Ground-level high-altitude notification system

Abstract

To provide a ground height notification system capable of confirming a proper lifeline for a workbench height.SOLUTION: A ground height notification system is applied to a high lift work vehicle with a workbench capable of being boarded by a high lift worker, and with a lifting device to raise and lower the workbench. The ground height notification system comprises a distance detecting part to detect the distance from the ground of the workbench, a ground height notification part to notify the high lift worker, and a control part to control the ground height notification part to make a notification when the distance detecting part detects the preset distance as the suitable distance for switching between the ground height lifeline and the low altitude lifeline as the lifeline connecting the high lift worker and the workbench. The ground height notification part comprises a first notification part and a second notification part, and comprises a notification stop part to input the notification stop by the second notification part. The control part controls to stop the notification by the second notification part and to continue the notification by the first notification part when the notification stop part is operated in the notified state by the first notification part and the second notification part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ground height notification system used when a high-altitude worker performs work at a location higher than the ground.

Background Art

[0002] When work at a location higher than the ground, such as pole-top work on utility poles, is required, for example, an aerial work platform described in Patent Document 1 is used. This aerial work platform includes a vehicle body that is the main body of a vehicle having a traveling function, a turntable that is rotatably mounted on the vehicle body, a bracket erected on the turntable, and a boom that can be raised and lowered by having its base end rotatably attached to a support shaft horizontally installed on the bracket and can be extended and retracted in the longitudinal direction, and a work platform attached to the tip of the boom on which a worker who performs high-altitude work rides.

[0003] According to this aerial work platform, in a state where a worker rides on the work platform, by raising the boom with respect to the bracket and extending the boom, the work platform attached to the tip of the boom moves to a location higher than the ground, so that the worker riding on the work platform can easily move to a location higher than the ground.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when working at a height above ground level, workers wear a safety harness attached to the work platform to prevent falls. There are two types of safety harnesses: one for high places and one for low places. Under current laws, workers are required to always wear a safety harness for high places when working at a height above ground level. However, when a worker is working at a low place on a work platform, a safety harness for high places would not be sufficient, as a fall from the low place would cause the worker to reach the ground. Therefore, the worker needs to wear a safety harness for low places. On the other hand, when moving from a low place to a high place to work, once the work platform reaches the high place, the worker removes the safety harness for low places and wears only the safety harness for high places.

[0006] In this case, when performing work at height using the aerial work platform described in Patent Document 1, the work platform is raised and lowered by raising and lowering the boom relative to the bracket and extending and retracting the boom, thereby moving the worker between high and low positions. However, it was difficult for the worker on the work platform to confirm whether they were at a high or low position even when the work platform was raised or lowered. Therefore, there was a risk of situations such as the safety harness for low positions not being removed even though the worker was at a high position.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a ground height notification system that can confirm the use of an appropriate safety harness for the height of the workbench. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is applied to a work platform that a worker can stand on to work at a height above the ground, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the work platform, and comprises a distance detection unit for detecting the distance of the work platform from the ground, a high-altitude notification unit for notifying the worker, and a control unit that controls the high-altitude notification unit to issue a notification when the distance detection unit detects a distance that is set in advance as a distance suitable for switching between a high-altitude safety rope and a low-altitude safety rope that connects the worker and the work platform. The above-ground height notification unit comprises a first notification unit that changes its notification mode when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, and a second notification unit that provides notification when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, and a notification stop unit that inputs a request to stop notification by the second notification unit, and the control unit controls the second notification unit to stop notification and the first notification unit to continue notification when the notification stop unit is operated while the first notification unit and the second notification unit are providing notification.

[0009] Furthermore, the first notification unit may be configured to provide notification to the high-altitude worker's visual sense, and the second notification unit may be configured to provide notification to the high-altitude worker's auditory sense.

[0010] Furthermore, the first notification unit may be configured as an indicator lamp that can be switched between being lit and being off, and the control unit may be configured to light up the first notification unit when the distance of the workbench from the ground is less than the detected distance which is a preset distance, and to turn off the first notification unit when the distance of the workbench from the ground is greater than the detected distance which is a preset distance.

[0011] Furthermore, the system may also include a ground notification unit located on the ground side of the work platform to notify ground workers performing tasks on the ground, and the ground notification unit may be configured to provide visual notification to the ground workers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] As described above, according to the present invention, workers at height can know that the work platform is at a predetermined distance, and can therefore confirm that they are using an appropriate safety harness for the height of the work platform. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a high-altitude work device to which the ground height notification system according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] The following are plan views of a portion of the work platform of the high-altitude work apparatus according to the first and second embodiments described above. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the ground-level high-altitude notification system according to the first embodiment described above. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the processing of the ground-level high-altitude notification system according to the first and second embodiments described above. [Figure 5] The diagrams above show the relationship between the workbench and a preset distance in the first and second embodiments, where (a) shows the case when the workbench is lower than the preset distance, (b) shows the case when the workbench is at the preset distance, and (c) shows the case when the workbench is higher than the preset distance. [Figure 6] The block diagram of the ground-level high-altitude notification system according to the second embodiment described above is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following describes a first embodiment of the ground height notification system according to the present invention. This ground height notification system is used, for example, to notify a worker when the work platform of a high-altitude work device rises or falls to a predetermined distance.

[0015] The ground height notification system is applied to a high-altitude work device 1 used for various high-altitude work, such as pole work for repairing power lines. The high-altitude work device 1 comprises a work platform 2 and a lifting device 3 that raises and lowers the work platform 2 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 1, the high-altitude work device 1 of this embodiment is a high-altitude work vehicle configured on a movable vehicle body 4 as its base. Therefore, the high-altitude work device 1 of this embodiment is movable itself. Accordingly, the lifting device 3 of this embodiment is mounted on the vehicle body 4. The high-altitude work device 1 is also provided with a control unit 5.

[0016] The lifting device 3 of this embodiment consists of a turntable 30 that rotates around the vertical axis shown in Figure 1 relative to the vehicle body 4, a support column 31 extending upward from the turntable 30, a boom 32 whose base end is supported at the top of the support column 31 via a foot pin (not shown), and a luffing section 33 that raises and lowers the boom 32 relative to the support column 31. The luffing section 33 shown in Figure 1 raises the boom 32 relative to the support column 31 by the extension of a hydraulic cylinder. Therefore, the boom 32 of this embodiment is configured to raise and lower as a whole, centering on the base end supported by the support column 31. Furthermore, the boom 32 of this embodiment is configured to be extendable and retractable by having a base boom 320, an intermediate boom 321, and a tip boom 322 configured in an interlocking manner. In addition, a work platform 2, which will be described later, is attached to the tip of this boom 32.

[0017] The workbench 2 is boarded by a high-altitude worker who works at a height above the ground. As shown in FIG. 1, this workbench 2 is composed of a work floor 23 on which the high-altitude worker stands, and a side plate portion 24 that projects upward from the floor surface of the work floor 23 and surrounds the periphery of the floor surface. Therefore, the workbench 2 of the present embodiment is configured in a substantially box shape with an open upper end and can be boarded by a high-altitude worker. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the workbench 2 of the present embodiment, a part of the side plate portion 24 is attached to the tip of the boom 32 (specifically, the tip boom 322). Therefore, the workbench 2 is configured to move up and down by the boom 32 rising or falling with respect to the support column 31, or by extending and contracting the boom 32. In addition, the workbench 2 of the present embodiment is configured to rotate about a vertical axis by the rotation of the turntable 30 provided on the vehicle body 4.

[0018] A distance detection unit 20 is provided on the workbench 2 of the present embodiment. This distance detection unit 20 detects the distance of the workbench 2 from the ground. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the distance detection unit 20 of the present embodiment is provided on the lower surface of the work floor 23. This distance detection unit 20 non-contactedly detects the vertical distance from the ground using laser light, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the workbench 2 is raised by the lifting device 3 in the order of FIGS. 5(a), (b), (c) for example, and when it is lowered in the order of FIGS. 5(c), (b), (a), the distance detection unit 20 detects the distance from the ground.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation panel 21 that can be operated by the boarding high-altitude worker is provided on the workbench 2. This operation panel 21 is provided inside the box-shaped workbench 2. And as shown in FIG. 2, an operation lever 210 for extending and contracting and raising and lowering the boom 32 and rotating the turntable 30, and a notification unit 50 (specifically, a high-altitude notification unit 211) described later are provided on this operation panel 21. Therefore, the high-altitude worker boarding the workbench 2 operates the operation lever 210 to extend and contract the boom 32, etc., and raises and lowers the workbench 2.

[0020] The notification unit 50 gives a notification when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this notification unit 50 includes an elevated place notification unit 211 provided on the workbench 2 and a ground notification unit 310.

[0021] The elevated place notification unit 211 gives a notification to an elevated place worker when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. The elevated place notification unit 211 of this embodiment includes an alarm device 2111 that gives a notification to the elevated place worker by sound and a display lamp 2110 that gives a notification to the elevated place worker by light. And as shown in FIG. 2, the alarm device 2111 and the display lamp 2110 as the elevated place notification unit 211 are provided on the operation panel 21.

[0022] The notification stop unit 212 is a switch for inputting the stop of the notification by the notification unit 50 (specifically, the elevated place notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310). This notification stop unit 212 is operated after the notification unit 50 gives a notification. When this notification stop unit 212 is operated, the notification by the notification unit 50 stops. As shown in FIG. 2, the notification stop unit 212 of this embodiment is provided only on the workbench 2 (specifically, the operation panel 21). Therefore, the notification stop unit 212 is configured to be operable only by an elevated place worker who has boarded the workbench 2.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the workbench 2 of this embodiment is provided with a mounting portion 22 for attaching a lifeline. Here, there are two types of lifelines: those for elevated places and those for low places. The low-place lifeline X is shorter than the elevated-place lifeline described later and is attached to the torso belt worn by the elevated place worker when the elevated place worker boards the workbench 2. In this embodiment, the low-place lifeline X is permanently installed on the workbench 2 by being attached to the mounting portion 22. On the other hand, the elevated-place lifeline is longer than the low-place lifeline X and is pre-attached to the harness worn by the elevated place worker.

[0024] The ground notification unit 310 is for notifying ground workers who are standing on the ground and working on the ground (for example, supervisors who monitor high-altitude workers from the ground, and on-site supervisors). The ground notification unit 310 notifies when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. In this embodiment, the ground notification unit 310 is provided on both sides of the support column 31 (only one side is shown in Figure 1). Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the ground notification unit 310 in this embodiment is provided on the ground side of the work platform 2. In addition, the ground notification unit 310 in this embodiment is an indicator lamp 3100 that provides notification by light.

[0025] The control unit 5 controls the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 to issue a notification when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. The control unit 5 in this embodiment is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is composed of a board or microcomputer equipped with non-volatile memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) that store various programs executed by this CPU and the data necessary for their execution, volatile memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) which serves as the so-called working memory of this CPU, and peripheral circuits. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 5 in this embodiment includes a storage unit 52. The distance from the ground is pre-recorded in this storage unit 52 in order to cause the notification unit 50 to issue a notification.

[0026] Here, the "pre-set distance" refers to a distance suitable for switching between the safety rope for high places and the safety rope X for low places. If the distance is lower than this and the work platform 2 and the worker are connected by the safety rope for high places, when the worker falls from the work platform 2, the worker will reach the ground before the safety rope is fully extended. On the other hand, if the distance is higher than the pre-set distance and the worker is connected by the safety rope X for low places, the impact of the fall will be felt by the worker when the safety rope X is fully extended, which could result in injury to the worker. Therefore, when the distance is lower than the pre-set distance, the work platform 2 and the worker are connected by the safety rope X for low places, and when the distance is higher than the pre-set distance, the work platform 2 and the worker are connected by the safety rope for high places. In this embodiment, as an example, the pre-set distance is set to 5m vertically from the ground. In Figure 5, the predetermined distance is indicated by the dashed line K.

[0027] The control unit 5 of this embodiment includes a notification control unit 53 that controls notification in the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310, and a lifting control unit 51 that controls the lifting operation of the lifting device 3 in the high-altitude work device 1. The notification control unit 53 controls the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 to issue a notification when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance, and then controls the notification control unit 53 to stop the notification of the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 when the notification stop unit 212 is operated while the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 are issuing a notification. Furthermore, the notification control unit 53 of this embodiment controls the notification unit 50 to issue a notification when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance again after the notification unit 50 has stopped issuing a notification.

[0028] Next, a series of processes relating to the ground height notification system having the above configuration will be described. Here, it is assumed that the memory unit 52 has a predetermined distance recorded, which is 5m vertically from the ground.

[0029] First, as shown in Figure 5(c), we will explain the case where the work platform 2 moves upward to a point higher than a predetermined distance (5m) from the ground (8m from the ground). When performing work at height, the worker, wearing a harness and waist belt, first boards the work platform 2 located near the vehicle body 4 when the boom 32 is lowered. When the worker is on the work platform 2, the worker attaches the other end of the high-altitude safety line attached to the harness to the attachment part 22, and attaches one end of the low-altitude safety line X attached to the attachment part 22 to the waist belt. After that, the worker operates the operating lever 210 provided on the control panel 21. As a result, the lifting control unit 51 controls the lifting operation of the lifting device 3, causing the boom 32 to stand up or extend, and the work platform 2 to rise.

[0030] As the work platform 2 rises, the distance detection unit 20, located on the floor surface of the work platform 23, detects the distance from the ground (S1 in Figure 4). For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), when the work platform 2 rises and the distance detected by the distance detection unit 20 is 3m, it is not the preset distance (5m) (S2 in Figure 4: No), so the process returns to S1 in Figure 4, and the distance detection unit 20 detects the distance from the ground in conjunction with the rise of the work platform 2. Then, as the work platform 2 rises from Figure 5(a) to (b), when the distance detected by the distance detection unit 20 becomes the preset distance (5m) (S2 in Figure 4: Yes), the notification control unit 53 controls the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 to send a notification (S3 in Figure 4). As a result, the alarm device 2111, acting as the high-altitude notification unit 211, emits a sound to notify the worker at height that it has reached a preset distance from the ground, and the indicator lamp 2110 on the control panel 21 lights up. On the ground side of the work platform 2, the ground notification unit 310, located on the side of the support column 31, also provides notification (specifically, two indicator lamps 3100 light up). Thus, the worker at height and the ground workers can confirm that the work platform 2 has risen to 5m above the ground. After that, the worker at height detaches one end of the safety rope X attached to the waist belt for low-altitude work. The worker at height then operates the notification stop unit 212 on the control panel 21 (S4: Yes in Figure 4) to stop the notifications from the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 (S5 in Figure 4). After that, as shown in Figure 5(c), the work platform 2 rises to a point 8m above the ground.

[0031] Next, we will explain the case where, after completing the upward movement described above, workbench 2, which is at a point 8m above ground level, moves downward to a point 3m above ground level.

[0032] When descending, the worker at the height first operates the operating lever 210 on the control panel 21 to retract or lower the boom 32, thereby lowering the work platform 2 as shown in Figure 5(c) to (b). When the distance detection unit 20 detects 5m (S1 in Figure 4), the distance is set to a predetermined level (S2 in Figure 4: Yes), and the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 issue a notification (S3 in Figure 4). After that, the worker at the height attaches one end of the low-altitude safety line X to their waist belt and then operates the notification stop unit 212 (S4 in Figure 4: Yes) to stop the notifications from the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 (S5 in Figure 4). Then, as shown in Figure 5(b) to (a), the work platform 2 descends to a point 3m above the ground.

[0033] As described above, according to the ground height notification system of the present invention, when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance, the control unit 5 controls the high-altitude notification unit 211 to issue a notification. The notification by the high-altitude notification unit 211 informs the worker at height that the work platform 2 has risen or fallen by a preset distance, prompting them to switch between the high-altitude safety line and the low-altitude safety line X. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5(a) to (b) or Figures 5(c) to (b), when the work platform 2 rises or falls and the distance detection unit 20 provided on the work floor 23 detects a preset distance (5m) recorded in the storage unit 52, the notification control unit 53 controls the high-altitude notification unit 211 to issue a notification, causing the high-altitude notification unit 211 to issue a notification. Therefore, the worker at height can know that the distance of the work platform 2 from the ground has reached 5m and can attach or detach the low-altitude safety line X.

[0034] Furthermore, since the high-altitude notification unit 211 of this embodiment includes an alarm device 2111 that provides notification by sound, for example, even if the worker at high altitude does not check the control panel 21, it is possible to notify the worker at high altitude, thus preventing the worker from forgetting to confirm that they have reached a predetermined distance.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height-altitude notification unit 211 provides notification, allowing the worker to know the distance of the work platform 2 from the ground. This eliminates the need for the worker to be aware of the distance from the ground, thus reducing the burden on them during work.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification control unit 53 controls the ground notification unit 310 to notify not only the high-altitude notification unit 211 but also the ground notification unit 310, so that the ground notification unit 310 can also provide notification. Therefore, ground workers working on the ground can also know that the distance of the work platform 2 from the ground has reached a preset distance, so for example, a ground worker who receives a notification from the ground notification unit 310 can confirm or prompt the high-altitude worker to switch the safety line.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by operating the notification stop unit 212, the notifications from the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 can be stopped. Therefore, after the high-altitude worker has switched between the high-altitude safety line and the low-altitude safety line X (specifically, attaching and detaching the low-altitude safety line X), the notifications from the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 can be stopped as confirmation that the high-altitude worker has switched between the high-altitude safety line and the low-altitude safety line X.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the notification stop unit 212 is provided only on the control panel 21 of the work platform 2, only workers at height can stop the notifications from the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground-level notification unit 310.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the alarms from the high-altitude alarm unit 211 and the ground-level alarm unit 310 can be stopped by operating the alarm stop unit 212, there is no need to provide a corresponding alarm stop unit 212 for each alarm unit 50, thus eliminating the need to stop the alarm for each alarm unit 50. In particular, in this embodiment, since both the indicator lamp 2110 and the alarm device 2111, which are part of the high-altitude alarm unit 211, can be stopped by operating the alarm stop unit 212, the need to perform separate stop operations for the indicator lamp 2110 and the alarm device 2111 can be eliminated.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after stopping the notification of the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 by operating the notification stop unit 212, if the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance again, the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 will again provide notification. For example, when working at a height higher than a preset distance, the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground notification unit 310 can provide notification when the work platform 2 moves upward and when the work platform 2 moves downward after the work at the height is completed. Thus, the notification unit 50 can reliably notify high-altitude workers and ground workers of the timing of both the attachment and removal of the safety rope X for low-altitude work.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the ground notification unit 310 is provided on the vehicle body 4 (specifically, on both sides of the support column 31), so that ground workers can confirm the notification from the ground notification unit 310. In particular, in this embodiment, when ground workers are working on the side of the vehicle body 4, it is easy for them to confirm the notification from the ground notification unit 310.

[0042] Next, a ground height notification system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In describing the ground height notification system according to the second embodiment, Figures 1, 2, and 4-6 will be used, and the same configuration and operation as the ground height notification system according to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the high-altitude notification unit 211 of the second embodiment includes a visual notification unit 2110' as the first notification unit. This visual notification unit 2110' corresponds to the indicator lamp 2110 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the visual notification unit 2110' of the second embodiment notifies the high-altitude worker's vision and is, for example, an indicator lamp that emits light. Here, unlike the indicator lamp 2110 of the first embodiment, the visual notification unit 2110' is configured to change the notification mode when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. Thus, the visual notification unit 2110' of the second embodiment changes the notification mode by switching the indicator lamp on and off. The ground notification unit of the second embodiment is a visual notification unit 310' configured as an indicator lamp.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the high-altitude notification unit 211 of the second embodiment includes an auditory notification unit 2111', which is an audible alarm device acting as a second notification unit. This auditory notification unit 2111' is configured to alert the hearing of the worker at the height. This auditory notification unit 2111' is configured to give an alert when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. This auditory notification unit 2111' is configured to stop the alert when the alert stop unit 212 is operated. Therefore, the auditory notification unit 2111' of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the alarm device 2111 of the first embodiment.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the notification stop unit 212 is configured to receive input for the cessation of notification by the auditory notification unit 2111'. That is, in the second embodiment, the notification stop unit 212 is configured to stop only the notification by the auditory notification unit 2111'.

[0046] Unlike the first embodiment, the notification control unit 53 of the second embodiment is configured to change the notification mode of the visual notification unit 2110' when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the notification control unit 53 switches the indicator lamps, which are the visual notification units 310' and 2110', on and off.

[0047] Furthermore, the notification control unit 53 of the second embodiment controls the auditory notification unit 2111' to make a notification when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance. In addition, the notification control unit 53 of the second embodiment controls the auditory notification unit 2111' to stop making a notification when the notification stop unit 212 is operated while the auditory notification unit 2111' is making a notification. Thus, the notification control unit 53 of the second embodiment controls the alarm device to make notifications and stop, similar to the first embodiment.

[0048] Next, the processing of the ground height notification system according to the second embodiment will be described. Here, as in the first embodiment, first, the case in which the work platform 2 moves upward to a point (8m) higher than a predetermined distance (5m) from the ground will be described. After that, the case in which the work platform 2 that has moved to the higher point (8m) moves downward to a point (3m) lower than a predetermined distance (5m) will be described.

[0049] First, in the second embodiment, before the work platform 2 is raised, that is, when the worker at height is on the work platform 2, the indicator lamps, which are the visual notification units 310' and 2110', are lit. Then, when the worker at height is on the work platform, the worker operates the operating lever 210, and the distance detection unit 20 detects the distance to the ground, and the work platform 2 begins to rise (Figure 4, S1, S2: No). When the raised work platform 2 reaches a preset distance (5m), the distance detection unit 20 detects the preset distance (5m) (Figure 4, S2: Yes). At this time, the notification control unit 53 controls the indicator lamps, which are the visual notification units 310' and 2110', to switch off. Also, as in the first embodiment, the notification control unit 53 controls the alarm device, which is the auditory notification unit 2111', to emit a sound to provide notification (Figure 4: S3). Therefore, the workers at height and the ground workers can confirm that the work platform 2 has risen to a preset distance (5m) by the indicator lamps, which serve as visual notification units 310' and 2110', turning off and the alarm device emitting a sound. After that, the workers at height detach one end of the safety rope X for low-altitude work that is attached to one end of their waist belt. Also, the workers at height operate the notification stop unit 212, causing the notification control unit 53 to stop the alarm device from emitting a sound (S4: Yes, S5 in Figure 4). Then, with the indicator lamps remaining off, the work platform 2 rises to a point higher than the preset distance (8m).

[0050] Next, when the work platform 2 descends from the aforementioned high point (8m) toward the ground, the indicator lamp remains off until the work platform 2 descends to a preset distance (5m) from the ground. When the work platform 2 has descended to the preset distance (5m), the distance detection unit 20 detects the preset distance. Therefore, the notification control unit 53 controls the indicator lamp to switch from off to on. The notification control unit 53 also controls the alarm device to emit a sound (S3 in Figure 4). As a result, when the work platform 2 descends to the preset distance (5m), the indicator lamp lights up and the alarm device emits a sound. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the notification control unit 53 controls the auditory notification unit 2111' to emit a notification when the distance detection unit 20 detects the preset distance again after the auditory notification unit 2111' has stopped broadcasting. Subsequently, the worker at height attaches one end of the safety harness X for low-altitude work to their waist belt and operates the alarm stop unit 212 to deactivate the alarm device (S4: Yes, S5 in Figure 4). Then, with the indicator lamp remaining lit, the work platform 2 descends towards the ground.

[0051] In the second embodiment of the ground height notification system, when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance (5m) from the ground due to the raising or lowering of the work platform 2, the indicator lamps, which serve as visual notification units 310' and 2110', switch on or off, allowing the workers at height and the workers on the ground to know that the work platform 2 has been raised or lowered to a preset distance (5m) from the ground.

[0052] Furthermore, in the ground height notification system of the second embodiment, the indicator lamp that has been switched on or off remains on or off, so that workers at height and ground workers can check the indicator lamp to confirm that the work platform 2 is at a position lower or higher than a preset distance (5m) from the ground.

[0053] Furthermore, in the ground height notification system of the second embodiment, the notification stop unit 212 is configured to stop only the notification by the auditory notification unit 2111'. Therefore, even if a worker at height operates the notification stop unit 212, they cannot change the notification mode of the visual notification units 310' and 2110'.

[0054] The ground height notification system of the present invention is not limited to the first or second embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0055] In the first or second embodiment described above, the other end of the safety line for working at heights was always attached to the attachment part 22, and the safety line for working at heights and the safety line for working at heights were switched by attaching and detaching (attaching and detaching) the safety line for working at heights X. However, this is not limited to this, for example, when a worker at heights boards the work platform 2, one end of the safety line for working at heights X is attached to the waist belt portion that the worker is wearing, and when the work platform 2 rises to a predetermined distance, the other end of the safety line for working at heights attached to the harness is attached to the attachment part 22, and then the one end of the safety line for working at heights X is detached from the waist belt portion. As a result, when one end of the safety line for working at heights X is detached from the waist belt portion, the safety line for working at heights is attached to the waist belt portion, thus ensuring safety. Alternatively, when the work platform 2 has descended to a predetermined distance, the other end of the safety line for high places may be removed from the attachment part 22, and one end of the safety line X for low places may be attached to the belt part. In this way, the safety line for high places and the safety line X for low places may be used (exchanged) based on a predetermined distance.

[0056] In the first or second embodiment described above, the distance detection unit 20 was described as being located on the underside of the work platform 23. However, it is not limited to this, and the distance from the ground may be determined by the lifting mechanism of the lifting device 3, for example, by the raising and lowering or extending and retracting of the boom 32. Alternatively, the distance detection unit 20 may be placed on the ground and detect the distance of the work platform 2 from the ground by measuring the distance from the ground to the work platform 23 of the work platform 2.

[0057] In the first embodiment described above, the high-altitude notification unit 211 was described as an alarm device 2111 and indicator lamp 2110 attached to the control panel 21. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, a display may be attached to the workbench 2, and notifications may be made to workers at high altitudes by displaying text or the like from the display. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0058] In the first or second embodiment described above, the high-altitude notification unit 211 was described as being attached to a control panel 21 on the work platform 2. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be attached to the boom 32, or it may be worn by the worker at high altitude. Furthermore, the high-altitude notification unit 211 may be located on the ground. In this case, in order to avoid a situation where the worker at high altitude is not notified, the high-altitude notification unit 211 may be a buzzer that notifies the worker at high altitude by sound.

[0059] In the first embodiment described above, a case was described in which there are two units: a high-altitude notification unit 211 for notifying workers at high altitudes and a ground-level notification unit 310 for notifying workers on the ground. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, a single notification unit 50 may function as both the high-altitude notification unit 211 and the ground-level notification unit 310, notifying both workers at high altitudes and workers on the ground. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0060] In the first embodiment described above, the case in which the high-altitude work device 1 is equipped with both a high-altitude notification unit 211 and a ground-level notification unit 310 was explained. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the high-altitude work device 1 may be configured such that the ground-level notification unit 310 is not provided, and only the high-altitude notification unit 211 is provided. In this case, the ground-level notification system of the present invention may be provided as a separate unit from the high-altitude work device 1. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0061] In the first embodiment described above, the notification stop unit 212 is provided on the work platform 2, and the notification unit 50 stops the notification when a worker at height operates the notification stop unit 212. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, a ground control console equipped with an operating lever 210 for operating the lifting device 3 may be provided at the rear of the vehicle body 4, and the notification stop unit 212 may be provided on the ground control console. This allows, for example, if a worker at height is unable to operate the notification stop unit 212 provided on the control panel 21, a ground worker can stop the notification from the notification unit 50 by operating the notification stop unit 212 provided on the ground control console. In addition, the notification stop unit in the second embodiment may be provided on a ground control console provided at the rear of the vehicle body 4.

[0062] Furthermore, although the first or second embodiment described above describes a case where the notification stop unit 212 is a switch, for example, the notification stop unit 212 may be a timer that stops the notification unit 50 from making a notification after a certain period of time has elapsed since the notification unit 50 made a notification.

[0063] For example, in the first or second embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 5(a) to (b) or Figures 5(c) to (b), in both cases where the lifting device 3 raises or lowers the work platform 2, the control unit 5 was controlled to notify the high-altitude notification unit 211 when the distance detection unit 20 detected a preset distance. However, the control unit 5 may be controlled to notify the notification unit 50 only when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance when the lifting device 3 raises the work platform 2 vertically from the ground. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may be controlled to notify the notification unit 50 only when the distance detection unit 20 detects a preset distance when the lifting device 3 lowers the work platform 2.

[0064] In the first embodiment described above, the case in which both the high-altitude alarm unit 211 and the ground alarm unit 310 are stopped by operating the alarm stop unit 212 provided on the workbench 2 was explained. However, it is sufficient that operating the alarm stop unit 212 stops at least the alarm by the high-altitude alarm unit 211. In this case, for example, a ground alarm stop unit for stopping the alarm by the ground alarm unit 310 may be provided separately from the alarm stop unit 212, and the alarm by the ground alarm stop unit 310 may be stopped by operating the ground alarm stop unit.

[0065] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 1, the ground notification unit 310 was provided on the side of the vehicle body 4 (specifically, on both sides of the support column 31). However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the ground notification unit 310 may be provided on the workbench 2. In other words, the ground notification unit 310 only needs to be provided in a place where ground workers can see it (for example, on the side plate 24 or work platform 23 of the workbench 2), and as long as ground workers can see the notification from the ground notification unit 310, the ground notification unit 310 may be provided on the workbench 2 as described above. The same applies to the second embodiment.

[0066] In the first embodiment described above, the ground notification unit 310 was described as an indicator lamp 3100 that provides notification by light. However, for example, the indicator lamp 3100 may be replaced with an alarm device that provides notification by sound. In addition, the ground notification unit 310 may be equipped with an alarm device in addition to the indicator lamp 3100.

[0067] In the first or second embodiment described above, the aerial work platform 1 was described as a vehicle configured on a movable vehicle body 4, and therefore the aerial work platform 1 was movable. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the aerial work platform 1 may be a stationary type. Also, for example, the aerial work platform 1 may be portable and be transportable by multiple ground workers.

[0068] In the first or second embodiment described above, the case where the preset distance is 5m was explained, but the invention is not limited to this, and the system may be configured so that users of the ground height notification system of the present invention can appropriately change the preset distance, for example, to 6.75m or less from the ground.

[0069] In the first or second embodiment described above, the control unit 5 was configured to include a storage unit 52, as shown in Figure 3. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the storage unit 52 may be provided separately from the control unit 5.

[0070] In the second embodiment described above, the notification mode of the visual notification units 310' and 2110' was changed by switching the indicator lamps on and off. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the notification mode of the visual notification units 310' and 2110' may be changed by switching the color of the indicator lamps when they are lit. Alternatively, the notification mode can also be changed by changing the blinking pattern of the indicator lamps.

[0071] In the second embodiment described above, the indicator lamps, which function as visual notification units 310' and 2110', were lit before the work platform 2 was raised, that is, when the worker at high altitude was on the work platform 2. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the indicator lamps may be turned off when the worker at high altitude is on the work platform 2. In this case, for example, when the work platform 2 is raised to a predetermined distance from the ground, the indicator lamps may light up, causing the visual notification units 310' and 2110' to change their notification mode.

[0072] In the second embodiment described above, the first notification unit is a visual notification unit 2110' and the second notification unit is an auditory notification unit 2111'. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the first notification unit may be an auditory notification unit 2111' and the second notification unit may be a visual notification unit 2110'. In this case, the auditory notification unit 2111', as the first notification unit, may change its notification mode by generating and stopping sound. Alternatively, the auditory notification unit 2111' may change its notification mode by changing its volume or timbre. Note that both the first and second notification units may be either a visual notification unit 2110' or an auditory notification unit 2111'.

[0073] In the first and second embodiments described above, the "pre-set distance" was, for example, set to 5m vertically from the ground. That is, in the first and second embodiments described above, the "pre-set distance" was set to the same distance both when the workbench 2 was rising and when it was lowering. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the "pre-set distance" when the workbench 2 is rising and the "pre-set distance" when the workbench 2 is lowering may be set to different distances.

[0074] In the first and second embodiments described above, the "pre-set distance" was defined as 5m vertically from the ground. However, it is not limited to this; for example, one distance selected from a numerical range such as 3.0~8.0m, 4.0~7.0m, or 4.5~6.75m from the ground (e.g., 5.5m) may be defined as the "pre-set distance." Alternatively, a numerical range included within the aforementioned range (e.g., 5.5~5.9m, 4.8m~5.2m) may be defined as the "pre-set distance."

[0075] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0076] The ground height notification system of this embodiment is applied to a high-altitude work apparatus comprising a work platform on which a worker working at a height above the ground can stand, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the work platform, and comprises a distance detection unit for detecting the distance of the work platform from the ground, a high-altitude notification unit for notifying the worker at high altitude, and a control unit that controls the high-altitude notification unit to issue a notification when the distance detection unit detects a distance that has been set in advance as a distance suitable for switching between a high-altitude safety rope and a low-altitude safety rope, which are lifelines connecting the worker at high altitude and the work platform.

[0077] According to the above configuration, when the distance detection unit detects a distance that has been set in advance as a suitable distance for switching between the safety rope for high places and the safety rope for low places, the control unit controls the high-altitude notification unit to issue a notification. By issuing a notification, the high-altitude notification unit can inform the worker at high places that the work platform has risen or fallen by a predetermined distance, and can prompt the worker to switch between the safety rope for high places and the safety rope for low places.

[0078] Furthermore, the ground altitude notification system of this embodiment may include a notification stop unit that receives input for stopping notification by the high-altitude notification unit, and the control unit may control the high-altitude notification unit to stop notification when the notification stop unit is operated while the high-altitude notification unit is notifying, and after the high-altitude notification unit has stopped notification, the control unit may control the high-altitude notification unit to resume notification when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance again.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the high-altitude notification unit to stop broadcasting when the notification stop unit is operated while the high-altitude notification unit is broadcasting, and controls the high-altitude notification unit to broadcast again when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance again after the notification unit has stopped broadcasting. For example, after the high-altitude notification unit has stopped broadcasting, when the work platform is raised or lowered using the lifting device, and the distance detection unit detects the preset distance again, the high-altitude notification unit broadcasts again to the high-altitude worker. This allows the high-altitude worker to be prompted to switch their safety line each time the platform is raised or lowered by the preset distance.

[0080] Furthermore, in the ground height notification system of this embodiment, the notification stop unit may be provided on the workbench.

[0081] According to the above configuration, since the notification stop unit is provided on the work platform, the worker at high altitude who is on the work platform can operate the notification stop unit to stop the notification from the high-altitude notification unit.

[0082] Furthermore, in the ground height notification system of this embodiment, the height notification unit includes a first notification unit that changes the notification mode when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, and a second notification unit that provides notification when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance. The height notification unit also includes a notification stop unit that inputs a request to stop notification by the second notification unit, and the control unit may control the second notification unit to stop notification when the notification stop unit is operated while the second notification unit is providing notification.

[0083] According to the above configuration, when the distance detection unit detects a distance, the first notification unit changes its notification mode and the second notification unit makes a notification. Furthermore, when the notification stop unit is operated while the second notification unit is making a notification, the control unit controls the notification by the second notification unit to stop. As a result, when the work platform rises or falls by the preset distance, the change in the notification mode by the first notification unit and the notification by the second notification unit prompt the worker at height to switch their safety line. For example, the worker at height can stop the notification by the second notification unit by operating the notification stop unit.

[0084] Furthermore, the ground height notification system of this embodiment may include a ground notification unit that notifies ground workers performing work on the ground, and the control unit may control the ground notification unit to issue a notification when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance.

[0085] According to the above configuration, when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, the control unit controls the ground notification unit to issue a notification. The ground notification unit then notifies the ground workers that the work platform has risen or fallen by the preset distance, allowing the ground workers to confirm or prompt the high-altitude workers to switch their safety lines.

[0086] Furthermore, the ground height notification system of this embodiment may also include a ground notification unit provided on the ground side of the work platform to notify ground workers working on the ground, and a notification stop unit that receives input to stop notification by the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit and is operated by the high-altitude worker, the high-altitude notification unit and the notification stop unit provided on the work platform, the control unit may control the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit to make a notification when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, and control the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit to stop notification when the notification stop unit is operated by the high-altitude worker.

[0087] According to the above configuration, when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, the control unit controls the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit to issue a notification, thereby enabling the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit to issue a notification. Furthermore, when the worker at high altitude operates the notification stop unit provided on the work platform, the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit stop issuing notifications, so only the worker at high altitude who is on the work platform can stop the notifications from the high-altitude notification unit and the ground notification unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1: High-altitude work device, 2: Work platform, 20: Distance detection unit, 211: High-altitude notification unit, 2110': Visual notification unit, 2111': Auditory notification unit, 212: Notification stop unit, 3: Lifting device, 310: Ground notification unit, 4: Vehicle body, 5: Control unit

Claims

1. This invention applies to a work platform for working at heights above ground level, comprising a work platform on which a worker can stand, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the work platform. A distance detection unit for detecting the distance of the workbench from the ground, A high-altitude notification unit that notifies the aforementioned workers at high altitudes, The distance detection unit detects a distance that has been set in advance as a distance suitable for switching between a safety rope for high places and a safety rope for low places, which connects the worker at high places and the work platform, and the control unit controls the high-altitude notification unit to issue a notification when the distance detection unit detects this distance. The high-altitude notification unit comprises a first notification unit that changes its notification mode when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance, and a second notification unit that provides notification when the distance detection unit detects the preset distance. The system includes a notification stop unit that receives input for stopping notification by the second notification unit, The control unit controls the ground height notification system such that when the notification stop unit is operated while the first notification unit and the second notification unit are providing notification, the second notification unit stops providing notification and the first notification unit continues providing notification.

2. The first notification unit is configured to provide notification to the visual field of the worker at height. The ground height notification system according to claim 1, wherein the second notification unit is configured to notify the hearing of the worker at height.

3. The first notification unit is configured as an indicator lamp that can switch between being lit and off, The ground height notification system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit illuminates the first notification unit when the distance of the workbench from the ground is less than the detected distance of the preset distance, and turns off the first notification unit when the distance of the workbench from the ground is greater than the detected distance of the preset distance.

4. It is provided with a ground notification unit located on the ground side of the aforementioned work platform, which notifies ground workers performing work on the ground, The ground height notification system according to claim 1, wherein the ground notification unit is configured to provide notification to the ground worker's field of vision.

Images