Hazardous area detection band and hazardous area detection method

Abstract

To provide a dangerous area detection band capable of effectively and efficiently preventing tumbles and falls at dangerous places such as high places and openings.SOLUTION: Dangerous area detection bands 10L and 10R are stripe-shaped and are each provided with five distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 distributed in a length direction and measures (detects) the distance in space by outputting a downward distance measuring beam Bm around feet of left foot WL and right foot WR. The dangerous area detection bands 10 L and 10 R generate a warning vibration VB and effectively intuitively warn a worker W to approach a dangerous area where there is a risk of tumbling or falling (here, the opening H) when a space distance equal to or greater than a preset distance D is detected from the feet of the worker W, for example, if there is an opening H on the floor F near the feet. It is also efficient because there is no need to install an alarm device to warn of the approach of the worker W at each of the many dangerous places on the site.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dangerous location detection band and a dangerous location detection method. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, various types of occupational accidents may occur at construction work sites. These include occupational accidents such as workers falling or tripping at dangerous locations such as high places (scaffolds, rolling towers, work platforms) and openings.

[0003] Conventionally, on-site managers have implemented some sort of safety measures for such dangerous locations.

[0004] Examples of safety measures include providing safety education to workers and clearly indicating dangerous locations within the work site. These safety measures are implemented before work starts at the site to raise workers' risk awareness, and can be expected to reduce the occurrence of disaster risks. However, on the other hand, when workers work for a long period of time, they become accustomed to the work site and their risk awareness decreases, so there is a possibility that the effect of safety measures may no longer be exhibited. In order to implement continuous safety measures, it is necessary to constantly remind workers to pay attention when they are in dangerous locations.

[0005] Accordingly, there have been proposed voice alarms that use sensors to detect a person approaching a dangerous location and issue a warning message from a speaker to alert the detected person (see, for example, Patent Document 1); and a work site alarm device that determines whether person image information is included in surrounding image information captured by an imaging unit that images the dangerous area of a dangerous location, and generates a warning voice from a speaker to alert a person who has entered the dangerous area (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] However, the audible alarm described in Patent Document 1 and the workplace alarm device described in Patent Document 2 are both installed at each hazardous location in the workplace and emit an audible alarm. Therefore, in workplaces where noises from various tasks intersect, workers may not be able to hear the alarm, making it impossible to reliably alert them. Furthermore, in large workplaces with many different hazardous locations, it is necessary to install numerous alarm devices in appropriate locations that do not interfere with the work at each site, which is inefficient in terms of labor and cost for installation.

[0007] A safety confirmation system has been proposed that uses contact sensors attached to four locations on the worker's hands and feet to detect, for example, the worker's three-point support during work at height using a ladder. If the worker is not in a three-point support position, a warning device attached to the worker's torso emits a warning with sound, vibration, and light to prompt the worker to assume a three-point support posture, thereby reducing the risk of falling or tumble (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0008] A proximity warning system has been proposed that can warn workers of the approach of heavy machinery even in noisy environments by equipping heavy machinery with a floodlight that projects visible light into its hazardous work area, and by attaching a light receiver that receives visible light and a vibration generator to the worker, so that when the light receiver receives visible light, the vibration generator generates vibration (see, for example, Patent Document 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3168921 Gazette [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-174331 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-206944 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-140547 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The safety confirmation system described in Patent Document 3 and the proximity warning system described in Patent Document 4 both have the function of generating vibrations through devices worn by workers to warn of danger. However, the former safety confirmation system is intended to prevent falls and slips at work sites where workers ascend or descend ladders, and the latter proximity warning system is intended to prevent contact between heavy machinery and workers at work sites where heavy machinery is used. Neither can adequately prevent falls and slips at dangerous locations such as high places (scaffolding, rolling towers, work platforms) or openings.

[0011] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a hazardous location detection band and a hazardous location detection method that can effectively and efficiently prevent falls and drops in hazardous locations such as high places and openings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The hazardous area detection band of the embodiment is Left and right ankle each A band that is wrapped around and attached, These are attached by wrapping them around the left and right ankles, respectively. Multiple distance sensors are provided on the surface of the band, distributed in the longitudinal direction, each of which measures the spatial distance downward around the feet to which the band is wrapped. These are attached by wrapping them around the left and right ankles, respectively. Provided in the aforementioned band 、 The vibrating part that generates vibrations, Multiple portions are provided on the surface of the band in the longitudinal direction. The system includes a control unit that generates vibration in the vibration unit when at least one of the multiple distance sensors measures a spatial distance greater than or equal to a preset distance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of a work site using the hazardous area detection band 10 and hazardous area detection method of the embodiment. [Figure 2]It is a diagram showing the external configuration of dangerous area detection band 10, wherein (AL) and (BL) in the diagram are the mounting drawing on the left ankle La and front development view of the left foot detection band 10L, and (AR) and (BR) in the diagram are the mounting drawing on the right ankle Ra and front development view of the right foot detection band 10R. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing the arrangement position of the electronic circuit when the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R) is worn on an operator (left foot WL, right foot WR), and arrow F indicates the front direction of the operator. [Figure 4] A plan view for explaining the output directions of distance measurement beams Bm1 to Bm5 by the left and right distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 in a state where the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R) is worn on an operator (left foot WL, right foot WR). [Figure 5] A perspective view for explaining the output directions of distance measurement beams Bm1 to Bm5 by the left and right distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 in a state where the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R) is worn on an operator (left foot WL, right foot WR). [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R). [Figure 7] A flowchart showing dangerous area detection processing executed by control devices 18L and 18R of the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R). [Figure 8] A diagram for explaining dangerous area detection operation during high-altitude work using the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R). [Figure 9] A diagram for explaining dangerous area detection operation (front-back direction) during work on an access floor AF using the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R). [Figure 10] A diagram for explaining dangerous area detection operation (left-right direction) during work on an access floor AF using the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R). [Figure 11] A diagram for explaining dangerous area detection operation assuming a fall from a high place during work using the dangerous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R). MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Configuration of Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a work site where the dangerous spot detection band 10 and the dangerous spot detection method according to an embodiment are applied.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the dangerous spot detection band 10, in which (AL) and (BL) are the attachment drawing of the detection band 10L for left foot attached to the left ankle La and the front development view thereof, and (AR) and (BR) are the attachment drawing of the detection band 10R for right foot attached to the right ankle Ra and the front development view thereof.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the dangerous spot detection bands 10 are provided as a pair consisting of the dangerous spot detection band 10L for the left foot WL and the dangerous spot detection band 10R for the right foot WR. At a work site, as shown in Figure 2 (AL) (AR), the bands are used by being wound around and attached to the left ankle La and right ankle Ra of a worker W, respectively.

[0018] Each of the dangerous spot detection bands 10L and 10R is belt-shaped, and is provided with five distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 distributed along the length direction thereof, respectively. The sensors output a downward distance measurement beam Bm targeting the area around the feet of the left foot WL and right foot WR to measure (detect) the spatial distance. For example, as shown in Figure 1, when an opening H exists in the floor F near the worker's feet, and a spatial distance equal to or greater than a preset set distance D is detected around the worker W's feet, the dangerous spot detection bands 10L and 10R generate a warning vibration VB, and have a function of intuitively warning the worker W of approaching a dangerous spot where a fall or dropping may occur (the opening H in this example).

[0019] As shown in Figures 2(BL) and 2(BR), the left foot detection band 10L and the right foot detection band 10R are both attached by buckles 12R and 12L, which consist of a concave buckle 12a provided at the left end of the figure and a convex buckle 12b provided at the right end of the figure, so that the buckles 12L and 12R are positioned on the front side of the ankles La and Ra, as shown in Figures 2(AL) and 2(AR).

[0020] The left and right detection bands 10L and 10R are each composed of, for example, a length of 25 cm from left to right, a width of 4 cm from top to bottom, and a thickness of 6 mm. They are constructed by alternately connecting the six retractable band sections 14L1 to 14L6 and 14R1 to 14R6, which are divided in the length direction, and the five sensor sections 13L1 to 13L5 and 13R1 to 13R5, which are positioned between each of the retractable band sections 14L1 to 14L6 and 14R1 to 14R6, between the concave buckle 12a and the convex buckle 12b.

[0021] The stretchable band sections 14L1~14L6, 14R1~14R6 are formed from a strip-shaped stretchable material, such as a cloth containing an elastic material, and at least the stretchable band sections 14L2~14L5, 14R2~14R5 that connect the sensor sections 13L1~13L5, 13R1~13R5 have hollow sections that communicate with each other from left to right.

[0022] The sensor sections 13L1 to 13L5 and 13R1 to 13R5 are formed from a rigid, strip-shaped material, such as plastic, and have hollow sections that communicate with the hollow sections of the expandable band sections 14L2 to 14L5 and 14R2 to 14R5.

[0023] Furthermore, in the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R, the five sensor units 13L1 to 13L5 and 13R1 to 13R5, respectively, are not spaced evenly. As shown in Figures 2(AL) and 2(AR), when the buckles 12L and 12R are positioned in front of the ankles La and Ra, they are positioned to face a total of five directions: two diagonally forward directions (13L1, 13L5) and (13R1, 13R5) that do not directly face the toes, two directions to the left and right sides (13L2, 13L4) and (13R2, 13R4), and one direction directly behind (13L3) and (13R3).

[0024] In other words, the sensor units 13L1~13L5 and 13R1~13R5 of the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R are positioned at a total of five locations, as shown in Figures 2(BL)(BR): at the halfway point in the length direction of the detection bands 10L and 10R (13L3)(13R3), at the halfway point of those positions again (13L2,13L4)(13R2,13R4), and at the halfway point in the left and right end directions of those positions again (13L1,13L5)(13R1,13R5).

[0025] Furthermore, distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 are provided on the sensor sections 13L1 to 13L5 and 13R1 to 13R5, respectively, so as to be exposed on their respective surfaces.

[0026] Distance sensors 11L1~11L5, 11R1~11R5 are, for example, small laser-type or small ultrasonic-type low-power distance sensors that measure (detect) the spatial distance to the object surface onto which the laser light or ultrasonic signal, which serves as the distance measuring beam Bm (see Figure 1), strikes. In all cases, the direction of distance measurement is set to be inclined about 30 degrees outward from the downward direction along the surface of the sensor parts 13L1~13L5, 13R1~13R5, when the detection bands 10L, 10R are attached to the ankle La, Ra (i.e., the length direction of the detection bands 10L, 10R is oriented in the left-right direction and the width direction is oriented in the up-down direction).

[0027] Here, the distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 of the left foot detection band 10L are designated as the 1st distance sensor 11L1 to the 5th distance sensor 11L5 in a counterclockwise (leftward) direction when worn on the left ankle La, and the distance sensors 11R1 to 11R5 of the right foot detection band 10R are designated as the 1st distance sensor 11R1 to the 5th distance sensor 11R5 in a clockwise (rightward) direction when worn on the right ankle Ra.

[0028] For both the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R, from the standpoint of operability and functionality, the sensor units 13L1 and 13R1 equipped with the first distance sensors 11L1 and 11R1 are equipped with power buttons (with power indicator lights) 15L and 15R, the sensor units 13L2 and 13R2 equipped with the second distance sensors 11L2 and 11R2 are equipped with loud-volume fall alarm units 16L and 16R (with exposed sound holes), and the sensor units 13L3 and 13R3 equipped with the third distance sensors 11L3 and 11R3 are equipped with warning vibration units 17L and 17R.

[0029] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the placement of the electronic circuit when the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) is attached to the worker (left foot WL, right foot WR), with arrow F indicating the front of the worker.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the fall alarm units 16L and 16R are installed in sensor units 13L2 and 13R2 located on the outer surfaces of the left foot WL and right foot WR, effectively emitting an alarm sound to the surroundings, while the warning vibration units 17L and 17R are built into sensor units 13L3 and 13R3 located on the upper part of the tendons of the left foot WL and right foot WR, effectively transmitting a warning vibration VB to the worker W.

[0031] Furthermore, the control devices 18L and 18R that control the electronic circuits are effectively protected and malfunctions are prevented by integrating them into the sensor units 13L4 and 13R4 located on the inner surfaces of the left foot WL and right foot WR.

[0032] The signal lines and power lines required for the electronic circuit of the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) are wired to the hollow sections of the aforementioned sensor sections 13L1~13L5, 13R1~13R5 and the expandable band sections 14L2~14L5, 14R2~14R5.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R are configured symmetrically, except for the buckles 12L and 12R (concave buckle 12a, convex buckle 12b), from the viewpoint of operability and functionality for the power buttons (with power lamps) 15L and 15R, the fall alarm units 16L and 16R, the warning vibration units 17L and 17R, and the control devices 18L and 18R. However, the buckles 12L and 12R are designed with the assumption that when attaching and detaching them to the worker W, the concave buckle 12a is held in the left hand and the convex buckle 12b is held in the right hand, which is generally the dominant hand, to fit or detach the convex buckle 12b. In both the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R, when viewed from the front (see Figure 2), the concave buckle 12a is provided at the left end and the convex buckle 12b is provided at the right end.

[0034] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the output direction of the distance measuring beams Bm1 to Bm5 by the left and right distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 when the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) is attached to the worker (left foot WL, right foot WR).

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the output direction of the distance measuring beams Bm1 to Bm5 by the left and right distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 when the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) is attached to the worker (left foot WL, right foot WR).

[0036] Specifically, the distance measuring beam Bm1 from the first distance sensors 11L1 and 11R1 is output diagonally downward and forward outward, the distance measuring beam Bm2 from the second distance sensors 11L2 and 11R2 is output diagonally downward and left outward, the distance measuring beam Bm3 from the third distance sensors 11L3 and 11R3 is output diagonally downward and rearward, the distance measuring beam Bm4 from the fourth distance sensors 11L4 and 11R4 is output diagonally downward and left inward, and the distance measuring beam Bm5 from the fifth distance sensors 11L5 and 11R5 is output diagonally downward and forward inward.

[0037] Therefore, the distance sensors 11L1~11L5 and 11R1~11R5 of the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) measure (detect) the spatial distance downwards by surrounding the area around the feet of the left foot WL and right foot WR.

[0038] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit of the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R).

[0039] The control devices 18L and 18R of the hazardous area detection bands 10 (10L, 10R) are both equipped with a control unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 21. The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the control program stored in the memory unit 22, and the software and hardware work together to realize the hazardous area detection function of the detection bands 10L and 10R.

[0040] The control unit 21 is connected to the memory unit 22 and the short-range wireless communication unit 23, as well as the aforementioned distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5, 11R1 to 11R5, power buttons (with power indicator lights) 15L and 15R, fall alarm units 16L and 16R, and warning vibration units 17L and 17R.

[0041] Furthermore, the electronic circuits for detection bands 10L and 10R are powered by, for example, an electromagnetic induction-type contactless rechargeable battery 24.

[0042] The short-range wireless communication unit 23 is configured, for example, using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), and communicates between a pair of left and right detection bands 10L and 10R. Based on the spatial distance at the feet measured (detected) by distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5, it shares specific information (alarm notification) with the other detection band 10R or 10L when the spatial distance measurement state in one detection band 10L or 10R reaches a specific state (the measured distance of all distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 (or 11R1 to 11R5) is greater than or equal to the set distance D).

[0043] (Operation of the embodiment) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the hazardous area detection process performed by the control devices 18L and 18R of the hazardous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R).

[0044] Note that the hazard detection process for the hazard detection bands 10 (10L, 10R) is the same for both the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R. Therefore, Figure 7 shows the case of the hazard detection band 10L for the left foot WL as a representative example.

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates the operation of detecting hazardous areas during work at height using the hazardous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R).

[0046] Figure 9 illustrates the hazard detection operation (forward / backward direction) during work on the access floor AF using the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R).

[0047] Figure 10 illustrates the hazard detection operation (left-right direction) when working on the access floor AF using the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R).

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the hazard detection bands 10 (10L, 10R) are attached to the left and right ankles La, Ra of worker W. When the power is turned on using the power buttons 15L, 15R, the control unit 21 illuminates the power lamps on the power buttons 15L, 15R to notify the outside, including worker W, that the system is in operation (step S1).

[0049] In this state, where there are no dangerous areas around the worker W's feet, such as open spaces or openings H that could cause falls or drops, the control unit 21 determines that all spatial distances around the feet, measured by the first distance sensor 11L1 (11R1) to the fifth distance sensor 11L5 (11R5), are less than a preset distance D (e.g., 40 cm) (step S2 (YES)), and maintains the deactivation of the warning vibration unit 17L (17R) (step S3).

[0050] This state of no detected hazardous area means that the distance measuring beams Bm1 to Bm5 from all distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 of the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R are in contact with the floor surface around the worker's feet. For example, when working on the scaffolding 31 shown in Figure 8(A) or on the work platform 32 shown in Figure 8(B), the worker's feet (WL) are in a safe position, a certain distance inside the edge 31F of the scaffolding 31 or work platform 32, as shown in Figure 8(C). Similarly, when working on the access floor AF shown in Figures 9 and 10, the worker's feet (WL) (WR) are in a safe position, a certain distance away from the opening H, as shown in Figures 9(A)(C) and 10(A)(C).

[0051] On the other hand, if, for example, as shown in Figure 8(D)(E), the worker W's feet (WL) come very close to the edge 31F of the scaffolding 31 or work platform 32, creating a dangerous situation, or if, for example, as shown in Figure 9(B)(D) and Figure 10(B)(D), the worker W's feet (WL)(WR) come very close to the opening H, creating a dangerous situation (dangerous location detected), the control unit 21 determines that the spatial distance around the worker's feet, measured by the distance measuring beam Bmn of at least one of the first distance sensors 11Ln(11Rn) to the fifth distance sensors 11L5(11R5), is greater than or equal to a preset distance D (40 cm in this case) (step S4(YES)).

[0052] In this case, the control units 21 of the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R drive the warning vibration units 17L (17R) of the left foot WL or right foot WR (or both feet WL and WR) that are in a hazardous area detection state to generate a warning vibration VB, thereby intuitively warning the worker W of approaching a hazardous area where there is a risk of falling or tipping over (step S5).

[0053] Worker W can immediately recognize that the edge 31F of the scaffolding 31 or work platform 32, or the opening H, is approaching the foot on the side where they feel the warning vibration VB, creating a dangerous situation, and can avoid the danger by moving away from the spot or not getting any closer.

[0054] At this point, if the danger is avoided and all spatial distances around the feet measured by the first distance sensor 11L1 (11R1) to the fifth distance sensor 11L5 (11R5) become less than the preset distance D, and the system returns to a state where no danger is detected (step S2 (YES)), the control unit 21 stops driving the warning vibration unit 17L (17R) and stops the warning vibration VB (step S3).

[0055] Figure 11 illustrates the hazard detection operation when using the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) in a scenario where a fall from a height occurs during work.

[0056] If worker W were to accidentally slip off the edge 31F of the scaffolding 31 or work platform 32, or step into the opening H, and fall as shown in Figure 11, both of their feet WL and WR would be suspended in the air, causing the distance measuring beams Bm1 to Bm5 from either of the distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 of the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R to be output into the space corresponding to the opening H.

[0057] In this case, the control unit 21 determines that all spatial distances around the feet measured by the first distance sensor 11L1 (11R1) to the fifth distance sensor 11L5 (11R5) are greater than or equal to a preset distance D (40 cm in this case) (step S6 (YES)). Then, it establishes a communication connection with the other pair of detection bands (in this case, the detection hand 10R for the right foot WR) via the short-range wireless communication unit 23 and transmits an alarm notification signal (step S7), and waits to receive an alarm notification signal from the other pair of detection bands (the detection hand 10R for the right foot WR) (step S8).

[0058] When an alarm notification signal is received from the other pair of detection bands (detection hand 10R for the right foot WR) (step S8 (YES)), the control unit 21 determines that a situation has occurred in which the worker W has fallen, based on the determination that a spatial distance of set distance D or more has been measured by all distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 of the left and right detection bands 10L and 10R.

[0059] The control unit 21 drives the alarm unit 16L (16R) to output an alarm sound BZ, alerting third parties in the surrounding area, including the site of the incident, that worker W has fallen (step S9).

[0060] At worker W's work site and its surroundings, the situation of worker W falling can be immediately recognized, and worker W can be rescued as quickly as possible.

[0061] (Summary of the embodiments) According to the embodiment of the hazardous area detection band 10 (10L, 10R), it comprises a band-shaped left foot detection band 10L and a right foot detection band 10R that are wrapped around the left and right ankles La and Ra of the worker W. Distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5, which are distributed in the longitudinal direction on the surface of the detection bands 10L and 10R, output a downward measuring beam Bm targeting the area around the feet of the left foot WL and right foot WR to measure the distance in space.

[0062] If at least one of the multiple distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5, 11R1 to 11R5 measures a spatial distance greater than or equal to a set distance D, a warning vibration unit 17L (17R) built into the detection band 10L (10R) on the side having the distance sensor 11Ln (11Rn) that measured the spatial distance (≧D) generates a warning vibration VB. This intuitively warns the worker W that the foot WL (WR) on the side generating the warning vibration VB is approaching a dangerous area (such as an opening H or the edge 31F of the scaffolding 31 or work platform 32) where there is a risk of falling or tipping over.

[0063] If the spatial distance measured by the distance sensor 11Ln (11Rn) returns from being greater than or equal to the set distance D to less than the set distance D, the warning vibration VB from the warning vibration unit 17L (17R) is stopped, intuitively informing the worker W that they have moved away from the hazardous area.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the hazard detection bands 10 (10L, 10R) of this embodiment, if a spatial distance greater than or equal to the set distance D is measured by all distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5, an alarm notification signal is transmitted and received between one detection band 10L and the other detection band 10R via the short-range wireless communication unit 23, thereby sharing the fact that both feet WL and WR of worker W are suspended in the air. Then, the alarm units 16L and 16R output an alarm sound BZ to warn third parties in the surrounding area, including the site of the incident, that worker W has fallen.

[0065] According to the hazard detection band 10 (10L, 10R) of this embodiment, even in a work site where noises from various tasks intersect, workers W can be directly and effectively warned of approaching hazardous areas where there is a risk of falling or tipping over by warning vibration VB. Moreover, even in a work site that is vast and has various hazardous areas, warnings can be efficiently provided without the need to individually install numerous alarm devices at each site.

[0066] Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively and efficiently prevent falls and drops in dangerous locations such as high places and openings.

[0067] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, fall alarm units 16L and 16R are provided on both the left and right hazard detection bands 10L and 10R. When the spatial distance measured by all distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 and 11R1 to 11R5 on both detection bands 10L and 10R exceeds a set distance D, this state is shared between the detection bands 10L and 10R via the short-range wireless communication unit 23, and both fall alarm units 16L and 16R are driven to output an alarm sound BZ.

[0068] In contrast, if the spatial distance measured by all distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 (11R1 to 11R5) of one detection band 10L (10R) becomes greater than or equal to the set distance D, that detection band 10L (10R) may independently drive the fall alarm unit 16L (16R) and output an alarm sound BZ without sharing information with the other detection band 10R (10L) via the short-range wireless communication unit 23.

[0069] Alternatively, a fall alarm unit 16L (or 16R) may be provided on only one detection band 10L (or 10R), and when the distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 of the one detection band 10L measure a spatial distance of set distance D or more, and the distance sensors 11L1 to 11L5 of the other detection band 10R measure a spatial distance of set distance D or more, the one detection band 10L receives an alarm notification signal from the other detection band 10R, thereby driving the fall alarm unit 16L of the one detection band 10L.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the left and right hazard detection bands 10L and 10R are provided with the power buttons (power lamps) 15L and 15R, fall alarm units 16L and 16R, and warning vibration units 17L and 17R positioned symmetrically on the left and right sides, excluding the buckles 12L and 12R, from the viewpoint of operability and functionality. However, a pair of hazard detection bands with the same configuration (for example, 10 and 10) can be attached to the left and right ankles La and Ra of the worker W, respectively, and operated in the same manner as in the above embodiment to provide a warning of approaching a hazardous area by warning vibration VB and a warning of falling by alarm sound BZ.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the setting distance D for determining whether the downward spatial distance around the feet of the worker W, measured by the distance sensors 11Ln and 11Rn, is, for example, an opening H in the floor F or outside the edge 31F of the scaffolding 31 or work platform 32, was set to, for example, 40 cm. Of course, the setting distance D is not limited to this, and should be set appropriately considering the attachment position of the hazard detection bands 10L and 10R on the worker W and the changes in height associated with the work.

[0072] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 10L, 10R... Hazardous area detection band, 11L1~11L5, 11R1~11R5... Distance sensor, Bm1~Bm5... Distance measuring beam, D... Set distance, 12L, 12R... Buckle, 13L1~13L5, 13R1~13R5... Sensor unit, 14L1~14L6, 14R1~14R6... Extendable band unit, 15L, 15R... Power button (power lamp), 16L, 16R... Fall alarm unit, BZ... Alarm sound, 17L, 17R... Warning vibration unit, VB... Warning vibration, 18L, 18R... Control device, 21... Control unit (CPU), 22... Memory unit, 23... Short-range wireless communication unit, 24... Rechargeable battery, W... Worker, La, Ra... Ankle, F... Floor, H... Opening, 31... Scaffolding, 32... Workbench.

Claims

1. A band that is wrapped around each of the left and right ankles, Multiple distance sensors are provided on the surface of the band, which is wrapped around each of the left and right ankles, with each of them measuring the spatial distance downward around the foot to which the band is wrapped. The bands, which are wrapped around and attached to the left and right ankles respectively, are provided with a vibrating part that generates vibrations, A control unit generates vibration in the vibrating section when a spatial distance greater than or equal to a preset distance is measured by at least one of the multiple distance sensors provided distributed longitudinally on the surface of the band, A hazardous area detection band equipped with this feature.

2. The distance sensor is positioned such that, with the band attached to the ankle, the direction in which the spatial distance is measured is inclined at a certain angle outward from the direction in which the band hangs down. The hazardous location detection band according to claim 1.

3. A band that is wrapped around the ankle, Multiple distance sensors are provided on the surface of the band, distributed in the longitudinal direction, each of which measures the spatial distance downward around the feet to which the band is wrapped. A vibrating part is provided on the aforementioned band and generates vibrations, A control unit that generates vibration in the vibration unit when a spatial distance greater than or equal to a preset distance is measured by at least one of the plurality of distance sensors, Equipped with, The distance sensor is positioned to face at least five directions when the band is worn around the ankle: two diagonal directions to the left and right that do not directly face the toes, two directions to the left and right sides, and one direction directly behind. Hazardous area detection band.

4. The control unit, after generating vibration in the vibrating unit, stops the vibration of the vibrating unit when the measured spatial distance returns to less than the set distance. A hazardous location detection band according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A band that is wrapped around the ankle, Multiple distance sensors are provided on the surface of the band, distributed in the longitudinal direction, each of which measures the spatial distance downward around the feet to which the band is wrapped. A vibrating part is provided on the aforementioned band and generates vibrations, A control unit that generates vibration in the vibration unit when a spatial distance greater than or equal to a preset distance is measured by at least one of the plurality of distance sensors, The aforementioned band includes an alarm unit that outputs an alarm sound, Equipped with, The control unit causes the alarm unit to output an alarm sound when a spatial distance greater than or equal to the set distance is measured by all of the multiple distance sensors. Hazardous area detection band.

6. The aforementioned hazard detection band comprises a pair of bands that are attached to the left and right ankles, respectively. The hazardous location detection band according to claim 5.

7. Each of the aforementioned pair of bands is provided with a communication unit that communicates with each other, The control unit, when all of the distance sensors of the plurality of distance sensors measure a spatial distance greater than or equal to the set distance, transmits an alarm notification signal to the other party's band via the communication unit, and when it receives an alarm notification signal from the other party's band via the communication unit, causes the alarm unit to output an alarm sound. The hazardous location detection band according to claim 6.

8. A band that is wrapped around each of the left and right ankles, Multiple distance sensors are provided on the surface of the band, which is wrapped around each of the left and right ankles, with each of them measuring the spatial distance downward around the foot to which the band is wrapped. The bands, which are wrapped around and attached to the left and right ankles respectively, are provided with a vibrating part that generates vibrations, The control unit of the hazardous area detection band equipped with, When a spatial distance greater than or equal to a preset distance is measured by at least one of the multiple distance sensors provided distributed longitudinally on the surface of the band, vibration is generated in the vibrating section. A method for detecting dangerous areas.

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