Protection element and protection garment

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to wearable protection technology. In particular, the present disclosure relates to protecting traffic participants by providing dedicated protection equipment to be worn by the traffic participants during traffic participation. The present disclosure is concerned with wearable protection technology, for example for use when operating a vehicle. Accordingly, there is provided a protection element (12), comprising a housing (16) with a compartment (28), wherein the compartment (28) accommodates an inflation element (20), providing a fluid source for inflating an airbag element (34), an electronic control unit (22) for controlling activation of the inflation element (20), a battery (24) for powering the electronic control unit (22) and optionally the inflation element (20), and a human machine interface (26) for activating and deactivating the electronic control unit (22) and / or for controlling operation of the electronic control unit (22), wherein the human machine interface (26) is operable from the outside of the compartment (28).

Description

Protection Element and Protection GarmentTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wearable protection technology.

[0002] In particular, the present disclosure relates to protecting traffic participants by providing dedicated protection equipment to be worn by the traffic participants during traffic participation.

[0003] Further in particular, the present disclosure relates to a protection element and protection garment to be worn by an occupant of a vehicle during operation of the vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0004] The present disclosure is concerned with wearable protection technology, for example for use when operating a vehicle. Wearable protection elements are particularly beneficial when operating a vehicle, enhancing both the safety of the operator and, in some cases, also passengers. These benefits extend across various types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and industrial vehicles like forklifts.

[0005] One particular benefit is the reduction in the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. Wearable protection garments like jackets and pants may be designed to absorb and distribute the force of an impact, protecting the wearer's body from severe abrasions, cuts, and blunt force injuries commonly experienced in vehicle accidents. Additionally, comfortable and ergonomically designed wearable protection elements may reduce fatigue by shielding the operator from windblast, vibrations, and other physical stressors encountered while driving, leading to better concentration and control of the vehicle and may further provide a sense of security, encouraging more confident vehicle operation. By mitigating the risks associated with vehicle operation, wearable protection elements contribute significantly to the overall safety of the driving environment, making them an essential consideration for anyone operating a vehicle.

[0006] Thus, there may be a need for improved protection garments.

[0007] Further, there may be a need for protection elements having a simple structure and provide easy setup, operation and maintenance.SUMMARY

[0008] At least one such need may be met by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are provided in the dependent claims and are explained in detail in the following description.

[0009] The present invention relates to wearable protection technology, like protection elements and protection garments.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a protection element, comprising a housing with a compartment, wherein the compartment accommodates an inflation element providing a fluid source for inflating an airbag element, an electronic control unit for controlling activation of the inflation element, a battery for powering the electronic control unit and optionally the inflation element, and a human machine interface for activating and deactivating the electronic control unit and / or for controlling operation of the electronic control unit, wherein the human machine interface is operable from the outside of the compartment.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a protection garment including a protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0012] At its most general, the present disclosure may be seen as providing a protection element that provides both passive protection functionality to a wearer as well as accommodates further elements for enabling an active protection functionality, possibly in interplay with further elements external to the protection element.

[0013] The passive protection functionality may e.g., be protecting the spinal region of the wearer, for example embodied as a passive back protector. Such a passive back protector for traffic participants, e.g., for motorcyclists, may be seen as a piece of safety gear designed to protect the spine and back from injury during a crash or impact. Passive back protectors rely solely on their materials and structure to absorb and dissipate impact forces.

[0014] Conventionally, such a protection element may be made from materials such as viscoelastic foams, high-density polymers, or memory foams that absorb and distribute energy upon impact. When force is applied, these materials may compress, spreading the force across a wider area and reducing the amount of energy that reaches the wearer’s body, and in particular their back region. To distribute impact energy effectively and evenly, such protection elements may have layers or sections that help spread the impact force over a larger area, thereby minimising the direct force on any single point, and reducing the likelihood of fractures or spinal injuries.

[0015] To provide flexibility and comfort for the wearer, many such protection elements are designed to be flexible enough to follow the natural movement of the rider's body, allowing for comfort and freedom of movement while riding. They often have a contoured or articulated design, providing stability without feeling rigid or restrictive. Preferably, passive protection elements may include perforations or airflow channels to help with ventilation, thereby ensuring that body heat and moisture may escape, thereby keeping the rider comfortable during longer rides or in warmer weather.

[0016] In short, by reducing impact energy to be transferred to the back and spine, passive back protectors help prevent serious injuries and give motorcyclists an essential layer of safety during accidents or falls. A protection element according to the disclosure may thus be anatomically adapted to the back or spinal region of a (plurality of) wearer(s), to provide a comfortable, secure and reliable protection functionality.

[0017] Additionally to the passive protection function, the protection element may comprise a compartment to house or accommodate elements required for implementing an active protection functionality. Such an active protection functionality may be the inflation of inflatable elements, e.g. airbag elements, in the vicinity, around or adjacent to the body of the wearer, to provide, in the inflated condition, a further impact reduction and / or energy distribution in the event of an accident, while, in the uninflated condition, maintaining a slim, unobtrusive silhouette.

[0018] To provide an improved protection function, a protection element according to the present disclosure may be seen as a self-contained device that includes all elements required to provide the protection function with the exception of airbag elements. The protection element according to the present disclosure is arranged to be connected to airbag elements that are incorporated or otherwise attached to separate, dedicated protection garment. Preferably, the protection element is accommodated within the protection garment at a position relative to the body of the wearer to provide its passive protection function, e.g., back protection for the spinal region of the wearer, and connected to airbag elements of the protection garment. Said airbag elements may be fixedly connected to the protection garment or may themselves be accommodated releasably, e.g., in a pocket or other compartment of the protection garment.

[0019] A dedicated connection between the protection element, in particular its inflation element, and the airbag element(s) of the protection garment may be established when fitting the protection element in the protection garment, so to allow a fluid flow from the inflation element to the interior of the airbag elements upon activation of the inflation element. With activation of the inflation element, e.g., in the event of an accident, the inflation elementprovides a fluid source where fluid is generated, e.g., a gas, that is conducted to the interior of the protective garment and in particular its airbag elements, thereby inflating the airbag elements, and providing the active protection function.

[0020] In order to provide such a self-contained protection element, the protection element comprises a compartment that accommodates the inflation element providing a fluid source, an electronic control unit, a battery for powering the electronic control unit and optionally, the inflation element and a human machine interface for interaction of a user of the protection element with the electronic control unit, e.g., switching it on and off and / or setting specific modes of operation.

[0021] The compartment is covered by a removable cover element that can be removed and repositioned / reattached by the user of the protection element. When the cover element is removed, the elements accommodated within the compartment are exposed, and thereby accessible by the user. For example, an inflation element that has been activated may need replacing before the protection element may again provide its active protection function. A user may thereby remove the cover element, disengage the used inflation element from the compartment and from the airbag element, in case the protection element is still fitted with a protection garment. After disengaging the used inflation element, it may be removed from the compartment and a new, unused inflation element may be installed. The new, unused inflation element may be engaged with one or both of the protection element and an airbag element, and subsequently, the removable cover may be reattached to the protection element, thereby again covering the compartment.

[0022] Even in case the removable cover element is removed from the protection element, one or both of the electronic control unit and the battery may still be protected, e.g., by being housed in a separate, dedicated housing. Thereby, the information element may be easily removable and replaceable while assuring the continued function and integrity of the functional components required for activation of the inflation element. Elements of the human machine interface, e.g., comprising at least one of a visual indication element, e.g., an LED, a switch and a charging port, e.g., USB-C, may be integrated into the housing of the electronic control unit, e.g., protruding therefrom, while maintaining the housing of the electronic control unit as a sealed compartment, protecting the electronic control unit even in case that the removable cover has been removed. Said elements of the human machine interface may be arranged to directly interact with the electronic control unit, for example, a printed circuit board or dedicated circuitry of the electronic control unit. In other words, the elements of the human machine interface may not include a separate PCB and may not, at least not entirely, be connected to the electric current control unit via a cable connection. Rather, the elements ofthe human machine interface may directly interact with or be connected to an ECU PCB. For example, the visual indication element may be soldered directly to the PCB, a switch may either be directly soldered to the PCB or may operate a switch on the PCB by using an extension like, for example, a movable metal or plastic element which transmits its movement to a switch on the PCB. Thereby, a switch on the PCB may be directly operated by the movable element. Likewise, a socket for receiving a charging connector may be directly connected, e.g., soldered, to the PCB. Thereby, dedicated connection elements like cables or an intermediary printed circuit board for the elements of the human machine interface may be avoided, thereby increasing reliability and reducing proneness to failure when operating the human machine interface.

[0023] The Inflation element may consist of a gas generator which contains a large amount of a highly pressurized gas mixture. When activated, the gas generator suddenly releases a very high-volume flow of gas, thereby acting as a fluid source, and the gas may then be fed into inflatable elements like e.g., an airbag element, to inflate it.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection element may comprise a removable cover element for enabling access to the interior of the compartment, wherein the inflation element is removable from the compartment after removing the cover element.

[0025] Providing access to the interior of the compartment allows easy maintenance and replacement of elements, arranged within the compartment. For example, a used inflation element may be accessed and replaced easily and intuitively by providing access to the compartment when the cover is removed.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the electronic control unit and the battery each may be accommodated within a dedicated electronic control unit or battery housing within the compartment, and the electronic control unit or battery housing may be arranged as a housing having a dedicated ingress protection rating.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic control unit or battery housing may retain its respective dedicated ingress protection rating even when the removable cover element is removed and access to the interior of the compartment is enabled.

[0028] Providing a separate housing within the compartment for one or both of the electronic control unit and the battery may protect the electronic control unit and the battery.Even in case the cover element has been removed from the protection element. By providing a dedicated ingress protection rating, e.g., IP5X or IP6X, like IP51 , IP52, IP53 or IP54 or IP61 , IP62, IP63 or IP64, the interior of the respective electronic control unit housing or battery housing may be protected to withstand dust and water ingress even when the removable cover element is removed and access to the interior of the compartment is enabled, thereby improving the reliability and longevity.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the human machine interface may be integrated into the electronic control unit housing, and the human machine interface may be operable from the outside of the compartment through a first opening in the cover element.

[0030] The human machine interface may thus be seen as reaching through the cover element, e.g., a first opening in the cover element, to be accessible from the outside of the compartment. An opening in the cover element allows integrating the human machine interface into the electronic control unit housing and operating the electronic control unit without cable extensions or the like. Also, providing the first opening in the cover element and not providing the human machine interface separately, e.g., away from the cover element, allows improved access to the compartment as the removed cover element may also provide an enlarged or full access to the respective battery or electronic control unit housing as it allows completely exposing said housings when the cover element is removed..

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic control unit may be arranged to generate an activation signal upon detection of an accident, and the activation signal may initiate activation of the inflation element, in particular a release of fluid from the inflation element.

[0032] Upon detection of an accident, e.g., an abrupt i.e., significantly higher than normal detected acceleration or deceleration, the inflation element may be activated, i.e., fluid may be generated or released. Such an accident may, for example be detected by a sensor element arranged with the protection element, e.g., integrated in the compartment or arranged with the electronic control unit. For example, such a sensor element may be arranged on the PCB of the electronic control unit, like an accelerometer.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflation element may be arranged to be connectable to an airbag element of a protection garment, and / or the compartment may comprise a second opening providing access to the inflation element for connecting an airbag element to the inflation element.

[0034] The second opening may allow the feeding through of a tube or similar structure to connect an airbag element external from the protection element, e.g., accommodated within a protection garment to the inflation element. Accordingly, the second opening may be arranged at the opposite side of the first opening, or may generally be arranged at a different side than the first opening, or at least not in the region of the removable cover element. Thereby, the cover element may be removed without requiring manipulation of the connection of the inflation element with an airbag element external from the protection element.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection element may be arranged to be functionally fitted to a protection garment by only engaging the inflation element with an airbag element arranged within the protection garment, to enable a fluid flow from the inflation element to an airbag element, and the protection element may be arranged to be completely removable from the protection garment after only disengaging the inflation element from the airbag element.

[0036] In other words, in order to provide the active protection function, e.g., via airbag element(s) of a protection garment, the protection element may be attached to a protection garment, e.g., by being accommodated in a pocket or the like of the protection garment. Since the protection element according to the present disclosure may generally be seen as a self- contained element, the only connection to the protection garment and in particular the airbag element(s) of the protection garment that is required to enable the active protection function may be the connection to allow the fluid source of the protection element, i.e., the inflation element, to provide fluid to the protection garment, i.e., its airbag element. In particular, no other connection, e.g., an electrical connection or a control connection between the protection garment and the protection element may be required. Since the protection element is arranged to detect an accident, the electronic control unit may initiate the release of the fluid source for inflation of an (external) airbag, regardless of whether such an external airbag is connected to the inflation element. In the case that an external airbag element is connected to the inflation element, e.g., an airbag element of a protection garment, said airbag element is subsequently inflated. No electronic control signal or power from the protection garment to the protection element is required, be that for control of the electronic control unit or for providing energy for activation of the inflation element.

[0037] Alternatively, the inflation element, or rather the protection element including the inflation element, and airbag element are removable from the protection garment in unity, without requiring disconnecting the airbag element from the inflation element. This may allow a convenient and simplified washing of the protection garment without the airbag element.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the inflation element may be held in a defined position within the compartment by at least one fastening element arranged on an interior surface of the compartment and optionally on the surface of the cover element oriented towards the interior of the compartment when closed.

[0039] For example, the inflation element may comprise a dedicated shape like a cylindrical structure and the at least one fastening element is arranged to engage with the shape of the inflation element to hold the inflation element in a defined position. For example, the fastening element may be a snap fastener that engages with the outer circumference of the cylindrical structure of the inflation element, thereby securely holding the inflation element in place, while allowing easy removal and installation of the inflation element by a user. Optionally, the cover element may comprise at least one similar or different fastening element at the interior side of the cover element when being in the position to close the compartment. For example, the cover element may comprise a fastening element acting on the inflation element in a direction that maintains the position of the inflation element engaged with, e.g., within the at least one fastening element arranged on the interior surface of the compartment, thereby holding the inflation element in place reliably and securely in particular, but not only, when the cover element is attached to the compartment.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection element may be adapted to be arrangeable in the spinal region of the back of a wearer to provide a protective function for the back of the wearer.

[0041] The protection element may thus be a back protector, protecting the spinal region of the wearer. Depending on a specific traffic participant scenario, e.g., riding a motorcycle, the back of a traffic participant may be particularly vulnerable. A back protector provides a significant improvement in personal safety, considering its passive protection function. At the same time, arranging a protection element at the back of the wearer allows provision of the protection element while minimally interfering with the mobility and manoeuvrability of the wearer. Said reduced interference may further be enhanced by providing a protection element that is, at least partly, flexible or semirigid, so to allow a limited change in shape when the wearer is moving. Said limited change in shape, may not negatively, at least not significantly, impact the passive protection function of the protection element.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection element may further comprise a communication element for enabling communication of the electronic control unit with an external device.

[0043] The communication element may provide a communication connection with an external device using a near field or short-range communication capability for example Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, NFC or RFID technology. Alternatively or additionally, the communication element may provide a communication connection like a cellular communication connection, for example, 3G, LTE or 5G or a wireless communication connection like WLAN or Wi-Fi. The external device may be a mobile device or mobile communication device associated with the wearer of the protection element, for example, a smart phone or a smart watch.

[0044] The mobile device may comprise application capability, for example, allowing the execution of a mobile application, which mobile application in turn may communicate with the protection element, in particular its electronic control unit, thereby operating the electronic control unit like switching on or off the activation capability of the inflation element and / or setting a dedicated mode of operation. Such a mode of operation may for example be a conventional street most for riding the motorcycle on the street, and off-road setting for riding the motorcycle off piste and a race setting for riding the motorcycle in a rally environment. Other modes of operation are of course conceivable.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the application may receive information from the protection element, in particular, the electronic control units, like sensor data, status data, diagnostic data and / or operational data. The application may than process the received information and present said information appropriately to the user.

[0046] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection garment may be a vest type or jacket type protection garment to be worn on the upper body of the wearer.

[0047] Providing the protection garment as a vest type project type protection garment may facilitate the incorporation or fitting of the protection element into the protection garment in the region of the spine so to conveniently position the protection element as a back protector to enable its passive protection function.

[0048] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection garment may comprise an airbag element, and the inflation element may be fluidly connected to the airbag element to enable inflation of the airbag element upon activation of the inflation element.

[0049] Thereby, the protection element may be fitted to the protection garment, connected to the airbag element and may provide, together with the protection garment, in particular, the airbag element within the protection garment an active protection function.

[0050] According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the protection garment may comprise a pocket for removably accommodating the protection element.

[0051] Such a pocket provides a simple and reliable possibility to fit the protection element to the protection garment while assuring that the protection element is held in its intended position. For example, a pocket in the back region of the protection garment may allow the positioning of the protection element in the spinal region of a wearer of the protection garment so to facilitate implementation of the passive protection function. The protection garment, in particular, the pocket may comprise fastening elements, for example, a zipper, Velcro fastener or the like, to open and close at least part of the pocket, to facilitate fitting and removal of the protection element.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Fig. 1 a,b show an embodiment of a protection garment, including a protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig. 2a, b show details of the protection garment and the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig. 3a, b show an embodiment of the protection garment with its airbag element in the inflated condition, according to the present disclosure.

[0056] Fig. 4a, b show an overview of an embodiment of the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0058] Fig. 6a, b show another overview of an embodiment of the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0059] Fig. 7a, b show an exemplary embodiment of the human machine interface according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Now referring to Fig. 1 a,b, which show an embodiment of a protection garment, including a protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Figures 1 a,b show an application scenario where a rider of a motorcycle is wearing a protection garment 10. Protection garment 10 is embodied as a vest substantially surrounding the upper torso between the hip region and the neck. The protection garment 10 may comprise fastening means, in the front for donning and doffing, which is not further depicted. In the back region, or the spinal region, the protection garment 10 comprises a protection element 12 as shown in figure 1 b. By arranging the protection element 12 in the spinal region, the protection element 12 provides a passive protection function realising a back protector.

[0062] The protection element 12 is fitted or installed in the protection garment 10 using a dedicated pocket 42 incorporated in the protection garment 10 that positions the protection element 12 in the spinal region of the wearer. The pocket may comprise a fastening element 40, e.g., a zipper, to open and close at least part of the pocket to allow fitting in, and removing of the protection element 12 from the pocket 42. As can be seen in figure 1 a, the protection element 12 may be at least partly accessible when fitted into the pocket 42, for example a region of the protection element 12 where the human machine interface 26 is arranged, allowing an operation of the human machine interface while the protection element 12 is installed in the protection garment 10.

[0063] Now referring to Fig. 2a, b, which show details of the protection garment and the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 2a shows a general overview of the protection element 12, while figure 2b shows an enlarged view of the protection garment 10 with an installed protection element 12.

[0065] Protection element 12 comprises a housing 16 which exemplarily comprises slotted openings or slots 44. Said slots may provide a through opening from one side of the protection element 12 to the other side of the protection element 12, for example to facilitate heat and moisture exchange from the back side of the wearer 14 to the surroundings, thereby increasing wearer comfort and allowing to where the protection garment for a prolonged time. The same time, slots 44 may enable a flexible or semi rigid behaviour of the protection element 12, so that the protection element 12 better accommodates an anatomical shape of the backregion of the wearer 14. In a central area of the protection element 12, a compartment 28 is provided, covered in figure 2a, with a cover element 18.

[0066] Cover element 18 comprises a first opening 46 through which the human machine interface 26 protrudes so that it may be operated from the outside while the cover element 18 is closing the compartment 28. The cover element 18 comprises exemplarily a number of screw holes 50, through which screws may be guided and engaged with the interior of the compartment 28, or rather the housing 16 of the protection element 12 so to hold the cover element 18 in a closed position. Other fastening means for holding the cover element 18 in a closed position are conceivable.

[0067] Figure 2b again shows the protection garment 10 a being worn by a wearer, and comprising pocket 42 accommodating a protection element 12. As can be seen in more detail, the top part of pocket 42, comprises fastening element 40 for holding the protection element 12 in a defined position relative to the back of the wearer 14 while allowing access to the human machine interface 26.

[0068] Now referring to Fig. 3a, b, which show an embodiment of the protection garment with its airbag element in the inflated condition, according to the present disclosure.

[0069] As may be taken from figures 3a, b, an exemplary protection garment 10 may comprise airbag element 34, which may be embodied as a single airbag element, or as multiple independent but connected elements. The airbag element 34 is fluidly connected with the inflation element 20 of the protection element 12, not shown in figures 3a, b. The active protection function of the protection element 12 together with the protection garment is provided by inflation of the airbag element 34 to provide a cushioning effect, reducing or distributing energy occurring during an accident acting on the wearer 14 of protection garment 10.

[0070] In order to provide said active protection function, the airbag element 34 is inflated while residing in the interior of protection garment 10. Exemplarily, in figures 3a, b, the airbag element 34 covers the shoulder area and the chest area, including the sides, of the wearer 14. Such an airbag element, the severity of a front impact occurring on a motorcycle by for example crashing into an obstacle may be significantly reduced. Figure 3b shows the general shape of the airbag element 34 defined by the depicted seam structure 52.

[0071] Now referring to Fig. 4a, b, which show an overview of an embodiment of the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0072] Figures 4a, b show the protection element 12 from different views. Figure 4a shows a top plan view of the protection element 12, while figure 4b shows a perspective view. Protection element 12 has a generally rectangular housing 16 in which a compartment 28 is accommodated to provide a volume to in turn accommodate elements of the protection element 12. In the exemplary embodiment of figures 4a, b, said elements are an inflation element 20, an electronic control unit 22, including a human machine interface 26 and a battery 24. Visible in figures 4a, b, however, are only the housings of the battery and the electronic control unit, namely the battery housing 32 and the electronic control unit housing 30 including said human machine interface 26.

[0073] In an exemplary arrangement of the inflation element 20, the electronic control unit 22 and the battery 24 is that the inflation element 20 is aligned centrally with the electronic control unit / its housing and the battery / its housing, are arranged to either side of the inflation element 20. Such an arrangement maximizes utilization of available space in the compartment 28, in particular in case the compartment 28 has a generally oval shape as depicted in figures 4a, b.

[0074] The compartment 28 may be closed by a cover element 18, not depicted in figures 4a, b. Compartment 28 comprises a second opening 48 in the region of a connector 60 of the inflation element 20. The connector 60 exemplarily comprises a threaded structure to connect the protection garment 10, in particular an airbag element 34 arranged with the protection garment 10. In other words, the connector 60 is in the region of a fluid outlet of the inflation element 20, so that fluid generated and / or released from the inflation element 20 discharges in the area of the connector 60 to the airbag element 34 which is fluidly connected to the inflation element 20.

[0075] The inflation element 20 is held in place in the interior of the compartments 28 by fastening elements 36, exemplarily embodied as snap fastening for receiving and engaging with the outer shape of the inflation element 20. Said fastening elements 36 both hold and position the inflation element 20 in the compartment 28 while allowing the exchange of the inflation element 20, by allowing easily disengagement of the inflation element 20 from the fastening elements 36.

[0076] A further centring element 62 may be provided, that engages with the inflation element 20 in a defined position to prevent any unintended movement of the inflation element 20 along its longitudinal axis within the fastening elements 36, while at the same time defining the position, the inflation element 20 should be installed in within the compartment 28.

[0077] Human machine interface 26 is integrated in the housing 30 of the electronic control unit, exemplarily protruding there from in a slanted manner, which may correspond to the outer shape of the protection element 12 and in particular the cover element 18, so that the exterior of the cover element 18 together with the human machine interface 26 is essentially flush. The human machine interface exemplarily comprises a visual indication element 54, a switch, 56, and a charging port 58, for example, a USB-C port.

[0078] Now referring to Fig. 5, which shows an exploded view of the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0079] Again, protection element 12 comprises compartment 28 for accommodating elements for providing the active protection function in conjunction with an airbag element in a protection garment, not depicted in figure 5. The compartment 28 is arranged to accommodate a receiving element 64, which in turn comprises the battery 24, the electronic control unit 22, the inflation element 20, and the human machine interface 26, while also providing for example, the fastening elements 36 and the receiving element 64.

[0080] The receiving element 64 may be connected to the protection element 12 within the compartment 28 e.g., by glueing or moulding the receiving element to the protection element 12. Alternatively, not depicted in figure 5, the receiving element 64 and the protection element 12 may be made as a single, integral piece, so that the internal structures of the receiving element 64 are in the provided directly within the compartment 28 of the protection element 12.

[0081] The housing 32 for the battery 24 is depicted as closed, while the housing 30 for the electronic control unit 22 is depicted as open, by for example removing a top cover element 66. The bottom part of housing 30 / 32 and the respective top cover element 66 may be connected to one another by fastening elements, not depicted in figure 5, for example, screws or the like. A sealing structure between the top cover element 66 and the bottom part of the housing 30 / 32 may be provided, and may be required to obtain a desired ingress protection rating.

[0082] Within the housing 30, the electronic control unit 22 is arranged, exemplarily depicted as a printed circuit board 38. The printed circuit board 38 is installed within the housing 30, which is in turn covered by top cover element 66 comprising the human machine interface 26.

[0083] All elements within the compartment are eventually covered by a cover element 18, which closes the compartment 28, while allowing access to the human machine interface26. To provide said access to the human machine interface 26, the cover element 18 comprises a first opening 46 through which the human machine interface 26 is reaching so that it is accessible while the cover element 18 is closed. The cover element 18 again comprises a plurality of holes 50 for receiving fixing elements, like for example screws, so that the cover element 18 may be the fastened relative to the protection element 12 in order to close the compartment 28.

[0084] Now referring to Fig. 6a, b, which show another overview of an embodiment of the protection element according to the present disclosure.

[0085] Figure 6a shows the protection element 12 with a still open compartment 28 not yet closed by cover element 18, whereas figure 6b shows the protection element 12 with the cover element 18 closing the compartment 28.

[0086] As can be seen in particular in figure 6b, once the cover element 18 is positioned and the compartment 28 is closed, the outer surface of the housing 16 of the protection element 12 and the outer surface of the cover element 18 substantially continuously transition between one another. In other words, once the cover element 18 is positioned and the compartment 28 closed, the complete outer surface of the protection element 12 is a substantially continuous surface.

[0087] This includes the human machine interface 26 protruding through the first opening 46, as the outer surface of the human machine interface 26 in turn substantially continuously transitions into the outer surface of the cover element 18. The cover element 18 may be releasably fixed to the protection element 12 by connection elements reaching through holes 50, e.g., screw holes 50, thereby allowing the connection elements, not depicted in figures 6a, b, to engage with the structure of the protection element 12, in particular within the compartment 28. Thereby, the machine human interface 26 may be interacted with from outside of the protection element 12, even in case the compartment 28 is closed.

[0088] Now referring to Fig. 7a, b, which show an exemplary embodiment of the human machine interface according to the present disclosure.

[0089] In figure 7a, the top cover element 66 including the human machine interface 26 is shown, with the electronic control unit 26 / its PCB38 being arranged at the inner surface of the top cover element 66. The human machine interface 26 with a visual indication element 54, a switch, 56, and a charging port 58 is shown protruding from the top cover element 66.

[0090] In figure 7b, a schematic view of the housing 30 of the electronic control unit 26 including a top cover element 66 is shown, where the PCB is exemplarily arranged at the bottom of the housing, and thus away from the inside surface of the top cover element 66.

[0091] Regardless, in both embodiments of figures 7a, b, the elements 54, 56, 58 of the human machine interface 28 are directly connected with the PCB 38 of the electronic control unit 26. In other words, the elements 54, 56, 58 are directly connected to the printed circuit board or, in the case of switch 56, in figure 7b at least are directly manipulating or operating the switch on the PCB, by using an extension like for example a movable metal or plastic element or rod and transmitting its outer movement to a switch on the PCB. Also, the visual indication element may be soldered directly to the PCB, as may a socket for receiving a charging connector be directly connected, e.g., soldered, to the PCB. Thereby, dedicated connection elements like cables or an intermediary printed circuit board for the elements 54, 56, 58 of the human machine interface 26 may be avoided, thereby increasing reliability and reducing proneness to failure when operating the human machine interface 26.

[0092] The electronic control unit may comprise a communication element, not depicted, e.g., a dedicated communication element on the printed circuit board, for enabling communication of the electronic control unit with an external device, like a mobile communication device, for example, a smart phone, or a smart watch. The communication element may provide a communication connection with the external device using a near field or short-range communication capability for example Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, NFC or RFID technology. Alternatively or additionally, the communication element may provide a communication connection like a cellular communication connection, for example, 3G, LTE or 5G or a wireless communication connection like WLAN or Wi-Fi.

[0093] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements may be made without deviating from the concepts described here. Any of the features described above and below may be used separately or in combination with any other features described herein, provided they are not mutually exclusive, and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and subcombinations of one or more features described herein.

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the term "comprising" not exclude other elements or steps, and that "a" or "one" does not exclude the plural. Elements that are described in relation to different types of embodiments can be combined. Reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of a claim.LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS10 protection garment12 protection element14 wearer16 housing (protection element)18 cover element20 inflation element22 electronic control unit24 battery26 human machine interface28 compartment30 housing (electronic control unit)32 housing (battery)34 airbag element36 fastening element (compartment)38 printed circuit board (electronic control unit)40 fastening element (protection garment)42 pocket44 slots46 first opening48 second opening50 screw hole52 seam structure54 visual indication element56 switch58 charging port60 connector62 centring element64 receiving element66 top cover element

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A protection element (12), comprising a housing (16) with a compartment (28), wherein the compartment (28) accommodates an inflation element (20), providing a fluid source for inflating an airbag element (34), an electronic control unit (22) for controlling activation of the inflation element (20), a battery (24) for powering the electronic control unit (22) and optionally the inflation element (20), and a human machine interface (26) for activating and deactivating the electronic control unit (22) and / or for controlling operation of the electronic control unit (22), wherein the human machine interface (26) is operable from the outside of the compartment (28).

2. The protection element (12) according to the preceding claim, comprising a removable cover element (18) for enabling access to the interior of the compartment (28), wherein the inflation element (20) is removable from the compartment (28) after removing the cover element (18).

3. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the electronic control unit (22) and the battery (24) each are accommodated within a dedicated electronic control unit housing (30) or battery housing (32) within the compartment (28), and wherein the electronic control unit housing (30) or battery housing (32) are arranged as a housing having a dedicated ingress protection rating.

4. The protection element (12) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electronic control unit housing (30) or battery housing (32) retain its respective dedicated ingress protection rating even when the removable cover element (18) is removed and access to the interior of the compartment (28) is enabled.

5. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the human machine interface (26) is integrated into the electronic control unit housing (30), and wherein the human machine interface (26) is operable from the outside of the compartment (28) through a first opening (46) in the cover element (18).

6. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (22) is arranged to generate an activation signal upon detection of an accident, and wherein the activation signal initiates activation of the inflation element (20), in particular a release of fluid from the inflation element (20).

7. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflation element (20) is arranged to be connectable to an airbag element (34) of a protection garment (10), and / or wherein the compartment (28) comprises a second opening (48) providing access to the inflation element (20) for connecting an airbag element (34) to the inflation element (20).

8. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection element (12) is arranged to be functionally fitted to a protection garment (10) by only engaging the inflation element (20) with an airbag element (34) arranged within the protection garment (10), to enable a fluid flow from the inflation element (20) to an airbag element (34), and wherein the protection element (12) is arranged to be completely removable from the protection garment (10) after only disengaging the inflation element (20) from the airbag element (34).

9. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflation element (20) is held in a defined position within the compartment (28) by at least one fastening element (36) arranged on an interior surface of the compartment (28) and optionally on the surface of the cover element (18) oriented towards the interior of the compartment (28) when closed.

10. The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection element (12) is adapted to be arrangeable in the spinal region of the back of a wearer (14) to provide a protective function for the back of the wearer (14).11 . The protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication element for enabling communication of the electronic control unit (22) with an external device.

12. A protection garment (10) including a protection element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The protection garment (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the protection garment (10) is a vest type or jacket type protection garment (10) to be worn on the upper body of the wearer (14).

14. The protection garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection garment (10) comprises an airbag element (34), and wherein the inflation element (20) is fluidly connected to the airbag element (34) to enable inflation of the airbag element (34) upon activation of the inflation element (20).

15. The protection garment (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protection garment (10) comprises a pocket (42) for removably accommodating the protection element (12).

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