PROTECTIVE HELMET WITH OPTIMIZED AERODYNAMIC DEFLECTOR

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a protective helmet intended to equip a motorcyclist, and in particular a protective helmet comprising a shell having a rear part on which an aerodynamic deflector is mounted. [State of the art]

[0002] It is known, particularly in the field of motorcycle racing, to mount an aerodynamic deflector, sometimes called a "spoiler", on the rear of the helmet to reduce the drag effect on the rear of the helmet. It is also known to associate such a helmet with a back hump, also called a "hump", fixed to the rider's suit and which provides quasi-aerodynamic continuity with the aerodynamic deflector provided on the helmet.

[0003] The state of the art can thus be illustrated by documents EP 2 027 787, EP 3 138 429 and EP 1 396 200, which all describe this type of helmet with aerodynamic deflector.

[0004] The state of the art can also be illustrated by the teachings of document EP 1 714 568 which proposes a helmet provided with a shell on which is mounted an aerodynamic straightening element whose position can be adjusted by the user in a front / rear direction, and also according to an inclination facing the wind, which corresponds to various driving postures.

[0005] It is also known from document DE 10 2012 214061 to provide, at the rear of a cyclist's helmet, an aerodynamic attachment tapering towards the rear for aerodynamic improvement, and at least one aerodynamic adapter arranged on the aerodynamic attachment and which can be moved manually by the cyclist between an engaged position and a disengaged position to modify the aerodynamics.

[0006] However, although a conventional aerodynamic deflector, whether fixed or previously adjusted by the user, is satisfactory in a straight line, the Applicant has observed that the aerodynamic deflector could cause undesirable effects in certain situations, and in particular when cornering, such as for example in the field of motorcycling competition where cornering speeds can be between 80 and 160 km / h in so-called slow corners, or even between 160 and 250 km / h in so-called fast corners.

[0007] In fact, when cornering, the rider leans his motorcycle at an angle of inclination typically between 50 and 65 degrees approximately, and in addition he adopts a swaying position by placing or almost placing his knee at the level of the track, while placing his head on the inside of the corner, inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle, in order to be able to fix the corner in the distance.

[0008] In this position, the helmet is both tilted laterally and at least partially offset from the motorcycle's windshield, so that the direct airflow and the airflow returned by the windshield apply strong pressure to the lateral side of the helmet, to the right or left depending on the direction of the turn. Under the effect of this strong lateral pressure, the aerodynamic deflector tends to bring the helmet back in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle, according to a so-called "flag" effect or self-alignment in the wind axis. To counter this aerodynamic yaw moment, the rider must compensate with his muscular strength alone in order to keep his head tilted outside the protection of the windshield when turning, which is particularly restrictive and tiring for all the muscles of the neck and shoulders (triceps and trapezius muscles in particular) as well as the cervical spine.

[0009] Furthermore, the Applicant observed that, in a straight line and at high speed, in particular above 300 km / h, the helmet and its aerodynamic deflector undergo a turbulent oscillation effect, which therefore results in an oscillating yaw movement of the helmet and therefore of the wearer's head, which is amplified by generating an aeroelastic resonance phenomenon; in other words, the yaw movement is amplified when it is combined with the muscular elasticity / rigidity of the pilot's head. [Summary of the invention]

[0010] The invention proposes to address at least in part the above-mentioned problems by proposing an aerodynamic deflector which combines the classic advantages of drag reduction, without the disadvantages of aerodynamic moment when cornering and oscillating yaw movement in a straight line.

[0011] Thus, the invention proposes a protective helmet comprising a cap having a rear part on which an aerodynamic deflector is mounted, in which at least one aerodynamic flap is mounted movably on said aerodynamic deflector, said protective helmet being remarkable in that at least one aerodynamic flap is mounted freely movably on the aerodynamic deflector between a retracted position and a deployed position, the aerodynamic flap thus being able to deploy from the deployed position to the retracted position under the effect of aerodynamic forces generated by an air flow circulating along the cap and the aerodynamic deflector.

[0012] Thus, the invention proposes to mount one or more aerodynamic flaps on the aerodynamic deflector, so that the or each aerodynamic flap will be able to move according to the aerodynamic constraints (direction of the air flows, speed of the air flows, shapes of the flows, etc.), and thus contribute to an adaptation of the flows at the level of the aerodynamic deflector.

[0013] In a driving situation, the at least one aerodynamic flap is mounted freely movable on the aerodynamic deflector, in order to be movable under the sole action of an air flow circulating along the cap and the aerodynamic deflector.

[0014] Thus, only aerodynamic constraints move the or each aerodynamic flap, without the need for actuation. In other words, the or each aerodynamic flap provides an aerodynamic self-adaptation function.

[0015] Advantageously, the at least one aerodynamic flap is in the deployed position at rest, in the absence of air flow circulating along the cap and the aerodynamic deflector.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the aerodynamic deflector has an external deflecting face which gradually moves away from the cap and the at least one aerodynamic flap does not project outwardly with respect to the external deflecting face of the aerodynamic deflector in the deployed position.

[0017] Advantageously, the at least one aerodynamic flap extends in the extension of the deflecting external face of the aerodynamic deflector in the deployed position to ensure aerodynamic continuity with the aerodynamic deflector.

[0018] Thus, when the or each aerodynamic flap is in the deployed position, particularly in a straight line situation, the aerodynamic deflector behaves like a conventional deflector without a flap, providing a continuous deflecting face.

[0019] Alternatively, the at least one aerodynamic flap is folded down or brought closer towards the cap in the retracted position, compared to the deployed position, to open an airflow passage, particularly when turning.

[0020] According to one feature, at least one upper stop is provided on the aerodynamic deflector or on the at least one aerodynamic flap to stop said aerodynamic flap in the deployed position.

[0021] Thus, the aerodynamic flap cannot go beyond the deployed position, and therefore cannot protrude outwardly with respect to the aerodynamic deflector.

[0022] According to another characteristic, at least one lower stop is provided on the cap or on the at least one aerodynamic flap to stop said aerodynamic flap in the retracted position.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the at least one aerodynamic flap is movable between the deployed position and the retracted position, and vice versa, continuously or progressively.

[0024] Thus, the or each aerodynamic flap ensures progressive, or continuous, aerodynamic adaptation to finely adjust to the conditions.

[0025] According to one possibility, the at least one aerodynamic flap is movable on the aerodynamic deflector at least in pivoting along a pivot axis.

[0026] It is conceivable that the at least one aerodynamic flap is movable only in pivoting, or is movable in pivoting and translation (for example by means of an articulation which combines rotation and translation).

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one aerodynamic flap has a front edge facing the front of the helmet and a rear edge facing the rear of the helmet, said front edge being pivotally coupled to the aerodynamic deflector along the pivot axis and said rear edge being free.

[0028] It is obvious that the front of the helmet corresponds to the part in which the opening for the pilot's face is provided (generally an opening equipped with a screen or visor), and the rear of the helmet corresponds to the part where the aerodynamic deflector is located.

[0029] According to one feature, the aerodynamic flap is pivotally movable on the aerodynamic deflector by means of a hinge element connecting the aerodynamic flap to the aerodynamic deflector.

[0030] According to another characteristic, the articulation element is chosen from one of the following elements: a flexible membrane, for example made of an elastomeric material or a textile material; a mechanical hinge; an elastically deformable folding line, such as for example a line of lesser thickness.

[0031] Advantageously, the at least one aerodynamic flap is coupled to at least one elastic return element which urges the aerodynamic flap towards a return to the deployed position.

[0032] According to one possibility, the at least one elastic return element comprises a compressible elastic return element, which is compressed by the aerodynamic flap as it moves towards the retracted position.

[0033] Alternatively, the spring-back compressible element is a spring or a layer of spring-back compressible material, such as an elastomeric material or foam.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one aerodynamic flap is movably mounted in an opening provided on the aerodynamic deflector.

[0035] According to one feature, the at least one aerodynamic flap closes the opening in the deployed position, and partially opens the opening in the retracted position.

[0036] According to another characteristic, the opening is delimited by edges and the at least one aerodynamic flap is joined to these edges in the deployed position, and is distant from at least one of these edges in the retracted position.

[0037] According to another feature, the aerodynamic deflector has a trailing rear edge, and the opening is provided in this trailing rear edge.

[0038] Advantageously, the at least one aerodynamic flap has a rear edge which is free and which forms a trailing edge, this rear edge of the aerodynamic flap coming in continuity with the rear trailing edge of the aerodynamic deflector in the deployed position.

[0039] Thus, when in the deployed position, the or each aerodynamic flap and the aerodynamic deflector together define a continuous vanishing line.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one aerodynamic flap comprises at least two aerodynamic flaps arranged on either side of a sagittal plane of the protective helmet, respectively on the right and on the left.

[0041] Thus, at least two aerodynamic flaps are positioned on the aerodynamic deflector, on the right and left, so that these lateral flaps can move to reduce the lateral pressure when turning both to the right and to the left. Indeed, the strong lateral pressure tends to press the aerodynamic flap exposed to such pressure (depending on the direction of the turn), thus shortening the intrados path, which tends to reduce drag and reduce the aerodynamic yaw moment. As a result, when turning, the effort is less for the pilot to keep his head tilted out of the field of the windshield. This version with at least two lateral flaps therefore provides greater comfort to the pilot and reduces his energy expenditure, by reducing the "flag" effect of the aerodynamic deflector in the turning position.

[0042] In a straight line situation at high speed, these aerodynamic flaps will also be able to beat in an oscillating manner, thus compensating for the turbulent oscillation effect experienced by the helmet and its aerodynamic deflector. In other words, in a straight line position, these aerodynamic flaps will be able to remain mobile or will be able to oscillate slightly to perform a turbulence damping function at high speed.

[0043] According to one characteristic, the at least two aerodynamic flaps are independent in their respective mobilities.

[0044] In other words, these aerodynamic flaps are independent between the right and the left, so that their respective movements will adapt to the situation, depending on the aerodynamic constraints undergone by the helmet.

[0045] According to one possibility, the aerodynamic deflector has a central wall extended to the right and left, on either side of the sagittal plane, by two lateral flanks, and the at least two aerodynamic flaps are mounted movably on the two respective lateral flanks.

[0046] Alternatively, the two lateral flanks of the aerodynamic deflector are symmetrical about the sagittal plane, and the at least two aerodynamic flaps are symmetrical about the sagittal plane when in the deployed position.

[0047] Alternatively, the at least two aerodynamic flaps have respective surface areas that are greater than or equal to 50% of the surface areas of the lateral flanks of the aerodynamic deflector. [Brief description of the figures]

[0048] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which: [ Fig 1 ] is a schematic top view of a helmet according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, with an aerodynamic deflector whose side flaps are in the deployed position; [ Fig 2 ] is a schematic top view of the helmet of the Figure 1 , with an aerodynamic deflector whose side flaps are in the retracted position; [ Fig 3 ] is a schematic side view of the helmet of the Figure 1 , with the side flaps in the deployed position; [ Fig 4 ] is a schematic side view of the helmet of the Figure 1 , with the side flaps in the retracted position; [ Fig 5 ] is a schematic rear perspective view of the helmet of the Figure 1, with the side flaps in the deployed position; [ Fig 6 ] is a schematic rear perspective view of the helmet of the Figure 1 , with the side flaps in the retracted position; [ Fig 7 ] is a schematic front perspective view of the helmet of the Figure 1 , with the side flaps in the deployed position; and [ Fig 8 ] is a schematic front perspective view of the helmet of the Figure 1 , with the side flaps in the retracted position. [Detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention]

[0049] With reference to the Figures, a protective helmet 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a rigid cap 2 in the general shape of an open spherical cap, intended to be worn on the head of a wearer and to protect it. This cap 2 has a front part 20 having an opening for the face of the wearer, such a front part 20 being able to be equipped with a screen 22 and possibly a chin guard 23. This cap 2 also has a rear part 21 on which an aerodynamic deflector 3 is mounted. The helmet 1 has a sagittal plane PS which extends vertically in the length of the helmet 1 and which divides the helmet 1 into a right part and a left part.

[0050] This aerodynamic deflector 3 is fixed to the rear part 21 of the cap 2 in a static manner, for example by screwing or any other fixing means, whether removable or not. The aerodynamic deflector 3 has a central wall 30 extended to the right and left, on either side of the sagittal plane, by two lateral flanks 31; these two lateral flanks 31 being symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane PS of the helmet 1. The aerodynamic deflector 3 has a deflecting external face 33 which gradually moves away from the cap 2, and also has an opposite internal face which faces the cap 2. The aerodynamic deflector 3 has a rear trailing edge 34 (possibly curved), as well as a front edge 35 pressed against the cap 2. As visible on the Figures 1 and 2, this front edge 35 may have a notch 36 at the level of its central wall 30, centered on the sagittal plane PS of the helmet 1, so as to allow a flow partially under the central wall 30 of the aerodynamic deflector 3. On the other hand, the front edge 35 is pressed against the cap 2 at the level of the two lateral flanks 31.

[0051] According to the invention, at least one aerodynamic flap 4 is mounted movably on this aerodynamic deflector 3, and more precisely in the example illustrated, two aerodynamic flaps 4 are mounted movably on the aerodynamic deflector 3. The two aerodynamic flaps 4 are mounted movably on the two respective lateral flanks 31 of the aerodynamic deflector 3, with therefore an aerodynamic flap 4 on the right and an aerodynamic flap 4 on the left and thus arranged on either side of the sagittal plane PS.

[0052] Each aerodynamic flap 4 is mounted movably in an opening 37 provided on the corresponding lateral flank 31 of the aerodynamic deflector 3, where this opening 37 is formed in the rear trailing edge 34. Thus, the aerodynamic deflector 3 has two openings 37 formed in the two respective lateral flanks 31, and each opening 37 is in the form of a notch in the rear trailing edge 34. Each opening 37 is delimited by edges, including a front edge 38 and at least one lateral edge 39 (two lateral edges 39 in the example illustrated).

[0053] Each aerodynamic flap 4 is movable on the corresponding lateral flank 31 by pivoting about a pivot axis 40. More precisely, each aerodynamic flap 4 has a front edge 48 facing the front of the helmet 1 and a rear edge 44 facing the rear of the helmet 1, as well as at least one lateral edge 49 joining the front edge 48 to the rear edge 44, and the front edge 48 is pivotally coupled to the front rim 38 of the opening 37 of the corresponding lateral flank 31 about the pivot axis 40. The rear edge 44 is free and forms a trailing edge. The at least one lateral edge 49 is also free. As can be seen in the Figure 3, the pivot axis 40 has an angle of inclination AI of between 20 and 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction X of the helmet 1, and in particular an angle of between 30 and 70 degrees or even between 30 and 50 degrees; the longitudinal direction X being defined here as a horizontal direction, included in the sagittal plane PS, when the helmet 1 is placed flat on a horizontal surface.

[0054] The front edge 48 is coupled or pivotally movable on the corresponding lateral flank 31 by means of an articulation element (not illustrated) connecting the front edge 48 of the aerodynamic flap 4 to the front edge 38 of the opening 37 of the corresponding lateral flank 31. This articulation element may be a flexible membrane, for example made of an elastomeric material or a textile material, which joins the front edge 48 of the aerodynamic flap 4 to the front edge 38, and the pivoting is done by deformation or folding of this flexible membrane. Alternatively, this articulation element may be a mechanical hinge comprising two knuckles mechanically coupled in rotation by a physical axis of rotation, such knuckles being fixed respectively on the front edge 48 of the aerodynamic flap 4 and on the front edge 38 of the opening 37 concerned.In another variant, this articulation element may be an elastically deformable folding line, such as for example a line of lesser thickness, formed in a continuous material between the aerodynamic flap 4 and the aerodynamic deflector 3, so that this aerodynamic flap 4 and this aerodynamic deflector 3 are made in a single piece or in a single part.

[0055] It should be noted that each aerodynamic flap 4 is mounted freely movable on the aerodynamic deflector 3 and that these two aerodynamic flaps 4 are independent in their respective mobilities, in order to be movable independently under the sole action of an air flow circulating along the cap 2 and the aerodynamic deflector 3.

[0056] In addition, each aerodynamic flap 4 has a surface area which is greater than or equal to 50%, or even greater than or equal to 65%, of the surface area of ​​the corresponding lateral flank 31 of the aerodynamic deflector 3.

[0057] Each aerodynamic flap 4 is therefore movable between a retracted position (visible on the Figures 2 , 4 , 6 And 8 ) and a deployed position (visible on the Figures 1 , 3 , 5 And 7 ), each aerodynamic flap 4 deploying from the deployed position to the retracted position under the effect of aerodynamic forces generated by an air flow circulating along the cap 2 and the aerodynamic deflector 3. Furthermore, each aerodynamic flap 4 is movable between the deployed position and the retracted position, and vice versa, continuously or progressively, in other words without jolts.

[0058] Each aerodynamic flap 4 is in the deployed position at rest, in the absence of airflow circulating along the cap 2 and the aerodynamic deflector 3. Also, and although not illustrated, it is advantageous for each aerodynamic flap 4 to be coupled to at least one elastic return element which urges the aerodynamic flap 4 towards a return to the deployed position. Such an elastic return element may for example comprise a compressible elastic return element, which is compressed by the aerodynamic flap 4 when it moves towards the retracted position; this compressible elastic return element being, by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, a spring or a layer of compressible elastic return material, such as an elastomeric material or a foam.

[0059] As visible on the Figures 1 , 3 , 5 And 7, when in the deployed position, each aerodynamic flap 4 does not project outwardly with respect to the deflecting external face 33 of the aerodynamic deflector 3, and more precisely each aerodynamic flap 4 extends in the extension of the deflecting external face 33 to ensure aerodynamic continuity with the aerodynamic deflector 3. Thus, in the deployed position, each aerodynamic flap 4 closes the corresponding opening 37, so that the aerodynamic flap 4 is contiguous with the edges 38, 39 of the opening 37. In other words, in the deployed position, the or each lateral edge 49 of the aerodynamic flap 4 is contiguous with the lateral edge(s) 39 of the opening 37. Furthermore, in the deployed position, the rear edge 44 of the aerodynamic flap 4 is in continuity with the rear trailing edge 34 of the aerodynamic deflector 3. It is note that the two aerodynamic flaps 4 are symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane PS when they are in the deployed position.

[0060] Although not illustrated, it is advantageous to provide, for each aerodynamic flap 4, at least one upper stop on the aerodynamic deflector 3 or on the aerodynamic flap 4 to stop the aerodynamic flap 4 in the deployed position, so that it does not protrude externally from the deflecting external face 33. By way of non-limiting example, such an upper stop may be in the form of a notch at the level of a lateral edge 49 of the aerodynamic flap 4, capable of coming to a stop against the corresponding lateral rim 39 of the opening 37.

[0061] As visible on the Figures 2 , 4 , 6 And 8, when in the retracted position, each aerodynamic flap 4 is folded down or brought closer towards the cap 2, compared to the deployed position, to open an air circulation passage below the aerodynamic deflector 3. In other words, in the retracted position, each aerodynamic flap 4 has pivoted (compared to the deployed position) so that the rear edge 44 has moved closer to the cap 2. Thus, in the retracted position, each aerodynamic flap 4 partially opens the corresponding opening 37, so that the aerodynamic flap 4 is moved away from the lateral edge(s) 39 of the opening 37. In other words, in the retracted position, the or each lateral edge 49 of the aerodynamic flap 4 is offset downwards (towards the cap 2) relative to the lateral edge(s) 39 of the opening 37. Furthermore, in the retracted position, the or each lateral edge 49 of the aerodynamic flap 4 is offset downwards (towards the cap 2) relative to the lateral edge(s) 39 of the opening 37. retracted, the rear edge 44 of the aerodynamic flap 4 has passed under the rear trailing edge 34 of the aerodynamic deflector 3.Although not illustrated, it is advantageous to provide, for each aerodynamic flap 4, at least one lower stop on the cap 2 or on the aerodynamic flap 4 to stop the aerodynamic flap 4 in the retracted position.

Claims

1. A protective helmet (1) comprising a cap (2) having a rear part (21) on which is mounted an aerodynamic deflector (3), wherein at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is movably mounted on said aerodynamic deflector (3), said protective helmet (1) being characterized in that the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is mounted freely movable on the aerodynamic deflector (3) between a retracted position and a deployed position, the aerodynamic flap (4) thus being able to be deployed from the deployed position to the retracted position under the effect of aerodynamic forces generated by an air flow circulating along the cap (2) and the aerodynamic deflector (3).

2. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is in the deployed position at rest, in the absence of air flow circulating along the cap (2) and the aerodynamic deflector (3).

3. The protective helmet (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the aerodynamic deflector (3) has an external deflecting face (33) which gradually moves away from the cap (2), and the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) does not project externally with respect to the external deflecting face (33) of the aerodynamic deflector (3) in the deployed position.

4. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) extends in the extension of the external deflecting face (33) of the aerodynamic deflector (3) in the deployed position to ensure aerodynamic continuity with said aerodynamic deflector (3).

5. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is folded down or brought closer towards the cap (2) in the retracted position, compared to the deployed position, to open an air circulation passage.

6. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is movable between the deployed position and the retracted position, and vice versa, in a continuously progressive manner.

7. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is movable on the aerodynamic deflector (3) at least pivotally along a pivot axis (40).

8. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) has a front ridge (48) facing the front of the helmet (1) and a rear ridge (44) facing the rear of the helmet (1), said front ridge (48) being pivotally coupled to the aerodynamic deflector (3) along the pivot axis (40) and said rear ridge (44) being free.

9. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is coupled to at least one elastic return element which urges the aerodynamic flap (4) towards a return in the deployed position.

10. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) is movably mounted in an opening (37) provided on the aerodynamic deflector (3).

11. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) closes the opening (37) in the deployed position, and partially opens the opening (37) in the retracted position.

12. The protective helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one aerodynamic flap (4) comprises at least two aerodynamic flaps (4) arranged on either side of a sagittal plane (PS) of the protective helmet (1), respectively on the right and on the left.

13. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least two aerodynamic flaps (4) are independent in their respective mobility.

14. The protective helmet (1) according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the aerodynamic deflector (3) has a central wall (30) extended to the right and to the left, on either side of the sagittal plane (PS), by two lateral walls (31), and the at least two aerodynamic flaps (4) are movably mounted on the two respective lateral walls (31).

15. The protective helmet (1) according to claim 14, wherein the two lateral walls of the aerodynamic deflector (3) are symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane (PS), and the at least two aerodynamic flaps (4) are symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane (PS) when they are in the deployed position.