Safety device with helmet and airbag unit

Abstract

A safety device for a person's head is described. The safety device includes a helmet having a helmet body and an airbag unit attached to the helmet body. The airbag unit includes an airbag having at least one protection section, an inflator (56) in fluid communication with the airbag, and a trigger assembly (60) for triggering the inflator (56). The trigger assembly (60) includes at least one crash sensor (66) and a battery (62). In order to avoid unnecessarily triggering the inflator, the airbag unit (50) further comprises a use detection arrangement (70) for distinguishing between an unworn state and a possible worn state of the helmet body, such that the use detection arrangement (70) is in a first state when it detects the unworn state and in a second state when it detects the possible worn state. The use detection arrangement comprises at least one sensor (34, 40). When the use detection arrangement (70) is in its first state, triggering of the inflator (56) by the triggering assembly (60) is disabled, and when the use detection arrangement (70) is in its second state, the triggering assembly (60) is enabled to trigger the inflator (56) when the triggering assembly (60) detects a collision.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] The invention relates to a safety device for the head of a person according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Especially for cyclists and motorcyclists, a helmet is the most important wearable safety device. Although the invention described hereinafter mainly relates to the use of such a safety device in combination with the riding or driving of a vehicle, the invention is of course not limited to this use. However, for the sake of simplicity, mainly reference is made to safety devices used by cyclists and safety devices used by motorcyclists.

[0004] A common feature of all these safety devices is that they comprise a helmet with a helmet body. In almost all cases, such a helmet additionally comprises a chinstrap with a fastening device. Most bicycle helmets cannot be used at all without a chinstrap, in the case of motorcycle helmets the chinstrap is usually necessary in order to ensure that the helmet remains in place (meaning on the head) in the event of an accident (when the helmet is needed). In other words: in order to achieve the maximum level of safety, a chinstrap must be provided, which of course is fastened when the helmet is worn.

[0005] In addition to the helmet body and the chinstrap, other elements can also be provided, such as goggles, a chin bar or a so-called BOA system.

[0006] In order to enhance the protection provided by such a safety device comprising a helmet, it has been proposed to integrate an airbag unit into the helmet body of the helmet. The integrated airbag unit provides additional protection in certain scenarios, while the helmet itself provides effective protection. Such an airbag unit comprises an airbag with at least one protection segment, an inflator (e.g. a gas generator) in fluid communication with the airbag and a trigger assembly for triggering the inflator. Such a trigger assembly always comprises at least one collision sensor (usually an acceleration sensor) and a battery. The battery can be detachably mounted so that it can be replaced or charged in a separate charging station. The feature that the trigger assembly comprises a battery should therefore be understood in such a way that the battery must be present at least in the operational state of the trigger assembly (and thus of the airbag unit).

[0007] As long as the inflator is not triggered, such a safety device can be used for years (like a conventional helmet). However, after triggering the inflator, the safety device usually has to be completely replaced, which means that it has to be thrown away and a new safety device has to be purchased.

[0008] Starting from this prior art, it is the object of the invention to improve the generic safety device in such a way that its average life is prolonged without reducing its protection properties.

[0009] This task is solved by a safety device having features according to claim 1.

[0010] As already explained above, the trigger assembly of such a safety device always comprises a collision sensor, which most often is in the form of an acceleration sensor, as known from conventional airbag units installed in vehicles, in particular in cars. In case an airbag unit is installed in a car, the relevant acceleration, which is usually a negative acceleration meaning deceleration, only occurs in case of an accident, so that the triggering of the inflator also only occurs in case of an accident. It turns out, however, that in case the safety device comprises a helmet and an airbag unit attached to the helmet, the situation is different:

[0011] Here, there is a certain probability that an acceleration leading to the triggering of the inflator occurs not during an accident but when the helmet of the safety device is not worn. A simple example of such an event is given: The safety device can fall from a table or the like and during this time a critical acceleration can be reached. Usually, such a helmet will still be usable after such an event, but as already described above, when the inflator is triggered, at least the airbag unit, usually the entire safety device including the helmet, has to be replaced.

[0012] In order to at least avoid such events with high probability, a use detection arrangement for distinguishing between an unworn state and a possibly worn state of the helmet body is provided. The use detection arrangement is in a first state when it detects the unworn state and in a second state when it detects the possibly worn state. When the use detection arrangement is in its first state, the trigger assembly is disabled, and when the use detection arrangement is in its second state, the trigger assembly is enabled. By this measure, the triggering of the inflator can be prevented when the helmet of the safety device is not worn with high probability.

[0013] The use detection arrangement can additionally be used for saving energy of the battery: In most cases, the helmet is not worn and in this state the trigger assembly can be automatically set into an energy saving rest state in which e.g. the collision sensor is deactivated. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, when the use detection arrangement is in its first state, the trigger assembly is in this energy saving rest state, and when the use detection arrangement is in its second state, the trigger assembly is in an active state.

[0014] As already described above, the helmet typically comprises a chinstrap with a fastening device, such that the chinstrap has an open state and a closed state. It turns out that the state of the fastening device can be very useful in order to define the state of the use detection arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening device thus comprises a fastening sensor (e.g. a micro switch) which is part of the use detection arrangement and when the fastening sensor detects the open state, the use detection arrangement is in its first state.

[0015] The fastening sensor can be the only sensor of the use detection arrangement. In this case, when the fastening sensor detects the closed state, the use detection arrangement is in its second state.

[0016] In another embodiment, the use detection arrangement comprises a proximity sensor and / or a contact sensor for detecting the presence of an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body. In this case, when the proximity sensor and / or the contact sensor do not detect the presence of an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body, the use detection arrangement is in its first state.

[0017] The proximity sensor and / or the contact sensor can be the only sensor of the use detection arrangement. In this case, when the proximity sensor and / or the contact sensor detect the presence of an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body, the use detection arrangement is in its second state.

[0018] In a highly preferred embodiment, the use detection arrangement comprises both: a fastening sensor and a proximity sensor and / or a contact sensor. In this case, when the fastening sensor detects the closed state and the proximity sensor and / or the contact sensor detect the presence of an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body, the use detection arrangement is only in its second state. By these measures, the probability of detecting a possible wearing state, although the helmet is not worn, is very low.

[0019] The helmet body extends in a first direction from an edge forming a lower end to an upper end and in a second direction from a rear end portion to a front end portion. The inflator preferably has an oval shape and extends from a first end portion to a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the inflator comprises a connector electrically connected to the trigger assembly and the second end portion of the inflator comprises a gas outlet.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the first end portion of the inflator is located at the rear end portion of the helmet body, away from the lower end portion of the helmet body, and the inflator extends from its first end portion along the upper surface of the helmet body toward the front end portion of the helmet body. This arrangement positions the inflator in a location that is at least statistically less critical to the head, and the short distance between the gas outlet and the airbag, particularly its protective section, allows the airbag to inflate very quickly. This protective section preferably includes a segment in the forehead region of the helmet body. Both contribute to, or even enhance, the level of protection. In some embodiments, the protective section extends from the forehead region to the side of the helmet.

[0021] The helmet body typically includes a plane of symmetry (such as the head to be protected), and it is generally preferred that the inflator is located in this plane of symmetry.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, at least the battery of the trigger assembly, preferably the entire trigger assembly, is located between the first end portion of the inflator and the lower end portion of the helmet body. This location is particularly preferred because it is a position where impact with an obstacle is unlikely during an accident, or at least not the initial point of impact. Additionally, this positioning provides easy access to the battery, allowing for easy charging of the battery in its installed state. This positioning is particularly suitable for motorcycle helmets, especially full-face or jet helmets.

[0023] The helmet body typically comprises a main body made of foam material and a rigid shell covering the outer side of the main body. This is suitable for relatively heavy motorcycle helmets as well as lightweight bicycle helmets. It has proven preferable to position at least the protected section of the airbag, preferably the entire airbag and inflator, outside the rigid shell, so that the structure of the helmet body remains intact when the airbag deploys. Furthermore, this simplifies assembly and allows access to the airbag unit without disassembling the helmet body. To protect the components of the airbag unit located outside the shell, it is preferable to provide a cover element that at least covers those components of the airbag unit. Particularly preferred is that the cover element is a single piece.

[0024] Preferably, at least the battery, and preferably the entire trigger assembly, is located between the main body and the rigid shell, thus protecting it from environmental influences. In this regard, it is particularly preferred that, as described above, the trigger assembly is located between the first end portion of the inflator and the lower end portion of the helmet body, allowing for easy installation and access.

[0025] The preferred positions just described for the inflator and triggering components can also be used independently of the presence of the detection arrangement.

[0026] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. The drawings show:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the forebody of the safety device according to the invention, wherein the helmet of the safety device is a full-face helmet.

[0028] Figure 2 Figure 1 A plan view of the precursor.

[0029] Figure 3 according to Figure 1 The complete safety device in the representation (meaning) Figure 1 (the precursor and the covering element attached thereto).

[0030] Figure 4 according to Figure 2 In the representation of Figure 3 Safety devices,

[0031] Figure 5 The schematic diagram illustrates the triggering components and usage detection arrangement of the safety device, and

[0032] Figure 6 Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the possible working principle of the arrangement shown.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foreground of a safety device is shown, which includes a helmet in the form of a full-face helmet and an airbag unit. (As shown in...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the fully assembled state shown, at least each component of the airbag unit (i.e., its airbag and its inflator) is covered by a covering element 26, which may also be referred to as a “cover” or “covering element”.

[0034] The airbag unit includes an airbag 52 (in this embodiment, the airbag consists only of a protective section located substantially in the forehead and lateral regions), an inflator 56, a filling tube 54 connecting the inflator to the airbag 52, and a trigger assembly 60 connected to the inflator 56 by means of an ignition cable 57.

[0035] The helmet 10 of the safety device 5 includes a helmet body, which also includes three parts: a main body 22 made of a foamed plastic material (such as polystyrene foam), a shell 24 covering the outer surface of the main body 22, and padding (or cushioning) 28 covering at least each part of the inner surface of the main body 22. The shell 24 is made of a rigid plastic material such as polycarbonate. The helmet body extends in a first direction Z from the edge forming its lower end portion 20a to its upper end portion 20b, and in a second direction X from its rear end portion 20c to its front end portion 20d. The helmet also includes a chin strap extending from the helmet body 20. Figure 1One part 30 of the chin strap including the buckle 32 is shown in the cross section. Of course, but not shown in the cross section, there is another part of the chin strap with a tongue.

[0036] In Figure 1 The buckle sensor 34 and the proximity sensor 40, which are components of the airbag unit, can also be seen in the cross section. The proximity sensor 40 can for example be placed between the main body 22 and the padding 28. Both sensors are components using a detection arrangement, which will be described later, in particular according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 described. The presence of such a detection arrangement is an aspect of the invention, but the safety device also shows other features that are new and inventive with respect to the prior art, and which can at least in principle also be used independently of the presence of a detection arrangement.

[0037] One of these features is that the airbag 52, the inflator 56 and the filling tube 54 connecting the airbag 52 and the inflator 56 are completely located outside the shell 24. This has several advantages: first of all, it makes assembly easier, because the helmet 10 can be manufactured essentially like a conventional helmet, and the airbag, the filling tube (if present) and the inflator can be attached to the helmet in a subsequent step. In the embodiment shown, the filling tube 54 is a separate component, but it can also be part of the airbag, so that the airbag would then comprise the protection section and the filling tube. Another advantage is that the structure of the helmet body remains intact when the airbag is deployed. Of course, the inflator, the filling tube and the airbag are fixed to the outer shell.

[0038] According to another aspect, the inflator 56 extends essentially from the upper rear end of the helmet body 20 along the outer surface of the helmet body 20 towards the front. The inflator 56 preferably, but not necessarily, has an oval shape, and can at least partly be a cylinder. This positioning and orientation of the inflator proves to have many positive effects: first of all, it is in a position that is generally not critical during a collision (with respect to the head of the person to be protected): it is statistically impossible that this zone initially hits an object during a collision. Furthermore, this positioning has proven to have a positive influence on the balance of the helmet, and finally, the distance to the airbag is relatively short, which leads to a fast filling of the airbag, and in addition makes it possible to use a small inflator 56.

[0039] According to another aspect, the trigger assembly 60 is placed between the main body 22 and the shell 24, in particular in the lower rear region of the helmet body 20. This means that in this region a hollow is provided between the main body 22 and the shell 24. By this measure, the trigger assembly 60 can be easily accessed and installed and is well protected by the shell 24, in particular from weather conditions and other environmental influences. This positioning is additionally chosen because this region of the helmet 10 is rarely hit by obstacles during accidents, at least in the case of a motorcycle helmet, so that a slightly reduced thickness of the main body 22 in this region is usually not a problem. Furthermore, this positioning makes assembly easy and the trigger assembly, in particular its battery, can be accessed, for example for charging purposes. The described positioning of the trigger assembly is particularly suitable for use in motorcycle helmets (which can of course also be used for other purposes, such as scooter driving or quad driving), such as full-face helmets and jet helmets.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is shown that there is a single cover element (or cover) 26 which covers all components of the airbag unit 50 which are placed outside the shell 24 of the helmet body 20. This cover element 26 can cover substantially the entire shell 24, but in the shown embodiment it does not cover the entire shell 24. In order to ensure that the airbag 52 can expand when filled with gas, the cover element 26 comprises a split line 26a which is typically in the form of a groove. In the shown embodiment, this split line 26a extends from both ends of a hinge 26b which can also be in the form of a groove, wherein the depth of this groove is smaller than the depth of the groove forming the split line 26a. In an alternative (but not shown in the figures), the split line 26a can completely surround the airbag 52, so that when the airbag 52 inflates, the inner component of the cover element 26 covering the airbag will completely separate from the helmet body. In another (also not shown) variant, this inner component of the cover element 26 can be attached (e.g. glued) to the airbag 52, so that it remains (i.e. via the airbag) connected to the airbag body even when the airbag inflates. In another not shown embodiment, the cover element can completely separate from the main body when the airbag deploys.

[0041] Now, according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structure and working principle of the use detection arrangement are described in more detail. Figure 5 The trigger assembly 60 and the use detection arrangement 70 are shown schematically. In the shown embodiment, the trigger assembly and the use detection arrangement 70 partially "overlap" in that they use the same controller / ECU 64.

[0042] As already briefly discussed, the trigger assembly 60 comprises a controller 64, a crash sensor 66 in communication with the controller 64, and a battery 62. The crash sensor is not necessarily a physically separate component; it can be integrated into the controller 64, first the features of which must be understood functionally. The battery 62 can not be permanently connected to the controller 64, so that it can be removed, for example, for charging purposes. However, in the operational state, the battery must be present. The crash sensor 66 most often takes the form of an acceleration sensor, so that an abnormal acceleration or deceleration, which usually occurs before the helmet hits an obstacle due to an accident, can be detected. If such an abnormal acceleration is detected, the inflator 56 is triggered by the controller (or more generally: by the trigger assembly 60) in the case where the use detection arrangement is in its second state (see below).

[0043] The use detection arrangement 70 comprises the proximity sensor 40 and the buckle sensor 44. In a simpler embodiment, there can be only one of these sensors, but the use of two sensors makes it less likely that a possible wear state is detected, although the helmet is not worn. Both sensors are electrically connected to the controller / ECU 64.

[0044] Figure 6 A possible and preferred working principle of the use detection arrangement 70 is shown. Figure 5 The flowchart of Figure 5 begins in a state in which the helmet is not worn, and thus the use detection arrangement 70 is in a first state in which the trigger assembly is disabled. As long as the buckle 32 does not change from the open state to the closed state, the use detection arrangement 70 remains in its first state. When the buckle 32 changes from its open state to its closed state, it is next checked by the controller 64 whether the proximity sensor 40 detects an object. If no object is detected, the use detection arrangement 70 remains in its first state. However, if an object is detected, it is assumed that the helmet 10 is worn and the use detection arrangement 70 enters its second state in which the trigger assembly is enabled. The use detection arrangement remains in this second state until the buckle changes from its closed state to its open state.

[0045] As long as the use detection arrangement is in its first state, the trigger assembly can be in an energy-saving rest state, for example, by deactivating the crash sensor.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a precursor similar to that shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is shown in a more detailed representation. It can be seen that the individual components of the airbag unit, i.e. its inflator 56, its filling tube 54 and its airbag 52, are arranged symmetrically about a symmetry plane of the helmet body extending in the XZ plane, as was the case in the embodiments described above.

[0047] List of reference signs

[0048] 5 safety device

[0049] 10 helmet

[0050] 20 helmet body

[0051] 22 main body

[0052] 24 housing

[0053] 26 cover element / cover / cover member

[0054] 26a dividing line

[0055] 26b hinge

[0056] 28 padding / cushioning

[0057] 30 part of chinstrap

[0058] 32 buckle of chinstrap

[0059] 34 fastening sensor

[0060] 40 proximity sensor

[0061] 50 airbag unit

[0062] 52 airbag

[0063] 54 filling tube

[0064] 56 inflator

[0065] 57 ignition cable

[0066] 60 trigger assembly

[0067] 62 battery

[0068] 64 controller / ECU

[0069] 66 impact sensor / acceleration sensor

[0070] 70 use detection arrangement

Claims

1. A safety device for a person's head, the safety device comprising a helmet (10) having a helmet body (20) and an airbag unit (50) attached to the helmet body (20), the airbag unit (50) comprising: - Airbag (52), the airbag having at least one protective section - Inflator (56), the inflator being in fluid communication with the airbag. - A triggering assembly (60) for triggering the inflator (56), the triggering assembly (60) including at least one collision sensor (66) and a battery (62) at least when the triggering assembly (60) is in an operational state. The airbag unit (50) is characterized by further including a use detection arrangement (70) for distinguishing between an unworn state and a possible wearing state of the helmet body (20), such that the use detection arrangement (70) is in a first state when it detects the unworn state and in a second state when it detects the possible wearing state, the use detection arrangement (70) including at least one sensor. When the use detection arrangement (70) is in its first state, the triggering component (60) is disabled from triggering the inflator (56), and when the use detection arrangement (70) is in its second state, the triggering component (60) is enabled to trigger the inflator (56) when the triggering component (60) detects a collision.

2. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that... When the use detection arrangement (70) is in its first state, the trigger component (60) is in an energy-saving static state, and when the use detection arrangement is in its second state, the trigger component (60) is in an active state.

3. The safety device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that... The helmet (10) also includes a chin strap (30) with a fastening device, such that the chin strap (30) has an open state and a closed state, wherein The fastening device includes a fastening sensor (34), which is part of the use detection arrangement (70), and the use detection arrangement (70) is in its first state when the fastening sensor (34) detects the open state.

4. The safety device according to claim 3, characterized in that... When the fastening sensor (34) detects the closed state, the detection arrangement (70) is in its second state.

5. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... The use detection arrangement (70) includes a proximity sensor and / or a contact sensor (40) for detecting the presence of an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body (20), wherein the use detection arrangement is in its first state when the proximity sensor and / or contact sensor (40) does not detect the presence of an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body (20).

6. The safety device according to claim 5, characterized in that... When the proximity sensor and / or contact sensor (40) detects an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body, the detection arrangement (70) is in its second state.

7. The safety device according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that... When the fastening sensor (34) detects the closed state and the proximity sensor and / or contact sensor (40) detects an object on or near the inner surface of the helmet body (20), the use detection arrangement (70) is only in its second state.

8. The safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The helmet body (20) extends from the edge forming its lower end (20a) to its upper end (20b) in a first direction (Z), and from its rear end portion (20c) to its front end portion (20d) in a second direction (X).

9. The safety device according to claim 8, characterized in that... The inflator (56) has an elliptical shape and extends from a first end portion to a second end portion, wherein - The first end portion of the inflator includes a connector electrically connected to the trigger assembly (60). - The second end portion of the inflator includes a gas outlet, and - The first end portion of the inflator (56) is located at the rear end portion (20c) of the helmet body (20) away from the lower end portion (20a) of the helmet body (20), and the inflator (56) extends from its first end portion along the upper surface of the helmet body (20) toward the front end portion of the helmet body (20).

10. The safety device according to claim 9, characterized in that... The helmet body (20) includes a plane of symmetry, and the inflator (56) is located in the plane of symmetry.

11. The safety device according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that... The protective section of the airbag (52) is located at least in the forehead region of the helmet body (20), wherein the protective section preferably extends from the forehead region to the side.

12. The safety device according to any one of claims 9 or 11, characterized in that... At least the battery (62) of the trigger assembly (60), preferably the entire trigger assembly (60), is located between the first end portion of the inflator (56) and the lower end portion (20a) of the helmet body (20).

13. The safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that... The helmet body (20) includes a body (22) made of foam material and a rigid shell (24) covering the outside of the body (22), wherein at least the protected section of the airbag, preferably the entire airbag (52) and the inflator (56) are located outside the rigid shell (24).

14. The safety device according to claim 13, characterized in that... At least the battery (62), preferably the entire trigger assembly (60), of the trigger assembly is located between the body (22) and the rigid housing (24).

15. The safety device according to claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that... At least each component of the airbag unit (50) located outside the rigid housing (24) is covered by a single covering element (26).

16. The safety device according to claim 15, characterized in that... The covering element (26) includes a dividing line (26a).

17. The safety device according to claim 15, characterized in that... The cover element (26) detaches completely from the helmet body (20) when the airbag (52) deploys.

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