Safety helmet-mounted device and control method for providing warnings according to risk levels based on DC voltage magnitude

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety helmet-integrated device for warning of the risk of electric shock to a worker around power facilities to which a DC voltage is applied, comprising: a voltage sensing unit that detects the magnitude of a DC voltage and generates a voltage sensing signal based on an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential by a DC voltage formed from a DC power facility; a risk determination unit that, based on the voltage sensing signal provided by the voltage sensing unit, compares the magnitude value of the DC voltage corresponding to the electrical potential difference with a plurality of preset voltage threshold values, and classifies and determines the DC voltage into at least one of a plurality of preset risk stages according to the comparison result; and an alarm output unit that outputs different alarm signals according to the plurality of risk stages in response to the determination result of the risk determination unit. The present invention provides a safety helmet-integrated device that provides an alarm according to a risk level based on the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, comprising a voltage detection unit, a risk determination unit, and a control unit that controls the operation of the voltage detection unit, the risk determination unit, the alarm output unit, and the control unit, wherein the voltage detection unit, the risk determination unit, the alarm output unit, and the control unit are mounted on an electronic circuit board and installed inside a single housing, and wherein the housing is coupled to a safety helmet and performs an electric shock risk alarm function while worn on a worker's head.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety device for recognizing and warning of the risk of electric shock to a worker in advance around power facilities to which a DC voltage is applied. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety helmet-integrated electric shock risk alarm device and its control technology, which is configured to detect the magnitude of a DC voltage based on an electrical potential difference formed from a DC power facility, determine a risk level by comparing the detected magnitude of the DC voltage with a plurality of voltage threshold values, and then output an alarm signal according to the result of the determination.

[0002] The present invention belongs to a technical field configured to determine the presence and magnitude of DC voltage using an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential as a detection criterion in a work environment where DC voltage, rather than AC voltage, is applied, such as railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities, and to provide a risk level warning classified into a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage according to the result of the determination.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electronic circuit-based device configuration in which a voltage sensing unit, a risk judgment unit, an alarm output unit, and a control unit are integrated and arranged within a single housing, based on a device structure that operates while being coupled to a safety helmet and worn on a worker's head, and a wear-state linked electric shock risk alarm technology in which the alarm output method or intensity is controlled according to the worker's wearing state.

[0004] In addition, the present invention belongs to a technical field that can be applied in facility environments where DC voltage is applied, such as KEPCO HVDC facilities, KEPCO LVDC facilities, railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities, and can also be applied in facility environments where DC voltage is formed and operated from renewable energy-based power sources, such as solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, and ESS. In particular, it relates to a technology that provides warnings of the risk of electric shock in stages by utilizing the electrical potential difference formed around a worker in an environment where DC voltage-based power conversion, storage, and supply facilities are increasing due to the expansion of renewable energy sources and ESS. Background Technology

[0006] In general, high-voltage DC power sources are widely used in railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities for reasons such as reducing power loss, improving control efficiency, and ensuring facility stability. In these facility environments, inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement work are frequently performed while DC voltages ranging from hundreds to thousands of volts are constantly applied.

[0007] Recently, with the proliferation of KEPCO's HVDC facilities, the operation of DC power-based facilities is increasing in data centers, industrial complexes, and railway power facilities, and various low-voltage DC-based distribution environments are also being introduced, such as the application and expansion of KEPCO's LVDC facilities. In addition, as renewable energy facilities such as solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, and ESS often handle DC voltage directly or form DC link sections during the generation, storage, and conversion processes, there is a growing trend of inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement work in DC voltage environments.

[0008] Around power equipment to which DC voltage is applied, even if a worker does not directly contact the power equipment, an electrical potential difference may form between different positions of the worker's body or between the worker's body and a reference potential. This electrical potential difference varies depending on the worker's approach distance, body posture, equipment worn, and the grounding status of the work environment, and can lead to an electric shock accident if certain conditions are met.

[0009] In particular, compared to AC voltage environments, DC voltage environments are characterized by the constant polarity of the current and the absence of periodic voltage fluctuations. Consequently, in cases of electric shock caused by DC voltage, instantaneous muscle contraction or reflexive withdrawal reactions often do not occur or are delayed, which can lead to the electric shock persisting without the worker immediately recognizing the dangerous situation. As a result, electric shock accidents in DC voltage environments are highly likely to lead to severe injury or fatal consequences.

[0010] Conventional electric shock hazard alarm technology is primarily based on methods that simply detect the presence of voltage or generate a uniform alarm when a voltage exceeding a certain level is detected. While this technology has the advantage of being relatively simple to implement, it has limitations in that it fails to adequately reflect the complexity and risk factors of actual work environments. For example, even with the same DC voltage, railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and industrial DC facilities differ in permissible approach distances, permissible potential differences for the human body, work procedures, and risk standards. Nevertheless, conventional technology often generates alarms based on the same voltage standard without considering the specific characteristics of each installation environment, resulting in problems such as unnecessary repeated alarms in situations with low actual risk, or conversely, insufficient alarms being provided in situations with high risk.

[0011] Furthermore, conventional technology has mostly determined the level of risk based solely on the instantaneous magnitude of the voltage. However, in a DC voltage environment, the degree of risk can differ between cases where the voltage exceeds a threshold for a short period and cases where the voltage persists for a certain duration, even if it is relatively low. Simple judgment methods that do not consider factors such as voltage duration, voltage change patterns, and the presence of stable zones make it difficult to accurately reflect the actual risk of electric shock.

[0012] Meanwhile, conventional electric shock hazard alarm devices have often relied on auditory or simple vibration alarms as their means of alarm output. However, railway and industrial sites frequently experience high levels of operational noise, and auditory perception is often limited due to the wearing of protective equipment. Consequently, even if an alarm is triggered, workers may fail to recognize it or experience a delay in recognizing it.

[0013] Even in the case of vibration alarms, there was a problem where the reliability of alarm recognition was reduced because the vibration of the device body was not effectively transmitted to the worker's body or could not be distinguished from external vibrations occurring during work. In particular, in the case of a device combined with a safety helmet, there was a limitation in that it was difficult for the worker to clearly perceive the danger tactilely when the vibration was transmitted only to the outer shell of the safety helmet.

[0014] Furthermore, conventional electric shock alarm devices mostly output alarms without considering whether the worker is wearing protective equipment properly. If the same alarm is emitted even when a safety helmet is not worn or the chin strap is not fastened, not only is the effectiveness of the warning reduced, but it is also difficult to achieve the original purpose of ensuring worker safety.

[0015] In particular, in the case of safety helmets, although the state of contact with the head and tactile transmission characteristics can vary significantly depending on the wearing structure consisting of an inner support, a circumference adjustment part, and a chin strap, conventional technology has not sufficiently proposed a technology that links such a safety helmet wearing structure with an alarm output means.

[0016] Furthermore, in the case of safety helmet-integrated devices equipped with electronic circuits, self-diagnostic functions that allow workers to check in advance whether the voltage detection unit, alarm output unit, and control unit are operating normally were often absent or provided only in a limited manner. This can lead to a problem where workers continue to perform tasks without realizing that the device is malfunctioning.

[0017] Against this backdrop, in power equipment work environments where DC voltage is applied, there is a continuously increasing demand for new electric shock risk warning technology that can comprehensively implement, rather than simple voltage detection or uniform alarm output, DC voltage magnitude determination based on electrical potential difference, voltage thresholds that can be set according to the installation environment, risk assessment considering the duration and change pattern of the voltage state, alarm control reflecting the wearing status of protective equipment, and tactile-centered alarm delivery linked to the safety helmet wearing structure. Prior art literature

[0019] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1494802 (Safety helmet for preventing proximity hazards) The problem to be solved

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a safety technology that supports workers in recognizing and avoiding the risk of electric shock that may occur while workers are performing work around power facilities to which DC voltage is applied.

[0021] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide an electric shock risk alarm technology that detects the magnitude of a DC voltage based on an electrical potential difference and utilizes it as a criterion for determining risk, based on the observation that a risk of electric shock may occur due to an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential, even when a worker is not in direct contact with DC power equipment.

[0022] Furthermore, considering that the instantaneous magnitude of the voltage alone is insufficient to adequately reflect the actual risk of electric shock due to the characteristics of a DC voltage environment, the present invention aims to determine the risk level by comparing the magnitude of the DC voltage with multiple voltage thresholds and also taking into account the duration for which the voltage state is maintained. Through this, the invention aims to distinguish between temporary voltage fluctuations and continuous risk states, and to enable the assessment of electric shock risk suitable for the work environment.

[0023] Furthermore, reflecting the fact that allowable voltage standards and work safety standards vary depending on the installation environment, such as railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities, the present invention aims to provide a structure capable of selectively applying multiple voltage threshold values ​​according to installation environment information. Through this, the invention aims to improve the universality and practicality of the device by enabling the same device to be applied in different DC power facility environments.

[0024] The above installation environment information may be included as information capable of identifying at least one of KEPCO HVDC facilities, KEPCO LVDC facilities, solar power generation facilities, ESS linked facilities, railway power facilities, and industrial DC facilities, and the objective is to enable the provision of alarms that meet site-specific safety standards by selecting and applying a voltage threshold corresponding to the above installation environment information.

[0025] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a warning means that can be directly perceived through the worker's body without relying on auditory warnings, so that the electric shock risk warning is reliably conveyed to the worker. In particular, it aims to provide a touch-based warning so that the worker can immediately perceive the risk of electric shock even in work environments where auditory perception is limited due to loud work noise or the wearing of protective equipment.

[0026] Furthermore, considering that the effectiveness of alarm transmission may vary depending on whether a safety helmet is worn, the present invention aims to detect the wearing status of a safety helmet and to control whether to output an alarm signal, the output method, or the output intensity according to the wearing status. Through this, the purpose is to ensure that the alarm function is performed as effectively as possible when the safety helmet is properly worn, and to enable the worker to perceive danger even when the helmet is incompletely worn.

[0027] Furthermore, considering that the electric shock hazard alarm device is integrated with a safety helmet, the present invention aims to provide an alarm transmission structure linked to a wearing structure such as an inner support, circumference adjustment part, or chin strap of the safety helmet. Through this, the goal is to ensure that the alarm signal is not merely generated within the device but is effectively transmitted to the worker's head or the lower part of the chin while the safety helmet is worn.

[0028] Furthermore, considering that an electric shock hazard alarm device including an electronic circuit is used in field work, the present invention aims to provide a self-diagnostic function that enables a worker to recognize whether the voltage detection unit and the alarm output unit are operating normally. Through this, the purpose is to prevent a situation where a worker relies on the electric shock hazard alarm function and performs work even when the device is in a faulty state.

[0029] In summary, the present invention aims to solve the problem of providing an electric shock risk warning technology that contributes to the prevention of electric shock accidents and the improvement of work safety in DC power facility work environments by more precisely determining the risk of electric shock that a worker may face in a DC voltage environment and providing a warning intuitively transmitted through the worker's body, taking into account the work environment and wearing condition. means of solving the problem

[0031] A safety helmet-integrated device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which provides an alarm based on a risk level based on the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, is a safety helmet-integrated device for alarming the risk of electric shock to a worker around power facilities to which a DC voltage is applied, comprising: a voltage sensing unit that detects the magnitude of a DC voltage and generates a voltage sensing signal based on an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential by a DC voltage formed from a DC power facility; a risk level determination unit that, based on the voltage sensing signal provided by the voltage sensing unit, compares the magnitude value of the DC voltage corresponding to the electrical potential difference with a plurality of preset voltage threshold values, and classifies and determines the DC voltage into at least one of a plurality of preset risk levels according to the comparison result; and an alarm output unit that outputs different alarm signals according to the plurality of risk levels in response to the determination result of the risk level determination unit. It includes a control unit that controls the operation of the voltage detection unit, the risk determination unit, and the alarm output unit, wherein the voltage detection unit, the risk determination unit, the alarm output unit, and the control unit are mounted on an electronic circuit board and installed inside a single housing, and the housing is coupled to a safety helmet and performs an electric shock risk alarm function while worn on a worker's head.

[0032] The above risk determination unit can compare the magnitude of a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​stored in or set by the control unit with the magnitude of the DC voltage provided by the voltage detection unit, and classify the DC voltage into at least one risk stage among a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage.

[0033] The above alarm output unit can output an alarm signal that generates a sound in response to the above pre-warning stage, generates vibration in the safety helmet in response to the above warning stage, and generates a stimulus that can be physically detected by the worker while wearing the safety helmet in response to the above emergency danger stage.

[0034] The above voltage sensing unit can generate a voltage sensing signal indicating the presence or absence of a DC voltage and a voltage value corresponding to the magnitude of the DC voltage, using the electrical potential difference formed according to the presence of a DC voltage as a detection standard.

[0035] The above control unit can store a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​set to correspond to at least one of low-voltage DC, medium-voltage DC, and high-voltage DC, respectively.

[0036] The above risk determination unit can measure the duration during which the voltage detection signal is maintained above a voltage threshold and apply it as a determination criterion.

[0037] The above-mentioned risk determination unit receives installation environment information corresponding to at least one of railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, or DC power-based industrial facilities, and can selectively apply a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​corresponding to said installation environment information.

[0038] The above risk determination unit can control whether to output an alarm signal, the output method, or the output intensity of the alarm output unit based on wearing status determination information from a wearing detection sensor for determining whether the safety helmet is worn on the worker's head.

[0039] The above safety helmet may include at least one of an inner support member positioned along the outer shape of the worker's head and in contact with the head when worn, a circumference adjustment member that adjusts the wearing state corresponding to the circumference of the worker's head, and a chin strap positioned along the lower part of the worker's chin to maintain the wearing state of the safety helmet.

[0040] The above alarm output unit may include a vibration generating unit fixedly disposed on at least one of the inner support or the chin strap.

[0041] The vibration generating unit may include a vibrator configured to vibrate at a preset frequency and amplitude according to a driving signal applied from the control unit, and when an alarm signal corresponding to the emergency danger stage is output, the vibrator is driven according to the control of the control unit so that vibration transmitted through the chin strap is transmitted to the lower part of the worker's chin or vibration transmitted through the inner support is transmitted to the worker's head, thereby allowing the worker to tactilely perceive the risk of electric shock while wearing a safety helmet, and the driving time and vibration intensity of the vibrator are controlled differently according to the danger stage so that the pre-warning stage, the warning stage, and the emergency danger stage can be tactilely distinguished.

[0042] The above vibration generating unit can be configured so that the length, connection position, and tightening state of the chin strap are not changed even when an alarm signal corresponding to the above emergency danger stage is output, thereby maintaining the wearing stability and head protection function of the safety helmet even while the alarm operation by vibration is performed.

[0043] The above safety helmet may include an outer shell exposed to the outside.

[0044] A display unit controlled by the control unit may be mounted on the outer shell.

[0045] The above display unit includes a light-emitting element, and when the level of danger is determined to be an emergency danger level by the above-determined danger level, the alarm output unit drives the display unit according to an alarm control signal output from the above-determined control unit so that the light-emitting element is turned on or flashes, thereby allowing a worker wearing a safety helmet or a nearby worker to visually recognize the risk of electric shock.

[0046] The control unit may perform a self-diagnosis operation to periodically check the operating status of the voltage detection unit and the alarm output unit, and if, as a result of the self-diagnosis operation, it is determined that the voltage detection signal of the voltage detection unit deviates from the normal range or that the alarm signal output of the alarm output unit is not functioning normally, the control unit may output a fault alarm signal that is distinct from the electric shock risk alarm through the alarm output unit, thereby enabling the worker to recognize whether the electric shock risk alarm function is functioning normally while wearing the safety helmet. Effects of the invention

[0048] A safety helmet-integrated device according to the present invention, which provides an alarm based on a risk level according to the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, detects the magnitude of the DC voltage and determines the risk level based on the electrical potential difference formed during the process of a worker performing work around power equipment to which DC voltage is applied, thereby providing the effect of enabling a worker to recognize the risk of electric shock in advance even without direct contact with power equipment.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention does not determine the magnitude of the DC voltage based on a single standard, but rather distinguishes risk levels by comparing it with multiple voltage thresholds, thereby going beyond a simple determination of the presence of voltage and providing the effect of recognizing the level of actual meaningful electric shock risk in a work environment in stages.

[0050] In particular, according to the present invention, by applying the duration for which the DC voltage is maintained above a voltage threshold as a judgment criterion, it is possible to prevent false alarms caused by temporary voltage fluctuations and to more accurately determine a continuous voltage condition that actually poses a risk to the worker.

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention provides versatility and practicality by allowing the same device to be applied to various DC power equipment environments, as it enables the selective application of multiple voltage threshold values ​​corresponding to installation environment information, so as to reflect different voltage standards depending on the installation environment, such as railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities.

[0052] In addition, the present invention allows for the selective application of voltage thresholds by reflecting operating conditions in DC power facility environments including KEPCO HVDC facilities and KEPCO LVDC facilities, and in renewable energy-based facility environments including photovoltaic power generation facilities and ESS, thereby providing field applicability and practicality to respond to the expanding trend of DC voltage-based facilities.

[0053] In addition, the present invention provides a tactile warning means that can be directly perceived through the worker's body while wearing a safety helmet, rather than relying on a simple auditory signal for the electric shock risk warning, thereby providing the effect of reliably recognizing the risk of electric shock even in work environments where work noise is loud or auditory perception is limited due to the wearing of protective equipment.

[0054] In particular, according to the present invention, by providing tactile stimulation directly transmitted to the head or lower jaw through a vibration generating unit linked to the inner support or chin strap of a safety helmet, the effect is provided that a worker can immediately perceive danger and take avoidance action without relying on sight or hearing.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention detects the wearing status of a safety helmet and controls whether, how, or how much an alarm signal is output according to the wearing status, thereby maximizing the efficiency of alarm transmission when the safety helmet is properly worn and enabling the worker to recognize the risk of electric shock even when the helmet is incompletely worn.

[0056] In addition, the present invention is configured such that the vibration generating unit does not change the length, connection position, or tightening state of the chin strap even during alarm operation, thereby providing the effect of preventing the wearing stability and head protection function of the safety helmet from being degraded during the alarm provision process.

[0057] In addition, the present invention can visually display the risk of electric shock through a display unit positioned on the outer side of the safety helmet, thereby providing the effect of enabling not only the worker themselves but also surrounding workers or managers to immediately recognize the dangerous situation and respond jointly.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by providing a self-diagnostic function that checks the operating status of the voltage detection unit and the alarm output unit, it is possible to prevent a situation where an operator relies on the electric shock risk alarm function and performs work in a state of device malfunction or failure, thereby providing the effect of simultaneously improving the reliability of the device and work safety.

[0059] Overall, the present invention provides the effect of substantially contributing to the prevention of electric shock accidents and the improvement of work safety in DC power facility work environments by precisely determining the risk of electric shock that a worker may face in a DC voltage environment and communicating it in a physically perceptible manner, taking into account the wearing status and work environment.

[0060] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0062] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the usage state of a safety helmet-coupled device that warns of the risk of electric shock in a DC voltage environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a safety helmet-coupled device for warning of electric shock risk in a DC voltage environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a judgment flow for classifying a risk level by comparing a voltage detection signal with a voltage threshold table according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control flow for selecting a voltage threshold based on installation environment information input according to an embodiment of the present invention, and determining the risk level using the selected voltage threshold. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow for detecting the wearing status of a safety helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention and controlling an alarm output operation based on the result of determining the wearing status. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0064] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed forms, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the technical concept.

[0065] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms should be interpreted solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0066] For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

[0067] When it is stated that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled with that other component, or that there may be other components in between.

[0068] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0070] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiments, such detailed description is omitted.

[0071] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0072] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the depicted details. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Where terms such as "includes," "has," or "is made up" are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. Where a component is expressed in the singular, it includes cases where it includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0074] In interpreting the components, they are interpreted to include a margin of error even in the absence of a separate explicit statement.

[0075] In the case of describing positional relationships, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described using expressions such as 'on,' 'upper,' 'lower,' or 'next to,' one or more other parts may be located between the two parts unless 'immediately' or 'directly' is used.

[0076] When elements or layers are referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or element is placed directly on top of or in between. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0077] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the illustrated components.

[0078] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical interlocking and operation are possible, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or together in an interlocking relationship.

[0080] The present invention relates to a safety device for recognizing and warning of the risk of electric shock to a worker in advance around power facilities to which a DC voltage is applied. More specifically, the invention relates to a safety helmet-integrated electric shock risk alarm device and its control technology, which is configured to detect the magnitude of a DC voltage based on an electrical potential difference formed from a DC power facility, determine a risk level by comparing the detected magnitude of the DC voltage with a plurality of voltage threshold values, and then output an alarm signal according to the result of the determination.

[0081] The present invention belongs to a technical field configured to determine the presence and magnitude of DC voltage using an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential as a detection criterion in a work environment where DC voltage, rather than AC voltage, is applied, such as railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities, and to provide a risk level warning classified into a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage according to the result of the determination.

[0082] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electronic circuit-based device configuration in which a voltage sensing unit, a risk judgment unit, an alarm output unit, and a control unit are integrated and arranged within a single housing, based on a device structure that operates while being coupled to a safety helmet and worn on a worker's head, and a wear-state linked electric shock risk alarm technology in which the alarm output method or intensity is controlled according to the worker's wearing state.

[0083] In addition, the present invention belongs to a technical field that can be applied in facility environments where DC voltage is applied, such as KEPCO HVDC facilities, KEPCO LVDC facilities, railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities, and can also be applied in facility environments where DC voltage is formed and operated from renewable energy-based power sources, such as solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, and ESS. In particular, it relates to a technology that provides warnings of the risk of electric shock in stages by utilizing the electrical potential difference formed around a worker in an environment where DC voltage-based power conversion, storage, and supply facilities are increasing due to the expansion of renewable energy sources and ESS.

[0085] However, generally, high-voltage DC power is widely used in railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities for reasons such as reducing power loss, improving control efficiency, and ensuring facility stability. In these facility environments, inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement work is frequently performed while DC voltages ranging from hundreds to thousands of volts are constantly applied.

[0086] Recently, with the proliferation of KEPCO's HVDC facilities, the operation of DC power-based facilities is increasing in data centers, industrial complexes, and railway power facilities, and various low-voltage DC-based distribution environments are also being introduced, such as the application and expansion of KEPCO's LVDC facilities. In addition, as renewable energy facilities such as solar power generation facilities, wind power generation facilities, and ESS often handle DC voltage directly or form DC link sections during the generation, storage, and conversion processes, there is a growing trend of inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement work in DC voltage environments.

[0087] Around power equipment to which DC voltage is applied, even if a worker does not directly contact the power equipment, an electrical potential difference may form between different positions of the worker's body or between the worker's body and a reference potential. This electrical potential difference varies depending on the worker's approach distance, body posture, equipment worn, and the grounding status of the work environment, and can lead to an electric shock accident if certain conditions are met.

[0088] In particular, compared to AC voltage environments, DC voltage environments are characterized by the constant polarity of the current and the absence of periodic voltage fluctuations. Consequently, in cases of electric shock caused by DC voltage, instantaneous muscle contraction or reflexive withdrawal reactions often do not occur or are delayed, which can lead to the electric shock persisting without the worker immediately recognizing the dangerous situation. As a result, electric shock accidents in DC voltage environments are highly likely to lead to severe injury or fatal consequences.

[0089] Conventional electric shock hazard alarm technology is primarily based on methods that simply detect the presence of voltage or generate a uniform alarm when a voltage exceeding a certain level is detected. While this technology has the advantage of being relatively simple to implement, it has limitations in that it fails to adequately reflect the complexity and risk factors of actual work environments. For example, even with the same DC voltage, railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and industrial DC facilities differ in permissible approach distances, permissible potential differences for the human body, work procedures, and risk standards. Nevertheless, conventional technology often generates alarms based on the same voltage standard without considering the specific characteristics of each installation environment, resulting in problems such as unnecessary repeated alarms in situations with low actual risk, or conversely, insufficient alarms being provided in situations with high risk.

[0090] Furthermore, conventional technology has mostly determined the level of risk based solely on the instantaneous magnitude of the voltage. However, in a DC voltage environment, the degree of risk can differ between cases where the voltage exceeds a threshold for a short period and cases where the voltage persists for a certain duration, even if it is relatively low. Simple judgment methods that do not consider factors such as voltage duration, voltage change patterns, and the presence of stable zones make it difficult to accurately reflect the actual risk of electric shock.

[0091] Meanwhile, conventional electric shock hazard alarm devices have often relied on auditory or simple vibration alarms as their means of alarm output. However, railway and industrial sites frequently experience high levels of operational noise, and auditory perception is often limited due to the wearing of protective equipment. Consequently, even if an alarm is triggered, workers may fail to recognize it or experience a delay in recognizing it.

[0092] Even in the case of vibration alarms, there was a problem where the reliability of alarm recognition was reduced because the vibration of the device body was not effectively transmitted to the worker's body or could not be distinguished from external vibrations occurring during work. In particular, in the case of a device combined with a safety helmet, there was a limitation in that it was difficult for the worker to clearly perceive the danger tactilely when the vibration was transmitted only to the outer shell of the safety helmet.

[0093] Furthermore, conventional electric shock alarm devices mostly output alarms without considering whether the worker is wearing protective equipment properly. If the same alarm is emitted even when a safety helmet is not worn or the chin strap is not fastened, not only is the effectiveness of the warning reduced, but it is also difficult to achieve the original purpose of ensuring worker safety.

[0094] In particular, in the case of safety helmets, although the state of contact with the head and tactile transmission characteristics can vary significantly depending on the wearing structure consisting of an inner support, a circumference adjustment part, and a chin strap, conventional technology has not sufficiently proposed a technology that links such a safety helmet wearing structure with an alarm output means.

[0095] Furthermore, in the case of safety helmet-integrated devices equipped with electronic circuits, self-diagnostic functions that allow workers to check in advance whether the voltage detection unit, alarm output unit, and control unit are operating normally were often absent or provided only in a limited manner. This can lead to a problem where workers continue to perform tasks without realizing that the device is malfunctioning.

[0096] Against this backdrop, in power equipment work environments where DC voltage is applied, there is a continuously increasing demand for new electric shock risk warning technology that can comprehensively implement, rather than simple voltage detection or uniform alarm output, DC voltage magnitude determination based on electrical potential difference, voltage thresholds that can be set according to the installation environment, risk assessment considering the duration and change pattern of the voltage state, alarm control reflecting the wearing status of protective equipment, and tactile-centered alarm delivery linked to the safety helmet wearing structure.

[0098] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a safety technology that supports workers in recognizing and avoiding the risk of electric shock that may occur while workers are performing work around power facilities to which DC voltage is applied.

[0099] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide an electric shock risk alarm technology that detects the magnitude of a DC voltage based on an electrical potential difference and utilizes it as a criterion for determining risk, based on the observation that a risk of electric shock may occur due to an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential, even when a worker is not in direct contact with DC power equipment.

[0100] Furthermore, considering that the instantaneous magnitude of the voltage alone is insufficient to adequately reflect the actual risk of electric shock due to the characteristics of a DC voltage environment, the present invention aims to determine the risk level by comparing the magnitude of the DC voltage with multiple voltage thresholds and also taking into account the duration for which the voltage state is maintained. Through this, the invention aims to distinguish between temporary voltage fluctuations and continuous risk states, and to enable the assessment of electric shock risk suitable for the work environment.

[0101] Furthermore, reflecting the fact that allowable voltage standards and work safety standards vary depending on the installation environment, such as railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities, the present invention aims to provide a structure capable of selectively applying multiple voltage threshold values ​​according to installation environment information. Through this, the invention aims to improve the universality and practicality of the device by enabling the same device to be applied in different DC power facility environments.

[0102] The above installation environment information may be included as information capable of identifying at least one of KEPCO HVDC facilities, KEPCO LVDC facilities, solar power generation facilities, ESS linked facilities, railway power facilities, and industrial DC facilities, and the objective is to enable the provision of alarms that meet site-specific safety standards by selecting and applying a voltage threshold corresponding to the above installation environment information.

[0103] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a warning means that can be directly perceived through the worker's body without relying on auditory warnings, so that the electric shock risk warning is reliably conveyed to the worker. In particular, it aims to provide a touch-based warning so that the worker can immediately perceive the risk of electric shock even in work environments where auditory perception is limited due to loud work noise or the wearing of protective equipment.

[0104] Furthermore, considering that the effectiveness of alarm transmission may vary depending on whether a safety helmet is worn, the present invention aims to detect the wearing status of a safety helmet and to control whether to output an alarm signal, the output method, or the output intensity according to the wearing status. Through this, the purpose is to ensure that the alarm function is performed as effectively as possible when the safety helmet is properly worn, and to enable the worker to perceive danger even when the helmet is incompletely worn.

[0105] Furthermore, considering that the electric shock hazard alarm device is integrated with a safety helmet, the present invention aims to provide an alarm transmission structure linked to a wearing structure such as an inner support, circumference adjustment part, or chin strap of the safety helmet. Through this, the goal is to ensure that the alarm signal is not merely generated within the device but is effectively transmitted to the worker's head or the lower part of the chin while the safety helmet is worn.

[0106] Furthermore, considering that an electric shock hazard alarm device including an electronic circuit is used in field work, the present invention aims to provide a self-diagnostic function that enables a worker to recognize whether the voltage detection unit and the alarm output unit are operating normally. Through this, the purpose is to prevent a situation where a worker relies on the electric shock hazard alarm function and performs work even when the device is in a faulty state.

[0107] In summary, the present invention aims to solve the problem of providing an electric shock risk warning technology that contributes to the prevention of electric shock accidents and the improvement of work safety in DC power facility work environments by more precisely determining the risk of electric shock that a worker may face in a DC voltage environment and providing a warning intuitively transmitted through the worker's body, taking into account the work environment and wearing condition.

[0109] Hereinafter, a safety helmet-integrated device according to the present invention, which provides an alarm based on a risk level according to the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the following description, some components have been omitted from the drawings to facilitate clear understanding, but these are configurations that can be obviously implemented by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention in accordance with the claims and the detailed description. That is, the drawings of this specification are merely illustrative of specific embodiments, and it is obvious that configurations not described in the drawings are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the usage state of a safety helmet combined device for warning of electric shock risk in a DC voltage environment according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a safety helmet combined device for warning of electric shock risk in a DC voltage environment according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a judgment flow for classifying a risk level by comparing a voltage detection signal with a voltage threshold table according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control flow for selecting a voltage threshold based on installation environment information input and determining the risk level using the selected voltage threshold according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow for detecting the wearing state of a safety helmet and controlling an alarm output operation based on the result of determining the wearing state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 1, a safety helmet-coupled device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which provides an alarm based on a risk level according to the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, is configured to detect the risk of electric shock through a housing (500) coupled to a safety helmet (600) worn on the head of a worker in a work environment where there is an electrical potential difference formed from a DC power facility. At this time, the housing (500) is positioned to be coupled to the outside or inside of the safety helmet (600), and a voltage detection unit (100), a risk determination unit (200), an alarm output unit (300), and a control unit (400) can be accommodated inside the housing (500) in a state where they are mounted on an electronic circuit board.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 2, a safety helmet-type device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which provides an alarm based on a risk level according to the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, comprises a voltage detection unit (100), a risk level determination unit (200), an alarm output unit (300), and a control unit (400). The voltage detection unit (100) generates a voltage detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of the DC voltage based on an electrical potential difference formed from a DC power facility, and the risk level determination unit (200) determines the risk level of the DC voltage by comparing the voltage detection signal with a plurality of preset voltage threshold values. The alarm output unit (300) outputs different alarm signals in response to the determination result of the risk level determination unit (200), and the control unit (400) controls the operation of the voltage detection unit (100), the risk level determination unit (200), and the alarm output unit (300) overall.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 3, the risk determination unit (200) receives a voltage detection signal input from the voltage detection unit (100) and determines a risk level by comparing the magnitude value of the DC voltage included in the voltage detection signal with a voltage threshold table. Specifically, when a voltage detection signal is input, a voltage threshold table stored in the control unit (400) is referenced, and the magnitude of the DC voltage corresponding to the voltage detection signal is compared with a plurality of voltage thresholds included in the voltage threshold table. Based on the comparison result, the DC voltage is classified into at least one risk level among a pre-warning level, a warning level, or an emergency risk level and is determined by the risk determination unit (200).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit (400) selects a voltage threshold based on installation environment information input through the installation environment information input unit. The installation environment information is information for identifying at least one of railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, or DC power-based industrial facilities, and can be input through a switch combination, a selection button, or a setting interface. The control unit (400) selects at least one of a plurality of voltage thresholds stored in advance to correspond to the installation environment information, and the risk level determination unit (200) determines a risk level by comparing the voltage detection signal provided from the voltage detection unit (100) with the selected voltage threshold.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, a wear detection sensor is placed in the safety helmet (600) to detect whether the safety helmet (600) is properly worn on the worker's head. The wear detection sensor may be configured to be placed in an inner support to detect head contact, or placed in a chin strap fastening part to detect the fastening state of the chin strap. The control unit (400) determines the wearing state of the safety helmet (600) based on the wearing state determination information provided by the wear detection sensor, and controls the alarm output unit (300) to output an alarm signal only when it is determined that the safety helmet (600) is properly worn. Conversely, if it is determined that the safety helmet (600) is not properly worn, the method of outputting the alarm signal or the output intensity may be changed so that the worker can recognize the risk of electric shock.

[0119] Next, a safety helmet-type device (10) that provides an alarm according to a risk level based on the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to warn of the risk of electric shock to a worker around power equipment to which DC voltage is applied, and includes a voltage detection unit (100), a risk level determination unit (200), an alarm output unit (300), and a control unit (400).

[0120] The voltage detection unit (100), the risk determination unit (200), the alarm output unit (300), and the control unit (400) are mounted on an electronic circuit board and installed inside a housing (500). The housing (500) is coupled to a safety helmet (600) and performs an electric shock risk alarm function while worn on a worker's head. The housing (500) may be fixedly coupled to the outer shell (not shown) of the safety helmet or the inner space of the safety helmet, and the coupling of the housing (500) may be implemented by at least one of bolt fastening, locking coupling, rail insertion coupling, or band binding. The state in which the housing (500) is coupled to the safety helmet may be configured to have coupling rigidity that prevents the housing (500) from detaching even while the worker is wearing the safety helmet and moving or working.

[0121] The safety helmet (600) includes at least one of an inner support member positioned along the outer shape of the worker's head and in contact with the head when worn, a circumference adjustment member (not shown) that adjusts the wearing state corresponding to the circumference of the worker's head, and a chin strap (not shown) positioned along the lower part of the worker's chin to maintain the wearing state of the safety helmet.

[0122] The voltage sensing unit (100) generates a voltage sensing signal by sensing the magnitude of the DC voltage based on the electrical potential difference formed between different positions of the worker's body or between the worker and the reference potential by the DC voltage formed from the DC power equipment.

[0123] Here, the electrical potential difference refers to the difference in potential induced or formed in the worker's body in correspondence with different contact points or different spatial locations of the worker's body around DC power equipment, or the difference between the potential of the worker's body and the reference potential, and the voltage sensing unit (100) receives the electrical potential difference as an electrical input and converts it into a voltage sensing signal representing a voltage value.

[0124] The voltage sensing unit (100) may be configured to include a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode to form an electrical potential difference between different locations of the worker's body. The first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode may be electrically coupled to different locations of the worker's body while attached to the safety helmet, or may be positioned to form a coupling between the worker and a reference potential. For example, the first sensing electrode may be positioned in a housing (500) or on the outer shell of the safety helmet to accommodate an electric field in the air or an ambient potential, and the second sensing electrode may be positioned to be electrically coupled to the worker's body potential through a contact portion connected to an inner support portion of the safety helmet or a chin strap. As another example, the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode may both be configured to be separately disposed in the housing (500) or the outer shell of the safety helmet to form a potential difference according to the electric field distribution, and at least one of the first sensing electrode or the second sensing electrode may be connected to at least one of a ground wire, a coupling member for a reference potential, and a metal plate for a reference potential so as to function as a reference electrode corresponding to a reference potential.

[0125] The voltage sensing unit (100) receives an input potential formed between a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode as an input terminal of high input impedance, and generates a voltage sensing signal by calculating a voltage value corresponding to the input potential. The voltage sensing signal is a signal indicating the presence or absence of a DC voltage and a voltage value corresponding to the magnitude of the DC voltage, and can be implemented as at least one of an analog voltage signal or a digital voltage value signal.

[0126] In a configuration where the voltage detection unit (100) generates a digital voltage value signal, the voltage detection unit (100) may be configured to include an analog-to-digital conversion function to sample the input potential and output a voltage value based on the sampling result as a voltage detection signal.

[0127] The risk determination unit (200) compares the magnitude value of the DC voltage corresponding to the electrical potential difference with a plurality of preset voltage threshold values ​​based on the voltage detection signal provided by the voltage detection unit (100), and classifies the DC voltage into at least one of a plurality of preset risk levels according to the comparison result.

[0128] Multiple risk stages may be defined to include a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage. Multiple voltage thresholds may be set to include a first voltage threshold used to determine the pre-warning stage, a second voltage threshold used to determine the warning stage, and a third voltage threshold used to determine the emergency risk stage, and the first voltage threshold, the second voltage threshold, and the third voltage threshold may be set such that the magnitude relationship is first voltage threshold < second voltage threshold < third voltage threshold.

[0129] The risk determination unit (200) may be configured to classify the voltage value of the voltage detection signal into a pre-warning stage if it is greater than or equal to a first voltage threshold and less than a second voltage threshold, classify the voltage value of the voltage detection signal into a warning stage if it is greater than or equal to a second voltage threshold and less than a third voltage threshold, and classify the voltage value of the voltage detection signal into an emergency risk stage if it is greater than or equal to a third voltage threshold.

[0130] The risk determination unit (200) may be configured to classify the voltage value of the voltage detection signal into a normal category that does not correspond to a risk stage if the voltage value is less than the first voltage threshold, and may be controlled so that the alarm signal of the alarm output unit (300) is not output in the normal category.

[0131] Additionally, the risk determination unit (200) measures the duration during which the voltage detection signal is maintained above a voltage threshold and applies this as a determination criterion. The duration measurement can be implemented by measuring the time interval during which the voltage detection signal is continuously maintained above a specific voltage threshold, and the risk determination unit (200) can be configured to determine the corresponding risk level classification only when the measured duration is above a preset duration threshold. This configuration is intended to reduce false alarms caused by instantaneous noise or temporary potential fluctuations.

[0132] The control unit (400) controls the operation of the voltage detection unit (100), the risk determination unit (200), and the alarm output unit (300). The control unit (400) stores a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​set to correspond to at least one of low-voltage DC, medium-voltage DC, and high-voltage DC, respectively.

[0133] The control unit (400) receives installation environment information corresponding to at least one of railway power equipment, DC distribution equipment, or DC power-based industrial equipment, and selectively applies a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​corresponding to the installation environment information. The installation environment information may be input as at least one of a worker terminal input, a setting switch input of the housing (500), reception of setting information via wireless communication, or field equipment type code input.

[0134] The control unit (400) may be configured to select a voltage threshold corresponding to the operating voltage range of the railway power facility when installation environment information is input to the railway power facility, select a voltage threshold corresponding to the operating voltage range of the DC power distribution facility when installation environment information is input to the DC power distribution facility, and select a voltage threshold corresponding to the operating voltage range of the DC power-based industrial facility when installation environment information is input to the DC power-based industrial facility.

[0135] The safety helmet combined device (10) may include a wear detection sensor (not shown) for determining whether the safety helmet is worn on the worker's head, and the wear detection sensor generates wear status determination information and provides it to the control unit (400).

[0136] The wear detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of a contact sensor that detects whether the inner support part contacts the head, a fastening sensor that detects whether the chin strap is fastened, a tightening sensor that detects the tightening state of the circumference adjustment part, or an inertial sensor that detects a micro-vibration pattern occurring during wear. The wear status determination information is information indicating whether the safety helmet is in a properly worn state, and may be generated based on whether the sensor value satisfies a preset wear determination criterion.

[0137] The control unit (400) controls whether to output an alarm signal, the output method, or the output intensity of the alarm output unit (300) based on the wearing status determination information from the wearing detection sensor. The control unit (400) can control the alarm output unit (300) to output an alarm signal only when it is determined that the safety helmet is normally worn based on the wearing status determination information, and can control the alarm output unit (300) to block the alarm signal or change the alarm signal of the alarm output unit (300) to a separate pattern suitable for inducing the wearing of the safety helmet when it is determined that the safety helmet is not normally worn. This configuration has the purpose of reducing the problem of the alarm being inefficiently output or the worker failing to recognize the alarm when the safety helmet is not worn.

[0138] The alarm output unit (300) outputs different alarm signals according to multiple risk levels in response to the judgment result of the risk level judgment unit (200).

[0139] The alarm output unit (300) outputs an alarm signal that generates a sound in response to a pre-warning stage, generates vibration in the safety helmet in response to a warning stage, and generates a stimulus that can be physically detected by the worker while wearing the safety helmet in response to an emergency danger stage.

[0140] The sound generation in the pre-warning stage can be implemented by the alarm output unit (300) driving at least one of a buzzer, a speaker, or a piezoelectric element to generate a change in sound pressure. The vibration generation in the warning stage can be implemented by the alarm output unit (300) driving a vibration generating unit to transmit vibration to the safety helmet structure. The physically perceptible stimulus generation in the emergency danger stage can be implemented so that the worker can clearly distinguish the emergency danger stage tactilely through at least one of an increase in vibration intensity, a change in vibration pattern, or a change in the vibration transmission location. At this time, the physically perceptible stimulus can be defined as a vibration stimulus transmitted through the worker's head or the lower part of the chin while wearing the safety helmet.

[0141] The alarm output unit (300) includes a vibration generating unit fixedly positioned on at least one of the inner support or the chin strap.

[0142] The vibration generating unit includes a vibrator (not shown) configured to vibrate at a preset frequency and amplitude according to a driving signal applied from a control unit (400). The vibrator may be implemented as at least one of an eccentric rotary motor, a linear resonant vibrator, or a solenoid vibrator, and the vibrator may be configured to be placed inside a housing (500) and mechanically coupled to a location where vibration transmission is required to form a vibration transmission path.

[0143] In a configuration where a vibration generating unit (not shown) is fixedly positioned on a chin strap, the vibration generating unit is fixed to the chin strap through a fixing part positioned along the longitudinal direction of the chin strap, and the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit can be configured to be transmitted to the lower part of the worker's chin via the chin strap. In a configuration where a vibration generating unit is fixedly positioned on an inner support, the vibration generating unit is fixed to the inner surface of the inner support or to the frame of the inner support, and the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit can be configured to be transmitted to the worker's head via the inner support.

[0144] At this time, the control unit (400) drives the vibrator when an alarm signal corresponding to an emergency danger stage is output, so that the vibration transmitted through the chin strap is transmitted to the lower part of the worker's chin, or the vibration transmitted through the inner support is transmitted to the worker's head.

[0145] The control unit (400) controls the driving time and vibration intensity of the vibrator differently according to the danger level, so that the pre-warning level, warning level, and emergency danger level can be tactilely distinguished. For example, it may be configured to output low-intensity vibration for a short time intermittently in the pre-warning level, output medium-intensity repetitive vibration in the warning level, and output high-intensity continuous vibration or high-intensity pulsed vibration in the emergency danger level.

[0146] Furthermore, the vibration generating unit is configured so that the length, connection position, and tightening state of the chin strap do not change even when an alarm signal corresponding to an emergency danger level is output. This can be implemented in a structure that is mechanically separated and fixed so that the vibration generating unit transmits only its own vibration to the chin strap or inner support, without directly driving the tension adjustment structure of the chin strap or moving the chin strap fastening structure. With this configuration, the wearing stability and head protection functions of the safety helmet are maintained even while the alarm operation triggered by vibration is being performed.

[0147] The safety helmet includes an outer shell (not shown) that is exposed to the outside, and the outer shell is equipped with a display unit (not shown) that is controlled by a control unit (400).

[0148] The display unit includes a light-emitting element, and when the level of danger is determined to be an emergency danger level by the danger level determination unit (200), the alarm output unit (300) drives the display unit according to an alarm control signal output from the control unit (400) so that the light-emitting element lights up or flashes.

[0149] The display unit may be mounted in at least one area among the front, side, or rear of the outer shell, and the display unit may have a curvature-compliant structure to adhere closely to the curved surface of the outer shell. The illumination or flashing of the display unit may be set to a pattern that is easily visually identifiable by surrounding workers, and the flashing cycle or illumination intensity may be controlled to increase during an emergency danger phase. With this configuration, a worker wearing a safety helmet or surrounding workers can visually recognize the risk of electric shock.

[0150] The control unit (400) performs a self-diagnostic operation that periodically checks the operating status of the voltage detection unit (100) and the alarm output unit (300).

[0151] The self-diagnosis operation can be implemented in such a way that the control unit (400) checks whether the output of the voltage detection unit (100) falls within the normal range under standard test conditions, and checks whether the alarm output unit (300) operates normally according to the driving command.

[0152] At this time, the control unit (400) may determine a fault condition if it determines that the voltage detection signal of the voltage detection unit (100) deviates from the normal range as a result of the self-diagnosis operation. The normal range may be set as a reference voltage value range that should be output when the input of the voltage detection unit (100) is in a reference state, or as an allowable range for determining whether the voltage detection unit (100) is offset / saturated.

[0153] The control unit (400) may determine a fault condition when it is determined that the alarm signal output of the alarm output unit (300) is not functioning normally as a result of the self-diagnosis operation. The determination of whether the alarm output unit (300) is functioning normally may be based on at least one of the feedback of the driving current of the alarm output unit (300), the driving signal response of the alarm output unit (300), or the response value of a sensor linked to the alarm output unit (300).

[0154] The control unit (400) controls the alarm output unit (300) to output a fault alarm signal that is distinct from the electric shock risk alarm when a fault condition is determined. The fault alarm signal may be implemented as at least one of a sound pattern, a vibration pattern, or a display flashing pattern different from the electric shock risk alarm, and is configured so that a worker can recognize whether the electric shock risk alarm function is operating normally while wearing a safety helmet.

[0155] In this embodiment, the voltage detection unit (100) generates a voltage detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of the DC voltage based on an electrical potential difference, and the risk determination unit (200) compares the voltage value of the voltage detection signal with a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​to classify it into at least one risk stage among a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage.

[0156] The control unit (400) selects and applies a voltage threshold corresponding to the installation environment information, and controls whether and how the alarm output unit (300) outputs based on the wearing status determination information from the wearing detection sensor. The alarm output unit (300) generates sound, generates vibration, or generates a stimulus that can be physically detected by a worker while wearing a safety helmet according to the danger level, and the display unit provides a visual alarm by illuminating or flashing during the emergency danger level, and the control unit (400) determines the fault status through a self-diagnosis operation and outputs a fault alarm signal.

[0157] The control unit (400) stores a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​in an internal memory that are used to determine the magnitude of the DC voltage by the risk determination unit (200). The plurality of voltage threshold values ​​stored in the control unit (400) are stored in a data form that is comparable to the voltage value of the voltage detection signal provided by the voltage detection unit (100).

[0158] Multiple voltage threshold values ​​may be stored in the form of a voltage threshold table, and the voltage threshold table may be configured to include multiple rows and multiple columns. Each row of the voltage threshold table may be set to correspond to at least one DC voltage range among low-voltage DC, medium-voltage DC, and high-voltage DC, respectively, and each column of the voltage threshold table may be configured to store voltage threshold values ​​corresponding to a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage, respectively. For example, the first row of the voltage threshold table may be set to correspond to the low-voltage DC voltage range, the second row may be set to correspond to the medium-voltage DC voltage range, and the third row may be set to correspond to the high-voltage DC voltage range. A first voltage threshold corresponding to the pre-warning stage may be stored in the first column of each row, a second voltage threshold corresponding to the warning stage may be stored in the second column, and a third voltage threshold corresponding to the emergency risk stage may be stored in the third column.

[0159] The control unit (400) may be configured to select a corresponding row among the voltage threshold tables according to installation environment information and to provide a plurality of voltage thresholds stored in the selected row to the risk level determination unit (200). At this time, the risk level determination unit (200) determines a risk level by comparing the voltage value of the voltage detection signal with the first voltage threshold, the second voltage threshold, and the third voltage threshold included in the selected voltage threshold table row.

[0160] The voltage threshold table can be configured to be stored in non-volatile memory so that the set voltage threshold is maintained even when the power is cut off, and the control unit (400) can be configured to maintain a default voltage threshold table set at the time of manufacturing or to update the voltage threshold table according to the field setting.

[0161] The installation environment information is information indicating the type of DC power equipment in which the safety helmet combined device is used, and is recognized by the control unit (400) and used as a criterion for selecting the voltage threshold value.

[0162] Input of installation environment information can be made through an environment setting input unit located outside the housing (500) or inside the housing (500).

[0163] The environment setting input section may be implemented as at least one of a slide switch, a rotary switch, a DIP switch, or a button combination input section. For example, if the environment setting input section is implemented as a DIP switch, installation environment information may be determined according to a combination of multiple DIP switches. When the first DIP switch is in the ON state and the second DIP switch is in the OFF state, it may be set to be recognized as installation environment information corresponding to railway power facilities; when the first DIP switch is in the OFF state and the second DIP switch is in the ON state, it may be set to be recognized as installation environment information corresponding to DC power distribution facilities; and when both the first DIP switch and the second DIP switch are in the ON state, it may be set to be recognized as installation environment information corresponding to DC power-based industrial facilities.

[0164] As another example, if the environment setting input is implemented as a rotary switch, it can be configured to select one of railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, or DC power-based industrial facilities depending on the rotational position of the rotary switch.

[0165] The control unit (400) periodically reads the state of the environment setting input unit or at the time of power application to determine the installation environment information and selectively applies a voltage threshold table row corresponding to the determined installation environment information. With this configuration, even if the same safety helmet combined device is used in different DC power equipment environments, a voltage threshold suitable for that environment can be automatically applied.

[0166] The wear detection sensor is configured to generate wear status determination information to determine whether the safety helmet is properly worn on the worker's head.

[0167] The wear detection sensor may be configured to include at least one of a contact sensor disposed in an inner support portion, a fastening detection sensor disposed in a chin strap fastening portion, and a tightness detection sensor disposed in a circumference adjustment portion.

[0168] A contact sensor disposed on the inner support may be configured to be disposed on the head contact surface of the inner support to detect whether the worker's head is in contact with the inner support. The contact sensor may be implemented as at least one of a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, or an elastic deformation detection sensor, and if the output value of the contact sensor is greater than or equal to a preset contact threshold value, the control unit (400) may be configured to determine that the safety helmet is worn on the head.

[0169] A fastening detection sensor disposed at the chin strap fastening portion may be configured to detect the buckle engagement state of the chin strap or whether the chin strap is fastened. The fastening detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of a micro switch, a reed switch, or a magnetic sensor, and may be disposed so that a sensor output occurs only when the chin strap is fastened.

[0170] A tightening state detection sensor disposed in the circumference adjustment part may be configured to detect the tightening position or amount of rotation of the circumference adjustment part and determine whether the circumference adjustment part is tightened beyond a minimum wearing standard. The tightening state detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of a rotation sensor, a potentiometer, or an encoder.

[0171] The control unit (400) may be configured to generate wearing state determination information based on at least one of the contact sensor output of the inner support unit, the fastening detection sensor output of the chin strap fastening unit, and the tightening state detection sensor output of the circumference adjustment unit, and to determine that the safety helmet is in a normally worn state when the wearing state determination information satisfies a preset wearing determination condition.

[0172] The vibration generating unit is fixedly positioned on at least one of the inner support or the chin strap as part of the alarm output unit (300). The fixation of the vibration generating unit is mechanically designed to simultaneously ensure vibration transmission efficiency and the wearing stability of the safety helmet.

[0173] When the vibration generating unit is secured by a clamp method, the vibration generating unit is fixed through a clamp structure that wraps around the inner support or chin strap, and the clamp structure may be configured to prevent the vibration generating unit from detaching by including a bolt fastening or an elastic locking structure. In this case, vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit are directly transmitted to the inner support or chin strap through the clamp structure.

[0174] When the vibration generating unit is fixed by an insert method, the vibration generating unit is inserted into a receiving groove formed in the inner support or chin strap, and the position of the vibration generating unit can be fixed by the shape of the receiving groove. In the insert method, the vibration generating unit is in close contact with the internal structure of the inner support or chin strap, thereby reducing vibration transmission loss.

[0175] When the vibration generating unit is fixed by a rivet method, the vibration generating unit is fixed to an inner support or chin strap through rivet fastening, and the rivet fastening part can be configured so that loosening does not occur even with repeated vibration of the vibration generating unit.

[0176] When the vibration generating unit is fixed as an integral molded structure, the vibration generating unit may be configured to be formed integrally with the molding material during the manufacturing process of the inner support or chin strap. In this case, the vibration generating unit may be configured so that positional deformation does not occur even with external impact or repeated vibration, and vibration is transmitted uniformly to the entire inner support or chin strap. Regardless of the fixing method applied, the vibration generating unit is configured to be fixed in a position that does not alter the length, connection position, or tightening state of the chin strap, thereby maintaining the wearing stability and head protection functions of the safety helmet even during vibration alarm operation.

[0178] A safety helmet combined device (10) that provides an alarm according to a risk level based on the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment according to another embodiment may additionally include a direction determination logic for determining the direction of the electrical potential difference distribution around a worker in addition to the basic configuration of the voltage detection unit (100), risk determination unit (200), alarm output unit (300), and control unit (400) according to the first embodiment.

[0179] The voltage sensing unit (100) may be configured to include a plurality of sensing electrodes that detect an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of the worker's body or between the worker and a reference potential.

[0180] A plurality of sensing electrodes may be configured to be spaced apart at least two locations among the outer shell, inner support, chin strap, or outer surface of the housing (500) of the safety helmet, and each sensing electrode is configured to generate a voltage sensing signal corresponding to an electrical potential difference formed at different locations.

[0181] The control unit (400) may be configured to compare a plurality of voltage detection signals received from a plurality of detection electrodes and determine in which direction the electrical potential difference is formed more significantly relative to the worker. For example, if the voltage detection signal detected by the detection electrode positioned on the front side of the safety helmet is greater than the voltage detection signal detected by the detection electrode positioned on the rear or side side of the safety helmet, the control unit (400) may be configured to determine that the electrical potential difference is predominantly formed in the front direction.

[0182] The risk judgment unit (200) may be configured to consider the direction information of the electrical potential difference as an additional judgment element, in addition to determining the risk level based on the magnitude of the voltage.

[0183] The alarm output unit (300) can be configured to output different tactile alarm patterns depending on the danger level as well as the direction of the electrical potential difference.

[0184] Specifically, if it is determined that the electrical potential difference is dominant in the forward direction, a vibration generating unit positioned in the front area of ​​the inner support or the front coupling of the chin strap can be controlled to be driven preferentially, and if it is determined that the electrical potential difference is dominant in the left direction, a vibration generating unit positioned in the left area can be controlled to be driven preferentially.

[0185] In this way, according to the present embodiment, the worker can tactilely and intuitively perceive not only the fact that there is a danger, but also the direction in which the risk of electric shock is relatively high. Accordingly, the worker can more quickly and accurately make decisions regarding adjusting the direction of movement, avoiding approach, or stopping work around high-voltage DC power facilities.

[0187] In another embodiment of the present invention, the voltage sensing unit (100) can detect the electrical potential difference or electric field change formed by the DC voltage as well as the AC voltage.

[0188] In this case, the voltage detection unit (100) detects the electrical signal component generated in an AC voltage environment and the electrical potential difference in a DC voltage environment, either individually or collectively, and the control unit can distinguish and determine the dangerous state caused by AC voltage and the dangerous state caused by DC voltage according to the characteristics of the detection signal.

[0189] Through this, the present invention can comprehensively determine the risk of electric shock and provide an alarm even in a work environment where AC power facilities and DC power facilities are mixed.

[0190] In addition, in the present invention according to another embodiment, the device comprising the voltage detection unit (100), the risk determination unit (200), the alarm output unit (300), and the control unit (400) may be applied in a configuration that is worn or mounted on a worker's body (including a human or a humanoid robot having a body structure similar to a human), and may also be applied by being mounted on a humanoid robot or a robot-type work device that performs electrical work, not limited to a safety helmet for workers.

[0191] In this case, if the device corresponds to a humanoid robot among the worker's bodies, it may be mounted on at least one of a main body housing housing housing the humanoid robot's control module, an upper sensor mounting structure, or an area near the end work part, and may detect a risk of electric shock caused by AC voltage or DC voltage while the robot performs work around power facilities and provide information corresponding to the risk state to a robot control system or an external monitoring device.

[0192] Through this, the present invention can apply the same electric shock risk judgment and alarm control technology not only to human workers but also to robot systems performing electrical work.

[0194] As described above, the safety helmet-integrated device according to the present invention, which provides an alarm based on a risk level according to the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, detects the magnitude of the DC voltage and determines the risk level based on the electrical potential difference formed during the process of a worker performing work around power equipment to which DC voltage is applied, thereby providing the effect of enabling a worker to recognize the risk of electric shock in advance even without direct contact with power equipment.

[0195] Furthermore, the present invention does not determine the magnitude of the DC voltage based on a single standard, but rather distinguishes risk levels by comparing it with multiple voltage thresholds, thereby going beyond a simple determination of the presence of voltage and providing the effect of recognizing the level of actual meaningful electric shock risk in a work environment in stages.

[0196] In particular, according to the present invention, by applying the duration for which the DC voltage is maintained above a voltage threshold as a judgment criterion, it is possible to prevent false alarms caused by temporary voltage fluctuations and to more accurately determine a continuous voltage condition that actually poses a risk to the worker.

[0197] Furthermore, the present invention provides versatility and practicality by allowing the same device to be applied to various DC power equipment environments, as it enables the selective application of multiple voltage threshold values ​​corresponding to installation environment information, so as to reflect different voltage standards depending on the installation environment, such as railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, and DC power-based industrial facilities.

[0198] In addition, the present invention allows for the selective application of voltage thresholds by reflecting operating conditions in DC power facility environments including KEPCO HVDC facilities and KEPCO LVDC facilities, and in renewable energy-based facility environments including photovoltaic power generation facilities and ESS, thereby providing field applicability and practicality to respond to the expanding trend of DC voltage-based facilities.

[0199] In addition, the present invention provides a tactile warning means that can be directly perceived through the worker's body while wearing a safety helmet, rather than relying on a simple auditory signal for the electric shock risk warning, thereby providing the effect of reliably recognizing the risk of electric shock even in work environments where work noise is loud or auditory perception is limited due to the wearing of protective equipment.

[0200] In particular, according to the present invention, by providing tactile stimulation directly transmitted to the head or lower jaw through a vibration generating unit linked to the inner support or chin strap of a safety helmet, the effect is provided that a worker can immediately perceive danger and take avoidance action without relying on sight or hearing.

[0201] Furthermore, the present invention detects the wearing status of a safety helmet and controls whether, how, or how much an alarm signal is output according to the wearing status, thereby maximizing the efficiency of alarm transmission when the safety helmet is properly worn and enabling the worker to recognize the risk of electric shock even when the helmet is incompletely worn.

[0202] In addition, the present invention is configured such that the vibration generating unit does not change the length, connection position, or tightening state of the chin strap even during alarm operation, thereby providing the effect of preventing the wearing stability and head protection function of the safety helmet from being degraded during the alarm provision process.

[0203] In addition, the present invention can visually display the risk of electric shock through a display unit positioned on the outer side of the safety helmet, thereby providing the effect of enabling not only the worker themselves but also surrounding workers or managers to immediately recognize the dangerous situation and respond jointly.

[0204] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by providing a self-diagnostic function that checks the operating status of the voltage detection unit and the alarm output unit, it is possible to prevent a situation where an operator relies on the electric shock risk alarm function and performs work in a state of device malfunction or failure, thereby providing the effect of simultaneously improving the reliability of the device and work safety.

[0205] Overall, the present invention provides the effect of substantially contributing to the prevention of electric shock accidents and the improvement of work safety in DC power facility work environments by precisely determining the risk of electric shock that a worker may face in a DC voltage environment and communicating it in a physically perceptible manner, taking into account the wearing status and work environment.

[0207] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0208] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

Claim 1 A safety helmet-integrated device for warning of the risk of electric shock to a worker around power facilities to which a DC voltage is applied, comprising: a voltage sensing unit that detects the magnitude of a DC voltage and generates a voltage sensing signal based on an electrical potential difference formed between different positions of a worker's body or between a worker and a reference potential by a DC voltage formed from a DC power facility; a risk determination unit that, based on the voltage sensing signal provided by the voltage sensing unit, compares the magnitude value of the DC voltage corresponding to the electrical potential difference with a plurality of preset voltage threshold values, and classifies and determines the DC voltage into at least one of a plurality of preset risk stages according to the comparison result; and an alarm output unit that outputs different alarm signals according to the plurality of risk stages in response to the determination result of the risk determination unit. The apparatus includes a control unit that controls the operation of the voltage detection unit, the risk determination unit, and the alarm output unit. The voltage detection unit, the risk determination unit, the alarm output unit, and the control unit are mounted on an electronic circuit board and installed inside a single housing. The housing is coupled to a safety helmet and performs an electric shock risk alarm function while worn on a worker's head. The risk determination unit compares a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​stored in or set by the control unit with the magnitude of the DC voltage provided by the voltage detection unit, and classifies and determines the DC voltage into at least one risk stage among a pre-warning stage, a warning stage, and an emergency risk stage. The alarm output unit outputs an alarm signal that generates a sound in response to the pre-warning stage, generates vibration in the safety helmet in response to the warning stage, and generates a stimulus that can be physically perceived by the worker while wearing the safety helmet in response to the emergency risk stage. The voltage detection unit generates a voltage detection signal indicating the presence of the DC voltage and a voltage value corresponding to the magnitude of the DC voltage, using the electrical potential difference formed according to the presence of the DC voltage as a detection standard. The control unitA plurality of voltage threshold values ​​are stored, each set to correspond to at least one of low-voltage DC, medium-voltage DC, and high-voltage DC; the risk determination unit measures the duration during which the voltage detection signal is maintained above the voltage threshold value and applies it as a determination criterion; receives installation environment information corresponding to at least one of railway power facilities, DC distribution facilities, or DC power-based industrial facilities, and selectively applies a plurality of voltage threshold values ​​corresponding to the installation environment information; and controls whether the alarm output unit outputs an alarm signal, the output method, or the output intensity based on wear status determination information from a wear detection sensor for determining whether the safety helmet is worn on a worker's head; the safety helmet includes at least one of an inner support member positioned along the outer shape of the worker's head and in contact with the head when worn, a circumference adjustment member that adjusts the wearing state corresponding to the circumference of the worker's head, and a chin strap positioned along the lower part of the worker's chin to maintain the wearing state of the safety helmet; the alarm output unit includes a vibration generating unit fixedly positioned on at least one of the inner support member or the chin strap; and the vibration generating unit, according to a driving signal applied from the control unit, a preset frequency and It includes a vibrator configured to vibrate with amplitude, and when an alarm signal corresponding to the emergency danger stage is output, the vibrator is driven according to the control of the control unit so that vibration transmitted through the chin strap is transmitted to the lower part of the worker's chin, or vibration transmitted through the inner support is transmitted to the worker's head, thereby enabling the worker to tactilely perceive the risk of electric shock while wearing the safety helmet, and according to the danger stage, the driving time and vibration intensity of the vibrator are controlled differently so that the pre-warning stage, the warning stage, and the emergency danger stage can be tactilely distinguished, and even when an alarm signal corresponding to the emergency danger stage is output, the length of the chin strap,It is configured so that the coupling position and tightening state are not changed, thereby maintaining the wearing stability and head protection function of the safety helmet even while an alarm operation by vibration is performed; the voltage sensing unit includes a plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other at at least two locations among the outer shell, inner support, chin strap, or outer surface of the housing of the safety helmet; the plurality of sensing electrodes each generate a plurality of voltage sensing signals corresponding to electrical potential differences formed at different locations; the control unit compares the plurality of voltage sensing signals to determine in which direction the electrical potential difference is formed more significantly relative to the worker; the alarm output unit outputs different tactile alarm patterns according to the danger level and the direction in which the electrical potential difference is formed more significantly; the control unit performs a self-diagnosis operation to periodically check the operating status of the voltage sensing unit and the alarm output unit; and if, as a result of the self-diagnosis operation, it is determined that the voltage sensing signal of the voltage sensing unit deviates from the normal range or that the alarm signal output of the alarm output unit is not performed normally, the electric shock danger alarm and through the alarm output unit are controlled by the control unit A safety helmet-integrated device that provides an alarm according to a risk level based on the magnitude of the voltage in a DC voltage environment, which outputs a distinct fault alarm signal so that a worker can recognize whether the electric shock risk alarm function is operating normally while wearing the safety helmet. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete

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