Sports helmet

Abstract

A sports helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, riding helmet, or ski helmet, comprises a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a strap fastening system for securing the helmet shell to the head of a user. The sports helmet comprises an airbag device having at least one gas generator and two gas-inflatable gas bags, wherein the two gas bags are configured, in an inflated state, to cover a portion of the user's face from a left side and another portion of the user's face from a right side.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sports helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, riding helmet or ski helmet, with a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a strap fixing system for fixing the helmet shell to the head of a user.

[0002] A sports helmet is designed to protect the wearer against head injuries, particularly in the event of a fall. To this end, the sports helmet comprises a helmet shell with a generally concave inner surface facing the wearer's head and a generally convex outer surface facing away from the wearer's head. The helmet shell is designed to absorb as much of the kinetic energy acting on the sports helmet in the event of an impact through inelastic and / or elastic deformation as possible. A strap fastening system can also be attached to the helmet shell, by means of which the helmet shell can be secured to the wearer's head. This system can, for example, include multiple neck and chin straps.

[0003] The term "sports helmet" is to be understood broadly in this context and refers not only to helmets that are designed exclusively or specifically for the practice of a sport (such as a riding helmet or ski helmet), but also to helmets that are used for leisure activities (e.g. as a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet).

[0004] Such sports helmets are available in various designs. In general, a distinction can be made between sports helmets with rigid chin guards (e.g., for mountain biking) and sports helmets without chin guards. Sports helmets without chin guards, in particular, are characterized by a high level of comfort compared to sports helmets with rigid chin guards due to their open design and relatively low weight. Sports helmets without chin guards are also far more common than sports helmets with rigid chin guards. However, sports helmets without chin guards do not offer comparable protection for the user's facial area. In particular, the chin area and / or areas of the user's cheekbones may be exposed to injury in certain falls, as a sports helmet without a chin guard does not specifically protect these areas.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a sports helmet without a rigid chin guard which provides protection for at least part of a user's face.

[0006] This problem is solved by a sports helmet having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The sports helmet according to the invention comprises a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a strap fastening system for securing the helmet shell to the head of a user. The sports helmet includes an airbag device having at least one gas generator and at least one gas-inflatable gas bag, wherein the at least one gas bag is designed to protect at least part of the user's face when inflated.

[0008] The invention is based on the following consideration: Known sports helmets already offer good protection for the user's head. However, the user's facial area is problematic in some falls. However, many users do not want to protect the facial area with rigid devices such as a chin guard, face visor, or the like, as a sports helmet should offer the clearest possible field of vision and be as easy to put on as possible. Aesthetic considerations also play a role for many users in the decision as to whether or in which situations a sports helmet is worn, which can ultimately be detrimental to safety. For example, in equestrian sports, wearing a riding helmet with a chin guard is completely unusual.However, to still protect the face, or at least parts of the face, of the wearer even with sports helmets without rigid chin guards, the sports helmet can incorporate an airbag device. Airbags are proven devices in the automotive sector, for example, to provide a wearer with additional protection in addition to seat belts and to protect the wearer from injuries caused by impact with hard objects such as a steering wheel or dashboard.

[0009] The airbag device of the sports helmet according to the invention can comprise several components. A gas bag, which can be made of a flexible plastic material such as polyamide, can be kept ready in a folded state. The gas bag is filled with a gas by the gas generator in a short time (e.g., < 1 / 10 of a second) when a dangerous situation is detected, such as a fall of the user from a bicycle or a horse. The term "gas" is to be understood generally in this context and can encompass only a single gas (e.g., nitrogen) or a gas mixture (e.g., an argon-helium mixture) including air or a gas / air mixture. The gas from or by the gas generator can, in particular, originate directly from the gas generator (e.g.,be stored in the gas generator or generated in the gas generator from a liquid or solid), or the gas for the gas bag can be drawn from the ambient air by the gas generator (e.g., by pumping and / or compression). For this purpose, the gas generator can be fluidically (i.e., flow-related) connected to the gas bag.

[0010] The gas generator thus provides the gas for filling the gas bag. The gas generator can be designed, for example, as a cold gas generator or a pyrotechnic gas generator, or a combination thereof, or as a pump and / or compressor. In some embodiments, the gas generator can be designed as a cartridge and / or a pressure accumulator.

[0011] When inflated, i.e. filled, the gas bag can, depending on its geometric design and arrangement on the helmet shell, protect at least part of the user's face. When inflated, the gas bag forms a protective cushion due to its arrangement, shape and flexible structure, which can come to rest between the user's facial area and an object (e.g. the ground) in the event of an impact. The gas bag can cushion an impact and / or distribute forces over a large area in order to mitigate excessive force and / or load peaks in the user's facial area. For this purpose, it may be sufficient if the gas bag only assumes a predetermined inflated state for a short period of time (e.g. one or more seconds) and then deflates. However, the gas bag can also be designed so that it assumes the predetermined inflated state for a longer period of time.

[0012] In some embodiments, the airbag can be configured to cover a chin area (lower jaw) and / or areas of the user's cheekbones when inflated. In this context, "coverage" can be understood as a radial enveloping of a part of the user's head, in particular the face, with the airbag, wherein a distance remains between a surface of the face and the airbag in the radial viewing direction. In this model, the user's head is assumed to be substantially spherical.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gas bag can be designed to emulate a human facial shape on a side facing the user's face in the inflated state. For example, the gas bag can be designed as a curved shape similar to a chin guard and / or as curved cheek sections on either side of the user's nose. In particular, the gas bag can have a recess in a nose region of the user's face; such a recess can emulate the shape of the user's face, wherein the gas bag can cover the surrounding areas of the face by a small distance in the inflated state.

[0014] In some embodiments, the gas bag can be made of a transparent material. A transparent material can be understood as a see-through material, meaning that the user can see through the gas bag when inflated. This can be particularly advantageous if the gas bag is in the user's field of vision when inflated. Thus, in some embodiments, the gas bag can cover the user's entire face when inflated, allowing the user to see through the transparent material of the gas bag and thus perceive their surroundings.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gas bag can be designed to leave a gap around the user's eyes when inflated. A largely unobstructed field of vision for the user can thus be maintained by a gap in the gas bag around the user's eyes. For this purpose, the area around the user's eyes can be left open when the gas bag is inflated, i.e., the area around the user's eyes is not covered by the gas bag when inflated.

[0016] In some embodiments, the gas generator can be arranged in a centrally symmetrical position, in particular in a posterior region of the helmet shell. Such a centrally symmetrical arrangement can be advantageous, in particular in embodiments of the airbag device with only a single gas generator, in order to achieve a substantially centrally symmetrical weight distribution of the airbag device. The term central symmetry is to be understood as follows in the context of the invention: The sports helmet can be divided into a left half and a right half by a central symmetry plane, wherein the central symmetry plane is perpendicular to a horizontal plane and is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the sports helmet, i.e., comprises a longitudinal axis of the sports helmet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the airbag device may have two gas bags. The two gas bags may cover different areas of the user's face. Various embodiments of the airbag device with two gas bags are explained below.

[0018] In such an embodiment, the two gas bags can be configured to cover one part of the user's face, starting from a left side, and another part of the user's face, starting from a right side. The two gas bags can be arranged on the left side of the sports helmet and on the right side of the sports helmet, for example, in the lateral temple areas of the user.

[0019] The covering of the respective parts of the user's face by the two airbags can occur simultaneously, i.e., the airbag device can be configured to fill both airbags with gas simultaneously. This can prevent an undesirable transfer of torque to the user's head caused by the filling of the airbags, especially if the two airbags are arranged and aligned with central symmetry.

[0020] However, in some embodiments, a slight time delay may be provided between the inflation of one gas bag and the inflation of the other gas bag, i.e., one of the two gas bags is filled with gas before the other. In embodiments where the two inflated gas bags are intended to cover each other (i.e., overlap), a staggered filling of the two gas bags can prevent the two gas bags from colliding and repelling each other during deployment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the two gas bags may be configured to be center-symmetrically arranged in the inflated state and, for example, to abut against one another to form a substantially closed surface covering part of the user's face.

[0022] In some embodiments, however, the two airbags can be designed such that, in the inflated state, each of the two airbags crosses a central plane of symmetry of the sports helmet. By each crossing the central plane of symmetry, which can be defined as described above, the two airbags at least partially overlap, either next to one another or one above the other (in particular with respect to a front view of the sports helmet). This can, for example, prevent a rectilinear dividing plane from running between the two inflated airbags, along which the two airbags could be spread apart in the event of an impact and expose a previously covered area of ​​the user's face. The two airbags can, for example, be designed such that, in the inflated state, the two airbags interlock once the two airbags have crossed the central plane of symmetry.

[0023] In some embodiments, the airbag device can have a single common gas generator for inflating the two gas bags. The common gas generator can be fluidically connected to the two gas bags via a respective connecting line. The common gas generator can, in particular, be arranged centrally symmetrically on the helmet shell. As explained above, this can have advantages with regard to the weight distribution of the gas generator on the sports helmet, as well as advantages with regard to noise generated when the gas generator is ignited. By arranging the gas generator centrally, the gas generator can be arranged at a great distance from the user's ears.

[0024] In some embodiments, the airbag device can have two gas generators, one of the two gas generators being fluidically connected to one of the two gas bags and the other of the two gas generators being fluidically connected to the other of the two gas bags. When two gas generators are used, these can be designed to be correspondingly smaller, i.e. with smaller geometric dimensions, than when a single gas generator is used. Two gas generators can also offer advantages over a single gas generator with regard to even weight distribution. Furthermore, the use of two gas generators can also be advantageous with regard to system redundancy. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the airbag device can also comprise a plurality of gas generators.

[0025] In some such embodiments, one of the two gas generators can be arranged on a left side of the helmet shell, and the other of the two gas generators can be arranged on a right side of the helmet shell. This can promote a center-symmetric weight distribution of the gas generators.

[0026] In some embodiments, the two gas generators can be arranged at a respective ear region, at a respective temple region, or at a respective lateral neck region (occipital region) of the helmet shell. However, if the gas generators are arranged in a rear region of the helmet shell and the gas bags are arranged in a front region of the helmet shell, connecting lines can be provided from the respective gas generator to the associated gas bag, for example, running along or within the helmet shell.

[0027] In some embodiments, the helmet shell can have an integrated frame structure. For example, the helmet shell can have a so-called skeleton made of plastic that is over-molded or foamed to form a shock-absorbing helmet body (e.g., using the so-called in-mold process). The frame structure can comprise one or more strips (flexible or rigid), strap(s), and / or anchors that extend at least partially within the helmet shell. In such embodiments, the at least one gas generator and / or the at least one gas bag of the airbag device can be attached to the integrated frame structure of the helmet shell. Suitable access points and / or mechanical interfaces can be provided on the frame structure for this purpose.Attaching the airbag to a frame structure of the helmet shell ensures a particularly stable fit for the gas generator and / or airbag, particularly with regard to recoil forces that may occur when the airbag inflates. Attaching the airbag device to an integrated frame structure can also be advantageous in a retrofit solution.

[0028] In some embodiments, the airbag device may include a sensor device for detecting a fall situation, a trigger for triggering the at least one gas generator, and a power supply for supplying the sensor device and / or the trigger with electrical energy.

[0029] The sensor device of the airbag device can, for example, comprise at least one multi-axis acceleration sensor. Furthermore, the sensor device can comprise an evaluation and triggering circuit. The evaluation and triggering circuit can evaluate data from the at least one acceleration sensor. The evaluation and triggering circuit can, for example, be designed to monitor predetermined threshold values ​​and / or evaluate temporal acceleration profiles and / or acceleration directions that indicate an impending impact, for example due to a fall. For example, the evaluation and triggering circuit can compare data from the at least one sensor with at least one predetermined threshold value. If the sensor data exceeds at least one threshold value, the evaluation and triggering circuit can generate a trigger signal, for example an electronic signal or an ignition current, for the trigger.

[0030] The evaluation and triggering circuit is connected to a trigger of the airbag device, for example an explosive device or an igniter. The triggering signal generated by the evaluation and triggering circuit triggers the filling of at least one gas bag. This can occur, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic gas generator, whereby a pyrotechnic material burns and the generated gas fills the at least one gas bag. Alternatively, a gas stored under pressure in the gas generator can be released, whereby the released gas fills the at least one gas bag via at least one connecting line. Since triggering, for example by igniting an explosive device, causes a bang or loud noise, the trigger can be provided with a sound dampening device, e.g. a casing made of sound-insulating material.

[0031] Electrical energy is required to detect and monitor the sensor signals and / or to activate the trigger. For this purpose, the airbag device comprises an electrical power supply, which can be embodied as a battery and / or accumulator. In some embodiments, the accumulator can be charged, in particular, via a solar cell, which is arranged, for example, on the outside of the helmet shell. As an alternative to electrical activation, the trigger can also be activated mechanically, for example, via a pressure switch.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one gas generator, the at least one gas bag, the sensor device, the trigger, and the power supply can form a modular unit. The modular unit allows the airbag device to be retrofitted, in particular, to existing sports helmets. For this purpose, the modular unit can be arranged in the ear area, which in many sports helmets forms a suitable exposure of the helmet shell. In such embodiments, the gas generator and / or the associated trigger can be arranged below the user's auricle. The modular unit can be attached to the helmet shell, for example, using clip connections or screw solutions.

[0033] In such an embodiment, the modular unit can be detachably, in particular replaceably, attached to the helmet shell. The modular unit can be attached, for example, to an outer edge of the helmet shell, i.e., at a transition between an inner and outer side of the helmet shell. A mechanical interface for attaching the modular unit can be formed on the helmet shell, e.g., in the manner of an anchor. Thus, the modular unit can be easily retrofitted as needed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the sports helmet can be designed without a rigid chin guard. It is particularly advantageous if a sports helmet of the widely used type without a rigid chin guard can be provided with increased protection for the wearer's facial area as a result of the airbag device according to the invention.

[0035] In some embodiments, the helmet shell may comprise a helmet body having padding on the inside and / or an outer shell on the outside. The outer shell may also perform a protective function (e.g., shock absorption or reducing the coefficient of friction for the protective helmet sliding along a rough surface), or it may essentially only serve a decorative function. The outer shell may comprise a shell, for example, made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a film, for example, made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a polycarbonate (PC).

[0036] In some embodiments, the helmet body can be made of a rigid foam, in particular expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). In other embodiments, a part of the helmet shell, in particular the helmet body, can be manufactured by 3D printing. In other embodiments, the helmet shell can be formed from a so-called injection-molded mesh.

[0037] In some embodiments, the strap fastening system can be attached to a posterior region of the helmet shell and to lateral temple regions of the helmet shell. In some embodiments, the strap fastening system can have a length adjustment device in the user's neck area.

[0038] In some embodiments, the helmet shell may have multiple ventilation openings distributed across the surface of the helmet shell.

[0039] In general, the invention can thus be implemented in particular according to one of the following embodiments:Embodiment 1: A sports helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, riding helmet, or ski helmet, comprising a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a strap fastening system for securing the helmet shell to the head of a user. The sports helmet comprises an airbag device comprising at least one gas generator and at least one gas-inflatable gas bag, the at least one gas bag being configured to protect at least a portion of the user's face when inflated. Embodiment 2: A sports helmet according to embodiment 1, wherein the gas bag is configured to cover a chin area and / or areas of the user's cheekbones when inflated.Embodiment 3: Sports helmet according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the gas bag is designed to emulate a human facial shape on a side facing the user's face in the inflated state; wherein the gas bag in particular has a recess for a nose region of the user's face. Embodiment 4: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the gas bag is made of a transparent material that is so translucent that the user can see through the gas bag in the inflated state; and / or wherein the gas bag is designed to leave a gap around the user's eyes in the inflated state. Embodiment 5: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the gas generator is arranged in a center-symmetrical position, in particular in a posterior head region of the helmet shell.Embodiment 6: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the airbag device has two gas bags. Embodiment 7: Sports helmet according to embodiment 6, wherein the two gas bags are designed to cover a part of the user's face starting from a left side and another part of the user's face starting from a right side. Embodiment 8: Sports helmet according to embodiment 6 or embodiment 7, wherein the two gas bags are designed such that, in the inflated state, each of the two gas bags crosses a center plane of symmetry (E) of the sports helmet. Embodiment 9: Sports helmet according to embodiment 8, wherein the two gas bags at least partially overlap either next to each other or on top of each other. Embodiment 10: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 6 to 9, wherein the airbag device has a single common gas generator for inflating the two gas bags.Embodiment 11: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 6 to 9, wherein the airbag device has two gas generators, wherein one of the two gas generators is fluidically connected to one of the two gas bags and the other of the two gas generators is fluidically connected to the other of the two gas bags. Embodiment 12: Sports helmet according to embodiment 11, wherein one of the two gas generators is arranged on a left side of the helmet shell and the other of the two gas generators is arranged on a right side of the helmet shell; and / or wherein the two gas generators are arranged on a respective ear region or on a respective temple region or on a respective lateral neck region of the helmet shell. Embodiment 13: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the helmet shell has an integrated frame structure, wherein the at least one gas generator and / or the at least one gas bag is attached to the integrated frame structure.Embodiment 14: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the airbag device comprises a sensor device for detecting a fall situation, a trigger for triggering the at least one gas generator, and a power supply for supplying the sensor device and / or the trigger with electrical energy; wherein the at least one gas generator, the at least one gas bag, the sensor device, the trigger, and the power supply form, in particular, a modular unit; wherein the modular unit is preferably detachably attached to the helmet shell.Embodiment 15: Sports helmet according to one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the sports helmet is designed without a rigid chin guard; and / or wherein the sports helmet is designed as a bicycle helmet, wherein the helmet shell has a helmet body made of a rigid foam and has padding on an inner side and / or an outer shell on an outer side, and wherein the helmet shell has a plurality of ventilation openings distributed over the surface of the helmet shell.

[0040] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a bicycle helmet. Fig. 2 shows a front view of an airbag in an inflated state. Fig. 3 shows a front view of another embodiment of an airbag in an inflated state. Fig. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of an airbag in an inflated state. Fig. 5 shows a front view of two airbags in an inflated state. Fig. 6 shows a front view of a bicycle helmet with two overlapping airbags in an inflated state. Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of two overlapping airbags. Fig. 8 shows a front view of another embodiment of a bicycle helmet with two overlapping airbags in an inflated state. Fig. 9 shows a plan view of a bicycle helmet. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a bicycle helmet with a modular unit of an airbag device.

[0041] Fig. 1shows a sports helmet in the form of a bicycle helmet 10 with a shock-absorbing helmet shell 12 and a strap fastening system 14 for fastening the helmet shell 12 to the head (not shown) of a user. The helmet shell 12 can have a helmet body that has padding on the inside and / or a thin outer shell on the outside. The helmet body of the helmet shell 12 can be made of a rigid foam, in particular of an expanded polystyrene rigid foam (EPS). The strap fastening system 14 can be fastened in a neck region 40 of the helmet shell 12 and in the lateral temple regions 42 of the helmet shell 12. In some embodiments, the strap fastening system 14 can have a ring section with a length adjustment device (not shown) in the neck region 40 of the user. The helmet shell 12 can have a plurality of ventilation openings 13 distributed over the surface of the helmet shell 12.

[0042] The bicycle helmet 10 has an airbag device 16, wherein the airbag device 16 comprises at least one gas generator 18 and at least one gas bag 20 that is inflatable by gas from the gas generator 18. The gas generator 18 and the gas bag 20 can be arranged in the temple area 42 of the bicycle helmet 10 in spatial proximity to one another ( Fig. 1). In some embodiments, the gas generator 18 and the gas bag 20 can also be spatially separated, arranged at any location on the bicycle helmet 10, and fluidically connected via a respective connecting line. For example, the gas generator 18, or multiple gas generators 18, can be arranged at a front end, i.e., at a forehead region 44, at an upper head region 50, or at a back of the head region 38 of the bicycle helmet 10. To reduce a mass moment of inertia of the gas generator 18, which results from the distance from a pivot point, for example the user's neck, the gas generator 18 can, in particular, be arranged in the neck region 40.

[0043] The gas bag 20 is in Fig. 1shown schematically in a non-inflated state, ie the gas bag 20 is not filled with gas and is arranged in a space-saving manner, for example folded, in a housing, a cover or a suitable storage device on the bicycle helmet 10, in particular on the helmet shell 12. The gas bag 20 can be filled with gas by the gas generator 18 in a short time in order to assume an inflated state and a predetermined shape in the inflated state. The gas bag 20 is designed to cover at least part of the face 30 of the user in an inflated state (cf. e.g. Fig. 2 to 4) and thus protect against a frontal impact. In order to achieve this protective effect, the gas bag 20 can be fastened, for example, to one of the lateral temple regions 42 or to the forehead region 44 on the bicycle helmet 10, in particular to the helmet shell 12, in a predetermined orientation. The respective gas bag 20 can have a fastening end with which the gas bag 20 is fastened to the helmet shell 12 in a predetermined orientation. The respective gas bag 20 can furthermore have at least one free end which, when the gas bag 20 is inflated, moves along the face 30 of the user so that the inflated gas bag 20 covers the face 30. In addition, in particular during a first phase of deployment, the gas bag 20 can move at least partially in a forward direction, i.e. along a longitudinal axis of the bicycle helmet 10.Optionally, the gas bag 20 in the inflated state can be modeled (e.g. curved) on a side facing the face 30 of the user in accordance with a human face shape in order to cover the face 30 of the user in a contour-close manner.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a gas bag 20 in an inflated state in a front view. For better orientation, a user's face 30 is also shown schematically. For better clarity, the bicycle helmet 10 is in Fig. 2 (correspondingly also in Fig. 3, 4 and 6 ) is not shown. However, it is understood that the gas bag 20, as described above, is arranged at a suitable location on the helmet shell 12 of the bicycle helmet 10. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2The airbag 20 covers at least part of the user's face 30. In particular, the airbag 20 covers a chin area 32 and a left and right cheekbone area 34 of the user's face 30. The airbag 20 can have a recess 58 of a nose area 46 of the user's face 30. This recess 58 can simulate the shape of the user's face, and the airbag 20, in the inflated state, can cover the surrounding areas of the face 30 by a small distance. The outline of the recess 58 is closed on three sides and only open at the top (for the bridge of the nose).

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a gas bag 20 in an inflated state. In comparison to the embodiment of Fig. 2The gas bag 20 covers in particular the chin area 32 of a user's face 30 and thus essentially fulfills the function of a chin guard. The chin area 32 (lower jaw) can be particularly vulnerable if the user falls. Fig. 3 The embodiment of the gas bag 20 shown can protect the chin area 32 of the user, but has a simpler geometric structure than, for example, the embodiment described above from Fig. 2 The gas bag 20 can be configured as a convex, substantially rectangular surface when inflated. Alternatively, the gas bag 20 can also be tubular, resembling a chin guard.

[0046] Fig. 4shows a further embodiment of a gas bag 20 in an inflated state. In this embodiment, the gas bag 20 covers almost the entire face 30 of the user, with only an eye area 36 not being covered. In addition to the chin area 32 and the cheekbone areas 34 described above, the gas bag 20 also covers a forehead area 44 and lateral temple areas 42 of the face 30 of the user. Only the eye area 36 of the face 30 is not covered by the gas bag 20 due to a recess 60 in the gas bag 20, i.e. the eye area 36 is left free. This embodiment has the advantage that, on the one hand, almost all areas of the face 30 are covered by the gas bag 20 and are thus protected, for example, in the event of a fall.On the other hand, the recess 60 of the airbag 20 still allows the user to orient themselves even when the airbag 20 is inflated, since a minimal field of vision of the user is essentially kept clear of the airbag 20. The term "essentially" in this context means that peripheral areas of the field of vision may be covered by the airbag 20 when inflated.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment to that in Fig. 4In the embodiment described, the recess 58 of the gas bag 20 can also be omitted, i.e. the gas bag 20 covers the entire face 30 of the user. In this case in particular, it is advantageous if the gas bag 20 is made entirely or partially from a transparent material. This means that the user can still orient themselves even when the gas bag 20 is inflated, since they can see through the transparent material of the gas bag 20. A transparent design of the gas bag 20 is also possible in the other embodiments explained. As an alternative to such a transparent design, it can also be provided in the various embodiments that the gas bag 20 relaxes again after inflation (for example after approximately one second), for example as a result of deliberately introduced pressure relief openings.

[0048] The Fig. 2 to 4The gas bags 20 shown can be formed in one piece and can be attached, for example, to one of the temple areas 42 of the helmet shell 12. Alternatively, the Fig. 2 to 4 However, the covering of the user's face 30 shown can also be achieved by two complementary gas bags 20. Embodiments of an airbag device 18 having two gas bags 20 are described below.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a front view of two gas bags 20 in an inflated state, wherein the two gas bags 20 are designed to cover a part of the user's face 30 starting from a left side 51 and another part of the user's face 30 starting from a right side 52. The left side 51 and the right side 52 are defined, as described above, by the center plane of symmetry E, which divides the bicycle helmet 10 in a vertical direction (in the illustration according to Fig. 5perpendicular to the plane of the paper). The two gas bags 20 can be designed such that, in the inflated state, they meet in the central plane of symmetry E and cover at least the chin area 32 and the cheekbone areas 34 of the user's face 30, with the nose area 46 being recessed by a respective cutout 58 of the respective gas bag 20. The gas bags 20 can also cover only the chin area 32. This corresponds to the embodiments described above in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 3 , where the gas bag 20 is shown as one piece.

[0050] A gap 54 can be formed at the central plane of symmetry E due to the meeting of the two airbags 20. However, the airbags 20 can be designed to be pressed against each other at the central plane of symmetry E so strongly that the gap 54 is closed by forces acting essentially perpendicular to the central plane of symmetry 30. Thus, an area of ​​the face 30 where the two airbags 20 meet, in particular the chin area 32, can be completely covered by the two airbags 20.

[0051] Fig. 6shows a further embodiment of the bicycle helmet 10 according to the invention in a front view. The bicycle helmet 10 comprises an airbag device 16 (not shown) with two gas bags 20 that overlap when inflated. Each of the two gas bags 20 crosses the central plane of symmetry E of the bicycle helmet 10 when inflated, so that in the region of the central plane of symmetry E, an area of ​​the user's face 30 is covered by both gas bags 20. This can be advantageous because, due to the overlap of the two gas bags 20, the two overlapping gas bags 20 do not expose the chin area 32 in the event of an impact in the region of the central plane of symmetry 30.

[0052] In this embodiment, the airbag device 16 can have two gas generators 18. One of the two gas generators 18 can be arranged on a left side 51 of the helmet shell 12 and be fluidically connected to one of the two gas bags 20 in order to inflate this gas bag 20 as needed. The other of the two gas generators 18 can be arranged on a right side 52 of the helmet shell 12 and be fluidically connected to the other of the two gas bags 20 in order to inflate this other gas bag 20 as needed. The two gas generators 18 can be arranged, for example, at a respective ear region 48 or at a respective temple region 42 or at a respective lateral neck region 40 of the bicycle helmet 10. A symmetrical arrangement of the two gas generators 18 with respect to the central plane of symmetry E of the bicycle helmet 10 is advantageous.The terms a left side 51 and a right side 52 serve only to distinguish between two sides and do not limit the features described with respect to the left side 51 and the right side 52 to these sides, ie the features with respect to the left side 51 can also be features with respect to the right side 52, and vice versa.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of two overlapping airbags 20 formed by tubular elements. The two airbags 20 overlap in a region of the central plane of symmetry E. To ensure that the two airbags 20 slide past each other when they meet, in particular two free ends 56 of the respective airbags 20, the two intersecting ends 56 of the airbags 20 can, for example, also have a trapezoidal structure or a chamfer.

[0054] Fig. 8shows a further embodiment of two overlapping gas bags 20. The overlap does not occur one above the other but next to each other, ie the two gas bags 20 do not overlap or cover each other in a front view, although each of the two gas bags 20 crosses the central plane of symmetry E of the bicycle helmet 10. This embodiment makes it possible, for example, for the chin area 32 to be completely covered by one of the two gas bags 20 and for example for a mouth area 49 of the user to be covered by the other of the two gas bags 20.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, the bicycle helmet 10 or the airbag device 16 can have a single common gas generator 18 for inflating the two gas bags 20, wherein the single gas generator 18 is fluidically connected to both gas bags. The gas can thus flow from the single gas generator 18 into both gas bags 20. The single gas generator 18 can, as described above, be arranged in a centrally symmetrical position, i.e., symmetrical to the central plane of symmetry E, for example, in a posterior region 38 of the helmet shell 12. However, it is also possible for the single gas generator 18 to be arranged at any location symmetrical to the central plane of symmetry E, for example, in a forehead region 44 of the helmet shell 12.

[0056] Fig. 9shows a top view of a bicycle helmet 10. A central symmetry plane E can divide the bicycle helmet 10 symmetrically into a left side 51 and a right side 52. The gas generator 18 can be arranged at various locations in a centrally symmetrical position. The centrally symmetrical arrangement of the gas generator 18 can achieve a symmetrical weight distribution with respect to the central symmetry plane E, which can lead to improved wearing comfort for the user. As already described above, the gas generator 18 can also be arranged centrally symmetrically to the central symmetry plane E in the forehead area 44 or centrally symmetrically to the central symmetry plane E in the neck area 40 or centrally symmetrically to the central symmetry plane E in the upper head area 50. Corresponding arrangements are shown in Fig. 9 shown with a dashed line.

[0057] Fig. 10shows a perspective view of a bicycle helmet 10 with a modular unit 28 of an airbag device 16. The airbag device 16 can have a sensor device 22 for detecting a fall situation, a trigger 24 for triggering the at least one gas generator 18, and a power supply 26 for supplying the sensor device 22 and / or the trigger 24 with electrical energy. Together with a gas bag 20 (in Fig. 10(shown in a folded state) the sensor device 22, the trigger 24, the gas generator 18, and the energy supply 26 can be arranged as a modular unit 28 on the bicycle helmet 10. This can enable retrofitting of an airbag device 16 to existing bicycle helmets 10 (additive design). However, the sensor device 22, the trigger 24, the gas generator 18, the energy supply 26, and the gas bag 20 can also be arranged distributed on the bicycle helmet 10, which can also be referred to as an integrative design.

[0058] The functioning of the airbag device 16 can be described by way of example by the following steps. The sensor device 22 continuously monitors, for example at regular time intervals, relevant parameters that can describe a fall or an impending impact resulting therefrom. For example, detected acceleration values ​​can be used as a criterion for a fall if they exceed predefined threshold values, wherein, in particular, a direction-dependent evaluation can be carried out. For this purpose, the sensor device 22 compares the values ​​measured by at least one sensor with predefined threshold values. If at least one measured parameter exceeds the associated threshold value, the sensor device 22 sends a trigger signal to a trigger 24. The signal can be formed, for example, by an electrical pulse that causes a gas stored in at least one gas generator 18 to flow out.This can be achieved, for example, by detonating an explosive device on the gas generator 18. The gas flows into the associated gas bag 20 via at least one connecting line, which connects the respective gas generator 18 to an associated gas bag 20. As the gas flows in, the gas bag 20 unfolds, and the gas bag 20 is inflated almost instantly. The gas bag 20 unfolds around the user's face 30 in such a way that the inflated gas bag 20 covers at least parts of the user's face 30.

[0059] Energy is required both for monitoring the measured variables by the sensor device 22 and for firing the trigger 24. This energy can be provided by an electrical power supply 26. The power supply 26 can be configured as a battery or an accumulator. If an accumulator is used as the power supply, the accumulator can optionally be powered by solar units, which can be arranged on a surface of an outer side of the helmet shell 12.

[0060] With regard to the embodiments according to the drawings, it should also be noted that the invention can also be applied to a different type of sports helmet, in particular to a motorcycle helmet, a riding helmet or a ski helmet. List of reference symbols

[0061] 10Bicycle helmet 12Helmet shell 13Ventilation opening 14Belt fastening system 16Airbag device 18Gas generator 20Airbag 22Sensor device 24Trigger 26Power supply 28Modular unit 30Face 32Chin area 34Cheekbone area 36Eye area 38Back of the head 40Neck area 42Temple area 44Forehead area 46Nose area 48Ear area 49Mouth area 50Upper head area 51Left side 52Right side 54Gap 56End of an airbag 58Recess in the nose area 60Recess in the eye area EMid symmetry plane

Claims

1. A sports helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet (10), motorcycle helmet, riding helmet, or ski helmet, comprising a shock-absorbing helmet shell (12) and a strap fastening system (14) for fastening the helmet shell (12) to the head of a user, wherein the sports helmet comprises an airbag device (16) comprising at least one gas generator (18) and at least one gas bag (20) that is inflatable by gas, wherein the at least one gas bag (20) is designed to protect at least part of the face (30) of the user in an inflated state, characterized by that the airbag device (16) has two gas bags (20), wherein the two gas bags (20) are designed to cover a part of the face (30) of the user starting from a left side (51) and another part of the face (30) of the user starting from a right side (52).

2. Sports helmet according to claim 1, wherein the two gas bags (20) are designed such that in the inflated state each of the two gas bags (20) crosses a central plane of symmetry (E) of the sports helmet.

3. Sports helmet according to claim 2, wherein the two gas bags (20) at least partially overlap next to each other.

4. Sports helmet according to claim 2, wherein the two gas bags (20) at least partially overlap one another.

5. Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag device (16) has a single common gas generator (18) for inflating the two gas bags (20).

6. Sports helmet according to claim 5, wherein the gas generator (18) is arranged in a centrally symmetrical position, in particular in a posterior head region (38) of the helmet shell (12).

7. Sports helmet according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the airbag device (16) has two gas generators (18), wherein one of the two gas generators (18) is fluidically connected to one of the two gas bags (20) and the other of the two gas generators (18) is fluidically connected to the other of the two gas bags (20).

8. A sports helmet according to claim 7, wherein one of the two gas generators (18) is arranged on a left side (51) of the helmet shell (12) and the other of the two gas generators (18) is arranged on a right side (52) of the helmet shell (12); and / or wherein the two gas generators (18) are arranged on a respective ear region (48) or on a respective temple region (42) or on a respective lateral neck region (40) of the helmet shell (12).

9. Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two gas bags (20) are designed to cover a chin area (32) and / or areas of the cheekbones (34) of the user in the inflated state.

10. A sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two gas bags (20) are designed, in the inflated state, to be modeled on a side facing the user's face (30) corresponding to a human facial shape; wherein the two gas bags (20) in particular have a recess (58) of a nose region (46) of the user's face (30).

11. Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two gas bags (20) are designed to leave out an eye area (36) of the user in the inflated state.

12. Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the helmet shell (12) has an integrated frame structure, wherein the at least one gas generator (18) and / or the two gas bags (20) are attached to the integrated frame structure.

13. Sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airbag device (16) has a sensor device (22) for detecting a fall situation, a trigger (24) for triggering the at least one gas generator (18), and a power supply (26) for supplying the sensor device (22) and / or the trigger with electrical energy.

14. A sports helmet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sports helmet is designed without a rigid chin guard; and / or wherein the sports helmet is designed as a bicycle helmet (10), wherein the helmet shell (12) comprises a helmet body made of a rigid foam and having padding on an inner side and / or an outer shell on an outer side, and wherein the helmet shell (12) has a plurality of ventilation openings (13) distributed over the surface of the helmet shell (12).

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