Buffer structure and helmet

Abstract

A buffer structure and a helmet. The buffer structure comprises an inner layer (11) and an outer layer (12) which are spaced apart, the outer side surface of the inner layer (11) facing the inner side surface of the outer layer (12). The buffer structure further comprises a plurality of elastic connecting columns (13) arranged between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) at intervals; and the inner end of each connecting column (13) is integrally connected to the outer side surface of the inner layer (11), and the outer end thereof is integrally connected to the inner side surface of the outer layer (12). The connecting columns (13), taken as a whole, are arranged to elastically deform under the action of an external force to enable the outer layer (12) to move relative to the inner layer (11). The buffer structure can effectively buffer impact forces from different directions. For example, when the outer layer (12) rotates under the impact of a tangential component of an external force, under the action of the connecting columns (13), the inner layer (11) only rotates at a relatively low speed, thereby achieving the effect of buffering the tangential component. When the outer layer (12) is under the impact of a normal component of an external force, the connecting columns can elastically compress in the length direction to absorb part of a normal impact force, thereby achieving a good protection effect.

Description

Cushioning structure and helmet Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of helmets, and in particular relates to a buffer structure and a helmet. Background Art

[0002] Helmets, as a common head protection device, typically consist of an outer shell and an inner lining. When the helmet shell strikes the ground, it experiences not only normal impact force but also tangential impact force. If the tangential impact force is high, the shell will rotate at high speed, potentially causing brain damage to the user's head due to rotational impact. Medical research shows that brain injuries caused by rotational impact, such as concussion, subdural hematoma, and diffuse axonal injury, are more severe than those caused by linear impact.

[0003] To this end, people have designed helmets with rotational cushioning functions, such as the Chinese invention patent application "Rotational Impact Buffering Safety Helmet" with application number 201810210306.8 and application publication number CN108294394A. The helmet includes an outer shell and an elastic lining disposed within the outer shell, with a gap between the outer shell and the elastic lining. A rotational impact buffering device is provided between the outer shell and the elastic lining to enable the outer shell to rotate relative to the elastic lining. When the helmet is impacted by an external force, the component of the external force acting tangentially on the outer shell causes the outer shell to tend to rotate relative to the elastic lining. Through the tangential deformation of the rotational impact buffering device, the outer shell can rotate a certain angle relative to the elastic lining while the elastic lining remains relatively stationary, thereby significantly reducing the impact of external forces on the user. However, the solution in the above patent application needs to be further simplified to ensure the cushioning effect while also reducing costs and facilitating assembly and use. At the same time, how to effectively protect against impacts from different directions remains to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a buffer structure with a simple structure that can buffer impacts in all directions in view of the current status of the existing technology.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a helmet with the above-mentioned buffer structure.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem is: a buffer structure comprising: an inner layer and an outer layer arranged at intervals, wherein the outer side surface of the inner layer faces the inner side surface of the outer layer;

[0007] It is characterized in that it also includes a plurality of elastic connecting columns, which are arranged at intervals between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the inner end of each connecting column is integrally connected to the outer side surface of the inner layer, and the outer end is integrally connected to the inner side surface of the outer layer. Each connecting column is arranged as a whole to undergo elastic deformation under the action of external force so that the outer layer can move relative to the inner layer.

[0008] The buffer structure of the present invention effectively cushions impact forces in all directions. For example, when the outer layer rotates due to the impact of the tangential component of an external force, the inner layer rotates at a relatively low speed due to the action of the connecting column, thus buffering the tangential component. Simultaneously, when the outer layer is impacted by the normal component of an external force, the connecting column elastically compresses along its length, absorbing part of the normal impact force and providing effective protection. Furthermore, the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture and use.

[0009] The above activities include: 1. The connecting column is compressed, the outer layer moves relative to the inner layer and the two are close to each other; 2. The connecting column is tilted, the outer layer rotates relative to the inner layer; 3. The connecting column is compressed and tilted at the same time, etc.

[0010] Preferably, the connecting columns are arranged as a whole to be elastically deformed under the action of an external force so that the outer layer rotates relative to the inner layer.

[0011] In order to further improve the cushioning effect, preferably, the side of the inner layer is joined to the outer layer so that a closed space containing fluid is formed between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the connecting column is located in the closed space.

[0012] The fluid may be gas or liquid, and is preferably gas. The gas may be air or other gases such as nitrogen.

[0013] Compared with the structure with open sides, the design of the closed space has the following effects: 1. When subjected to external force impact, the fluid in the closed space can play an auxiliary buffering role, increase the flexibility of the tangential elastic deformation, and thus improve the buffering effect of the tangential impact force; of course, it can also improve the buffering effect of the normal impact force; 2. The connected inner and outer layers limit the rotation of the outer layer relative to the inner layer, avoiding excessive deformation and damage of the connecting column, and increasing the service life; 3. It can further improve the stability of the overall structure.

[0014] Preferably, a single outer layer is provided with at least two inner layers, each inner layer forms the aforementioned enclosed space with the corresponding outer layer, and a gap is provided between two adjacent enclosed spaces. When in use, outside air can pass through the gap between the two adjacent enclosed spaces, thereby improving breathability.

[0015] In order to improve the heat dissipation effect, preferably, the fluid is air, and heat dissipation holes are provided on the inner layer and / or outer layer corresponding to the closed space to connect the closed space with the outside world.

[0016] The design of the heat dissipation holes connects the enclosed space to the outside world. In the process of the enclosed space being squeezed and restored after squeezing, tiny gas flows can be generated to take away the heat and steam generated during use, achieving a heat dissipation effect similar to "breathing".

[0017] At the same time, although the design of the heat dissipation holes in the present invention will reduce the auxiliary buffering effect of the gas in the closed space, since the heat dissipation holes are small holes, only a small amount of gas in the closed space can be discharged within a short time after the impact occurs, and most of the gas remains in the closed space to play an auxiliary buffering effect.

[0018] Preferably, there are a plurality of heat dissipation holes, which are distributed at intervals on the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0019] The inner and outer layers of the present invention can be made of non-elastic materials. To improve the cushioning effect, the inner layer is preferably made of an elastic material; or / and the outer layer is made of an elastic material. The elastic materials of the inner and outer layers can be the same material, such as silicone or PU, or different materials, such as silicone for the inner layer and PU for the outer layer.

[0020] Furthermore, the inner layer, outer layer and connecting column are an integral piece and are all made of elastic material. That is, the buffer structure can be manufactured through an integral molding method, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing; and the integral structure can improve the stability of the overall structure.

[0021] The above-mentioned integral part can be made of materials such as PU or silicone. Preferably, the integral part is made of silicone. Silicone has the advantages of stable performance, high temperature resistance, and long service life. Silicone is also easy to clean after use. At the same time, silicone is relatively soft, which is conducive to the cushioning effect in low-speed collisions.

[0022] Preferably, the thickness of the inner layer is 1 to 2 mm; the thickness of the outer layer is 1 to 2 mm; the spacing between the inner and outer layers is 3 to 5 mm; the outer diameter of a single connecting column is 1.5 to 5 mm; the distribution density of the connecting columns between the inner and outer layers is 4 to 12 per square centimeter.

[0023] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned second technical problem is: a helmet, including an outer shell, characterized in that it also includes the buffer structure as described above, and the outer side surface of the outer layer is attached to the inner wall surface of the outer shell.

[0024] Preferably, the buffer structure is detachably provided on the inner wall surface of the shell.

[0025] The methods of disassembly and assembly include but are not limited to glue or Velcro bonding, magnetic connection, etc.

[0026] Preferably, the buffer structure is bonded to the inner wall surface of the shell.

[0027] Furthermore, there are at least two buffer structures, which are arranged at intervals on the inner wall surface of the shell.

[0028] Furthermore, the inner side of the inner layer is the contact surface for contacting the user's head. That is, the present invention does not require an additional lining. The buffer structure can not only buffer external forces but also serve as a helmet lining for direct contact with the user's head.

[0029] Preferably, a flexible layer of foam or flannel is further included, which is arranged on the inner side of the inner layer. Foam or flannel can not only improve the comfort of use, but also further improve the cushioning effect.

[0030] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention has the following advantages: its buffer structure can effectively buffer impact forces in all directions. For example, when the outer layer is impacted by the tangential component of an external force and rotates, the inner layer, under the action of the connecting column, only rotates at a relatively low speed, thus buffering the tangential component. At the same time, when the outer layer is impacted by the normal component of an external force, the connecting column can elastically compress in the longitudinal direction to absorb part of the normal impact force, thus providing better protection. Furthermore, the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture and use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a buffer structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a helmet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG3 is a diagram of the helmet in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a buffer structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of the buffer structure of the second embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0036] FIG6 is another schematic structural diagram of the buffer structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG9 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG8 ;

[0040] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a buffer structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of the buffer structure of the third embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0042] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of a buffer structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a helmet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the rotation performance test in the xyz direction of the second and third embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0046] Example 1:

[0047] As shown in FIG1 to FIG3 , a preferred embodiment 1 of the cushioning structure and helmet of the present invention is shown. The cushioning structure includes an inner layer 11 , an outer layer 12 , connecting posts 13 and a flexible layer 14 .

[0048] The inner layer 11 and outer layer 12 are arranged side by side, one inside the other, with the outer side of the inner layer 11 facing the inner side of the outer layer 12. Multiple connecting posts 13 are spaced apart between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12. The inner end of each connecting post 13 faces and is integrally connected to the outer side of the inner layer 11, while the outer end faces and is integrally connected to the inner side of the outer layer 12. Each connecting post 13 is arranged so that it can elastically deform under the action of an external force, causing the outer layer 12 to rotate relative to the inner layer 11. In this embodiment, the inner layer 11, outer layer 12, and connecting posts 13 are a single piece made of silicone. The thickness of the inner layer 11 is 1 to 2 mm (the thickness of the inner layer 11 can be any value between 1 and 2 mm, such as 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, etc.); the thickness of the outer layer 12 is 1 to 2 mm (the thickness of the outer layer 12 can be consistent with or inconsistent with the thickness of the inner layer 11, and the thickness of the outer layer 12 can be any value between 1 and 2 mm, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.7 mm, 2 mm, etc.); the spacing between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12 is 3 to 5 mm (the spacing can be 3 to 5 mm). any value between 1 and 5 mm, such as 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, etc.); the outer diameter of a single connecting column 13 is 1.5 to 5 mm (the outer diameter can be any value between 1.5 and 5 mm, such as 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, etc.); the distribution density of the connecting columns 13 between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12 is 4 to 12 per square centimeter (the distribution density can be any value between 4 and 12 per square centimeter, such as 4 per square centimeter, 5 per square centimeter, 8 per square centimeter, 11 per square centimeter, 12 per square centimeter, etc.).

[0049] The flexible layer 14 is made of foam or flannel, and is adhered to the inner side of the inner layer 11 by adhesive.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the helmet of this embodiment includes an outer shell 2 (an existing helmet outer shell structure and is not described in detail here) and the aforementioned cushioning structure. The outer surface of the outer layer 12 is attached to the inner wall of the outer shell 2, and the two are adhered together by Velcro. Furthermore, there are at least two cushioning structures, each of which is located at a corresponding position on the inner wall of the outer shell 2 according to actual cushioning needs.

[0051] Before use, the buffer structure can be adhered to the inner wall surface of the shell 2 for easy installation. The user can choose a suitable position to adhere the buffer structure according to their needs to enhance the user experience. During use, the flexible layer 14 contacts the user's head to ensure wearing comfort. The buffer structure of the present invention can effectively buffer impact forces in all directions. For example, when the helmet shell 2 contacts the ground and rotates, the outer layer 12 rotates with the helmet shell 2, while the inner layer 11 only rotates at a relatively low speed under the buffering action of the connecting column 13, thereby protecting the user's head. At the same time, when subjected to the normal component of the external force, the connecting column can be elastically compressed in the length direction to absorb part of the normal impact force, thereby playing a better protective role.

[0052] The helmet of this embodiment and a helmet of the prior art (the inner wall surface of the helmet shell is provided with a single-layer cushioning pad made of existing foam, and the thickness of the cushioning pad is close to the thickness of the entire cushioning structure of this embodiment) were subjected to the rotation performance test shown in FIG14 under the same test conditions. The results are as follows:

[0053] Example 2:

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 to 9, a second preferred embodiment of the cushioning structure and helmet of the present invention is shown. This embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, except that:

[0055] In this embodiment, the side edges of the inner layer 11 are joined to the outer layer 12, forming a closed space 10 containing gas (air) between the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12. The connecting column 13 is located within the closed space 10. When subjected to an external impact, the gas within the closed space can serve as an auxiliary buffer, increasing the flexibility of the tangential elastic deformation, thereby improving the buffering effect against the tangential impact force.

[0056] In this embodiment, at least one of the outer layers 12 of the buffer structure is provided with two corresponding inner layers 11. The aforementioned enclosed space 10 is formed between each inner layer 11 and the corresponding outer layer 12. A gap 100 is provided between two adjacent enclosed spaces 10. During use, outside air can pass through the gap 100 between the two adjacent enclosed spaces 10, thereby improving breathability.

[0057] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the flexible layer 14 is not provided, and the inner side surface of the inner layer 11 is the contact surface for contacting the user's head.

[0058] The helmet of this embodiment and a helmet of the prior art (the inner wall surface of the helmet shell is provided with a single-layer cushioning pad made of existing foam, and the thickness of the cushioning pad is close to the thickness of the entire cushioning structure of this embodiment) were subjected to the rotation performance test shown in FIG14 under the same test conditions. The results are as follows:

[0059] Example 3:

[0060] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, this is the preferred embodiment 3 of the buffer structure and helmet of the present invention. This embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment, except that in this embodiment, a plurality of heat dissipation holes 101 are spaced apart on the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12 corresponding to the closed space 10 to connect the closed space 10 with the outside world.

[0061] During the compression and subsequent recovery of the enclosed space 10, a small flow of gas is generated, dissipating heat and steam generated during use, creating a cooling effect similar to "breathing." Furthermore, the design of the heat dissipation holes 101 ensures that only a small amount of gas within the enclosed space 10 is expelled during the short period of impact, while the majority of the gas remains within the enclosed space, providing a buffering effect.

Claims

1. A buffer structure comprising: an inner layer (11) and an outer layer (12) arranged at intervals, wherein the outer side surface of the inner layer (11) faces the inner side surface of the outer layer (12); It is characterized by It also includes a plurality of elastic connecting columns (13) arranged at intervals between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12), and the inner end of each connecting column (13) is integrally connected to the outer side surface of the inner layer (11), and the outer end is integrally connected to the inner side surface of the outer layer (12). Each connecting column (13) is arranged as a whole to be able to undergo elastic deformation under the action of an external force so that the outer layer (12) moves relative to the inner layer (11).

2. The buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each connecting column (13) is arranged as a whole to be able to undergo elastic deformation under the action of external force so as to cause the outer layer (12) to rotate relative to the inner layer (11).

3. The buffer structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side of the inner layer (11) is joined to the outer layer (12) so that a closed space (10) containing a fluid is formed between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12), and the connecting column (13) is located in the closed space (10).

4. The buffer structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each outer layer (12) is provided with at least two inner layers (11) corresponding thereto, and the aforementioned space (10) is formed between each inner layer (11) and the corresponding outer layer (12), and a gap (100) is provided between two adjacent spaces (10).

5. The buffer structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fluid is air, and heat dissipation holes (101) are provided on the inner layer (11) and / or the outer layer (12) corresponding to the closed space (10) to connect the closed space (10) with the outside world.

6. The buffer structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are a plurality of heat dissipation holes (101), which are distributed at intervals on the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12).

7. The buffer structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The inner layer (11) is made of elastic material; or / and the outer layer (12) is made of elastic material.

8. The buffer structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inner layer (11), the outer layer (12) and the connecting column (13) are an integral part and are all made of elastic material.

9. The buffer structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The integral part is made of silicone material.

10. The buffer structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The thickness of the inner layer (11) is 1 to 2 mm; the thickness of the outer layer (12) is 1 to 2 mm; the spacing between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) is 3 to 5 mm; the outer diameter of a single connecting column (13) is 1.5 to 5 mm; and the distribution density of the connecting columns (13) between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) is 4 to 12 per square centimeter.

11. A helmet comprising a shell (2), characterized in that It also includes a buffer structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer side surface of the outer layer (12) is attached to the inner wall surface of the outer shell (2).

12. The helmet according to claim 11, characterized in that: The buffer structure is arranged on the inner wall surface of the outer shell (2) in a detachable manner.

13. The helmet according to claim 12, characterized in that: The buffer structure is bonded to the inner wall surface of the outer shell (2).

14. The helmet according to claim 11, characterized in that: There are at least two buffer structures, which are arranged at intervals on the inner wall surface of the outer shell (2).

15. The helmet according to claim 11, characterized in that: The inner side surface of the inner layer (11) is a contact surface for contacting the user's head.

16. The helmet according to claim 15, characterized in that: It also includes a flexible layer (14) made of foam or flannel material, which is arranged on the inner side of the inner layer (11).

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