FR2811117A1 - Distance material/product identification unit having product related signalling mechanism and measurement mechanisms detecting response with coordinating switching unit. - Google Patents

Abstract

The identification unit (1) has signalling mechanisms (2a-2e) providing signals for different products , and measurement mechanisms (4a-4d) detecting the response. A switching unit (3) coordinates the identification unit detecting the presence of a particular product or material type.

Description

The technical field of the invention is that of devices allowing

  remote identification of the presence of a material or product of a given nature. It is known to equip road vehicles or transport containers with painted sheet metal plates covered with a standardized marking making it possible to distinguish the type of cargo transported. The European agreement relating to the international transport of dangerous goods by road (ADR) signed in Geneva on 09/30/57 defines this type of marking associated with the transport of dangerous materials (document ECE / TRANS / 130 published by the United Nations; reference ISBN: 921-239060-9). Nine different classes of materials are thus defined: explosive materials and objects, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solid materials, oxidizing materials and organic peroxides, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, corrosive materials, various hazardous materials and objects. Each transport class corresponds to at least one square plate of an appropriate color bearing symbols. Thus vehicles transporting asphyxiating gases are provided with a green plate on which appears a black gas cylinder. The disadvantage of such a type of marking is that it does not

  not withstand the heat given off during a fire.

  Rescue teams may therefore be called upon to intervene without any prior information on a vehicle presenting a particular risk linked to its cargo. For example class 4 covers substances subject to

  spontaneous ignition or liberating flammable gases on contact with water.

  It is essential for response forces to know the nature of the cargo. Indeed, the risks

  incurred are considerable, the behavior of the transported materials35 being able to cause significant damage if no precautions are taken.

  It was also possible to verify that the fire in a vehicle equipped with a fuel type "LPG" (liquefied petroleum gas)

  posed significant risks to response teams. 5 However, nothing today makes it possible to quickly and remotely detect the nature of the fuel used by the vehicle.

  The only safety devices provided consist of safety valves ensuring deconfinement of the LPG tank. However, these deconfinement means if they eliminate the danger of explosion of the tank do not eliminate the specific risk linked to the combustion of LPG which will be caused to be ejected under pressure out of the tank. It is the object of the invention to propose a device

  allowing to overcome such drawbacks.

  Thus, the invention proposes a device making it possible to ensure remote identification of the level of risk presented by a transported cargo or a stored product.20 The device according to the invention allows such tracking very early on. In addition, the information can be detected by any type of person without prior training. This results in a very early consideration by the intervention forces of the level of risk incurred, which makes it possible to

  implement appropriate means of protection or evacuation.

  Thus, the subject of the invention is a device allowing the remote identification, during the occurrence of an event, of the presence of a material or product of a given nature, device characterized in that it comprises at least signaling means providing a signal

  particular associated with the nature of the material or product, and at least one means of detecting an event, detection means capable of triggering the signaling means, possibly by means of a triggering means.

  Depending on the case, the signaling means may include: - at least one smoke generator capable of generating smoke having a particular color associated with the nature of the material or product, this smoke generator possibly comprising a pyrotechnic composition, - at least one generator '' a sound and / or visual signal having respectively a frequency and / or a color associated with the nature of the material or product, at least one transmitting means which emits a wave

  electromagnetic to a remote receiver.

  At least one signaling means may be placed at a distance from the triggering means and connected to the latter by a wire or radio link means. 15 Depending on the case, the detection means may comprise: - at least one flame detector and / or temperature rise, this detector possibly comprising an infrared sensor, - at least one fusible material, - at least one pyrotechnic composition sensitive to flame or to a rise in temperature, - at least one cell containing an expandable gas as a result of a rise in temperature,

- at least one shock detector.

  When the detection means comprises a cell containing an expandable gas, the device may include a triggering means comprising a piston pushed by the expansion of the gases and ensuring the unlocking of a striker enabling the initiation of a smoke generator. 30 Au at least one detection means may be placed at a distance from the signaling means and connected to the latter by a

  wire or radio link. A device according to the invention can be made integral with a road, rail or naval vehicle.

  The signaling means may allow the nature of the vehicle fuel to be displayed.

  The signaling means may also make it possible to view the nature of the class of products to which the cargo of the vehicle belongs. A device according to the invention can be made integral with a packaging or container transporting a product or material of a given nature. A device according to the invention may be placed near a storage area for a product or material

  of a given nature. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow of different embodiments,

  description made with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which: - Figure 1 shows a simplified general diagram of a

  device according to the invention, - Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention, - Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention, - Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a and 8b represent alternative embodiments of the detection means, - Figure 9 shows an example of implementation of the device according to the invention on a road vehicle, - Figure 10 shows an example of implementation of the device according to the invention on a transport container,

  - Figure 11 shows an example of implementation of the device according to the invention on a storage area.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one signaling means 2a,

  2b, 2c, 2d, 2e and a means 3 for triggering this signaling means.

  The triggering means 3 is connected to at least one means

  4a, 4b, 4c, 4d for detecting an event.

  The device 1 is intended to be made integral with a support (not shown) which may be (depending on the application envisaged): a vehicle, or a transport container, or a building or an infrastructure of a storage area . Several examples of signaling means are shown in FIG. 1: 2a is a transmitting means which emits a wave

  electromagnetic (radio for example) to a receiver (not shown) which is secured to an emergency vehicle.

  2b is a luminous means, such as a flashlight of a determined color or even a luminous projector of

color and strong power.

  2c is a colored smoke generator.

  2d is an acoustic generator (loudspeaker, siren).

  The different signaling means 2 can be connected to the triggering means 3 by wire connections

  or by wireless links (radio).

  Thus, 2nd diagrams a signaling means (here smoke detector) which is arranged at a distance from the triggering means 3. This means is provided with a receiving device 8 (radio for example) which receives a triggering order

  a transmitter 9 connected to the trigger means 3.

  FIG. 1 also shows several examples of event detection means: 4a is a switch actuated automatically when the event occurs. This switch can be a contact closed during an impact (accident), or a contact opened by the fusion of a fusible member (fire). 4a may

  also be a contact triggered manually by an operator.

  4b is a temperature rise detector. This detector could be an infrared sensor or any other means sensitive to a rise in temperature.

  (thermocouple, cell containing an expandable gas ....).

  4c is a shock detector. Such a detection means is more particularly useful in a motor vehicle.

  It could for example be constituted by a piezo sensor

  electric or accelerometer and will detect an accident.

  The different detection means 4 can be connected to the triggering means 3 by wired links or by wireless (radio) links. Thus, 4d shows diagrammatically a detection means disposed at a distance from the trigger means 3. This means is provided with a transmitter device 5 (radio for example) which dialogues with a receiver 6 connected to the trigger means 3.10 Preferably the radio links between the triggering means and the detection or signaling means will be implemented in a coded manner in order to avoid nuisance tripping and false alarms. The trigger means 3 may be constituted by a

  electronic circuit comprising for example a microprocessor.

  Such an embodiment will make it possible to easily associate in the same device a certain number of

  detection means as well as a number of different signaling means.

  It is also possible to provide a day / night sensor 7, constituted for example by a photoelectric cell arranged so as to receive the lighting external to the support. The trigger means 3 can then activate the

  the most suitable signaling means for the instant considered.

  It will control the smoke generator 2c during the day for example and the light generator 2b at night, in a tunnel or in foggy weather. The transmitter means 2a will advantageously be systematically actuated and it will transmit to intervention vehicles equipped with an appropriate means of reception precise data concerning the cargo (nature of the products, masses transported, etc.). The acoustic generator 2d will provide a representative signal. of the class of product transported. We could for example provide a signal formed by a succession of groups of N close sound pulses for a transport class N (example for class 3: tût-tût-tût pause tût-tût-tût pause tût-tût-tût. ....). It will also be possible to broadcast a voice signal clearly indicating the class of transport ("class 3 - class 3 ....."). Regarding the optical generators (smoke smoke 2c and light 2b), a specific color will be provided for each class of transport. The same color will obviously be used for the light signal and the smoke signal.10 Light signal generators are well known to those skilled in the art. They most often use a high-powered lamp fitted with a colored cover or a colored bulb. They can also be formed by laser devices.15 Colored smoke generators are also well known to those skilled in the art. They are most often made with smoke-producing pyrotechnic compositions. It is also possible to produce "chemical" smoke generators in which the smoke results from the triggering

  a chemical reaction (for example the reaction of titanium tetrachloride with water).

  The advantage of pyrotechnic generators is their compactness for a given smoke generation capacity.

  The device according to the invention can of course have

  a simplified structure adapted to a particular job.

  FIG. 2 thus represents a device 1 comprising a single means for detecting a rise in temperature 4b which is connected to a triggering means 3, constituted by a static relay, and which makes it possible to connect an energy source 10 to signaling means 2b and 2c. Here the smoke generator 2c is activated at the same time as the light device 2b whatever the light conditions. In the case of an application to a road vehicle, it is advantageously possible to use as a triggering means 3 the computer which manages the vehicle's safety systems (seat cushions, seat belt pretensioners, etc.). FIG. 3 shows such a variant in which the computer 3 makes it possible to control the inflation of at least one airbag 11 in response to the detection of an impact by the sensor 4c. This system also makes it possible to control the emission of the smoke 2c and / or the activation of the acoustic generator 2d. The advantage of such a variant is that the

  cost of the equipment, the shock detector (s) 4c and the triggering means 3 being already provided in the vehicle.

  This variant will be particularly suitable for equipping an automobile fitted with an "LPG" tank. A smoke generator will be provided providing a smoke color suitable for the LPG risk. This color can

  be the same as that chosen for class 3 (flammable gases) or else be a specific color.

  The smoke signal and / or a light generator will be triggered, for example, automatically during an accident. It will warn the intervention forces very early of the presence of an LPG fuel. The smoke generator or light generator may also be triggered automatically in the event of an excessive rise in temperature (start of fire). FIG. 4 shows another embodiment in which a smoke generator 2c is connected to a trigger means 3 which receives the signals supplied by at least one temperature rise detector 4b which is constituted for example by an infrared sensor. The trigger means 3 is here a microprocessor which compares the signal supplied by the detector 4b to a threshold stored in memory which corresponds to the signal relating to a start

  fire. This figure also makes it possible to detail a possible structure for a smoke generator 2c.

  Such a generator comprises a housing 12, made for example of plastic material, and comprising a housing inside which are arranged tablets 13 of a

  smoke composition. The housing is sealed off by a thin plastic cover 15, glued or welded to the housing 12. The composition is initiated by a pyrotechnic igniter 14 which is connected to the trigger means 3.

  The housing 12 has lugs 12a allowing it to be fixed to the structure.

  The colored smoke compositions are well known to those skilled in the art. They generally include an oxidant (such as a chlorate or a perchlorate) associated with a reducing agent such as lactose. The color is obtained by adding an organic dye (rhodamine, auramine ...) or mineral (metal oxide). FIG. 5 shows another particular extremely simplified embodiment in which the smoke generator 2c is directly initiated by a means for detecting a rise in temperature 4b constituted by an ignition composition 16 sensitive to the flame. It is conventional for those skilled in the art of the pyrotechnic field20 to define an ignition composition having a more or less significant flame sensitivity, by playing for example on the characteristics of the reducing agent or of the oxidizing agent used. A flame reinforcing relay 17 may be provided interposed between this composition 16 and the composition

smoke 13.

  This variant does not use any energy source and works completely autonomously. The detection means thus itself plays the role of triggering means. FIG. 6 shows another embodiment in which the triggering means 3 of the smoke generator 2c is constituted by a striker 23 pushed by a compression spring 24. The striker 23 is slidably mounted in a case 25 fixed at a rear face of the housing 12 of the smoke generator. This striker is intended to initiate the igniter 14 allowing the ignition of the smoke generator 2c. The striker 23 is released by a means for detecting a rise in temperature 4b which is constituted by a fusible washer integral with the case 25. Again the device does not use any energy source and operates completely autonomously. Alternatively, the fuse washer and the compression spring 24 could be replaced by an actuator in

  shape memory material. This actuator will be defined so that it projects the striker 23 onto the igniter 10 14 when the temperature exceeds a given threshold.

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment in which it is a switch 4a, for example actuated

  automatically during an impact or manually controlled by the driver, which triggers the smoke generator 2c.

  This switch is connected to an energy source 10 and it makes it possible to connect it to the igniter 14.

  Again it is the detection means 2c which also plays the role of triggering means.

  FIGS. 8a and 8b show another embodiment in which the means 4b for detecting a rise in temperature is a pneumatic means comprising at least one cell 26, containing a gas expandable by the action of temperature. This cell is connected by a tubing 27 to the triggering means 3 which is itself fixed to a smoke generator 2c. A non-return valve 43 is interposed between each cell 26 and the tubing 27. Thus the

  overpressure generated by a cell is only transmitted by trigger 3 and does not dissipate in the other cells.

  Here three cells 26 are shown. They will be positioned near the tank for a vehicle

  using LPG. They may be positioned in the vicinity of the cargo or of the engine for a transport vehicle.

  The expandable gas may be air. The trigger means 3 will include a striker 23 which will initiate the igniter 14 of the smoke generator 2c. FIG. 8b shows more precisely the triggering means 3. This comprises a body formed by a front part 28a which is fixed to the generator 2b by a flange 29 and which

  comprises an axial housing 30 inside which the striker 23 slides. The striker 23 has a cylindrical bearing surface 23a which is at the diameter of the housing 30 and which guides the striker in translation.

  A compression spring 31 is interposed between the bearing surface 23a and a counterbore 32 of the front part 28a. It is

  maintained in the compressed state in the position shown in Figure 8b.

  The body of the triggering means also has a tubular rear part 28b which screws onto the front part

  28a and which is closed by a plug 35, also screwed.

  This tubular part 28b defines a cylindrical chamber 36 inside which slides a piston

  37 bearing a peripheral seal 38.

  A sliding spacer cage 39 is interposed between the piston 37 and the front part 28a of the body. A second

  compression spring 40 is disposed between the spacer cage 39 and the front part 28a. It maintains the spacer cage 39 in abutment against the piston 37.

  The spacer cage 39 has an axial hole 41 which is crossed by a shank 23b of the striker 23.

  This tail 23b carries a groove 33 delimited by

  tapered seats 33a, 33b. This groove receives balls 34.

  The balls are positioned in a cylindrical metallic socket 42 which has a collar 42a in

  support against the front part 28a of the body. The sleeve 42 carries radial holes in which the balls 34 are positioned with sufficient clearance to allow their ejection.

  The cylindrical profile of the hole 41 ensures the radial retention of the balls 34 in the groove 33.

  Thus the striker 23 is axially locked relative to the body 28a / 28b by means of the balls 34 which are positioned axially relative to the body thanks

at socket 42.

  During a fire, the heating of the cells 26 causes the gas they contain to expand. The gas pressure conducted by the tubing 27 is exerted on the piston 37. This moves by pushing the spacer cage 39 against the spring 40. The balls 34 are no longer then held radially in their groove 33. The force exerted by the spring 31 on the striker 23 causes the radial ejection of the balls 34 from the sleeve 42. This ejection15 is favored by the conical profiles 33a / 33b of the groove 33. The striker 23 is no longer held axially it is projected by the spring 31 on the igniter 14, which causes the ignition of the smoke generator 2b. It is of course possible to associate any type of

  detection means to any type of signaling means.

  As a variant, it is possible to associate a means for detecting a rise in temperature by expansion of gas at

  a different trigger. One could for example ensure with the gas pressure the closing of an electrical contact 25 lighting one or more light generators.

  Instead of being directly connected to a signaling means, the electrical contact closed by a pressure

  gas could also quite simply constitute input information applied to a triggering means 30 constituted by a computer or microprocessor of the type described with reference to FIG. 1.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of installation of a device according to the invention on a road transport vehicle 18. The triggering means 3 is here a centralized computer device35 secured to the cabin 18a of the vehicle. This means is connected to temperature detectors

13 2811117

  4b which are distributed on the trailer as well as at least one shock detector 4c (we have shown here wire connections).

  The roof of the vehicle 18 carries two smoke generators 2c as well as a light generator 2b. The cabin also carries a transmitter means 2a.

  The different signaling means 2a, 2b and 2c are connected to the triggering means by wireless links.

  A short range radio transmitter 9 is therefore secured to the triggering means 3 and receivers 8 are secured to the various signaling means.

  Such an arrangement facilitates the integration of the device on an existing vehicle.

  Vehicle 18 carries dangerous cargo (eg explosives). He carries at the level of his tailgate a standardized plate 19 indicating the category of the cargo (class 1). The smoke smoke 2c has been chosen so as to provide smoke of a particular color which will have been conventionally associated with this class of transport. Likewise the light generator 2b will provide a beam

  vertical or rotary light of the same color.

  The trigger means 3 will have received appropriate programming allowing it in particular to transmit via the

  transmitter means 2 has the data concerning the cargo (mass and nature of the explosives, etc.).

  In the event of an accident detected by the shock sensors 4c or else in the event of a fire detected by at least one of the heat sensors 4b, the smoke smoke 2c and / or the light generator 2b as well as the transmitter 2a are triggered. Potential spectators of the accident will immediately spot the color of the smoke and they will be able to communicate this information to the intervention forces, who will therefore know the level of risk very early and will take the necessary measures. Once the emergency vehicles are close to the accident site, their receivers tuned to the appropriate frequency will receive the data relating to the cargo which is transmitted continuously by the transmitter means 2a. FIG. 10 shows another example of application of the device according to the invention to a container 20 containing a product of a given risk class. The trigger means 3 is disposed inside the container 20. It is connected to means 4b for detecting a rise in temperature. The triggering means is also connected to

  signaling means: a smoke generator 2c and two light generators 2b.

  Thus the container has its own remote identification means which supplement the standardized marking 19. These means are triggered independently whatever the

  location of the container: on a truck, ship, train or in a storage area.

  FIG. 11 shows the equipment with the device according to the invention of a storage area for different products

  with possibly different risk classifications.

  Autonomous boxes 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d have been placed in the vicinity of each storage zone 21a, 21b and 21c. Each box is completely autonomous and contains an energy source, the triggering means and the signaling means (smoke generator, light generators, transmitter ...) Detection means, in particular of infrared radiation 4b, are distributed around each zones and

  in contact with buildings or containers. These means are equipped with radio transmitters and are thus connected to the box 22 which is associated with them.

  Thus, the start of a fire in one of the storage areas will be detected and will trigger the

  different signaling means associated with the zone35 considered.

  Anyone circulating around the storage perimeter may trigger an alert by providing information relating to the color of the smoke or light generator (or acoustic information), therefore information relating to the nature of the risk.

16 2811117

Claims (10)

  1- Device (1) allowing remote identification, when an event occurs, of the presence of a material or product of a given nature, characterized in that it comprises at least one signaling means ( 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) providing a particular signal associated with the nature of the material or product, and at least one means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for detecting an event, a detection means capable of triggering the signaling means   (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e), possibly via a trigger means (3).   2- Identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signaling means comprises at least one smoke generator (2c) capable of generating smoke having a particular color associated with the nature of the material or product. 3- Identification device according to claim 2, characterized in that the smoke generator (2c) comprises a pyrotechnic composition.   4- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means of   signaling comprises at least one generator (2d, 2b) of an audible and / or visual signal having a frequency25 and / or a color respectively associated with the nature of the material or product.   - Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for   signaling comprises at least one transmitting means (2a) 30 which transmits an electromagnetic wave to a remote receiver.   6- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one means   signaling device (2e) is placed at a distance from the triggering means (3) and connected to the latter by a wired or radio link means (8, 9).   7- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means of   detection comprises at least one flame and / or temperature rise detector (4b). 5 8- Identification device according to claim   7, characterized in that the temperature rise detector (4b) comprises an infrared sensor.   9- Identification device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the detector   for raising the temperature (4b) comprises at least one fusible material.   - Identification device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the detector (4b)   flame and / or temperature rise comprises at least one pyrotechnic composition sensitive to the flame or to a temperature rise.   11- Identification device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the detector   (4b) flame and / or temperature rise includes   at least one cell (26) containing an expandable gas as a result of a rise in temperature.   12- Identification device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a trigger means (3) comprising a piston (37) pushed by the expansion of the gases and ensuring the unlocking of a striker (23) allowing the generator initiation   smoke smoke (2c). 13- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the means of   detection comprises at least one shock detector (4c).   14- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one means   detection (4d) is arranged at a distance from the signaling means and connected to the latter by a wired or radio link means (5,6).   - Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is rendered   secured to a road, rail or naval vehicle (18). 16- Identification device according to claim 15, characterized in that the signaling means makes it possible to display the nature of the fuel of the vehicle (18). 17- Identification device according to claim, characterized in that the signaling means makes it possible to display the nature of the class of products to which   belongs the cargo of the vehicle (18).   18- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is rendered   secured to a packaging or container (20) carrying a product or material of a given nature. 15 19- Identification device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is arranged to   proximity to a storage area (21a, 21b, 21c) of a product or material of a given nature.