Protection device

Abstract

The protection device is provided with: a helmet which can be worn on the head of a wearer; a fixing band for fixing the helmet to the head; the air bag is accommodated in the helmet in a folded state before the protection device works; and an inflation source supply unit that supplies an inflation source to the airbag when the protection device is operated, the airbag is configured so as to be inflated and deployed by the inflation source supplied from the inflation source supply unit, thereby covering both side neck portions from the back neck portion of the wearer, and the protection device is further provided with an urging unit that is formed integrally with the airbag and that urges the airbag from the back neck portion to the side neck portion of the wearer. The inflation pressure of the air bag is used for applying force to at least one of the side neck part and the rear neck part of the wearer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a protection device for protecting a head and a neck. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as a protection device for protecting the head of a rider of a bicycle or the like, a helmet has been widely known, but a general helmet does not have a function of protecting a cervical vertebra.

[0003] In connection therewith, an airbag device capable of protecting the neck of a protected person has also been proposed (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1 or the like).

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology in which an inflatable airbag is housed inside the back of a helmet, and in operation, the airbag is inflated by supplying pressurized gas stored in a storage chamber to the airbag, and the airbag is used to protect the neck of a wearer of the helmet.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-525260 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION Further, in the case where a bicycle overturns, the head or the neck is bent at a large angle with the boundary between the neck and the head as the center due to the impact thereof, and as a result, there are many cases where the neck is injured. However, in the protection device of the past, even though the neck of the wearer can be covered with the inflated airbag, it cannot be said that it is sufficient from the viewpoint of restraining the bending of the neck, and it cannot be said that the preventive effect on the injury to the neck caused by excessive bending is high.

[0007] The technology of the present disclosure is completed in view of the above-described actual situation, and aims to provide a technology capable of suppressing excessive bending of the neck of a protected person.

[0008] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM The present disclosure solves the above-described problem by the following solution. That is, the gist of the technology of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0009] (Solution 1) The technology of the present disclosure for solving the above-described problem is a protection device that protects the head and the neck of a wearer, the protection device including: a helmet that can be worn on the head of the wearer; a fixing belt for fixing the helmet to the head; an airbag housed in the helmet in a folded state before the protection device operates; and an inflation source supply portion that supplies an inflation source to the airbag when the protection device operates, The airbag is configured to be inflated and deployed by an inflation source supplied from the inflation source supply portion, thereby covering the wearer's rear neck portion and both side neck portions, The protection device further has a force application portion that is formed integrally with the airbag and that applies a force to at least one of the side neck portion and the rear neck portion of the wearer using the inflation pressure of the airbag.

[0010] (Scheme 2) In Scheme 1, it can also be that the force application portion is housed on the inside of the helmet before the protection device is activated, and is pulled out to the outside from the inside of the helmet together with the airbag as the protection device is activated.

[0011] (Scheme 3) In Scheme 1 or Scheme 2, it can also be that the force application portion includes a force application belt, one end side of the force application belt being connected to a front portion position of the helmet, the force application belt being configured to apply a force to the airbag from the rear neck portion side of the wearer toward the front of the neck when the protection device is activated.

[0012] (Scheme 4) In Scheme 3, it can also be that the force application belt has elasticity.

[0013] (Scheme 5) In Scheme 3, it can also be that the force application belt is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the airbag.

[0014] (Scheme 6) In Scheme 3, it can also be that the helmet is configured to cover at least the upper portions of the ears of the wearer in a state of being worn on the head of the wearer.

[0015] (Scheme 7) In Scheme 1 or Scheme 2, it can also be that the force application portion includes a shape retaining portion that retains the shape of the airbag after deployment when the protection device is activated, and that suppresses deformation of the airbag in a direction away from the neck of the wearer.

[0016] (Scheme 8) In Scheme 7, it can also be that the shape retaining portion is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the airbag.

[0017] (Scheme 9) In Scheme 7, it can also be that the shape retaining portion contains a metal or a resin that has elasticity.

[0018] (Scheme 10) In the scheme 7, it can also be that the shape holding portion is housed in the inner space side of the helmet along the opening edge portion of the helmet before the operation of the protection device, and is pulled out to the outside from the inner space side of the helmet together with the air bag as the protection device operates.

[0019] (Scheme 11) In the scheme 7, it can also be that the force applying portion further includes a force applying belt, one end side of the force applying belt is connected to the front portion position of the helmet, and the force applying belt is configured to apply force to the air bag from the rear neck portion side of the wearer toward the front of the neck as the protection device operates. The other end side of the force applying belt is connected to the shape holding portion.

[0020] (Scheme 12) In the scheme 1 or the scheme 2, it can also be that the protection device further has an activation portion attached to the helmet to activate the inflation source supply portion. The activation portion has a working condition sensing sensor for sensing that a prescribed working condition has been established.

[0021] Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, a technology capable of suppressing excessive bending of the neck of a protected person can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a protection device of an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a protection device.

[0024] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control portion.

[0025] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the protection device of the embodiment 1 has operated.

[0026] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining an action of a force applying belt and a shape holding portion.

[0027] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining a first modified example of a protection device.

[0028] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the protection device of the second modified example has operated.

[0029] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the protection device of the fourth modified example has operated.

[0030] Figure 9is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection device of the fourth modification has operated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, the protection device of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each configuration in the embodiment and combinations thereof and the like are one example, and addition, omission, replacement, and other changes of the configuration can be appropriately made within a scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiment, but is limited only by the claims.

[0032] The protection device of the embodiment that protects the head and the neck of the wearer is provided with: a helmet that can be worn on the head of the wearer; a fixing belt for fixing the helmet to the head; an airbag that is housed in a folded state in the helmet before the protection device operates; and an inflation source supply portion that supplies an inflation source to the airbag at the time of operation of the protection device, the airbag is configured to be inflated and deployed by the inflation source supplied from the inflation source supply portion, thereby covering the both sides of the rear neck portion and the both sides of the side neck portion of the wearer, the protection device is further provided with a force applying portion that is formed integrally with the airbag and applies a force to at least one of the side neck portion and the rear neck portion of the wearer using the inflation pressure of the airbag.

[0033] <EMBODIMENT> Figure 1 is a view showing the protection device 1 of the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the outline configuration of the protection device 1. The protection device 1 is a wearable type protection device that is worn on a protected person, and is a device for protecting the head and the neck of the wearer (protected person). The protection device 1 is provided with a helmet 200 that is a protection member worn on the head of the wearer (protected person) and used for protecting the head, an airbag 300, a force applying portion 400, an inflation source supply portion 500, an activation portion 600, and the like. The protection device 1 is configured to operate when a prescribed operating condition is established, thereby protecting the neck of the wearer (protected person). In the present specification, the wearer of the protection device 1 and the protected person are treated as the same meaning. Furthermore, in the present specification, the "neck" refers to a portion that connects the head and the body of a person and is thin. Furthermore, a portion of the "neck" that is mainly located on the rear head side is referred to as a "rear neck portion". The "rear neck portion" is sometimes referred to as a "neck portion". Furthermore, a portion of the "neck" that is located on the front side of the side opposite to the "rear neck portion" is referred to as a "front neck portion". The "front neck portion" is sometimes referred to as a "front throat portion".

[0034] In Figure 1In the upper row, (A) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the left side, and (B) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the right side. Further, Figure 1 The state in which the wearer has put on (worn) the helmet 200 is shown. Further, Figure 1 The state before the operation of the protection device 1 is shown.

[0035] The helmet 200 in the present embodiment is a half-type (substantially hemispherical) helmet. The helmet 200 is provided with a fixing strap 220 or the like for fixing the helmet 200 to the wearer (protected person). The helmet 200 itself can use a publicly known helmet, and an inner cushioning member (not shown) for absorbing impact at the time of a fall or the like can be provided on the inner side thereof. The inner cushioning member can be composed of, for example, foamed polystyrene such as EPS (Expanded Poly Styrene). The helmet 200 can be formed of, for example, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin, PC (Poly Carbonate) resin.

[0036] The fixing strap 220 is a so-called chin strap. The fixing strap 220 is a string-like body for fixing the helmet 200 to the head of the wearer by hanging on the chin of the wearer. In the present embodiment, the scheme of the fixing strap 220 is not particularly limited, and a publicly known fixing strap can be used.

[0037] The airbag 300 is a bag body configured to be inflated and deployed by a gas that is one example of an inflation source being supplied from the inflation source supply portion 500 at the time of the operation of the protection device 1. The airbag 300 is housed in a folded state (i.e., a contracted state) on the inner side of the helmet 200 before the operation of the protection device 1.

[0038] The inflation source supply portion 500 is activated by the activation portion 600. When the activation portion 600 activates the inflation source supply portion 500, the supply of the gas to the airbag 300 from the inflation source supply portion 500 is started, and the airbag 300 is inflated and deployed in conjunction therewith. For example, the inflation source supply portion 500 is provided with a storage container 510 that stores the gas for supply to the airbag 300 in a pressurized state, and a valve core 520 that closes a gas discharge port formed in the storage container 510.

[0039] Before the protection device 1 operates (before the inflation source supply portion 500 is activated), the storage container 510 is sealed by the valve core 520. Then, the valve core 520 is opened by the activation portion 600, whereby the sealing state of the storage container 510 is released, and the gas in a pressurized state stored in the storage container 510 is discharged from the gas discharge port. An unillustrated actuator can be provided to the valve core 520, and the valve core 520 can be configured to be opened by the operation of the actuator. Of course, the operation mechanism for opening the valve core 520 of the storage container 510 is not particularly limited. For example, the valve core 520 can be configured by a thin-walled metal plate member, and the activation portion 600 can be configured to open the valve core 520 by operating a cracking mechanism that cracks the metal plate member configuring the valve core 520. When the valve core 520 of the storage container 510 is opened, the gas discharge port of the storage container 510 is communicated with the gas introduction port of the airbag 300, whereby the gas is supplied to the airbag 300. The gas discharge port of the storage container 510 and the gas introduction port of the airbag 300 can be connected by an unillustrated conduit, for example, and the gas discharged from the gas discharge port of the storage container 510 is supplied to the airbag 300 through the conduit.

[0040] The activation portion 600 is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to activate the inflation source supply portion 500, and the activation portion 600 can be configured to include a control portion 610, a power supply 620, an operation condition sensing sensor 630, a wearing state sensing sensor 640, and the like, for example. The control portion 610 is a controller (control unit) that controls the actuator of the valve core 520, for example. The power supply 620 is a power supply source that supplies electric power to the control portion 610, the operation condition sensing sensor 630, the wearing state sensing sensor 640, and the like, and can be a lithium ion battery or a dry cell, for example. When the actuator of the valve core 520 operates according to an operation instruction signal output from the control portion 610, the valve core 520 is opened, as a result of which the inflation source supply portion 500 is activated, and the gas is supplied from the inflation source supply portion 500 to the airbag 300.

[0041] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control portion 610. The control portion 610 includes a processor 611, a storage portion 612, and an input / output portion 613, and the like. The processor 611 comprehensively performs various arithmetic processing in the control portion 610. The processor 611 can have an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), for example.

[0042] The storage section 612 includes, for example, a main storage section and an auxiliary storage section. The main storage section of the storage section 612 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, and caches programs, data, and the like that are processed by the processor 611. The main storage section of the storage section 612 can also be integrated with the processor 611. The auxiliary storage section of the storage section 612 can also be composed of, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or the like. An operating system (OS) for executing the operation of the protection device 1, various programs, various tables, and the like are stored in the auxiliary storage section of the storage section 612. The input / output section 613 is, for example, an interface that performs input of information (detection results and the like) from various sensors such as the working condition sensing sensor 630, the wearing state sensing sensor 640, and the like, and output of information (control signals and the like) to various sensors, other devices. In addition, the protection device 1 has a power switch that is not shown, and a state signal of the power switch is also input to the input / output section 613.

[0043] The working condition sensing sensor 630 is a sensor for sensing that a prescribed working condition has been established. The prescribed working condition refers to a condition in which the protection device 1 should be operated (or a condition in which the inflation source supply section 500 should be activated), and examples include a condition in which a bicycle ridden by a wearer wearing the helmet 200 has fallen, a condition in which the wearer is in danger other than this, and the like. The working condition sensing sensor 630 can be, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), or the like. In addition, the working condition sensing sensor 630 can also be a vital sign sensor that senses brain waves of the wearer. The dangerous state of the wearer can also be sensed by detecting brain waves that are different from usual brain waves by the vital sign sensor. The vital sign sensor can be a contact type sensor that contacts the head of the wearer, or can be a non-contact type sensor. The working condition sensing sensor 630 can include, for example, at least one of the above-described acceleration sensor, gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), and vital sign sensor. Of course, as the working condition sensing sensor 630, a plurality of sensors among the acceleration sensor, gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), and vital sign sensor can also be used in combination. In addition, the working condition sensing sensor 630 is not particularly limited as long as it can sense a working condition, and can be replaced by a sensing device (for example, a video camera, a millimeter wave radar, or the like) other than the sensors exemplified above. The protection device 1 includes the working condition sensing sensor 630, and thus the activation section 600 can operate the protection device 1 (activate the inflation source supply section 500) at an appropriate timing.

[0044] The wearing state sensing sensor 640 is a sensor that senses the contact state of the wearer's head with the helmet 200. The wearing state sensing sensor 640 can be, for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor. The control section 610 can determine whether or not the helmet 200 is being worn on the head based on the sensing signal of the wearing state sensing sensor 640. The wearing state sensing sensor 640 can also be provided, for example, on the inner side of the helmet 200 in a plurality. In this case, the control section 610 can determine that the helmet 200 is being worn when the sensing signals from the plurality of wearing state sensing sensors 640 are signals indicating the contact state with the head.

[0045] Figure 4 is a view that indicates the state in which the protection device 1 of Embodiment 1 has operated. (A) of the upper row is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the left side, and (B) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the right side. When the protection device 1 operates, the airbag 300 that is supplied with gas from the inflation source supply section 500 is pulled out to the outside from the inner space side of the helmet 200 in the process of inflating and deploying, as shown in Figure 4 , becomes a deployed state to protect the rear head and the neck of the wearer. The airbag 300 is configured so that its cross section has a substantially U-shaped shape in the deployed state, covering the wearer's rear neck and both side necks. The airbag 300 that is deployed by the operation of the protection device 1 covers the wearer's neck, thereby protecting the wearer's neck. Further, as shown in Figure 4 , the airbag 300 is configured to protect by also covering the wearer's rear head in the deployed state.

[0046] The protection device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a force applying section 400 that is integrated with the airbag 300 that inflates and deploys when the inflation source supply section 500 is activated. The force applying section 400 is a member for applying a force to at least one of the side neck and the rear neck of the wearer with the inflation pressure of the airbag 300. In the present embodiment, the force applying section 400 is housed on the inner space side of the helmet 200 before the protection device 1 operates, and is pulled out to the outside from the inner space side of the helmet 200 together with the airbag 300 as the protection device 1 operates.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the force applying section 400 has a force applying belt 700 and a shape retaining section 800. As shown in Figure 4 , the force applying belt 700 is a rope-like member that is connected to the front positions P1, P2 in the helmet 200 at one end side and is connected to the airbag 300 at the other end side. As shown in Figure 4 (A) of Figure 4As shown in (B) of FIG. 7, with the operation of the protection device 1, the force-applying belts 700 are arranged on both left and right sides of the helmet 200. One arranged on the left side of the helmet 200 is referred to as a left force-applying belt 710, and one arranged on the right side of the helmet 200 is referred to as a right force-applying belt 720. The force-applying belts 700 are arranged to include the left force-applying belt 710 and the right force-applying belt 720. In Figure 4 In the example shown in (B) of FIG. 7, two left force-applying belts 710 are arranged on the left side of the helmet 200, and two right force-applying belts 720 are arranged on the right side of the helmet 200, but the number thereof is not particularly limited.

[0048] Figure 4 The reference numeral 330 shown in (A) of FIG. 7 is a left front edge portion of the airbag 300. Figure 4 The reference numeral 340 shown in (B) of FIG. 7 is a right front edge portion of the airbag 300. The left front and the right front referred to herein mean the directions in the airbag 300 after deployment with the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions of the helmet 200 as the reference. In Figure 4 In the example shown in (A) of FIG. 7, one end of the left force-applying belt 710 is connected to a front position P1 in the helmet 200, and the other end of the left force-applying belt 710 is connected to the left front edge portion 330 in the airbag 300. The left force-applying belt 710 is arranged to, for example, fit to the left side of the face of the wearer when the protection device 1 operates. Further, in Figure 4 In the example shown in (B) of FIG. 7, one end of the right force-applying belt 720 is connected to a front position P2 in the helmet 200, and the other end of the right force-applying belt 720 is connected to the right front edge portion 340 in the airbag 300. The right force-applying belt 720 is arranged to, for example, fit to the right side of the face of the wearer when the protection device 1 operates.

[0049] Here, the material forming the force-applying belts 700 (the left force-applying belt 710 and the right force-applying belt 720) is not particularly limited, and, for example, cloth, rubber, wire, or the like can be used. The force-applying belts 700 (the left force-applying belt 710 and the right force-applying belt 720) are arranged to apply force to the airbag 300 from the rear neck portion side of the wearer toward the front of the neck with the operation of the protection device 1. The force-applying belts 700 can also be housed in the inside of the helmet 200 in a manner arranged along the inside of the side opening edge portion of the helmet 200 before the operation of the protection device 1, and pulled out to the outside of the helmet 200 together with the airbag 300 with the operation of the protection device 1.

[0050] Next, the shape holding portions 800 will be described. The shape holding portions 800 are, for example, frame members fixed integrally with the airbag 300, hold the shape of the airbag 300 after deployment when the protection device 1 is activated, and suppress deformation of the airbag 300 in a direction away from the neck of the wearer. The shape holding portions 800 are, for example, configured to contain a metal or a resin having elasticity. In Figure 4 In the example shown, two shape holding portions 800 shaped in a substantially U shape in cross section are fixed along the lateral direction of the airbag 300. However, the number, position, shape, and the like of the shape holding portions 800 provided to the airbag 300 are not particularly limited. Note that the shape holding portions 800 fixed integrally with the airbag 300 are housed inside the headgear 200 along the opening edge portion (for example, the rear opening edge portion) of the headgear 200 before activation of the protection device 1. Also, the shape holding portions 800 are pulled out to the outside of the headgear 200 together with the airbag 300 with activation of the protection device 1. Note that the shape holding portions 800 can also form part of the outer shell of the headgear 200.

[0051] Figure 5 is a view that explains the action of the force applying belts 700 (left force applying belt 710, right force applying belt 720) and the shape holding portions 800 as the force applying portions 400. Figure 5 In Figure 5 In

[0052] First, the action of the force applying belts 700 (left force applying belt 710, right force applying belt 720) will be described. As shown in Figure 4 As described in

[0053] When the inflation pressure of the air bag 300 acts on the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720, tension that extends the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 in the axial direction is generated. When the ends of the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 are fixed to the front positions PI, P2 of the helmet 200, and the inflation pressure of the inflated air bag 300 acts, the tension generated in the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 is transmitted to the air bag 300, and thus the air bag 300 can be forced toward the front. In other words, by the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720, the air bag 300 can be forced from the rear neck portion side of the wearer toward the front of the neck. Thus, the state in which the inflated air bag 300 is in close contact with the neck (particularly, the rear neck portion) of the wearer can be maintained. As a result, the effect of restraining the neck of the wearer is improved, and the bending of the neck can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, the protection device 1 that is excellent in the preventive effect on the damage to the neck caused by excessive bending can be provided.

[0054] Further, it is preferable that the force applying belts 700 (the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720) have elasticity. By thus configuring the force applying belts 700, the air bag 300 can be forced with greater application force from the rear neck portion side of the wearer toward the front of the neck. As a result, when the protection device 1 is operated, the restraining effect of restraining the neck of the wearer can be further improved.

[0055] Note that, Figure 5 The dashed arrows shown by reference sign Fl in FIG. 1 exemplify the directions of the application force of the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 to the air bag 300 when the protection device 1 is operated. Further, Figure 5 Reference sign CL in FIG. 1 is a front-rear center axis that extends in the front-rear direction through the center in the left-right direction of the helmet 200. The front positions PI, P2 at which the ends of the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 are fixed to the helmet 200 can also be set closer to the front-rear center axis CL of the helmet 200 than the left front edge portion 330 and the right front edge portion 340 at which the other ends of the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 are fixed to the air bag 300. By thus setting, the left force applying belt 710 and the right force applying belt 720 can be caused to be more bent when the protection device 1 is operated. Figure 5the direction indicated by the arrow of reference F1 shown in the drawing. The "inner side" as referred to herein is the inner side in the left-right direction of the helmet 200, and can also be said to be the side of the front-rear center axis CL. Thus, not only is the inflated air bag 300 pressed against the rear neck portion of the wearer, but it is also easy to press the air bag 300 against the side neck portions of the wearer. That is, the air bag 300 can be made to conform in a U shape from the rear neck portion to the side neck portions of the wearer, thereby further improving the restraining effect on the neck of the wearer.

[0056] Next, the effects of the shape retaining portion 800 will be described with reference to Figure 5 The effects of the shape retaining portion 800 will be described. As described above, the shape retaining portion 800 is formed as a frame body having a U shape. In Figure 5 In the scheme shown in the drawing, the shape retaining portion 800 is fixed integrally along the outer peripheral portion 310 of the air bag 300. The outer peripheral portion 310 of the air bag 300 refers to the portion on the side opposite the side facing and contacting the neck of the wearer after the air bag 300 is deployed into a substantially U shape. The portion of the air bag 300 on the side facing and covering the neck of the wearer after the air bag 300 is deployed into a substantially U shape is also referred to as the "inner peripheral portion". When the shape retaining portion 800 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion 310 of the air bag 300, the shape retaining portion 800 can be disposed on the outer surface (the surface exposed to the outside) side of the air bag 300, or on the inner surface (the surface on the side into which gas is introduced) side of the air bag 300. However, the shape retaining portion 800 can also be fixed along the inner peripheral portion of the air bag 300.

[0057] The shape retaining portion 800 disposed integrally with the air bag 300 acts against the inflation pressure of the air bag 300 at the time of inflation (at the time of deployment). As described above, the shape retaining portion 800 is formed as a frame body having a U shape, and thus the shape retaining portion 800 functions in such a way as to retain the shape of the deployed air bag 300 against the inflation pressure of the air bag 300, and to suppress deformation of the air bag 300 in a direction away from the neck of the wearer. That is, when the inflation pressure of the air bag 300 acts in a direction to expand the U shape of the shape retaining portion 800, the shape retaining portion 800 resists the inflation pressure using its rigidity, and exerts a force on the air bag 300 in the direction of the neck (the rear neck portion, the side neck portions) as a reaction force to the inflation pressure. Figure 5 The solid arrow of reference F2 shown in the drawing exemplifies the direction of the force exerted by the shape retaining portion 800 on the air bag 300 at the time of operation of the protection device 1.

[0058] By the effects of the shape retaining portion 800 described above, it is possible to maintain a state in which the inflated air bag 300 is pressed against the neck (the rear neck portion, the side neck portions) of the wearer. As a result, the effect of restraining the neck of the wearer is improved, and it is possible to effectively suppress bending of the neck. In particular, inFigure 5 In the illustrated arrangement, the shape retaining portion 800 is fixed integrally along the outer peripheral portion 310 of the airbag 300, and thus, when the protection device 1 is activated, the airbag 300 can be pressed toward the wearer's neck with a greater pressing force, and thus, the restraining effect of the airbag 300 on the neck can be further improved. That is, the excessive bending of the wearer's neck can be appropriately suppressed. Further, the shape retaining portion 800 can also be configured to include a metal or resin having elasticity. By so configuring, when the shape retaining portion 800 is subjected to the inflation pressure of the airbag 300, a greater elastic force is generated, and thus, the airbag 300 can be pressed toward the wearer's neck with a greater pressing force.

[0059] As described above, the protection device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the airbag 300 that protects the wearer's neck and the pressing portion 400 (the pressing belt 700, the shape retaining portion 800) that presses the airbag 300 toward the neck, and thus, a gap is less likely to occur between the inflated airbag 300 and the neck, and the neck can be appropriately restrained. As a result, even when the wearer falls down during the ride of the bicycle, or the like, the excessive bending of the wearer's neck due to the impact can be appropriately suppressed, and thus, the damage to the wearer's neck can be appropriately suppressed and reduced. Note that the protection device 1 can also restrain the neck with a slight margin of movement when activated, without completely restraining the movement of the wearer's head and neck. That is, the protection device 1 can also allow the movement of the neck in a manner that the wearer's neck is not damaged when falling down, or the like. Further, the protection device 1 of the present embodiment does not cover the entire circumference of the wearer's neck with the inflated airbag 300, but protects the rear neck and both side necks in a U-shaped manner, and thus, the wearer's throat is not excessively constricted when the protection device 1 is activated. Further, in the protection device 1 of the present embodiment, the one end side of the pressing belt 700 that presses the airbag 300 forward is fixed to the helmet 200, and the fixing belt 220 is not particularly linked to the airbag 300, and thus, the wearer's throat is not excessively constricted when the protection device 1 is activated.

[0060] Further, the protection device 1 of the present embodiment can be modified in various ways. Hereinafter, modifications of the protection device 1 will be described.

[0061] <First Modification> Figure 6This figure illustrates a first modification of the protective device 1. The helmet 200 of the first modification is configured to cover at least the upper part of the wearer's ears when worn on the head. Specifically, the helmet 200 of the first modification has earmuffs 210 that, when worn on the head, cover at least the upper part of the wearer's ears. Other structural details are the same as those of the protective device 1 described above. It should be noted that the force application straps 700 (left force application strap 710, right force application strap 720) are retracted into the inner side of the helmet 200 along the side opening edge shown by reference numeral 230 before the protective device 1 is activated. According to the helmet 200 of the first modification, when the force application straps 700 (left force application strap 710, right force application strap 720) are pulled out of the helmet 200 along with the inflated and deployed airbag 300 during the activation of the protective device 1, the force application straps 700 are less likely to get caught on the wearer's ears.

[0062] <Second Variation> Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the protective device 1 of the second modified example in its operational state. The upper section (A) is illustrated as a perspective view of the helmet 200 viewed from the left, and (B) is illustrated as a perspective view of the helmet 200 viewed from the right. Figure 7 In the second variation shown, the force-applying strap 700 is fixed (connected) to the outer periphery 310 of the airbag 300. That is, one end of the force-applying strap 700 is connected to the front position P1 and the front position P2 of the helmet 200, and the other end of the force-applying strap 700 (left force-applying strap 710 and right force-applying strap 720) is connected to the outer periphery 310 of the airbag 300.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, by fixing the end of the force-applying belt 700 to the outer periphery 310 of the airbag 300, it is possible to... Figure 5 The applied force F1 described herein is directed further inwards towards the inner side of the helmet 200 (near the front-rear central axis CL). As a result, the inflated airbag 300 can more easily and appropriately conform to the wearer's left and right sides of the neck. That is, the airbag 300 can more appropriately conform to the wearer's neck in a U-shape from the back of the neck to the left and right sides of the neck, thereby further improving the restraint effect on the wearer's neck. It should be noted that in Figure 7 In the modified example shown, the ends of the left-side force-applying band 710 and the right-side force-applying band 720 on the airbag 300 side can be connected, and the force-applying band 700 can be used to surround the circumferential portion 310 of the airbag 300. In this case, the shape-holding portion 800 and the force-applying band 700 can also be used together.

[0064] <Third Variation> Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection device 1 of the third modification example is working. The upper row of (A) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the left side, and (B) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the right side. In Figure 8 In the third modification example shown in the drawing, the other end side of the force applying belt 700 (left force applying belt 710, right force applying belt 720) is connected to the shape retaining portion 800. Note that, as for the aspect in which the one end side of the force applying belt 700 is connected to the front position PI, front position P2 of the helmet 200, the same as the above-described scheme up to now is adopted. Further, in Figure 8 In the example shown in the drawing, the end portion of the force applying belt 700 is connected to the end portion 810 of the shape retaining portion 800 shaped as a substantially U-shaped shape.

[0065] According to the third modification example, the end portion of the force applying belt 700 is connected to the end portion 810 of the shape retaining portion 800 provided in one body with the air bag 300, and they are joined in one body. Thereby, at the time of working of the protection device 1, the shape retaining portion 800 provided in one body with the air bag 300 can be directly pulled toward the front by the force applying belt 700. That is, according to the third modification example, the tension acting on the force applying belt 700 can be directly transmitted to the shape retaining portion 800, and thus the air bag 300 can be further effectively forced toward the rear neck and neck of the wearer. Thereby, the restraining effect of restraining the neck of the wearer is further improved, and the effect of the neck protection is further improved.

[0066] Note that, in the explanation of the above-described embodiment and each modification example up to now, the force applying portion 400 including both the force applying belt 700 (left force applying belt 710, right force applying belt 720) and the shape retaining portion 800 has been explained, but it is not limited thereto, and the force applying belt 700 and the shape retaining portion 800 can be used separately. That is, the force applying portion 400 of the protection device 1 can have only either one of the force applying belt 700 and the shape retaining portion 800. In the case of using the force applying belt 700 and the shape retaining portion 800 separately, in either case, the air bag 300 is forced toward the neck of the wearer by the inflation pressure of the air bag 300 at the time of working of the protection device 1, and thereby the restraining effect of the neck is obtained. Note that, the direction in which the force applying belt 700 (left force applying belt 710, right force applying belt 720) extends (the direction in which the force applying belt 700 is elongated), the direction in which the shape retaining portion 800 extends, and the relative direction thereof at the time of working of the protection device 1 (after working) are not particularly limited, Figure 8 The scheme shown in the drawing is only one example.

[0067] <Fourth Modification Example> Figure 9is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection device 1 of the fourth modification example is working. The upper row of (A) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the left side, and (B) is illustrated as a perspective view obtained by viewing the helmet 200 from the right side. The protection device 1 of the fourth modification example is provided only with the force applying belt 700 (left side force applying belt 710, right side force applying belt 720) as the force applying portion 400, and the shape retaining portion 800 is not provided to the air bag 300. In the fourth modification example, the auxiliary belt 730 is integrally installed to the outer surface of the outer peripheral portion 310 of the air bag 300, and the auxiliary belt 730 is wrapped around the outer peripheral portion 310. Further, each end portion of the auxiliary belt 730 is continuously linked to the left side force applying belt 710 and the right side force applying belt 720. That is, the force applying belt 700 can be understood as one belt in which the left side force applying belt 710, the auxiliary belt 730, and the right side force applying belt 720 are continuously formed. Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 28, a scheme in which the protection device 1 is provided with one force applying belt 700 in which the left side force applying belt 710, the auxiliary belt 730, and the right side force applying belt 720 are continuously formed is shown, but the number of the force applying belts 700 is not particularly limited, and two force applying belts 700 can be provided, and of course, the protection device 1 can be provided with three or more force applying belts 700. Figure 9 Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 28, a scheme in which the protection device 1 is provided with one force applying belt 700 in which the left side force applying belt 710, the auxiliary belt 730, and the right side force applying belt 720 are continuously formed is shown, but the number of the force applying belts 700 is not particularly limited, and two force applying belts 700 can be provided, and of course, the protection device 1 can be provided with three or more force applying belts 700.

[0068] The force applying belt 700 thus configured is arranged so that each end portion is connected to the front portion position PI and the front portion position P2 of the helmet 200, and the auxiliary belt 730 at the intermediate portion is engaged with the outer peripheral portion 310 of the air bag 300 and wrapped around the outer peripheral portion 310. Thereby, the force applying effect of the force applying belt 700 on the air bag 300 can be improved. That is, the air bag 300 can be applied with a greater force from the rear neck portion side of the wearer toward the front of the neck, and thereby the restraining effect of the neck of the wearer when the protection device 1 is working can be further improved.

[0069] Of course, the protection device 1 can employ a different scheme from the above-described embodiments and each modification. For example, in the protection device 1 described in the above-described embodiments, a scheme in which the activation section 600 (the control section 610) causes the inflation source supply section 500 to operate based on a sensed signal of the working condition sensing sensor 630 is described, but for example, it can also be configured to provide a manual operation section (not shown) in the helmet 200 to be manually operated by the wearer, to cause the protection device 1 to operate as an opportunity of the operation of the manual operation section by the wearer. For example, a proper mechanical mechanism (for example, a combination of mechanical elements such as a spring, a wire, and the like) can be interposed between the valve core 520 that seals the gas discharge port of the storage container 510 that stores the pressurized gas and the manual operation section, and the protection device 1 can be caused to operate by the operation of the manual operation section by the wearer. The specific structure of the manual operation section is not particularly limited, and for example, a manual switch, a locking pin, or the like that can be operated by the wearer can be provided in the helmet 200, and a structure in which the gas discharge port of the storage container 510 is opened by the operation of such a manual operation section can be employed.

[0070] Further, the inflation source supply section 500 can also be a pyro-type gas generator used when the airbag 300 is inflated. Such a gas generator is known, and detailed description is omitted, but the gas generator can have a case that accommodates a gas generating agent inside, and a pyro-type igniter that operates by being supplied with a working current and ignites the gas generating agent inside the case, and the gas generator supplies the inflation gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent to the airbag 300 through a proper conduit. Further, for the above-described protection device 1, a scheme in which the airbag 300 is accommodated in the folded state in the inner space side of the helmet 200 before the protection device 1 is activated is described as an example, but the airbag 300 can also be accommodated in a place other than the inner space of the helmet 200. For example, the airbag 300 can be mounted to the outer shell of the helmet 200 in a state in which the airbag 300 is covered with a cover.

[0071] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure, but the various schemes disclosed in the present specification can also be combined with any other features disclosed in the present specification.

[0072] Explanation of Reference Signs 1: protection device; 200: helmet; 220: fixing belt; 300: airbag; 400: force application section; 500: inflation source supply section; 700: force application belt; 800: shape retaining section.

Claims

1. A protective device for protecting the head and neck of a wearer, said protective device comprising: A helmet is a garment worn on the head of the wearer; A securing strap for securing the helmet to the head; The airbag is housed in the helmet in a folded state before the protective device is activated; as well as The inflation source supply unit supplies an inflation source to the airbag when the protective device is in operation. The airbag is configured to inflate and deploy via an inflation source supplied from the inflation source supply unit, thereby covering the wearer's back neck and extending to both sides of the neck. The protective device also includes a force-applying part, which is integrated with the airbag and applies force to at least one of the wearer's side neck and back neck using the inflation pressure of the airbag.

2. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein, The force-applying part is housed inside the helmet before the protective device is activated, and is pulled out from the helmet's inner cavity along with the airbag as the protective device is activated.

3. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The force-applying part includes a force-applying strap, one end of which is connected to the front of the helmet. The force-applying strap is configured to apply force to the airbag from the back of the wearer’s neck toward the front of the neck when the protective device is in operation.

4. The protection device according to claim 3, wherein, The force-applying belt is elastic.

5. The protection device according to claim 3, wherein, The force-applying strap is fixed to the outer periphery of the airbag.

6. The protection device according to claim 3, wherein, The helmet is configured to cover at least the upper part of the wearer's ears when worn on the wearer's head.

7. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The force-applying part includes a shape-retaining part that maintains the shape of the airbag after it has been deployed when the protective device is in operation, and inhibits the airbag from deforming away from the wearer's neck.

8. The protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The shape-retaining part is fixed to the outer periphery of the airbag.

9. The protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The shape-retaining part comprises an elastic metal or resin.

10. The protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The shape-retaining part is housed along the opening edge of the helmet before the protective device is activated, and is pulled out from the inner side of the helmet together with the airbag as the protective device is activated.

11. The protection device according to claim 7, wherein, The force-applying part also includes a force-applying strap, one end of which is connected to the front of the helmet. The force-applying strap is configured to apply force to the airbag from the back of the wearer's neck toward the front of the neck when the protective device is in operation. The other end of the force-applying band is connected to the shape-holding part.

12. The protection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The protective device also includes an activation unit, which is attached to the helmet to activate the expansion source supply unit. The starting unit has a working condition sensing sensor for sensing that the specified working conditions have been met.

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