HELM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet, for example a bicycle helmet, comprising a helmet body, a ventilation hole, a cover which at least partially covers the ventilation hole, and an electrical energy storage device.

[0002] Such a helmet serves to protect the wearer, for example, a cyclist. However, it goes without saying that the use of such a helmet is not limited to cyclists; riders of unicycles, quad bikes, motorcycles, scooters, skateboards, or users of inline skates or similar devices can also wear such a helmet.

[0003] Ventilation holes in the helmet shell contribute to increased wearing comfort, as they allow air to circulate around the wearer's head. Covers that conceal one or more ventilation holes protect the wearer from small particles that could enter the holes, such as insects, twigs, or similar debris. Furthermore, the ventilation effect of the ventilation holes can be improved through a specific design of the covers.

[0004] The energy storage system integrated into the helmet serves to supply power to a device, such as a rear light integrated into the helmet, which is intended to improve the wearer's visibility even in poor visibility conditions, for example at night, in a tunnel, or in fog. Such a rear light is usually attached to the back of the helmet, for example, by being inserted into a designated recess in the helmet shell or by being attached to an outer surface of the helmet.

[0005] Typically, the energy storage device is a battery integrated into the taillight. However, the problem here is that the battery has a limited lifespan, which decreases with frequent use of the taillight. To prevent the taillight from accidentally switching off while wearing the helmet, the helmet user must replace the battery regularly. In practice, this proves inconvenient.

[0006] US patent 2011 / 0231977 A1 describes an air conditioning system for a helmet that creates airflow chambers within its interior. The air conditioning system includes an electric fan, a battery power supply connected to the fan, a solar power supply, and a fan controller. CN 2 147 755 Y describes a helmet with a helmet body in which a photovoltaic cell, an energy storage device, and an electric fan are arranged together in a recess of the helmet body.

[0007] The purpose of the invention is to create an improved helmet with an energy storage system that can reliably provide energy on a long-term basis.

[0008] The problem is solved by a helmet having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The invention is based on the general idea of ​​equipping the helmet with a rechargeable energy storage device and a photovoltaic cell for charging the energy storage device. Under normal use of the helmet, i.e., not exclusively when used or stored in darkness, this ensures that the energy storage device always has sufficient energy to power any connected electrical device.

[0010] The automated charging of the energy storage device, e.g., a battery integrated into or attached to the helmet, using the photovoltaic cell, saves the helmet user from inconvenient battery changes and the associated costs.

[0011] A large number of photovoltaic cells can be combined in a solar module to provide the voltage or current required to charge the energy storage device. Furthermore, the at least one photovoltaic cell can be permanently connected to the energy storage device. In this case, however, a replacement of the photovoltaic cell and / or energy storage device, for example due to a defect, is only possible together. Therefore, a design in which the at least one photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device are detachably connected, for example by means of a plug connection, is preferred, so that individual replacement of the photovoltaic cell or energy storage device is possible if necessary.

[0012] Attaching the photovoltaic cell to the cover simplifies its installation and removal, as it can be mounted to the helmet body together with the cover, which, like the photovoltaic cell, is typically a flat surface. In other words, the cover serves as a support structure for the photovoltaic cell and thus fulfills a dual function: it also partially covers the associated ventilation hole to prevent the ingress of small particles and, if necessary, to optimize aerodynamics and / or ventilation, i.e., ultimately the airflow around the wearer's head. In this context, a ventilation hole is defined as an opening that extends from the inside of the helmet, through the helmet body, to the outside.

[0013] In order to ensure that the cover equipped with the photovoltaic cell can still provide the desired air intake and desired turbulence of the airflow, the contact area of ​​the photovoltaic cell is preferably smaller than the area of ​​the cover and, in particular, is chosen to be so small that the ventilation hole or several ventilation holes covered by the cover are not completely closed by the photovoltaic cell.

[0014] The helmet body can be made, for example, of a rigid foam, particularly expanded polystyrene rigid foam, which is especially well-suited for absorbing impacts. The helmet body can also be at least partially covered with an outer shell, which is made, for example, of a thermoplastic such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The helmet body can be bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell, for example, by gluing, injection molding, or foaming.

[0015] According to the invention, the cover is detachably attached to the helmet. This detachable connection can be achieved, for example, using snap fasteners, Velcro, or a zipper. The detachable connection allows for easy attachment of the cover and photovoltaic cell to the helmet. When the photovoltaic cell and cover are not needed, they can be easily removed from the helmet. In heavy rain, they can also be removed and replaced with a rain cover. Standard helmet rain covers can generally be fitted over the cover and photovoltaic cell. It is also possible that the helmet was initially delivered with a detachable cover but without a photovoltaic cell. Due to the detachable connection between the helmet and cover, a simple retrofit with a cover containing a photovoltaic cell can then be carried out.

[0016] According to the invention, the energy storage device is arranged in a recess of the helmet body, particularly together with an associated electrical consumer. By integrating the energy storage device into the helmet body, its secure placement is achieved, and the helmet's streamlined shape can be maintained, as the energy storage device does not need to be mounted on the outer shell. A force-fit and / or form-fit connection of the energy storage device within the recess effectively protects it from falling out and thus from potential damage or even loss. Additionally, an electrical consumer associated with the energy storage device can be arranged in the same or an adjacent recess. The recess is advantageously located on the rear of the helmet, particularly if the electrical consumer is a taillight.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawing.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the cover has a grid structure with numerous openings. This grid structure generates turbulence in the airflow, thereby improving the ventilation of each vent located beneath the cover. Such a grid structure can be made of, for example, a plastic or metal material.

[0019] Preferably, the openings are smaller than the ventilation hole(s). For example, the openings can be designed as micro-openings with a diameter in the micrometer range. Because the openings are smaller than the ventilation hole(s), both the ventilation effect of the cover and the protection against insects or similar intrusions can be improved.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the cover is a curved structure and / or inherently rigid. The curved shape of the cover allows it to be adapted to the shape of the helmet. In particular, the curvature can be convex and follow the contour of the helmet. Furthermore, the cover can be inherently rigid. This increases the strength of the cover and also protects the photovoltaic cell, as the cover does not yield under external force.

[0021] Preferably, the photovoltaic cell is mounted on the cover without deformation. This means that the photovoltaic cell can be attached to the cover without being deformed, for example bent, thus preventing breakage or other damage to the photovoltaic cell.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the photovoltaic cell is arranged in the area of ​​a vertex of the helmet. The vertex of the helmet is understood to be the highest point on the top of the helmet. By orienting the photovoltaic cell in this area, optimal light incidence and thus optimal energy input into the energy storage system is ensured when the helmet is worn during the day. For example, when commuting to and from work, the cover can also be positioned so that the orientation of the photovoltaic cell is adapted to the prevailing light conditions. This allows for optimal use of the available light even in the early morning and late evening hours.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the photovoltaic cell is connected directly or indirectly to the energy storage device. A direct connection between the photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device can be achieved, for example, by means of a power cable. In the case of an indirect connection, a control unit can be connected between the photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device. The control unit can also be connected to both the photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device by means of a suitable electrical conductor, such as a power cable. Naturally, another electrical conductor can be used instead of a power cable. Furthermore, a readout unit and / or a counting unit can be connected between the photovoltaic cell and the energy storage device.

[0024] Additionally, the energy storage device can have a connection for external charging. This connection could, for example, be a USB port. The option of external power supply ensures that the energy storage device maintains a sufficient charge level even in low light conditions.

[0025] Preferably, a power cable connecting the energy storage device to the photovoltaic cell and / or the electrical device runs at least partially through a channel in the helmet body. In particular, a power cable can be routed from the photovoltaic cell through a ventilation hole into the interior of the helmet or into the helmet body. An electrical connection can be established via a channel from the ventilation hole to the energy storage device located in the recess, without the helmet wearer experiencing any reduction in comfort due to the power cable.

[0026] If the energy storage device and the power consumer are housed in a common recess, a connecting power cable can also be routed through a channel in the helmet body.

[0027] Preferably, a power cable is connected to the photovoltaic cell, the energy storage device and / or the electrical consumer by means of a detachable plug connection.

[0028] The power consumer, the energy storage device and / or the control unit, as well as the connecting cables, can be arranged in a common housing, particularly for the power consumer. This creates a compact component that can be easily inserted into the helmet body and connected to the photovoltaic cell, for example, via a power cable.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the power consumer is an optical or acoustic output unit. As already mentioned, the power consumer can, in particular, be designed in the form of a helmet rear light, which improves the visibility of the helmet wearer in traffic. Preferably, such a helmet rear light is arranged in a recess on the back of the helmet.

[0030] The power consumer can also be designed as an acoustic output unit, for example, a loudspeaker or headphones. In principle, the power consumer can also be any other electrical or electronic component, such as a charger, e.g., for a mobile phone, or a sensor, particularly for a safety application, such as for detecting an accident. Another power consumer could also emit a signal that could be used to locate an injured helmet wearer.

[0031] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to possible embodiments and the accompanying drawing. Fig. 1 shows a bicycle helmet according to a first embodiment of the invention from above. Fig. 2 shows a bicycle helmet according to a second embodiment of the invention without energy storage and wiring from below. Fig. 3 shows the bicycle helmet from Fig. 2 with energy storage and wiring from below. Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the Fig. 3 Fig. 5 shows a bicycle helmet according to a third embodiment of the invention from below.

[0032] The in Fig. 1 The helmet 11 shown comprises an outer shell 13 and a helmet body 15 enclosed within the outer shell 13. The outer shell 13 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer – for example, polyvinyl chloride or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The helmet body 15 can be made of a rigid foam – for example, expanded polystyrene rigid foam – and bonded to the outer shell 13 or injection-molded or foamed into it. The outer shell 13 at least partially surrounds the helmet body 15. The helmet body 15 is shock-absorbing, while the outer shell 13 is inherently rigid. The combination of the outer shell 13 and the helmet body 15 provides the best possible protection for the wearer of the helmet against head injuries in the event of an accident.

[0033] Ventilation holes 17 penetrate the helmet 11 and thus both the outer shell 13 and the helmet body 15. The ventilation holes 17 are designed and arranged in a manner known per se in order to optimize the ventilation effect and thus increase the wearing comfort for the helmet wearer.

[0034] How Fig. 1 Figure 19 shows a cover 19 placed on the outer shell 13 of the helmet 11 and detachably attached to it. The detachable attachment can be achieved, for example, by means of snap fasteners, Velcro fasteners, hook-and-loop systems, or the like. The cover has a grid structure with numerous openings 21. The openings 21 are smaller than the ventilation holes 17 and create turbulence in the airflow. To intensify the turbulence effect, the cover 19 covers several ventilation holes 17.

[0035] The cover 19 is designed as a rigid structure and is therefore made of a suitable, flexurally rigid plastic or metal material. The cover 19 is adapted to the shape of the outer shell 13 by means of a corresponding curvature.

[0036] The cover 19 carries a solar module 23, which comprises a multitude of photovoltaic cells 22. Specifically, the solar module 23 is inserted into a pocket in the cover 19 and thus held securely within the cover 19 without deformation, thereby preventing, among other things, breakage of the solar module 23. However, it is understood that a variety of other positive-locking, force-locking, and / or material-locking fastening methods are possible for attaching the solar module 23 to the cover 19, e.g., plugging, gluing, snapping, screwing, etc.

[0037] The solar module 23 is dimensioned so large that not all of the ventilation holes 17 covered by the cover are covered by the solar module 23.

[0038] This ensures optimal ventilation even with solar module 23 installed.

[0039] To ensure maximum light incidence on the solar module 23, the solar module 23 is positioned in the area of ​​a vertex S of the helmet 11.

[0040] A power consumer in the form of a helmet taillight 25 is arranged in a recess 27 on a rear side R of the helmet 11. How Fig. 1 As shown, the helmet rear light 25 has an essentially triangular base.

[0041] The shape of cover 19 is not based on the shape of the one in Fig. 1 The cover 19 shown is not limited; rather, a multitude of different geometries are conceivable. The grid structure of the cover 19 can also vary from helmet to helmet. Thus, depending on the application, different sizes and shapes of openings 21 can be selected and / or combined.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a helmet 11 with outer shell 13 and helmet body 15 from below, which, like the helmet 11 of Fig. 1 The helmet 11 comprises an outer shell 13, a helmet body 15, several ventilation holes 17, and a cover 19 with a solar module 23. A first recess 27 is formed in the helmet body 15 on a rear side R of the helmet 11, in which a helmet taillight 25 is arranged. The first recess 27 penetrates both the helmet body 15 and the outer shell 13, so that the helmet taillight 25 integrated into the first recess 27 is visible from the outside.

[0043] Adjacent to the first recess 27 is a second recess 29, which is located between the first recess 27 and the solar module 23 mounted on the cover 19.

[0044] The second recess 29 serves to accommodate an energy storage device ( Fig. 3 and 4), specifically an accumulator 32. The accumulator 32 is charged by means of the solar module 23 and supplies power to the electrical device, in this case the helmet taillight 25. For this purpose, the accumulator 32 is connected to the solar module 23 by means of a first cable section 33, which extends through one of the ventilation holes 17 and a first cable channel 35. The first cable section 33 is connected to the solar module 23 and the accumulator 32 by means of connectors 37. By means of a second cable section 39, which runs through a second cable channel 41, the accumulator 32 is connected to the helmet taillight 25. The second cable section 39 is also connected to the accumulator 32 and the helmet taillight 25 by means of connectors 37. In order to be able to charge the accumulator 32 using another, external power source, the accumulator 32 may have an additional connection not shown, for example in the form of a USB socket.

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment, which differs from the one in Fig. 3 The second embodiment shown differs in that a control unit 43 is connected between the solar module 23 and the accumulator 32. The control unit 43 can, for example, control the charging process of the accumulator 32 and read its energy level.

[0046] Furthermore, the first recess 27 and the second recess 29 are integrated into one another in such a way that they form a common recess 28, and the second cable channel 41 can be omitted. In the third embodiment, the accumulator 32 and the helmet rear light 25 are therefore located in the common recess 28.

[0047] According to an embodiment not shown, the accumulator 32, the control unit 43, the helmet rear light 25 and the cable pieces 39 for connecting the aforementioned components can also be housed in a common housing. Reference symbol list:

[0048] 11 Helmet 13 Outer shell 15 Helmet body 17 Ventilation hole 19 Cover 21 Openings 22 Photovoltaic cell 23 Solar module 25 Helmet rear light 27 First cutout 28 Common cutout 29 Second cutout 32 Battery 33 First cable section 35 First cable channel 37 Connector 39 Second cable section 41 Second cable channel 43 Control unit R back of the helmet S vertex of the helmet

Claims

1. A helmet (11), for example a bicycle helmet, comprising a helmet body (15), a ventilation hole (17) which extends from an inner side of the helmet (11) through the helmet body (15) to an outer side of the helmet (11), a cover (19) which at least partly covers the ventilation hole (17), an electrical energy store (32) and a photovoltaic cell (22) for charging the energy store (32), said photovoltaic cell (22) being provided at the cover (19), wherein the cover (19) is releasably attached to the helmet (11), and wherein the energy store (32) is arranged in a recess (27) of the helmet body (15).

2. A helmet (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (19) has a lattice structure having a plurality of openings (21).

3. A helmet (11) according to claim 2, characterized in that the openings (21) are smaller than the ventilation hole (17).

4. A helmet (11) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lattice structure is curved and / or the lattice structure is inherently rigid.

5. A helmet (11) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photovoltaic cell (22) is received by the cover (19) without deformation.

6. A helmet (11) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photovoltaic cell (22) is arranged in the region of an apex (S) of the helmet (11).

7. A helmet (11) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photovoltaic cell (22) is directly or indirectly connected to the energy store (32).

8. A helmet (11) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy store (32) is connected to the photovoltaic cell (22) by means of a first cable (33), in particular with the first cable (33) extending at least partly in a first channel (35) of the helmet body (15).

9. A helmet (11) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a power consumer (25) is connected to the energy store (32).

10. A helmet (11) according to claim 9, characterized in that the power consumer (25) and the energy store (32) are arranged together in a recess (28) of the helmet body (15), and / or the power consumer (25) and the energy store (32) are arranged in separate recesses (27, 29).

11. A helmet (11) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the energy store (32) is connected to the power consumer (25) by means of a second cable (39), in particular with the second cable (39) extending at least partly in a second channel (41) of the helmet body (15).

12. A helmet (11) according to at least one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the power consumer (25) is an optical or acoustic output unit.