Helmet and accessory thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a helmet and an accessory thereof. A helmet without a sound output device and an image pickup device can be easily developed into a helmet with a sound output device and an image pickup device. The helmet (1) is provided with a cap body which covers the head of a wearer and an accessory which is detachably mounted on the cap body. The accessory is provided with a sound output device (86) which outputs sound towards the wearer and an image pickup device (66) which captures an image of the outside of the helmet (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet and its accessories. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide vulnerable people in traffic with access to sustainable transportation systems have been actively pursued. To achieve this, research and development related to preventive safety technologies to further improve traffic safety and convenience has attracted attention.

[0003] As a development related to preventive safety technology, the development of helmets equipped with electronic devices such as speakers, cameras, and head-up displays (so-called "smart helmets") is being carried out. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a helmet equipped with speakers and cameras.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5042998 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In Patent Document 1, a speaker and a camera are built into the portion of the helmet that covers the wearer's head. In order to adopt such a structure, the portion of the helmet that covers the wearer's head needs to be specially processed. Therefore, it is not easy to develop a helmet that does not have a speaker and a camera into a helmet that has a speaker and a camera.

[0008] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to easily develop a helmet without a sound output device and a camera into a helmet with a sound output device and a camera. Furthermore, the present invention aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is a helmet 1, which comprises: a cap body 4, which covers the head of a wearer W; and an accessory 5, which can be installed on the cap body in a removable manner, and the accessory comprises: a sound output device 86, which outputs sound toward the wearer; and a camera device 66, which captures the outside of the helmet.

[0011] According to this aspect, a helmet without a sound output device and a camera device can be easily developed into a helmet equipped with a sound output device and a camera device without performing special processing on the cap body. This contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0012] In the above-mentioned embodiment, an opening portion 7 may be provided at the front portion of the cap body, and the accessory may include: a fixed body 10, which is fixed to the cap body; and a rotating body 11, which rotates relative to the fixed body between a closed position for closing the opening portion and an open position for opening the opening portion, the sound output device may be provided on the fixed body, and the camera device may be provided on the rotating body.

[0013] According to this aspect, the sound output device can be arranged near the ear of the wearer, and the imaging device can be arranged at a position where the front of the wearer can be photographed.

[0014] In the above aspect, the rotating body may further include a fan 73 for blowing air toward the face of the wearer.

[0015] According to this mode, it is not necessary to implement special processing to the cap body, and it is possible to easily develop a helmet that is not equipped with a fan into a helmet that is equipped with a fan. In addition, the wind from the fan blows onto the wearer's face, thus, it is possible to alleviate the discomfort (stifling heat) that the wearing of the helmet is accompanied with.

[0016] In the above aspect, the rotating body may include a chin guard 48 for protecting the wearer's chin, the camera device may be disposed at left and right central portions of the chin guard, and the fans may be disposed at left and right side portions of the chin guard, respectively.

[0017] According to this aspect, the chin guard for protecting the chin of the wearer can be used as a space for installing the imaging device and the fan.

[0018] In the above embodiment, the fixing body may include an occipital protecting portion 14 for protecting the occipital region of the wearer, and a battery 37 for supplying power to the sound output device may be accommodated in the occipital protecting portion.

[0019] According to this aspect, the camera device is arranged on the front side of the cap body, and the battery is arranged on the rear side of the cap body. Therefore, the weight balance of the helmet can be improved, and the displacement of the helmet and the burden on the wearer's neck can be reduced.

[0020] In the above embodiment, a reflector 34 for reflecting radar waves and a light emitter 28 for emitting light toward the outside of the helmet may be provided in the rear head protection portion, and the rear end of the battery may be located forward of the rear ends of the light emitter and the reflector.

[0021] According to this aspect, when an impact is applied to the back head protection portion from behind, the battery can be protected by the light emitter and the reflector. Therefore, damage to the battery can be suppressed.

[0022] In the above embodiment, the sound output device may also have multiple speakers that output sounds independently of each other, and the multiple speakers include: a first left speaker 18, which is arranged in front of the wearer's left ear; a first right speaker 19, which is arranged in front of the wearer's right ear; a second left speaker 25, which is arranged behind the wearer's left ear; and a second right speaker 26, which is arranged behind the wearer's right ear.

[0023] According to this method, the sounds outputted from the first left speaker, the first right speaker, the second left speaker, and the second right speaker can respectively draw the wearer's attention to the area in front of the left of the wearer, the area in front of the right of the wearer, the area behind the left of the wearer, and the area behind the right of the wearer. In addition, a surround speaker system can be formed by a plurality of speakers, thereby improving the sense of presence of the sound.

[0024] In the above method, it is also possible to further include: a communication device 88, which receives a sound output signal corresponding to the position of an object existing around the wearer; and a control device 87, which controls the output of sound from each speaker based on the sound output signal received by the communication device.

[0025] According to this aspect, the wearer can intuitively recognize the positions of objects existing around the wearer through the sounds output from the speakers.

[0026] In the above aspect, the attachment may be in a ring shape surrounding the cap body.

[0027] According to this aspect, the impact absorption performance of the helmet can be improved over the entire circumferential region of the helmet.

[0028] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is an accessory 5, which can be detachably mounted on a cap body 4 covering the head of a wearer W, and together with the cap body constitutes a helmet 1, and the accessory has: a sound output device 86, which outputs sound toward the wearer; and a camera device (66), which captures the outside of the helmet.

[0029] According to this aspect, a helmet without a sound output device and a camera device can be easily developed into a helmet equipped with a sound output device and a camera device without performing special processing on the cap body. This contributes to the development of a sustainable transportation system.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to the above aspect, it is possible to easily develop a helmet that is not equipped with a sound output device and a camera device into a helmet that is equipped with a sound output device and a camera device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a state in which a wearer of the helmet according to one embodiment of the present invention is driving a motorcycle.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the helmet according to the above embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the helmet according to the above embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a top view showing the helmet of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 It is a rear view showing the helmet of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a side view showing the helmet of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a front view showing the helmet of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the hood and its surrounding area of ​​the helmet according to the above embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a shield of the helmet according to the above embodiment.

[0041] Fig.10 1 is a functional configuration diagram showing the safety support system according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0042] Fig.11 It is a plan view showing the area around the wearer of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0043] Fig.12 It is a side view of a helmet showing a modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0044] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing a helmet according to a modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0045] Description of symbols

[0046] 1: Helmet;

[0047] 4: Cap body;

[0048] 5: Attachments;

[0049] 7: front opening;

[0050] 10: fixed body;

[0051] 11: Rotating body;

[0052] 14: Back head protection part;

[0053] 18: First left speaker;

[0054] 19: First right speaker;

[0055] 25: Second left speaker;

[0056] 26: Second right speaker;

[0057] 28: first luminous body;

[0058] 34: rear side reflector;

[0059] 37: Battery;

[0060] 48: Chin protection;

[0061] 66: camera (an example of a camera device);

[0062] 73: fan;

[0063] 86: sound output device;

[0064] 87: Communication device;

[0065] 88: control device;

[0066] W: Wearer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] <Helmet 1>

[0068] First, a helmet 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The helmet 1 protects the head of the wearer W from impacts and the like when worn by the wearer W. In the present embodiment, the wearer W of the helmet 1 is a driver of a motorcycle 2 (an example of a mobile body). Hereinafter, terms indicating directions such as up and down, front and back, left and right are used based on the direction viewed from the wearer W of the helmet 1. The arrow Fr appropriately marked in each figure indicates the front of the helmet 1.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The helmet 1 includes a cap body 4 that covers the head of a wearer W and an attachment 5 that is detachably mounted on the cap body 4 .

[0071] <Hat body 4>

[0072] Reference Figure 3, the cap body 4 of the helmet 1 is bent along the shape of the head of the wearer W. The cap body 4 is configured to cover the front, back and side of the head of the wearer W, exposing the face (including the chin) of the wearer W. That is, the cap body 4 is a so-called jet type. In other embodiments, the cap body 4 may also be a type other than the jet type (e.g., a half-helmet type or a full-face type). The cap body 4 is formed of a lightweight hard resin such as a fiber-reinforced resin. An impact absorber or a lining member (neither of which is shown) made of a foamed resin may be provided on the inner surface of the cap body 4.

[0073] A front opening 7 for exposing the face (including the chin) of the wearer W is formed in the front of the cap body 4. A lattice-shaped ventilation opening 8 is formed at the left and right sides of the cap body 4 at positions corresponding to the ears of the wearer W.

[0074] <Attachment 5>

[0075] Reference Figure 2 The accessory 5 of the helmet 1 is annularly surrounding the cap body 4. The accessory 5 has a fixed body 10 fixed to the cap body 4 and a rotating body 11 that can rotate relative to the fixed body 10.

[0076] <Fixed body 10 of Appendix 5>

[0077] Reference Figure 2 to Figure 4 The fixing body 10 of the attachment 5 has: a front head protection part 13, which protects the front head of the wearer W; a back head protection part 14, which protects the back head of the wearer W; and left and right connecting parts 15, which connect the front head protection part 13 and the back head protection part 14 so that they can be attached and detached. Figure 3 It is schematically shown in other drawings.

[0078] The front head protection portion 13 of the fixed body 10 is arranged on the front side of the cap body 4. The front head protection portion 13 is arranged on the front side and the left and right sides of the front head of the wearer W, and indirectly covers the front head of the wearer W through the cap body 4. The front head protection portion 13 is in a U-shape that opens toward the rear when viewed from above. The inner surface of the front head protection portion 13 is in contact with the outer surface of the front part of the cap body 4. The lower end portion of the front head protection portion 13 extends to the lower part of the front part of the cap body 4. In the front head protection portion 13, a U-shaped front side recess 17 is formed at a position corresponding to the front side opening 7 of the cap body 4.

[0079] The front head protection part 13 has an outer shell layer and a cushion layer provided inside the outer shell layer. The outer shell layer is formed of, for example, a lightweight hard resin such as fiber reinforced resin, and the cushion layer is formed of, for example, an elastic material such as foamed resin.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4A first left speaker 18 is provided on the inner surface of the left side of the front head protection portion 13. The first left speaker 18 is arranged in front of the left ear of the wearer W. The first left speaker 18 is opposite to the front of the ventilation opening 8 on the left side of the cap body 4. Therefore, the sound output from the first left speaker 18 reaches the left ear of the wearer W via the ventilation opening 8 on the left side of the cap body 4.

[0081] A first right speaker 19 is provided on the inner surface of the right side of the front head protection portion 13. The first right speaker 19 is arranged in front of the right ear of the wearer W. The first right speaker 19 is opposite to the front of the ventilation opening 8 of the right side of the cap body 4. Therefore, the sound output from the first right speaker 19 reaches the right ear of the wearer W via the ventilation opening 8 of the right side of the cap body 4.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 The back head protection part 14 of the fixing body 10 is arranged on the rear side of the cap body 4. The back head protection part 14 is arranged on the rear side and the left and right sides of the back head of the wearer W, and indirectly covers the back head of the wearer W through the cap body 4. The back head protection part 14 has: a base 21, a shell 22 mounted on the rear surface (outer surface) of the base 21, and a cover 23 mounted on the rear surface (outer surface) of the shell 22.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 to Figure 4 The base 21 of the back head protection part 14 is in a U-shape opened toward the front when viewed from above. The inner surface of the base 21 contacts the outer surface of the rear part of the cap body 4. The lower end of the base 21 extends to the lower part of the rear part of the cap body 4.

[0084] The base 21 includes an outer shell layer and a cushion layer provided inside the outer shell layer. The outer shell layer is formed of, for example, a lightweight hard resin such as fiber-reinforced resin, and the cushion layer is formed of, for example, an elastic material such as a foamed resin.

[0085] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 A second left speaker 25 is provided on the inner surface of the left side of the base 21. The second left speaker 25 is arranged behind the left ear of the wearer W. The second left speaker 25 is opposite to the rear of the ventilation opening 8 on the left side of the cap body 4. Therefore, the sound output from the second left speaker 25 reaches the left ear of the wearer W via the ventilation opening 8 on the left side of the cap body 4.

[0086] A second right speaker 26 is provided on the inner surface of the right side of the base 21. The second right speaker 26 is arranged behind the right ear of the wearer W. The second right speaker 26 is opposite to the rear of the ventilation opening 8 of the right side of the cap body 4. Therefore, the sound output from the second right speaker 26 reaches the right ear of the wearer W via the ventilation opening 8 of the right side of the cap body 4.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 The housing 22 of the rear head protection portion 14 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material. The housing 22 contains a first light emitter 28 that emits light toward the outside of the helmet 1 .

[0088] The first light-emitting body 28 is composed of an LED strip light (an example of a strip-shaped lighting device). The first light-emitting body 28 has a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED light sources arranged on the substrate. The rear end of the first light-emitting body 28 is arranged at a position further back than the rear end of the cap body 4. The front end of the first light-emitting body 28 extends to the left and right sides of the rear end of the cap body 4. Therefore, the front end of the first light-emitting body 28 overlaps with the rear end of the cap body 4 when viewed from the side.

[0089] The first light emitter 28 is divided into a plurality of light emitters 28A to 28F that emit light independently of each other. Hereinafter, the light emitters 28A and 28B are referred to as left and right turn signals 28A and 28B, the light emitters 28C and 28D are referred to as left and right first brake signals 28C and 28D, and the light emitters 28E and 28F are referred to as left and right second brake signals 28E and 28F.

[0090] The left and right turn signals 28A and 28B are provided on both left and right sides of the rear head protection portion 14. The upper and lower ends of the turn signals 28A and 28B protrude outward in the left-right direction from the upper and lower center portions of the turn signals 28A and 28B.

[0091] The left and right first brake lights 28C and 28D are provided on the upper portion of the rear head guard 14. Each of the first brake lights 28C and 28D extends inward in the left-right direction from the upper end portion of the corresponding turn signal lamp 28A or 28B.

[0092] The left and right second brake lights 28E and 28F are provided at the left and right center portions of the rear head guard 14. Each second brake light 28E and 28F extends downwardly and obliquely inwardly in the left and right direction from the left and right inner end portion of the corresponding first brake light 28C and 28D.

[0093] The cover 23 of the rear head protection portion 14 is formed of a non-light-transmissive resin material. The cover 23 is provided with left and right central openings 31 at positions corresponding to the left and right second brake lights 28E and 28F. The cover 23 is provided with left and right side openings 32 on the left and right outer sides of the left and right central openings 31.

[0094] Reference Figure 5 A rear reflector 34 is recessed between the left and right second brake lights 28E and 28F on the surface of the left and right central portions of the rear head protection portion 14. The rear reflector 34 is provided on the rear side of the cap body 4 to reflect millimeter waves (an example of radar waves) emitted from vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "surrounding vehicles") present around the motorcycle 2. The rear reflector 34 opens toward the rear.

[0095] The rear side reflector 34 is formed by covering the concave portion provided on the surface of the cover 23 (resin material) of the occipital protection portion 14 with a metal film. The metal film is fixed to the concave portion provided on the surface of the cover 23 by any means such as bonding or vapor deposition.

[0096] The rear reflector 34 is composed of a triangular pyramid-shaped corner reflector having three adjacent rear reflective surfaces 35. The three rear reflective surfaces 35 are assembled at a gathering point A1. Each rear reflective surface 35 is in the shape of a right triangle. Each rear reflective surface 35 is in a planar shape and is arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 The central axis B1 of the rear reflector 34 extends backward from the collection point A1 of the three rear reflective surfaces 35. The central axis B1 of the rear reflector 34 is a collection of points that are at equal shortest distances from the three rear reflective surfaces 35. When viewed from above, the central axis B1 of the rear reflector 34 is parallel to the front-to-back direction of the helmet 1.

[0098] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 A battery 37 is housed at the lower portion of the back head protection portion 14. The rear end portion of the battery 37 is located forward of the rear end portion of the first light emitter 28 and the rear end portion of the rear side reflector 34. A charging port 38 of the battery 37 is provided at the lower portion of the rear surface (outer surface) of the back head protection portion 14. By inserting the terminal of an external power source into the charging port 38 of the battery 37, the battery 37 can be charged by an external power source.

[0099] Reference Figure 3 , each connecting portion 15 of the fixed body 10 (at Figure 3 The connecting portion 15 (shown only on the left side) has an upper and lower front belt 40 extending rearward from the left and right ends of the front head protection portion 13 and an upper and lower rear belt 41 extending forward from the left and right ends of the base 21 of the rear head protection portion 14.

[0100] A plurality of belt holes 43 are provided at intervals in the front-to-back direction on each front belt 40. A buckle 44 is provided on each rear belt 41. The buckle 44 of each rear belt 41 engages with any belt hole 43 of the corresponding front belt 40, whereby the attachment 5 is detachably mounted on the cap body 4 in a state where the front head protection part 13 and the back head protection part 14 sandwich the cap body 4. In addition, in other embodiments, a buckle 44 may be provided on each front belt 40, and a plurality of belt holes 43 may be provided on each rear belt 41.

[0101] <Rotating body 11 of attachment 5>

[0102] Reference Figure 6 The rotating body 11 of the attachment 5 can be in a closed position (refer to Figure 6 solid line) and the open position (refer to Figure 6 In the closed position, the rotating body 11 closes the front opening 7 of the cap body 4, and in the open position, the rotating body 11 opens the front opening 7 of the cap body 4. Hereinafter, the structure of the rotating body 11 will be described based on the state in which the rotating body 11 is in the closed position.

[0103] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The rotating body 11 includes a shield 46 , a frame 47 that supports the shield 46 , and a chin guard 48 that is disposed below the frame 47 .

[0104] Reference Figure 6 The shield 46 of the rotating body 11 is disposed on the front side of the cap body 4. The shield 46 covers the upper portion of the front opening 7 of the cap body 4. The shield 46 is disposed in front of the upper portion of the face of the wearer W and directly covers the upper portion of the face of the wearer W. The shield 46 is formed of a transparent resin material (e.g., acrylic).

[0105] Reference Figure 7 to Figure 9 The shield 46 is long in the left-right direction and is curved into an arc shape. A ridgeline 50 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the upper portion of the shield 46. The shield 46 is curved in a manner convex toward the front side (outside) at the ridgeline 50. Left and right upper side engaging recesses 51 are provided at the upper edge of the shield 46. Left and right lower side engaging recesses 52 are provided at the lower edge of the shield 46.

[0106] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 A plurality of second light emitters 55 and 56 are provided around the shield 46 at positions that can be visually recognized by the wearer W. The plurality of second light emitters 55 and 56 include an upper light emitter 55 provided above the shield 46 and a lower light emitter 56 provided below the shield 46 .

[0107] The upper light emitter 55 is composed of an LED strip light (an example of a strip-shaped lighting device). The upper light emitter 55 has a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED light sources arranged on the substrate. The orientation of the upper light emitter 55 can be adjusted so that the light from the upper light emitter 55 does not leak to the outside. Alternatively, a shielding member for suppressing the light from the upper light emitter 55 from leaking to the outside can be provided on the front surface (outer surface) of the shield 46.

[0108] The upper light emitter 55 is divided into three upper light emitters 55A to 55C that emit light independently of each other. The three upper light emitters 55A to 55C are arranged in the left-right direction. Each of the upper light emitters 55A to 55C is provided to emit light in a plurality of light colors and a plurality of light patterns.

[0109] The lower light emitter 56 is composed of an LED strip light (an example of a strip-shaped lighting device). The lower light emitter 56 has a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED light sources arranged on the substrate. The orientation of the lower light emitter 56 can be adjusted so that the light from the lower light emitter 56 does not leak to the outside. Alternatively, a shielding member for suppressing the light from the lower light emitter 56 from leaking to the outside can be provided on the front surface (outer surface) of the shield 46.

[0110] The lower light emitter 56 is divided into three lower light emitters 56A to 56C that emit light independently of each other. The three lower light emitters 56A to 56C are arranged in the left-right direction. Each lower light emitter 56A to 56C is provided to emit light in a plurality of light colors and a plurality of light patterns.

[0111] Reference Figure 6 to Figure 8 The frame 47 of the rotating body 11 is roughly rectangular. The frame 47 is formed of a non-transparent resin material. The left and right sides of the upper part of the frame 47 are mounted on the left and right sides of the front head protection part 13 of the fixed body 10 via hinges 58. Therefore, the rotating body 11 can rotate relative to the cap body 4 and the fixed body 10 with the rotation axis X as the center.

[0112] The mounting opening 59 is provided at the center of the frame 47. The shield 46 is mounted on the mounting opening 59. The upper light emitter 55 is mounted on the upper edge of the mounting opening 59 along the upper edge of the shield 46. The lower light emitter 56 is mounted on the lower edge of the mounting opening 59 along the lower edge of the shield 46.

[0113] Reference Figure 7On the frame 47, at positions corresponding to the boundaries of the three upper light emitting parts 55A to 55C of the upper light emitting body 55, left and right upper partition walls 60 are provided to divide the light emitting areas of the three upper light emitting parts 55A to 55C. The left and right upper partition walls 60 protrude downward from the upper edge of the mounting opening 59 of the frame 47. The left and right upper partition walls 60 are connected to the left and right upper engaging recesses 51 (see FIG. 1 ) provided on the upper edge of the shield 46. Fig. 9 ) snap into place.

[0114] Reference Figure 7 On the frame 47, at positions corresponding to the boundaries of the three lower light emitting parts 56A to 56C of the lower light emitting body 56, left and right lower side partition walls 61 are provided to divide the light emitting areas of the three lower light emitting parts 56A to 56C. The left and right lower side partition walls 61 protrude upward from the lower edge of the mounting opening 59 of the frame 47. The left and right lower side partition walls 61 are connected to the left and right lower side engaging recesses 52 (see FIG. 1 ) provided at the lower edge of the shield 46. Fig. 9 ) snap into place.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 A plurality of light reduction structures 63 and 64 are provided on the rear surface (inner surface) of the frame 47. The plurality of light reduction structures 63 and 64 include an upper light reduction structure 63 provided above the shield 46 and a lower light reduction structure 64 provided below the shield 46.

[0116] In order to reduce the amount of light from the upper light emitter 55 toward the eyes of the wearer W, the upper light reduction structure 63 is provided between the upper light emitter 55 and the eyes of the wearer W. The upper light reduction structure 63 is made of, for example, a semi-transparent thin plate-shaped resin material. The upper light reduction structure 63 is configured to allow only a portion of the light from the upper light emitter 55 toward the eyes of the wearer W to pass through.

[0117] In order to reduce the amount of light directed from the lower light emitter 56 toward the eyes of the wearer W, the lower light reduction structure 64 is provided between the lower light emitter 56 and the eyes of the wearer W. The lower light reduction structure 64 is made of, for example, a semi-transparent thin plate-shaped resin material, and is configured to allow only a portion of the light directed from the lower light emitter 56 toward the eyes of the wearer W to pass through.

[0118] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 The chin guard 48 of the rotating body 11 is integrally provided with the frame 47. The chin guard 48 is provided on the front side of the cap body 4. The chin guard 48 covers the lower part of the front opening 7 of the cap body 4. The chin guard 48 is arranged in front of and below the chin of the wearer W, and directly covers the chin of the wearer W.

[0119] The chin guard 48 includes an outer shell layer and a cushion layer provided inside the outer shell layer. The outer shell layer is formed of, for example, a lightweight hard resin such as fiber-reinforced resin, and the cushion layer is formed of, for example, an elastic material such as a foamed resin.

[0120] Reference Figure 7 A camera 66 (an example of a camera device) is installed at the left and right center parts of the chin guard 48. The camera 66 is a device for photographing the space in front of the helmet 1 (an example of the outside of the helmet 1). The lens 67 of the camera 66 is exposed on the front surface (outer surface) of the chin guard 48.

[0121] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 On the surfaces of the left and right sides of the chin guard 48, front reflectors 69 are recessed on the left and right sides of the camera 66. Each front reflector 69 is provided on the front side of the cap body 4 to reflect the millimeter wave (an example of radar wave) emitted from the surrounding vehicles. The front reflector 69 provided on the left side of the chin guard 48 opens toward the left front, and the front reflector 69 provided on the right side of the chin guard 48 opens toward the right front.

[0122] Each front side reflector 69 is formed by covering a concave portion provided on the surface of the chin guard 48 (resin material) with a metal film. The metal film is fixed to the concave portion provided on the surface of the chin guard 48 by any means such as bonding or vapor deposition. A triangular shaped protrusion 70 is provided on the surface of the chin guard 48 so as to surround each front side reflector 69.

[0123] Each front reflector 69 is composed of a triangular pyramid-shaped corner reflector having three adjacent front reflective surfaces 71. The three front reflective surfaces 71 are gathered at a gathering point A2. Each front reflective surface 71 is in the shape of a right triangle. Each front reflective surface 71 is flat and is arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0124] Reference Figure 4 , the central axis B2 of each front side reflector 69 extends obliquely forward from the collection point A2 of the three front side reflective surfaces 71. The central axis B2 of each front side reflector 69 is a collection of points with equal shortest distances from the three front side reflective surfaces 71. When viewed from above, the angle between the central axis B2 of each front side reflector 69 and the front-to-back direction of the helmet 1 is 40 degrees.

[0125] Reference Figure 7 The fans 73 are housed on the left and right sides of the chin guard 48. Each fan 73 is a device for blowing air toward the face of the wearer W. Each fan 73 overlaps with the corresponding front reflector 69 when viewed from the front. Each fan 73 has a rotating shaft and a propeller provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft.

[0126] On the front surfaces (outer surfaces) of the left and right side portions of the chin guard 48, outer louvers 76 for introducing air into the fan 73 are provided. On the rear surfaces (inner surfaces) of the left and right side portions of the chin guard 48, inner louvers 77 for sending the wind from the fan 73 toward the face of the wearer W are provided (see FIG. Figure 5 ).

[0127] <Safety Support System 81>

[0128] Next, a safety support system 81 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0129] Reference Fig.10 The safety support system 81 includes: the helmet 1 , the motorcycle 2 , a portable terminal 83 , and a server device 84 .

[0130] <Helmet 1>

[0131] The helmet 1 includes a first light emitter 28, second light emitters 55 and 56, a camera 66, a fan 73, a sound output device 86, a battery 37, a communication device 87, and a control device 88. The first light emitter 28, second light emitters 55 and 56, camera 66, and fan 73 are not described here.

[0132] The sound output device 86 is provided on the fixing body 10 of the attachment 5 of the helmet 1. The sound output device 86 outputs sound toward the wearer W. The sound output device 86 includes: a first left speaker 18, a first right speaker 19, a second left speaker 25, and a second right speaker 26 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "a plurality of speakers 18, 19, 25, 26"). The plurality of speakers 18, 19, 25, 26 are configured to output sound independently of each other.

[0133] The battery 37 is connected to the first light emitter 28, the second light emitter 55, 56, the camera 66, the fan 73, and the sound output device 86 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electrical components 28, 55, 56, 66, 73, 86") via a harness. More specifically, the harness connected to the electrical components 28, 55, 56, 66, 73, 86 is gathered at the back head protection part 14 and connected to the battery 37. The battery 37 is configured to supply power to the electrical components 28, 55, 56, 66, 73, 86.

[0134] The communication device 87 is provided on the fixing body 10 of the attachment 5 of the helmet 1. The communication device 87 performs wireless communication with external devices of the helmet 1 (for example, the motorcycle 2, the portable terminal 83) based on a communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0135] The control device 88 is provided in the fixing body 10 of the attachment 5 of the helmet 1. The control device 88 includes a calculation processing device (processor such as CPU and MPU) and a storage device (memory such as ROM and RAM).

[0136] The control device 88 is connected to the electrical components 28, 55, 56, 66, 73, 86 via a harness to control the electrical components 28, 55, 56, 66, 73, 86. The control device 88 is connected to the battery 37 to control the power supply from the battery 37 to the electrical components 28, 55, 56, 66, 73, 86. The control device 88 is connected to the communication device 87.

[0137] <Motorcycle 2>

[0138] The motorcycle 2 includes a driving device 90 , a braking device 91 , a vehicle-mounted control unit 92 , and a vehicle-mounted communication unit 93 .

[0139] The drive device 90 is a device that provides driving force to the motorcycle 2. The drive device 90 is composed of, for example, an internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, the drive device 90 may be composed of an electric motor.

[0140] The brake device 91 is a device that provides braking force to the vehicle and is composed of, for example, a hydraulic disk brake or a drum brake.

[0141] The vehicle-mounted control unit 92 is an electronic control unit (ECU) composed of one or more computers configured to perform various processes. The vehicle-mounted control unit 92 includes a processing unit (processor such as CPU and MPU) and a storage unit (memory such as ROM and RAM). The vehicle-mounted control unit 92 is connected to the drive device 90 and the brake device 91 to control the drive device 90 and the brake device 91.

[0142] The vehicle communication unit 93 is connected to the vehicle control unit 92. The vehicle communication unit 93 wirelessly communicates with external devices (such as the helmet 1 and the portable terminal 83) of the motorcycle 2 using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The vehicle communication unit 93 is connected to the server device 84 via the wireless communication network N.

[0143] <Portable terminal 83>

[0144] The portable terminal 83 is carried by the wearer W of the helmet 1 . The portable terminal 83 is constituted by, for example, a smartphone. The portable terminal 83 includes an acceleration sensor 95 , a terminal control unit 96 , and a terminal communication unit 97 .

[0145] The acceleration sensor 95 detects the acceleration and deceleration of the portable terminal 83. The portable terminal 83 moves together with the helmet 1, the wearer W, and the motorcycle 2. Therefore, the acceleration and deceleration of the portable terminal 83 match the acceleration and deceleration of the helmet 1, the wearer W, and the motorcycle 2.

[0146] The terminal control unit 96 is an electronic control unit (ECU) composed of one or more computers configured to execute various processes. The terminal control unit 96 includes a processing unit (processor such as CPU and MPU) and a storage unit (memory such as ROM and RAM).

[0147] The terminal communication unit 97 is connected to the terminal control unit 96. The terminal communication unit 97 wirelessly communicates with external devices (such as the helmet 1 and the motorcycle 2) of the portable terminal 83 according to a communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 97 is connected to the server device 84 via the wireless communication network N.

[0148] <Server device 84>

[0149] The server device 84 is an electronic control unit (ECU) composed of one or more computers configured to perform various processes. The server device 84 includes a processing unit (CPU, MPU and other processors) and a storage device (ROM, RAM and other memories). The server device 84 is composed of a virtual server built on the cloud. In other embodiments, the server device 84 may also be composed of a physical server installed in the operating company of the security support system 81.

[0150] The server device 84 includes a database unit 99 , an object recognition unit 100 , a behavior prediction unit 101 , and a server communication unit 102 .

[0151] The database unit 99 stores map information of a traffic area (hereinafter referred to as a "target traffic area") in which the motorcycle 2 is traveling. The map information stored in the database unit 99 includes information about lanes in the target traffic area (e.g., information about the width of the lanes and the number of lanes), information about sidewalks in the target traffic area (e.g., information about the width of the sidewalks), information about crosswalks in the target traffic area (e.g., information about the positions of crosswalks), and the like.

[0152] The object recognition unit 100 recognizes the position of an object existing in the target traffic area based on information sent from traffic participants existing in the target traffic area. Traffic participants existing in the target traffic area include cars, bicycles, pedestrians, etc. in addition to the two-wheeled motor vehicle 2. Objects existing in the target traffic area include obstacles such as guardrails and electric poles in addition to traffic participants.

[0153] The behavior prediction unit 101 recognizes the state of the target traffic area based on information sent from traffic participants existing in the target traffic area and map information stored in the database unit 99. The behavior prediction unit 101 predicts the future behavior of the traffic participants (for example, the future forward path of the motorcycle 2) based on the state of the target traffic area. More specifically, the behavior prediction unit 101 constructs a virtual space corresponding to the target traffic area based on the state of the target traffic area, performs simulation on the virtual space, and thereby predicts the future behavior of the traffic participants.

[0154] The server communication unit 102 is connected to the traffic participant and its peripheral devices (for example, the vehicle communication unit 93 of the motorcycle 2 and the terminal communication unit 97 of the portable terminal 83 ) via the wireless communication network N.

[0155] The server communication unit 102 transmits information related to the position of the object recognized by the object recognition unit 100 to the traffic participant or its peripheral equipment. For example, the server communication unit 102 transmits information related to the position of the object existing around the wearer W (hereinafter referred to as "object position information") to the terminal communication unit 97 of the portable terminal 83. In other embodiments, the server communication unit 102 may also transmit the object position information to the communication device 87 of the helmet 1.

[0156] The server communication unit 102 transmits information related to the future behavior of the traffic participant predicted by the behavior prediction unit 101 to the traffic participant or its peripheral equipment. For example, the server communication unit 102 transmits information related to the future path of the motorcycle 2 predicted by the behavior prediction unit 101 (hereinafter referred to as "future path information") to the terminal communication unit 97 of the portable terminal 83. In other embodiments, the server communication unit 102 may also transmit the future path information to the communication device 87 of the helmet 1.

[0157] <Output of Sound from Sound Output Device 86>

[0158] When the terminal communication unit 97 of the portable terminal 83 receives the object position information from the server communication unit 102 of the server device 84 , the terminal control unit 96 of the portable terminal 83 generates first to fifth sound output signals corresponding to the position of the object included in the object position information.

[0159] Reference Fig.11, when the position of the object is included in the area C1 in front of the wearer W, the terminal control unit 96 generates a first sound output signal. When the position of the object is included in the area C2 in front of the left of the wearer W, the terminal control unit 96 generates a second sound output signal. When the position of the object is included in the area C3 in front of the right of the wearer W, the terminal control unit 96 generates a third sound output signal. When the position of the object is included in the area C4 behind the left of the wearer W, the terminal control unit 96 generates a fourth sound output signal. When the position of the object is included in the area C5 behind the right of the wearer W, the terminal control unit 96 generates a fifth sound output signal.

[0160] The terminal communication unit 97 transmits the first to fifth sound output signals generated by the terminal control unit 96 to the communication device 87 of the helmet 1. When the communication device 87 receives the first to fifth sound output signals from the terminal communication unit 97, the control device 88 of the helmet 1 controls the output of the sound from the speakers 18, 19, 25, 26 of the sound output device 86 according to the first to fifth sound output signals.

[0161] When the communication device 87 receives the first sound output signal (the sound output signal corresponding to the position of the object in front of the wearer W) from the terminal communication unit 97, the control device 88 causes the first left speaker 18 and the first right speaker 19 to output sound simultaneously. When the communication device 87 receives the second to fifth sound output signals (the sound output signals corresponding to the positions of the objects in front of the left, front of the right, rear of the left, and rear of the wearer W) from the terminal communication unit 97, the control device 88 causes the first left speaker 18, the first right speaker 19, the second left speaker 25, and the second right speaker 26 to output sound separately.

[0162] <Effect>

[0163] As described above, the accessory 5 includes the sound output device 86 for outputting sound toward the wearer W and the camera 66 for photographing the outside of the helmet 1. Therefore, without performing special processing on the cap body 4, the helmet 1 without the sound output device 86 and the camera 66 can be easily developed into the helmet 1 with the sound output device 86 and the camera 66.

[0164] In addition, the attachment 5 includes a fan 73 that blows air toward the face of the wearer W. Therefore, the helmet 1 not equipped with the fan 73 can be easily developed into the helmet 1 equipped with the fan 73 without performing special processing on the cap body 4 .

[0165] In addition, when the outside temperature is high (for example, in summer), the wind from the fan 73 blows on the face of the wearer W, thereby reducing the discomfort (stuffiness) associated with wearing the helmet 1. In addition, the wind from the fan 73 can promote ventilation of the inner space of the helmet 1, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the inner space of the helmet 1. On the other hand, when the outside temperature is low (for example, in winter), the wind from the fan 73 blows on the shield 46, thereby suppressing the shield 46 from fogging due to the exhalation of the wearer W.

[0166] <Modification>

[0167] In the above embodiment, the sound output device 86 has four speakers 18, 19, 25, and 26. In other embodiments, the sound output device 86 may have 1 to 3 speakers, or may have 5 or more speakers.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the camera 66 is provided on the chin guard 48 of the rotating body 11. In other embodiments, the camera 66 may be provided on a portion other than the chin guard 48 of the rotating body 11 (for example, the frame 47), or on the fixed body 10.

[0169] In the above-described embodiment, the terminal communication unit 97 of the portable terminal 83 receives the object position information from the server communication unit 102 of the server device 84. In other embodiments, the terminal communication unit 97 of the portable terminal 83 may receive the object position information from surrounding vehicles.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the front head protection part 13 and the back head protection part 14 are connected by the left and right connection parts 15, thereby the attachment 5 is detachably attached to the cap body 4. Such an attachment structure is only an example, and the attachment 5 can be attached to the cap body 4 by any attachment structure.

[0171] For example, you can also Fig.11 As shown, by winding the belt part 104 on the cap body 4, the front side snap-in part 105 of the belt part 104 is snap-into the front side snap-in part 106 of the front head protection part 13, and the rear side snap-in part 107 of the belt part 104 is snap-into the rear side snap-in part 108 of the rear head protection part 14, so that the accessory 5 can be detachably mounted on the cap body 4.

[0172] In addition, you can also Fig.12 As shown, the accessory 5 can be detachably mounted on the cap body 4 by fastening the integrated front head protection part 13 and the back head protection part 14 to the cap body 4 using a plurality of fastening structures 110. Each fastening structure 110 is composed of, for example, a through hole provided in the cap body 4 and a hook provided in the front head protection part 13 or the back head protection part 14 and detachably engaged with the through hole.

[0173] In the above-described embodiment, the battery 37 can be charged by the external power source by inserting the terminal of the external power source into the charging port 38 of the battery 37 provided in the occipital region protection portion 14. In other embodiments, the battery 37 may be detachable from the occipital region protection portion 14, and the battery 37 removed from the occipital region protection portion 14 may be connected to the external power source, thereby enabling the battery 37 to be charged by the external power source.

[0174] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the helmet 1 is worn by the driver of the motorcycle 2. In other embodiments, the helmet 1 may be worn by the driver of a mobile body other than the motorcycle 2 (e.g., a bicycle, a segway, or a kick-board), or by a person other than the driver of the mobile body (e.g., a pedestrian).

[0175] The description of the specific embodiment has been completed above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and can be implemented in a wide variety of modified forms.

Claims

1. A helmet comprising: a cap body that covers the wearer's head; and an accessory which can be detachably mounted on the cap body, The attachment has: a sound output device that outputs sound toward the wearer; and A camera device is used to photograph the outside of the helmet.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein: An opening is provided at the front of the cap body. The attachment has: a fixing body fixed to the cap body; and a rotating body that rotates relative to the fixed body between a closing position that closes the opening and an opening position that opens the opening, The sound output device is arranged on the fixed body. The imaging device is provided on the rotating body.

3. The helmet according to claim 2, wherein: The rotating body further includes a fan for sending air toward the wearer's face.

4. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein: The rotating body has a chin protection portion for protecting the chin of the wearer, The camera device is arranged at the left and right central parts of the chin guard. The fans are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the chin protection part.

5. The helmet according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing body has a back head protection portion for protecting the back of the wearer's head. The back of the head protection portion accommodates a battery that supplies power to the sound output device.

6. The helmet according to claim 5, wherein: The rear head protection portion is provided with a reflector for reflecting radar waves and a light emitter for emitting light toward the outside of the helmet. The rear end portion of the battery is located forward of the rear end portions of the light emitter and the reflector.

7. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The sound output device has a plurality of speakers that output sounds independently of each other. The plurality of speakers include: A first left speaker, which is arranged in front of the left ear of the wearer; A first right speaker, which is arranged in front of the wearer's right ear; a second left speaker, which is arranged behind the left ear of the wearer; as well as The second right speaker is arranged behind the right ear of the wearer.

8. The helmet according to claim 7, wherein: The helmet has: a communication device that receives a sound output signal corresponding to the position of an object existing in the surroundings of the wearer; as well as A control device controls the output of sound from each of the speakers based on the sound output signal received by the communication device.

9. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The attachment is in a ring shape and surrounds the cap body.

10. A helmet accessory which can be detachably mounted on a cap body covering the head of a wearer and constitutes a helmet together with the cap body, wherein: The accessories of the helmet include: a sound output device that outputs sound toward the wearer; and A camera device is used to photograph the outside of the helmet.

Images