EP4183285B1 - Sports helmet - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sports helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, riding helmet or ski helmet, with a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a strap fixing system for fixing the helmet shell to the head of a user.

A sports helmet is designed to protect the wearer against head injuries, particularly in the event of a fall. To this end, the sports helmet comprises a helmet shell with a generally concave inner surface facing the wearer's head and a generally convex outer surface facing away from the wearer's head. The helmet shell is designed to absorb as much of the kinetic energy acting on the sports helmet in the event of an impact through inelastic and/or elastic deformation as possible. A strap fastening system can also be attached to the helmet shell, by means of which the helmet shell can be fixed to the wearer's head. This system can, for example, include multiple neck and chin straps.

The term "sports helmet" is to be understood broadly in this context and refers not only to helmets that are designed exclusively or specifically for the practice of a sport (such as a riding helmet or ski helmet), but also to helmets that are used for leisure activities (e.g. as a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet).

Such sports helmets are available in various designs. In general, a distinction can be made between sports helmets with rigid chin guards (e.g. for A distinction can be made between sports helmets (e.g., mountain bike helmets) and sports helmets without chin guards. Sports helmets without chin guards, in particular, are characterized by their open design and relatively low weight, making them more comfortable to wear than sports helmets with rigid chin guards. Sports helmets without chin guards are also far more common than sports helmets with rigid chin guards. However, sports helmets without chin guards do not offer comparable protection to the user's facial area. In particular, the chin area and/or areas of the user's cheekbones may be exposed to injury in certain falls, as a sports helmet without a chin guard does not specifically protect these areas.

FR 3 108 249 A1 discloses a protective device for protecting an epileptic patient, which is intended to protect the patient's head in the event of an epileptic seizure. DE 197 54 541 A1 discloses a protective device for the head of a person as a replacement and improvement for a conventional protective helmet, wherein the protective device is designed as a ring-shaped airbag system which is fixed in the neck-shoulder area of the person.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports helmet without a rigid chin guard which provides protection for at least part of a user's face.

This problem is solved by a sports helmet having the features of claim 1.

The sports helmet according to the invention has a shock-absorbing helmet shell and a strap fastening system for fastening the helmet shell to the head of a user. The sports helmet comprises an airbag device having a gas generator and a gas-inflatable gas bag, wherein the gas bag is designed to protect at least a part of the user's face in an inflated state. The gas bag is attached to a forehead area at the The gas bag is fastened to the helmet shell, the gas bag having a fastening end with which the gas bag is fastened to the helmet shell in a predetermined orientation. The gas bag also has a free end which, when the gas bag is inflated, moves along the user's face so that the inflated gas bag covers the face. The gas bag is designed to cover a forehead area, lateral temple areas, areas of the cheekbones, and a chin area of the user in the inflated state. The gas bag is designed to leave only an eye area of the user's face uncovered in the inflated state.

The invention is based on the following consideration: Known sports helmets already offer good protection for the user's head. However, the user's facial area is problematic in some falls. However, many users do not want to protect the facial area with rigid devices such as a chin guard, a face visor, or the like, since a sports helmet should offer the clearest possible field of vision and be as easy to put on as possible. Aesthetic aspects also play a role for many users in the decision as to whether or in which situations a sports helmet is worn at all, which can ultimately be detrimental to safety. For example, in equestrian sports, wearing a riding helmet with a chin guard is extremely unusual. However, in order to protect the facial area, or at least parts of it, even with sports helmets without rigid chin guards, the sports helmet can have an airbag device. Airbags, for example, are proven devices in the automotive sector to provide a user with additional protection in addition to seat belts and to protect the user from injuries caused by impact against hard parts such as a steering wheel or dashboard.

The airbag device of the sports helmet according to the invention can comprise several components. A gas bag, which in particular consists of a flexible The gas bag, which can be made of plastic material such as polyamide, can be kept ready in a folded state. When a dangerous situation is detected, such as a fall of the user from a bicycle or a horse, the gas generator fills the gas bag with gas in a short time (e.g., < 1/10 of a second). The term "gas" is to be understood generally in this context and can encompass only a single gas (e.g., nitrogen) or a gas mixture (e.g., an argon-helium mixture) including air or a gas/air mixture. The gas from or by the gas generator can, in particular, originate directly from the gas generator (e.g., be stored in the gas generator or be generated in the gas generator from a liquid or solid), or the gas for the gas bag can be taken from the ambient air by the gas generator (e.g., by pumping and/or compressing). For this purpose, the gas generator can be fluidically (i.e., fluidically) connected to the gas bag.

The gas generator thus provides the gas for filling the gas bag. The gas generator can be configured, for example, as a cold gas generator or a pyrotechnic gas generator, or a combination thereof, or as a pump and/or compressor. In some embodiments, the gas generator can be designed as a cartridge and/or a pressure accumulator.

When inflated, i.e. filled, the gas bag can, depending on its geometric design and arrangement on the helmet shell, protect at least part of the user's face. The gas bag in the inflated state, due to its arrangement, shape and flexible structure, forms a protective cushion which can come to rest between the user's face and an object (e.g. the ground) in the event of an impact. The gas bag can dampen an impact and/or distribute forces over a large area in order to mitigate excessive force and/or load peaks in the user's face area. For this purpose, it may be sufficient if the gas bag is only used for assumes a predetermined inflated shape for a short period of time (e.g., approximately one or more seconds) and then relaxes. However, the gas bag can also be designed to assume the predetermined inflated shape for a longer period of time.

The gas bag is designed to cover the chin area (lower jaw) and areas of the user's cheekbones when inflated. In this context, "coverage" can be understood as a radial enveloping of a part of the user's head, in particular the face, with the gas bag, with a gap remaining between a surface of the face and the gas bag in the radial viewing direction. In this model, the user's head is assumed to be essentially spherical.

In some embodiments, the gas bag can be configured to mimic a human facial shape on a side facing the user's face in the inflated state. For example, the gas bag can be configured as a curved shape similar to a chin guard and/or as curved cheek sections on either side of the user's nose.

In an embodiment not claimed, the gas bag can have a recess in a nose area of the user's face, by means of such a recess the shape of the user's face can be simulated, wherein the gas bag in the inflated state can cover the surrounding areas of the face with a small distance.

In some embodiments not claimed, the gas bag can be made of a transparent material. A transparent material can be understood as a see-through material, ie the user can see through the gas bag when it is inflated. This can This is particularly advantageous when the gas bag is in the user's field of vision when inflated. In some embodiments, the gas bag can cover the user's entire facial area when inflated, allowing the user to see through the transparent material of the gas bag and thus perceive their surroundings.

According to the invention, the airbag is designed to leave a gap around the user's eyes when inflated. A largely unobstructed field of vision is thus maintained by a gap in the airbag around the user's eyes. To this end, the area around the user's eyes is left open when the airbag is inflated, i.e., the area around the user's eyes is not covered by the airbag when inflated.

In some embodiments, the gas generator can be arranged in a centrally symmetrical position, in particular in a posterior region of the helmet shell. Such a centrally symmetrical arrangement can be advantageous, in particular in embodiments of the airbag device with only a single gas generator, in order to achieve a substantially centrally symmetrical weight distribution of the airbag device. The term central symmetry is to be understood as follows in the context of the invention: The sports helmet can be divided into a left half and a right half by a central symmetry plane, wherein the central symmetry plane is perpendicular to a horizontal plane and is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the sports helmet, i.e., encompasses a longitudinal axis of the sports helmet.

In some embodiments not claimed, the airbag device may have two gas bags. The two gas bags may cover different areas of the user's face. Various embodiments of the airbag device with two gas bags are explained below.

In such an unclaimed embodiment, the two gas bags can be configured to cover a portion of the user's face from a left side and another portion of the user's face from a right side. The two gas bags can be arranged on the left side of the sports helmet and on the right side of the sports helmet, for example, in the lateral temple areas of the user.

The covering of the respective parts of the user's face by the two airbags can occur simultaneously, i.e., the airbag device can be configured to fill both airbags with gas simultaneously. This can prevent an undesirable transfer of torque to the user's head caused by the inflation of the airbags, particularly if the two airbags are arranged and aligned with central symmetry.

However, in some unclaimed embodiments, a slight time delay may be provided between the inflation of one gas bag and the inflation of the other gas bag, i.e., one of the two gas bags is filled with gas before the other. In embodiments in which the two inflated gas bags are intended to cover each other (i.e., overlap), a staggered filling of the two gas bags can prevent the two gas bags from colliding and repelling each other during deployment.

In some unclaimed embodiments, the two gas bags may be configured to be arranged centrally symmetrically in the inflated state and, for example, to abut one another to form a substantially closed surface covering part of the user's face.

In some unclaimed embodiments, however, the two gas bags can be designed such that, in the inflated state, each of the two gas bags crosses a central plane of symmetry of the sports helmet. By each crossing the central plane of symmetry, which can be defined as described above, the two gas bags at least partially overlap either next to one another or one above the other (in particular with respect to a front view of the sports helmet). This can, for example, prevent a rectilinear dividing plane from running between the two inflated gas bags, along which the two gas bags could be spread apart in the event of an impact and expose a previously covered area of the user's face. The two gas bags can, for example, be designed such that, in the inflated state, the two gas bags interlock once the two gas bags have crossed the central plane of symmetry.

In some unclaimed embodiments, the airbag device can have a single common gas generator for inflating the two gas bags. The common gas generator can be fluidically connected to the two gas bags via a respective connecting line. The common gas generator can in particular be arranged centrally symmetrically on the helmet shell. As explained above, this can have advantages with regard to the weight distribution of the gas generator on the sports helmet, as well as advantages with regard to noise development caused by ignition of the gas generator. By arranging the gas generator centrally, the gas generator can be arranged at a great distance from the user's ears.

In some embodiments not claimed, the airbag device may have two gas generators, wherein one of the two gas generators is fluidically connected to one of the two gas bags and the other of the two gas generators is fluidically connected to the other of the two gas bags. When using two gas generators These can be designed to be correspondingly smaller, i.e., with smaller geometric dimensions, than when using a single gas generator. Two gas generators can also offer advantages over a single gas generator with regard to even weight distribution. Furthermore, the use of two gas generators can also be advantageous with regard to system redundancy. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the airbag device can also comprise a plurality of gas generators.

In some such unclaimed embodiments, one of the two gas generators can be arranged on a left side of the helmet shell and the other of the two gas generators on a right side of the helmet shell. This can promote a center-symmetric weight distribution of the gas generators.

In some unclaimed embodiments, the two gas generators can be arranged in a respective ear region, a respective temple region, or a respective lateral neck region (occipital region) of the helmet shell. However, if the gas generators are arranged in a rear region of the helmet shell and the gas bags are arranged in a front region of the helmet shell, connecting lines from the respective gas generator to the associated gas bag can be provided and run, for example, along or within the helmet shell.

In some embodiments, the helmet shell may have an integrated frame structure. For example, the helmet shell may have a so-called skeleton made of plastic, which is overmolded or foamed to form a shock-absorbing helmet body (e.g., according to the so-called in-mold process). The frame structure may comprise one or more strips (flexible or rigid), strap(s), and/or anchors that extend at least partially within the helmet shell. In such embodiments, the gas generator and/or The gas bag of the airbag device must be attached to the integrated frame structure of the helmet shell. Suitable access points and/or mechanical interfaces can be provided on the frame structure for this purpose. Attaching the gas generator and/or the gas bag to a frame structure of the helmet shell ensures a particularly stable fit, particularly with regard to recoil forces that may occur when the gas bag is inflated. Attaching the airbag device to an integrated frame structure can also be advantageous in a retrofit solution.

In some embodiments, the airbag device may include a sensor device for detecting a fall situation, a trigger for triggering the gas generator, and a power supply for supplying the sensor device and/or the trigger with electrical energy.

The sensor device of the airbag device can, for example, comprise at least one multi-axis acceleration sensor. Furthermore, the sensor device can comprise an evaluation and triggering circuit. The evaluation and triggering circuit can evaluate data from the at least one acceleration sensor. The evaluation and triggering circuit can, for example, be designed to monitor predetermined threshold values and/or evaluate temporal acceleration profiles and/or acceleration directions that indicate an impending impact, for example due to a fall. For example, the evaluation and triggering circuit can compare data from the at least one sensor with at least one predetermined threshold value. If the sensor data exceeds at least one threshold value, the evaluation and triggering circuit can generate a trigger signal, for example an electronic signal or an ignition current, for the trigger.

The evaluation and triggering circuit is connected to a trigger of the airbag device, for example an explosive device or an igniter. The trigger signal generated by the evaluation and triggering circuit triggers the filling of at least one gas bag. This can occur, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic gas generator, whereby a pyrotechnic material burns and the generated gas fills the at least one gas bag. Alternatively, a gas stored under pressure in the gas generator can be released, whereby the released gas fills the at least one gas bag via at least one connecting line. Since a bang or loud noise is caused upon triggering, for example by detonation of an explosive device, the trigger can be provided with a noise dampening device, e.g. a casing made of sound-insulating material.

Electrical energy is required to detect and monitor the sensor signals and/or to activate the trigger. For this purpose, the airbag device comprises an electrical power supply, which can be embodied as a battery and/or accumulator. In some embodiments, the accumulator can be charged, in particular, via a solar cell, which is arranged, for example, on the outside of the helmet shell. As an alternative to electrical activation, the trigger can also be activated mechanically, for example, via a pressure switch.

In some embodiments, the gas generator, the gas bag, the sensor device, the trigger, and the power supply can form a modular unit. The modular unit allows the airbag device to be retrofitted, in particular, to existing sports helmets. For this purpose, the modular unit can be arranged in the ear area, which in many sports helmets provides a suitable exposure of the helmet shell. In such embodiments, the gas generator and/or the associated trigger can be arranged below the user's auricle. The modular unit can be attached to the helmet shell, for example, using clip connections or screw solutions.

In such an embodiment, the modular unit can be detachably, particularly replaceably, attached to the helmet shell. The modular unit can be attached, for example, to an outer edge of the helmet shell, i.e., at a transition between an inner and outer side of the helmet shell. A mechanical interface for attaching the modular unit can be formed on the helmet shell, e.g., in the manner of an anchor. Thus, the modular unit can be easily retrofitted as needed.

In some embodiments, the sports helmet can be designed without a rigid chin guard. It is particularly advantageous if a sports helmet of the widely used type without a rigid chin guard can be provided with increased protection of the wearer's facial area as a result of the airbag device according to the invention.

In some embodiments, the helmet shell may comprise a helmet body having padding on the inside and/or an outer shell on the outside. The outer shell may also perform a protective function (e.g., shock absorption or reducing the coefficient of friction for the protective helmet sliding along a rough surface), or it may essentially only serve a decorative function. The outer shell may comprise a shell, for example, made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a film, for example, made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a polycarbonate (PC).

In some embodiments, the helmet body can be made of a rigid foam, in particular of an expanded polystyrene rigid foam (EPS). In other embodiments, a part of the helmet shell, in particular the The helmet body can be manufactured using 3D printing. In other embodiments, the helmet shell can be formed from a so-called injection-molded mesh.

In some embodiments, the strap fastening system can be attached to a posterior region of the helmet shell and to lateral temple regions of the helmet shell. In some embodiments, the strap fastening system can have a length adjustment device in the user's neck region.

In some embodiments, the helmet shell may have multiple ventilation openings distributed over the surface of the helmet shell.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine Perspektivansicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Fahrradhelms.

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Frontansicht eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen Gassacks in einem aufgeblasenen Zustand.

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Frontansicht einer weiteren nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Gassacks in einem aufgeblasenen Zustand.

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Frontansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Gassacks in einem aufgeblasenen Zustand.

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Frontansicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform von zwei Gassäcken in einem aufgeblasenen Zustand.

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Frontansicht eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen Fahrradhelms mit zwei sich überlappenden Gassäcken in einem aufgeblasenen Zustand.

Fig. 7

zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform von zwei sich überlappenden Gassäcken.

Fig. 8

zeigt eine Frontansicht einer weiteren nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform eines Fahrradhelms mit zwei sich überlappenden Gassäcken in einem aufgeblasenen Zustand.

Fig. 9

zeigt eine Draufsicht eines Fahrradhelms.

Fig. 10

zeigt eine Perspektivansicht eines Fahrradhelms mit einer modularen Baueinheit einer Airbag-Vorrichtung.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a bicycle helmet not according to the invention.

Fig. 2

shows a front view of a gas bag not according to the invention in an inflated state.

Fig. 3

shows a front view of a further embodiment of a gas bag not according to the invention in an inflated state.

Fig. 4

shows a front view of an embodiment of a gas bag according to the invention in an inflated state.

Fig. 5

shows a front view of a non-inventive embodiment of two gas bags in an inflated state.

Fig. 6

shows a front view of a bicycle helmet not according to the invention with two overlapping gas bags in an inflated state.

Fig. 7

shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment not according to the invention of two overlapping gas bags.

Fig. 8

shows a front view of a further embodiment of a bicycle helmet not according to the invention with two overlapping gas bags in an inflated state.

Fig. 9

shows a top view of a bicycle helmet.

Fig. 10

shows a perspective view of a bicycle helmet with a modular unit of an airbag device.

Fig. 1 shows a sports helmet not according to the invention in the form of a bicycle helmet 10 with a shock-absorbing helmet shell 12 and a strap fastening system 14 for fastening the helmet shell 12 to the head (not shown) of a user. The helmet shell 12 can have a helmet body that has padding on the inside and/or a thin outer shell on the outside. The helmet body of the helmet shell 12 can be made of a rigid foam, in particular of an expanded polystyrene rigid foam (EPS). The strap fastening system 14 can be fastened in a neck region 40 of the helmet shell 12 and in the lateral temple regions 42 of the helmet shell 12. In some embodiments, the strap fastening system 14 can have a ring section with a length adjustment device (not shown) in the neck region 40 of the user. The helmet shell 12 can have a plurality of ventilation openings 13 distributed over the surface of the helmet shell 12.

The bicycle helmet 10 has an airbag device 16, wherein the airbag device 16 comprises at least one gas generator 18 and at least one gas bag 20 that is inflatable by gas from the gas generator 18. The gas generator 18 and the gas bag 20 can be arranged in the temple area 42 of the bicycle helmet 10 in spatial proximity to one another ( Fig. 1 ). In some embodiments, the gas generator 18 and the gas bag 20 can also be spatially separated, arranged at any location on the bicycle helmet 10, and fluidically connected via a respective connecting line. For example, the gas generator 18, or multiple gas generators 18, can be arranged at a front end, i.e., at a forehead region 44, at an upper head region 50, or at a back of the head region 38 of the bicycle helmet 10. To reduce a mass moment of inertia of the gas generator 18, which results from the distance from a pivot point, for example the user's neck, the gas generator 18 can, in particular, be arranged in the neck region 40.

The gas bag 20 is in Fig. 1 shown schematically in a non-inflated state, ie the gas bag 20 is not filled with gas and is arranged in a space-saving manner, for example folded, in a housing, a cover or a suitable storage device on the bicycle helmet 10, in particular on the helmet shell 12. The gas bag 20 can be filled with gas by the gas generator 18 in a short time in order to assume an inflated state and a predetermined shape in the inflated state. The gas bag 20 is designed to cover at least part of the face 30 of the user in an inflated state (cf. e.g. Fig. 2 to 4 ) and thus protect against a frontal impact. To achieve this protective effect, the gas bag 20 can be fastened, for example, to one of the lateral temple areas 42 or to the forehead area 44 on the bicycle helmet 10, in particular to the helmet shell 12, in a predetermined orientation. The respective gas bag 20 can have a fastening end with which the gas bag 20 can be fastened to the Helmet shell 12 is fastened in a predetermined orientation. The respective gas bag 20 can further have at least one free end which, when the gas bag 20 is inflated, moves along the user's face 30 so that the inflated gas bag 20 covers the face 30. In addition, in particular during a first phase of deployment, the gas bag 20 can move at least partially along a forward direction, i.e., along a longitudinal axis of the bicycle helmet 10. Optionally, the gas bag 20, in the inflated state, can be shaped (e.g., curved) to match the shape of a human face on a side facing the user's face 30 in order to closely cover the user's face 30.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a gas bag 20 not according to the invention in an inflated state in a front view. For better orientation, a face 30 of a user is also shown schematically. For better clarity, the bicycle helmet 10 is in Fig. 2 (correspondingly also in Fig. 3, 4 and 6 ) is not shown. However, it is understood that the gas bag 20, as described above, is arranged at a suitable location on the helmet shell 12 of the bicycle helmet 10. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 The airbag 20 covers at least part of the user's face 30. In particular, the airbag 20 covers a chin area 32 and a left and right cheekbone area 34 of the user's face 30. The airbag 20 can have a recess 58 of a nose area 46 of the user's face 30. This recess 58 can simulate the shape of the user's face, and the airbag 20 can cover the surrounding areas of the face 30 with a small gap when inflated. The outline of the recess 58 is closed on three sides and only open at the top (for the bridge of the nose).

Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a gas bag 20 in an inflated state. In comparison to the embodiment out of Fig. 2 The gas bag 20 covers in particular the chin area 32 of a user's face 30 and thus essentially fulfills the function of a chin guard. The chin area 32 (lower jaw) can be particularly vulnerable if the user falls. Fig. 3 The embodiment of the gas bag 20 shown can protect the chin area 32 of the user, but has a simpler geometric structure than, for example, the embodiment described above from Fig. 2 The gas bag 20 can be configured as a convex, substantially rectangular surface in the inflated state. Alternatively, the gas bag 20 can also be configured as a tubular shape, resembling a chin guard.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a gas bag 20 according to the invention in an inflated state. In this embodiment, the gas bag 20 covers almost the entire face 30 of the user, with only an eye area 36 not being covered. In addition to the chin area 32 and the cheekbone areas 34 described above, the gas bag 20 also covers a forehead area 44 and lateral temple areas 42 of the face 30 of the user. Only the eye area 36 of the face 30 is not covered by the gas bag 20 due to a recess 60 in the gas bag 20, i.e. the eye area 36 is left free. This embodiment has the advantage that, on the one hand, almost all areas of the face 30 are covered by the gas bag 20 and are thus protected, for example, in the event of a fall. On the other hand, the recess 60 of the gas bag 20 still allows the user to orient themselves even when the gas bag 20 is inflated, since a minimal field of vision of the user is essentially kept clear of the gas bag 20. The term "essentially" in this context means that peripheral areas of the field of vision may be covered by the gas bag 20 when inflated.

In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention to that in Fig. 4 described embodiment, the recess 60 of the gas bag 20 can also omitted, ie the gas bag 20 covers the entire face 30 of the user. In this case in particular it is advantageous if the gas bag 20 is made completely or partially from a transparent material. This means that the user is still able to orientate himself even when the gas bag 20 is inflated, since he can see through the transparent material of the gas bag 20. A transparent design of the gas bag 20 is also possible in the other embodiments explained. As an alternative to such a transparent design, it can also be provided in the various embodiments that the gas bag 20 relaxes again after inflation (for example after approximately one second), for example as a result of deliberately introduced pressure relief openings.

The Fig. 2 to 4 The gas bags 20 shown can be formed in one piece and, for example, attached to one of the temple areas 42 of the helmet shell 12. Alternatively, the Fig. 2 to 4 However, the covering of the user's face 30 shown can also be achieved by two complementary gas bags 20. Non-inventive embodiments of an airbag device 18 which have two gas bags 20 are described below.

Fig. 5 shows a non-inventive embodiment of a front view of two gas bags 20 in an inflated state, wherein the two gas bags 20 are designed to cover a part of the user's face 30 starting from a left side 51 and another part of the user's face 30 starting from a right side 52. The left side 51 and the right side 52 are defined, as described above, by the center plane of symmetry E, which divides the bicycle helmet 10 in a vertical direction (in the illustration according to Fig. 5 perpendicular to the plane of the paper). The two gas bags 20 can be designed such that, in the inflated state, they meet in the central plane of symmetry E and cover at least the chin area 32 and the cheekbone areas 34 of the face 30 of the user, wherein the nose area 46 is recessed by a respective cutout 58 of the respective gas bag 20. The gas bags 20 can also cover only the chin area 32. This corresponds to the embodiments described above in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 3 , where the gas bag 20 is shown as one piece.

A gap 54 can be formed at the central plane of symmetry E due to the meeting of the two airbags 20. However, the airbags 20 can be designed to be pressed against each other at the central plane of symmetry E so strongly that the gap 54 is closed by forces acting essentially perpendicular to the central plane of symmetry 30. Thus, an area of the face 30 where the two airbags 20 meet, in particular the chin area 32, can be completely covered by the two airbags 20.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the bicycle helmet 10 not according to the invention in a front view. The bicycle helmet 10 comprises an airbag device 16 (not shown) with two gas bags 20 that overlap when inflated. Each of the two gas bags 20 crosses the central plane of symmetry E of the bicycle helmet 10 when inflated, so that in the region of the central plane of symmetry E, an area of the user's face 30 is covered by both gas bags 20. This can be advantageous because, due to the overlap of the two gas bags 20, the two overlapping gas bags 20 do not expose the chin area 32 in the event of an impact in the region of the central plane of symmetry 30.

In this embodiment, the airbag device 16 can have two gas generators 18. One of the two gas generators 18 can be arranged on a left side 51 of the helmet shell 12 and fluidically connected to one of the two gas bags 20 in order to inflate this gas bag 20 as needed. The other of the two gas generators 18 can be arranged on a right side 52 of the helmet shell 12 and fluidically connected to the other of the two gas bags 20. be connected so that this other gas bag 20 can be inflated if necessary. The two gas generators 18 can, for example, be arranged on a respective ear region 48 or on a respective temple region 42 or on a respective lateral neck region 40 of the bicycle helmet 10. A symmetrical arrangement of the two gas generators 18 with respect to the central plane of symmetry E of the bicycle helmet 10 is advantageous. The terms a left side 51 and a right side 52 merely serve to differentiate between two sides and do not restrict the features described with respect to the left side 51 and the right side 52 to these sides, i.e. the features relating to the left side 51 can also be features relating to the right side 52, and vice versa.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment not according to the invention of two overlapping airbags 20 formed by tubular elements. The two airbags 20 overlap in a region of the central plane of symmetry E. To ensure that the two airbags 20 slide past each other when they meet, in particular two free ends 56 of the respective airbags 20, the two meeting ends 56 of the airbags 20 can, for example, also have a trapezoidal structure or a chamfer.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment not according to the invention of two overlapping gas bags 20. In this case, the overlap does not occur one above the other but next to each other, ie the two gas bags 20 do not overlap or cover each other in a front view, although each of the two gas bags 20 crosses the central plane of symmetry E of the bicycle helmet 10. By means of this embodiment it can be achieved that, for example, the chin area 32 is completely covered by one of the two gas bags 20 and, for example, a mouth area 49 of the user is covered by the other of the two gas bags 20.

In an alternative embodiment, the bicycle helmet 10 or the airbag device 16 can have a single common gas generator 18 for inflating the two gas bags 20, wherein the single gas generator 18 is fluidically connected to both gas bags. The gas can thus flow from the single gas generator 18 into both gas bags 20. The single gas generator 18 can, as described above, be arranged in a centrally symmetrical position, i.e., symmetrical to the central plane of symmetry E, for example, in a posterior region 38 of the helmet shell 12. However, it is also possible for the single gas generator 18 to be arranged at any location symmetrical to the central plane of symmetry E, for example, in a forehead region 44 of the helmet shell 12.

Fig. 9 shows a top view of a bicycle helmet 10. A central symmetry plane E can divide the bicycle helmet 10 symmetrically into a left side 51 and a right side 52. The gas generator 18 can be arranged at various locations in a centrally symmetrical position. The centrally symmetrical arrangement of the gas generator 18 can achieve a symmetrical weight distribution with respect to the central symmetry plane E, which can lead to improved wearing comfort for the user. As already described above, the gas generator 18 can also be arranged centrally symmetrically to the central symmetry plane E in the forehead area 44 or centrally symmetrically to the central symmetry plane E in the neck area 40 or centrally symmetrically to the central symmetry plane E in the upper head area 50. Corresponding arrangements are shown in Fig. 9 shown with a dashed line.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a bicycle helmet 10 with a modular unit 28 of an airbag device 16. The airbag device 16 can have a sensor device 22 for detecting a fall situation, a trigger 24 for triggering the at least one gas generator 18, and a power supply 26 for supplying the sensor device 22 and/or the trigger 24 with electrical energy. Together with a gas bag 20 (in Fig. 10 In a folded state (shown in a folded state), the sensor device 22, the trigger 24, the gas generator 18, and the energy supply 26 can be arranged as a modular unit 28 on the bicycle helmet 10. This can enable retrofitting of an airbag device 16 to existing bicycle helmets 10 (additive design). However, the sensor device 22, the trigger 24, the gas generator 18, the energy supply 26, and the gas bag 20 can also be arranged distributed on the bicycle helmet 10, which can also be referred to as an integrative design.

The functioning of the airbag device 16 can be described, for example, by the following steps. The sensor device 22 continuously monitors, for example at regular time intervals, relevant parameters that can describe a fall or an impending impact. For example, detected acceleration values can be used as a criterion for a fall if they exceed predefined threshold values, wherein, in particular, a direction-dependent evaluation can be carried out. For this purpose, the sensor device 22 compares the values measured by at least one sensor with predefined threshold values. If at least one measured parameter exceeds the associated threshold value, the sensor device 22 sends a trigger signal to a trigger 24. The signal can be formed, for example, by an electrical pulse that causes a gas stored in at least one gas generator 18 to flow out. This can occur, for example, by detonating an explosive device on the gas generator 18. The gas flows into the associated gas bag 20 via at least one connecting line, which connects the respective gas generator 18 with an associated gas bag 20. The gas flow causes the gas bag 20 to unfold and inflate almost instantly. 20 unfolds around the face 30 of the user in such a way that the inflated gas bag 20 covers at least parts of the face 30 of the user.

Energy is required both for monitoring the measured variables by the sensor device 22 and for firing the trigger 24. This energy can be provided by an electrical power supply 26. The power supply 26 can be configured as a battery or an accumulator. If an accumulator is used as the power supply, the accumulator can optionally be powered by solar units, which can be arranged on a surface of an outer side of the helmet shell 12.

With regard to the embodiments according to the drawings, it should also be noted that the invention can also be applied to a different type of sports helmet, in particular a motorcycle helmet, a riding helmet or a ski helmet.

List of reference symbols

10

bicycle helmet

12

helmet shell

13

Ventilation opening

14

Belt fixing system

16

Airbag device

18

Gas generator

20

gas bag

22

Sensor device

24

trigger

26

Energy supply

28

modular unit

30

Face

32

Chin area

34

cheekbone area

36

Eye area

38

Back of the head area

40

Neck area

42

Temple area

44

forehead area

46

nasal area

48

Ear area

49

Mouth area

50

upper head area

51

left side

52

right side

54

gap

56

End of a gas bag

58

Nose cutout

60

Recess eye area

E

Central symmetry plane

Claims (10)

1. A sports helmet, in particular a bicycle helmet (10), a motorcycle helmet, a riding helmet or a ski helmet,

   having a shock-absorbing helmet shell (12) and a strap fixing system (14) for fixing the helmet shell (12) to the head of a user,

   wherein the sports helmet comprises an airbag device (16) which comprises a gas generator (18) and an airbag (20) which is inflatable by gas, wherein the airbag (20) is configured to protect at least a portion of the user's face (30) in an inflated state,

   wherein the airbag (20) is mounted at a forehead region (44) at the helmet shell (12), wherein the airbag (20) comprises a mounting end with which the airbag (20) is mounted at the helmet shell (12) in a predetermined orientation, and wherein the airbag (20) comprises a free end which moves along the user's face (30) upon inflation of the airbag (20) so that the inflated airbag (20) covers the user's face (30),

   wherein the airbag (20) is configured to cover a forehead region (44), lateral temple regions (42), cheekbone regions (34) and a chin region (32) of the user in the inflated state,

   characterized

   in that the airbag (20) is configured to not cover only an eye region (36) of the user's face (30) in the inflated state.
2. A sports helmet according to claim 1,
   wherein the airbag (20) is configured to be modeled according to a human face shape at a side facing the face (30) of the user in the inflated state.
3. A sports helmet according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the gas generator (18) is arranged in a center-symmetrical position.
4. A sports helmet according to claim 3,
   wherein the gas generator (18) is arranged in an occipital region (38) of the helmet shell (12).
5. A sports helmet according to any one of the preceding claims,

   wherein the helmet shell (12) comprises an integrated frame structure,

   wherein the gas generator (18) and/or the airbag (20) is/are mounted at the integrated frame structure.
6. A sports helmet according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the airbag device (16) comprises a sensor device (22) for detecting an impact situation, a trigger (24) for triggering the gas generator (18) and an energy supply (26) for supplying the sensor device (22) and/or the trigger with electrical energy.
7. A sports helmet according to claim 6,
   wherein the gas generator (18), the airbag (20), the sensor device (22), the trigger (24) and the energy supply (26) form a modular unit (28).
8. A sports helmet according to claim 7,
   wherein the modular unit (28) is removably mounted at the helmet shell (12).
9. A sports helmet according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the sports helmet is constructed without a rigid chin bar.
10. A sports helmet according to any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the sports helmet is configured as a bicycle helmet (10), wherein the helmet shell (12) comprises a helmet body which is made of a hard foam and which comprises a padding at an inner side and/or an outer shell at an outer side, and wherein the helmet shell (12) comprises a plurality of ventilation openings (13) distributed over the surface of the helmet shell (12).

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