toward a hearing organ of the wearer) but radiates outward. By using an external speaker, the intelligibility in the team can be further improved. The outdoor speaker can also be designed adjustable. The radiation behavior of the exterior speaker is preferably directed forward, so that another team member can be targeted and addressed addressed. But it is also a radiation behavior conceivable that radiates undirected or all around, in order to better locate the speaker within a team, which can be realized for example by multiple outdoor speakers. It should be noted that the external speaker can also be arranged on the helmet, preferably on the front side, in order to improve the weight distribution and / or to favor a forward emission. Signal paths, signal processing and power supply can be attached to the respiratory mask itself or integrated into it, so that the respirator can be used effectively even without a helmet in the sense described. On the other hand, if signal paths, signal processing and power supply are at least partly accommodated in the helmet with respect to the outside loudspeaker, a weight distribution can be made more pleasant. The voice amplifying device may include an amplifier disposed in the helmet. This also makes it possible to distribute the weight better, and the electronics can be better protected in the helmet. An integrated solution with the signal coupling to the remote communication device is also possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the personal protection system may be configured such that fastening means provided on the helmet for attaching the respiratory mask to the helmet and / or the respiratory mask are provided, wherein at least parts of the switching device and / or the connecting means are arranged on the attachment means and / or in these are integrated. In other words, the fastening means may be particularly preferably designed such that a fastening state of the fastening means causes a connection state of the connecting means and / or a switching state of the switching device. For example, in this embodiment, the connecting means may be formed as one side of the connecting means and mating contacts attached to a helmet-side part of the fastening means as another side of the connecting means. The attachment means are used to attach the mask to the helmet and may be an alternative to a respirator with head spider. The attachment means may comprise, for example, but not limited to, a tape and / or clip and / or rail system or the like; Furthermore, closing, snapper or other securing means may be provided to prevent inadvertent release of the fastening means. The attachment means allow the breathing mask to be put on and taken off in a simpler manner than with a head spider, and in particular without removing the helmet. If now the connecting means and / or the switching device arranged on the fastening means and / or integrated therein, can also a reliability of the connection or switching can be further improved.

In a further preferred embodiment, the communication unit may comprise an earphone device which is arranged on the helmet and which is connectable connected to the remote communication device. For the purposes of the invention, an earphone device is understood to mean any sound transducer device for converting electrical signals into acoustic signals which emits acoustic signals toward an ear of a wearer or in the ear.

• – eine erste Mikrofoneinrichtung, die an dem Helm angebracht oder in diesen integriert ist, und
• – eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle zum elektrischen Ankoppeln einer zweiten Mikrofoneinrichtung einer Atemschutzmaske.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a helmet for protecting a person's head, comprising:

• A first microphone device attached to or integrated with the helmet, and
• - A communication interface for electrically coupling a second microphone device of a respirator.

With such a helmet, essentially the same advantages and effects as with the personal protection system can be achieved because the communication interface allows the connection of a respirator with its own microphone.

In a preferred embodiment, the helmet can be designed so that a switching device is provided, which is designed for selectively forwarding either a signal of the first microphone device or a signal of the second microphone device. For advantages and design options with respect to the switching device, reference is made to the above description of the personal protection system.

• – eine Kommunikationseinrichtung, die an dem Helm angebracht ist oder in diesen integriert ist und die mit der Umschalteinrichtung oder den Mikrofoneinrichtungen kommunikationstechnisch verbindbar ist, und/oder
• – Verbindungsmittel, die zur Verbindung mit einem von dem Helm unabhängig, insbesondere an der Atemschutzmaske, vorgesehenen Verbindungsmittel-Gegenstück ausgebildet sind, wobei die Verbindungsmittel mit der mit der Umschalteinrichtung und/oder der Kommunikationseinrichtung kommunikationstechnisch verbindbar sind.

Execution options may include:

• A communication device attached to or integrated into the helmet and communicatively connectable to the switching device or microphone devices, and / or
• - Connection means, which are designed for connection to a helmet independently, in particular on the respirator, provided connection means counterpart, wherein the connection means are communicatively connected to the communication with the switching device and / or the communication device.

The communication of the communication device may be a remote communication such as voice, radio, mobile or the like, but may also be a near transmission via Bluetooth or a separate cable connection or the like, allowing a connection to a separate or not separate from the helmet provided remote communication device. As a connecting means, for example, but not only, connectors, spring contacts, field coupling or the like into consideration; However, the connection means can also be realized via data transmission such as Bluetooth or the like or via a separate cable connection.

In a preferred development fastening means are provided, which is adapted for coupling with a particular on the respirator on the helmet. Thus, the respirator can be easily attached to the helmet. In a particularly preferred development, the connecting means are at least partially arranged on the fastening means or integrated in this and in particular formed so that the connecting means have a connection with the connecting means counterpart, when the fastening means are coupled to the fastener counterpart. The connector counterpart may, but need not, be located on the respirator. Preferably, signals from the attachment means or from the first microphone device are selectively directed to the data transmission device. In one embodiment, signals from both sources are mixed.

• – eine Mikrofoneinrichtung, die an der Atemschutzmaske angebracht oder in diese integriert ist, und
• – ein Verbindungsmittel-Gegenstück zur Verbindung mit von der Atemschutzmaske unabhängig, insbesondere an einem Helm, vorgesehenen Verbindungsmitteln, wobei das Verbindungsmittel-Gegenstück mit der Mikrofoneinrichtung kommunikationstechnisch verbunden ist.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a respiratory mask is proposed which comprises:

• A microphone device attached to or integrated in the respirator, and
• - A connector counterpart to the connection with the respirator independently, in particular on a helmet, provided connecting means, wherein the connecting means counterpart is connected to the microphone device communication technology.

Substantially the same advantages and effects as with the personal protection system can be achieved with such a respiratory mask, since the connection means counterpiece connects the respiratory mask to a helmet which has the connection means and the forwarding of the signals of the microphone device to a remote communication device, enable. For example, but not limited to, connectors, spring contacts, field coupling or the like come into consideration as connection means or the connection means counterpart; However, the connection means or the connection means counterpart can also be realized via data transmission such as Bluetooth or the like or via a separate cable connection.

In a preferred embodiment, a fastener counterpart is provided, which is designed for coupling with particular provided on a helmet fasteners. Thus, the respirator can be easily attached to the helmet. The connector counterpart is preferably disposed on or integrated with the fastener counterpart.

With a respirator, which also has a loudspeaker device which is set up to radiate acoustic signals recorded via the microphone device to an environment, improved team communication, as described above, can also be made possible. A power supply can be integrated in the respirator or be realized via connecting means of a helmet.

• – Erkennen, ob der Helm und die Atemschutzmaske elektrisch aneinander gekoppelt sind oder eine Lagebeziehung zueinander entsprechend ihren jeweiligen Einsatzpositionen aufweisen; und
• – wahlweises Verbinden entweder der ersten Mikrofoneinrichtung oder der zweiten Mikrofoneinrichtung mit der Fernkommunikationseinrichtung, wobei die zweite Mikrofoneinrichtung mit der Fernkommunikationseinrichtung verbunden wird, wenn in dem Erkennungsschritt erkannt wurde, dass der Helm und die Atemschutzmaske elektrisch aneinander gekoppelt sind oder eine Lagebeziehung zueinander entsprechend ihren jeweiligen Einsatzpositionen aufweisen.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling communication of a personal protection system as described above, the method comprising the steps of:

• Detecting whether the helmet and the respirator are electrically coupled or have a positional relationship with each other according to their respective deployment positions; and
• - selectively connecting either the first microphone device or the second microphone device to the remote communication device, wherein the second microphone device is connected to the remote communication device if it has been detected in the recognition step that the helmet and the respirator are electrically coupled to each other or a positional relationship to each other according to their respective deployment positions exhibit.

With such a method, substantially the same advantages and effects as with the personal protection system can be achieved.

The preceding invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. As used herein, the terms "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" or the like refer to an alignment of the drawing figures with normally readable numerals. They show schematically:

1 a personal protection system with a helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 a personal protection system with a helmet and a respirator according to another embodiment of the present invention,

3 a personal protection system with a helmet according to another embodiment of the present invention,

4 a personal protection system with a helmet and a respirator according to another embodiment of the present invention,

5 a personal protection system with a helmet and a respirator according to another embodiment of the present invention,

6 a fastening state in the personal protection system of 5 in a coupled state,

7 a mask-side detail of the personal protection system of 5 .

8th a helmet-side detail of the personal protection system of 5 .

9 a personal protection system with a helmet and a respirator according to another embodiment of the present invention,

10A a switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first switching state,

10B the switching device of 10A in a second switching state,

11 a personal protection system with a helmet according to the prior art, and

12 a personal protection system with a respirator according to the prior art.

The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the form of preferred embodiments. The representations in the drawings are purely schematic and are intended to illustrate the inventive concept as clearly as possible. A limitation of the subject invention to the arrangements shown is not intended.

1 shows a personal protection system 100 as an embodiment of the present invention in an application, if only a helmet 10 but no respiratory protection is worn. The helmet 10 has a screen 12 and a gooseneck 14 on, on which a microphone 20 is appropriate for a voice transmission. An adapter 16 used to attach a respirator, not shown. Furthermore, in the helmet 10 an earphone 30 For the reception of radio signals integrated. A radio 40 is by means of a cable 42 with a communication unit not shown in the helmet 10 integrated or attached to this, connected. It is noted that the microphone 20 and the earphone 30 connected to the communication unit and that the adapter 16 Contacts (not shown in detail), which are also connected to the communication unit.

2 shows a personal protection system 200 as a further embodiment of the present invention in an application with respiratory protection. This is a respirator 50 over the already mentioned adapter 16 to the helmet 10 tethered. The respirator 50 has a mask body 52 on and is by means of a belt (fastening strap) 54 on the helmet 10 attached. The respirator 50 also has a viewing window 56 and a connecting piece 58 on which a filter cartridge or a SCBA can be connected and in which valves and / or a speech diaphragm (not shown in detail) are included. The earphone 30 is still in the helmet 10 integrated. However, the speech signal to be transmitted directly from a mask microphone integrated in the mask 60 recorded and passed to the communication unit (not shown). A shift mimic 70 ensures that automatically the signal of the mask microphone 60 instead of the microphone integrated in the helmet 20 to the radio 40 is directed. Otherwise, the personal protection system 200 the structure like that in 1 illustrated personal protection system 100 so that in this respect apart from repetitive descriptions.

Instead of the cable connection 42 between radio 40 and communication unit are also conceivable solutions that transmit the audio signal by radio. A connection, for example, via Bluetooth also makes handling much easier. Such a system may therefore have a structure as in 3 and 4 have shown. It shows 3 a personal protection system 300 only with helmet 10 and shows 4 a personal protection system 400 with helmet 10 and use of a respirator 50 ,

Will, as it is in 3 with the personal protection system 300 as a further embodiment of the present invention, only a helmet 10 worn and is the radio 40 over a radio link 82 such as Bluetooth with a communication unit (not shown) in the helmet 10 connected, requires the communication unit in addition to the integrated earphone 30 and the microphone 20 an energy supply 88 in the form of primary or secondary cells and the appropriate radio interface 80 ,

Will now be the inventive automatic integration of the mask communication by putting on a respirator 50 used, results in the personal protection system 400 according to 4 , which forms another embodiment of the present invention. Here's the mask microphone 60 again integrated in the mask. In addition, an automatic switching by means of the switching device 70 which sends the signal to the communication unit and via the radio interface 80 finally to the radio 40 forwarded, provided.

Will the mask 50 over the adapter 16 fixed as it is in 4 is shown, it is advantageous to provide the contacting of the signals between the mask and communication unit via this adapter. These spring contacts (not shown) next to or below an engagement hook (not shown in detail) of the adapter 16 provided that close the electrical contact when attaching to the helmet. The automatic switching is possible with the aid of a reed contact (not shown in detail), which alternately transmits the mask microphone signal to the helm microphone signal to the radio 40 conducts and through one in the adapter 16 integrated magnet (not shown) is activated. To increase the robustness, the use of a Hall sensor (not shown in detail) and an electronic switching of the signals are possible.

If a mask with conventional harness is used, the signals are also connected by means of spring contacts to the communication unit. For easy connection, a flexible cable with a connector is attached to the mask, which is automatically positioned and held by a magnet. The magnet contained in it, in combination with a reed contact or a Hall sensor, provides the necessary automatic switching.

5 shows a personal protection system 500 as a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein helmet and mask are shown separately, 6 shows as a detail a fastening state between the fastening strap and adapter in the personal protection system 500 from 5 . 7 shows the attachment strap 54 of the personal protection system 500 from 5 as an enlarged detail, and 8th shows the adapter 16 of the personal protection system 500 from 5 as an enlarged detail.

As shown in 5 has a helmet 10 in this embodiment, no protruding, but a drooping screen 12 , a folding visor 13 that over the screen 12 Folded down and a neck guard 18 on. The screen 12 Can make a stop down for the folding visor 13 form; alternative The folding visor may have another limitation of its pivoting path. The attachment of the helmet 10 At the head of an emergency force via a harness 15 and a chinstrap 15a who is attached to a castle 15b on the harness 15 is connectable. In the present embodiment, the chin strap 15a the microphone (helmet microphone) 20 on.

The adapter 16 for attaching a respirator 50 is on one side of the helmet 10 so attached, that the folding visor 13 is movable over it. In the respirator 50 is mounted approximately at mouth height, a mask microphone (not shown). It is located either inside the mask to couple in ambient noise as little as possible or outside the clean area as directly as possible in front of the speech membrane. So it is possible to optimally record the language. The respirator 50 is by means of a spring-supported hook system (helmet-mask-adapter) 54 , at the end of a coupling piece 55 ( 6 ) is attached to the adapter 16 fixable. One of the mask microphone runs 60 out of lead wire connection (not shown in detail) in the helmet-mask adapter 54 and ends in the coupling piece 55 ,

Although not shown in detail in the figure, is on the other side of the helmet 10 a fastener such as an eyelet, a hook or the like for attaching the respirator 50 attached, the only for attaching the respirator 50 , without any electrical connection means, is set up. The other attachment means may be configured to be the respirator 50 even with dissolved connection of the adapter 16 keeps the respirator 50 can dangle loose on one side.

7 and 8th show the integration of the contacts in the adapter 16 and the coupling piece 55 , There are spring contacts 71 and a permanent magnet 72 in the coupling piece 55 the respirator 50 built-in. The coupling piece 55 engages by means of a hook not shown when putting on the respirator 50 in the by in a shell 16a of the adapter 16 formed bracket 16b at the helm 10 and connects the spring contacts 71 with contact surfaces 76 that in the shell 16a of the adapter 16 integrated, and releases with the magnet 72 at the same time a reed contact 77 out, who is also in the shell 16a is integrated and used to switch the microphone signals.

9 shows a personal protection system 900 as another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the personal protection system is extended by a voice amplifier (not shown in detail) whose speaker 90 in the mask 50 are integrated to compensate for the attenuation of the speech caused by the mask. In this way it is possible to improve the intelligibility for surrounding forces.

In any case, a voice amplifier requires a power supply. In this embodiment, the power supply is 88 integrated into the helmet in the form of primary or secondary cells and is the voltage across the adapter 16 and the fastening strap 54 the respirator 50 to the voice amplifier. The speech signal will turn as in 9 presented by the microphone 60 in the respirator 50 received and from an amplifier (not shown) in the helmet 10 amplified to from the speaker 90 in the respirator 50 to be reproduced. The speaker 90 is doing so in the respirator 58 integrated, that it radiates forward. There may be multiple speakers 90 be provided, not only in the respirator 50 but also on the helmet 10 can be attached and radiate to the outside.

The signal for the speaker 90 the voice amplifier and the microphone signal are either through the adapter 16 or transmit a connector as described above. The placement of the power supply 88 in the helmet has clear advantages over the placement in the mask, as a more balanced weight distribution can be better implemented.

10A and 10B show the operation of a through the arrangement in 7 and 8th formed switching device in two switching states as a schematic diagram. It shows 10A a first switching state in which the helmet microphone 20 with the mobile device 40 is connected and shows 10B a second switching state in which the mask microphone 60 with the radio 40 connected is.

As shown in 10A are the reed contacts 77 (only one shown here) of the adapter 16 (see also 8th ) is connected in its neutral position connecting and is the helmet microphone 20 about the reed contacts 77 with the mobile device 40 connected. On the other hand, the contact surfaces 76 (only one shown) of the adapter 16 on the connecting line between the reed contacts 77 and the mobile device 40 conductively connected. On the other hand, the mask microphone 60 with the spring contacts 71 (shown here only one) of the coupling piece 55 (see also 7 ) connected. The spring contacts 71 are each with one of the permanent magnets 72 (shown here only one) of the coupling piece 55 connected mechanically and positionally stable, so that the spring contacts 71 only together with the permanent magnets 72 can be moved. In the in 10A shown state is the coupling piece 55 from the adapter 16 separated so that the reed contact 77 switches in its neutral switching position and a signal from the helmet microphone 20 to the radio 40 passes.

In the in 10B shown state is the coupling piece 55 to the adapter 16 coupled, as well as in 6 is shown. As shown in 10B dives in this case, the contact surface 76 in the spring contact 71 and makes an electrically conductive connection with this. In addition, with the approach of the spring contact 71 to the contact surface 76 an approximation of the permanent magnet 72 to the reed contact 77 connected. The reed contact 77 with sufficient approximation by the permanent magnet 72 operated in a deflection position in which he no longer leads. In other words, in the in 10B shown condition becomes a signal of the helm microphone 20 no longer forwarded while a signal from the mask microphone 60 over the spring contact 71 and the contact area 76 to the radio 40 is directed.

The invention disclosed herein solves the problem presented above in the form that the basic communication solution is integrated into the helmet and thus enables communication via a radio or the like. For this purpose, the task force such as the firefighter recorded the received signal via a conventional earphone as airborne sound, in the form of an in-ear solution by a soundproof earmold or a bone sound transducer (also referred to above as earphones) and the transmission signal through an airborne microphone or a bone sound pickup, which are optimized for an application in the helmet.

The presented here in the helmet integrated solution can be connected both by cable and by wireless communication to the radio. In a wireless solution, a power supply is additionally required here, which can also be accommodated in the helmet for better weight growth. In a further alternative embodiment, the power supply can be carried in the form of a pack on the belt and have a cable connection to the helmet.

If a breathing mask is needed in the field, it can usually be put on and fixed using either a harness or a helmet-mask adapter. In the invention disclosed here, the integration of a microphone component is provided in the breathing mask, which ensures optimal speech intelligibility for the transmission signal. In one implementation, the electrical signal is routed directly via contacts in the helmet-mask adapter to the communication device integrated in the helmet and automatically routed to the radio instead of the signal used for maskless operation.

The solutions presented here also enable an extension to a team communication, which has one or more channels compared to the classical radio communication and enables a half or full duplex communication in a compact group. An advantageous implementation provides for the integration of the necessary electronics into the helmet.

The classic push-button functionality is implemented in a wired variant by a remote push-button, while wireless wireless connection is also a wireless speech switch is possible. In addition, the team communication can optionally be activated by means of speech push-button or voice-controlled.

For the purposes of the present invention is the earphone 30 an earphone device, is a microphone such as the helmet microphone 20 or the mask microphone 60 each a microphone device are in the adapter 16 and / or the coupling piece 55 Fastener and counterpart as well as connecting means and counterpart and a switching device integrated, wherein the spring contacts 71 and the contact surfaces 76 with respective associated mask-side or helm-side components depending on the viewing point connection means or connecting means counterpart can be, is the radio 40 a remote communication device, is the communication unit with the radio interface 80 as well as the connection cable 42 a data transmission device, and is the mask speaker 90 an external speaker or a speaker device of the respirator.

Special designs, which are described in the aforementioned prior art, can be used for further development and modification of the above embodiments, provided that it does not contradict the inventive idea. It is understood that features of different embodiments can be interchanged, used and combined, as far as this does not contradict the idea of the invention or physical or technical laws, and in this way new embodiments of the invention can be formed. It is further to be understood that those skilled in the art may, within the scope of the best of his knowledge and ability, make modifications and modifications to the described and illustrated embodiments without departing from the basic idea and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in their broadest sense. departing.

For example, although the embodiments emanate from a helmet with adapter for coupling a respirator, also an embodiment is conceivable in which the respirator has a head spider. It can be dispensed with a mounting adapter of the type described above and a purely signal-technical coupling of the signal from the mask microphone 60 to the helmet provided communication unit be realized. For this purpose, for example, but not only, a defined contact section of the head spider may be defined on the helmet, wherein the helmet side and the belt side contact members and / or inductive coupling members are provided which exchange the signal from the mask microphone 60 enable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

helmet

12

umbrella

13

Klappvisier

14

Chin bar or gooseneck

15

harness

15a

chinstrap

15b

lock

16

Adapter (fastener)

16a

Bowl

16b

bracket

18

neck protection

20

Helmet microphone (first microphone device)

30

earphones

31

Mask speaker

40

Radio (remote communication device)

42

connection cable

50

Respirator

52

mask body

54

Helmet-mask adapters

55

Coupling piece (fastening means or counterpart)

56

Window

58

Union joint

59

Rifle

60

Mask microphone (second microphone device)

70

Switching device (switching device)

71

Spring contacts (connecting means or counterpart)

72

permanent magnet

76

Contact surfaces (connecting means)

77

Reed contacts (switching element)

80

Radio interface (communication device)

81

Radio device (mask)

82

short distance radio communication

88

power supply

89

Energy supply (mask)

90

Cockpit speakers

100

Personal Protection System

200

Personal Protection System

300

Personal Protection System

400

Personal Protection System

500

Personal Protection System

900

Personal Protection System

1100

Personal protection system (prior art)

1200

Personal protection system (prior art)

Claims (18)

Personal protection system, comprising: - a helmet ( 10 ), - a first microphone device ( 20 ) attached to the helmet ( 10 ), - a remote communication device ( 40 ) connected to the first microphone device ( 20 ) is communicatively connectable, - a respirator ( 50 ), - a second microphone device ( 60 ) attached to the respirator ( 50 ), and - connecting means ( 71 . 76 ) for communicatively connecting the second microphone device ( 60 ) with the remote communication device ( 40 ). Personal protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that a switching device ( 70 ) which is provided for selectively connecting either the first microphone device ( 20 ) or the second microphone device ( 60 ) with the remote communication device ( 40 ) is trained. Personal protection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the switching device ( 70 ) is adapted to the second microphone device ( 60 ) automatically with the remote communication device ( 40 ) when an electrical line connection between the second microphone device ( 60 ) and the switching device ( 70 ) is detected. Personal protection system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the switching device ( 70 ) is adapted to the second microphone device ( 60 ) automatically with the remote communication device ( 40 ) when the helmet ( 10 ) and the respirator ( 50 ) have a positional relationship with each other according to their respective insertion positions. Personal protection system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the switching device ( 70 ) at least one permanent magnet ( 72 ) and at least one magnetically actuable switching element ( 77 ), in particular a reed contact ( 77 ) or a Hall sensor, wherein the permanent magnet ( 72 ) on the respirator ( 50 ) and the switching element ( 77 ) on the helmet ( 10 ) or are arranged vice versa such that the permanent magnet ( 72 ) the switching element ( 77 ) is caused to switch from a first switching state to a second switching state when the helmet ( 10 ) and the respirator ( 50 ) have a positional relationship according to their respective use positions, wherein in the second switching state of the switching element ( 77 ) the second microphone device ( 60 ) with the remote communication device ( 40 ) connected is. Personal security system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that a manually operable selector for manually selecting which of the first microphone device ( 20 ) and the second microphone device ( 60 ) with the remote communication device ( 40 ) is to be connected, is provided. Personal protection system according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that an evaluation device is provided, which is set up, signals from the first microphone device ( 20 ) and the second microphone device ( 60 ) with regard to at least one signal parameter, and the switching device ( 70 ) is formed to automatically make the switching depending on a result of the evaluation. Personal protection system according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that fastening means ( 16 . 55 ) for attaching the respirator ( 50 ) on the helmet ( 10 ) are attached to the helmet ( 10 ) and / or the respirator ( 50 ) are provided, wherein at least parts of the switching device ( 70 ) and / or the connecting means ( 71 . 76 ) on the fastening means ( 16 . 55 ) are arranged and / or integrated in these. Personal security system according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized by an earphone device ( 30 ) attached to the helmet ( 10 ) can be arranged and with the remote communication device ( 40 ) is connected or connectable. Helmet ( 10 ) for protecting a person's head, comprising - a first microphone device ( 20 ) attached to the helmet ( 10 ) or integrated into it, and - a communication interface for the electrical coupling of a second microphone device of a respiratory mask ( 50 ). Helmet ( 10 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that a switching device ( 70 ) is provided, which for selectively forwarding either a signal of the first microphone device ( 20 ) or a signal of the second microphone device ( 60 ) is trained. Helmet ( 10 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a communication device ( 80 ) provided on the helmet ( 10 ) is mounted or integrated in the same and with the switching device ( 70 ) or the microphone devices communication technology is connectable. Helmet ( 10 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that connecting means ( 76 ) are provided for connection to one of the helmet ( 10 ) independently, in particular on the respirator ( 50 ), provided connecting means counterpart ( 71 ) are formed, wherein the connecting means ( 76 ) with the switching device ( 70 ) and / or the communication device ( 80 ) are communicatively connectable. Helmet ( 10 ) according to one of claims 10 to 13, further characterized by fastening means ( 16 ), which can be coupled with a particular respirator ( 50 ) provided fastener counterpart ( 55 ) are formed. Helmet ( 10 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the connecting means ( 76 ) at least partially on the fastening means ( 16 ) are arranged or integrated in these and in particular are formed so that the connecting means ( 76 ) a connection with the connecting agent counterpart ( 71 ), when the fastening means ( 16 ) with the fastener counterpart ( 55 ) are coupled. Respirator mask ( 50 ), comprising - a microphone device ( 60 ) attached to or integrated with the respirator, and - a connector counterpart ( 71 ) for connection with the respirator ( 50 ) independently, in particular on a helmet ( 10 ), means of connection ( 76 ), wherein the connecting agent counterpart ( 71 ) with the microphone device ( 60 ) is connected by communication technology. Respirator mask ( 50 ) according to claim 16, further characterized by a fastener counterpart ( 55 ), which can be coupled with, in particular, a helmet ( 10 ) fasteners ( 16 ), wherein the connecting means counterpart ( 55 ) preferably on the fastener counterpart ( 55 ) is arranged or integrated in this. A method of controlling communication of a personal protection system according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting whether the helmet ( 10 ) and the respirator ( 50 ) are electrically coupled together or have a positional relationship with each other according to their respective insertion positions; and - selectively connecting either the first microphone device ( 20 ) or the second microphone device ( 60 ) with the remote communication device ( 40 ), wherein the second microphone device ( 60 ) with the remote communication device ( 40 ) is detected when it has been detected in the recognition step that the helmet ( 10 ) and the respirator ( 50 ) are electrically coupled to each other or have a positional relationship to each other according to their respective insertion positions.

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