Protective device and protective procedure

Abstract

A protective device is provided that is configured to protect the neck of a wearer, wherein the protective device has an inflation strap that is flexible and configured to be in contact with the wearer's skin along at least a portion of a boundary region between the neck and a head of the wearer in a state prior to the protective device being actuated, wherein the inflation strap has an inflation section configured to inflate when an inflation source is supplied at a time of actuation of the protective device; an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflation section; and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflation section by activating the inflation source supply unit.Movement of the wearer's neck is restricted by inflating the inflation section at the time of activation.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective device and a protective method for protecting the neck. Background technology

[0002] In the prior art, helmets are widely known as protective devices for the head of cyclists and the like; however, ordinary helmets have no function to protect the cervical spine.

[0003] In this context, airbag devices have also been proposed that are able to protect the neck of the person to be protected (see, for example, patent documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Patent specification 1 discloses an airbag device in which an inflatable airbag is attached to the collar of a garment worn by a user, and discloses that the airbag can protect the neck area of ​​users.

[0005] Patent document 2 discloses a device for an airbag for protecting the head and the like of the person to be protected and a technology that is able to protect the neck area in addition to the frontal, temporal and parietal sections by means of the deployed airbag. Citation list patent document Patent document 1: US 10001346 Patent specification 2: JP 2017-57540 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0006] In the event of a fall from a bicycle, the impact can cause the head or neck to bend sharply near the junction between the neck and head, often resulting in neck injuries. Therefore, it is considered crucial that a neck protection device quickly restricts head and neck movement near this junction in the event of a fall. However, with current configurations where an inflatable airbag is attached to the collar of a garment, inflation begins near the junction between the neck and torso. Consequently, it can take some time for the airbag to cover the junction, hindering immediate neck protection. Furthermore, if the airbag is attached to both the collar and sleeves of a garment, its deployment can be delayed, for example, by...the hood of the garment or a backpack may obstruct access, making the system impractical.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, it is a purpose of the present disclosure to provide a technique that can quickly protect the neck of the person to be protected. Solution to the problem

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, a protective device of the present disclosure is configured to protect the neck of a wearer, wherein the protective device comprises an inflation strap that is flexible and configured to be in contact with the wearer's skin along at least a portion of a boundary region between the neck and a head of the wearer in a state prior to actuation of the protective device, wherein the inflation strap comprises an inflation section configured to inflate when an inflation source is supplied at the time of actuation of the protective device; an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflation section; and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflation section by activating the inflation source supply unit.Movement of the wearer's neck is restricted by inflating the inflation section at the time of activation.

[0009] The inflatable strap may have a lower chin strap section that is positioned along a boundary region between the front of the neck and the lower chin section of the wearer in the state prior to the activation of the protective device.

[0010] The inflatable strap may have a rear strap section that is arranged along a boundary region between the back of the neck and the back of the head of the wearer.

[0011] The inflatable strap can have a lower chin strap section arranged along a boundary region between an anterior neck and a lower chin section of the wearer, and a posterior strap section arranged along a boundary region between a posterior neck and an occipital section of the wearer, the lower chin strap section and the posterior strap section being connected to each other.

[0012] The inflation strap can be formed from at least one part of a fastening strap configured to secure a half-helmet, configured to protect the head, to the wearer.

[0013] The activation unit may further include an operating condition detection sensor configured to detect that a predetermined operating condition is met, and the inflation source supply unit and the activation unit are attached to the helmet.

[0014] The inflation source supply unit and the activation unit can be attached to and removed from the helmet.

[0015] The activation unit may also include a sensor for detecting the assembly status, configured to detect whether the helmet is being worn on the wearer's head.

[0016] The inflation belt may further comprise a core cord section to which the inflation source is not supplied, and the inflation section may be in contact with and integral to the core cord section.

[0017] The inflation belt can be arranged in a state in which the inflation section is wrapped with an outer element, wherein the outer element has a first outer main surface section arranged in a mode in contact with the skin of the carrier, a second outer main surface section arranged to face the first outer main surface section, and a pair of outer surface sections connecting the first outer main surface section and the second outer main surface section, and the outer element is configured such that, at an operating time, an inflation pressure of the inflation section can tear the pair of outer main surface sections or break a connecting section of each of the outer main surface sections, which is connected to the first outer main surface section and the second outer main surface section, respectively.

[0018] The inflation source supply unit can be a gas supply device configured to supply inflation gas to the inflation section at an operating time, which inflates the inflation section, and the gas supply device can have a line configured to introduce the inflation gas into the inflation section, the line being provided with a drain valve.

[0019] The technique of the present disclosure can also be specified as a method for operating a protective device designed to protect the neck of a wearer. In this case, the protective device comprises an inflation strap that is flexible and configured to be in contact with the skin of the wearer along at least a portion of a boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer in a state prior to the protective device being actuated, wherein the inflation strap has an inflation section configured to inflate when an inflation source is supplied at a time of actuation of the protective device; an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflation section; and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflation section by activating the inflation source supply unit.The procedure for the protective device involves the inflation of the inflation section by the activation unit, which activates the inflation source supply unit to limit movement of the wearer's neck. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a technique can be provided that can quickly protect the neck of the person to be protected. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram describing a protective device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a neck protection device. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram describing the cross-sectional structure of an inflatable belt. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram for the schematic representation of a gas supply device. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a control unit. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing sequence executed by a control unit of the neck protection device. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram describing a state in which an inflation section of the inflation belt is inflated. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram describing a modification of an adjustment mode of the inflation belt. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram that presents a comparison between the neck protection device according to the embodiment and a protection device from the related prior art. Description of the embodiments

[0021] A protective device and an operating method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the configurations, combinations thereof, and the like in the embodiments is an example, and various additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations may be manufactured as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments and is limited only by the claims.

[0022] A protective device according to the present embodiment has an inflation strap which is flexible and configured to be in contact with the wearer's skin along at least a portion of a boundary region between the wearer's neck and head in a state prior to the protective device being actuated, wherein the inflation strap has an inflation section configured to inflate when an inflation source is supplied at a time of actuation of the protective device; an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflation section; and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflation section by activating the inflation source supply unit.

[0023] An operating procedure for a protective device includes a limitation of movement of the neck of the carrier by inflating the inflation section through activation of the inflation source supply unit by the activation unit. embodiment

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram describing a protective device 1 according to one embodiment. The device 1 is a portable protective device worn by a person to be protected and configured to protect the wearer's (the person to be protected's) neck. The device 1 comprises a helmet 200, worn on the wearer's (the person to be protected's) head to protect the head, and a neck guard 300, which protects the wearer's (the person to be protected's) neck. In this description, the wearer of the protective device 1 and the person to be protected are used synonymously.

[0025] In the protective device 1 of the present embodiment, the neck guard 300 is, for example, integrally formed with the helmet 200. It should be noted that the neck guard 300 can also be provided independently as a detachable element from the helmet 200. Note that the upper section (A) is a perspective view of the helmet 200 seen from the left side, and section (B) is a perspective view of the helmet 200 seen from the right side. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a state in which a wearer is wearing (has put on) helmet 200. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 1 a state before the neck protection device 300 is activated.

[0026] The helmet 200 in the present embodiment has a hemispherical (essentially hemispherical) helmet body 210 and a fastening strap 220 for attaching the helmet body 210 to the wearer (the person to be protected). The helmet body 210 is a protector that protects the wearer's head. An inner padding (not shown) can be provided on the inside of the helmet body 210 to absorb an impact in the event of a fall or the like. The inner padding can be made of expanded polystyrene foam, e.g., expanded polystyrene beads (EPS). The helmet body 210 can be made, for example, of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin or a polycarbonate (PC) resin.

[0027] The fastening strap 220 is a so-called chin strap. The fastening strap 220 is a cord-like element for securing the helmet body 210 to the wearer's head by placing it over the wearer's chin, and is attached to a left edge 210A and a right edge 210B on the left and right sides of the helmet body 210.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the fastening strap 220 has, for example, a left strap section 230A, a right strap section 230B, a lower chin strap section 240, and a rear strap section 250. The left strap section 230A is a strap that is attached to the left edge 210A of the helmet body 210. The right strap section 230B is a strap that is attached to the right edge 210B of the helmet body 210. The left strap section 230A and the right strap section 230B each have a first upper strap section 260 and a second upper strap section 270, and the lower ends of these sections are coupled to coupling sections 280A and 280B.

[0029] Of course, during the Fig. The aspect of the fastening strap 220 shown is merely an example; the coupling sections 280A and 280B in the Fig. In the example shown in 1, the straps are arranged below the wearer's ears, and when the wearer is wearing helmet 200, the first upper strap section 260 and the second upward-facing strap section 270 of the left strap section 230A are arranged in an essentially V-shape around the ear. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first upper strap section 260 is arranged along the front position of the wearer's ear, and the second upward-facing strap section 270 is arranged along the rear position of the wearer's ear.

[0030] Note that, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250 located between the coupling sections 280A and 280B. The lower chin strap section 240 is a strap section arranged along the region of the wearer's lower chin, i.e., a boundary region A1 between the front of the neck and the lower chin, and extends from the lower chin to the region below the wearer's ear. The lower chin strap section 240 can be divided into two sections at an intermediate section, and the divided lower chin strap sections 240 can be detachably connected to each other by a fastener, such as a buckle (not shown). Furthermore, the rear strap section is a strap section arranged along a boundary region A2 between the back of the neck and the back of the head of the wearer.The helmet 200 (the helmet body 210) can be attached to the wearer's head using the fastening strap 220, which has the configuration described above. In the present embodiment, the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250 are connected by the coupling sections 280A and 280B. More precisely, the lower chin strap section 240, the rear strap section 250, the first upper strap section 260, and the second upper strap section 270, which form the fastening strap 220, are connected to each other by the coupling sections 280A and 280B.

[0031] It should be noted that each section of the strap forming the fastening strap 220 is flexible and can be adapted to the wearer's skin. That is, each section of the fastening strap 220 (which has an inflation strap 340, described below) forming the fastening strap 220 can be positioned in contact with the wearer's skin. In this description, the term "neck" refers to a narrowed section connecting the head and torso of a human body. A section of the neck located primarily on the side opposite the back of the head is called the "posterior neck." The "posterior neck" may also be referred to as the "nape section." A section of the "neck" located on the front opposite the "posterior neck" is called the "anterior neck." The "anterior neck" may also be referred to as the "anterior throat section."

[0032] Next, the neck protection device 300 will be described. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the neck guard 300. The neck guard 300 comprises a gas supply unit 310, which serves as the inflation source supply unit, an activation unit 320, and the inflation belt 340. Furthermore, the activation unit 320 includes a control unit 350, a power supply 360, an operating status detection sensor 370, and an assembly status detection sensor 380. Fig. 1 Reference numeral 390 represents a receiving housing that accommodates the gas supply device 310, the control unit 350, the power supply 360, the operating status detection sensor 370, and the like. In Fig. 1 The receiving housing 390 is attached to the rear of the helmet body 210, but the position at which the receiving housing 390 is located and the method of attachment of the receiving housing 390 are not restricted.

[0033] First, the inflation strap 340 is described. In the present embodiment, the inflation strap 340 is a strap (cord-like element) that is flexible and is arranged along at least part of the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer and is in contact with the wearer's skin in a state before the neck protection device 300 is actuated. The inflation strap 340 can, for example, be formed from at least part of the fastening strap 220 of the helmet 200 described above.

[0034] The inflatable strap 340 inflates when the inflation source is supplied at the same time as the neck brace 300 is activated. Furthermore, the inflatable strap 340 fills the gaps around the neck by inflating when the neck brace 300 is activated, thus restricting the movement of the wearer's head and neck. This helps to suppress excessive bending of the head and neck if the wearer falls while cycling and, together with the protection provided by the helmet 200, reduces the impact on the wearer's head, thereby preventing or mitigating injuries such as neck injuries. It should be noted that the neck brace 300 can restrict head and neck movement not only completely, but also to a certain extent.In particular, the neck protection device 300 can restrict movement so that the bending angle of the head and neck remains within a range that does not adversely affect the wearer.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram describing a cross-sectional structure of the inflation belt 340. (A) illustrates a first aspect of the inflation belt 340, (B) illustrates a second aspect of the inflation belt 340, and (C) illustrates a third aspect of the inflation belt 340.

[0036] First, the first aspect shown in (A) is described. In the first aspect, the inflation belt 340 has a core cord section 341 to which the inflation source is not supplied, and an inflation section 342, which is integral with and in contact with the core cord section 341, and in which in Fig. In the example shown, the inflation section 342 is stacked on the core cord section 341. The core cord section 341 is a flexible core element with a certain mechanical strength in the tensile direction and can be made, for example, of a polypropylene resin or the like. The core cord section 341 can be made of a material commonly used to manufacture a fastening strap for a bicycle helmet. Furthermore, the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 is, for example, a bag-shaped airbag that is deflated before the inflation source is applied and inflates when the inflation source is applied. The identifier 341A here stands for the outer surface of the core cord section 341 and the identifier 342A for the outer surface of the inflation section 342. The inflation strap 340 is arranged such that the outer surface 342A of the inflation section 342 faces the skin of the wearer.

[0037] Next, the second aspect shown in (B) is described. In the inflation strap 340 of the second aspect, the inflation section 342 is arranged such that it surrounds the periphery of the core cord section 341 described above. The reference numerals 342B and 342C represent a first principal surface and a second principal surface, respectively, of the inflation section 342. The inflation strap 340 in the second aspect is arranged such that the first principal surface 342B or the second principal surface 342C of the inflation section 342 faces, for example, the skin of the wearer.

[0038] Next, the third aspect shown in (C) is described. The inflation strap 340 of the third aspect is arranged such that the inflation section 342 is wrapped with an outer element 343 before the neck guard 300 is actuated. The outer element 343 has a first outer main surface section 344 arranged in a mode in contact with the wearer's skin, a second outer main surface section 345 arranged opposite the first outer main surface section 344, and a pair of outer side surface sections 346A and 346B connecting the first outer main surface section 344 and the second outer main surface section 345. The bag-shaped inflation section 342 is arranged in a folded mode between the first outer main surface section 344 and the second outer main surface section 345.The first outer main surface section 344 and the second outer main surface section 345 can be parts corresponding to the core cord section 341 described for the first aspect. In particular, the first outer main surface section 344 and the second outer main surface section 345 are core elements that are flexible and also exhibit a certain degree of mechanical strength in the tensile direction, and which can be formed, for example, from a polypropylene resin or the like.

[0039] When the inflation source is supplied to the inflation section 342 and the inflation section 342 inside the outer element 343 begins to inflate, the inflation pressure acts on the outer element 343. The inflation belt 340 in the third aspect is configured such that, at one point during operation, the inflation pressure of the inflation section 342 will either tear the pair of outer surface sections 346A and 346B or break the connecting section of each of the outer surface sections 346A and 346B that is connected (for example, sewn) to the first outer main surface section 344 and the second outer main surface section 345 (for example, the sewn sections will come undone). In this way, the first outer main surface section 344 and the second outer main surface section 345 are separated from each other compared to the initial state before the inflation of the inflation section 342, and the inflation section 342 continues to inflate.Please note that the configurations described in (A) to (C) are merely examples for the 340 inflatable belt.

[0040] Furthermore, examples of the inflation source supplied to the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 may include an inflation gas for inflating the inflation section 342. Alternatively, instead of the aforementioned inflation gas, a foam capable of inflating the inflation section 342 may be used as the inflation source. The inflation section 342 can be inflated by supplying a foam, such as foamed urethane, to the inflation section 342 from a spray-type inflation source supply unit.In exemplary aspects (A) to (C), the inflation section 342 can be configured such that sections other than the section on the side in contact with the wearer's skin in the inflation section 342 inflate more easily compared to the section, for example, on the side in contact with the wearer's skin, in order to avoid, for example, excessive compression of the wearer's neck when the inflation section 342 is inflated. In aspect (A), for example, the surface opposite outer surface 342A and / or a section corresponding to a side surface can inflate more easily compared to the side of outer surface 342A. Similarly, in aspects (B) and (C), the section corresponding to the side surface section in aspect (A) can be configured to inflate easily.In this neck protection device 300, the inflation section 342 inflates largely along the lateral direction of the core cord section 341, and thus the inflation section 342 develops largely along the vertical direction of the neck. Therefore, resistance to significant bending of the wearer's head and neck can be easily generated, and the wearer's neck can be adequately protected.

[0041] The following is an example of an aspect in which the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250 are formed as inflation straps 340 in the fastening strap 220.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the gas supply device 310. The gas supply device 310 is a device for supplying inflation gas to inflate the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 at the time the neck guard 300 is actuated. It comprises a storage container 311 that stores the inflation gas under pressure and a line 312, one end of which is connected to a gas outlet opening 311A ​​of the storage container 311. The line 312 is a pipe element for guiding (carrying) the inflation gas (pressurized gas) that is discharged from the gas outlet opening 311A ​​of the storage container 311 to the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 when the neck guard 300 is actuated.In the present embodiment, the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250 in the fastening strap 220 are configured as an inflation strap 340, and as such, the tip end of the line 312 branches into forked branch sections 312A and 312B. Fig. Reference numeral 3421 represents the inflation section of the lower chin strap section 240, which forms the inflation strap 340, and reference numeral 3422 represents the inflation section of the rear strap section 250, which forms the inflation strap 340. The inflation sections 3421 and 3422 are provided with gas inlets 3423 and 3424, respectively, and the branch sections 312A and 312B of the line 312 are connected to the gas inlets 3423 and 3424.

[0043] The gas outlet opening 311A ​​of the storage container 311 is provided with a valve element 311B, which closes the gas outlet opening 311A, and the storage container 311 is closed with the valve element 311B before the neck guard 300 (the gas supply device 310) is operated. At the time the neck guard 300 is actuated, the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310 is opened, and the interior of the storage container 311 and the line 312 are connected. In this way, inflation gas (compressed gas) is released from the storage container 311 into the line 312, and the inflation gas (compressed gas) is supplied to the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 through the line 312. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the line 312 is arranged, for example, such that it extends within the left edge 210A of the helmet body 210 and along the first upper strap section 260 of the left strap section 230A. Furthermore, for example, near the part where the rear strap section 250 and the lower chin strap section 240, which is designed as an inflation strap 340, are connected to the connecting section 280A, the branch sections 312A and 312B of the line 312 are connected to the inflation section 342. Note that in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 Reference number 330 represents a valve unit in line 312. The drain valve 330 is a valve element that can release the inflation gas to the outside by opening it after actuation of the neck guard device 300 (the gas supply device 310). In the present embodiment, it is designed as a manual valve unit.

[0044] Next, the activation unit 320 is described. As described above, the activation unit 320 is a device comprising the control unit 350, the power supply 360, the operating state detection sensor 370, and the detection state sensor 380. It inflates the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 by activating the gas supply device 310, which serves as the inflation source supply unit. The control unit 350 is a control unit that operates by receiving energy supplied by the power supply 360 and activating the gas supply device 310. The power supply 360 can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a dry cell.

[0045] When an operating condition for operating the neck guard 300 (the gas supply device 310) is met, the control unit 350 opens the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310. The control unit 350 can, for example, control an actuating mechanism (not shown), such as an actuator, that can open the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310. Of course, the actuating mechanism that opens the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310 is not limited to the mode described above. For example, the valve element 311B can consist of a thin metal plate, and the control unit 350 can open the valve element 311B by actuating a breaking mechanism that breaks the valve element 311B.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the control unit 350. The control unit 350 comprises a processor 351, a memory unit 352, and an input / output unit 353. The processor 351 performs a variety of arithmetic operations within the control unit 350. The processor 351 can include an arithmetic processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0047] The Memory Unit 352 comprises a main memory unit and an auxiliary memory unit. The main memory unit of the Memory Unit 352 consists of random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM) and stores information about programs and data, which is used, for example, for arithmetic processing in the Processor 351. It should be noted that the main memory unit of the Memory Unit 352 can be integrated with the Processor 351. The auxiliary memory unit of the Memory Unit 352 comprises a storage medium, such as volatile memory like RAM, non-volatile memory like ROM, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a removable medium. The removable medium could be, for example, an externally connectable, computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage device or a memory card.The additional storage unit of storage unit 352 can store an operating system (OS), various programs, tables, and the like for operating the neck guard 300. The input / output unit 353, for example, is an interface that receives information (detection results or the like) from various sensors, such as the operating state detection sensor 370, the assembly state detection sensor 380, and the like, and outputs information (a control signal or the like) to various sensors or other devices. Furthermore, the neck guard 300 includes a circuit breaker (not shown), and a status signal from the circuit breaker is also input to the input / output unit 353.

[0048] The operating condition detection sensor 370 is a sensor for detecting that a predetermined operating condition is met. The predetermined operating condition is a condition for the activation of the neck protection device 300, for example, if a bicycle ridden by the wearer of helmet 200 falls, or in other situations where the wearer is exposed to danger. The operating condition detection sensor 370 can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope (angular velocity sensor), or similar. Furthermore, the operating condition detection sensor 370 can be a vital sign sensor that detects the wearer's brainwaves. The vital sign sensor can detect brainwaves that differ from those under normal conditions and thus identify a dangerous condition of the wearer. The vital sign sensor can be a contact sensor that is in contact with the wearer's head or a non-contact sensor.The operating state detection sensor 370 can, for example, be at least one type of accelerometer described above: the gyroscope (angular velocity sensor) or the vital signs sensor. Of course, a combination of two or more sensor types, selected from the accelerometer, the gyroscope (angular velocity sensor), and the vital signs sensor, can also be used as the operating state detection sensor 370. Furthermore, the operating state detection sensor 370 is not limited as long as the operating state can be detected, and a detection device (such as a camera or millimeter-wave radar) that is not one of the sensors mentioned above can be used. Since the neck guard 300 incorporates the operating state detection sensor 370, the activation unit 320 can actuate the neck guard 300 at a suitable time.

[0049] Furthermore, the mounting status detection sensor 380 is a sensor that detects the contact state with the wearer's head, and multiple mounting status detection sensors 380 can be arranged inside the helmet body 210. The control unit 350 uses the detection signal from the mounting status detection sensor 380 to determine whether the helmet 200 is being worn. For example, the control unit 350 can determine that the helmet 200 is being worn if multiple mounting status detection sensors 380 detect contact with the wearer's head. The mounting status detection sensor 380 can, for example, be a pressure sensor.

[0050] The following describes a procedure for operating the neck protection device 300. The neck protection device 300 has a switch (not shown), and in the state in which the switch is turned on, the control unit 350 periodically executes the processing sequence of Fig. 6 out, for example. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed by the control unit 350 of the neck protection device 300.

[0051] In step S10, the control unit 350 uses the detection signal from the assembly status detection sensor 380 to determine whether the helmet 200 is being worn by the wearer. If the control unit 350 determines that the helmet 200 is not being worn, the control unit 350 temporarily terminates the processing sequence. Fig. 6. If, however, the control unit 350 detects that the helmet 200 is being worn by the wearer, the process continues with step S20. Since the neck guard 300 of the present embodiment has the detection device 380 for the assembly state, it is possible to suppress a malfunction of the neck guard 300 when the helmet 200 is not being worn. This prevents, for example, the neck guard 300 from being unnecessarily activated when the helmet 200 is alone in an impact.

[0052] In step S20, the control unit 350 determines whether the operating condition for the neck guard 300 is met. As described above, the operating condition for the neck guard 300 is determined based on the detection signal from the operating condition detection sensor 370. If it is determined in this step that the operating condition for the neck guard 300 is met, the procedure continues with step S30; if it is determined that the operating condition is not met, the processing sequence is terminated. Fig. 6 temporarily terminated.

[0053] In step S30, the control unit 350 operates the gas supply device 310. In particular, the valve element 311B of the storage container 311 is opened, and the inflation gas, which serves as the inflation source and is stored in the storage container 311, is supplied to the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 through the line 312, thereby inflating the inflation section 342. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram describing a state in which the inflation section 342 of the inflation strap 340 is inflated. In this case, since the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250 of the helmet 200 are designed as the inflation strap 340, the inflation section 342, which is provided in the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250, inflates.

[0054] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram describing a state after the operation of the neck protection device 300. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, when the neck protection device 300 is activated, the inflation section 342 inflates in the rear strap section 250 and in the lower chin strap section 240, which is designed as an inflation strap 340. In this way, it is possible to restrict the movement of the head and neck of the wearer of the helmet 200. That is, in the event of a fall from a bicycle or the like, it is possible to suppress a strong bending of the head and neck of the wearer due to the impact of the fall, thereby preventing or mitigating neck damage.

[0055] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the inflation strap 340 only needs to be arranged along at least part of the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer and in contact with the skin of the wearer in a state prior to the actuation of the neck protection device 300. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram describing a modification of the adjustment mode of the inflation strap 340. Figure (A) shows an example in which the inflation strap 340 is located only in the boundary region A2 between the posterior neck and the occipital section of the wearer. In particular, in this example, the posterior strap section 250, which is part of the fastening strap 220 of the helmet 200, is configured as the inflation strap 340. Figure (B) shows an example in which, with respect to the inflation strap 340, not only the lower chin strap section 240 and the posterior strap section 250, but also the first upper strap section 260 is configured as the inflation strap 340. Of course, the one in Fig. The aspect shown in Figure 8 is only one example, and, for instance, the entire (all strap sections) of the fastening strap 220 can be designed as an inflation strap 340. In the example described above, the flexion of the wearer's neck and head in the front-back direction is restricted, but in some situations, the neck and head may be able to flex, for example, in the left-right direction. In this case, by extensively inflating a section corresponding to the area below the wearer's ear in one or both of the lower chin strap section 240 and the rear strap section 250, it is possible to suppress large lateral swinging of the wearer's neck and head upon impact, thereby providing more adequate neck protection.

[0056] In the event of a fall from a bicycle, the wearer's neck tends to bend around the boundary region between the head and neck. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram comparing the neck protection device 300 according to the embodiment and a prior art protective device. The upper section (A) illustrates the neck protection device 300 according to the embodiment, and the lower section (B) illustrates a protective device from related prior art (hereinafter referred to as the "known protective device"). The known protective device, as disclosed in Patent Specification 1, is a protective device in which an inflatable airbag 1000 is attached to the collar of a garment worn by the user. With the known protective device, even if the user's neck can be protected by inflating the airbag 1000 attached to the collar of the garment worn by the user, it takes a certain amount of time for the airbag 1000 to inflate to the boundary region between the user's neck and head.Until the airbag 1000 has reached a nearly fully inflated state, it is difficult, for example, to fulfill its function of limiting the user's neck flexion. This is because, in the known protective device, the airbag 1000 is attached to the collar of the garment worn by the user, and the attachment point of the airbag 1000 is far from the limitation region between the user's neck and head. Furthermore, since the airbag 1000 is not rigidly connected to the user in the known protective device, it tends to shift when the user's neck or head is tilted, resulting in inadequate limitation performance.

[0057] In contrast, according to the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment, the inflation strap 340 is positioned in advance along the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer in a state prior to the neck protection device 300 being actuated. In this way, when the condition for the operation of the neck protection device 300 is met, the movement of the wearer's neck can be immediately restricted. Thus, in the event of a fall by the wearer of the helmet 200, the protective function (in particular the neck limitation function) of the neck protection device 300 can operate in a state in which the flexion angle of the wearer's neck due to the impact is small. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress and reduce damage to the wearer's neck.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment, the inflation belt 340 can be arranged directly in the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer to be protected, thus reducing the amount of air required from the inflation source to inflate the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340. In this way, the inflation rate of the inflation section 342 in the inflation belt 340 can be ensured, while simultaneously achieving a more compact design of the neck protection device 300.

[0059] Furthermore, due to the anatomical structure of the human body, a lateral change in the orientation of the wearer's face results in a rotational movement of the neck relative to the torso (a lateral rotation). In other words, the lateral (horizontal) angle of the neck relative to the torso changes depending on the orientation of the wearer's face. In this case, if the Airbag 1000 is attached to the collar of the garment worn by the user, as with the known protective device described in the lower section in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the relative position of the airbag 1000 with respect to the torso is fixed, and the orientation of the airbag 1000 cannot be changed in response to rotational movement of the neck. That is, in the known protective device, the airbag 1000 is not directly attached to the user's body, and therefore there is a possibility that the airbag 1000 will be displaced due to movement of the user's neck or head, resulting in insufficient impact protection.

[0060] In contrast, the inflation strap 340 of the neck guard 300 of the present embodiment is flexible and can be positioned in contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, the condition in which the inflation strap 340 is attached to the boundary region between the neck and the wearer's head can be maintained even if the wearer has twisted their neck laterally (horizontally) before the neck guard 300 is activated. This allows the inflation strap 340 to remain attached to the boundary region between the neck and the wearer's head without being affected, even if the wearer's face is turned forward or to the side.This means that, regardless of the orientation of the wearer's face (the degree of lateral neck rotation) at the time the operating condition for the neck guard 300 is met, the inflation strap 340, which is attached to the boundary region between the wearer's neck and head, can always be inflated, and the appropriate neck protection function can be ensured. For example, if the side of the inflation section 342 of the inflation strap 340 of the first aspect shown in (A) of . Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the inflation section 342 is arranged so that it faces the wearer's skin. In this way, the inflation section 342 inflates towards the skin surface of the neck to restrict neck movement, and the reaction force acts in the outward direction of the extension of the core cord section 341. However, since the core cord section 341 of the inflation strap 340 has moderate stiffness, it can resist the aforementioned reactive force, allowing the inflation section 342 to enhance its restrictive effect on the neck.

[0061] Note that once the wearer's neck is protected by the operation of the neck guard 300, the wearer can, if necessary, operate the release valve 330 to release the gas within the line 312 into the atmosphere. This will cause the inflation section 342 to inflate less, and the helmet 200 can be removed more easily.

[0062] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the gas supply device 310, which serves as the inflation source supply unit, and the activation unit 320 can be attached to and removed from the helmet 200. In this embodiment, the receiving housing 390 can be attached to and removed from the helmet body 210. In this way, the non-operational gas supply device 310 and the activation unit 320 can be easily transferred to a new helmet 200, for example, when the helmet 200 is replaced.The control unit 350, the power supply 360, various sensors, and the like can be detachably attached to the helmet body 210, for example, by means of a strap with a snap fastener or similar mechanism, or inserted into a corresponding pocket formed inside the helmet body 210. By providing the pocket with an opening that can be opened with a zipper or similar, it can be attached to and removed from the helmet body 210. Furthermore, the gas supply device 310 can be configured as a cartridge type with a locking mechanism to prevent it from falling out of the helmet body 210, even in the event of an impact, and can be inserted, for example, into a predetermined insertion section in the helmet body 210.

[0063] Furthermore, various modifications can be used for the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment. For example, the neck protection device 300 described in the embodiment mentioned above is configured in a mode in which the control unit 350 operates the gas supply device 310 based on the detection result of the operating state detection sensor 370 in the activation unit 320, but a manual control unit (not shown) for the operator can be provided in the helmet body 210, so that the neck protection device 300 is operated in response to a signal from the operator to the manual control unit, for example. For example, in the gas supply device 310, which is described with reference to Fig.As described in section 4 above, a suitable mechanical mechanism (for example, a combination of mechanical elements such as a spring or a wire) is arranged between the valve element 311B, which seals the gas outlet opening 311A ​​of the storage container 311, which stores inflation gas (pressurized gas), and the hand control unit, so that the neck protection device 300 is actuated by the wearer by actuating the hand control unit. While the specific structure of the manual actuating unit is not limited, it is possible to use a structure in which a manual switch, which can be actuated by the wearer, a locking pin, and the like may be provided in the helmet body 210, so that the gas outlet opening 311A ​​of the storage container 311 is opened when this manual actuating unit is actuated, for example.

[0064] Furthermore, the gas supply device 310 (inflation source supply unit) can be a pyrotechnic gas generator used to inflate an airbag. While such gas generators are known from the prior art and are not described in detail here, the gas generator comprises a housing containing a gas-generating agent and a pyrotechnic igniter that operates when a current is applied and ignites the gas-generating agent within the housing. The inflation gas produced by the combustion of the gas-generating agent can be supplied to the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340 via line 312. In this case, the gas-generating agent corresponds to the inflation source for the inflation section 342 of the inflation belt 340.

[0065] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, and each of the aspects disclosed in the present description can be combined with any of the other features disclosed therein. List of reference symbols 1 protective device 200 helmet 210 helmet bodies 220 fastening straps 240 Lower chin strap section 250 Rear belt section 300 neck protection device 310 Gas supply device 320 Activation Unit 330 Drain valve 340 inflatable straps 342 Inflation section 350 control unit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10001346

[0005] JP 2017-57540 A

[0005]

Claims

[1] A protective device configured to protect the neck of a wearer, wherein the protective device comprises: an inflation strap which is flexible and configured to be in contact with the skin of the wearer along at least a part of a boundary region between the neck and a head of the wearer in a state prior to the protective device being actuated, wherein the inflation strap has an inflation section configured to be inflated when an inflation source is supplied at a time of actuation of the protective device; an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflation section; and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflation section by activating the inflation source supply unit, wherein Movement of the wearer's neck is restricted by inflating the inflation section at the time of activation. [2] The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the inflation strap has a lower chin strap section which is arranged along a boundary region between a front neck and a lower chin section of the wearer in the state prior to the activation of the protective device. [3] The protective device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflation strap has a rear strap section which is arranged along a boundary region between a posterior neck and a posterior head section of the wearer. [4] The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable strap has a lower chin strap section arranged along a boundary region between a front neck and a lower chin section of the wearer, and a rear strap section arranged along a boundary region between a rear neck and an occipital section of the wearer, wherein the lower chin strap section and the rear strap section are connected to each other. [5] The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inflation strap is formed from at least one part of a fastening strap configured to fasten a half-helmet configured to protect the head to the wearer. [6] The protective device according to claim 5, wherein The activation unit further comprises an operating state detection sensor configured to detect that a predetermined operating condition is met, and the inflation source supply unit and the activation unit are attached to the helmet. [7] The protective device according to claim 6, wherein the inflation source supply unit and the activation unit can be attached to and removed from the helmet. [8] The protective device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the activation unit further comprises a sensor for detecting the assembly status, which is configured to detect whether the helmet is being worn on the wearer's head. [9] The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inflation belt furthermore has a core cord section to which the inflation source is not supplied, and The inflation section is in contact with the core cord section and is designed to be integral with it. [10] The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inflation belt is arranged in a state in which the inflation section is wrapped with an outer element, the outer element has a first outer main surface section arranged in a mode in contact with the skin of the carrier, a second outer main surface section arranged so that it is opposite the first outer main surface section, and a pair of outer surface sections connecting the first outer main surface section and the second outer main surface section, and the outer element is configured such that, at any operating time, an inflation pressure of the inflation section will tear the pair of outer main surface sections or break a connecting section of each of the outer main surface sections, which is connected to the first outer main surface section and the second outer main surface section respectively. [11] The protective device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The inflation source supply unit is a gas supply device configured to supply inflation gas to the inflation section at an operating time, which inflates the inflation section, and The gas supply device has a line configured to introduce the inflation gas into the inflation section, the line being equipped with a drain valve. [12] A method for operating a protective device configured to protect the neck of an operator, wherein the protective device comprises an inflation strap which is flexible and configured to be in contact with the operator's skin along at least part of a boundary region between the neck and the operator's head in a state prior to the protective device being actuated, the inflation strap having an inflation section configured to inflate when an inflation source is supplied at a time of actuation of the protective device, an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflation section, and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflation section by activating the inflation source supply unit, the method comprising: Inflation of the inflation section by the activation unit, which activates the inflation source supply unit to limit movement of the wearer's neck.

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