Human body protection device

Abstract

The purpose of the technology disclosed herein is to provide a human body protection device that can be easily maintained. This human body protection device comprises: a gas generator that supplies gas; a base part that can be attached to a human body; an airbag that is disposed on the base part and expands due to gas supplied from the gas generator; and a supply pipe that supplies gas from the gas generator to the airbag. The supply pipe includes a connection part which is provided between the gas generator and the airbag, and in which a first connection part on a side of the gas generator and a second connection part on a side of the airbag can be repeatedly attached to and detached from each other in a state before operation.

Description

human protection equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a body protection device.

[0002] Conventionally, clothing equipped with an airbag device has been developed. Patent Document 1 discloses an airbag device in which an inflatable airbag is attached to clothing. Patent Document 2 discloses pants equipped with an airbag device.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 07017195 Chinese Utility Model No. 211672531

[0004] A human body protection device that deploys an airbag to protect a human body is equipped with devices such as a gas generator that generates gas to inflate the airbag and a power source. Meanwhile, from a hygienic standpoint, it is preferable to wash clothing. It is not recommended to wash clothing with the above-mentioned devices attached. When washing clothing, removing the devices and the airbag connected to the devices from the clothing requires time and effort for clothing maintenance.

[0005] The technology of the present disclosure aims to provide a human body protection device that is easy to maintain.

[0006] The present disclosure for solving the above problems provides a human body protection device comprising: a gas generator that supplies gas; a base that can be attached to a human body; an airbag that is disposed on the base and inflates with the gas supplied from the gas generator; and a supply pipe that supplies the gas from the gas generator to the airbag, wherein the supply pipe has a connection provided between the gas generator and the airbag, and a first connection on the gas generator side and a second connection on the airbag side, the connection being such that the first connection on the gas generator side and the second connection on the airbag side can be repeatedly attached and detached from each other in a pre-activation state.

[0007] In addition, the connection portions may be connected in a state in which the first connection portion is inserted inside the second connection portion, and the first connection portion may be more likely to deform than the second connection portion when the same load is applied.

[0008] In addition, each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion may have a fibrous base cloth, and the fiber direction of the base cloth of the first connection portion may be different from the fiber direction of the base cloth of the second connection portion so that the first connection portion is more easily deformed than the second connection portion.

[0009] In addition, each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion may have a fibrous base fabric, and the fiber density of the base fabric of the first connection portion may be different from the fiber density of the base fabric of the second connection portion so that the first connection portion is more easily deformed than the second connection portion.

[0010] Furthermore, each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion may have a fibrous base fabric, the base fabric having warp threads extending in the extension direction of the connection portion and weft threads extending in the radial direction of the connection portion, and the fiber density of the warp threads may be higher than the fiber density of the weft threads so that the first connection portion is more easily deformed than the second connection portion.

[0011] The tip of the second connection portion may be provided with a groove portion split in the extending direction of the second connection portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the first connecting portion may expand in diameter when the gas is supplied from the gas generator to the connecting portion, thereby coming into contact with an inner wall of the second connecting portion.

[0013] Each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion may be formed to include a nylon base fabric that is coated with polyurethane.

[0014] In addition, the radial size of the first connecting portion may be larger than the radial size of the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion may be pressed against the inner wall of the second connecting portion by the pressure of the gas flowing inside the supply pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the connection portion may have an area in at least one of the first connection portion or the second connection portion that abuts against each other when the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected, the area having a higher coefficient of friction than other parts of the connection portion.

[0016] The tip of the first connecting portion may be reduced in diameter, and the reduced diameter state of the tip may be maintained for at least a predetermined time after the gas generator starts to flow the gas into the supply pipe.

[0017] The human body protection device may also include a holding portion that maintains the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a connected state, and the holding portion may have a first holding portion attached to the first connection portion and a second holding portion attached to the second connection portion, and the first holding portion and the second holding portion may be connected to each other to maintain the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a connected state.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, maintenance is easy.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a protection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state before the protection device according to an embodiment is activated. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state after the protection device according to an embodiment is activated. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating an equipment section and a supply pipe provided in the protection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a control section provided in the protection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a connection section provided in the protection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first connection section and a second connection section provided in the protection device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating fibers constituting a base fabric of the first connection section. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the fiber direction of the base fabric. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating a holding section provided in the protection device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Hereinafter, a human body protecting device and an operating method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each configuration and their combinations in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0021] 1 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a human body protection device 1 according to an embodiment. The human body protection device 1 is a wearable type protection device worn by a person to be protected, and is a device for protecting the thighs of the wearer who is the protection target. The human body protection device 1 includes a base portion 2 worn so as to fit closely around the waist of the wearer, an airbag 3 as a protective device for protecting the thighs, an equipment portion 4 having equipment, etc., and a supply pipe 5 for supplying gas to the airbag 3. In this specification, the wearer who wears the human body protection device 1 and the person to be protected are treated as synonymous. Furthermore, terms related to directions used in this specification refer to directions that correspond to the front, back, left, right, and top and bottom of the wearer when the human body protection device 1 is worn on the wearer. For example, when a left-right direction is used in this specification, it refers to a direction that corresponds to the left and right of the wearer when the human body protection device 1 is worn on the wearer.

[0022] The base part 2 is a pair of pants made of cloth that is fitted closely around the waist of the wearer, covering the waist and thighs of the wearer and extending downward from the waist. A torso opening 10 is provided at the upper part of the base part 2, which is open enough to fit the wearer's torso when the base part 2 is fitted on the wearer. In addition, two lower leg openings 11 are provided at the lower part of the base part 2, which are open enough to fit one leg of the wearer when the base part 2 is fitted on the wearer. Note that the base part 2 may be clothing other than pants worn by the wearer.

[0023] When worn by a wearer, the human body protection device 1 has two airbags 3 provided on the outside of a base section 2 corresponding to the thighs of both legs of the wearer. The human body protection device 1 also has an equipment section 4 provided on the outside of the base section 2 above the airbags 3, and a supply pipe 5 connecting the equipment section 4 and the airbags 3. The supply pipe 5 extends downward from the equipment section 4 and branches into two along the way to supply gas to the airbags 3 provided on both legs of the wearer.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state before activation of the human body protecting device 1 according to the embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state after activation of the human body protecting device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0025] The airbag 3 is a nylon (polyamide) bag configured to inflate and deploy when gas is supplied thereto upon activation of the human body protection device 1. The airbag 3 is attached to the base 2 by adhesive bonding, welding, sewing, or the like so that the airbag 3 will not shift from the predetermined region that it protects when it deploys. In this embodiment, the predetermined region that the airbag 3 protects is the thighs.

[0026] The airbag 3 is in a deflated state before activation of the human body protection device 1. When the human body protection device 1 is worn by a wearer with the airbag 3 in a deflated state, the airbag 3 is disposed in a position facing the wearer's thighs.

[0027] 3, when gas is supplied to the airbag 3 upon activation of the human body protection device 1. The airbag 3 inflates to surround the thighs when the human body protection device 1 is activated. This reduces the impact on the thighs of the wearer, for example, when the wearer falls.

[0028] In order to prevent excessive pressure on the waist and thighs of the wearer when the airbag 3 is inflated, the airbag 3 may be configured so that the other areas of the airbag 3 are more likely to inflate than the areas that come into contact with the wearer's skin.

[0029] Next, the equipment section 4 and the supply pipe 5 of the human body protection device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the equipment section 4 and the supply pipe 5 on the equipment section 4 side. The equipment section 4 includes a gas generator 4G that generates gas, an activation section 4S, and a fabric body 4B that wraps these. The equipment section 4 is detachably attached to the outside of the base section 2 above the airbag 3. For example, the equipment section 4 may be detachably attached using a male hook-and-loop fastener attached to the outside of the equipment section 4 and a female hook-and-loop fastener attached to the outside of the base section 2, or may be detachably attached using buttons or snaps attached to the equipment section 4 and the base section 2. Note that the equipment section 4 need only be attached in a position that does not interfere with the inflation of the airbag 3, and does not have to be located above the airbag 3. Note that the material of the fabric body 4B can be changed as appropriate.

[0030] The gas generator 4G is a device for supplying gas to the airbag 3 for inflating the airbag 3 when the human body protecting device 1 is activated. The gas generator 4G may be a stored type that releases pressurized gas stored therein, or a hybrid type that combines the stored type with a pyrotechnic type that generates gas by burning a solid gas generating agent. A stored type gas generator 4G releases relatively low-temperature gas upon activation, making it less likely to experience volumetric contraction after introduction into the airbag 3. Furthermore, when the gas is supplied into the airbag 3, the gas undergoes adiabatic expansion and momentarily drops in temperature, but is then warmed by the surrounding heat. Therefore, a stored type gas generator 4G is preferred because it has the advantage of easily maintaining the inflation pressure of the airbag 3 after deployment.

[0031] The gas generator 4G has an enclosure 4GS that encloses pressurized gas and a gas outlet 4GE of the enclosure 4GS, with a supply pipe 5 connected to one end of the gas outlet 4GE. The gas outlet 4GE of the enclosure 4GS is provided with a valve 4GC that closes the gas outlet 4GE. Before the human body protecting device 1 is activated, the enclosure 4GS is sealed by the valve 4GC. When the human body protecting device 1 is activated, the valve 4GC of the gas generator 4G is opened, thereby connecting the interior of the enclosure 4GS to the supply pipe 5. This allows inflation gas (pressurized gas) to be discharged from the enclosure 4GS to the supply pipe 5, and the inflation gas is supplied to the airbag 3 through the supply pipe 5. The human body protecting device 1 may also be provided with an open valve that can release gas to the outside after the human body protecting device 1 is activated.

[0032] Next, the starting unit 4S will be described. The starting unit 4S includes a power supply unit 4SE, a sensor 4SS, and a control unit 4SC, and is a device that starts the gas generator 4G to inflate the airbag 3. The control unit 4SC is a control unit that operates by receiving power from the power supply unit 4SE and starts the gas generator 4G. The power supply unit 4SE may be, for example, a battery.

[0033] The control unit 4SC opens the valve body 4GC of the gas generator 4G when an activation condition for activating the human body protecting device 1 (gas generator 4G) is met. For example, the control unit 4SC may open the valve body 4GC by controlling an actuation mechanism such as an actuator capable of opening the valve body 4GC of the gas generator 4G. The means for opening the valve body 4GC of the gas generator 4G is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the valve body 4GC may be formed of a thin metal plate member, and the control unit 4SC may open the valve body 4GC by activating a cleaving mechanism that cleaves the valve body 4GC.

[0034] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 4SC. The control unit 4SC includes a processor 4SP, a storage unit 4SM, an input / output unit 4SG, etc. The processor 4SP comprehensively executes various arithmetic processing in the control unit 4SC. The processor 4SP may include an arithmetic processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0035] The memory unit 4SM includes, for example, a main memory unit and an auxiliary memory unit. The main memory unit of the memory unit 4SM includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and caches information such as programs and data used in arithmetic processing by the processor 4SP. The main memory unit of the memory unit 4SM may be integrally formed with the processor 4SP. The auxiliary memory unit of the memory unit 4SM includes a storage medium such as a volatile memory such as a RAM, a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a removable medium. The removable medium is an external, computer-readable recording medium such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory or an SD card. The auxiliary memory unit of the memory unit 4SM can store an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, and the like for executing the operation of the human body protecting device 1. The input / output unit 4SG is an interface that receives information (detection results, etc.) from various sensors such as the sensor 4SS, and outputs information (control signals, etc.) to various sensors and other devices. The human body protecting device 1 may further include a power switch, and a status signal of the power switch is also input to the input / output unit 4SG.

[0036] The sensor 4SS is a sensor for detecting the establishment of a predetermined activation condition. The predetermined activation condition is a condition for activating the human body protection device 1, such as when a wearer wearing the human body protection device 1 falls or when an acceleration greater than the acceleration applied during normal wearer movement is detected. The sensor 4SS may be, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), or the like. Multiple types of sensors, such as acceleration sensors and gyro sensors (angular velocity sensors), may be used in combination. The sensor 4SS is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the activation condition, and detection devices other than the above-mentioned sensors may also be used. The human body protection device 1 includes the sensor 4SS, so that the activation unit 4S can activate the human body protection device 1 at an appropriate timing before the wearer falls and strikes the lower back on the ground or floor.

[0037] The human body protecting device 1 may also have a wearing state detection sensor that detects a contact state with the waist of the wearer. A plurality of wearing state detection sensors may be arranged inside the base unit 2. The control unit 4SC determines whether the base unit 2 is being worn by the wearer based on the detection signals of the wearing state detection sensors. For example, the control unit 4SC may determine that the base unit 2 is being worn when a plurality of wearing state detection sensors detect a contact state with the waist of the wearer. The wearing state detection sensor may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor.

[0038] The gas supplied from the gas generator 4G passes through a supply pipe 5 extending from the equipment section 4 to the airbag 3 and is supplied to the airbag 3.

[0039] The supply pipe 5 is a pipe member for introducing the gas (pressurized gas) discharged from the gas discharge port 4GE of the enclosure 4GS into the airbag 3 when the human body protecting device 1 is activated. In this embodiment, since the airbags 3 are provided one for each leg of the wearer, the tip side of the supply pipe 5 is branched into two branches 5L and 5R.

[0040] The material of the supply pipe 5 is preferably nylon (polyamide), the same as the airbag 3, or a material that is elastic and easily deformed by external forces, such as silicone rubber. However, a material that does not deform when gas passes through it, like the airbag 3, is preferable. The purpose of the supply pipe 5's deformation is to prevent impact on the wearer if the wearer is pinched between the ground or floor during a fall. The supply pipe 5 has a connection portion 5C between the gas generator 4G and the airbag 3. The connection portion 5C has a first connection portion 5CA on the gas generator 4G side and a second connection portion 5CB on the airbag 3 side, and these can be repeatedly attached and detached from each other before the human body protection device 1 is activated. The extension direction of the connection portion 5C is the same as the extension direction of the supply pipe 5, the first connection portion 5CA, and the second connection portion 5CB.

[0041] Each of the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB preferably has flexibility that allows it to easily deform when a load is applied. When a wearer wearing the human body protection device 1 falls, the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB may become pinched between the floor and the body. In this case, if the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB are made of metal or the like, there is a risk that the connecting portion 5C will dig into the wearer's body.

[0042] Each of the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB is preferably formed to include a polyurethane-coated nylon base fabric. The polyurethane-coated nylon base fabric is flexible, so that even if the connecting portion 5C is caught between the floor and the wearer's body when the wearer falls, the connecting portion 5C is prevented from digging into the body of the person to be protected.

[0043] For example, elderly people can be cited as a target of protection. If an elderly person falls and breaks a bone in the lower body, their muscle strength weakens during the treatment period, and they often become bedridden. For this reason, it is important to prevent elderly people from breaking bones when they fall. The human body protecting device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent lower body fractures caused by a fall by the target of protection.

[0044] Furthermore, when a wearer wears the human body protection device 1 in daily life, it is preferable to wash the base portion 2 every few days or after use from a hygienic standpoint. On the other hand, there is a risk of malfunctions occurring when the equipment portion 4 gets wet. Therefore, when washing the base portion 2, the equipment portion 4 must be removed. In the case of a protection device in which the supply pipe does not have the connection portion 5C, the airbag or other device connected to the equipment portion must also be removed, which may result in time-consuming maintenance. Furthermore, reattachment after washing is also cumbersome. If the removal and attachment of the equipment portion is time-consuming, there is a risk that the person to be protected, such as the elderly, will stop wearing the human body protection device in their daily lives. Furthermore, if the airbag is removed from the base portion, there is a risk that it will not be attached correctly to the base portion when it is reattached, allowing the airbag to deploy without shifting from the desired area to be protected.

[0045] In the human body protection device 1 according to this embodiment, the first connection portion 5CA and the second connection portion 5CB are repeatedly detachable from each other at the connection portion 5C. Therefore, when washing the human body protection device 1, the first connection portion 5CA and the second connection portion 5CB can be disconnected and the supply pipe 5 and the equipment portion 4 above the first connection portion 5CA can be removed from the base portion 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the entire human body protection device 1 from the base portion 2, which reduces the labor required for removal and reinstallation of the human body protection device 1 to the base portion 2 and facilitates maintenance. Furthermore, in the human body protection device 1, because the airbag 3 is not removed from the base portion 2, it is possible to prevent the airbag 3 from shifting from the area to be protected when the human body protection device 1 is activated.

[0046] The branch portions 5L, 5R at which the supply pipe 5 is branched into two are preferably provided at the second connection portion 5CB and branch closer to the airbag 3 than the connection portion 5C. If the branch portions 5L, 5R are provided at the first connection portion 5CA, two connection portions 5C are required, and in order to attach or detach the equipment portion 4, it is necessary to attach or detach each of the two connection portions 5C, which is time-consuming. By providing the branch portions 5L, 5R at the second connection portion 5CB, the equipment portion 4 can be attached or detached by attaching or detaching one connection portion 5C, which makes the attachment and detachment work easier.

[0047] 6 is an enlarged view of the connecting portion 5C. The connecting portion 5C is connected in a state where the first connecting portion 5CA is inserted into the second connecting portion 5CB. The gas supplied from the gas generator 4G passes through the connecting portion 5C in a state where the connecting portion 5C is connected.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6 , the tip of the first connecting portion 5CA has a reduced diameter portion 6, and it is preferable that the reduced diameter state of the reduced diameter portion 6 be maintained for at least a predetermined time after the gas generator 4G starts to flow gas into the supply pipe 5. The reduced diameter portion 6 generates resistance to the flow of gas from the gas generator 4G to the connecting portion 5C, causing an increase in pressure inside the connecting portion 5C between the gas generator 4G and the reduced diameter portion 6. The increased pressure causes the reduced diameter state of the first connecting portion 5CA to be released, thereby enabling the first connecting portion 5CA to be tightly attached to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB. By tightly attaching the first connecting portion 5CA to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB, the airtight performance of the connecting portion 5C is ensured. The reduced diameter portion 6 may be formed by, for example, sewing or welding the tip of the first connecting portion 5CA to be reduced in diameter.

[0049] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB with the connecting portion 5C removed. Fig. 7A illustrates the first connecting portion 5CA. Fig. 7B illustrates the second connecting portion 5CB. It is preferable that at least one of the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB, which are in close contact with each other when the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB are connected, has a region with a higher coefficient of friction than the other portions of the connecting portion 5C. For example, a member with a higher coefficient of friction than the other portions may be attached to the outer wall of the first connecting portion 5CA, or a member with a higher coefficient of friction than the other portions may be attached to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB.

[0050] If an area with a higher coefficient of friction than other areas is provided in the area where the first connection part 5CA and the second connection part 5CB are in close contact when the connection part 5C is connected, the first connection part 5CA and the second connection part 5CB are prevented from shifting from each other and becoming disconnected while gas is passing through the connection part 5C.

[0051] In this embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners MT are attached to the outer wall of the first connection portion 5CA and the inner wall of the second connection portion 5CB. By connecting the hook-and-loop fasteners MT attached to the outer wall of the first connection portion 5CA and the inner wall of the second connection portion 5CB to each other, the first connection portion 5CA and the second connection portion 5CB are prevented from shifting from each other and from being released from their connected state while gas is passing through the connection portion 5C, and an amount of gas sufficient for the airbag 3 to inflate and deploy can be supplied into the airbag 3.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7B , one end of the second connection portion 5CB is provided with a groove portion 7 split in the extension direction of the second connection portion 5CB. The provision of the groove portion 7 makes it easier to insert the first connection portion 5CA into the second connection portion 5CB, and the first connection portion 5CA and the second connection portion 5CB can be easily connected at the connection portion 5C. The first connection portion 5CA is inserted deeper than the groove portion 7. The groove portion 7 may also be provided with a diameter expansion limiting means to prevent further diameter expansion. For example, a string or cover may be attached to connect the ends of the two split grooves. To make it easier to insert the first connection portion 5CA, the end of the second connection portion 5CB may be expanded in diameter instead of the groove portion 7. In this case, the first connection portion 5CA is also inserted deeper than the expanded diameter portion.

[0053] The first connecting portion 5CA preferably has a property of being more easily deformed than the second connecting portion 5CB when the same load is applied. When gas is supplied to the connecting portion 5C, the pressure inside the connecting portion 5C increases due to the gas passing through the connecting portion 5C, causing the connecting portion 5C to expand. At this time, if the first connecting portion 5CA is more easily deformed than the second connecting portion 5CB, the first connecting portion 5CA is connected while inserted inside the second connecting portion 5CB, so that the outer periphery of the first connecting portion 5CA adheres closely to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB. This allows the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB to adhere closely, maintaining airtightness within the connecting portion 5C. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-134795, it is possible to make the rigidity of the first connecting portion 11 lower than the rigidity of the second connecting portion 21, so that the first connecting portion 11 deforms due to gas pressure when gas passes through and abuts against the second connecting portion 21. Therefore, when the human body protection device 1 is not activated, even if the first connection part 5CA and the second connection part 5CB are not in close contact, the human body protection device 1 will activate and the internal pressure load on the connection part 5C will maintain airtightness within the connection part 5C.

[0054] The first connecting portion 5CA may be made of a material that is more elastic than the second connecting portion 5CB, so that the first connecting portion 5CA is more likely to deform than the second connecting portion 5CB when the same load is applied.

[0055] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB may be made of the same material, or the thickness of the base fabric of the second connecting portion 5CB may be increased so that the amount of stretch of the second connecting portion 5CB is smaller than the amount of stretch of the first connecting portion 5CA. By making the amount of stretch of the second connecting portion 5CB smaller than the amount of stretch of the first connecting portion 5CA, the first connecting portion 5CA can be in close contact with the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB, thereby maintaining airtightness.

[0056] Alternatively, the circumferential (radial) size of the first connecting portion 5CA may be made larger than the circumferential (radial) size of the second connecting portion 5CB, so that the first connecting portion 5CA is tightly attached to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB while gas is passing through the connecting portion 5C. When the circumferential size of the first connecting portion 5CA is larger than the circumferential size of the second connecting portion 5CB, the pressure of the gas flowing inside the supply pipe 5 presses the first connecting portion 5CA against the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB, causing them to tightly fit together. This makes it possible to ensure airtightness of the connecting portion 5C.

[0057] Each of the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB may have a fibrous base fabric.

[0058] 8 is a diagram showing the fibers constituting the base fabric of the first connection portion 5CA. The base fabric has warp threads 9X extending in the extension direction of the connection portion 5C and weft threads 9Y extending in the circumferential direction of the connection portion 5C. The fiber density of the warp threads 9X constituting the base fabric of the first connection portion 5CA may be higher than the fiber density of the weft threads 9Y. The weft threads 9Y extending in the circumferential direction of the connection portion 5C have a force that resists the force that expands the connection portion 5C in the circumferential direction. Therefore, by reducing the number of weft threads 9Y compared to the warp threads 9X and suppressing the force that resists the force that expands the connection portion 5C in the circumferential direction, the first connection portion 5CA becomes more easily deformed in the circumferential direction, allowing the pressure of the gas flowing inside the supply pipe 5 to cause the first connection portion 5CA to adhere to the inner wall of the second connection portion 5CB.

[0059] The fiber direction of the base fabric of the first connecting portion 5CA may be different from the fiber direction of the base fabric of the second connecting portion 5CB. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the fiber direction of the base fabric. For example, it is preferable to have the fibers of the base fabric of the first connecting portion 5CA extend in a lattice pattern in the extension direction of the connecting portion 5C, and the fibers of the base fabric of the second connecting portion 5CB extend in the extension direction of the connecting portion 5C and the circumferential direction. The fibers extending in the circumferential direction of the second connecting portion 5CB have a force that resists the force that causes the second connecting portion 5CB to expand in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the first connecting portion 5CA is inserted deeper than the groove portion 7 of the second connecting portion 5CB, the first connecting portion 5CA is more likely to expand in diameter than the second connecting portion 5CB, which has fibers extending in the circumferential direction, and can be tightly attached to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB by the pressure of the gas flowing inside the supply pipe 5.

[0060] The fiber density of the base fabric of the first connecting portion 5CA may be different from the fiber density of the base fabric of the second connecting portion 5CB. For example, the fiber density of the base fabric of the first connecting portion 5CA may be lower than the fiber density of the second connecting portion 5CB. In this case, the higher the fiber density, the higher the mechanical strength. Therefore, the first connecting portion 5CA is more easily deformed than the second connecting portion 5CB, and can be tightly attached to the inner wall of the second connecting portion 5CB by the pressure of the gas flowing inside the supply pipe 5.

[0061] The human body protecting device 1 may include a retaining portion 8 (see FIG. 4 ) that maintains the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB in a connected state. Before activation, the first connecting portion 5CA is simply inserted inside the second connecting portion 5CB. Therefore, without the retaining portion 8, the connection between the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB is likely to be broken. The retaining portion 8 is made of fabric and includes a first retaining portion 8A attached to the outer periphery of the first connecting portion 5CA by adhesive bonding, welding, sewing, or the like, and a second retaining portion 8B attached to the outer periphery of the second connecting portion 5CB by adhesive bonding, welding, sewing, or the like. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the retaining portion 8. The retaining portion 8 includes a connecting portion 8C at the tip of the first retaining portion 8A on the second retaining portion 8B side and at the tip of the second retaining portion 8B on the first retaining portion 8A side. The first holding portion 8A and the second holding portion 8B can be connected to each other by a connecting portion 8C, and by being connected to each other, the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB can be maintained in a connected state. The material of the holding portion 8 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the holding portion 8 only needs to be attached so as to cover the vicinity of the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB, and may also be attached to the entire outside of the supply pipe 5.

[0062] The connecting portion 8C may be any suitable fastener, such as a zipper, button, hook, or hook-and-loop fastener, as long as the first holding portion 8A and the second holding portion 8B are detachable from each other. In this embodiment, the first holding portion 8A and the second holding portion 8B are connected by a zipper. That is, when removing the equipment portion 4 from the human body protecting device 1, the first connecting portion 5CA and the second connecting portion 5CB can be easily disconnected by disconnecting the connecting portion 8C. Conversely, when attaching the equipment portion 4 after washing the base portion 2, the first connecting portion 5CA is inserted into the second connecting portion 5CB, and the connecting portion 8C is connected.

[0063] In this embodiment, the human body protection device 1 is attached to the waist of the wearer to protect the thighs. However, the human body protection device 1 may be attached to the wearer so that the airbag 3 is deployed in the area to be protected without shifting. For example, the human body protection device may have a corset, a belt, or the like as a base.

[0064] Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described above, each aspect disclosed in this specification can be combined with any other feature disclosed in this specification.

[0065] 1..Human body protection device 2..Base part 3..Airbag 4..Equipment part 4B..Cloth body 4G..Gas generator 4GE..Gas exhaust port 4GC..Valve body 4S..Starting part 4SC..Control part 4SE..Power supply part 4SS..Sensor 5..Supply pipe 5C..Connection part 5CA..First connection part 5CB..Second connection part 5L, 5R..Branch part 6..Narrowed part 7..Bevel part 8..Retaining part 8A..First retaining part 8B..Second retaining part 8C..Connection part 9X..Warp thread 9Y..Weft thread 10..Body opening 11..Lower leg opening MT..Hook-and-loop fastener

Claims

1. A human body protection device comprising: a gas generator that supplies gas; a base that can be attached to a human body; an airbag that is disposed on the base and inflates with the gas supplied from the gas generator; and a supply pipe that supplies the gas from the gas generator to the airbag, wherein the supply pipe has a connecting part provided between the gas generator and the airbag, and a first connecting part on the gas generator side and a second connecting part on the airbag side, the connecting part being capable of being repeatedly attached and detached to each other in a pre-activation state.

2. The human body protecting device according to claim 1, wherein the connection parts are connected in a state in which the first connection part is inserted inside the second connection part, and the first connection part is more likely to deform than the second connection part when the same load is applied.

3. A human body protecting device as described in claim 2, wherein each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a fibrous base fabric, and the fiber direction of the base fabric of the first connecting portion is different from the fiber direction of the base fabric of the second connecting portion so that the first connecting portion is more easily deformed than the second connecting portion.

4. A human body protecting device as described in claim 2, wherein each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a fibrous base fabric, and the fiber density of the base fabric of the first connecting portion is different from the fiber density of the base fabric of the second connecting portion so that the first connecting portion is more easily deformed than the second connecting portion.

5. A human body protecting device as described in claim 2, wherein each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a fibrous base fabric, the base fabric having warp threads extending in the extension direction of the connecting portion and weft threads extending in the radial direction of the connecting portion, and the fiber density of the warp threads of the first connecting portion is higher than the fiber density of the weft threads so that the first connecting portion is more easily deformed than the second connecting portion.

6. The human body protecting device according to claim 2, wherein the tip of the second connecting portion is provided with a groove portion split in the extending direction of the second connecting portion.

7. The human body protecting device according to claim 2, wherein the first connecting portion expands in diameter when the gas is supplied from the gas generator to the connecting portion, thereby contacting the inner wall of the second connecting portion.

8. The personal protection device according to claim 7, wherein each of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is formed to include a nylon base fabric that is coated with polyurethane.

9. A human body protection device as described in claim 7, wherein the radial size of the first connecting portion is larger than the radial size of the second connecting portion, and the first connecting portion is pressed against the inner wall of the second connecting portion by the pressure of the gas flowing inside the supply pipe.

10. A human body protection device as described in claim 7, wherein the connection portion has an area in at least one of the first connection portion or the second connection portion that abuts against each other when the first connection portion and the second connection portion are connected, the area having a higher coefficient of friction than other parts of the connection portion.

11. A human body protecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tip of the first connecting part has a reduced diameter, and the reduced diameter state of the tip is maintained for at least a predetermined time after the gas generator starts to flow the gas into the supply pipe.

12. A human body protection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a holding portion that holds the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a connected state, the holding portion having a first holding portion attached to the first connection portion and a second holding portion attached to the second connection portion, and the first holding portion and the second holding portion being connected to each other to hold the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a connected state.

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