Protective Equipment Monitor

Abstract

This invention provides a protective equipment monitor that allows for the collection of data to evaluate the fit of protective equipment, such as masks, while the wearer is performing their normal work, without affecting their actions or tasks. [Solution] The device comprises a first detection unit (11) equipped with a desired sensor, a second detection unit (12) equipped with the same sensor as the desired sensor, a first connecting wire (13) electrically connecting the first detection unit (11) and the second detection unit (12), a recording unit (14) for recording the output signals of the first detection unit (11) and the second detection unit (12), and a second connecting wire (15) electrically connecting the second detection unit (12) and the recording unit (14). The first detection unit (11) is positioned inside the protective device, and the second detection unit (12) is positioned outside the protective device to collect data for evaluating the wearing state of the protective device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective gear monitor that collects data for evaluating whether a protective gear that protects a wearer from a harmful situation, such as a mask or protective clothing, is properly worn.

Background Art

[0002] In an ordinance that partially amends the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations and others implemented on April 1, 2024, when workers are made to use protective gear, a "protective gear wearing management responsible person" is to be appointed. This protective gear wearing management responsible person is to select effective protective gear and manage the usage situation of the workers' protective gear. In particular, as management of the usage situation of protective gear, it is necessary to judge whether the protective gear is properly worn.

[0003] As a method for judging the wearing state of this protective gear, when the protective gear is a mask, a judgment system has been proposed that measures the pressures inside and outside the mask respectively and uses the presence of a predetermined pressure difference as the basis for proper judgment (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Alternatively, when wearing a mask for the purpose of preventing the intrusion of dust, a judgment system has been proposed that detects the detected amounts of dust inside and outside the mask and uses this as the basis for proper judgment (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=2****]]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when detecting the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the mask, the pressure sensor detects a reference pressure on the outside of the mask, and then detects the pressure on the inside of the mask. However, if the reference pressure on the outside of the mask is not detected periodically, when a fluctuation occurs in the pressure on the inside of the mask, it is impossible to determine whether the cause of the fluctuation is a problem with how the mask is worn. In other words, there was a problem with false detections, where only the pressure on the outside of the mask fluctuated, and there was no problem with how the mask was worn.

[0006] Furthermore, while measuring devices that evaluate the proper wearing of masks in dusty environments by detecting dust using a particle counter can perform accurate evaluations, they may restrict the range of movement of the mask wearer due to the handling of sampling tubes, etc., or the worker may experience difficulty breathing as the sampling tube draws in air from inside the mask.

[0007] In view of the current situation, the present inventors aim to provide a protective equipment monitor that can collect data for correctly evaluating the fit of protective equipment, such as masks, while the wearer is performing normal work, without affecting the wearer's actions or work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The protective equipment monitor of the present invention is a protective equipment monitor that collects data to evaluate the wearing condition of a wearer wearing protective equipment, and comprises a first detection unit equipped with a desired sensor, a second detection unit equipped with the same sensor as the desired sensor, a first connecting wire that electrically connects the first detection unit and the second detection unit, a recording unit that records the output signals of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and a second connecting wire that electrically connects the second detection unit and the recording unit, wherein the first detection unit is located inside the protective equipment and the second detection unit is located outside the protective equipment.

[0009] Furthermore, the protective equipment monitor of the present invention also has the following features: (1) The second connection wiring comprises wiring that electrically connects the first connection wiring and the recording unit, and the first detection unit, the first connection wiring, the second detection unit, the second connection wiring, and the recording unit are arranged in this order in a single linear manner. (2) The first detection unit is equipped with a volatile organic compound sensor, and the second detection unit is equipped with the same volatile organic compound sensor as the first detection unit, and the volatile organic compound sensor of the first detection unit and the volatile organic compound sensor of the second detection unit are reset simultaneously. (3) The first detection unit comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, and the second detection unit comprises the same temperature sensor as the temperature sensor and the same humidity sensor as the humidity sensor, and collects data to evaluate whether the wearer is in a state where they are likely to develop a physical abnormality such as heatstroke. (4) The protective equipment is a mask, and the first detection unit is equipped with a pressure sensor, and the second detection unit is equipped with the same pressure sensor as the first detection unit, and collects data to evaluate the wearing state of the mask. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, of the first detection unit and the second detection unit connected via a first connection wiring, the first detection unit is positioned inside the protective device and the second detection unit is positioned outside the protective device. This allows for the acquisition of necessary data while detecting disturbance factors, enabling data collection that leads to more accurate judgments.

[0011] Furthermore, by connecting the first detection unit and the second detection unit linearly via the first connecting wire, and connecting the second detection unit and the recording unit linearly via the second connecting wire, the protective equipment monitor can be attached to the worker without interfering with the worker performing the predetermined task, and the wearing condition during the work can be evaluated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the protective equipment monitor in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the usage status of the protective equipment monitor in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the usage status of the protective equipment monitor in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The protective equipment monitor of the present invention simultaneously measures the internal and external conditions of the protective equipment, and a sensor installed on the outside of the protective equipment detects changes in the surrounding environment, thereby eliminating the effects of environmental changes.

[0014] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the protective equipment monitor 1 of this embodiment includes a first detection unit 11 equipped with a desired sensor, a second detection unit 12 equipped with the same sensor as the first detection unit 11, a first connection wiring 13 that electrically connects the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12, a recording unit 14 that analyzes the output signals of the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12, and a second connection wiring 15 that electrically connects the second detection unit 12 and the recording unit 14.

[0015] The second connection wiring 15 includes an extension wiring 13'' that electrically connects the first connection wiring 13 and the recording unit 14, and directly connects the recording unit 14 to the first detection unit 11, and the recording unit 14 to the second detection unit 12, respectively.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, when the protective equipment monitor 1 is a mask monitor with the protective equipment being a mask M, the first detection unit 11 is attached to the inside of the mask M, and the second detection unit 12 is attached to the outside of the mask M. The recording unit 14 is also on the outside of the mask M and is attached to the waist of the person wearing the mask M, so that the attached protective equipment monitor 1 does not interfere with the work movements of the person wearing the mask M.

[0017] In this embodiment, the first detection unit 11 is equipped with a pressure sensor a, a temperature sensor b, a humidity sensor c, and a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor d. Other appropriate sensors may also be provided.

[0018] Particularly, in the present embodiment, the first detection unit 11 is a sensor module covered by a first housing h1 in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a square of approximately 15 mm × 15 mm in plan view and a thickness of about 2 mm. Inside this first housing h1, a substrate (not shown) on which each of the sensors a, b, c, and d is mounted is provided.

[0019] The first detection unit 11 is lightweight. As shown in FIG. 2, even when the first detection unit 11 is attached to a mask M made of non-woven fabric, the mask M is not bent by the weight of the first detection unit 11, and even if the first detection unit 11 is provided inside the mask M, it can be used without being aware of its presence.

[0020] The second detection unit 12 incorporates a sensor module configured using the same sensors as the pressure sensor a, the temperature sensor b, the humidity sensor c, and the VOC sensor d of the first detection unit 11, respectively.

[0021] <00,00096>The second detection unit 12 is composed of a second housing h2 that is larger than the first housing h1 of the first detection unit 11, and is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped in the present embodiment. A clip-shaped fixture (not shown) is provided on one side surface of the second housing h2, and using this fixture, the second housing h2 can be attached to the clothing of the wearer A wearing the mask M, particularly to the neck or chest area, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0022] By attaching and arranging the second detection unit 12 to the neck area of the clothing of the wearer A, it is difficult for the second detection unit 12 to interfere with the working operation of the wearer A, and the wearer A can work without being aware of the presence of the second detection unit 12.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12 are connected by a first connection wiring 13 composed of flexible substrate wiring. By using the first connection wiring 13 as flexible substrate wiring, when the first connection wiring 13 is inserted between the wearer A wearing the mask M and the mask M as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to suppress a significant decrease in the close contact state of the mask M with the wearer A due to the first connection wiring 13.

[0024] Furthermore, if the mask M is not a nonwoven fabric mask but a highly airtight mask such as a dust mask with a rigid frame that does not change shape (not shown), wiring may be provided that penetrates the frame portion, allowing the output signals of sensors a, b, c, and d of the first detection unit 11 located inside the mask to be extracted.

[0025] In this embodiment, the recording unit 14, which records the output signals of the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12, functions as the main body of the protective equipment monitor 1. The recording unit 14 also contains a battery 41 that serves as a power source to drive not only the recording unit 14 but also the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12.

[0026] The recording unit 14 is composed of a rectangular third housing h3, which houses a battery 41, internal memory 42, and a memory card 43. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the recording unit 14 is attached to the waist of the wearer A, who is wearing the mask M, by providing a clip-shaped attachment (not shown) on the third housing h3.

[0027] The memory card 43 is detachable from the third housing h3, and the condition of the mask M is evaluated by processing this memory card 43 on a personal computer with an analysis program installed.

[0028] While the recording unit 14 may also be used to evaluate the wearing condition of the mask M, the recording unit 14 has been made lighter by using the minimum necessary components, making it less likely for the wearer A of the mask M to feel any discomfort when the recording unit 14 is attached.

[0029] The output signal information input to the recording unit 14 from the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12 is temporarily stored in the internal memory 42, and then recorded on the memory card 43 built into the recording unit 14. This data processing is controlled by the control unit 44 provided in the recording unit 14. The desired program to be executed by the control unit 44 is stored in the internal memory 42.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the second connection wiring 15, which electrically connects the second detection unit 12 and the recording unit 14, also has an extension wiring 13" that electrically connects the first detection unit 11 and the recording unit 14.

[0031] Thus, in the protective equipment monitor 1 of this embodiment, the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12 are connected via the first connection wiring 13, and the second detection unit 12 and the recording unit 14 are connected sequentially via the second connection wiring 15, resulting in a linear arrangement. Therefore, the protective equipment monitor 1 is easy to attach to the wearer A of the mask M, and when attached, the wearer A does not feel any discomfort from wearing the protective equipment monitor 1.

[0032] In particular, by attaching the second detection unit 12 to the neck or chest area of ​​the wearer A of the mask M, and positioning the first detection unit 11 inside the mask M, it is possible to simultaneously measure the condition inside and outside the mask M. The sensor of the second detection unit 12 located on the outside of the mask M can detect changes in the surrounding environment, enabling accurate evaluation that eliminates the influence of environmental changes.

[0033] Here, if the sensors provided in the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12 are pressure sensors a, the wearing state of the mask M can be evaluated from the detected values ​​of each pressure sensor a. Specifically, the detected value of the pressure sensor a in the first detection unit 11 is higher than the detected value of the pressure sensor a in the second detection unit 12, so the wearing state of the mask M can be evaluated by detecting this condition.

[0034] Furthermore, in environments where volatile organic compounds are handled, the sensors provided in the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12, respectively, can be used as VOC sensors d to evaluate the level of protection against volatile organic compounds by protective equipment.

[0035] In particular, when using a VOC sensor d, it is desirable to periodically perform a reset process by heating the VOC sensor d to remove volatile organic compounds attached to it. Performing the reset process simultaneously with the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12 allows for a more accurate evaluation of the protective equipment's ability to block volatile organic compounds.

[0036] As described above, the protective equipment monitor 1 of this embodiment is arranged in a linear fashion, and the first detection unit 11 is made up of only a lightweight sensor module, so it does not cause discomfort even when worn for a relatively long time, and the user can perform the desired work while wearing the protective equipment monitor 1.

[0037] Therefore, it is possible to evaluate the fit of the mask M in working conditions. That is, during work, workers may work in a downward-facing posture, and in this posture, the fit of the mask M may differ from that when facing forward due to the effects of sagging cheeks, etc. Thus, the protective equipment monitor 1 of the present invention makes it possible to evaluate the fit of the mask M in conditions that are close to actual conditions.

[0038] Similarly, when the protective equipment is protective suit C shown in Figure 3, it is possible to evaluate the condition of the protective suit C or the blockage of volatile organic compounds from entering the environment.

[0039] In this case as well, the protective equipment monitor 1' includes a first detection unit 11' equipped with a desired sensor, a second detection unit 12' equipped with the same sensor as the first detection unit 11', a first connection wiring 13' that electrically connects the first detection unit 11' and the second detection unit 12', a recording unit 14' that analyzes the output signals of the first detection unit 11' and the second detection unit 12', and a second connection wiring 15' that electrically connects the second detection unit 12' and the recording unit 14'.

[0040] The second connection wiring 15' includes an extension wiring (not shown) that electrically connects the first connection wiring 13' and the recording unit 14', and directly connects the recording unit 14' to the first detection unit 11', and the recording unit 14' to the second detection unit 12', respectively.

[0041] The first detection unit 11' is attached to the inside of the protective suit C, and the second detection unit 12' is attached to the outside of the protective suit C. The recording unit 14' is also on the outside of the protective suit C and is attached to the waist of the person wearing the protective suit C so that the attached protective equipment monitor 1' does not interfere with the person's work movements.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first detection unit 11' is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a VOC sensor. Other appropriate sensors may also be provided.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second detection unit 12' is also equipped with a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a VOC sensor.

[0044] In Figure 3, for the sake of explanation, the first detection unit 11' is positioned on the wearer's chest, but it may be placed in an appropriate location depending on what is being monitored.

[0045] For example, when monitoring the temperature and humidity changes inside the protective suit C using the temperature sensor and humidity sensor provided in the first detection unit 11' and the temperature sensor and humidity sensor provided in the second detection unit 11', the sensors may be placed on the back of the wearer who generates the most heat and sweat while wearing the protective suit C.

[0046] In particular, by using temperature and humidity sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity inside protective clothing C, data can be collected to evaluate whether the wearer is in a state where they are at risk of developing physical abnormalities such as heatstroke. Alternatively, it may be possible to evaluate not only physical abnormalities but also the wearer's heat dissipation metabolic state.

[0047] Furthermore, if the only purpose is to evaluate whether the wearer is in a state where they may develop heatstroke, the first detection unit 11' and the second detection unit 12' do not necessarily need to be equipped with pressure sensors; instead, they may be equipped with only temperature sensors and humidity sensors, respectively.

[0048] Furthermore, if the protective equipment is a mask, and the first detection unit 11 and the second detection unit 12 are equipped with a temperature sensor b and a humidity sensor c, then the discomfort inside the mask can be monitored. In particular, it is possible to detect when the discomfort level increases, which may lead the wearer to remove the mask. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] A. Wearer C Protective clothing M Mask a. Pressure sensor b. Temperature sensor c Humidity sensor d. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Sensor 1,1' Protective Equipment Monitor 11,11' First detection unit 12,12' Second detection unit 13,13' First connection wiring 13” extension wiring 14,14' Recording Section 15,15' Connection wiring 41 batteries 42 internal memory 43 Memory Card 44 Control Unit h1 Housing 1 h2 Second Housing h3 Third Housing

Claims

1. A protective equipment monitor that collects data to evaluate the fit of protective equipment worn by a wearer, A first detection unit equipped with a desired sensor, A second detection unit equipped with the same sensor as the aforementioned desired sensor, A first connecting wire electrically connects the first detection unit and the second detection unit, A recording unit that records the output signals of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, A second connecting wire electrically connects the second detection unit and the recording unit. It has, A protective device monitor in which the first detection unit is located inside the protective device and the second detection unit is located outside the protective device.

2. The second connection wiring comprises wiring that electrically connects the first connection wiring and the recording unit. The protective equipment monitor according to claim 1, wherein the first detection unit, the first connection wiring, the second detection unit, the second connection wiring, and the recording unit are arranged in this order in a single linear fashion.

3. The first detection unit includes a volatile organic compound sensor, The second detection unit is equipped with the same volatile organic compound sensor as the volatile organic compound sensor, The protective equipment monitor according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the volatile organic compound sensor of the first detection unit and the volatile organic compound sensor of the second detection unit are simultaneously reset.

4. The first detection unit includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The second detection unit includes the same temperature sensor as the temperature sensor and the same humidity sensor as the humidity sensor, The protective equipment monitor according to claim 1 or claim 2, which collects data to evaluate whether the wearer is in a state where they are developing a physical abnormality such as heatstroke.

5. The protective equipment is a mask, The first detection unit is equipped with a pressure sensor, The second detection unit is equipped with the same pressure sensor as the pressure sensor, A protective equipment monitor according to claim 1 or claim 2, which collects data to evaluate the wearing condition of the mask.

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