Helmet wearing detection device

Abstract

Provided is a helmet-mounted detection device with which it is possible to simply the device configuration and also facilitate attachment to / detachment from a helmet. This helmet-mounted detection device 100 comprises a device body 101 which is attached to a chin strap 94 of a helmet 90. The device body 101 accommodates a control circuit board 102 within a housing 110 and comprises a first contact detection sensor 121 and a second contact detection sensor 122 in a state exposed on an outer surface. The first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are composed of electroconductive filaments extending in a rod shape, with sections 121a, 122a at one end thereof being detachably electrically connected to a control unit 103. Sections 121b, 122b at the other end of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are inserted into respective end cover sections 115a, 115b formed in sensor installation sections 113a, 113b in the housing 110.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet wearing detection device that detects whether a helmet is worn on a head.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a helmet wearing detection device that detects whether a helmet is correctly worn on a person's head. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a contact detection sensor for detecting contact with the wearer's head is wound around a chin strap or a headband in the helmet, and a detection device body that processes a detection signal output by the contact detection sensor is attached to a side portion of the helmet. A helmet wearing detection device having such a configuration is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] However, in the helmet wearing detection device described in Patent Document 1 above, since the contact detection sensor and the detection device body are configured separately, there is a problem that the device configuration is complicated and the attachment / detachment operation to the helmet is also complicated.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a helmet wearing detection device that can simplify the device configuration and facilitate the attachment / detachment operation to the helmet.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a feature of the present invention is a helmet wearing detection device that is attached to a helmet having a wearing portion formed of at least one of a string shape and a band shape that adheres to the head of a wearer of the helmet and detects a wearing state of the helmet on the head, Constructed to be conductive to the wearer's skin directlyThe device comprises a contact detection sensor that makes contact and outputs a contact detection signal, which is an electrical signal corresponding to the contact; a control unit that receives the contact detection signal from the contact detection sensor; and a main body having a housing that covers the control unit. The main body has a mounting portion for attaching the main body to the wearer, and the contact detection sensor is exposed on the outer surface of the main body that faces the wearer's skin. In the main body of the device The key feature is that it is designed to be easily attached and detached.

[0007] According to the features of the present invention configured in this way, the helmet mounting detection device has a contact detection sensor that is directly and detachably attached to the device body which is attached to the mounting part of the helmet. Therefore, by attaching the device body to the mounting part, the contact detection sensor can also be attached, simplifying the device configuration and making it easier to attach and detach the device from the helmet. Furthermore, with the helmet mounting detection device according to the present invention, the contact detection sensor can be attached and detached even when the device body is attached to the mounting part, making it easier to replace the contact detection sensor and to maintain the contact detection sensor.

[0008] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the helmet-wearing detection device, the contact detection sensor is formed to protrude toward the skin side of the outer surface of the device body that faces the wearer's skin.

[0009] According to other features of the present invention configured in this way, the helmet wearing detection device is formed such that the contact detection sensor protrudes toward the skin side of the outer surface of the device body that faces the wearer's skin, thereby ensuring contact with the skin and improving the accuracy of helmet wearing detection.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the helmet mounting detection device, the contact detection sensor is formed to extend in the shape of a rod or plate.

[0011] According to other features of the present invention configured in this way, the helmet wearing detection device has a contact detection sensor that extends in the shape of a rod or plate, which improves the accuracy of helmet wearing detection by increasing the contact area while providing a good feel to the wearer's skin.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the helmet mounting detection device, the contact detection sensor is supported in a cantilevered manner, with one end supported by the device body and the other end being a free end.

[0013] According to other features of the present invention configured in this way, the helmet wearing detection device is supported in a cantilevered manner, with one end of the contact detection sensor supported by the device body and the other end being a free end. This improves the accuracy of helmet wearing detection by ensuring contact with the skin while providing a good feel to the wearer's skin.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the helmet mounting detection device, the device body has an end cover portion that covers the other end of the contact detection sensor.

[0015] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this way, the helmet mounting detection device has an end cover portion that covers the other end of the contact detection sensor, thereby preventing the other end of the contact detection sensor from getting caught on other objects and preventing the contact detection sensor from rotating around the one end.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention is that, in the helmet wearing detection device, at least two or more contact detection sensors are provided on the part of the device body that faces the wearer's skin.

[0017] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, since the helmet wearing detection device is provided with at least two or more contact detection sensors at a portion of the device main body facing the wearer's skin, it is possible to ensure contact with the wearer's skin and improve the accuracy of helmet wearing detection.

[0018] Another feature of the present invention is that in the helmet wearing detection device, the device main body Mounting part is provided between the two or more provided contact detection sensors.

[0019] According to another feature of the present invention configured as described above, the helmet wearing detection device Mounting part is provided between the two or more provided contact detection sensors, so that it is possible to ensure contact with the wearer's skin by the contact detection sensors provided on both sides of the attachment portion and improve the accuracy of helmet wearing detection.

[0020] Another feature of the present invention is that in the helmet wearing detection device, the device main body has a housing configured with a waterproof structure and a dustproof structure.

[0021] According to this, since the housing of the helmet wearing detection device in the device main body is configured with a waterproof structure and a dustproof structure, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to sweat or dust adhering to the wearer's head, as well as various liquids and dust in the work site entering the device main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the external configuration of the helmet wearing detection device according to the present invention as viewed from the side of the first contact detection sensor and the second contact detection sensor. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the external configuration of the helmet wearing detection device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side of the storage body. [Figure 3]It is a block diagram of a control system for controlling the operation of the helmet wearing detection device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a side view schematically showing an outline of the external configuration of a helmet to which the helmet wearing detection device shown in FIG. 1 is attached. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the device body of the helmet wearing detection device shown in FIG. as viewed from the lid side. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the device body of the helmet wearing detection device shown in FIG. as viewed from the housing side. [Figure 7] It is a side view schematically showing a state in which the helmet wearing detection device shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the chin strap of the helmet and the chin strap is tightened. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing the contact state of the helmet wearing detection device attached to the chin strap shown in FIG. 7 with the user's skin. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing a state in which the helmet wearing detection device according to a modified example of the present invention is attached to the chin strap and brought into contact with the user's skin.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a helmet wearing detection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the external configuration of the helmet wearing detection device 100 according to the present invention as viewed from the side of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122. Further, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external configuration of the helmet wearing detection device 100 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the side of the housing 111. Further, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling the operation of the helmet wearing detection device 100 shown in FIG. 1. This helmet wearing detection device 100 is a device for detecting whether an operator is correctly wearing a helmet 90 at various sites such as a construction site, a factory, a warehouse, a farm, a ship or a mountain forest.

[0024] First, before describing the helmet wearing detection device 100, let's describe the helmet 90 to which the helmet wearing detection device 100 is attached. As shown in Figure 4, the helmet 90 is a metal or resin cap worn to cover the head of a worker (user U of the helmet wearing detection device 100) in various workplaces such as construction sites, factories, warehouses, farms, ships, or forests. This helmet 90 has a cup-shaped shell 91 that accommodates the user U's head, and inside it are a headband 92 and a hammock 93.

[0025] The headband 92 and hammock 93 are components that indirectly support the helmet shell 91 with respect to the head when worn on the user U's head, and are constructed by assembling a strip-shaped member made of resin or fabric into a hemispherical cage shape that covers the head. In this case, the headband 92 is made of a strip-shaped member made of resin that is formed into an annular shape corresponding to the circumference of the head and attached to the inner surface of the helmet shell 91.

[0026] The headband 92 is provided with a hammock 93 that extends inward towards the helmet shell 91, and a chin strap 94 that hangs down below the helmet shell 91. The hammock 93 is a component that covers the upper part of the user U's head, and is provided by arranging multiple strip-shaped members made of resin or fabric in an arc shape that protrudes radially from the headband 92.

[0027] The chin strap 94 is a component that secures the helmet shell 91 to the user U's head by placing it over the user U's chin and tightening the headband 92 and hammock 93 against the user U's head. It is made of resin or fabric formed into a string or belt shape. The chin strap 94 has a length adjustment mechanism (not shown) that allows adjustment of how tightly it catches on the chin. Furthermore, the chin strap 94 is configured so that a chin strap 94 hanging from the user U's left ear and a chin strap 94 (not shown) hanging from the user U's right ear can be connected by a locking mechanism 95. In other words, this helmet 90 is made of a conventional safety helmet with a common structure that has been widely used.

[0028] (Configuration of helmet mounting detection device 100) The helmet wearing detection device 100 comprises a device body 101. The device body 101 is a box-shaped device that is attached to the chin strap 94 of the helmet 90 and houses various devices for detecting whether the helmet 90 is being worn and transmitting the detection result to the host device 200. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the device body 101 mainly comprises a control board 102, a housing 110, a first contact detection sensor 121, and a second contact detection sensor 122.

[0029] The control board 102 is a printed circuit board equipped with electrical circuits that constitute the control unit 103, including a microcontroller chip, a transmitting / receiving unit 104, an output unit 105, and a power supply unit 106. On one side of the control board 102, the electrical circuits that constitute the control unit 103, the transmitting / receiving unit 104, the output unit 105, and the power supply unit 106 are formed, while on the other side, which is the back of the first side, a battery holder 106a for detachably holding the battery 107, a first sensor connection part 108a, and a second sensor connection part 108b are formed.

[0030] The control unit 103 is composed of a microcomputer consisting of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the operation of the entire helmet wearing detection device 100 to detect the wearing status of the helmet 90 by executing a helmet wearing detection program that is pre-stored in a storage device such as ROM. More specifically, the control unit 103 determines the wearing status of the helmet 90 using the contact detection signals output from the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122, respectively, and transmits a detection result signal corresponding to the determination result to the host device 200. The control unit 103 also performs various settings of the communication environment, such as pairing, with the host device 200.

[0031] An operator 103a is connected to this control unit 103. The operator 103a is an input device that outputs an operation signal to the control unit 103 in response to manual operation from the user U of the helmet mounting detection device 100, and is composed of a push button. This operator 103a is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 110 via a cover sheet 111c.

[0032] The transmitting / receiving unit 104 is an electrical circuit that transmits the detection result signal output from the control unit 103 to the host device 200 via an antenna. The transmitting / receiving unit 104 also receives the signal output from the host device 200 via an antenna and outputs it to the control unit 103.

[0033] The output unit 105 is a display device that indicates the operating status of the control unit 103 by flashing light. In this embodiment, the output unit 105 is composed of a single LED light-emitting diode exposed on the outer surface of the housing 110 via a cover sheet 111c.

[0034] The power supply unit 106 is an electrical circuit equipped with batteries 107 that supply power to the control unit 103, the operator 103a, the transmitting / receiving unit 104, and the output unit 105, respectively. The power supply unit 106 is equipped with three claw-shaped battery holders 106a on the back side of the control board 102 that detachably hold the batteries 107, and receives power from the batteries 107 held in these battery holders 106a.

[0035] In this embodiment, the battery 107 is a button cell battery that outputs DC 3V power. In this embodiment, when the battery 107 is installed in the power supply unit 106, the control unit 103 automatically starts executing the helmet wearing detection program and begins the process of detecting the wearing status of the helmet 90.

[0036] The first sensor connection part 108a and the second sensor connection part 108b are components that electrically connect the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 to the control unit 103. Specifically, the first sensor connection part 108a and the second sensor connection part 108b are formed in a state where cylindrical bodies, with their respective ends 121a and 122a, which are rod-shaped, are removable from the surface of the control board 102. In this case, the hole diameters of the first sensor connection part 108a and the second sensor connection part 108b are formed in a fitted manner so that the respective ends 121a and 122a of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 will not easily fall out unless pulled out by hand. This control board 102 is housed in a housing 110.

[0037] The housing 110 is a component that houses the control board 102 and supports the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122, respectively, and is constructed by forming an insulator such as resin into a box shape. In this embodiment, the housing 110 is formed in a rectangular box shape when viewed from above. This housing 110 mainly consists of a housing 111 and a lid 112.

[0038] The housing 111 is a component that houses the control board 102 and is formed in a box shape with a concave recess. At the bottom of the housing 111, openings 111a and 111b are formed, which are through holes for exposing the operator 103a and the output unit 105 to the outside, respectively. Furthermore, a cover sheet 111c is bonded to the outer surface of the housing 111 where the openings 111a and 111b are formed, to cover these openings 111a and 111b in a liquid-tight and airtight manner.

[0039] The cover 112 is a component that covers the opening in the housing 111 and is formed in a flat plate shape. Sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b are formed on the cover 112. The sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b are the parts to which the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are attached, respectively, and are formed by extending linearly along the two long sides of the cover 112 at positions adjacent to those long sides, and protruding from the surface of the cover 112. Sensor through holes 114a and 114b and end cover portions 115a and 115b are formed at each end of these sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b, respectively.

[0040] The sensor through-holes 114a and 114b are through-holes through which the respective ends 121a and 122a of the rod-shaped first contact detection sensor 121 and second contact detection sensor 122, which are inserted into the first sensor connection portion 108a and second sensor connection portion 108b, respectively, pass through. On the other hand, the end cover portions 115a and 115b are through-holes through which the respective ends 121b and 122b of the first contact detection sensor and second contact detection sensor, which are opposite to the sides inserted into the first sensor connection portion 108a and second sensor connection portion 108b, respectively, are inserted.

[0041] In this embodiment, the diameters of the sensor through-holes 114a, 114b and the end cover portions 115a, 115b are formed with a clearance tolerance that is larger than the outer diameter of each end portion 121a, 122a, 121b, 122b, but they may also be formed with a clearance tolerance that is smaller than the outer diameter of each end portion 121a, 122a, 121b, 122b.

[0042] Furthermore, the cover 112 has a mounting portion arrangement portion 116 formed between the sensor mounting portion 113a and the sensor mounting portion 113b, and mounting portion covering portions 117a and 117b are formed so as to cover a part of the mounting portion arrangement portion 116. The mounting portion arrangement portion 116 is the part in which the chin strap 94 of the helmet 90 is placed, and is formed in a concave groove shape by the sensor mounting portion 113a and the sensor mounting portion 113b.

[0043] This mounting section 116 is formed to extend in a straight line with a width approximately the same as the width of the chin strap 94. Alternatively, the mounting section 116 can be formed to have the same width as the headband 92 or hammock 93 of the helmet 90, so that the headband 92 or hammock 93 can be positioned there.

[0044] The mounting cover portions 117a and 117b are components that cover a portion of the chin strap 94, which is positioned within the mounting portion arrangement portion 116, in the width direction to prevent the chin strap 94 from coming off the mounting portion arrangement portion 116. They are formed as flat pieces extending in the longitudinal and width directions, respectively, at both ends of the mounting portion arrangement portion 116. Furthermore, the mounting cover portions 117a and 117b are attached to the opposing wall surfaces of the first sensor connection portion 108a and the second sensor connection portion 108b, partially narrowing the groove width of the mounting portion arrangement portion 116. As a result, the mounting cover portions 117a and 117b bend the widthwise edge of the chin strap 94, making it difficult for the chin strap 94 to come off. In other words, the mounting portion arrangement portion 116 and the mounting cover portions 117a and 117b correspond to the mounting portion according to the present invention.

[0045] These mounting cover portions 117a and 117b are fixed onto the lid 112 by two screws 118a and 118b that pass through the lid 112 and are screwed into the housing 111. That is, the lid 112 is fixed to the housing 111 by two screws 118a and 118b that pass through through holes formed in two of the four corners in a plan view. In this case, an annular packing 119 is placed between the housing 111 and the lid 112, extending along the edges of both parts to prevent liquids such as sweat or dust from entering the housing 110. In other words, the device body 101 is sealed internally in a liquid-tight and airtight manner, resulting in a waterproof and dustproof structure. In this case, the packing 119 has through holes 119a to 119d through which both ends of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 pass.

[0046] The first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are detectors that detect approach to or contact with the skin around the jaw area of ​​the user U's head and output a contact detection signal corresponding to the detection, and are composed of conductive rods. In this embodiment, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are composed of conductive filaments formed into a flexible rod shape by mixing carbon black with a resin material.

[0047] The first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 only need to be made of conductive material, and can be made of materials other than conductive filaments, such as conductive elastomers like conductive urethane foam, as well as metal materials or conductive fibers. The ends 121a, 121b, 122a, and 122b of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are bent in the same direction.

[0048] The ends 121a and 122a are portions that pass through the sensor through holes 114a and 114b and 119a and 119b and are inserted into the first sensor connection portion 108a and the second sensor connection portion 108b, respectively. The ends 121b and 122b are portions that pass through the end cover portions 115a and 115b and the through holes 119c and 119d and are positioned adjacent to the control board 102 without contacting it. As a result, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are positioned protruding from the sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b, respectively.

[0049] The host device 200 is a computer device (e.g., a personal computer) that receives detection result signals transmitted from the device body 101 and manages the wearing status of the helmet 90 to which the device body 101 is attached for the user U. In this embodiment, the management of the wearing status in the host device 200 refers to the process of monitoring and storing the wearing status of the helmet 90 and notifying the administrator. Therefore, the host device 200 is located physically separate from the helmet wearing detection device 100 and is equipped with a transceiver that performs wireless communication with the device body 101. In this case, the host device 200 can receive detection result signals from each device body 101 of multiple helmet wearing detection devices 100.

[0050] (Operation of helmet-wearing detection device 100) Next, the operation of the helmet-wearing detection device 100 configured as described above will be explained. First, user U, who is the wearer of the helmet 90, prepares the helmet 90 and the helmet-wearing detection device 100. In this case, the helmet-wearing detection device 100 has a battery installed in the device body 101 and performs the process of detecting the wearing status of the helmet 90 by executing the helmet-wearing detection program.

[0051] Next, user U attaches the helmet attachment detection device 100 to the helmet 90. Specifically, user U inserts the chin strap 94 of the helmet 90 into the attachment part arrangement section 116 of the device body 101. In this case, user U attaches the device body 101 to the chin strap 94 with the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 facing towards user U's skin.

[0052] Next, user U puts on the helmet 90. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, user U puts the helmet shell 91 on their head and then fastens the chin strap 94. In this case, user U adjusts the position of the device body 101 attached to the chin strap 94 by sliding it against the chin strap 94 so that it is positioned on their chin. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, user U can bring the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 closer to and into contact with user U's chin.

[0053] In this case, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are supported in a cantilevered manner, with only their ends 121a and 122a being supported. Therefore, when they come into contact with the user U's skin, their ends 121b and 122b bend and deform so that they move closer to the control board 102. In this case, the ends 121b and 122b of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 may be configured to contact the surface of the control board 102 or not.

[0054] Meanwhile, the control unit 103 of the helmet mounting detection device 100 determines the mounting status of the helmet 90 using the contact detection signals output from the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122, respectively, and transmits the determination result to the host device 200. This helmet mounting status determination process is performed by detecting changes in capacitance or resistance due to the user U's chin approaching or coming into contact with the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122. However, this determination process is not directly related to the present invention, so its explanation is omitted.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit 103 determines that the helmet 90 is in a "fitted state" when the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 each detect contact with the user U's skin, and determines that the helmet 90 is in a "not fitted state" when at least one of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 fails to detect contact with the user U's skin, and determines that the helmet 90 is not in a "not fitted state" when it does not correctly fit with the user U's head. The control unit 103 then transmits the "fitted state" or "not fitted state" to the host device 200 via the transmitting / receiving unit 104.

[0056] As a result, the host device 200 receives the detection result signal transmitted from the main unit 101 and performs processing to monitor and store whether or not the helmet 90 is being worn, or to notify the administrator. Since the processing of this host device 200 is not directly related to the present invention, its explanation will be omitted.

[0057] In this state of use of the helmet 90, the helmet mounting detection device 100 may experience changes in the distance between the device body 101 and the user U's skin due to contact of some object with the helmet shell 91 or chin strap 94 of the helmet 90, or movement of the user U's head. In this case, the helmet mounting detection device 100 can maintain contact with the skin within the range of elastic deformation because the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are supported in a cantilevered manner with flexibility.

[0058] Next, when user U finishes using the helmet 90, they remove the helmet 90. Specifically, user U loosens the chin strap 94 and removes the helmet shell 91 from their head. In this case, user U can store the helmet 90 with the helmet wearing detection device 100 attached to it. Even when the helmet 90 is stored, the control unit 103 continues to execute the helmet wearing detection program, so that the wearing status can be detected regardless of when user U puts on the helmet 90.

[0059] In this case, user U can also remove the helmet mounting detection device 100 from the helmet 90. Specifically, user U removes the chin strap 94 from the mounting part arrangement section 116 of the device body 101. This allows user U to remove the helmet mounting detection device 100 from the helmet 90 and store it.

[0060] Furthermore, user U can maintain the first contact detection sensor 121 and / or the second contact detection sensor 122 if they become dirty or damaged. Specifically, user U can clean, repair, or replace the first contact detection sensor 121 and / or the second contact detection sensor 122 by pulling them out of the device body 101 while the device body 101 is attached to the chin strap 94 or detached from the chin strap 94.

[0061] Furthermore, user U can replace the battery 107 installed inside the device body 101 when it becomes depleted. Specifically, user U can remove the screws 118a and 118b on the device body 101 and remove the cover 112 from the housing 111 to expose the battery 107 and replace it.

[0062] During this battery replacement process, the control unit 103 interrupts the execution of the helmet wearing detection program when the battery 107 is removed from the battery holder 106a. However, when a new battery 107 is installed in the battery holder 106a and power is supplied to the control unit 103, the helmet wearing detection program is automatically executed.

[0063] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the above embodiment, the helmet mounting detection device 100 has a first contact detection sensor 121 and a second contact detection sensor 122 that are directly and detachably attached to the device body 101 which is attached to the chin strap 94 of the helmet 90. Therefore, by attaching the device body 101 to the chin strap 94, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be attached, simplifying the device configuration and making it easier to attach and detach the helmet 90. Furthermore, with the helmet mounting detection device 100 according to the present invention, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can be attached and detached even when the device body 101 is attached to the chin strap 94, thus facilitating maintenance work and replacement of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they do not depart from the objectives of the present invention.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, the helmet mounting detection device 100 is configured to include a first contact detection sensor 121 and a second contact detection sensor 122. That is, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 correspond to the contact detection sensors according to the present invention. Since it is sufficient to provide at least one of these contact detection sensors, it can be configured with either the first contact detection sensor 121 or the second contact detection sensor 122. Furthermore, the helmet mounting detection device 100 can also be configured to include three or more contact detection sensors.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 were formed in a rod shape. However, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be formed in a flat plate shape, a sheet shape, or a protruding shape such as a hemispherical shape in plan view.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are provided in a state that protrudes from the outer surface of the device body 101 on the user U's skin side. However, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 only need to be provided so as to be exposed to the outer surface of the device body 101 on the user U's skin side and in contact with the skin. Therefore, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be configured by embedding them in the outer surface of the sensor mounting parts 113a and 113b so as to be flush with the outer surface of the sensor mounting parts 113a and 113b.

[0068] Furthermore, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be provided so as to protrude from the outer surfaces of the sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b, for example, as shown in Figure 9. This makes it easier for the helmet mounting detection device 100 to bring the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 into contact with the skin of the user U. In this case, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are formed to be shorter than the distance between the sensor through-hole 114a and the end cover portion 115a and the distance between the sensor through-hole 114b and the end cover portion 115b, respectively, and are formed to be approximately trapezoidal in a side view, thereby improving the wearing comfort against the skin of the user U.

[0069] Furthermore, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 may be configured with the same amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b, but by configuring them with different amounts of protrusion, it is possible to further improve the fit (comfort) and skin contact by adapting to the skin shape of the user U.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are supported by inserting their respective ends 121a and 122a into the first sensor connection part 108a and the second sensor connection part 108b, respectively, while the ends 121b and 122b are configured as free ends floating in the air in a cantilever-like shape. This allows the helmet mounting detection device 100 to improve the accuracy of helmet mounting detection by ensuring contact with the skin while providing a good tactile sensation to the user U. However, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be configured so that their respective ends 121a and 122a and 121b and 122b are fixedly supported. For example, the helmet mounting detection device 100 can be configured to have cylindrical bodies (electrically in contact with or insulated from the control unit 103) similar to the first sensor connection part 108a and the second sensor connection part 108b, provided on the control board 102, with each end 121b, 122b inserted into and supported.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are configured such that the periphery of each end 121b, 122b is covered by end cover portions 115a, 115b. This prevents the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 from rotating around their respective ends 121a, 122a as pivot axes and changing their orientation when they come into contact with another object. However, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be configured to be open to the outside without covering the periphery of each end 121b, 122b. In this case, the user U can rotate the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 around their respective ends 121a, 122a as pivot axes to position them in a preferred orientation or location. In this case, the ends 121b and 122b of the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can be formed in a straight line parallel to the sensor mounting portions 113a and 113b without bending.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 are positioned on both sides of the mounting portion, which is composed of the mounting portion arrangement portion 116 and the mounting portion cover portions 117a and 117b. As a result, the helmet mounting detection device 100 can accurately make contact with the skin of the user U by the chin strap 94, which is the mounting portion that makes close contact with the skin. However, the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122 can also be positioned at locations other than both sides of the mounting portion, which is composed of the mounting portion arrangement portion 116 and the mounting portion cover portions 117a and 117b, for example, biased to one side of the mounting portion.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the helmet wearing detection device 100 is configured such that the control unit 103 determines whether the helmet 90 is worn or not and transmits a detection result signal to the host device 200. However, the helmet wearing detection device 100 may also be configured such that the control unit 103 transmits contact detection signals output from the first contact detection sensor 121 and the second contact detection sensor 122, respectively, to the host device 200, and the host device 200 determines whether the helmet 90 is worn or not.

[0074] Furthermore, the helmet wearing detection device 100 may be configured to output the detection result to its own output unit 105 without transmitting a detection result signal to the host device 200 when the control unit 103 determines whether the helmet 90 is being worn or not. In this case, the output unit 105 can directly notify the wearer of the helmet 90 using a configuration such as flashing light from an LED or other light-emitting element, sound from a speaker or other sound-producing element, or vibration from a vibrating element that rotates an eccentric weight with a motor. In other words, the helmet wearing detection device 100 can be configured without the host device 200.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the helmet mounting detection device 100 was attached to a safety helmet. However, the helmet mounting detection device 100 can be widely attached to helmets other than safety helmets, such as helmets for vehicles like bicycles or motorcycles, as well as helmets used for sports or recreational activities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] U...user, 90...Helmet, 91...Shell, 92...Headband, 93...Hammock, 94...Chin strap, 95...Locking mechanism 100...Helmet mounting detection device, 101...Device body, 102...Control board, 103...Control unit, 103a...Operator, 104...Transmit / receive unit, 105...Output unit, 106...Power supply unit, 106a...Battery holder, 107...Battery, 108a...First sensor connection unit, 108b...Second sensor connection unit, 110...Housing, 111...Housing, 111a,111b...Opening, 111c...Cover sheet, 112...Lid, 113a,113b...Sensor mounting part, 114a,114b...Sensor through hole, 115a,115b...End cover part, 116...Mounting part arrangement part, 117a,117b...Mounting part cover part, 118a,118b...Screw, 119...Gasket, 119a~119d...Through hole, 121...First contact detection sensor, 121a...End, 121b...End, 122...Second contact detection sensor, 122a...End, 122b...End 200... Host device.

Claims

1. A helmet mounting detection device that is attached to a helmet having a mounting portion formed in the shape of at least one of a string or a band that fits snugly against the wearer's head, and that detects the state in which the helmet is mounted on the head, A contact detection sensor configured to be conductive and to directly contact the wearer's skin and output a contact detection signal, which is an electrical signal corresponding to this contact, A control unit receives the contact detection signal from the contact detection sensor, The device comprises a main body having a housing that covers the control unit, The main body of the aforementioned device is This device has a mounting portion for attaching the main body of the device to the mounting portion, The aforementioned contact detection sensor is A helmet wearing detection device characterized in that it is detachably attached to the main body of the device in a state exposed to the outer surface of the main body of the device that faces the wearer's skin.

2. In the helmet wearing detection device described in claim 1, The aforementioned contact detection sensor is A helmet wearing detection device characterized in that it is formed to protrude toward the skin side of the outer surface of the device body that faces the wearer's skin.

3. In the helmet mounting detection device described in claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned contact detection sensor is A helmet-wearing detection device characterized by being formed in the shape of a rod or plate.

4. In the helmet wearing detection device described in claim 3, The aforementioned contact detection sensor is A helmet-wearing detection device characterized by being supported in a cantilever-like manner, with one end supported by the main body of the device and the other end being a free end.

5. In the helmet wearing detection device described in claim 4, The main body of the aforementioned device is A helmet mounting detection device characterized by having an end cover portion that covers the other end of the contact detection sensor.

6. In a helmet wearing detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned contact detection sensor is A helmet wearing detection device characterized in that at least two are provided on the part of the device body that faces the wearer's skin.

7. In the helmet wearing detection device described in claim 6, The main body of the aforementioned device is A helmet mounting detection device characterized in that the mounting portion is provided between the two or more contact detection sensors.

8. In a helmet-wearing detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The main body of the aforementioned device is A helmet-wearing detection device characterized in that the housing is configured to be waterproof and dustproof.

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