PROTECTION DEVICE AND PROTECTION METHOD

Abstract

A protection device including an inflating strap having flexibility and configured to be disposed in contact with a skin of a wearer along at least a part of a boundary region between the neck and a head of the wearer in a state before the protection device is operated, the inflating strap including an inflating portion configured to be inflated when an inflation source is supplied at a time of operation of the protection device, an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflating portion, and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflating portion by activating the inflation source supply unit, a movement of the neck of the wearer is restricted by inflating the inflating portion at a time of operation.

Claims

1. A protection device comprising: an inflating strap having flexibility and configured to be disposed in contact with a skin of a wearer along at least a part of a boundary region between a neck and a head of the wearer in a state before the protection device is operated, the inflating strap including an inflating portion configured to be inflated when an inflation source is supplied at a time of operation of the protection device; an inflation source supplier configured to supply the inflation source to the inflating portion; and an activator configured to inflate the inflating portion by activating the inflation source supplier, wherein a movement of the neck of the wearer is restricted by inflating the inflating portion at a time of operation.

2. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap includes a lower-chin-strap portion disposed along a boundary region between an anterior neck and a lower chin portion of the wearer in the state before the protection device is operated.

3. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap includes a rear strap portion disposed along a boundary region between a posterior neck and an occipital portion of the wearer.

4. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap includes a lower-chin-strap portion disposed along a boundary region between an anterior neck and a lower chin portion of the wearer and a rear strap portion disposed along a boundary region between a posterior neck and an occipital portion of the wearer, the lower-chin-strap portion and the rear strap portion being connected to each other.

5. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap is formed of at least a part of a fixing strap configured to fix to the wearer a half-type helmet configured to protect the head.

6. The protection device according to claim 5, wherein the activator further includes an operation condition detection sensor configured to detect that a predetermined operation condition is satisfied, and the inflation source supplier and the activator are mounted on the helmet.

7. The protection device according to claim 6, wherein the inflation source supplier and the activator are attachable to and detachable from the helmet.

8. The protection device according to claim 5, wherein the activator further includes a mounting state detection sensor configured to detect whether the helmet is worn on the head of the wearer.

9. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap further includes a core cord portion to which the inflation source is not supplied, and the inflating portion is provided in contact with and integrally with the core cord portion.

10. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap is disposed in a state where the inflating portion is wrapped with an exterior member, the exterior member includes a first exterior main surface portion disposed in a mode in contact with the skin of the wearer, a second exterior main surface portion disposed to face the first exterior main surface portion, and a pair of exterior side surface portions connecting the first exterior main surface portion and the second exterior main surface portion, and the exterior member is configured such that by an inflation pressure of the inflating portion at a time of operation, the pair of exterior side surface portions are ruptured, or a connecting portion of each of the exterior side surface portions respectively connected to the first exterior main surface portion and the second exterior main surface portion is broken.

11. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflation source supplier is a gas supply generator configured to supply inflation gas that inflates the inflating portion to the inflating portion at a time of operation, and the gas generator includes a conduit configured to introduce the inflation gas to the inflating portion, the conduit being provided with a release valve.

12. An operation method for a protection device, providing an inflating strap having flexibility in contact with a skin of a wearer along at least a part of a boundary region between a neck and a head of the wearer in a state before the protection device is operated; inflating an inflating portion of the inflating strap when an inflation source is supplied at a time of operation of the protection device from an inflation source supplier by activating an activator, wherein inflating the inflating portion by the activator to restrict a movement of the neck of the wearer.

13. The protection device according to claim 1, wherein the inflating strap filles a gap around the neck when being inflated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a protection device according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a neck protection device.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a cross-sectional structure of an inflating strap.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a gas supply device.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a control unit.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow executed by a control unit of the neck protection device.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a state where an inflating portion of the inflating strap is inflated.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a modification of a setting mode of the inflating strap.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between the neck protection device according to the embodiment and a protection device of related art.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] A protection device and an operation method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the configurations, combinations thereof, and the like in the embodiments is an example, and various additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes of the configurations may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments and is limited only by the claims.

[0033] A protection device according to the present embodiment includes an inflating strap having flexibility and configured to be disposed in contact with the skin of the wearer along at least a part of a boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer in a state before the protection device is operated, the inflating strap including an inflating portion configured to be inflated when an inflation source is supplied at a time of operation of the protection device; an inflation source supply unit configured to supply the inflation source to the inflating portion; and an activation unit configured to inflate the inflating portion by activating the inflation source supply unit.

[0034] An operation method for a protection device includes restricting a movement of the neck of the wearer by inflating the inflating portion by activating the inflation source supply unit by the activation unit.

Embodiment

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a protection device 1 according to an embodiment. The protection device 1 is a wearable type protection device to be worn by a person to be protected, and is configured to protect the neck of the wearer (person to be protected). The protection device 1 includes a helmet 200 that is worn on the head of the wearer (person to be protected) to protect the head, and a neck protection device 300 that protects the neck of the wearer (person to be protected). In this specification, the wearer who wears the protection device 1 and the person to be protected are used synonymously.

[0036] In the protection device 1 of the present embodiment, the neck protection device 300 is provided integrally with the helmet 200, for example. It should be noted that the neck protection device 300 may be independently provided as a member separated from the helmet 200. Note that the upper section (A) is a perspective view of the helmet 200 as viewed from the left side, and the section (B) is a perspective view of the helmet 200 as viewed from the right side. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates a state where a wearer wears (has mounted) the helmet 200. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates a state before the neck protection device 300 is operated.

[0037] The helmet 200 in the present embodiment includes a half-type (substantially hemispherical) helmet body 210 and a fixing strap 220 for fixing the helmet body 210 to the wearer (person to be protected). The helmet body 210 is a protector that protects the head of the wearer. An inner cushion (not illustrated) for absorbing an impact in the event of a fall or the like may be provided on the inner side of the helmet body 210. The inner cushion may be made of expanded polystyrene foam, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads. The helmet body 210 may be formed of, for example, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin or a polycarbonate (PC) resin.

[0038] The fixing strap 220 is a so-called chin strap. The fixing strap 220 is a cord-like member for fixing the helmet body 210 to the head of the wearer by being placed over the chin of the wearer, and is attached to a left edge 210A and a right edge 210B on the left and right sides of the helmet body 210.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fixing strap 220 includes a left strap portion 230A, a right strap portion 230B, a lower-chin-strap portion 240 and a rear strap portion 250, for example. The left strap portion 230A is a strap attached to the left edge 210A of the helmet body 210. The right strap portion 230B is a strap attached to the right edge 210B of the helmet body 210. Each of the left strap portion 230A and the right strap portion 230B includes a first upper strap portion 260 and a second upward strap portion 270, and the lower ends of these portions are coupled at coupling portions 280A and 280B.

[0040] Naturally, while the aspect of the fixing strap 220 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example, the coupling portions 280A and 280B, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, are positioned below the ears of the wearer, and when the wearer wears the helmet 200, the first upper strap portion 260 and second upward strap portion 270 of each of the left strap portion 230A and the right strap portion 230B are disposed in a substantially V-shape surrounding the ear. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first upper strap portion 260 is disposed along the front position of the ear of the wearer, and the second upward strap portion 270 is disposed along the rear position of the ear of the wearer.

[0041] Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250 are provided between the coupling portions 280A and 280B. The lower-chin-strap portion 240 is a strap portion disposed along the region along the lower chin portion of the wearer, that is, a boundary region A1 between the anterior neck and the lower chin portion, and is disposed from the lower chin portion to the region below the ear of the wearer. The lower-chin-strap portion 240 may be divided into two portions at an intermediate portion, and the divided lower-chin-strap portions 240 may be detachably connected to each other via a fastener such as a buckle (not shown), for example. In addition, the rear strap portion 250 is a strap portion disposed along a boundary region A2 between the posterior neck and occipital portion of the wearer. With the fixing strap 220 having the above-mentioned configuration, the helmet 200 (the helmet body 210) can be fixed to the head of the wearer. In the present embodiment, the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250 are connected through the coupling portions 280A and 280B. More specifically, the lower-chin-strap portion 240, the rear strap portion 250, the first upper strap portion 260, and the second upward strap portion 270 constituting the fixing strap 220 are connected to each other through the coupling portions 280A and 280B.

[0042] Note that, each strap portion constituting the fixing strap 220 has flexibility, and can be fitted to the skin of the wearer. That is, each strap portion (including an inflating strap 340 that will be described below) constituting the fixing strap 220 can be disposed in contact with the skin of the wearer. Note that, in this specification, the term neck refers to a narrowed portion that connects the head and torso of a human body. A portion of the neck mainly located on the occipital portion side is referred to as the posterior neck. The posterior neck may be referred to also as the nape portion. A portion of the neck located on the front side, opposite to the posterior neck, is referred to as the anterior neck. The anterior neck may be referred to also as the anterior throat portion.

[0043] Next, the neck protection device 300 is described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the neck protection device 300. The neck protection device 300 includes a gas supply device 310 serving as an inflation source supply unit, an activation unit 320, the inflating strap 340. In addition, the activation unit 320 includes a control unit 350, a power supply 360, an operation condition detection sensor 370, and a mounting state detection sensor 380. In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 390 represents an accommodating case that accommodates the gas supply device 310, the control unit 350, the power supply 360, and the operation condition detection sensor 370, and the like. In FIG. 1, the accommodating case 390 is attached to the rear side of the helmet body 210, but the position where the accommodating case 390 is disposed and the attachment mode of the accommodating case 390 are not limited.

[0044] First, the inflating strap 340 is described. The inflating strap 340 in the present embodiment is a strap (cord-like member) having flexibility, and disposed along at least a part of the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer and in contact with the skin of the wearer in a state before the neck protection device 300 is operated. The inflating strap 340 may be formed of at least a part of the fixing strap 220 in the helmet 200 described above, for example.

[0045] The inflating strap 340 is inflated when the inflation source is supplied at a time of operation of the neck protection device 300. Further, the inflating strap 340 fills the gaps around the neck by inflating at a time of operation of the neck protection device 300, and restricts the movement of the head and neck of the wearer. This makes it possible to suppress sharp bending of the head and neck when the wearer falls off while riding a bicycle, and reduce the impact applied to the head of the wearer together with the protection provided by the helmet 200, thereby avoiding or mitigating damage to the neck, for example. Note that the neck protection device 300 may not only completely restrict the movement of the head and neck, but may also restrict the movement with some allowance. Specifically, the neck protection device 300 may restrict the movement such that the bending angle of the head and neck remains within a range that does not adversely affect the wearer.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a cross-sectional structure of the inflating strap 340. (A) illustrates a first aspect of the inflating strap 340, (B) illustrates a second aspect of the inflating strap 340, and (C) illustrates a third aspect of the inflating strap 340.

[0047] First, the first aspect illustrated in (A) is described. In the first aspect, the inflating strap 340 includes a core cord portion 341 to which the inflation source is not supplied, and an inflating portion 342 provided integrally with and in contact with the core cord portion 341, and in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the inflating portion 342 is stacked on the core cord portion 341. The core cord portion 341 is a core member that has flexibility and also has a certain degree of mechanical strength in the tensile direction, and may be formed of, for example, a polypropylene resin or the like. The core cord portion 341 may be made of a material typically used to form a fixing strap for a bicycle helmet. In addition, the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 is, for example, a bag-shaped airbag that is deflated before the inflation source is supplied and inflates upon supply of the inflation source. Here, the reference numeral 341A represents the outer surface of the core cord portion 341, and the reference numeral 342A represents the outer surface of the inflating portion 342. The inflating strap 340 is disposed such that the outer surface 342A of the inflating portion 342 faces the skin of the wearer.

[0048] Next, the second aspect illustrated in (B) is described. In the inflating strap 340 in the second aspect, the inflating portion 342 is disposed to surround the periphery of the core cord portion 341 described above. The reference numerals 342B and 342C represent a first main surface and a second main surface of the inflating portion 342, respectively. The inflating strap 340 in the second aspect is disposed such that the first main surface 342B or the second main surface 342C of the inflating portion 342 faces the skin of the wearer, for example.

[0049] Next, the third aspect illustrated in (C) is described. The inflating strap 340 in the third aspect is disposed such that the inflating portion 342 is wrapped with an exterior member 343 before the neck protection device 300 is operated. The exterior member 343 includes a first exterior main surface portion 344 disposed in a mode in contact with the skin of the wearer, a second exterior main surface portion 345 disposed to face the first exterior main surface portion 344, and a pair of exterior side surface portions 346A and 346B that connect the first exterior main surface portion 344 and the second exterior main surface portion 345, and the bag-shaped inflating portion 342 is disposed in a folded mode between the first exterior main surface portion 344 and the second exterior main surface portion 345. The first exterior main surface portion 344 and the second exterior main surface portion 345 may be members corresponding to the core cord portion 341 described for the first aspect. Specifically, the first exterior main surface portion 344 and the second exterior main surface portion 345 are core members that have flexibility and also have a certain degree of mechanical strength in the tensile direction, and may be formed of, for example, a polypropylene resin or the like.

[0050] When the inflation source is supplied to the inflating portion 342, and the inflating portion 342 inside the exterior member 343 begins to inflate, the inflation pressure acts on the exterior member 343. The inflating strap 340 in the third aspect is configured such that with the inflation pressure of the inflating portion 342 at a time of operation, the pair of exterior side surface portions 346A and 346B are ruptured, or the connecting portion of each of the exterior side surface portions 346A and 346B connected (for example, sewn) to the first exterior main surface portion 344 and the second exterior main surface portion 345 is broken (for example, the sewn portions come undone). In this manner, the first exterior main surface portion 344 and the second exterior main surface portion 345 are separated from each other in comparison with the initial state before inflation of the inflating portion 342, and the inflating portion 342 continues to inflate. Note that the configurations described in (A) to (C) are merely examples of the inflating strap 340.

[0051] In addition, examples of the inflation source that is supplied to the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 include inflation gas for inflating the inflating portion 342. In addition, instead of the above-mentioned inflation gas, foam that can inflate the inflating portion 342 may be employed as an inflation source. The inflating portion 342 may be inflated by supplying a foam such as foamed urethane to the inflating portion 342 from a spray-type inflation source supply unit. In the exemplary aspects (A) to (C), the inflating portion 342 may be configured such that portions other than the portion on the side in contact with the skin of the wearer in the inflating portion 342 more easily inflate compared to the portion, for example, on the side in contact with the skin of the wearer in order to avoid excessive compression of the neck of the wearer when the inflating portion 342 is inflated, for example. For example, in the aspect (A), the surface opposite to the outer surface 342A and/or a portion corresponding to a side surface may inflate more easily compared to the outer surface 342A side. Also, in the aspects (B) and (C), the portion corresponding to the side surface portion in the aspect (A) may be configured to easily inflate. In this neck protection device 300, the inflating portion 342 widely inflates along the width direction of the core cord portion 341, and thus the inflating portion 342 develops extensively along the height direction of the neck. Therefore, resistance against significant bending of the head and neck of the wearer can be easily generated, and the neck of the wearer can be more appropriately protected.

[0052] The following describes an example of an aspect in which the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250 are configured as the inflating strap 340 in the fixing strap 220.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the gas supply device 310. The gas supply device 310 is a device for supplying inflation gas for inflating the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 to the inflating portion 342 at a time of operation of the neck protection device 300, and includes a storage container 311 that stores inflation gas in a pressurized state, and a conduit 312 having one end connected to a gas discharge port 311A of the storage container 311. The conduit 312 is a tube member for guiding (carrying) the inflation gas (pressing gas) discharged from the gas discharge port 311A of the storage container 311 to the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 when the neck protection device 300 is operated. In the present embodiment, the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250 in the fixing strap 220 are configured as the inflating strap 340, and as such the tip end of the conduit 312 branches into bifurcated branch portions 312A and 312B. In FIG. 4, the reference numeral 3421 represents the inflating portion of the lower-chin-strap portion 240 constituting the inflating strap 340, and the reference numeral 3422 represents the inflating portion of the rear strap portion 250 constituting the inflating strap 340. The inflating portions 3421 and 3422 are provided with gas inlets 3423 and 3424, respectively, and the branch portions 312A and 312B of the conduit 312 are connected to the gas inlets 3423 and 3424.

[0054] The gas discharge port 311A of the storage container 311 is provided with a valve element 311B that closes the gas discharge port 311A, and the storage container 311 is sealed with the valve element 311B before the neck protection device 300 (the gas supply device 310) is operated. At a time of operation of the neck protection device 300, the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310 is opened, and the interior of the storage container 311 and the conduit 312 are communicated with each other. In this manner, inflation gas (pressing gas) is discharged from the storage container 311 to the conduit 312, and the inflation gas (pressing gas) is supplied to the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 through the conduit 312. As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the conduit 312 is disposed to extend inside the left edge 210A of the helmet body 210, and along the first upper strap portion 260 of the left strap portion 230A. Further, for example, in the vicinity of the part where the rear strap portion 250 and the lower-chin-strap portion 240 configured as the inflating strap 340 are connected to the coupling portion 280A, the branch portions 312A and 312B of the conduit 312 are connected to the inflating portion 342. Note that, in FIGS. 1 and 4, the reference numeral 330 represents a release valve provided in the conduit 312. The release valve 330 is a valve element that can discharge the inflation gas to the outside by being opened after the operation of the neck protection device 300 (the gas supply device 310). In the present embodiment, it is configured as a manual valve element.

[0055] Next, the activation unit 320 is described. As described above, the activation unit 320 is a device that includes the control unit 350, the power supply 360, the operation condition detection sensor 370, and the mounting state detection sensor 380, and inflates the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 by activating the gas supply device 310 serving as the inflation source supply unit. The control unit 350 is a control unit that operates by receiving power supplied from the power supply 360 and activates the gas supply device 310. The power supply 360 may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a dry cell.

[0056] When an operation condition for operating the neck protection device 300 (the gas supply device 310) is satisfied, the control unit 350 opens the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310. For example, the control unit 350 may control an operation mechanism (not illustrated) such as an actuator that can open the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310 to open the valve element 311B. Naturally, the operation mechanism that opens the valve element 311B of the gas supply device 310 is not limited to the above-mentioned mode. For example, the valve element 311B may be composed of a thin metal plate member, and the control unit 350 may open the valve element 311B by operating a rupture mechanism that ruptures the valve element 311B.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the control unit 350. The control unit 350 includes a processor 351, a storage unit 352, and an input/output unit 353. The processor 351 integrally executes a variety of arithmetic processing in the control unit 350. The processor 351 may include an arithmetic processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0058] The storage unit 352 includes a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. The main storage unit of the storage unit 352 includes a random access memory (RAM), or a read only memory (ROM), and caches information on programs and data used for arithmetic processing in the processor 351, for example. Note that the main storage unit of the storage unit 352 may be formed integrally with the processor 351. The auxiliary storage unit of the storage unit 352 includes a storage medium such as a volatile memory such as a RAM, a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or removable medium.

[0059] Note that the removable medium is, for example, a recording medium that can be attached from the outside and is computer-readable, such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory or a memory card. The auxiliary storage unit of the storage unit 352 can store an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables and the like for executing the operation of the neck protection device 300. The input/output unit 353 is, for example, an interface that inputs information (detection results or the like) from various sensors such as the operation condition detection sensor 370, the mounting state detection sensor 380 and the like, and outputs information (a control signal or the like) to various sensors or other devices. In addition, the neck protection device 300 includes a power switch (not illustrated), and a state signal of the power switch is also input to the input/output unit 353.

[0060] The operation condition detection sensor 370 is a sensor for detecting that a predetermined operation condition has been satisfied. The predetermined operation condition is a condition for operating the neck protection device 300, such as when a bicycle ridden by the wearer of the helmet 200 falls off, or other situations in which the wearer is exposed to danger, for example. The operation condition detection sensor 370 may be an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) or the like, for example. In addition, the operation condition detection sensor 370 may be a vital sensor that detects brain waves of the wearer. The vital sensor may detect brain waves different from those during normal conditions and thereby detect a hazardous state of the wearer. The vital sensor may be a contact-type sensor in contact with the head of the wearer, or a non contact-type sensor. The operation condition detection sensor 370 may be, for example, at least one type of above-described acceleration sensors: the gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), or vital sensor. Naturally, as the operation condition detection sensor 370, a combination of two or more types of sensors selected from the acceleration sensor, gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor), and vital sensor may be used. In addition, the operation condition detection sensor 370 is not limited as long as the operation condition can be detected, and a detection device (such as a camera or a millimeter-wave radar) other than the sensors exemplified above may be used. Since the neck protection device 300 includes the operation condition detection sensor 370, the activation unit 320 can operate the neck protection device 300 at an appropriate timing.

[0061] In addition, the mounting state detection sensor 380 is a sensor that detects the contact state with the head of the wearer, and a plurality of the mounting state detection sensors 380 may be disposed inside the helmet body 210. The control unit 350 determines whether the helmet 200 is being worn on the basis of the detection signal of the mounting state detection sensor 380. For example, the control unit 350 may determine that the helmet 200 is being worn when the plurality of the mounting state detection sensors 380 detects a contact state with the head of the wearer. The mounting state detection sensor 380 may be a pressure sensor, for example.

[0062] Next, an operation method for the neck protection device 300 is described. The neck protection device 300 includes a power switch (not illustrated), and in the state where the power switch is ON, the control unit 350 periodically executes the processing flow of FIG. 6, for example. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow executed by the control unit 350 of the neck protection device 300.

[0063] At step S10, the control unit 350 determines whether the helmet 200 is being worn by the wearer on the basis of the detection signal of the mounting state detection sensor 380. When the control unit 350 determines whether the helmet 200 is not being worn by the wearer, the control unit 350 temporarily terminates the processing flow of FIG. 6. On the other hand, when the control unit 350 determines that the helmet 200 is being worn by the wearer, the process proceeds to step S20. Since the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment includes the mounting state detection sensor 380, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the neck protection device 300 when the helmet 200 is not being worn. For example, it is possible to help prevent the neck protection device 300 from being unnecessarily operated when the helmet 200 alone is subjected to an impact.

[0064] At step S20, the control unit 350 determines whether the operation condition for the neck protection device 300 is satisfied. As described above, the operation condition for the neck protection device 300 is determined on the basis of the detection signal of the operation condition detection sensor 370. In this step, when it is determined that the operation condition for the neck protection device 300 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S30, and when it is determined that the operation condition is not satisfied, the processing flow of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated.

[0065] At step S30, the control unit 350 operates the gas supply device 310. Specifically, the valve element 311B of the storage container 311 is opened, and the inflation gas serving as the inflation source that is stored in the storage container 311 is supplied to the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 through the conduit 312, thereby inflating the inflating portion 342. FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a state where the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 is inflated. In this case, since the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250 of the helmet 200 are formed as the inflating strap 340, the inflating portion 342 provided in the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250 inflates.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a state after the operation of the neck protection device 300. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the neck protection device 300 is operated, the inflating portion 342 in the rear strap portion 250 and the lower-chin-strap portion 240 configured as the inflating strap 340 inflates. In this manner, it is possible to restrict the movement of the head and neck of the wearer of the helmet 200. That is, in the event of a fall off a bicycle or the like, it is possible to suppress sharp bending of the head and neck of the wearer due to the impact of the fall, thereby avoiding or mitigating damage to the neck.

[0067] Note that, in the present embodiment, the inflating strap 340 only needs to be disposed along at least a part of the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer and in contact with the skin of the wearer in a state before the neck protection device 300 is operated. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a modification of the setting mode of the inflating strap 340. (A) illustrates an example in which the inflating strap 340 is disposed only in the boundary region A2 between the posterior neck and occipital portion of the wearer. Specifically, in this example, the rear strap portion 250, which is a part of the fixing strap 220 of the helmet 200, is configured as the inflating strap 340. (B) illustrates an example in which not only the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250, but also the first upper strap portion 260 is configured as the inflating strap 340. Naturally, the aspect illustrated in FIG. 8 is also merely an example, and for example, the entirety (all strap portion) of the fixing strap 220 may be configured as the inflating strap 340. In the above-described example, bending of the neck and head of the wearer in the front-rear direction is restricted, but in some situations the neck and head may be bent in the left-right direction, for example. In this case, by widely inflating a portion corresponding to the region below the ear of the wearer in one or both of the lower-chin-strap portion 240 and the rear strap portion 250, it is possible to suppress large lateral swinging of the neck and head of the wearer upon impact, thereby providing more appropriate protection for the neck.

[0068] In the event of a fall off a bicycle, the neck of the wearer tends to bend around the boundary region between the head and neck. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a comparison between the neck protection device 300 according to the embodiment and a protection device of the related art. The upper section (A) illustrates the neck protection device 300 according to the embodiment, and the lower section (B) illustrates a protection device of related art (hereinafter referred to as known protection device). As disclosed in Patent Document 1, the known protection device is a protection device in which an inflatable airbag 1000 is attached to the collar of a garment worn by the user. In the known protection device, even when the neck of the user can be protected by inflating the airbag 1000 attached to the collar of the garment worn by the user, it takes time for the airbag 1000 to inflate to the boundary region between the neck and the head of the user. For example, unless the airbag 1000 reaches a nearly fully inflated state, it is difficult for the restriction function of restricting the bending of the neck of the user to work. This is because the airbag 1000 of the known protection device is attached to the collar of the garment worn by the user, and the attachment position of the airbag 1000 is distant from the boundary region between the neck and the head of the user. Further, in the known protection device, since the airbag 1000 is not securely fixed to the user, the airbag 1000 is prone to displacement when the neck or head of the user tilts, thus resulting in insufficient restriction performance.

[0069] In contrast, according to the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment, the inflating strap 340 is disposed in advance along the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer in a state before the neck protection device 300 is operated. In this manner, when the condition for operating the neck protection device 300 is satisfied, the movement of the neck of the wearer can be promptly restricted. In this manner, in the event of a fall of the wearer of the helmet 200, the protective function (specifically, the neck restriction function) of the neck protection device 300 can work in a state where the bending angle of the neck of the wearer due to the impact is small. Therefore, it is possible to favorably suppress and reduce the damage to the neck of the wearer.

[0070] Further, according to the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment, the inflating strap 340 can be directly disposed in the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer to be protected, and thus the amount of inflation source to be supplied for inflating the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 can be suppressed. In this manner, the inflation speed of the inflating portion 342 in the inflating strap 340 can be ensured, while achieving a more compact design of the neck protection device 300.

[0071] In addition, due to the anatomical structure of the human body, when the orientation of the face of the wearer changes laterally, a twisting motion of the neck relative to the torso (a rotational motion in the lateral direction) follows. In other words, the lateral (horizontal) relative angle of the neck with respect to the torso changes in accordance with the orientation of the face of the wearer. In this case, in the case where the airbag 1000 is attached to the collar of the garment worn by the user as in the known protection device illustrated in the lower section in FIG. 9, the relative positional relationship of the airbag 1000 with respect to the torso is fixed, and the orientation of the airbag 1000 cannot be changed in response to the twisting motion of the neck. That is, in the known protection device, the airbag 1000 is not directly fixed to the body of the user, and therefore there is a possibility that the airbag 1000 may become displaced due to the movement of the neck or head of the user, and as a result, the restriction performance may not sufficiently work.

[0072] In contrast, the inflating strap 340 of the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment has flexibility, and can be disposed in contact with the skin of the wearer. Therefore, even when the wearer has twisted the neck laterally (horizontally) before the neck protection device 300 is operated, the state where the inflating strap 340 is fitted to the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer can be maintained. This allows the inflating strap 340 to remain fitted to the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer without being affected even when the face of the wearer is oriented forward or sideways. That is, regardless of the orientation of the face of the wearer (the degree of lateral twisting of the neck) at the time point when the operation condition for the neck protection device 300 is satisfied, the inflating strap 340 fitted to the boundary region between the neck and the head of the wearer can always be inflated, and the appropriate protection function of the neck can be ensured. For example, when the inflating portion 342 side of the inflating strap 340 of the first aspect illustrated in (A) of FIG. 3 is disposed to face the skin of the wearer, the inflating portion 342 inflates toward the skin surface of the neck to restrict the neck, and the reactive force acts in the direction of expanding the core cord portion 341 outward. However, since the core cord portion 341 of the inflating strap 340 has a moderate rigidity, the core cord portion 341 can resist the above-mentioned reactive force, thereby allowing the inflating portion 342 to enhance the restriction effect on the neck.

[0073] Note that, after the neck of the wearer is protected through the operation of the neck protection device 300, the wearer may operate the release valve 330 as necessary to release the gas inside the conduit 312 into the atmosphere. This reduces the degree of inflation of the inflating portion 342, and makes it easier to remove the helmet 200.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gas supply device 310 serving as an inflation source supply unit, and the activation unit 320 may be attachable to and detachable from the helmet 200. In the above-mentioned mode, the accommodating case 390 may be attachable to and detachable from the helmet body 210. In this manner, with the gas supply device 310 and the activation unit 320 that are attachable to and detachable from the helmet 200, the unoperated gas supply device 310 and activation unit 320 can be easily transferred to a new helmet 200 when replacing the helmet 200, for example. For example, the control unit 350, the power supply 360, various sensors and the like may be detachably fixed to the helmet body 210 by means of a strap provided with a snap-type fastener or the like, or inserted to an appropriate insertion pocket formed inside the helmet body 210. By providing the insertion pocket with an opening that is openable with a zipper or the like, it can be attachable to and detachable from the helmet body 210. In addition, the gas supply device 310 may be configured as a cartridge type with a locking mechanism for avoiding drop off from the helmet body 210 even under an impact, and inserted to a predetermined accommodating portion in the helmet body 210, for example.

[0075] In addition, various modifications may be employed for the neck protection device 300 of the present embodiment. For example, the neck protection device 300 described in the above-mentioned embodiment is configured in a mode in which the control unit 350 operates the gas supply device 310 on the basis of the detection result of the operation condition detection sensor 370 in the activation unit 320, but a manual operation unit (not illustrated) for the wearer to manually operate may be provided in the helmet body 210 such that the neck protection device 300 is operated in response to a reception of an operation of the manual operation unit by the wearer, for example. For example, in the gas supply device 310 described with reference to FIG. 4 above, an appropriate mechanical mechanism (for example, a combination of mechanical elements such as a spring or a wire) may be interposed between the valve element 311B that seals the gas discharge port 311A of the storage container 311 that stores inflation gas (pressing gas) and the manual operation unit such that the neck protection device 300 is operated by the wearer by operating the manual operation unit. While the specific structure of the manual operation unit is not limited, it is possible to employ a structure in which a manual switch that can be operated by the wearer, a lock pin and the like may be provided in the helmet body 210 such that the gas discharge port 311A of the storage container 311 is opened when that manual operation unit is operated, for example.

[0076] In addition, the gas supply device 310 (inflation source supply unit) may be a pyrotechnic gas generator used for inflating an airbag. While such gas generators are known in the art and detailed description thereof is omitted, the gas generator includes a housing that accommodates a gas generating agent therein, and a pyrotechnic igniter that operates upon supply of an operating current and ignites the gas generating agent inside the housing. The inflation gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent may be supplied to the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340 through the conduit 312. In this case, the gas generating agent corresponds to the inflation source for the inflating portion 342 of the inflating strap 340.

[0077] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, and each of the aspects disclosed in the present specification can be combined with any other features disclosed therein.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0078] 1 Protection device [0079] 200 Helmet [0080] 210 Helmet body [0081] 220 Fixing strap [0082] 240 Lower-chin-strap portion [0083] 250 Rear strap portion [0084] 300 Neck protection device [0085] 310 Gas supply device [0086] 320 Activation unit [0087] 330 Release valve [0088] 340 Inflating strap [0089] 342 Inflating portion [0090] 350 Control unit