helmet

Abstract

To provide a helmet that offers good ventilation while minimizing restrictions on appearance. [Solution] The helmet according to this disclosure comprises a helmet shell, a first protective wall portion disposed inside the helmet shell and having a pair of first walls that extend from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane that includes the midline of the human head, and an inner member having a right head protective wall portion provided on the right side of the head and a left head protective wall portion provided on the left side of the head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, helmets that are lightweight and have shock-absorbing properties have been developed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a helmet that is lightweight and safe, including a hemispherical body that covers the wearer's head, a top cover that is harder than the body and is mounted so as to cover the outer surface of the top of the body, and a shock absorber disposed in a recess covered by the top cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the helmet of Patent Document 1 has its appearance restricted due to the top cover that is mounted to cover the outer surface of the top of the body. Also, it is difficult to ensure sufficient ventilation because the thick body covers the head.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a helmet that suppresses the restriction of appearance and has ventilation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This application discloses a helmet comprising a shell and an inner member disposed inside the shell. The inner member comprises a first protective wall portion having a pair of first walls that extend from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane containing the midline of the human head, a right head protective wall portion provided on the right side of the head, and a left head protective wall portion provided on the left side of the head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a helmet according to one embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a view of a helmet according to one embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a helmet with the shell removed, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a view from above of the inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of an inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of an inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of an inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing how a helmet deforms according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing how a helmet deforms according to one embodiment. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing how a helmet according to one embodiment deforms. [Figure 4D] Figure 4D is a schematic diagram showing how a helmet deforms according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a view from below of the inner component of a helmet according to one modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments only.

[0010] For convenience, the direction forward from a person wearing a helmet is sometimes referred to as forward X1 (Figure 1A, etc.), the opposite direction as backward X2, and collectively as the front-back direction X. Similarly, each direction may be referred to as upward Z1, downward Z2, up-down Z, right Y2, left Y1, left-right Y, etc. Also, the position at the top of the head when viewing the helmet from upward Z1 is sometimes called the top of the head position, and the imaginary straight line that passes vertically through the top of the head position is sometimes called the top of the head line. The midline of the human head is a line that passes through the center of the human head, extending from the forehead through the top of the head to the back of the head, dividing the human head into left and right halves. Hereafter, the imaginary plane containing the midline of the human head may be referred to as the "first imaginary plane P1," and the imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and passing through the top of the human head may be referred to as the "second imaginary plane P2." The first virtual plane P1 is parallel to the front-to-back direction X and the up-to-down direction Z, and perpendicular to the left-to-right direction Y. The second virtual plane P2 is parallel to the left-to-right direction Y and the up-to-down direction Z, and perpendicular to the front-to-back direction X.

[0011] [First Embodiment] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the helmet H1 according to this embodiment, viewed from above; Figure 1B is a view of the helmet H1 viewed from below; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the helmet H1 with the shell 10 removed, viewed from above. Figure 3A is a view of the inner member 20 disposed inside the shell 10, viewed from above; and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the inner member 20 cut by the second virtual plane P2. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the inner member 20, cut through the left-right central portion, cut by the first virtual plane P1. Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of the second protective wall portion of the inner member 20, which will be described later, cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the left-right direction Y (a virtual plane parallel to the front-back direction X and the up-down direction Z and perpendicular to the left-right direction Y).

[0012] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the helmet H1 comprises a helmet shell 10 and an inner member 20 disposed inside the helmet shell 10. The helmet H1 may further include a headband HB, a sweatband SS, ear and chin straps (not shown), ear and chin strap holders EH for connecting the ear and chin straps to the helmet shell 10, and a cushion member 30 (Figure 2).

[0013] Helmet H1 may be configured to satisfy the performance requirements for each test method defined in the "Standards for Protective Helmets" stipulated pursuant to Article 42 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (Act No. 57 of 1972). For example, Helmet H1 may be configured to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method defined in Article 6 (Penetration Resistance) of the same standard, and / or to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method defined in Article 7 "Protective helmets for preventing the danger of falls", and / or to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method specified for "Protective helmets for preventing the danger of flying or falling objects" in Article 8, and / or to satisfy the performance requirements for the test method defined in the same article "Protective helmets for preventing the danger of falls". Furthermore, the H1 helmet may be configured to satisfy the performance requirements for the test methods defined in "6.5 Impact Absorption Test" and / or "6.6 Penetration Resistance Test" as specified in the Japanese Industrial Standard (T8131:2015).

[0014] The helmet shell 10 is a component that makes up the outer surface of the helmet H1. The helmet shell 10 has the function of protecting the entire head and may be made of a material such as ABS or PC (polycarbonate). The helmet shell 10 may account for more than half (e.g., more than 60%) of the total weight of the helmet H1. As shown in Figure 1A, the helmet shell 10 may have a brim, but is not limited to this.

[0015] As will be described later, the helmet H1 of the present embodiment can absorb impacts by means of the first protective wall portion 21, the second protective wall portion 22, etc. disposed inside the cap body 10. Therefore, by making the thickness of the cap body 10, for example, as thin as 1 to 2 mm, it is possible to supplement the impact absorption performance of the cap body 10 itself and to reduce the weight of the cap body 10, and thus the helmet H1.

[0016] The inner member 20 is a component disposed inside the cap body 10. The inner member 20 includes a wearing portion 24 (the "wearing portion" including the wearing portion 24 is the inner portion of the "inner member" that is close to the human head, and may be called the "inner part"), a first protective wall portion 21, a right head protective wall portion 22R provided on the right head, and a left head protective wall portion 22L provided on the left head (the right head protective wall portion 22R and the left head protective wall portion 22L may be collectively referred to as the "second protective wall portion 22"). In the present embodiment, the first protective wall portion 21 is provided detachably with respect to the wearing portion 24, and the second protective wall portion 22 is provided detachably with respect to the wearing portion 24. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The wearing portion 24 and the first protective wall portion 21 may be integrally formed, for example, by integral molding. Similarly, the wearing portion 24 and the second protective wall portion 22 may be integrally formed by integral molding.

[0017] The wearing portion 24 is a component having an inner surface facing the human head. The wearing portion 24 has a function of supporting the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22, and may be made of a material such as a synthetic resin such as ABS, PC, PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene), POM (POM), etc.

[0018] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, a cushion member 30 (described later) is detachably provided inside the wearing portion 24 between the wearing portion 24 and the top of the human head. Therefore, the component facing and contacting the top of the human head is the cushion member 30. On the other hand, the components facing the front head, the back head, and the pair of side heads of the human head excluding the top head are the wearing portion 24. During use of the helmet H1, the inner surface of the wearing portion 24 may contact the human head of the operator wearing the helmet H1.

[0019] As also shown in Figure 1B, the attachment portion 24 has a number of through holes 24H. For example, in the attachment portion 24, the portion located below Z2 of the first upper connecting wall 21U (described later) of the first protective wall portion 21 has through holes 24H that connect the lower surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U to the space above the forehead of the human head, through holes 24H that connect the lower surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U to the space above the crown of the human head, and through holes 24H that connect the lower surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U to the space above the back of the human head. Furthermore, in the portion of the attachment section 24 located below Z2 of the second upper connecting wall 22RU and the second upper connecting wall 22LU (described later) of the right head protection wall section 22R and the left head protection wall section 22L, through holes 24H are formed to connect the lower surfaces of the second upper connecting wall 22RU and the second upper connecting wall 22LU with the space above the temporal region of a human head.

[0020] With this configuration, the heat emitted from the human head can be released into the space above the attachment part 24, thereby improving ventilation and reducing the weight of the attachment part 24. However, through holes 24H do not necessarily have to be formed in the attachment part 24.

[0021] Furthermore, the attachment portion 24 supports the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22, which are the right head protective wall portion 22R and the left head protective wall portion 22L. Known configurations can be used as means for supporting the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22. For example, the attachment portion 24 may support the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22 by forming an engaging portion on the outer surface of the attachment portion 24, or the attachment portion 24 may support the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22 by other known means such as welding or bonding using an adhesive.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner member 20, including the attachment portion 24, and the helmet body 10 are connected to each other at their respective lower ends. Known configurations can be used as means for connecting the two, and they may be connected in a manner that makes them impossible to separate by hand, such as by welding or bonding using adhesive. Alternatively, the two may be connected to each other by other means, for example, by providing the helmet body 10 with a latch member that protrudes inward from the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and has an upper surface that supports the lower surface of the attachment portion. Here, the latch member may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the helmet body as it advances upward Z1, thereby connecting the inner member 20, including the attachment portion 24, and the helmet body 10 in a manner that is easy to attach and difficult to detach.

[0023] [First protection wall] As shown in Figure 2, the helmet H1 includes a first protective wall portion 21 provided inside the helmet shell 10, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, thereby being positioned on the midline of the human head. This first protective wall portion 21 is positioned on the midline of the human head, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, thereby being configured to protect the forehead, crown, and back of the human head. The first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22 may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the helmet shell 10, such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), or POM (polyethylene polymer). Alternatively, the same material as the helmet shell 10 may be used, but with reduced thickness or other measures to lower the relative rigidity. As will be described later, the first protective wall portion 21, protective wall portion 22R, and protective wall portion 22L of this embodiment absorb impact by deforming in the compressive direction, unlike conventional members that absorb impact by stretching, so they can be formed from the same material as the helmet shell 10.

[0024] The first protective wall portion 21 extends from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, and has a pair of first walls 21W formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head. More specifically, the first protective wall portion 21 includes a right first wall 21WR provided on the right side of the human head and a left first wall 21WL provided on the left side of the human head.

[0025] The right first wall 21WR is formed on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 24. The left first wall 21WL is formed on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 24. Therefore, it can be said that the first virtual plane P1, which includes the midline, is located between the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL. In this embodiment, the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL are formed symmetrically with respect to the first virtual plane P1.

[0026] With this configuration, the impact of falling objects from above Z1 to below Z2 can be absorbed by the deformation of the helmet shell 10. Furthermore, as will be described later, it can be absorbed by the deformation of the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL, thereby improving the impact absorption performance. Here, since the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL extend from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, they can absorb impacts not only from falling objects near the crown but also from falling objects near the midline from the forehead to the back of the head. Moreover, since the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL are formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head, it is also possible to distribute and receive the impact from falling objects to the right and left sides of the human head.

[0027] Furthermore, as will be described later, the space between the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL (in this embodiment, the space between the right inner auxiliary wall 21IR and the left inner auxiliary wall 21IL within the space between the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL) can also be used to improve ventilation. In addition, since the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL are located inside the helmet body 10, it is possible to suppress any constraints on the appearance.

[0028] The first protective wall portion 21 may further comprise a wall portion. For example, the first protective wall portion 21 in this embodiment comprises at least a pair of right inner auxiliary walls 21IR and left inner auxiliary wall 21IL (both inner auxiliary walls may be collectively referred to as "inner auxiliary wall 21I") which extend from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, are formed on either side of the first virtual plane P1, and are formed between the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL, and a first upper connecting wall 21U (an example of an "inner upper connecting wall") which connects the upper parts of the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10. Here, the first upper connecting wall 21U connects the right inner auxiliary wall 21IR, which is provided on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, and the left inner auxiliary wall 21IL, which is provided on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, and therefore has an upper surface that intersects with the first virtual plane P1.

[0029] With this configuration, the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I and the first upper connecting wall 21U form a convex structure (sometimes referred to as the "first convex structure 21C") that protrudes upward Z1. Accordingly, the helmet H1 of this embodiment has a configuration in which a first convex structure 21C is provided that extends from the forehead to the back of the head via the top of the head, and has a pair of right inner auxiliary walls 21IR and a left inner auxiliary wall 21IL extending in a direction approaching the crown of the head, and a first upper connecting wall 21U that connects the upper parts of these pairs of inner auxiliary walls and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10.

[0030] With this configuration, the first convex structure 21C also makes it possible to protect the area around the midline of the human head from the forehead to the back of the head. As shown in Figure 3B, the right inner auxiliary wall 21IR has a portion that becomes an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that approaches the first virtual plane P1 containing the midline of the human head as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body 10, that is, as it moves upward Z1. Similarly, the left inner auxiliary wall 21IL has a portion that becomes an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that approaches the first virtual plane P1 containing the midline of the human head as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body, that is, as it moves upward Z1. Therefore, in the cross section (Figure 3B) cut by the second virtual plane P2 perpendicular to the front-rear direction X, the distance between the right inner auxiliary wall 21IR and the left inner auxiliary wall 21IL has a portion that decreases as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body 10.

[0031] With this configuration, the upper parts of the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I connected to the first upper connecting wall 21U can be tilted inward toward the first virtual plane P1, and the lower parts of the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I connected to the mounting section 24 can be deformed to spread outward toward the first virtual plane P1, thereby distributing the downward impact load acting from an object falling from above Z1 to below Z2 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction).

[0032] However, the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I do not need to form an inclined wall over the entire vertical direction Z as shown in Figure 3B, but may be configured to have an inclined wall only in a part thereof. For example, the inner auxiliary wall 21I may have a lower part formed to be an inclined wall and an upper part that extends straight upward Z1, or the first wall 21W may have an upper and lower part that extend straight upward Z1, respectively, and an inclined wall provided between the upper and lower parts.

[0033] Furthermore, the first protective wall section 21 may include a plurality of ribs RB that connect the right first wall 21R and the right inner auxiliary wall 21IR and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction X, and a plurality of ribs RB that connect the left first wall 21L and the left inner auxiliary wall 21IL and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction X. Each rib RB has a front and rear surface that is substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and extends substantially in the left-right direction Y.

[0034] According to such a configuration, with the deformation of the right first wall 21WR and / or the left first wall 21WL, it becomes possible to deform the right inner auxiliary wall 21IR and / or the left inner auxiliary wall 21IL connected via the rib RB. Therefore, even when a falling object does not directly collide with any of the wall portions, it can be used for shock absorption. In addition, according to the usage mode assumed for the helmet H1, by adjusting the total number of ribs RB, the height in the vertical direction Z, the thickness in the front-rear direction X, etc., it becomes possible to adjust the deformation amount of the inner auxiliary wall 21I with respect to the deformation amount of the first wall 21W.

[0035] The first protective wall portion 21 may further include a pair of right outer auxiliary walls 21OR and left outer auxiliary walls 21OL (the two outer auxiliary walls may be collectively referred to as "outer auxiliary walls 21O") that extend from the forehead portion to the back of the head via the top of the head and are formed sandwiching the first virtual plane P1 and the pair of first walls 21W. The right outer auxiliary wall 21OR is provided to the right Y2 of the right first wall 21WR and to the left Y1 of the right head protection wall portion 22R described later, and the left outer auxiliary wall 21OL is provided to the left Y1 of the left first wall 21WL and to the right Y2 of the left head protection wall portion 22L described later.

[0036] According to such a configuration, since it further includes a pair of outer auxiliary walls 21O that absorb shock by deformation, it becomes possible to further enhance the shock absorption performance. In addition, since the distance between the second protective wall portion 22 and the first protective wall portion 21 described later can be reduced, it is also possible to suppress the possibility that a falling object collides in the region between them and damages the human head. Note that the first protective wall portion 21 including the right outer auxiliary wall 21OR and the left outer auxiliary wall 21OL has at least a width W1 (an example of the "first width") in the left-right direction Y (Fig. 3B), and when the shortest distance between the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22 (the minimum value of the distance between a part of the first protective wall portion 21 and a part of the second protective wall portion 22) has at most a distance L1 (Fig. 3B), L1 < W1 may be satisfied, that is, the distance L1 may be smaller than the width W1.

[0037] With this configuration, it is possible to further suppress the possibility of falling objects colliding with the area between the second protective wall 22 and the first protective wall 21 and causing head injuries.

[0038] Furthermore, the helmet H1 of this embodiment includes a right upper connecting wall 21RU that connects the upper parts of the right first wall 21WR and the right outer auxiliary wall 21OR and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and a left upper connecting wall 21LU that connects the upper parts of the left first wall 21WL and the left outer auxiliary wall 21OL and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10. In other words, the right first wall 21WR, the right outer auxiliary wall 21OR, and the right upper connecting wall 21RU form a convex structure that protrudes upward Z1, and similarly, the left first wall 21WL, the left outer auxiliary wall 21OL, and the left upper connecting wall 21LU form a convex structure that protrudes upward Z1.

[0039] Accordingly, the helmet H1 of this embodiment includes a first convex structure 21C that protrudes upward Z1, intersects with the first virtual plane P1, and has a convex portion that extends from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head; a right convex structure that protrudes upward Z1, is provided on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, and has a convex portion that extends from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head; and a left convex structure that protrudes upward Z1, is provided on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, and has a convex portion that extends from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head.

[0040] With this configuration, it is possible to use the system for shock absorption even if the falling object does not directly collide with any wall or other structure.

[0041] As shown in this embodiment, at least one of the pair of outer auxiliary walls 21O, the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I, or the pair of first walls 21W (for example, the pair of outer auxiliary walls 21O and the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I) may have an inclined wall that is inclined in a direction approaching the first virtual plane P1 which includes the midline of the human head.

[0042] This configuration also makes it possible to deform at least one wall (for example, the upper part of the right outer auxiliary wall 21OR (or the left outer auxiliary wall 21OL) to tilt inward toward the first virtual plane P1, and the lower part connected to the mounting section 24 to spread outward toward the first virtual plane P1), thereby distributing the downward impact load acting from an object falling from above Z1 to below Z2 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction).

[0043] Here, the distances between the upper ends of the first wall 21W, inner auxiliary wall 21I, and outer auxiliary wall 21O of the first protective wall section 21 and the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and the distances between the upper surfaces of the first upper connecting wall 21U, right upper connecting wall 21RU, and left upper connecting wall 21LU that connect these wall sections and the inner surface of the helmet body 10 are provided to be small. For example, the minimum value of this distance (sometimes called the "minimum distance") may be 3 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0044] With this configuration, it is possible to increase the height (magnitude in the Z direction) of the first wall 21W, which absorbs impact by deforming, while maintaining the overall height of the helmet H1, thereby improving impact absorption performance. Furthermore, when the helmet body 10 moves downward Z2 due to impact from a falling object, at least one upper surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U, the right upper connecting wall 21RU, and the left upper connecting wall 21LU (or at least one upper end of the first wall 21W, the inner auxiliary wall 21I, or the outer auxiliary wall 21O) immediately comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet body 10. This makes it possible to initiate impact absorption by utilizing the compression or bending of the first wall 21W, the inner auxiliary wall 21I, or the outer auxiliary wall 21O connected to that upper surface. Consequently, it is possible to exhibit the impact absorption effect unique to the helmet H1 according to this embodiment, in which the inner surface of the helmet body 10 is brought closer to the human head or the wearing part 24 by the compression or bending of the first wall 21W, the inner auxiliary wall 21I, or the outer auxiliary wall 21O while absorbing impact from a falling object.

[0045] Furthermore, in order to facilitate deformation of each wall portion connected to the upper connecting wall as at least one of the first upper connecting wall 21U, the right upper connecting wall 21RU, and the left upper connecting wall 21LU comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet body 10, it is preferable that the first wall 21W, the inner auxiliary wall 21I, the outer auxiliary wall 21O, the first upper connecting wall 21U, the right upper connecting wall 21RU, and the left upper connecting wall 21LU are integrally formed from the same material by integral molding or the like.

[0046] Furthermore, the inventors of this application conducted various experiments on the spacing W2 between a pair of first walls 21W (the spacing W2 in the left-right direction Y between the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL), and found that the spacing W2 (Figure 3B) is preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0047] In other words, when the spacing W2 is less than 30 mm, the lower ends of the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL are close to the first virtual plane P1, so the impact from the falling object is concentrated near the top of the head. As a result, it becomes difficult to adequately distribute the impact, and it is found that it becomes difficult to satisfy any of the above standards.

[0048] Therefore, the spacing W2 is preferably 30 mm or more, and at least near the crown of the head, the spacing W2 is preferably 30 mm or more. However, the first wall 21W may be formed so that the spacing W2 varies in the anterior-posterior direction X. For example, the first wall 21W may be formed such that the spacing W2 of the first wall 21W is 30 mm or more near the forehead, near the crown of the head, and near the back of the head, and the spacing W2 of the first wall 21W is less than 30 mm between the forehead and the crown of the head, and between the crown of the head and the back of the head.

[0049] On the other hand, if the spacing W2 is made larger than 50 mm, the first wall will be compressed or bent by the hemispherical falling object, and the tip of the falling object may approach a person's head and cause a large impact before the impact can be sufficiently absorbed. Therefore, it was found that it would be difficult to satisfy either of the above standards.

[0050] For the reasons described above, the spacing W2 between a pair of first walls 21W (or the average value of the spacing between the main parts of the pair of first walls 21W if the right first wall 21WR and the left first wall 21WL are formed at an angle) is preferably 30 mm or more and within 50 mm. For example, in a cross section cut by at least the second virtual plane P2, the spacing W2 between a pair of first walls 21W is preferably 30 mm or more and within 50 mm. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the first walls 21W may be formed to have partially different spacing W2 as described above.

[0051] The helmet H1 according to this embodiment is configured to enhance ventilation by utilizing the space between a pair of first walls 21W. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the helmet H1 cut along the first virtual plane P1. As shown in the figure, the external space FE in front of the human head and the external space RE behind the human head are in communication through the space between the pair of first walls 21W (more specifically, the space between the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I within the space between the pair of first walls 21W). In other words, the space between the first walls 21W is in communication with the external space FE in front of the human head and the external space RE behind the human head.

[0052] With this configuration, as shown by the arrows, it is possible to connect the external space FE in front of the head and the external space RE behind the head through the inside of the helmet H1, thereby improving ventilation. In this embodiment, at least a part of the head is exposed to the space between the first upper connecting wall 21U and the fitting part 24 through the through hole 24H formed in the fitting part 24, so that the hot air emitted from the head and released into the space Z1 above the fitting part 24 through the through hole 24H can be easily exhausted to the outside space. This makes it possible to further improve ventilation.

[0053] The helmet H1 may further include one or more walls formed between the pair of first walls 21W.

[0054] Such a configuration also makes it possible to improve shock absorption performance. For example, the first protective wall 21 may have two wall sections, a second wall and a third wall, which are formed substantially parallel to the first wall 21W in the left-right direction Y between the pair of first walls 21W.

[0055] [Second protection wall] As shown in Figure 3A, the helmet H1 is provided on the inside of the helmet shell 10 and includes a right-side head protection wall 22R and a left-side head protection wall 22L, which are provided on the right and left sides of the head, respectively, separated from the first protective wall 21. The right-side head protection wall 22R protects the right side of the head, and the left-side head protection wall 22L protects the left side of the head.

[0056] The right temporal protective wall portion 22R and the left temporal protective wall portion 22L shown in this embodiment each have a pair of second walls 22RW (sometimes referred to as the "right second wall 22RW") and a pair of second walls LW (sometimes referred to as the "left second wall 22LW") that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the temporal region and are formed on either side of the second virtual plane P2. More specifically, each temporal protective wall portion includes a right front second wall 22RWF and a left front second wall 22LWF that are erected on the front side of the head relative to the second virtual plane P2 in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 24 and extending in a direction approaching the crown from the right or left temporal region, respectively, and a right rear second wall 22RWR and a left rear second wall 22LWR that are erected on the rear side of the head relative to the second virtual plane P2 in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 24 and extending in a direction approaching the crown from the right or left temporal region, respectively. Therefore, the second virtual plane P2 is located between the pair of right second walls 22RW and between the pair of left second walls 22LW.

[0057] With this configuration, the impact of an object falling from above Z1 to below Z2 can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the helmet shell 10, but also by the deformation of the right second wall 22RW and the left second wall 22LW, thereby enhancing the impact absorption performance. Here, the right second wall 22RW and the left second wall 22LW, which are formed on the left and right sides respectively, extend in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the side of the head, so they can absorb the impact of an object falling into this region.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right second wall 22RW and the left second wall 22LW are each formed at a distance from the first protective wall portion 21 (Figure 2). However, the impact from falling objects into the area between the second protective wall portion 22 and the first protective wall portion 21 can be absorbed by the deformation of the right second wall 22RW (or the left second wall 22LW) and at least a portion of the wall portion of the first protective wall portion 21 (for example, the outer auxiliary wall 21O).

[0059] Furthermore, since the right second wall 22RW and the left second wall 22LW are formed with the second virtual plane P2 in between, it is possible to disperse and absorb the impact from falling objects.

[0060] The second protective wall portion 22 may further comprise a wall portion. For example, the second protective wall portion 22 in this embodiment comprises at least a pair of right inner second auxiliary walls 22RI and left inner second auxiliary walls 22LI, which extend in a direction approaching the crown from the sides of the head, are formed across a second virtual plane P2, and are formed between a pair of right second walls 22RW and a pair of left second walls 22LW, respectively; a second upper connecting wall 22RU (an example of an "inner upper connecting wall") which connects the upper parts of the pair of right inner second auxiliary walls 22RI and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10; and a second upper connecting wall 22LU (an example of an "inner upper connecting wall") which connects the upper parts of the pair of left inner second auxiliary walls 22LI and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10.

[0061] Here, the second upper connecting walls 22RU and 22LU connect the right inner second auxiliary wall 22RI and the left inner second auxiliary wall 22LI, which are provided on the front and rear sides of the second virtual plane P2, respectively, and therefore have an upper surface that intersects with the second virtual plane P2. Furthermore, the pair of right inner second auxiliary walls 22RI and the second upper connecting wall 22RU form a convex structure (sometimes called the "second convex structure 22RC") that protrudes upward Z1 to protect the left side of the head, and the pair of inner second auxiliary walls 22L and the second upper connecting wall 22LU form a convex structure (sometimes called the "second convex structure 22LC") that protrudes upward Z1 to protect the left side of the head.

[0062] Furthermore, the second protective wall portion 22 of this embodiment further comprises a pair of right outer second auxiliary walls 22RO (left outer second auxiliary wall 22LO) that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the temporal region and sandwich the second virtual plane P2 and a pair of right second walls 22RW (left second wall 22LW) (both outer second auxiliary walls may be collectively referred to as "outer second auxiliary walls"). Furthermore, the second protective wall section 22 may be provided with a convex structure in front of and behind the second virtual plane P2, by including an upper connecting wall connecting the upper parts of the right front second wall 22RWF and the front right outer second auxiliary wall 22RO, and an upper connecting wall connecting the upper parts of the right rear second wall 22RWR and the rear right outer second auxiliary wall 22RO. In addition, the second protective wall section 22 may be provided with a convex structure extending in the direction from the temporal region to the crown of the head, in front of and behind the second virtual plane P2, by including an upper connecting wall connecting the upper parts of the left front second wall 22LWF and the front left outer second auxiliary wall 22LO, and an upper connecting wall connecting the upper parts of the left rear second wall 22LWR and the rear left outer second auxiliary wall 22LO.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that the functions and effects based on the above configuration are the same as those based on a similar configuration of the first protective wall section 21, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Similar to the first protective wall section 21, at least one of the right second wall 22RW, the left second wall 22LW, the outer second auxiliary wall, and the inner second auxiliary wall may have a portion that is an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that approaches the second virtual plane P2 as it progresses upward Z1.

[0064] In addition, as shown in Figure 3B, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the helmet H1 in the second virtual plane P2, the space between the helmet shell 10 and the fitting part 24, specifically the space below Z2 of the second protective wall 22 and the space above Z1 of the second protective wall 22, are in communication via the space between the pair of right second walls 22RW (left second wall 22LW) (more specifically, the space between the pair of right inner second auxiliary walls 22RI (left inner second auxiliary wall 22LI) within the space between the pair of right second walls 22RW (left second wall 22LW)). In other words, the space between the pair of right second walls 22RW (left second wall 22LW) is in communication with the space between the helmet shell 10 and the fitting part 24, both above Z1 and below Z2.

[0065] This configuration makes it possible to improve ventilation. In this embodiment, at least a part of the human head is exposed to the space surrounded by the second convex structure 22RC and the second convex structure 22LC through the through hole 24H formed in the fitting part 24, so that the hot air emitted from the human head and released into the space above the fitting part 24 Z1 through the through hole 24H can be easily exhausted to the outside space through the gap between the fitting part 24 and the helmet body 10. This makes it possible to further improve ventilation.

[0066] Furthermore, similar to the first protective wall section 21, the second protective wall section 22 may further include one or more walls formed between it and a pair of right second walls 22RW or left second walls 22LW.

[0067] [Impact absorption by helmet] The following describes how the helmet H1 deforms to absorb impact from falling objects on the top of the head. Figures 4A to 4D are schematic diagrams (some components are omitted for the sake of explanation) showing how the first protective wall 21 deforms in response to a falling object D on the top of the head from above Z1 to below Z2. Figure 4A shows the normal state when the falling object D has not yet hit the helmet H1 (time t1), Figure 4B shows the state immediately after the falling object D hits the helmet shell 10 of the helmet H1 (time t2>t1), Figure 4C shows the state at a point in time when the first wall 21W of the first protective wall 21 is deforming due to the impact of the falling object D (time t3>t2), and Figure 4D shows the state at a point in time when the helmet shell 10 has been significantly deformed due to the impact of the falling object D (time t4>t3). For the sake of explanation, the detailed structure of the helmet H1 is omitted or simplified.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4A, in the normal state, the distance between the outer surface (top surface) of the helmet shell 10 and the lower surface of the inner member 20 on the crown line is distance LT1. In this state, a small clearance (gap) is provided between the upper surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U of the first protective wall portion 21 and the inner surface of the helmet shell 10, and this gap is, for example, 1.0 mm.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4B, when a falling object D collides with the outer surface (top surface) of the helmet shell 10 of the helmet H1, the helmet shell 10 deforms downward Z2. Below Z2 of the helmet shell 10, the top surfaces of the first upper connecting wall 21U, the right upper connecting wall 21RU, and the left upper connecting wall 21LU are in close proximity with a small clearance (e.g., 1.0 mm) between them, so the inner surface of the helmet shell 10 comes into contact with the top surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U, etc. At this time, the distance between the outer surface (top surface) of the helmet shell 10 and the bottom surface of the inner member 20 on the crown line of the human head HH is distance LT2 (where LT2 <LT1)となる。

[0070] The sum of the thickness of the cap body 10 and the thickness of the first upper connecting wall 21U is greater than the thickness of the first wall 21W. Therefore, when the inner surface of the cap body 10 contacts the upper surface of the first upper connecting wall 21U, etc., the deformation of the cap body 10 is suppressed. On the other hand, relatively thin right first wall 21WR, left first wall 21WL, etc. start to compress or bend so that the size in the vertical direction Z becomes smaller. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the first wall 21W, the inner auxiliary wall 21I, and / or the outer auxiliary wall 21O compress or bend, while the inner surface of the cap body 10 approaches the human head or the wearing part 24, the impact from the falling object is absorbed. At this time, the distance LT3 (where LT3 < LT2) between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 on the top line of the human head HH and the lower surface of the inner member 20 decreases with time. Also, since the deformation of the top of the cap body 10 is suppressed, the upward convex state is maintained.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4D, after more time has passed and the first wall 21W, the inner auxiliary wall 21I, and / or the outer auxiliary wall 21O are greatly compressed or bent, the cap body 10 is further deformed downward Z2 by the falling object D. For example, the cap body 10 is deformed so as to be convex downward. Therefore, the distance between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 on the top line and the lower surface of the inner member 20 becomes the distance LT4 (where LT4 < LT3). Since the outer auxiliary wall 21O and the inner auxiliary wall 21I each have an inclined portion, it is possible to disperse the impact load acting downward Z2 from the falling object D in the horizontal direction (left - right direction). Also, although the impact is transmitted to the human head HH through the greatly compressed or bent first wall 21W, etc., it is received by being dispersed to the right and left sides of the human head.

[0072] As described above, according to the helmet H1 according to the present embodiment, by deforming the first wall 21W formed of two or more parts, it becomes possible to absorb more impact from the falling object. Also, it becomes possible to disperse the impact from the falling object to each lower part of the two or more first walls 21W.

[0073] In addition, since the helmet employs a configuration that absorbs impact through walls erected from the mounting section 24, such as the first wall 21W, the space between the helmet body 10 and the mounting section 24 can also be used to improve ventilation.

[0074] Furthermore, since the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I and outer auxiliary walls 21O in this embodiment each have portions that are inclined toward the first virtual plane P1, as described above, it is also possible to dissipate the impact from falling objects in the horizontal direction (Y direction). However, the first protective wall portion 21 does not necessarily have to include one or both of the inner auxiliary wall 21I and the outer auxiliary wall 21O.

[0075] As described above, the helmet H1 of this embodiment makes it possible to provide a helmet that is both aesthetically pleasing and breathable.

[0076] As mentioned above, the helmet H1 may include other known components, for example, a cushion member 30 that is detachably provided inside the inner member 20 so as to come into contact with the human head. Here, the cushion member 30 may be made of a material that is less rigid than the first protective wall portion 21 and the pair of second protective wall portions 22.

[0077] With this configuration, the cushioning member 30, which has relatively low rigidity, comes into contact with the area near the top of the human head where the load of the helmet H1 is greatest, thus mitigating the load on the human head.

[0078] Furthermore, the cushion member 30 and the attachment part 24 may have through holes that expose the top of the human head to the space surrounded by the pair of first walls 21W or the pair of inner auxiliary walls 21I. With such a configuration, ventilation using this space becomes possible, thereby improving breathability.

[0079] Furthermore, the helmet H1 may be modified by the exercise of ordinary creative ability by a person skilled in the art. For example, the pair of first walls 21W extending from the forehead toward the crown may be composed of multiple parts divided into two or three or more in the front-to-back direction X. Furthermore, the right-side head protection wall 22R and the left-side head protection wall 22L are not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment. For example, the right-side head protection wall 22R and the left-side head protection wall 22L may have a configuration that absorbs impact by one or more cylindrical walls having a circular or polygonal cross-section that are erected from the fitting portion 24 toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10, or they may have impact absorbers of other known configurations.

[0080] [First variation] The helmet H1 of this embodiment is modifiable in various ways. For example, the cushion member 30 may have other configurations. Figure 5 is a view from below of the attachment portion 24 (however, the attachment portion 24 is shown with the first protective wall portion 21 and the second protective wall portion 22, which are detachably attached to the attachment portion 24, removed) to which the cushion member 31 according to this modified example is provided.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the cushion member 31 may include a strip-shaped right cushion member 31R that is detachably provided inside the inner member 20 so as to extend in the front-rear direction X to the right of the top of the head Y2 and make contact with the human head, and a strip-shaped left cushion member 31L that is detachably provided inside the inner member 20 so as to extend in the front-rear direction X to the left of the top of the head Y1 and make contact with the human head. Here, the cushion member 31 may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the first protective wall portion 21 and the pair of second protective wall portions 22.

[0082] Even with this configuration, the cushioning member 31, which has relatively low rigidity, comes into contact with the area near the top of the human head where the load of the helmet H1 is greatest, thus mitigating the load on the human head.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention is capable of various modifications without departing from its essence. For example, within the ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art, some components of one embodiment or modification can be added to other embodiments or modifications. Also, some components of one embodiment or modification can be replaced with corresponding components of other embodiments or modifications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 10 helmet shell 20 Inner components 21 1st protection wall section 21C 1st convex structure part 21I Inner auxiliary wall 21O Outside auxiliary wall 21U First Upper Connecting Wall 21W Wall 1 22RC, 22LC 2nd convex structure part 22L 2nd left protection wall 22R 2nd right protection wall 22LU, 22RU Second Upper Connecting Wall 22LW 2nd left wall 22RW Right Second Wall 24 Wearing part 30-31 Cushioning material H1 Helmet P1 First virtual plane P2 Second virtual plane

Claims

1. The helmet shell and, Displaced inside the aforementioned helmet body, Each first protective wall portion has a pair of first walls that extend from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane that includes the midline of the human head, A protective wall portion on the right side of the head, A protective wall portion on the left side of the head, An inner member having, A helmet equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The first protective wall portion is, Each extends from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, is formed on either side of the first virtual plane, and has a pair of inner auxiliary walls formed between it and the pair of first walls, Each extends from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, is formed on either side of the first virtual plane, and comprises a pair of outer auxiliary walls formed on either side of the pair of first walls, The helmet according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The first protective wall portion is, An inner upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of inner auxiliary walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the first virtual plane, A right upper connecting wall connects the upper parts of the right first wall and the right outer auxiliary wall, and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body, A left upper connecting wall connects the upper parts of the left first wall and the left outer auxiliary wall, and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body, The helmet according to claim 2, comprising:

4. The first protective wall portion is, Multiple ribs are arranged to connect the first wall on the right side and the inner auxiliary wall on the right side, and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Multiple ribs are arranged to connect the left-side first wall and the left-side inner auxiliary wall, and are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The helmet according to claim 3, comprising:

5. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein each of the pair of inner auxiliary walls has an inclined wall that is inclined in a direction that moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body, and approaches the first virtual plane.

6. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the pair of first walls is 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

7. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the external space in front of the human head and the external space behind the human head are in communication through the space between the pair of first walls.

8. The right temporal protective wall portion comprises a pair of right second walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown of the head, are perpendicular to the first virtual plane, and are formed on either side of a second virtual plane that passes through the crown of the human head. The left temporal protective wall portion extends in a direction approaching the crown of the head and comprises a pair of left second walls formed on either side of the second virtual plane. The helmet according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned right head protection wall portion is, Each extends in a direction approaching the top of the head, is formed on either side of the second virtual plane, and is a pair of right inner second auxiliary walls formed between the pair of right second walls, Each extends in a direction approaching the top of the head, is formed on either side of the second virtual plane, and is formed on either side of the pair of right second walls, Equipped with, The aforementioned left head protection wall portion is, Each extends in a direction approaching the top of the head, is formed on either side of the second virtual plane, and is a pair of left inner second auxiliary walls formed between the pair of left second walls, Each extends in a direction approaching the top of the head, is formed on either side of the second virtual plane, and is formed on either side of the pair of left second walls, Equipped with, The helmet according to claim 8.

10. The first protective wall portion has at least a first width in the left-right direction, The shortest distance between the first protective wall and the right head protective wall is smaller than the first width, The shortest distance between the first protective wall and the left head protective wall is smaller than the first width. The helmet according to claim 1.

11. The inner member further comprises an attachment portion having an inner surface facing the human head, which is detachably connected to the first protective wall portion, the right head protective wall portion, and the left head protective wall portion, respectively. The first protective wall, the right head protective wall, and the left head protective wall are disposed between the helmet body and the fitting portion. The helmet according to claim 1.

12. The inner member is connected to the helmet body at the lower end of the attachment portion. The minimum distance between the inner surface of the helmet body and the upper ends of the pair of first walls is 3 mm or less. The helmet according to claim 11.

13. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein the first protective wall, the right head protective wall, and the left head protective wall are formed from a material having a rigidity less than the rigidity of the helmet body and the rigidity of the fitting portion.

14. The helmet according to claim 11, wherein the fitting portion has a plurality of through holes formed therein that connect the space between the pair of first walls to the surface of the human head.

15. The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising a cushioning member detachably provided on the inside of the inner member so as to come into contact with the human head.

Images