helmet

Abstract

To provide a helmet that offers good ventilation while minimizing restrictions on appearance. [Solution] The helmet according to the present disclosure comprises a helmet shell, a first protective wall portion disposed inside the helmet shell and comprising a pair of front first walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane that includes the midline of the human head, a pair of rear first walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and are formed on either side of the first virtual plane, and a first annular wall provided on the crown between the pair of front first walls and the pair of rear first walls, and an inner member comprising 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 yet have shock-absorbing properties have been developed.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as a helmet that is lightweight and safe, there is disclosed a helmet including a hemispherical body that covers the wearer's head, a top cover that is harder than the body and is attached 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 attached 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. The helmet comprises a helmet shell, a first protective wall section disposed inside the helmet shell and having a pair of front first walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane containing the midline of the human head, a pair of rear first walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and are formed on either side of the first virtual plane, and a first annular wall provided at the crown between the pair of front first walls and the pair of rear first walls, and an inner member having a right head protective wall section provided on the right side of the head and a left head protective wall section provided on the left side of the head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a helmet according to one embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a view from below of the inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view from above of the inner component of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a perspective view showing the crown protection wall portion of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the crown protection wall portion of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the crown protection wall portion of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the impact absorption process of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating the impact absorption process of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating the impact absorption process of a helmet according to one embodiment. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is a schematic diagram illustrating the impact absorption process of a helmet according to one embodiment. [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 1, 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" (Figure 4), 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" (Figure 2). 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 1 is a perspective view of the helmet H3 according to this embodiment, viewed from above. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet H3 according to this embodiment, cut by a first virtual plane P1. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the inner member 300, which is disposed inside the helmet H3, viewed from above. Figure 3B is a view of the inner member 300, which is provided with a cushion member 33, viewed from below. Figure 4 is a view of the inner member 300 with the crown protection wall portion 310T removed, viewed from the front and above. Figure 5A is a perspective view of the crown protection wall portion 310T, which is provided on the top of the head between the front first wall 310WF and the rear first wall 310WB, viewed from the front and above. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the crown protection wall portion 310T, cut by a second virtual plane P2. Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the crown protection wall portion 310T, cut by a virtual plane parallel to the second virtual plane P2 and separated from it by a rearward X2.

[0012] The helmet H3 comprises a helmet shell 10 and an inner member 300 disposed inside the helmet shell 10. The helmet H3 may further include a headband HB, a sweatband (not shown), ear-chin straps (not shown), ear-chin strap holders (not shown) for connecting the ear-chin straps to the helmet shell 10, and a cushion member 33 (Figure 2).

[0013] The helmet H3 may be configured to meet the performance for each test method defined in the "Standards for Protective Caps" defined based on the provisions of Article 42 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (Act No. 57 of 1972). For example, the helmet H3 may be configured to meet the performance for the test method defined in Article 6 (penetration resistance performance) of the said regulations, and / or may be configured to meet the performance for the test method defined in "Protective Caps for Preventing Danger due to Falling" of Article 7, and / or may meet the performance for the test method defined for "Protective Caps for Preventing Danger due to Flying or Falling of Objects", and / or may be configured to meet the performance for the test method defined in "Protective Caps for Preventing Danger due to Falling" of the same article. Also, the helmet H3 may be configured to meet the performance for the test methods defined in the "6.5 Impact Absorbency Test" and / or the "6.6 Penetration Resistance Test" specified in Japanese Industrial Standards (T8131:2015).

[0014] The cap body 10 is a component that constitutes the outer surface of the helmet H3. The cap body 10 has the function of protecting the entire human head and may be made of materials such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PC (polycarbonate), for example. The cap body 10 may account for more than half (e.g., 60% or more) of the total weight of the helmet H3. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the cap body 10 may have a brim, but is not limited thereto.

[0015] As will be described later, since the helmet H3 of this embodiment can absorb impacts by the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320 disposed inside the cap body 10, etc., 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 achieve weight reduction of the cap body 10, and thus the helmet H3.

[0016] Next, the inner member 300 of the present embodiment will be described. The inner member 300 is a component disposed inside the cap body 10 (FIG. 1). The inner member 300 includes a wearing part 340 (the “wearing part” including the wearing part 340 may be called the “inner part” because it is the inner part of the “inner member” that is close to the human head), a first protective wall part 310, a right head protective wall part 320R provided on the right head, and a left head protective wall part 320L provided on the left head (the right head protective wall part 320R and the left head protective wall part 320L may be collectively referred to as the “second protective wall part 320”).

[0017] The first protective wall part 310 of the inner member 300 includes a pair of front-side first walls 310WF that extend in a direction approaching from the forehead to the top of the head and are formed with the first virtual plane P1 including the midline of the human head interposed therebetween, a pair of rear-side first walls 310WB that extend in a direction approaching from the back of the head to the top of the head and are formed with the first virtual plane P1 interposed therebetween, and a top protective wall part 310T provided at the top of the head between the pair of front-side first walls 310WF and the pair of rear-side first walls 310WB (the front-side first wall 310WF and the rear-side first wall 310WB may be collectively referred to as the “first wall 310W”), and a first annular wall 310A1 is formed.

[0018] The wearing part 340 is a component having an inner surface facing the human head. The wearing part 340 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the first wall 310W of the first protective wall part 310 and the second protective wall part 320, and may be made of a material such as a synthetic resin such as ABS, PC, PE (polyethylene), or PP (polypropylene), POM (POM), etc.

[0019] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a cushion member 33 (described later) is detachably provided inside the wearing part 340 between the wearing part 340 and the top of the human head. Therefore, the component facing and contacting the top of the human head is the cushion member 33. On the other hand, the components facing the forehead, the back of the head, and the pair of side heads of the human head excluding the top of the head are the wearing part 340. During the use of the helmet H3, the inner surface of the wearing part 340 may contact the human head of the operator wearing the helmet H3.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3A and the like, the mounting portion 340 has a plurality of through holes 340H. For example, triangular through holes 340H are formed in the area between the front first wall 310WF and the right head protection wall portion 320R, the area between the right head protection wall portion 320R and the rear first wall 310WB, the area between the rear first wall 310WB and the left head protection wall portion 320L, and the area between the left head protection wall portion 320L and the front first wall 310WF of the mounting portion 340.

[0021] In addition, multiple through holes are formed in the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB, which connect the front first wall 310WF and the rear first wall 310WB, respectively, and no mounting portion 340 is provided in the area below Z2 of the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB. Similarly, multiple through holes are formed in the second upper connecting wall 320U of the right head protection wall 320R and the left head protection wall 320L, and no mounting portion 340 is provided in the area below Z2 of each second upper connecting wall 320U (described later).

[0022] With this configuration, the heat emitted from the human head can be released into the space Z1 above the attachment part 340, thereby improving ventilation and reducing the weight of the attachment part 340. However, through holes 340H do not necessarily have to be formed in the attachment part 340.

[0023] In this embodiment, the pair of front first walls 310WF and the pair of rear first walls 310WB of the first protective wall portion 310 are each erected from the mounting portion 340 and integrally formed. Similarly, the pair of second walls 320W of the second protective wall portion 320 are each erected from the mounting portion 340 and integrally formed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 340 may be configured to detachably support the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320, namely the right head protection wall portion 320R and the left head protection wall portion 320L.

[0024] In such a configuration, known configurations can be used as means for supporting the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320. For example, the mounting portion 340 may support the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320 by forming an engaging portion on the outer surface of the mounting portion 340, or the mounting portion 340 may support the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320 by other known means such as welding or bonding using an adhesive.

[0025] Furthermore, the inner member 300, including the attachment portion 340, 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 300, including the attachment portion 340, and the helmet body 10 in a manner that is easy to attach and difficult to detach.

[0026] [1st protection wall] As shown in Figure 3A, the helmet H3 includes a first protective wall portion 310 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 310 is positioned on the midline of the human head, extending from the forehead through the crown to the back of the head, thereby protecting the forehead, crown, and back of the human head. The first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320 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, they can be made from the same material as the helmet shell 10, but with reduced thickness or other measures to lower their relative rigidity. As will be described later, the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320 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.

[0027] The first protective wall portion 310 comprises a pair of front first walls 310WF that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and are formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head; a pair of rear first walls 310WB that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and are formed on either side of the first virtual plane P1; and a first annular wall 310A1 provided at the crown between the pair of front first walls 310WF and the pair of rear first walls 310WB.

[0028] More specifically, the first protective wall section 310 comprises a right front first wall 310WFR provided on the front and right side of the human head, a right rear first wall 310WBR provided on the rear and right side of the human head, a left front first wall 310WFL provided on the front and left side of the human head, and a left rear first wall 310WBL provided on the rear and left side of the human head (Figure 4).

[0029] The right front first wall 310WFR is formed on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the forehead to near the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 340. The right rear first wall 310WBR is formed on the right side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the back of the head to near the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 340.

[0030] On the other hand, the left front first wall 310WFL is formed on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the forehead to the vicinity of the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 340. The left rear first wall 310WBL is formed on the left side of the first virtual plane P1, extending from the back of the head to the vicinity of the crown, and is erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 340.

[0031] Therefore, the first virtual plane P1 can be said to be located between the right front first wall 310WFR and the left front first wall 310WFL, or between the right rear first wall 310WBR and the left rear first wall 310WBL. In this embodiment, the right front first wall 310WFR and the left front first wall 310WFL are formed symmetrically with respect to the first virtual plane P1, and similarly, the right rear first wall 310WBR and the left rear first wall 310WBL are formed symmetrically with respect to the first virtual plane P1.

[0032] In addition, the first protective wall portion 310 includes a first annular wall 310A1 provided on the top of the head between a pair of front first walls 310WF and a pair of rear first walls 310WB. In this embodiment, the first annular wall 310A1 is formed on the top protective wall portion 310T which is detachably provided to the fitting portion 340, and is erected upward Z1 toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and has a wall portion formed in an annular shape so as to surround the top line.

[0033] With this configuration, when an object falls on the top of the head, the impact from the object can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the helmet body 10 but also by the deformation of the first annular wall 310A1 in the compression direction. In particular, when the falling object is formed in the shape of a hemisphere or a cone pointing downward Z2, the contour line that appears when the falling object is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and the contour line that appears when the first annular wall 310A1 is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z both approximate as circles, so the impact of the falling object can be suitably absorbed by the deformation of the first annular wall 310A1 in the compression direction.

[0034] Here, the first annular wall 310A1 is formed in an annular shape that surrounds the top line, making it possible to distribute and absorb the impact from falling objects on the top line in an annular manner.

[0035] In addition, the first protective wall section 310 includes a pair of front first walls 310WF and a pair of rear first walls 310WB. With this configuration, impacts from falling objects to the forehead or back of the head can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the helmet body 10, but also by the deformation of the pair of front first walls 310WF or the pair of rear first walls 310WB.

[0036] Here, the pair of front first walls 310WF and the pair of rear first walls 310WB are formed on either side of a first virtual plane P1 that includes the midline of the human head, making it possible to distribute and absorb the impact from a falling object to the right and left sides of the human head.

[0037] Furthermore, the helmet H3 of this embodiment absorbs impact by deforming (including deformation by bending) in a compressive direction the pair of front first walls 310WF and the pair of rear first walls 310WB, which are erected in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet shell 10, respectively. Therefore, the space between the pair of front first walls 310WF and the space between the pair of rear first walls 310WB can be used to improve ventilation. In addition, since these first protective wall portions 310 are arranged on the inside of the helmet shell 10, it is possible to suppress any constraints on the appearance.

[0038] Furthermore, the first protective wall portion 310 may also include a wall portion. For example, the first protective wall portion 310 may include an auxiliary wall formed parallel to the pair of front first walls 310WF and the pair of rear first walls 310WB, either on the inside or outside of these pair of wall portions.

[0039] As an example of a further wall section, the first protective wall section 310 of this embodiment includes a front upper connecting wall 310UF that connects the upper parts of a pair of front first walls 310WF, faces the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and intersects with the first virtual plane P1, and a rear upper connecting wall 310UB that connects the upper parts of a pair of rear first walls 310WB, faces the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and has an upper surface that intersects with the first virtual plane P1.

[0040] Therefore, the pair of front first walls 310WF and the front upper connecting wall 310UF form a convex structure projecting upward Z1, and similarly, the pair of rear first walls 310WB and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB form a convex structure projecting upward Z1.

[0041] As can be seen from Figure 4, where the right front first wall 310WFR, the left front first wall 310WFL, the right rear first wall 310WBR, and the left rear first wall 310WBL are visible from the front and above, in this convex structure, the right front first wall 310WFR, the left front first wall 310WFL, the right rear first wall 310WBR, and the left rear first wall 310WBL each have a portion that is an inclined wall that slopes in a direction that approaches the first virtual plane P1 as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body 10, that is, as it moves upward Z1. Therefore, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the pair of front first walls 310WF (and rear first wall 310WB) with a virtual plane parallel to the second virtual plane P2, the distance between the pair of front first walls 310WF (and rear first wall 310WB) has a portion where it becomes smaller as it moves away from the human head and closer to the helmet body 10.

[0042] With this configuration, the upper parts of the pair of front first walls 310WF (and rear first wall 310WB) connected to the front upper connecting wall 310UF (and rear upper connecting wall 310UB) can be tilted inward toward the first virtual plane P1, and the lower parts of the pair of front first walls 310WF (and rear first wall 310WB) connected to the mounting section 340 can be deformed to spread outward toward the first virtual plane P1, thereby distributing the impact load directed downward Z2 from a falling object from above Z1 to below Z2 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction Y).

[0043] However, the pair of front first walls 310WF (rear first wall 310WB) do not need to form an inclined wall over the entire length of the vertical direction Z, and may be configured to have an inclined wall only in a part thereof. For example, the front first wall 310WF (rear first wall 310WB) may have a lower part formed to be an inclined wall and an upper part that extends straight upward Z1, or the front first wall 310WF (rear first wall 310WB) may have an upper and lower part that extend straight upward Z1, respectively, and an inclined wall provided between the upper and lower parts.

[0044] Here, the distance between each upper end of the first wall 310W of the first protective wall portion 310 and the inner surface of the helmet body 10, and the distance between each upper surface of the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB that connect these wall portions and the inner surface of the helmet body 10 are set 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 even more preferably 1 mm or less.

[0045] With this configuration, it is possible to increase the height of the first wall 310W, which absorbs impact by deforming, while maintaining the overall height of the helmet H3, thereby improving impact absorption performance. Furthermore, when the helmet body 10 moves downward Z2 due to impact from a falling object, the inner surface of the helmet body 10 immediately comes into contact with at least one upper surface of the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB, or the first wall 310W, or at least one upper end of the first annular wall 310A1. This makes it possible to absorb impact not only from the wall that is in direct contact, but also by utilizing the compression or bending of other wall parts connected to that wall. Consequently, it is possible to exhibit the impact absorption effect unique to the helmet H3 according to this embodiment, in which the inner surface of the helmet body 10 is brought closer to the human head or wearing part 340 by the compression or bending of the first wall 310W while absorbing impact from a falling object.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to facilitate deformation of each wall portion connected to the upper connecting wall as at least one of the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB comes into contact with the inner surface of the helmet body 10, it is preferable that the first wall 310W, the front upper connecting wall 310UF, and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB are integrally formed from the same material by integral molding or the like.

[0047] A preferred spacing between the pair of first walls 310W, and an example of a configuration for improving ventilation by utilizing the space between the pair of first walls 310W, will be described later.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the crown protection wall portion 310T will be described. The crown protection wall portion 310T protects at least the portion of the area on the midline of the human head that is above the crown. The crown protection wall portion 310T is provided detachably to the attachment portion 340 as a protective wall portion that is separable from the front first wall 310WF and the rear first wall 310WB.

[0049] Here, the crown protection wall portion 310T may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the first protection wall portion 310 and the second protection wall portion 320. For example, the crown protection wall portion 310T may be formed from PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), POM (polyethylene polymer), etc. On the other hand, the first protection wall portion 310, the second protection wall portion 320, and the attachment portion 340, excluding the crown protection wall portion 310T, may be formed from ABS, a material with relatively high rigidity, by integral molding.

[0050] With this configuration, the wall portion (described later) of the crown protection wall portion 310T can be made relatively more deformable compared to the other wall portions of the first protection wall portion 310, thereby improving the impact absorption performance of the crown portion.

[0051] However, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the first protective wall portion 310 and the pair of second protective wall portions 320 may be detachably attached to the mounting portion 340, and the mounting portion 340 may be formed from a material with greater rigidity than the first protective wall portion 310 and the pair of second protective wall portions 320 (in other words, the first protective wall portion 310 and the pair of second protective wall portions 320 may be formed from a material with less rigidity than the mounting portion 340). As will be described later, the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portions 320 are configured to absorb impact from falling objects by deforming the first wall 310W, etc., which is a vertical wall extending from the mounting portion 340, in a direction that compresses it. On the other hand, the mounting portion 340 is arranged to support such first wall 310W, etc., between the helmet body 10, etc. Therefore, by increasing the rigidity of the mounting portion 340 compared to the rigidity of the first protective wall portion 310 and the second protective wall portion 320, it becomes possible to promote the deformation of the vertical wall such as the first wall 310W and absorb the impact.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5C, the crown protection wall portion 310T is formed to surround the crown line and includes a first annular wall 310A1 that is erected upward Z1 from the fitting portion 340 toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10.

[0053] With this configuration, when a hemispherical or conical object with its center on the vertex or axis on the vertex or pointing downward Z2 falls onto the top of the head, the first annular wall 310A1 can suitably receive the surface of the hemispherical or conical object (that is, the contour line that appears when the object is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and the contour line that appears when the first annular wall 310A1 is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z both approximate as circles), making it possible to absorb the impact of the falling object by the deformation of the first annular wall 310A1.

[0054] Furthermore, the crown protection wall portion 310T comprises at least two annular walls: a third annular wall 310A3 provided inside the first annular wall 310A1 so as to be surrounded by the first annular wall 310A1 and formed to surround the crown line; and a second annular wall 310A2 provided outside the first annular wall 310A1 so as to surround the first annular wall 310A1. Each annular wall is formed to be erected upward Z1 from the fitting portion 340 toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10.

[0055] With this configuration, the impact of falling objects can also be absorbed by deforming the third annular wall 310A3 and the second annular wall 310A2, respectively.

[0056] In the configuration described above, the inventors of this application have conceived a configuration in which, in order to further enhance the impact absorption performance, a plurality of connecting walls 310C that connect the first annular wall 310A1 and the second annular wall 310A2 by extending radially from the top line, and a plurality of slits 310S that divide at least a portion of the first annular wall 310A1 between adjacent connecting walls 310C in the circumferential direction.

[0057] With this configuration, the connecting wall 310C that is exposed by the formation of the slit 310S can also be deformed, thereby improving the shock absorption performance.

[0058] Figure 5A shows eight slits 310S formed circumferentially spaced apart from each other so as to divide the upper part of the first annular wall 310A1, and sixteen connecting walls 310C having wall surfaces facing circumferentially to each slit 310S. In other words, slits 310S are formed between circumferentially adjacent connecting walls 310C.

[0059] Furthermore, a slit may be formed in the second annular wall 310A2, or the first annular wall 310A1 and the third annular wall 310A3 may be connected, and a slit may be formed in at least one or both of the first annular wall 310A1 or the third annular wall 310A3. In addition, the top protective wall portion 310T further has a lower connecting wall that connects the lower part of the first annular wall 310A1 and the lower part of the third annular wall 310A3.

[0060] This configuration also makes it possible to increase the amount of deformable wall material, thereby improving impact absorption performance.

[0061] Furthermore, any one of the first annular walls 310A1 to the second annular wall 310A2 may be formed with a smaller diameter as it moves away from the fitting portion 340 (or human head) and closer to the helmet body 10. For example, Figure 5C shows an example in which the third annular wall 310A3 and the second annular wall 310A2 are formed with a smaller diameter as they move away from the fitting portion 340 (or human head) and closer to the helmet body 10.

[0062] With this configuration, one of the annular walls is more likely to deform inward, allowing the impact from falling objects to be dissipated horizontally (in the Y direction), as described above.

[0063] Furthermore, the inventors of this application conducted various experiments to determine the optimal diameter of the first annular wall 310A1 and found that the diameter R2 (Figure 5B) of the inner wall surface of the first annular wall 310A1 is preferable for the helmet when it is between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0064] In other words, it was found that when the diameter of the first annular wall 310A1 is less than 30 mm, the impact from the falling object is concentrated near the top of the head, making it difficult to adequately distribute the impact, and as a result, it becomes difficult to satisfy any of the above standards.

[0065] On the other hand, if the diameter of the first annular wall 310A1 exceeds 50 mm, it might seem that increasing the diameter would increase the amount of wall that can deform, thus improving the impact absorption performance. However, it was found that if the diameter of the first annular wall 310A1 is made larger than 50 mm, there is a possibility that the tip of a hemispherical falling object will approach a person's head and cause a large impact before it can make contact with the first annular wall 310A1 and the impact can be sufficiently absorbed, making it difficult to satisfy any of the above standards.

[0066] For the reasons described above, it is preferable for the helmet that the diameter of the first annular wall 310A1 is between 30 mm and 50 mm. However, it is not limited to this, and impact absorption performance may be compensated by other means (for example, a third annular wall 310A3 or a second annular wall 310A2).

[0067] Furthermore, if the first annular wall 310A1 is formed at an angle, it is preferable that the diameter R2 of the inner wall surface in the cross-section obtained by cutting the first annular wall 310A1 on the inner surface side of the helmet with at least one virtual plane (including the first virtual plane P1 and the second virtual plane P2) passing through the crown line is 30 mm or more and within 50 mm. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the first annular wall 310A1 may be formed with partially different spacings.

[0068] The second annular wall 310A2 may have a portion that protrudes to the right Y2 beyond the right front first wall 310WFR and the right rear first wall 310WBR, as shown in Figure 3A, and may also have a portion that protrudes to the left Y1 beyond the left front first wall 310WFL and the left rear first wall 310WBL.

[0069] This configuration makes it possible to protect the top of the head from larger falling objects.

[0070] The helmet H3 may be equipped with a cushion member 33 that is detachably provided inside the inner member 300. Here, the cushion member 33 may be made of a material with less rigidity than the first protective wall portion 310 and the pair of second protective wall portions 320. As shown in Figure 3B, the cushion member 33 may be made of one or more annular members with a through hole formed in the center.

[0071] Here, at the top of the head, the cushion member 33 is installed such that there is a gap in the vertical direction Z between the upper surface of the cushion member 33 and the lower surface of the attachment part 340 (inner member 300). In other words, at the top of the head, the cushion member 33 is positioned at a location Z2 below the attachment part 340 (inner member 300).

[0072] Therefore, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the helmet H3 in the first virtual plane P1 shown in Figure 2, the space between the front first wall 310WF and the space between the rear first wall 310WB are in communication via the space between the upper surface of the cushion member 33 and the fitting part 340 (inner member 300). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the space between the front first wall 310WF is in communication with the external space FE in front of the human head. In addition, the space between the rear first wall 310WB is in communication with the external space RE behind the human head.

[0073] With this configuration, as illustrated by the arrows, it becomes possible to connect the external space FE in front of the head and the external space RE behind the head via the inside of the helmet H3, thereby improving ventilation. In particular, it becomes possible to effectively exhaust the hot air trapped in the space Z1 above the top of the head.

[0074] [Second protection wall] As shown in Figure 3A, the helmet H3 is provided on the inside of the helmet shell 10 and includes a right-side head protection wall 320R and a left-side head protection wall 320L, which are provided on the right and left sides of the head, respectively, separated from the first protective wall 310. The right-side head protection wall 320R protects the right side of the head, and the left-side head protection wall 320L protects the left side of the head.

[0075] The right temporal protective wall portion 320R and the left temporal protective wall portion 320L shown in this embodiment each extend in a direction approaching the crown from the temporal region and have a pair of second walls 320RW (sometimes referred to as the "right second wall 320RW") and a pair of second walls 320LW (sometimes referred to as the "left second wall 320LW") formed on either side of the second virtual plane P2. More specifically, each temporal protective wall portion comprises a right front second wall 320RWF and a left front second wall 320LWF, which are erected on the front side of the human head relative to the second virtual plane P2, in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 340, and extending in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the right or left side of the head, respectively; and a right rear second wall 320RWB and a left rear second wall 320LWB, which are erected on the rear side of the human head relative to the second virtual plane P2, in a direction approaching the inner surface of the helmet body 10 from the fitting portion 340, and extending in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the right or left side of the head, respectively. Therefore, the second virtual plane P2 is located between the pair of right second walls 320RW and between the pair of left second walls 320LW.

[0076] With this configuration, when a worker wearing the helmet H3 falls, the impact on the left and right sides of the head of the helmet 10, as well as the impact from falling objects to the left and right sides of the head, can be absorbed by the deformation of the helmet 10. In addition, the impact can also be absorbed by the deformation of the right second wall 320RW and the left second wall 320LW, thus enhancing the impact absorption performance. Here, the right second wall 320RW and the left second wall 320LW, which are formed on the left and right sides respectively, extend in the direction from the sides of the head towards the top of the head, so they can absorb the impact from falls and impact from falling objects in this area.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right second wall 320RW and the left second wall 320LW are each formed at a distance from the first protective wall portion 310 (Figure 3A). However, the impact from falling objects into the area between the second protective wall portion 320 and the first protective wall portion 310 can be absorbed by the deformation of the right second wall 320RW (or the left second wall 320LW) and at least a portion of the wall portion of the first protective wall portion 310 (for example, the second annular wall 310A2).

[0078] Furthermore, since the right second wall 320RW and the left second wall 320LW are formed with the second virtual plane P2 in between, it is possible to disperse and absorb the impact from falls and impacts from falling objects.

[0079] The second protective wall portion 320 may further include walls. For example, the second protective wall portion 320 in this embodiment may include a pair of auxiliary walls that extend in a direction approaching the crown from the sides of the head, are formed across the second virtual plane P2, and are formed between the pair of right second walls 320RW and the pair of left second walls 320LW, respectively. The second protective wall portion 320 also includes at least a second upper connecting wall 320U that connects the upper parts of the pair of right second walls 320RW and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and a lower surface facing the human head, and a second upper connecting wall 320U that connects the upper parts of the pair of left second walls 320LW and has an upper surface facing the inner surface of the helmet body 10 and a lower surface facing the human head. Furthermore, the second protective wall portion 320 of this embodiment may be configured to extend in a direction approaching the crown of the head from the temporal region, be formed on either side of the second virtual plane P2, and include a pair of auxiliary walls formed on the outside of the pair of right second walls 320RW and the pair of left second walls 320LW, respectively.

[0080] Here, the second upper connecting wall 320U connects the right front second wall 320RWF (or left front second wall 320LWF) and the right rear second wall 320RWB (or left rear second wall 320LWB), which are provided on the front and rear sides of the second virtual plane P2, respectively, and therefore has an upper surface that intersects with the second virtual plane P2. In addition, the pair of right second walls 320RW and the second upper connecting wall 320U form a convex structure that protrudes upward Z1 to protect the right side of the head, and the pair of left second walls 320LW and the second upper connecting wall 320U form a convex structure that protrudes upward Z1 to protect the left side of the head.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will understand that the functions and effects based on the above configuration are the same as those based on the configuration of the first wall 310W, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Similar to the first wall 310W, at least one of the right second wall 320RW and the left second wall 320LW 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.

[0082] In addition, in the cross-section obtained by cutting the helmet H3 in the second virtual plane P2, the space between the helmet shell 10 and the fitting part 340, specifically the space below Z2 of the second protective wall 320 and the space above Z1 of the second protective wall 320, are in communication via the space between the pair of right second walls 320RW (left second wall 320LW). In other words, the space between the pair of right second walls 320RW (left second wall 320LW) is in communication with the space between the helmet shell 10 and the fitting part 340, both above Z1 and below Z2.

[0083] This configuration makes it possible to improve ventilation. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the human head is exposed to the space between the first protective wall 310 and the second protective wall 320 through the through-hole 340H formed in the fitting portion 340. As a result, the hot air emitted from the human head and released into the space above the fitting portion 340 Z1 through the through-hole 340H can be easily exhausted to the outside space through the gap between the fitting portion 340 and the helmet body 10. This makes it possible to further improve ventilation.

[0084] Furthermore, similar to the first protective wall 310, the second protective wall 320 may further comprise one or more walls formed between a pair of right second walls 320RW or a pair of left second walls 320LW. Also, the second protective wall 320 may comprise different wall portions for protecting the temporal region. For example, instead of the configuration shown in this embodiment, the second protective wall 320 may comprise an annular wall similar to that of the crown protective wall 310T.

[0085] [Impact absorption by helmet] The following describes how the helmet H3 deforms to absorb impact from falling objects on the top of the head. Figures 6A to 6D are schematic diagrams (some components are omitted for the sake of explanation) showing how the top protective wall 310T of the first protective wall 310 deforms in response to a falling object D on the top of the head from above Z1 to below Z2. Figure 6A shows the normal state when the falling object D has not yet hit the helmet H3 (time t1), Figure 6B shows the state immediately after the falling object D hits the helmet shell 10 of the helmet H3 (time t2>t1), Figure 6C shows the state at a point in time when the first annular wall 310A1 and the third annular wall 310A3 of the top protective wall 310T are deforming due to the impact of the falling object D (time t3>t2), and Figure 6D 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 clarity, the detailed structure of the H3 helmet has been omitted or simplified in this explanation.

[0086] As shown in Figure 6A, 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 300 (lower surface of the fitting part 340) on the crown line is distance LT1. In this state, a small clearance (gap) is provided between the upper ends of the first annular wall 310A1, the third annular wall 310A3, and the second annular wall 310A2 of the first protective wall portion 310, as well as the upper surface of the crown protective wall portion 310T, and the inner surface of the helmet shell 10, and this gap is, for example, 1.0 mm.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6B, when the falling object D collides with the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 of the helmet H3, the cap body 10 is deformed downward in the Z2 direction. Since the upper end of the first annular wall 310A1 and the like are closely opposed to the lower side Z2 of the cap body 10 with a slight clearance (for example, 1.0 mm), the inner surface of the cap body 10 contacts the upper end of the first annular wall 310A1 and the like. At this time, the distance between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 and the lower surface of the inner member 300 on the top line of the human head HH becomes the distance LT2 (where LT2 < LT1).

[0088] The thickness of the cap body 10 (or the total thickness of the cap body 10 and the upper surface of the top protection wall portion 310T) is larger than the thickness of the first annular wall 310A1. Therefore, when the inner surface of the cap body 10 contacts the upper end of the first annular wall 310A1 and the like, the deformation of the cap body 10 is suppressed, while the relatively thin first annular wall 310A1 and the like start to compress or bend so that the size in the vertical direction Z becomes smaller.

[0089] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the first annular wall 310A1 and the like are compressed or bent, the impact from the falling object is absorbed while the inner surface of the cap body 10 approaches the human head or the wearing portion 340. At this time, the distance LT3 (where LT3 < LT2) between the outer surface (upper surface) of the cap body 10 and the lower surface of the inner member 300 on the top line of the human head HH decreases with time. Also, since the deformation of the top portion of the cap body 10 is suppressed, the upward convex state is maintained.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 6D, after further time has passed and the first annular wall 310A1 etc. is greatly compressed or bent, the cap body 10 is further deformed downward in the Z2 direction 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 300 becomes a distance LT4 (where LT4 < LT3). Since the third annular wall 310A3 and the second annular wall 310A2 each have an inclined portion, it is possible to disperse the impact load acting from the falling object D in the downward Z2 direction 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 annular wall 310A1 etc., it is received in a dispersed manner in a circular shape.

[0091] As described above, according to the helmet H3 according to the present embodiment, by deforming the first annular wall 310A1 etc., it becomes possible to absorb more impact from a falling object.

[0092] In addition, since a configuration for absorbing impact by the walls standing upright from the wearing portion 340 such as the first wall 310W etc. is adopted, it is also possible to utilize the space between the cap body 10 and the wearing portion 340 for enhancing breathability.

[0093] Furthermore, since the third annular wall 310A3 and the second annular wall 310A2 of the present embodiment each have a portion inclined toward the top line, as described above, it is also possible to release the impact from the falling object in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0094] As described above, according to the helmet H3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a helmet that suppresses the appearance from being restricted and has breathability.

[0095] As described above, the helmet H3 may include other known components. For example, it may include a cushion member 33 detachably provided inside the inner member 300 so as to contact the human head. Here, the cushion member 33 may be formed of a material having a lower rigidity than the first protective wall portion 310 and the pair of second protective wall portions 320.

[0096] With this configuration, the cushioning member 33, which has relatively low rigidity, comes into contact with the area near the top of the head where the load of the helmet H3 is greatest, thus mitigating the load on the head. In other words, the highly rigid attachment part no longer directly contacts the head, resulting in a better fit and reduced discomfort for the wearer.

[0097] Furthermore, the cushion member 33 and the attachment part 340 may have through holes that allow the top of the human head to communicate with the space surrounded by the first wall 310W. With such a configuration, ventilation using this space becomes possible, thereby improving breathability.

[0098] Furthermore, the helmet H3 may be modified by the exercise of ordinary creative ability by a person skilled in the art. For example, a pair of first walls 310W extending from the forehead or back of the head toward the crown may be composed of multiple parts divided into two or three or more in the front-to-back direction X.

[0099] Furthermore, the right head protection wall 320R and the left head protection wall 320L are not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment. For example, the right head protection wall 320R and the left head protection wall 320L 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 340 toward the inner surface of the helmet body 10, or they may have impact absorbers of other known configurations.

[0100] Other configurations may be the same as those in other embodiments, or other known configurations may be adopted.

[0101] For example, similar to the first protective wall 310, the lower surface of each second upper connecting wall 320U of the second protective wall may face (relatively separated from) a human head, or a configuration may be adopted in which a pair of second convex structures are arranged between the mounting part 340 and the helmet body 10 by making it detachable from the mounting part 340. In addition, the minimum distance (sometimes called the "minimum distance") between each upper surface of each second upper connecting wall 320U and the inner surface of the helmet body 10 may be 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less.

[0102] The inner member 300, including the attachment portion 340, may have a number of through holes. Here, of the first protective wall portion, the pair of first walls 310W that are erected relative to the attachment portion 340 do not have through holes because they absorb impact by deforming. On the other hand, it is preferable that the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB have a number of through holes.

[0103] However, through holes may be formed in the pair of first walls 310W. In that case, the total area of ​​one or more through holes formed in each first wall 310W may be smaller than the total area of ​​one or more through holes formed in the front upper connecting wall 310UF and the rear upper connecting wall 310UB, preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 25% or less.

[0104] Similarly, of the pair of second protective wall portions 320, it is preferable that the pair of second walls 320W erected relative to the mounting portion 340 do not have through holes, while the second upper connecting wall 320U has multiple through holes.

[0105] In addition, through holes may be formed in the wall surface of the pair of second protective wall portions 320 that faces the first protective wall portion 310 (in this embodiment, the wall surface that faces the top protective wall portion 310T) and the wall surface that faces the lower end of the attachment portion 340.

[0106] With this configuration, it becomes possible to connect the external space on the side of the human head with the internal space of the helmet body 10, specifically the space between the second protective wall portion 320 and the first protective wall portion 310.

[0107] Furthermore, through holes may also be formed on the upper surface of the crown protection wall portion 310T (for example, the upper connecting wall connected to the upper part of the third annular wall 310A3, and the upper connecting wall connecting the upper part of the first annular wall 310A1 and the upper part of the second annular wall 310A2). This configuration makes it possible to easily wash away dirt accumulated inside the helmet H3 with water. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 10 helmet shell 20 Inner components 33 Cushioning material 300 Inner component 310 1st protection wall section 310A1 First Ring Wall 310A2 Second Ring Wall 310A3 Third Ring Wall 310C Connecting Wall 310S Slit 310T Crown protection wall 310W Wall 1 320 2nd protection wall section 320L Left side head protection wall 320LWB Left rear 2nd wall 320LWF Left front second wall 320R Right head protection wall 320RW 2nd wall 320RW 320th wall 320RWB Right rear 2nd wall 320RWF Right front second wall 340 Wearing part 340H through hole H3 Helmet HB Headband P1 First virtual plane P2 Second virtual plane

Claims

1. The helmet shell and, Displaced inside the aforementioned helmet body, A first protective wall portion comprising: a pair of front first walls extending in a direction approaching the crown from the forehead and formed on either side of a first virtual plane containing the midline of the human head; a pair of rear first walls extending in a direction approaching the crown from the back of the head and formed on either side of the first virtual plane; and a first annular wall provided at the crown between the pair of front first walls and the pair of rear first walls; 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 helmet according to claim 1, wherein the first protective wall portion further comprises a second annular wall surrounding the first annular wall.

3. The first protective wall portion further comprises a plurality of connecting walls that connect the first annular wall and the second annular wall by extending radially, The helmet according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of slits are formed between adjacent connecting walls, dividing at least one of the first annular wall or the second annular wall.

4. The helmet according to claim 3, wherein the distance between the first annular wall and the second annular wall has a portion that decreases as it moves away from the human head.

5. The aforementioned second annular wall is The portion that protrudes to the right of the aforementioned front first wall on the right side and the aforementioned rear first wall on the right side, The portion that protrudes to the left of the front first wall on the left side and the rear first wall on the left side, The helmet according to claim 2, having the following features.

6. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the first protective wall portion further comprises a third annular wall surrounded by the first annular wall.

7. The helmet according to claim 6, wherein the first protective wall portion further comprises a lower connecting wall connecting the lower part of the first annular wall and the lower part of the third annular wall.

8. The first protective wall portion is, A front upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of front first walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the first virtual plane, A rear upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of rear first walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the first virtual plane, The helmet according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the first annular wall is 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

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

11. The right head protection wall portion further comprises a right upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of right second walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects with the second virtual plane, The left head protection wall portion further comprises a left upper connecting wall that connects the upper parts of the pair of left second walls, faces the inner surface of the helmet body, and has an upper surface that intersects the second virtual plane. The helmet according to claim 10.

12. The inner member further comprises a fitting portion having an inner surface facing the human head, The pair of front first walls and the pair of rear first walls are each formed integrally with the mounting portion and erected from the mounting portion. The helmet according to claim 1.

13. 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 and the upper ends of the pair of front first walls, and the minimum distance between the inner surface of the helmet and the upper ends of the pair of rear first walls, are each 3 mm or less. The helmet according to claim 12.

14. 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.

15. The helmet according to claim 14, wherein the external space in front of the human head and the external space behind the human head are in communication via the space between the pair of front first walls, the space between the inner member and the cushion member, and the space between the pair of rear first walls.

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