A seat belt usage status warning device and a seat belt

Abstract

This disclosure presents a safety belt usage status warning device and a safety belt. The device includes a warning component and a control switch disposed on the safety belt. The warning component is electrically connected to the control switch. The control switch has a hook-on portion for hooking on a connector of the safety belt. When the hook-on portion is hooked on the connector, it is stretched relative to the control switch, causing the path between the warning component and the control switch to be broken. When the hook-on portion is not hooked on the connector, the path between the warning component and the control switch is open, and the warning component emits a warning message. The warning component includes at least one of a light-emitting element and a sound-emitting element. In this way, the present disclosure has a simple structure and facilitates easy identification of whether a worker at height is wearing a safety belt and using the safety belt connector based on the warning message, improving the efficiency and accuracy of safety monitoring and identification for work at height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to the field of high-altitude work protection technology, and in particular to a safety belt usage status warning device and a safety belt. Background Technology

[0002] Working at heights is the most common type of outdoor construction work. Accidents and injuries caused by falls from heights are usually due to workers not using safety belts correctly.

[0003] In some related technologies, the work supervisor uses reflective materials (such as fluorescent reflective materials) on the safety belt to determine whether workers are wearing their safety belts properly. However, this method cannot monitor the safety belt connectors (which are typically connected to fixed attachment points or fall arrestors for work at height) from a distance. Furthermore, the complex on-site work environment and the supervisor's responsibility to oversee multiple tasks and personnel make it difficult to monitor safety belt usage in a timely and effective manner. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure describes one or more embodiments of a seatbelt usage status warning device and a seatbelt, which are intended to address one or more of the problems described above and other potential problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a seatbelt usage status warning device. The device includes a warning component and a control switch disposed on the seatbelt, the warning component being electrically connected to the control switch; the control switch has a hook-up portion for hooking up a connector to the seatbelt, the hook-up portion being stretched relative to the control switch when hooking up the connector, thereby disconnecting the path between the warning component and the control switch; when the hook-up portion is not hooked up to the connector, the path between the warning component and the control switch is open, and the warning component emits a warning message; the warning component includes at least one of a light-emitting element and a sound-emitting element.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a seat belt. The seat belt strap is equipped with a seat belt usage status warning device according to the first aspect, and the seat belt connector is used to connect to an attachment point. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0008] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an exemplary structure showing a seatbelt usage status warning device connected to a seatbelt portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 1 A 3D schematic diagram of the control switch in the example;

[0010] Figure 3A It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control switch in its non-operating state in the example;

[0011] Figure 3B It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the working state of the control switch in the example;

[0012] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another exemplary structure of a seatbelt usage status warning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a seatbelt usage status warning device;

[0014] Figure 6A It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 Example: A schematic diagram of the non-operating state of a seatbelt usage status warning device;

[0015] Figure 6B It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the working state of a seatbelt usage status warning device;

[0016] Figure 7 It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 An exploded view of an example of a seatbelt usage status warning device;

[0017] Figure 8A A schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a seat belt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 8B A schematic diagram of another exemplary structure of a seat belt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the disclosure, claims, and accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] As mentioned earlier, when working at heights, workers need to wear safety belts (including shoulder strap safety belts, waist belt safety belts, half-body safety belts, etc.) and the connector of the safety belt needs to connect the safety belt strap and the safety rope. The safety rope is usually connected to the fixed attachment point or fall arrestor of the aerial work platform through other connectors to ensure the safety of the workers.

[0022] Taking power maintenance sites as an example, in addition to supervising the completion of normal maintenance work, the work supervisor must also monitor the safety of the work team members. In many scenarios, a single supervisor needs to monitor multiple workers. In large workplaces requiring work at heights, it is difficult to provide comprehensive safety supervision for each individual. In such cases, if workers do not proactively take fall prevention measures, there is a risk of falling from height. Furthermore, it is also difficult for workers to simultaneously supervise the use of safety belts and other fall prevention equipment by other work team members while completing their own tasks.

[0023] In some related technologies, reflective materials are incorporated into seat belts to facilitate long-distance monitoring by workers, but this cannot monitor whether the seat belt connectors are being used correctly. Especially in complex environments, supervisors cannot quickly and accurately monitor whether workers are wearing seat belts or using the connectors. While some related technologies use cameras to monitor seat belt usage, this still requires manual monitoring of the footage for safety reminders. It's difficult to quickly and accurately identify whether seat belts are being worn and the connectors are being used correctly from the footage, and it's even harder to discern if there are obstructions in the image.

[0024] To address this issue, this disclosure provides a seatbelt usage status warning device with a simple structure. It can be installed between the seatbelt strap and the seatbelt connector. When the connector is attached to the warning device, the force on the device changes, breaking the original path and preventing the device from sending light or sound warnings. Once the connector is removed from the warning device, or when the connector is not in use, the warning device's path remains open, continuously sending warning information, facilitating quick and accurate monitoring of seatbelt wearing and connector usage.

[0025] In this way, by utilizing the stress changes in the device structure to alter the working state of the warning device, on-site personnel, whether they are work supervisors or staff, can promptly detect abnormalities in the use of safety belts using audible and visual warning information. They can then promptly wear their safety belts upon being prompted and ensure the use of the connectors at the fixed attachment points, effectively mitigating safety risks during operations.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a seatbelt usage status warning device 100 connected to a seatbelt portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the device 100 includes a warning component 10 and a control switch 20. The warning component 10 includes at least one of a light-emitting element and a sound-emitting element. For example, the warning component includes a light-emitting element; another example is that the warning component includes a sound-emitting element; yet another example is that the warning component includes both a light-emitting element and a sound-emitting element. The light-emitting element can be a light lamp or a light lamp with a light strip, and can send warning information in the form of a constant light, a flashing light, or a breathing light. The sound-emitting element can be a buzzer, a vibrating plate, etc., and can send warning information in the form of a constant sound, a gradually increasing volume, or music. Figure 1 In the example, the warning device 100 has separate warning components 10 and control switches 20. The control switch 20 is electrically connected to the warning component 10 via a connecting wire 11 (which can be a straight wire, a spring wire, or other types of plastic-coated wire). The warning component 10 can be located on the straps of the safety belt (it can be the side straps of a shoulder strap type safety belt, the waist belt strap of a lap belt type safety belt, or the side straps of a half-body safety belt). When the warning component 10 includes a light-emitting element, it can help remotely identify whether the worker is wearing a safety belt. The control switch 20 can be located on the straps of the safety belt (it can be the side straps of a shoulder strap type safety belt, the waist belt strap of a lap belt type safety belt, or the side waist strap of a half-body safety belt). Figure 1As shown, the safety belt connector 31 is generally in the form of a safety belt hook. The safety belt connector 31 is connected to a fixed attachment point at the work site via the safety rope 32 of the safety belt. During normal use, the safety belt connector 31 needs to be hooked onto the hooking part 21 of the control switch 20. The hooking part 21 is pulled down due to the hooking of the connector 31, disconnecting the path between the control switch 20 and the warning component 10. The warning component 10 no longer issues a warning message, indicating that the worker is using the safety belt connector, and the connector connecting to the fixed attachment point is connected to the safety belt strap. When the worker needs to move to another location and temporarily releases the connector 31, the hooking part 21 of the control switch 20 returns to its original position from the pulled-down position because the connector is not hooked. The path between the control switch 20 and the warning component 10 is restored, and the warning component sends a warning message. At this time, it is considered that the worker is not using the safety belt connector, and the connector connecting to the fixed attachment point is not connected to the safety belt strap. In addition, when the staff wears the safety belt, they attach the connector to the attachment part to connect the connector and the safety belt strap. The path between the control switch 20 and the warning component 10 is opened, and the warning component sends a warning message. At this time, it is considered that the staff is wearing the safety belt and using the connector.

[0027] Figure 2 It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 1 The example shows a three-dimensional structural diagram of the control switch 20. The control switch 20 includes a switch housing 22, a mounting portion 21, and a tension member and a switch trigger member disposed within the switch housing 22. The control switch 20 also includes a hook member 23 disposed on the outside of the switch housing 22. This hook member can be an elastic clip (as shown in the figure), directly clipped onto the seatbelt strap, or a snap-on buckle clipped onto the seatbelt strap. Alternatively, the seatbelt strap can pass through the snap-on buckle to mount the control switch onto the seatbelt strap. The tension member can be an elastic spring or a pull rod, with one end fixed inside the control switch and the other end connected to the mounting portion 21 (such as a ring or a structure with a mounting groove). The tension member can be stretched when the mounting portion 21 is pulled downwards, moving away from the switch trigger member, thus disconnecting the path between the control switch 20 and the warning component. The tension member can also contact the switch trigger member after the mounting portion 21 returns to its original position, thus reconnecting the path between the control switch 20 and the warning component. The switch trigger can be a micro switch.

[0028] Figure 3A It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the non-operating state of control switch 20 in the example. Figure 3AAs shown, the tension member 24 of the control switch 20 is a spring, which contains two springs and is respectively connected to both sides of the mounting part 21. The mounting part 21 is a D-ring, with the arc-shaped section of the D-ring protruding from the switch housing 22, and the straight section located inside the switch housing 22 and connected to the free end of the spring 24. The other end of the spring 24 is fixed inside the switch housing 22. Figure 3A The non-working state shown refers to the state where the connector is not connected to the hook part 21. At this time, the hook part is in contact with the switch trigger 25. Press the switch button on the switch trigger 25 into the switch trigger 25. The switch trigger 25 is electrically connected to the switch connector 26. The switch connector 26 is electrically connected to the warning component. At this time, the path between the control switch and the warning component is open.

[0029] Figure 3B It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the working state of control switch 20 in the example. Figure 3B As shown, when connector 31 is attached to the hook part 21, the hook part 21 is pulled down, and correspondingly, spring 24 is pulled down. The hook part 21 moves away from the switch trigger 25, and the switch button 25-1 inside the switch trigger 25 pops out, at which point the path between the control switch and the warning component is broken. In some examples, when connector 31 is attached to the D-ring, the connector is basically located at the center of the hook part 21 (i.e., the center of the arc segment of the D-ring), and the tension members on both sides are stretched under uniform force. The straight segment of the D-ring can move away from the switch trigger 25 in a relatively parallel manner, thereby ensuring that the switch button 25-1 inside the switch trigger 25 effectively pops out. When connector 31 is detached from the hook part 21, the hook part 21 returns to its original position due to the action of spring 24, and the hook part 21 again abuts against the switch trigger 25, causing the switch button 25-1 to be pressed into the switch trigger, thus re-establishing the path between the warning component and the control switch (i.e., returning to the original position). Figure 3A (The state shown).

[0030] In one or more of the above embodiments, the apparatus of this disclosure further includes a power supply for powering the warning component. The power supply may be integrated within the switch housing 22 of the control switch, integrated within the warning component, or provided separately. The power supply is a battery, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. Regardless of the configuration, the power supply, control switch, and warning component are connected by a connecting wire, which may be a plastic-coated metal wire or a circuit connection wire.

[0031] In one or more of the above embodiments, the device of this disclosure further includes a power switch for controlling the power supply to be in an active or inactive state. When the power supply is active, i.e., the battery powers the warning component and the warning device is not connected to the safety belt connector, the warning component continuously sends warning information; when the power supply is inactive, i.e., the battery does not power the warning component and the warning device is not connected to the safety belt connector, the warning component does not send warning information. The power switch further addresses battery standby consumption and extends battery life. Furthermore, the power switch can serve as an active control switch for the operator to activate the warning device. After the operator wears the safety belt, they can turn on the power switch, powering the warning component. The path between the control switch and the warning component remains continuous. When the operator attaches the connector connected to the fixed attachment point to the attachment part of the control switch, the path between the control switch and the warning component is broken, and the warning component stops sending warning information. The power switch can be a touch switch, which can be activated by a long contact or a short contact. A long contact activation prevents accidental activation during product transportation or operation, avoiding frequent power on / off cycles. The power switch can be integrated into the control switch, the warning component, or set up separately.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another exemplary structure of a seatbelt usage status warning device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The difference in the example device 100 is that Figure 4 The device 200 in the example shown is an integrated structure, meaning the warning component and control switch are integrated into a single module. The control switch includes a switch housing 42, a mounting part 41, and a tensioning member and a switch triggering member disposed within the switch housing 42. The warning component is also disposed within the switch housing 42. The control switch also includes a hook 43 disposed on the outside of the switch housing 42. It can be an elastic clip that directly clips onto the seat belt strap, or an open-ended buckle that clips onto the seat belt strap, or an open-ended buckle (as shown in the figure). The seat belt strap can pass through the open-ended buckle to mount the control switch onto the seat belt strap. The tensioning element can be an elastic spring or a pull rod, with one end fixed inside the control switch and the other end connected to the hook part 21 (such as a ring or a structure with a hook groove). The tensioning element can be stretched when the hook part 21 is pulled down, moving away from the switch trigger, thus disconnecting the path between the control switch and the warning component. The tensioning element can also contact the switch trigger after the hook part 41 returns to its original position, thus reconnecting the path between the control switch and the warning component. The switch trigger can be a micro switch.

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a seatbelt usage status warning device is provided. A warning component, such as an audible element, is disposed within the switch housing 42. Figure 5 The switch housing has a sound outlet 51 on its exterior; for example, a light-emitting element, several LEDs (arranged in a centralized or dispersed manner), is located inside the switch housing, and the switch housing 42 has a transparent or semi-transparent structure, so that the warning component emits light through the housing; in addition, the light-emitting element can also be located on the outer surface of the switch housing (arranged in a centralized or dispersed manner).

[0034] Figure 6A It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the non-operating state of a seatbelt usage status warning device, as shown in the example. Figure 6A As shown, the tension member 44 of the control switch is a spring, which contains two springs connected to both sides of the mounting part 41. The mounting part 41 is a D-ring, with the arc-shaped section of the D-ring protruding from the switch housing 42, and the straight section located inside the switch housing 42 and connected to the free end of the spring 44. The other end of the spring 44 is fixed inside the switch housing 42. Figure 6A The non-working state shown refers to the state where the connector is not connected to the hook part 41. At this time, the hook part is in contact with the switch trigger 45. Press the switch button 45-1 on the switch trigger 45 into the switch trigger 45. The switch trigger 45 is electrically connected to the switch connector, and the switch connector is electrically connected to the warning component. At this time, the path between the control switch and the warning component is open.

[0035] Figure 6B It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the working state of a seatbelt usage status warning device. Figure 6B As shown, when connector 31 is attached to the mounting part 41, the mounting part 41 is pulled down, and correspondingly, spring 44 is pulled down. The mounting part 41 moves away from the switch trigger 45, and the switch button 45-1 inside the switch trigger 45 pops out, at which point the path between the control switch and the warning component is broken. In some examples, when connector 31 is attached to the D-ring, the connector is basically located at the center of the mounting part 41 (i.e., the center of the arc segment of the D-ring), and the tension members on both sides are stretched under uniform force. The straight segment of the D-ring can move away from the switch trigger 45 in a relatively parallel manner, thereby ensuring that the switch button 45-1 inside the switch trigger 45 effectively pops out. When connector 31 is detached from the mounting part 41, the mounting part 41 returns to its original position due to the action of spring 44, and the mounting part 41 again abuts against the switch trigger 45, causing the switch button 45-1 to be pressed into the switch trigger, thus reconnecting the path between the warning component and the control switch (i.e., returning to the original position). Figure 6A (The state shown).

[0036] In one or more of the above embodiments, the apparatus of this disclosure further includes a power supply for powering the warning component. The power supply may be integrated into the switch housing or may be a separate component. The power supply is a battery, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. Regardless of the configuration, the power supply, control switch, and warning component are connected by a connecting wire, which may be a plastic-coated metal wire or a circuit connection wire.

[0037] In one or more of the above embodiments, the device of this disclosure further includes a power switch for controlling the power supply to be in an active or inactive state. When the power supply is active, i.e., the battery powers the warning component and the warning device is not connected to the safety belt connector, the warning component continuously sends warning information. When the power supply is inactive, i.e., the battery does not power the warning component and the warning device is not connected to the safety belt connector, the warning component does not send warning information. The power switch further addresses battery standby consumption and extends battery life. Furthermore, the power switch can serve as an active control switch for the operator to activate the warning device. After the operator wears the safety belt, they can turn on the power switch, powering the warning component. The path between the control switch and the warning component remains continuous. When the operator attaches the connector connected to the fixed attachment point to the attachment part of the control switch, the path between the control switch and the warning component is broken, and the warning component stops sending warning information. The power switch can be a touch switch, which can be activated by a long contact or a short contact. A long contact activation prevents accidental activation during product transportation or operation, avoiding frequent power-on and power-off cycles. In one example, the power switch is recessed on the surface of the switch housing (see [reference]). Figure 4 The power switch 47 is included to prevent accidental activation. Alternatively, the power switch can be mounted flush with or protrude from the switch housing surface. This power switch can be integrated into the switch housing or installed separately.

[0038] Figure 7 It is shown that, according to this disclosure Figure 4 An exploded view of an example seatbelt usage status warning device. The switch housing of the warning device comprises three parts: a first housing 42-1, a second housing 42-2, and a battery housing 42-3. A main control circuit board 49 is housed within the switch housing. A power switch 47, a light-emitting element (such as an LED light 52), and a first switch connector 46-1 are mounted on the main control circuit board 49. A power supply 48 is connected to the main control circuit board 49 via a wire. A switch trigger 45 is connected to the first switch connector 46-1 via the second switch connector 46-2. One end of a tension member 44 is fixed to the first housing 42-1, and the other end is connected to a mounting part 41. The switch trigger 45 is then placed in contact with the mounting part 41, and the housing is encapsulated to form an integrated warning device.

[0039] In one or more of the above embodiments, the light-emitting element of the warning component is designed in the form of a light-emitting strip, and the warning component and the control switch are separately arranged. The light-emitting strip is made of textile fabric as a base, and LED light strips or light beads are attached (sewn, pasted, etc.). The light-emitting strip can be in different forms such as strips or sheets, and can be in different forms such as vests, belts, or clothing. The light-emitting strip is wrapped and set on the seat belt strap in different forms such as Velcro or buckles. The light of the light-emitting strip can be a color with obvious indication, such as green, red, yellow, or a combination of multiple colors. Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the example, the luminous strip wraps around the seatbelt strap at the shoulder position. Figure 8A The central light-emitting element is located on both sides of the straps of the shoulder belt type seat belt. Figure 8B The light-emitting element is integrated into the seat belt usage status warning device 200. In other examples, the light-emitting strip may also cover the waist belt area of ​​the seat belt fastening; the light-emitting strip may also be in the form of a vest, waistcoat, or sash.

[0040] In one or more of the above embodiments, the warning component and the control switch are integrated into one unit. Figure 8B In the example, the switch housing of the warning device has an open-ended buckle. After the seat belt is passed through the open-ended buckle, the warning device is installed on the seat belt. Figure 8B The image shown is of a shoulder strap type seat belt, with an integrated warning device that can be installed on the shoulder strap. Furthermore, when the seat belt is a lap belt type, full-body type, or half-body type, the integrated warning device can also be installed in other locations, such as the lap belt or chest strap.

[0041] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A seat belt usage status warning device characterized by comprising: The device includes a warning component and a control switch mounted on a seatbelt. The warning component is electrically connected to the control switch. The control switch has a hook-on portion for hooking onto a connector of the seatbelt. When the hook-on portion is hooked onto the connector, it is stretched relative to the control switch, causing the path between the warning component and the control switch to be disconnected. When the hook-on portion is not hooked onto the connector, the path between the warning component and the control switch is open, and the warning component emits a warning signal. The warning component includes at least one of a light-emitting element and a sound-emitting element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The control switch includes a switch housing, a tension member and a switch trigger member disposed within the switch housing, and a mounting part connected to the tension member; the switch trigger member is electrically connected to the warning component.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The tensioning element is a spring.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The switch trigger is a micro switch.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply for powering the warning component.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a power switch.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The warning component is integrated into the control switch, or the warning component and the control switch are separate components.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power supply and the power switch are integrated into the control switch, or the power switch is integrated into the control switch.

9. A seat belt, characterized in that, The seat belt is provided with a seat belt usage status warning device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 on the strap, and the seat belt connector is used to connect with the hook part.

10. The seat belt according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control switch is attached to the seat belt strap via a hook and loop fastener.

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