KR20180061205A - Activation unit for a structural device equipped with at least one filling balloon - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an activation unit (1) for a structural device equipped with at least one filling balloon, the activation unit comprising a pressure gas cylinder (4); (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4) closed by the closing member (14); At least one pressure gas hose (40) capable of connecting the activation unit (1) with at least one filling balloon of the structure device; And a line for transmitting a triggering signal of the triggering device to a mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4). The activation unit comprises an upper part 2 and a lower part 3 which may be connected to each other under the formation of an activatable activation unit 1 and which may be separated from one another and the lower part 3 comprises a pressure gas cylinder 19 and 24 for opening the pressure gas cylinder 4 are arranged in the lower part 3 and the lower part 3 is provided with pressure gas lines 20 and 20 The pressure gas connector connects the pressure gas cylinder 4 with the pressure gas connector in a pressure-tight manner, and the pressure gas connector is connected to the upper portion 2 and the lower portion 3, When connected, it ensures a pressure-tight connection to the at least one pressure gas hose 40, and when the lower part 3 is separated from the upper part 2, the lower part comprises a unit operable separately from the avalanche airbag , And the upper portion (2) is fixed to the structure device Is integrated into the value, at least one compressed gas hose (40) is characterized in that the joining into the upper part (2).

Description

Activation unit for a structural device equipped with at least one filling balloon

The present invention relates to an activation unit for a rescue device equipped with at least one inflatable balloon, said activation unit comprising: a pressure gas cylinder; A mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder closed by the closing member; At least one pressure gas hose connecting the at least one filling balloon and the activation unit; And a line for transmitting the triggering signal of the triggering device to the device for opening the pressure gas cylinder.

Within the scope of the present application, structural devices are understood to be such devices that can be used in structures of devices and people.

The structural apparatus is equipped with at least one balloon and a pressure gas cylinder which are inflatable with a gas or gas mixture and inflated through filling. In the case of triggering, the gas or gas mixture in the pressure gas cylinder flows into at least one balloon. In addition, such gas or gas mixture can suck ambient air using a venturi nozzle, so that the sucked air is likewise introduced into the balloon. The term pressure gas cylinder includes any pressure gas vessel and is not limited to an actual pressure gas cylinder.

For example, life vests and "avalanche airbags" worn by a rescued person (eg, on the body) belong to the rescue apparatus. In this regard, at least one balloon may, for example, refer to a vest or similar apparatus that inflates when falling from a work structure and protects the wearer of such an apparatus. Also included are motorcycle riders or bicycle riders.

The term " airbag for avalanche "is also referred to as an avalanche device and may include any device for rescuing a person in an avalanche. Swollen balloons operate when the user is buoyant in an avalanche when they are being swept away by the avalanche and is almost always held on the surface of the avalanche.

This type of avalanche airbag or an avalanche structure of this type is described, for example, in German Patent P3237060, wherein the avalanche structure includes a structural backpack having two chambers in each of which one balloon is located. The two balloons are filled with the gas air mixture with the help of the gas coming out of the pressure gas cylinder and the inhaled air.

Other devices of this type are known from EP 0 957 995 A1 and DE 1 970 3656 A1. DE 1 970 3656 A1 describes an avalanche structure system in which a pressure gas device and a pressure gas vessel can be mounted. The pressure gas vessel includes a cover closed via a closed cap and provided with an inner spiral and an outer spiral. The pressure gas container can be screwed into the inner spiral of the lid. The cover of the pressure gas vessel can be screwed into the pressure gas device using its outer helix. The entire functional part required for opening the pressure gas container is arranged in the pressure gas device in which the pressure gas container is only screwed into it.

The term "airbag for avalanche" as used herein includes not only the above-described avalanche structure devices but also devices for indicating the position of a person in an avalanche, for example, an avalanche ball. Thus, within the scope of the present application, an avalanche airbag can be used to reduce the burial depth of a person buried through an avalanche and for the display of the structure or position of a person in an avalanche, and the gas coming from at least one pressure gas cylinder Is understood to be a device or device in which a balloon is filled with the aid of an air mixture.

All types of rescue devices, especially airbags for avalanche, must be triggered or activated jointly.

This can be done, for example, through the carrier of the structure device. Recently, however, a system in which this type of triggering is initiated wirelessly has proven desirable. In this regard, reference is made, for example, to EP09731473.6.

Within the scope of the present application, "triggering" is generally understood to be the operation of a rescue device, for example an avalanche airbag, through which a rescue device or avalanche airbag is ready to perform its intended rescue function.

In conventional triggering known so far, the user can trigger the rescue device, for example by pulling on a triggering mechanism formed of a knob. In this case, a pressure wave is formed in the handle or in the triggering device, for example by a blank cartridge, through which the gas in the pressure gas cylinder is discharged, filling the balloon or balloons with gas, And is guided to an activating unit for solving the problem.

It is also possible that the activation unit is operated with the help of a simple Bowden cable. It is also possible that an avalanche airbag is configured so that a current is generated and guided to the activation unit in operation of the triggering device. Even in such a configuration, only the pressure gas cylinder should not be replaced after each operation of the avalanche airbag. Rather, the triggering device must be maintained in such a way that, for example, a new blank cartridge is inserted into the triggering device.

According to the invention, devices that are not worn by the person to be rescued also belong to the rescue device. This type, for example, belongs to the snowmobile. This type of vehicle is often put on the frozen sea. If the bearing capacity of the ice sheet is overestimated by the person driving the vehicle, there is a risk that the ice sheet will sink and the vehicle will sink into the water. This sinking is prevented by inflating at least one balloon of the structural device mounted on the vehicle.

In addition, inflatable life rafts belong to the latter structure.

A disadvantage of this type of structure device known to date is that not only the pressure gas cylinders are replaced after each triggering but also the triggering device or handle is to be maintained or a new blank cartridge must be mounted.

In addition, structural devices are often subjected to application of maintenance regulations that essentially define an alternative to pressure gas cylinders and / or additional components.

When inserting a newly filled pressure gas cylinder into the activation unit to switch the rescue device or the avalanche airbag back to the operable state, the user must be aware that the member or part that operates upon triggering of the rescue device or the avalanche airbag, It shall be ensured that the gas in the gas cylinder is discharged and in compliance with the regulations allowing the balloon or balloon to be filled. However, when the user is the end consumer rather than the retailer, in the use of the pressure gas cylinder and in other executed operations, not all of the required measures are taken, and the rescue device or the avalanche airbag is operable after use There is no great potential risk.

A similar concept applies to the replacement of the blank cartridge in the triggering unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an activation unit for a structural device in which the pressure gas cylinder can be inserted or connected in a simple, safe and reliable manner, so that the risk that may occur in some cases is reduced as much as possible.

The above problem is solved by an activation unit according to the teaching of claim 1.

The activation unit according to the invention comprises an upper part and a lower part which may be connected to each other under the formation of an activatable activation unit and which may be separated from each other. In other words, an activating unit operable through the assembly of the upper portion and the lower portion is formed.

Further, the activation device according to the present invention is characterized in that the upper part is connected to the structure device. In the case of an avalanche airbag, preferably, the upper portion is integrated into and fixed to the support system for the avalanche airbag, and is connected to the avalanche airbag by the support system. Thus, the upper portion can not be removed from the avalanche airbag by simple measures. Rather, the upper portion is operated with an avalanche airbag.

Further, the activation device according to the present invention is characterized in that the lower portion is connectable or connectable with the pressure gas cylinder. Further, when the lower portion is separated from the upper portion, the lower portion implements a unit operable separately from the structural device or the upper portion. Thereby, the lower portion can be operated independently of the structure device. In this case, the pressure gas cylinder can be inserted into or removed from the lower portion. Thereby, the operation for inserting the pressure gas cylinder into the lower portion and the substitution of the used pressure gas cylinder can be carried out in a spatially separated position from the structure apparatus.

When a new pressure gas cylinder is mounted in the lower part, the lower part can be connected to or assembled with the upper part of the activation device in the structure together with the new pressure gas cylinder. In the connected or assembled state, an activatable activation device is provided.

According to another constituent feature, a mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder is arranged in the lower part.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lower part is configured as a plug, while the upper part is configured as a bushing into which the lower part can be inserted. Preferably, a securing means is provided, which latches the lower part in the inserted state, so that the lower part can be separated from the upper part by the user only when releasing the securing means.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower portions of the activation device according to the present invention are of the same size and shape so that they are interchangeable with each other internally and interchangeably relative to each other Do.

At least one pressure gas hose joins the upper portion. In addition, a pressure gas line is mounted in the lower part, which connects the pressure gas cylinder to the pressure gas connector in a pressure-tight manner, and the pressure gas connector is connected to the at least one pressure gas hose when the lower part is connected to the upper part. Ensure a pressure-tight connection.

The mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder preferably comprises a piston with a needle, the needle pushing the piston in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder during operation of the device for opening the pressure gas cylinder, It moves into the pressure gas cylinder. Such a closure member is preferably a membrane.

The mechanism for opening the pressure gas cylinder is preferably operated by an electrical signal or current. These electrical signals preferably exit the triggering device and are delivered to the device for opening the pressure gas cylinder using suitable cables.

Further, preferably, the lower portion is integrally joined with the pressure vessel at the factory side.

At the time of insertion of the pressure gas cylinder or at the time of replacing the pressure gas cylinder, the pressure gas cylinder can be performed by the user only with the lower portion. The lower part is only connected to the upper part. If parts to be repaired or replaced are provided in the lower part, they are replaced or maintained at the factory side and are not replaced or maintained by the user thereby.

A separate operable unit is provided to the user by means of a combination of a lower part set at the factory side and a pressure gas cylinder, which unit should only be connected to the upper part and further connected to the avalanche airbag. This ensures that the problems mentioned at the beginning can not occur and that the potential risk is significantly reduced.

Preferably, the structure device is a person-wearable structure device, more preferably an avalanche airbag.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail on the basis of a simpler illustration with reference to mainly an avalanche airbag. However, this configuration applies equally to all other types of structural devices according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings showing preferred embodiments.

1 shows a front view of an activatable activation device in which the upper part and the lower part are connected to one another.
Fig. 2 shows a side view (from the left side of Fig. 1) of the activation device shown in Fig.
Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section along line AA of Figure 2.
Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section along line BB of Figure 2.
Fig. 5 shows a view corresponding to the view shown in Fig. 2 in which the upper part and the lower part of the activation device are separated from each other.
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along line EE of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a longitudinal section of the upper region of the activation device shown in Figure 2 along line CC in the assembled state of the upper and lower portions.
Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an enlarged scale along line EE of Figure 5 with the upper and lower portions connected to one another.
Figure 9 shows a cross section along the line GG in Figure 8.
Fig. 10 shows, in an enlarged scale, a cross-sectional view along line DD of Fig. 1 with areas of the pressure gas cylinder removed.
11 shows a detail view of the upper part 2 in a perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows a view from the front face of an activation device 1 including an upper part 2 and a lower part 3, wherein an upper part and a lower part are connected to each other to provide an activating device operable.

The lower part 3 is connected to the pressure gas cylinder 4 on which the lower part 3 is seated and the lower part is inserted or mounted into the upper part 2 so that the lower part 3 is in contact with the pressure gas cylinder 4, And can not be seen from FIG.

5 and 6 showing the activation device 1 in a state in which the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 are separated from each other. Preferably, a housing 5, in which a recess or a hollow block is machined into a metal block which is produced by boring or milling, is mounted on the lower part 3, In the operation of the mechanism for opening of the pressure gas cylinder 4 and also in the release of the gas in the pressure gas cylinder 4.

The housing 5 includes a helical bore 6 with an inner thread facing toward the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the outer helical 8 of the cap nut 7 being screwed into this helical bore. An inner spiral is provided inside the cap nut 7 and an outer spiral 9 of the socket 10 arranged at the front end of the pressure gas cylinder 4 is screwed into the inner spiral. The pressure gas cylinder 4 is substantially cylindrical and the socket 10 is coaxially connected to one of the front side of the pressure gas cylinder 4. [ The situation described above can also be seen in particular in Figures 6, 8 and 9.

The cap 11 of the cap nut 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is opened toward the pressure gas cylinder 4 but closed by the lid 12 on the opposite side to the pressure gas cylinder 4, A bore 13 coaxial with the socket 10 is received in the lid and the bore is closed at the socket side through a closing member in the form of a membrane 14. As long as such a membrane 14 is not broken, the gas located under the pressure gas cylinder 4 and under pressure can not leak.

The housing 5 represents a cylinder type, in which an ignition mechanism, ignition technology and various pressure gas lines are arranged, which will be described in detail below.

On the front side of the housing 5 remote from the pressure gas cylinder 4 there is arranged a pressure gas connector 15 which may also be referred to as a connecting piece for guiding the pressure gas, Respectively.

9, the pressure gas connector 15 is formed in a substantially pin shape. On the housing side, the pressure gauge connector 15 is fitted with a cylindrical pin 16, which includes an outer spiral threaded into the spiral bore in the housing 5. On the other side of the axial direction, the pressure gas connector 15 includes a connecting pin 28 for the pressure gas hose, which will be described in detail hereinafter in the same way.

A hollow cylinder chamber 17 is formed in the housing 5 coaxially with respect to the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the socket 10 in which the piston 18 is axially movably guided in the cylindrical chamber . In the cross-section shown in the figure, the piston 18 is shown in an upper position.

Preferably, the piston 18 is made of galvanized steel and includes coaxial needles 19 on the pressure gas cylinder side. This is preferably a hollow needle. When the piston 18 moves from the upper position to the lower position shown in the figure, the needle 19 passes through the membrane 14. [ The gas leaking from the pressure gas cylinder 4 pushes the piston 18 back to the upper position and flows into the piston chamber or the hollow cylinder 17. [

The pressure gas line 20 is guided radially outward on the side of the hollow cylinder 17. [ The pressure gas line 20 represents a bore guided from the radially outer side to the hollow cylinder 17 and the bore is closed by the ball 21 at the outer surface of the housing 5. The ball 21 is preferably a galvanized steel ball.

The pressure gas line 20 is switched into a radially extending pressure gas line 20 'which flows downstream in the pressure gas line 15, axially extending in the pressure gas connector 15 ''). Thereby, the discharged gas reaches the end of the pressure gas connector 15 located outside the housing 5 through the hollow cylinder 17 and the pressure gas lines 20, 20 ', 20' '.

The hollow cylinder 17 is open to the outside at the side opposite to the pressure gas cylinder 4 and is converted into a bore 22 whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the hollow cylinder 17. [ However, the diameter of the bore 22 is enlarged radially outwardly.

A fixed lid 23 in the form of a dome is screwed into the axially outward region of the bore 22 having a spiral in its inner wall which is secured to the inside of the inner chamber of the bore 22 by an E- Thereby fixing the igniter 24. The stationary lid 23 has a central opening 25 in which two contacts 26, 26 ', which are secured to the E-igniter 24, project therefrom.

The E-igniter 24 is inserted into the bore 22 as close as possible to the piston 18 and is held in position by the fastening lid 23 to seal the hollow cylindrical chamber 17 against the bore 22 .

At the electrical ignition of the E-igniter 24, a pressure gas wave is formed which propels the piston 18 toward the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the needle 19 into the membrane 14. Thereby, when the membrane 14 of the pressure gas cylinder 4 is penetrated, the pressure gas cylinder 4 is opened.

The discharged gas presses the piston 18 back to the position shown in the figures again - as described above. The pressure gas formed in E-igniter 24 during its ignition may leak out through line 27 (see FIG. 9). This line 27 thus connects the upper region of the hollow cylinder 17 with the periphery.

The upper part 2 has a cylindrical inner sleeve 29 open towards the lower part 3, in particular as can be seen in Fig. This inner sleeve 29 rushes into the inner chamber of the cylindrical outer sleeve 30 which is coaxially arranged with respect to the inner sleeve 29 and is axially displaceable.

The inner sleeve 29 and the outer sleeve 30 have a means for preventing relative torsion of these two sleeves to each other. These are seen particularly in FIG. 10, in which a cross-sectional view of the upper part 2 is shown.

The outer sleeve 30 can be pushed up against the forces of the three pressure springs 31. [ In this upper position, the lower part 3 can be inserted into the inner chamber of the inner sleeve 29. The housing 5 of the lower portion 3 has a flat portion so that the housing 5 is not a pure cylindrical shape in the region of this flat portion. Since this flat portion corresponds to the guiding means 32 in the inner chamber of the inner sleeve 29, the housing 5 can be inserted into the inner sleeve 29 only in a specific rotational position. In other words, the twisting of the inner sleeve 29 and the housing 5 is prevented in this way.

The outer sleeve 30 is located in the upper position, in the replacement position for the lower portion 3 and the pressure gas cylinder 4. The outer sleeve (30) is fixed by a hook (33). After the housing 5 is inserted into the inner sleeve 29 the outer sleeve 30 is urged downwards by the pressure spring 18 against the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the hook 33 against the housing through the inner sleeve & (29). To this end, a step 34, which is shown towards the pressure gas cylinder 4 and surrounds the housing 5, is rearwardly coupled to the outside of the housing 5 (Figs. 9 and 10).

The step difference has an annular collar 35 which circumscribes the circumference of the outer sleeve 30, limiting the movement of the outer sleeve 30 to the upper side, within the upper region of the inner sleeve 29.

The inner sleeve 29 has a closure member 36 with a bore penetrating on the front side facing the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the cap screw 37 extends through the bore, (36) is fixedly connected with a housing (38) in which an electronic device, a substrate and at least one battery are arranged. Also, a plug 39 for the E-igniter 24, which connects the current circuit and the E-igniter, is located in the housing.

Two pressure gas hoses 40 are guided from the outside in the housing 46 to reach the connecting piece 41 from above the closing member 36. [ Together with the feather key 42, the steel ball 43 and the O-ring 44, when the lower part 3 is inserted into the upper part 2 and the activating device 1 is in the operable state, A pressure-tight connection between the connecting pin 28 and the two pressure hoses 40 inserted on the hose 3 is ensured.

The two pressure gas hoses 40 are fixed at a desired position through the fixing plate 44 and the fixing plate 44 is fixed via the screws 45. [

On the side surface of the housing 38, an E-box 46, which can be closed by a lid 47 using screws 48, is located.

In the E-box 46, a battery 49 and a substrate 50 having the required electronic components are arranged.

Two cable sleeves 51 for guiding the unshown cable into the inside of the E- box 46 are mounted on top of the E- box 46. [ Two other cable sleeves 52 are located on the side of the E-box 46 facing the housing 38.

On the one hand, when the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 are assembled, or when the lower part 3 is inserted into the upper part 2, the pressure gas hose 40, on the other hand, And is thereby connected to the pressure gas cylinder 4 through the pressure gas lines 20, 20 ', 20' '. On the other hand, two contacts 26, 26 'projecting upwardly through the lower part 3 are connected with corresponding plugs 39 under the formation of electrical connections. As soon as the E-igniter 24 is ignited through the current, the piston 18 penetrates the membrane 14 by the needle 19 and enters the pressure gas cylinder 4. The gas in the pressure gas cylinder 4 can then be released and introduced into the bulbous balloon of the avalanche airbag through the connecting pin 28 and through the connected pressure gas lines 20, 20 ', 20 " .

1: Activation device
2: upper portion
3: Lower part
4: Pressure gas cylinder
5: Housing
6: Helical bore
7: Cap nut
8: Outer spiral of cap nut
9: Outer helix of socket
10: Socket
11: cap of cap nut
12: Cover
13: Perforated bore
14: Membrane
15: Pin shaped pressure gas connector
16: Cylindrical pin of pressure gas connector
17: Hollow piston chamber
18: Piston
19: Needle
20, 20 ', 20'': pressure gas line
21: Ball
22: Boer
23: stationary element
24: E-igniter
25: central bore
26, 26 ': contact
27: line
28: connecting pin
29: Cylindrical inner sleeve
30: Cylindrical outer sleeve
31: Pressure spring
32: guide means
33: Hook
34: Step
35: Annular collar
36: Closure member
37: Cap screw
38: Housing
39: Plug
40: Pressure gas hose
41: Connection
42: Feather Key
43: Steel ball
44: Fixing plate
45: Screw
46: E-box
47: Cover
48: Screw
49: Battery
50: substrate
51: Cable sleeve
52: Cable sleeve

Claims (10)

An activation unit (1) for a rescue device equipped with at least one filling balloon, the activation unit comprising a pressure gas cylinder (4); (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4) closed by the closing member (14); At least one pressure gas hose (40) capable of connecting the activation unit (1) with at least one filling balloon of the structure device; And a line for transmitting a triggering signal of the triggering device to a mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4), the activation unit comprising:
The activation unit 1 comprises an upper part 2 and a lower part 3 which may be connected to each other under the formation of an activatable activation unit 1 and which may be separated from each other,
The lower portion 3 is connectable or connectable with the pressure gas cylinder 4,
Mechanisms 18, 19 and 24 for opening the pressure gas cylinder 4 are arranged in the lower part 3,
A pressure gas line 20, 20 ', 20 " is mounted in the lower part 3, which connects the pressure gas cylinder 4 in a pressure-tight manner with a pressure gas connector, To ensure a pressure-tight connection to the at least one pressure gas hose (40) when the lower portion (3) is connected to the upper portion (2)
When the lower portion 3 is separated from the upper portion 2, the lower portion represents a unit operable separately from the avalanche airbag,
The upper portion 2 is fixed to or integrated into the structural device,
Characterized in that at least one pressure gas hose (40) joins into the upper part (2). 2. A balloon according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower part is configured as a plug and the upper part (2) is configured as a bushing into which the lower part (3) An activation unit for a mounted structural device. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder comprises a piston (18) with a needle (19) The needle 19 pushes the piston 18 in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder 4 and the needle 19 is urged in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder 4 through the closing member 14, An activation unit for a structural device having at least one inflatable balloon mounted therein. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder has an E-igniter (24) for generating a gas pressure wave after ignition, Characterized in that the piston (18) is pushed by a wave in the direction of the pressure gas cylinder (4). A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanism (18, 19, 24) for opening the pressure gas cylinder (4) comprises at least one filling- Activation unit for rescue device with balloon. 7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the E-igniter (24) is ignited via an ignition current, the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) 2) and the lower part (3) are connected to one another, an ignition current can be induced to the E-igniter (24) via the contact part . 7. An activation unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the ignition current generating mechanism is arranged in the upper part (2), for at least one filling balloon mounted therein. A structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (3) is formed integrally with the pressure gas cylinder (4) at the factory side. Activation unit for. 9. An activation unit for a structural device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the structural device represents a person-wearable structural device. 10. An activation unit for a structural device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the structural device is an avalanche airbag.

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