helmet

Abstract

To provide a helmet to prevent infectious diseases and heat stroke.SOLUTION: There is provided a helmet 10 with filters 22 and 24 having a plurality of holes, and a blower 21 for generating air flow and allowing air to flow through the filters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, at construction sites, workers wear helmets to protect their bodies (specifically, their heads) from impacts. One such helmet has been proposed that is equipped with a fan to ventilate the interior of the helmet to combat the heat (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, when working in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, workers may also wear masks made of gauze or nonwoven fabric to protect against infectious diseases and dust. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-104826 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, masks are difficult to ensure a tight seal around the wearer's nose and chin, and there is a risk that they may not be able to completely block viruses (prevent infection) due to the roughness of the holes in the gauze or nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, using a mask in combination with a helmet not only makes it difficult to breathe, but also tends to trap heat, increasing the risk of heatstroke.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to prevent infectious diseases and heat stroke. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the helmet of the present invention comprises: a filter having a plurality of holes; a blower that generates an air flow and causes the air to flow through the filter; an outlet that blows out the air that has passed through the filter, the air being blown out in a direction toward the wearer's mouth; a hat body that covers the wearer's head; and an inner body that is arranged inside the hat body; the filter, the blower, and the outlet are components of an air purifying device, and the air purifying device is detachably provided between the hat body and the inner body. A helmet in which only the air blown out from the outlet is blown out toward the wearer's mouth. , characterized by: In order to achieve the above object, the helmet of the present invention comprises a filter having a plurality of holes, a blower that generates an air flow and causes the air to flow through the filter, a chin strap, an outlet that blows out the air that has passed through the filter, the air being blown out from the outlet in a direction toward the wearer's mouth, the filter, the blower, and the outlet being components of an air purifying device, and the air purifying device being attached to the chin strap. A helmet in which only the air blown out from the outlet is blown out toward the wearer's mouth. , characterized by:

[0007] This type of helmet allows the wearer to breathe clean air that has passed through the filter, preventing infectious diseases without the need for a mask. Furthermore, not wearing a mask reduces the risk of heatstroke. Therefore, it is possible to prevent infectious diseases and heatstroke.

[0008] In such a helmet, it is desirable that the pore diameter of the filter is less than 0.3 μm.

[0009] Such helmets are capable of filtering out dust, hazardous particles, bacteria, and viruses with particle sizes less than 0.3 μm that would pass through a HEPA filter.

[0010] In such a helmet, it is desirable that the filter is formed of an inorganic material and carries a photocatalyst.

[0011] Such a helmet can decompose harmful substances and make them harmless.

[0012] Such a helmet preferably includes a light source that irradiates the photocatalyst with light.

[0013] With such a helmet, the photocatalyst can be activated, and the air can be efficiently sterilized and deodorized.

[0014] In such a helmet, the filter is preferably made of ceramics, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, or metal.

[0015] Such a helmet can carry a photocatalyst.

[0018] In such a helmet, it is desirable that a dust filter having coarser mesh than the filter is provided upstream of the filter in the flow direction of the air flow.

[0019] Such a helmet can remove dust and the like from the air with the dust filter, and can prevent the filter from clogging.

[0020] In such a helmet, it is desirable that the blower be capable of blowing air in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the air flow.

[0021] With such a helmet, clogging of the filter (inorganic filter, etc.) can be prevented by blowing air in the opposite direction to the normal air blowing direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, infectious diseases and heat stroke can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]Fig. 1A is a front view of a helmet 10 according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the helmet 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a front view of a helmet 10' according to a second embodiment, and Figure 2B is a side view of the helmet 10' according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] ===First Embodiment=== <About the composition of Helmet 10> Fig. 1A is a front view of a helmet 10 of the first embodiment. Fig. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the helmet 10 of the first embodiment. Fig. 1A shows a cross section of an air purifying device 20 through a shell 11 of the helmet 10.

[0026] The helmet 10 is a protective gear (protective cap) worn on the head of a worker working at a construction site such as a building site, a worker working in a factory, or the like, to protect the head.

[0027] The helmet 10 has a shell 11, a brim 12, and an interior body 13.

[0028] The cap body 11 is substantially hemispherical and covers the head of the wearer (such as a worker). The cap body 11 is made of lightweight, high-strength synthetic resin or the like, and is designed to disperse the impact when subjected to a strong shock and to absorb the impact by deforming or cracking.

[0029] The brim 12 is integrally formed at the end of the cap body 11 .

[0030] The inner body 13 is a member disposed inside the cap body 11, and serves to ensure a certain distance between the cap body 11 and the wearer's head.

[0031] The helmet 10 of this embodiment is also provided with an air purifying device 20 at the front of the head (corresponding to the forehead of the wearer).

[0032] The air purifying device 20 is detachably provided between the cap body 11 and the interior body 13. As shown in the figure, the air purifying device 20 of this embodiment has a blower fan 21, an inorganic filter 22, an LED light 23, a dust prevention filter 24, and an air outlet 25. Furthermore, these components of the air purifying device 20 are housed integrally in a housing 26.

[0033] The blower fan 21 (corresponding to a blower) generates an air flow (hereinafter also referred to as an air current) in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. That is, the blower fan 21 draws in outside air (air) from a vent (not shown) provided in the forehead of the helmet 10 through the dust prevention filter 24, and blows the air to the inorganic filter 22 (flows the air through the inorganic filter 22).

[0034] The inorganic filter 22 (corresponding to a filter) is a porous filter made of an inorganic material and has a plurality of micropores. In this embodiment, a ceramic filter made of porous ceramics is used as the inorganic filter 22. Ceramic filters have excellent strength, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance, and can be maintenance-free. Furthermore, ceramic filters can be formed with micropores having a diameter on the nanometer level.

[0035] The size (pore diameter) of the micropores in the inorganic filter 22 is preferably less than 0.3 μm. This allows for the removal of dust, dangerous particles, bacteria, and viruses that have particle sizes (particle diameters) that would pass through a HEPA filter. Here, a HEPA filter is a filter for removing fine particles from the air and is capable of removing particles with a diameter exceeding approximately 0.3 μm (e.g., pollen with a diameter of 30 μm, PM2.5 with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less, bacteria with a diameter of 1.0 μm, etc.). Particles that cannot be removed using a HEPA filter (particles with a diameter less than approximately 0.3 μm) can be removed by the inorganic filter 22. In particular, if the pore diameter of the micropores in the inorganic filter 22 is less than 0.1 μm, influenza viruses and coronaviruses (diameters of approximately 0.1 μm) can also be removed.

[0036] The inorganic filter 22 (ceramic filter) of this embodiment also supports a photocatalyst. Titanium oxide (titanium dioxide, TiO2), for example, is a suitable photocatalyst. Titanium oxide absorbs light energy and converts moisture in the air into hydroxyl radicals through an oxidative reaction. These highly decomposing hydroxyl radicals decompose harmful organic substances, odorous components, bacteria, viruses, and other substances into water and carbon dioxide (oxidative decomposition), rendering them harmless. This decomposition occurs at room temperature without generating heat or ozone, which is harmful to humans. The photocatalyst is not limited to titanium oxide; any other material with similar functionality can be used. For example, zinc oxide (ZnO) can be used. Zinc oxide has antibacterial properties even in environments without light exposure. Alternatively, cadmium sulfide (CdS), tungsten trioxide (WO3), or other materials can be used. Such photocatalysts are maintenance-free, eliminating the need for filter replacement (inorganic filter 22 in this case), and can be used semi-permanently.

[0037] The photocatalyst is supported on the inorganic filter 22 so as not to completely fill up the micropores of the inorganic filter 22, or in a state where some of the micropores remain.

[0038] The LED lights 23 (corresponding to a light source) are parts that irradiate light onto the photocatalyst carried on the inorganic filter 22. In this embodiment, a pair of LED lights 23 are provided so as to sandwich the inorganic filter 22 in the width direction (left and right direction). When the light from these LED lights 23 is irradiated onto the photocatalyst, the photocatalyst is activated, and the air passing through the inorganic filter 22 can be efficiently sterilized and deodorized.

[0039] The dust prevention filter 24 is provided upstream (upstream in the airflow direction) of the inorganic filter 22 and the blower fan 21. The dust prevention filter 24 has coarser mesh than the inorganic filter 22 and is a filter that removes dust and the like from the air. By providing the dust prevention filter 24 in this manner, clogging of the inorganic filter 22 can be prevented. The dust prevention filter 24 also functions as an air intake port for the air purifier 20. That is, the air flow generated by the blower fan 21 draws outside air (air) into the air purifier 20 through the dust prevention filter 24 (air intake port).

[0040] The outlet 25 is a portion through which air is blown out from the air purifying device 20 to the outside. In this embodiment, the end of the inorganic filter 22 serves as the outlet 25, and clean air that has been purified by passing through the inorganic filter 22 (hereinafter also referred to as clean air) is blown out from the outlet 25. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the direction in which air is blown out from the outlet 25 is downward, toward the face of the wearer of the helmet 10. More specifically, the direction in which air is blown out is toward the area around the wearer's mouth (hereinafter referred to as the mouth area). In this embodiment, the mouth area also includes the nose.

[0041] Although not shown, air purifying device 20 also includes a drive unit that generates a driving force for driving (rotating) blower fan 21, a control unit that controls each part (for example, the rotation speed and direction of blower fan 21, the illumination intensity of LED light 23, etc.), a power supply unit that supplies power to each part, and switches that turn blower fan 21 and LED light 23 on and off. Note that a small button cell, dry cell, battery, or the like can be used as the power source for air purifying device 20.

[0042] <Operation of the air purifying device 20> Next, the operation of the air purifying device 20 provided in the helmet 10 will be described.

[0043] 1A and 1B, an air flow (air current) is generated. This causes outside air to be drawn in through the air intake (dust prevention filter 24) of the air purifier 20. Dust and other particles contained in the outside air are removed by the dust prevention filter 24.

[0044] The air that has passed through the dust prevention filter 24 is sent to the inorganic filter 22. Harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria present in this air cannot pass through the micropores of the inorganic filter 22 and are therefore removed by the inorganic filter 22. Furthermore, harmful substances that have adhered to the surface of the photocatalyst of the inorganic filter 22 are oxidatively decomposed and rendered harmless by the photocatalyst activated by the light of the LED light 23. In this way, the purified air from which harmful substances have been removed is blown out from the outlet 25.

[0045] In this embodiment, the air purifying device 20 is mounted on the forehead of the helmet 10, and the air outlet 25 blows air in a direction (downward in this case) toward the mouth of the wearer of the helmet 10, as shown in the figure. That is, purified air is blown toward the wearer's mouth, and unpurified outside air around the mouth is pushed out from the mouth. This allows the wearer of the helmet 10 to breathe purified air without using a mask (avoiding inhaling unpurified outside air), thereby preventing infectious diseases. It also prevents the unpurified air emitted by the wearer of the helmet 10 from spreading to the surrounding area. Wearing the helmet 10 of this embodiment thus eliminates the need for a mask, which can also help prevent heatstroke.

[0046] In this embodiment, the air purifying device 20 is provided inside the cap body 11 (between the cap body 11 and the inner body 13), but this is not limiting and the device may also be provided outside the cap body 11. The installation position on the cap body 11 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, on the side of the head or the back of the head. When installed on the side of the head or the back of the head in this manner, a member (e.g., a tubular member) for circulating air that has passed through the inorganic filter 22 may be provided, and the opening (outlet) at the end of the member may be arranged to face the mouth of the wearer of the helmet 10. However, in this case, the air blowing force to the wearer may be reduced, and the effectiveness may be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to place the blower fan 21 downstream of the inorganic filter 22 in the air flow (closer to the outlet). In this way, by placing the blower fan 21 downstream of the inorganic filter 22, the air blowing force can be increased.

[0047] === Second Embodiment === Fig. 2A is a front view of a helmet 10' according to a second embodiment. Fig. 2B is a side view of the helmet 10' according to the second embodiment. In Figs. 2A and 2B, parts having the same configuration as those in the first embodiment (Figs. 1A and 1B) are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figs. 2A and 2B show a cross-sectional view of the air purifying device 20.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the helmet 10' of the second embodiment has a chin strap 14.

[0049] The chin strap 14 is a member for preventing the helmet 10' from falling off. By fastening the chin strap 14 tightly around the wearer's chin, the helmet 10' is fixed to the wearer's head.

[0050] In the second embodiment, the air purifying device 20 is provided on the chin strap 14. Because the air purifying device 20 is provided on the chin strap 14, the direction of the air flow (air current) is different from that in the first embodiment, as shown in the figure. Specifically, the air purifying device 20 draws in outside air from below (through the dust prevention filter 24) using the air flow generated by the blower fan 21. The drawn-in air is then purified by the inorganic filter 22 and blown out from the outlet 25 in a direction toward the wearer's mouth (upward in this case).

[0051] In the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0052] ===Other embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the following embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0053] <About helmets> The helmet configuration is not limited to the above. For example, a face shield (face guard) that covers the wearer's face may be provided. In this case, air that has passed through the inorganic filter 22 is sent between the face shield and the wearer's face, making it easier for the wearer to breathe clean air.

[0054] Furthermore, although the helmet 10 in the above-described embodiment is substantially hemispherical, it is not limited to this and may be, for example, a full-face helmet.

[0055] <About air purifiers> In the first embodiment, the air purifying device 20 may also have a function of blowing air into the inside of the helmet 10. This allows ventilation inside the helmet, further reducing the risk of heat stroke.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the components of the air purifying device 20 are integrally provided within the housing 26, but this is not limiting and the components may be provided separately. For example, in the case of the helmet 10 of the first embodiment, the blower fan 21 may be located on the back or top of the head, and air may be made to flow from the blower fan 21 toward the inorganic filter 22 at the forehead. Also, an outlet 25 may be provided on the underside of the brim 12, and air may be blown toward the wearer's mouth.

[0057] <About filters> The configuration of the filter in the air purifier 20 is not limited to that of the embodiment described above. For example, although the dust filter 24 was provided in the embodiment described above, the dust filter 24 may be omitted. In this case, however, there is a risk that the inorganic filter 22 may become clogged with dust, so it is desirable, for example, to make the blower fan 21 capable of blowing air in the opposite direction (reverse direction) from the normal blowing direction. By making it possible to blow air in the reverse direction in this way, dust and the like can be removed and clogging of the filter can be prevented.

[0058] Alternatively, the filter may be constructed by successively combining, for example, a ceramic filter having ultrafine pores, a ceramic filter carrying a photocatalyst, and a HEPA or ULPA filter for removing coarse particles.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, a ceramic filter was used as the inorganic filter 22. However, the inorganic filter 22 is not limited to a ceramic filter and may be any filter made of an inorganic material and having a plurality of micropores. For example, a filter made of zeolite, diatomaceous earth, or metal may also be used. In these cases, the photocatalyst can also be supported.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an inorganic filter 22 carrying a photocatalyst was used, but as long as it is possible to prevent the passage of viruses, it is not necessary for the filter to carry a photocatalyst, and it is not necessary for the filter to be made of an inorganic material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10. Helmet 11 Cap body 12 Tsuba section 13 Interior body 14 Chin strap 20 Air Purifier 21 Blower fan (blower) 22 Inorganic filter (filter) 23 LED light (light source) 24 Dust prevention filter 25 Air Outlet 26 Case

Claims

1. a filter having a plurality of pores; a blower that generates an air flow and blows air through the filter; Equipped with an outlet for blowing out air that has passed through the filter, The direction in which air is blown out from the outlet is directed toward the wearer's mouth, A hat body that covers the wearer's head; an interior body disposed inside the hat body; and the filter, the blower, and the air outlet are components of an air purifying device, The air purifying device is detachably provided between the hat body and the inner body. A helmet, The helmet is characterized in that only the air blown out from the outlet is blown out toward the wearer's mouth.

2. a filter having a plurality of pores; a blower that generates an air flow and blows air through the filter; Chin strap and Equipped with an outlet for blowing out air that has passed through the filter, The direction in which air is blown out from the outlet is directed toward the wearer's mouth, the filter, the blower, and the air outlet are components of an air purifying device, The air cleaning device is provided on the chin strap. A helmet, The helmet is characterized in that only the air blown out from the outlet is blown out toward the wearer's mouth.

3. 3. The helmet according to claim 1 or 2, The pore size of the filter is less than 0.3 μm. A helmet characterized by:

4. A helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The filter is made of an inorganic material and carries a photocatalyst. A helmet characterized by:

5. 5. The helmet according to claim 4, A light source is provided to irradiate the photocatalyst with light. A helmet characterized by:

6. A helmet according to claim 4 or claim 5, The filter is made of ceramic, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, or metal. A helmet characterized by:

7. A helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a dust prevention filter having a coarser mesh than the filter is provided upstream of the filter in the flow direction of the airflow; A helmet characterized by:

8. A helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The blower is also capable of blowing air in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the air flow. A helmet characterized by:

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