Sweat rate measurement device and sweat rate measurement system

Abstract

To provide a sweat rate measurement device capable of more accurately measuring a head part sweat rate even with respect to a general helmet with no fan.SOLUTION: A sweat rate measurement device 1 includes: an air flow path 10 in which inside air IA flows; a first temperature and humidity sensor 20 that measures a temperature and a relative humidity of outside air OA taken in from a place at an opposite side from a side of a wearer when viewed from the air flow path; a fan 30 that sucks the inside air in the air flow path and discharges the inside air to the outside the sweat rate measurement device; and a second temperature and humidity sensor 40 that is arranged in the middle of flow of the inside air generated by operation of the fan and measures a temperature and a relative humidity of the inside air. The sweat rate measurement device is attached to an edge part 102 of a helmet 100 and can measure the head part sweat amount more correctly than a conventional technology.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sweat rate measuring device and a sweat rate measuring system. [Background technology]

[0002] At construction sites and other such locations, workers are often engaged in work in high-temperature environments. It is important to prevent workers from suffering from heatstroke in such high-temperature environments. It would be effective to grasp the amount of sweat produced by a worker while he or she is working in real time, particularly the amount of sweat produced from the whole body (whole-body sweat rate), and take measures such as hydration or halting work, before the worker suffers from heatstroke. However, measuring the amount of whole-body sweat generally requires large-scale equipment, and sweat rate measurements that require such equipment are not suitable for construction sites and other similar locations (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] To solve these problems, researchers are focusing on helmets worn by workers and researching wearable sweat rate measuring devices that estimate the amount of sweat generated by the whole body by measuring the amount of sweat generated from the head inside the helmet (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 1).

[0004] The sweat rate measuring devices described in Non-Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 1 are designed to forcibly move air present in the space (helmet internal air flow path) formed between the helmet outer shell and the wearer's head using a fan. Then, the temperature t1 and relative humidity RH1 of the air flowing into the helmet internal air flow path are measured to calculate the amount of moisture per unit volume (inflow moisture rate X1), and the temperature t2 and relative humidity RH2 of the air flowing out of the helmet internal air flow path are measured to calculate the amount of moisture per unit volume (outflow moisture rate X2). The amount of head sweat equivalent generated in the helmet internal air flow path per unit time (hereinafter simply referred to as "head sweat rate") can be obtained by subtracting the inflow moisture rate X1 from the calculated outflow moisture rate X2 and multiplying this by the air flow rate F.

[0005] Research has shown that there is a significant correlation between head sweating and whole-body sweating (see Non-Patent Document 2), so the amount of whole-body sweating can be estimated from the head sweating amount obtained above.

[0006] In this way, the sweat rate measuring device described in Non-Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 1 makes it possible to estimate the amount of sweating throughout the body by measuring the amount of sweating (equivalent amount) from the head, which can contribute to measures against heatstroke without using large-scale equipment. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Sawasaki, M., and four others, "Study on thermal evaluation methods for outdoor hot environments," Journal of Production Research, 2006, Vol. 58, No. 3, pp. 323-327 [Non-patent document 2] Tsukasa Kosuda and three others, "Development of a helmet device capable of measuring sweating rate during activity and its applicability as a new early predictive indicator for heatstroke," Journal of the Japan Institute of Electronics Packaging, Japan Institute of Electronics Packaging, 2021, Vol. 24, No. 6, pp. 541-550 [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 184686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] As described above, the wearable sweat rate measurement device using a helmet estimates the amount of whole-body sweat rate based on the measured value of head sweat rate, so it is important to measure head sweat rate as accurately as possible. The technologies described in Non-Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 1 are measurement methods that are effective with specific helmets equipped with fans. However, helmets from a variety of manufacturers are used at construction and other work sites, and sweat rate measurements that require specific helmets equipped with fans are unlikely to become widespread. As described above, there is a demand at construction and other work sites for a sweat rate measurement device that can be widely attached to ordinary helmets without fans and that can more accurately measure head sweat rate.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a sweat rate measuring device that can be widely attached to ordinary helmets without fans and that can measure the rate of head sweat more accurately than conventional devices, and also to provide a sweat rate measuring system that includes such a sweat rate measuring device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a perspiration rate measuring device that is attached to the edge of a helmet and measures the rate of perspiration from the head of a person wearing the helmet. The sweat rate measuring device includes an air flow path through which air containing water vapor emitted from the head (hereinafter referred to as "internal air") flows, a first temperature and humidity sensor that is placed in a location open to the outside and measures the temperature and relative humidity of external air (hereinafter referred to as "external air") taken in from a location on the opposite side of the air flow path from the wearer, a fan that draws in the internal air within the air flow path and expels it to the outside of the sweat rate measuring device, and a second temperature and humidity sensor that is placed midway in the flow of internal air generated by the operation of the fan and measures the temperature and relative humidity of the internal air.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sweat rate measuring system including a helmet and the sweat rate measuring device described above attached to the rim of the helmet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sweat rate measuring device that can be widely attached to ordinary helmets that do not have fans and that can measure the amount of head sweat more accurately than conventional devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sweat rate measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment and a sweat rate measuring system 9 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a front view showing only the sensor cover 50 when the perspiration rate measuring device 1 of FIG. 1 is viewed along the arrow P. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph in which the integrated amount equivalent to the amount of head sweating is calculated by simulation and plotted while changing the level by changing the placement location of the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sweat rate measuring device 2 according to a second embodiment and a sweat rate measuring system 9' according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a front view showing only the sensor cover 50 of the sweat rate measuring device 4 of FIG. 4 as viewed along the arrow P. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sweat rate measuring device 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical hardware configuration implemented in sweat rate measuring devices 1, 2, etc. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are front views showing sensor covers 50' and 50'' of first and second modified examples, respectively. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sweat rate measuring device 3 according to a third modified example. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sweat rate measuring device 4 according to a fourth modified example. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sweat rate measuring device 5 according to a fifth modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The sweat rate measuring device and sweat rate measuring system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the explanations of the reference numerals that are common to the figures can be applied to the other figures, and therefore the explanations of the reference numerals in the other figures will be omitted.

[0016] [Embodiment 1] 1. Configuration of the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to a first embodiment and a perspiration rate measuring system 9 according to a third embodiment. In the figure, arrows indicated by IA and OA are used to exemplarily explain a portion of the inside air IA and the outside air OA flowing through the space. The direction of the arrows here indicates the direction in which the air travels (this also applies to the following drawings). FIG. 2 is a front view showing only the sensor cover 50 when the perspiration rate measuring device 1 of FIG. 1 is viewed along the arrow P.

[0017] (1) Overview of the sweat rate measuring device 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to the edge 102 of a helmet 100, and measures the amount of perspiration from the head H of a person WR wearing the helmet 100.

[0018] The perspiration rate measuring device 1 is provided with a helmet attachment means (no reference numeral) for attaching the perspiration rate measuring device 1 to the helmet 100. The perspiration rate measuring device 1 is provided with a clip portion 92, which constitutes the helmet attachment means. The clip portion 92 includes a clip inner peripheral member 92a, a clip outer peripheral member 92b, and a clip side peripheral member 92c (see also FIG. 6(a)). An opening 12 is provided on one side (the upper side in the figure) of the clip portion 92, and when an edge portion 102 (the rear edge portion) of the helmet 100 is inserted into the opening 12, the edge portion 102 of the helmet 100 is sandwiched and fixed between the clip inner peripheral member 92a and the clip outer peripheral member 92b. In this way, the perspiration rate measuring device 1 is attached to the helmet 100.

[0019] The sweat rate measuring device 1 includes an air flow path 10, a first temperature and humidity sensor 20, a fan 30, and a second temperature and humidity sensor 40.

[0020] The sweat rate measuring device 1 rotates the fan 30 to draw air from the outside world E (external air OA) into the helmet 100, and circulates air containing water vapor (internal air IA) emitted from the head H inside the helmet 100 so that it is exhausted from the fan 30. The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 and the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 measure the air flowing into and out of this spatial system.

[0021] Here, "external world E" refers, in a broad sense, to the area outside the area surrounded by the outer shell 101 (which is hemispherical) of the helmet 100 and the sweat rate measuring device 1 when the helmet 100 is fitted with the sweat rate measuring device 1 and worn by a person. In other words, "external world E" refers to the area on the opposite side of the outer shell 101 of the helmet 100 or the sweat rate measuring device 1, rather than on the wearer WR side. In a narrow sense, it can also be referred to as the area outside the space through which internal air IA (described below) flows.

[0022] (2) Air flow path 10 The air flow path 10 is a structural part through which air containing water vapor (internal air IA) emitted from the head H of the wearer WR flows. The air flow path 10 is surrounded by various walls, such as a clip inner peripheral material 92a and a clip outer peripheral material 92b, an inner wall 96b and a bottom 96a of a closing portion 96 described later, and a shielding member 94 described later. The air flow path 10 has an opening 12 formed by one end of the clip inner peripheral material 92a and one end of the clip outer peripheral material 92b. The space extending from the opening 12 to the inside of the closing portion 96 forms the air flow path 10. The opening 12 is connected to an internal helmet air flow path 110, which is the space between the helmet 100 and the head H, and is designed so that internal air IA can be taken in through the opening 12.

[0023] (3) First temperature and humidity sensor 20 The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is a sensor for measuring the amount of moisture X (sometimes referred to as absolute humidity X) contained per unit volume of the outside air OA. The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is placed in a location open to the outside world E, and measures the temperature and relative humidity of the air of the outside world E (outside air OA) taken in from a location on the opposite side of the air flow path 10 from the wearer WR. The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 70 by wire or wirelessly (see FIG. 7), and transmits the sensed measurement values ​​to the control unit 70.

[0024] 1, the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed on the opposite side of the air flow path 10 through which the internal air IA flows from the wearer WR side. Specifically, the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed on the surface of the shielding member 94 opposite to the surface on the wearer WR side.

[0025] (4) Sensor Cover 50 The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 may be exposed to the outside world E. When the perspiration rate measuring device 1 is used indoors and the sensor cover 50 is not necessary, the structure of the perspiration rate measuring device 1 can be simplified by omitting the cover, and the weight of the perspiration rate measuring device 1 can be reduced. However, it is preferable that the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 be further covered with a sensor cover 50 so that the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is less susceptible to the effects of external radiant heat, particularly sunlight. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sweat rate measuring device 1 is provided with a sensor cover 50 that covers the first temperature and humidity sensor 20.

[0026] 2, the sensor cover 50 is provided with an outside air intake 52 on the opposite side of the air flow path 10 from the wearer WR and approximately below the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. Outside air OA can be taken in through this opening, which is less affected by the intrusion of heat, water vapor, etc. emitted by the wearer WR. Furthermore, an outside air outlet 53 is provided approximately above the first temperature and humidity sensor 20, which increases the fluidity of the air within the sensor cover 50 and reduces temperature variations within the sensor cover 50. The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is spatially connected to the outside world E via an outside air intake port 52 and an outside air outlet port 53, and is placed in a location that is open to the outside world.

[0027] The sensor cover 50 of the sweat rate measuring device 1 is provided with an outside air intake port 52 and an outside air outlet port 53, so that a flow of outside air OA can be created in the internal space where the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is located. The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is located in the "space 60 where the flow of outside air OA occurs." The perspiration rate measuring device 1 may have a configuration in which the sensor cover 50 does not have the outside air outlet 53 but only has the outside air intake 52.

[0028] (5) Fan 30 The fan 30 forcibly moves the air present in the space system consisting of the air flow path 10 and the internal helmet air flow path 110. The fan 30 is disposed adjacent to the air flow path 10. The fan 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 70 (see FIG. 7), and is controlled to rotate in a direction that sends air from the inside of the air flow path 10 to the outside (outside the perspiration rate measuring device 1) by a drive signal or drive power supplied from the control unit 70. When controlled in this manner, the fan 30 sucks in the internal air IA within the air flow path 10 and expels the internal air IA to the outside of the perspiration rate measuring device 1. At this time, negative pressure is generated in the air flow path 10 and the internal helmet air flow path 110.

[0029] The fan 30 is positioned so that, when the sweat rate measuring device 1 is attached to the edge 102 of the helmet 100, the fan 30 discharges air from the back of the head to the nape N of the wearer WR. The opening of the fan 30 on the side where air is taken in is referred to as the fan inlet 31, and the opening on the side where air is discharged is referred to as the fan outlet 32. The structure indicated by the reference numeral 39 is a fan guard.

[0030] (6) Second temperature and humidity sensor 40 The second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is a sensor for measuring the amount of moisture X2 (sometimes referred to as absolute humidity X2) contained per unit volume of the inside air IA. The second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is disposed midway through the flow of the inside air IA generated by the operation of the fan 30, and measures the temperature and relative humidity of the inside air IA. The second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 70 by wire or wirelessly (see FIG. 7), and transmits the sensed measurement values ​​to the control unit 70.

[0031] In addition, the "temperature and humidity sensor" referred to in the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 and the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 includes a form in which the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are integrated, as well as a form in which the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are separate.

[0032] (7) Closure 96 of air flow path 10 The air flow path 10 has a blocking portion 96 formed adjacent to the fan 30. The overall shape of the air flow path 10 is a so-called dead end, in which the opening 12 is considered to be the "inlet" and the blocking portion 96 comes to a "dead end" near the end (bottom 96a of the blocking portion 96). In this case, the fan 30 is disposed adjacent to and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the air flow path 10 near the end of the closed section 96 of the air flow path 10. When the fan 30 is operated, the internal air IA flowing through the air flow path 10 is exhausted by the fan 30 from near the end of the closed section 96. When the fan 30 is operated, negative pressure originating from the fan 30 is generated in the air flow path 10, and most of the internal air IA gathers near the end of the closed section 96 (near the bottom of the bag in the dead end) and near the fan before passing through.

[0033] The second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is preferably disposed inside the closed section 96 of the air flow path 10. Specifically, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is preferably disposed upstream of the fan 30 (on the fan inlet 31 side as viewed from the fan 30). In the example of Fig. 1, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is disposed on the inner wall 96b of the closed section (here, the wall of the shielding member 94 also constitutes the inner wall of the closed section) at a position facing the fan 30.

[0034] Conversely, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 may be disposed downstream of the fan 30 (on the fan outlet 32 ​​side as viewed from the fan 30).

[0035] (8) Measurement of head sweat volume Y The perspiration rate measuring device 1 can basically measure the head perspiration rate Y using the principle of perspiration rate measurement described in Non-Patent Document 2. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this.

[0036] When the space formed between the outer shell 101 of the helmet 100 and the head H of the wearer WR is defined as the internal helmet air flow path 110, the perspiration rate measuring device 1 measures the temperature t1 and relative humidity RH1 of the outside air OA, which is the air from the outside world E or equivalent air, flowing into the internal helmet air flow path 110, using a first temperature and humidity sensor 20 to calculate the amount of moisture per unit volume as the inflow moisture amount X1, and measures the temperature t2 and relative humidity RH2 of the internal air IA generated in the internal helmet air flow path 110 using a second temperature and humidity sensor 40 to calculate the amount of moisture per unit volume as the outflow moisture amount X2, and calculates the head sweat rate Y, which is the amount of sweat from the head H, based on the inflow moisture amount X1, the outflow moisture amount X2, and the air volume F related to the exhaust of the internal air IA by the fan 30. Specifically, the head sweat rate Y is calculated by subtracting the inflow moisture amount X1 from the outflow moisture amount X2 and multiplying this by the air volume F. Furthermore, the amount of whole body sweating can be estimated based on the calculated amount of head sweating Y.

[0037] Any measuring device for performing measurements based on this principle can maximize the effects and advantages of the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to embodiment 1. Conversely, any measuring device having the configuration of the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to embodiment 1 can more accurately measure the head sweat rate or whole body sweat rate based on the above-mentioned principle. Details regarding the calculation of the head sweat rate Y will be discussed later in the [Example].

[0038] 2. Simulation example The inventors have obtained new knowledge through simulations about the position of the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 that is suitable for accurately measuring the amount of sweating from the head, which will be described below.

[0039] (1) Simulation conditions Assume that a person wears a helmet that is equipped with a helmet body and a fan that exhausts the air inside the helmet. It is assumed that the same amount of water vapor and heat is generated from the inside of the helmet as when worn by an average person, and that the wearer (the person wearing the helmet) sweats a certain amount per unit time. It is assumed that wind is blowing from behind the helmet at a speed of 1.5 m / s.

[0040] The fan will exhaust the internal air in the helmet's internal air flow path or air flow path. At that time, the second temperature and humidity sensor will measure the temperature and relative humidity of the internal air to determine the amount of moisture that is escaping. Also, the first temperature and humidity sensor will measure the temperature and relative humidity of the external air (external air) that is flowing into the helmet to determine the amount of moisture that is escaping. The principle of measuring the amount of sweating described in Non-Patent Document 2 is used to calculate the amount of sweating (equivalent amount) Y of the head.

[0041] The second temperature and humidity sensor shall be placed immediately adjacent to the fan exhaust port. As a first standard, the first temperature and humidity sensor is placed in the air flow path inside the helmet or on the opposite side of the air flow path from the wearer. Specifically, it is assumed to be placed on the outside of the helmet's outer shell. As a second standard, the first temperature and humidity sensor is placed inside the helmet near the inlet for external air (see Fig. 1 of Non-Patent Document 2).

[0042] (2) Simulation results and considerations FIG. 3 is a graph in which the integrated amount equivalent to the amount of head sweating is calculated and plotted by simulation while changing the placement location of the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 and changing the level. As shown in the graph in Figure 3, the head sweat equivalent (accumulated value) increased linearly over time in Level 1. On the other hand, in Level 2, the head sweat equivalent (accumulated value) tended to increase over time, but the accumulated value saturated after a certain time.

[0043] If the wearer sweats a certain amount per unit time, the actual amount of head sweat (accumulated value) should naturally increase linearly over time. Looking at this simulation from this perspective, the graph for Level 2 does not increase linearly. This is thought to be because, although the first temperature and humidity sensor for Level 2 is located in a position where outside air is taken in, it is also located in a position where heat and moisture emitted from the wearer's neck, forehead, etc. may also be mixed in, reducing the accuracy of the measurement of the equivalent amount of head sweat. On the other hand, in the graph for Level 1, the equivalent amount of head sweat (cumulative) increases linearly over time, and it was found that the placement of the first temperature and humidity sensor in Level 1 provided a value closer to the actual amount of head sweat. From the above simulation results, it was confirmed that when constructing the sweat rate measuring device 1, it is preferable to follow Level 1 and place the first temperature and humidity sensor in the air flow path inside the helmet or on the opposite side of the air flow path from the wearer.

[0044] 3. Effects of the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment (1) In the sweat rate measuring device described in Non-Patent Document 2, the temperature and humidity sensor on the inflow air side (corresponding to the first temperature and humidity sensor 20) is located around the inner edge of the helmet. Although the location of this sensor is a position where outside air is taken in, there is a possibility that heat and moisture emitted from the wearer's neck, forehead, chest, back, etc. may also be mixed in from this position. For this reason, the configuration of the sweat rate measuring device described in Non-Patent Document 2 may be affected by the wearer's heat and moisture, and there is room for improvement in terms of more accurately measuring the amount of head sweat.

[0045] On the other hand, in the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed in a location that is open to the outside world E, and measures the temperature and relative humidity of the air of the outside world E taken in from a location on the opposite side of the air flow path 10 from the wearer WR. Therefore, fresh outside air that is reduced in contamination with heat and moisture emitted from the head, neck, forehead, chest, back, etc. of the wearer WR is taken in around the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. Because the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 senses such air, the influence of heat and moisture emitted from the wearer WR is reduced, and the head perspiration rate Y can be measured more accurately.

[0046] Furthermore, the perspiration rate measuring device 1 is configured so that the fan 30 sucks in the internal air IA in the air flow path 10 and discharges the internal air IA to the outside of the perspiration rate measuring device 1, so that most of the internal air IA converges and flows out near the fan 30. The second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is positioned midway through the flow of the internal air IA generated by the operation of the fan 30, or in other words, is positioned at a position through which most of the internal air IA passes, so that the temperature t2 and relative humidity RH2 of the internal air IA can be accurately sensed and the head perspiration rate Y can be measured more accurately.

[0047] As described above, the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment can be widely attached to ordinary helmets without fans and can measure the head perspiration rate more accurately than conventional devices. Furthermore, this accurate measurement can be achieved with a relatively simple configuration without increasing the number of parts, such as the number of fans or sensors.

[0048] (2) The sweat rate measuring device described in Non-Patent Document 2 is configured with a dedicated helmet (a fan-equipped helmet) with a fan embedded in a part of the outer shell, and there is a circumstance that it is not possible to introduce a very large fan. For this reason, in the past, when the wearer WR sweats a lot in a short period of time, the air discharge by the fan cannot keep up, and the measurement cannot keep up with the change in sweating state, which has been a problem, and there is room for improvement in order to measure more accurately and with higher precision.

[0049] On the other hand, the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment is designed to measure the perspiration rate by being attached externally to a commercially available helmet. Since the fan 30 is naturally external to the helmet body, there is a high degree of freedom in the selection of the fan. It is also possible to adopt a fan that is larger, has a larger air volume, and is more efficient than a fan built into the helmet. By appropriately adopting such a high-performance fan, the internal air IA can be discharged with sufficient capacity even if the wearer WR sweats a lot in a short period of time, making it possible to perform measurements that quickly follow, for example, a sudden increase in the amount of perspiration. This also contributes to the expectation of highly accurate and precise measurements.

[0050] (3) The perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a sensor cover 50 that covers the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. Because such a cover is provided, like a weather observation screen, it can protect the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 from radiant heat from the sun, the ground, buildings, etc., radiant heat and convective heat from the wearer, moisture (water vapor) emitted by the wearer, etc. from being directly transmitted to the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. Therefore, the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 can perform sensing while suppressing the direct influence of these heat, moisture, etc., and can measure the head perspiration rate Y more accurately.

[0051] (4) In the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 of the first embodiment, the sensor cover 50 has an outside air intake port 52 and an outside air outlet port 53. This increases the fluidity of the air inside the sensor cover 50, thereby suppressing temperature variations inside the sensor cover 50. The first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is also placed in a space where a flow of outside air OA occurs. By placing the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 not only in contact with the outside air OA but also in a space where the outside air OA flows, the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is always exposed to fresh outside air OA that is not affected by sweating or heat generation from the human body. This allows the head sweat rate Y to be measured more accurately.

[0052] (5) The air flow path 10 of the first embodiment has a blocking section 96 formed adjacent to the fan 30, and the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is disposed near the fan 30. In other words, the air flow path 10 is provided with the blocking section 96 (the end of the air flow path 10 is a dead end), and the internal air IA flowing through the air flow path 10 is discharged by the fan 30 from near the end of the blocking section 96. With this configuration, negative pressure originating from the fan 30 is generated in the air flow path 10, allowing most of the internal air IA to be collected near the end of the closed section 96 (near the bottom of the bag in the dead end) or near the fan 30 and passed through. Also, new external air OA is less likely to mix into the closed section 96. In this way, the highly pure internal air IA collected near the end of the closed section 96 or near the fan 30 can be stably sensed by the second temperature and humidity sensor 40, allowing for more accurate and precise measurement of the amount of sweat.

[0053] (6) The position of the fan 30 in the first embodiment is set so that, when the sweat rate measuring device 1 is attached to the edge 102 of the helmet 100, the air discharged by the fan 30 is directed toward the area from the back of the head to the nape N of the neck of the wearer WR. Because the air discharged from the fan 30 directly hits the area from the back of the head to the nape of the neck of the wearer, it can cool the wearer WR and lower their body temperature, thereby actively contributing to the prevention of heatstroke.

[0054] [Embodiment 2] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a perspiration rate measuring device 2 according to embodiment 2 and a perspiration rate measuring system 9' according to embodiment 3. Fig. 5 is a front view showing only the sensor cover 50 when the perspiration rate measuring device 4 in Fig. 4 is viewed along the arrow P.

[0055] The sweat rate measuring device 2 of embodiment 2 basically has the same configuration as the sweat rate measuring device 1 of embodiment 1, but differs from the sweat rate measuring device 1 of embodiment 1 in the way in which the flow of outside air OA that is directed at the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is created.

[0056] 1. Configuration and Effects of the Sweat Rate Measuring Device 2 of the Second Embodiment 4 and 5, the sweat rate measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment is provided with a shielding member 94 having a communication section 95 between the air flow path 10 and the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed. The shielding member 94 can be called a "partitioning member 94" because it separates the air flow path 10 from the space 60 in which the flow of outside air OA occurs.

[0057] Because the sweat rate measuring device 2 is configured in this manner, the air flow path 10 and the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed are connected via the communication part 95, and when the fan 30 sucks in the inside air IA in the air flow path 10, the outside air OA is also forcibly sucked in from the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor is disposed via the communication part 95. This creates a flow of outside air OA in the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed (a flow that flows in from the outside air intake 52, passes near the first temperature and humidity sensor 20, and reaches the communication part 95).

[0058] According to the sweat rate measuring device 2 of embodiment 2, the flow of outside air OA can be achieved without installing a new fan, so it is possible to provide a sweat rate measuring device that is space-saving, small, and lightweight, yet can measure sweat rate more accurately and with higher precision.

[0059] In addition, the sucked outside air OA merges with the inside air IA near the communication part 95 in the air flow path 10, but by setting the air volume of the merging inside air IA to be small (to have little effect) compared to the air volume of the inside air IA near the fan 30, it is possible to practically measure the amount of sweat.

[0060] Furthermore, the communication portion 95 is formed in a position facing the fan 30 near the fan 30. If the communication portion 95 is formed in this position, the outside air OA can be drawn in more efficiently.

[0061] Furthermore, in the sweat rate measuring device 2, the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed (space 60 where the flow of outside air OA occurs) is configured so that the outside air OA flows at a substantially constant volume near the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. That is, by exhausting air at a substantially constant volume using the fan 30, it is possible to cause the outside air OA to flow at a substantially constant volume even in the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor is disposed (space 60 where the flow of outside air OA occurs).

[0062] If the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is configured to sense a substantially constant volume of outside air OA in this way, even if a sudden strong hot or cold breeze occurs in the outside world E, the outside air OA can be sensed in a state where the influence of disturbances caused by the sudden strong hot or cold breeze in the outside world E is mitigated in the space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is placed. Therefore, the influence of sudden weather changes in the outside world E is minimized, and the head sweat rate Y can be measured more accurately and with higher precision.

[0063] Furthermore, in the perspiration rate measuring device 2, the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed upstream of the communication section 95 and in the vicinity of the communication section 95 when focusing on the flow of outside air OA. When the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 is disposed in such a position, it becomes possible to measure the temperature and relative humidity in the vicinity of the communication section where the outside air OA is sucked in and collected, and the measurement value of the head perspiration rate Y becomes more accurate.

[0064] Strictly speaking, in the sweat rate measuring device 2, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is mixed with outside air OA measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor 20, but by making the amount of mixing very small, the target air measured by the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 can be made to be almost inside air IA, and the measurement principle explained above can be made to be almost valid.

[0065] The perspiration rate measuring device 2 according to the second embodiment has a configuration basically similar to that of the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the method of creating a flow of outside air OA that hits the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. Therefore, the perspiration rate measuring device 2 has the same effects as those of the perspiration rate measuring device 1.

[0066] 2. Example of sweat rate measuring device 2 The sweat rate measuring device 2 of the example is basically the same as the sweat rate measuring device 2 of embodiment 2 that has been explained using Figure 4 so far, so the explanation of the components common to the sweat rate measuring device 2 of embodiment 2 will be used here and will not be explained again.

[0067] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the perspiration rate measuring device 2. Fig. 6A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the perspiration rate measuring device 2 taken along a plane including the rotation axis AX of the fan 30 and the longitudinal direction of the perspiration rate measuring device 2. Fig. 6B is a front view of the perspiration rate measuring device 2 of Fig. 6A as viewed along the arrow P.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the perspiration rate measuring device 2 is viewed from the side where the opening 12 is located, the clip inner circumferential member 92a and the clip outer circumferential member 92b are curved to follow the curved shape of the helmet edge 102 (not shown in FIG. 6). Reference numeral 80 denotes a battery. The battery 80 is supported and fixed to the clip outer circumferential member 92b and a housing (not numbered) by a battery support member 82. As shown in FIG. 6(b), hardware constituting the control unit 70 is housed inside the housing (not numbered).

[0069] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical hardware configuration implemented in the perspiration rate measuring devices 1, 2, etc. As shown in Fig. 7, the perspiration rate measuring device 2 of the example (the same applies to the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to embodiment 1, the perspiration rate measuring device 2 according to embodiment 2, and the perspiration rate measuring devices 3, 4, and 5 according to each of the modified examples described below) is electrically configured around a control unit 70.

[0070] The control unit 70 is a computer and includes a processor 71, a memory 72 (storage, not shown, is also included in the concept of memory), a communication I / F (interface) 73, and an input / output I / F (interface) 74. These are connected to a bus B. The battery 80 supplies power to the control unit 70 .

[0071] The processor 71 operates and controls each part based on a program stored in the memory 72. The memory 72 also includes a non-volatile storage device (such as a ROM), which stores a boot program executed by the processor 71 when the sweat rate measuring device 2 is started up, programs that depend on the hardware of the control unit 70, and the like.

[0072] The communication I / F 73 transmits and receives data to and from an external management device (not shown) via wireless communication means (no reference numeral). The input / output I / F 74 is electrically connected to the first temperature / humidity sensor 20, the second temperature / humidity sensor 40, the fan 30, and the like, and serves as an interface with these input / output devices. The processor 71 controls the rotation of the fan 30. The processor 71 calculates the head sweat rate Y based on information from the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 and the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 transmitted via the input / output I / F 74. The processor may also calculate the whole body sweat rate based on the calculated head sweat rate Y. The processor 71 controls data transmission and reception with a management device (not shown) via the communication I / F 73. The processor 71 can also operate to store data related to the calculated head sweat rate Y and the whole body sweat rate in the memory 72.

[0073] The control unit 70 calculates the amount of moisture per unit volume as the inflow moisture amount X1 based on the temperature t1 and relative humidity RH1 of the outside air OA received from the first temperature and humidity sensor 20. There are various approximate formulas for estimating the amount of moisture per unit volume (absolute humidity) from relative humidity, but here we will use the relatively commonly used Tetens formula. The inflow moisture amount is X1 [g / m 3 ], the temperature of the outside air OA is t1 [℃], the relative humidity of the outside air OA is RH1 [%], and the saturated water vapor pressure of the outside air OA is e1 [hPa], the control unit 70 calculates the inflow moisture amount X1 using the following equations (1) and (2). In the following formulas (1) to (3), when subscript 1 is picked up and applied to one of the terms e, t, RH, and X, subscript 1 is also picked up and applied to the other terms. Similarly, when subscript 2 is picked up and applied to one term, subscript 2 is also picked up and applied to the other terms.

[0074]

number

[0075]

number

[0076] Similarly, the control unit 70 calculates the amount of moisture per unit volume as the outflow moisture amount X2 based on the temperature t2 [°C] and relative humidity RH2 [%] of the inside air IA received from the second temperature and humidity sensor 40. Specifically, the outflow moisture amount X2 [g / m 3 ], the temperature of the internal air IA is t2 [℃], the relative humidity of the internal air IA is RH2 [%], and the saturated water vapor pressure of the internal air IA is e2 [hPa], and the amount of water outflow X2 is calculated using the above equations (1) and (2).

[0077] The control unit 70 calculates the inflow moisture amount X1 [g / m 3 ], Outflow water amount X2 [g / m 3 ] and the given (known) airflow rate F [m3 / min], the head sweat rate Y [g / m 3 ] is obtained.

[0078]

number

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 70 can estimate the whole body sweat rate based on the obtained head sweat rate Y.

[0080] The control unit 70 has an "inflow moisture amount calculation unit" that calculates the moisture amount per unit volume as the inflow moisture amount X1, an "outflow moisture amount calculation unit" that calculates the moisture amount per unit volume as the outflow moisture amount X2, and a "head sweat rate calculation unit" that calculates the head sweat rate Y based on the inflow moisture amount X1, the outflow moisture amount X2, and the air volume F related to the exhaust of the internal air IA by the fan 30. The control unit may also have a "whole body sweat rate calculation unit" that estimates the whole body sweat rate based on the calculated head sweat rate Y.

[0081] In addition, all of the above-mentioned water inflow calculation unit, water outflow calculation unit, head sweat rate calculation unit, and whole body sweat rate calculation unit may be provided by the control unit 70 within the sweat rate measuring device, or some or all of them may be provided by a management device outside the sweat rate measuring device.

[0082] [Embodiment 3] Returning to FIG. 1, a sweat rate measuring system 9 can be configured by combining the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment with a helmet 100 (third embodiment). The perspiration rate measuring system 9 includes a helmet 100 and the perspiration rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment attached to the rim 102 of the helmet 100 .

[0083] The helmet 100 may be a commercially available general helmet, such as a work helmet commonly used in the construction industry. The helmet 100 has an outer shell 101, an intermediate covering member 103, a brim 104, etc. The outer shell 101 is a member that separates the outside world E from the head H of the wearer WR, protecting the head H from the outside world E. An air flow path 110 inside the helmet is formed between the outer shell 101 and the head H of the wearer WR. The intermediate covering member 103 is, for example, an inner belt, and supports the helmet 100 while keeping it in contact with the head. The intermediate covering member 103 has openings that allow water vapor and hot air to pass between the head H and the air flow path 110 inside the helmet.

[0084] The sweat rate measuring system 9 according to the third embodiment uses the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment as the sweat rate measuring device, and therefore provides the same effects as those of the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment. By using such a sweat rate measuring system 9, the amount of head sweat can be measured more accurately, and more appropriate measures against heatstroke can be taken.

[0085] Here, as an example, the sweat rate measuring system 9 is configured using the sweat rate measuring device 1 according to embodiment 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sweat rate measuring system can also be configured using the sweat rate measuring device 2 according to embodiment 2 (see FIG. 4) or sweat rate measuring devices 3, 4, and 5 according to each of the modified examples described below.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and for example, the following modifications are also possible. FIG. 8 is a front view showing sensor covers 50′ and 50″ according to Modifications 1 and 2, respectively. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a perspiration rate measuring device 3 according to Modification 3. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a perspiration rate measuring device 4 according to Modification 4. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a perspiration rate measuring device 5 according to Modification 5.

[0087] (1) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a slit-shaped outside air intake 52 is provided on the front side of the sensor cover 50 (see FIG. 2). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), multiple openings can be provided on the side of the sensor cover 50′, and these openings can be configured as outside air intakes 52 (Variation 1). Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the front side of the sensor cover 50″ can be configured in a lattice shape (reed or mesh shape is also possible) to allow outside air OA to pass freely while protecting the first temperature and humidity sensor 20 from radiation from the outside world E (Variation 2).

[0088] (2) In the first embodiment, the sensor cover 50 is provided with only the outside air intake 52, allowing the outside air OA to flow naturally. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a sensor fan 58 may be newly provided in part of the outside air intake 52, and the sensor fan 58 may be operated to actively generate a flow of outside air OA in the space 60 where the flow of outside air OA occurs (Variation 3).

[0089] For example, as shown in Figure 10, on the fan intake 31 side, a shielding member 94 (partition member 94) that separates the air flow path 10 from the space 60 where the flow of outside air OA occurs may be extended to the point where it comes into contact with the fan 30, and a flow of outside air OA may be actively generated by the suction force from a part of the fan intake 31 (variant 4).

[0090] (3) In the first embodiment, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is described as being disposed inside the closed section 96 of the air flow path 10 (see FIG. 1). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 may be disposed outside the air flow path 10 so as to be in contact with the fan exhaust port 32 (Variation 5). In Variation 5, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is disposed outside the fan 30, but even in this case, the second temperature and humidity sensor 40 is considered to be "disposed midway in the flow of internal intake air."

[0091] (4) In each embodiment and each modified example, only the clip portion 92 is introduced as a helmet attachment means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the fixation by the clip portion 92, the fixation may be strengthened by fastening the clip outer peripheral member 92b and the outer periphery of the edge of the helmet 100 together with a belt or the like (not shown). Alternatively, the sweat rate measuring device may be placed between the belt and the outer shell 101 of the helmet 100 using only a belt, and the sweat rate measuring device and the helmet 100 may be wrapped around the belt. Alternatively, the sweat rate measuring device may be attached by adhesively bonding the outer shell 101 of the helmet 100 to the outer shell 101 with, for example, an adhesive.

[0092] (5) In the embodiments and modifications, the sweat rate measurement systems 9, 9' have been described as being configured such that the helmet 100 and the sweat rate measurement devices 1 to 5 are separate entities, and are therefore considered to be sweat rate measurement systems 9, 9' in the narrow sense. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A dedicated helmet in which the helmet 100 and the sweat rate measurement devices 1 to 5 are integrated is also treated as being equivalent to the sweat rate measurement systems 9, 9' and is included in the sweat rate measurement systems 9, 9' of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... Sweat rate measuring device, 9, 9'... Sweat rate measuring system, 10... Air flow path, 12... Opening, 20... First temperature and humidity sensor, 30... Fan, 31... Fan inlet, 32... Fan outlet, 40... Second temperature and humidity sensor, 50, 50', 50''... Sensor cover, 52... Outside air intake, 58... Sensor fan, 60... Space where outside air OA flows, 70... Control unit, 71... Processor, 72... Memory, 73... Communication I / F, 74... Input Output I / F, 80... battery, 82... battery support member, 92... clip portion, 92a... clip inner peripheral material, 92b... clip outer peripheral material, 92c... clip side peripheral material, 94... blocking member (compartment member), 95... communication portion, 96... blocking portion, 96a... bottom of blocking portion, 96b... inner wall of blocking portion, 100... helmet, 101... (helmet) outer shell, 102... (helmet) edge portion, 103... intermediate covering member, 104... brim, 110... air flow path inside helmet

Claims

1. A sweat rate measurement system for measuring the amount of sweat generated from the head of a wearer, comprising: an air flow path through which internal air containing water vapor emitted from the head flows; a first temperature and humidity sensor that is placed in a location that is open to the outside world and that measures the temperature and relative humidity of outside air that is the outside world; a fan that sucks the internal air in the air flow path and discharges the internal air to the outside of the sweat rate measuring device; a second temperature and humidity sensor disposed midway through the flow of the inside air generated by the operation of the fan, the second temperature and humidity sensor measuring the temperature and relative humidity of the inside air; an outer shell that forms the air flow path between the head and the outer shell and separates the internal air from the external air; A sweat rate measuring system comprising:

2. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 1, a sensor cover for covering the first temperature and humidity sensor; A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

3. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 2, The sensor cover has an outside air intake port and an outside air outlet port. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

4. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 3, The first temperature and humidity sensor is disposed in a space where a flow of outside air occurs. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

5. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 4, a shielding member having a communication portion is provided between the air flow path and a space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor is disposed; A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

6. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 5, The space in which the first temperature and humidity sensor is disposed is configured so that the outside air flows at a substantially constant volume near the first temperature and humidity sensor. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

7. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 6, the first temperature and humidity sensor is disposed upstream of the communication section and in the vicinity of the communication section when focusing on the flow of the outside air; A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

8. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 6, the air flow path has a closure formed adjacent to the fan; The second temperature and humidity sensor is disposed near the fan. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

9. 3. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 1, the air flow path has a closure formed adjacent to the fan; The second temperature and humidity sensor is disposed near the fan. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

10. 3. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 1, The position at which the fan is disposed is set so that the destination of the air discharged by the fan is the area from the back of the head to the nape of the neck of the wearer. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

11. 3. The sweat rate measuring system according to claim 1, The sweat rate measurement system includes: When the space formed between the outer shell and the head of the wearer is defined as an air flow path inside the helmet, measuring the temperature and relative humidity of the outside air flowing into the helmet internal air flow path with the first temperature and humidity sensor and calculating the amount of moisture per unit volume as the amount of inflow moisture; The temperature and relative humidity of the internal air generated in the helmet internal air flow path are measured by the second temperature and humidity sensor, and the amount of moisture per unit volume as the outflow moisture amount is calculated; calculating a head sweat rate, which is the amount of sweat from the head, based on the inflow moisture rate, the outflow moisture rate, and the air volume related to the exhaust of the internal air by the fan; and estimating the whole body sweat rate based on the calculated head sweat rate. A sweat rate measuring system characterized by:

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