EP1667544A1

EP1667544A1 - Signalling device and item of clothing provided therewith

Info

Publication number: EP1667544A1
Application number: EP04764436A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Strecker; Stefan Jung
Original assignee: Interactive Wear AG
Current assignee: Interactive Wear AG
Priority date: 2003-09-22
Filing date: 2004-08-24
Publication date: 2006-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-24
Also published as: WO2005034663A1; DE502004005291D1; EP1667544B1; DE10343806A1; ATE375734T1

Abstract

The invention relates to a signalling device that can be integrated into an item of clothing (10) that can be worn at least partially on the upper body of a person, said signalling device comprising an angular sensor arrangement (12, 14, 16) for determining at least one angle of an arm position of the person carrying the signalling device, and optical signal transmitters (24) that are embodied in such a way as to transmit a signal as a reaction to the determination of the angle. The invention also relates to an item of clothing provided with one such signalling device.

Description

"Signaling device and a piece of clothing comprising a signaling device"

description

The present invention relates to a signaling device which can be integrated into a piece of clothing and to a piece of clothing comprising a signaling device. In particular, the present invention relates to an item of clothing by means of which a person wearing the item of clothing can indicate a change of direction in a clearly recognizable manner.

When a cyclist wants to indicate a change of direction, he points with his straight arm in the direction in which he wants to turn. However, this has the disadvantage that the direction indicator of the cyclist can be overlooked, particularly in poor lighting conditions, and thus the frequency of bicycle accidents increases.

It has been proposed in the past to attach direction indicators to bicycles. However, this has the disadvantage that the direction indicators are poorly recognizable and thus perform their function poorly.

A jacket is known from EP 0 895 345 A1, which comprises self-illuminating elements around a planned change of direction

To indicate the direction of movement of the person wearing the jacket. Here, the lighting elements are activated by means of a switch by the person wearing the jacket. In particular, the light-emitting elements, which are arranged in the rear shoulder area of the jacket, are activated by pressing a switch that protrudes from the sleeve ends. However, this has the disadvantage that the person must remember to press a switch when he wants to indicate a change of direction.

In US 2002/0044052 A1 a motorcycle jacket is described, on the rear shoulder area of which indicator-like lighting elements are attached. Before the ride, the motorcycle jacket is electrically coupled to the motorcycle. When the motorcyclist actuates the turn signal device of his motorcycle, this is also transmitted to the motorcycle jacket and a corresponding directional signal for the people's elements on the jacket is output. However, this system has the disadvantage that it has to be coupled to a motorcycle and cannot be operated independently.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a signaling device and an item of clothing which can indicate a planned change of direction in a simple manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a signaling device with the features specified in claim 1 and a piece of clothing with the features specified in claim 12. Preferred embodiments are included in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a signaling device, in particular for

Display of a planned change of direction, which is provided in a

Garment that is at least partially wearable on the upper body of a person, can be integrated or integrated, the signaling device comprising: an angle sensor arrangement for determining at least one angle or angular range of an arm position of the person wearing the signaling device; and - optical signal transmitters or lighting elements which are designed such that a signal can be output in response to or as a function of the angle determination. Thus, with the aid of the signaling device according to the invention, in particular a planned change of direction of a person wearing the item of clothing, preferably a cyclist, can be indicated when the person extends his arm in the direction of the planned change of direction. The extended arm position is detected in particular by the angle sensor arrangement and the optical signal transmitters emit a signal.

In particular, it is preferably determined with the aid of the angle sensor arrangement whether or not at least a predetermined angle or angular range is assumed by the arm position of the person wearing the item of clothing. Thus, the angle determination is preferably a determination of whether or not there is a certain angular state.

The angle sensor arrangement preferably comprises angle sensors or angle measurement sensors for determining the angle of an upper arm with respect to the torso, the angle sensors preferably being able to be arranged in each case in the rear shoulder area and / or front shoulder area and / or armpit area of the item of clothing.

The rear or front shoulder area is preferably the area between the upper arm and the shoulder when the body is viewed from the rear or the front. The armpit area is preferably the area between the upper arm and the torso or the lateral rib area of a person.

With the help of the angle sensors it can in particular be determined whether there is a right angle between the upper arm and the torso within certain tolerance limits.

Preferably, the angle sensor arrangement comprises angle sensors for determining the angle of a forearm with respect to the upper arm, the Angle sensors can preferably be arranged in the elbow area of the item of clothing.

The elbow area is preferably the area between the forearm and the upper arm. The sensors are preferably arranged on the side of the elbow. Alternatively or additionally, sensors can run over the elbows or be arranged in the region of the armpit.

With the aid of the above-mentioned angle sensors, it is determined in particular whether a 180-degree angle is present between the forearm and the upper arm within certain tolerance limits.

The angle sensor arrangement further preferably comprises angle sensors for determining the angle of an upper arm with respect to the shoulder area, the angle sensors preferably being able to be arranged in each case in the shoulder area of the item of clothing.

The shoulder area is preferably the area of the shoulder joint and in particular the area between the shoulder girdle and the upper arm. The angle determined with the angle sensor described above is in particular an angle between the shoulder girdle and the upper arm when the human body is viewed from above. It can thus preferably be determined whether the arm is extended sideways or laterally away from the body or in another direction essentially at a 90 ° angle to the torso or body.

The angle sensors described above can be designed as separate individual sensors or can be integrated in one or more sensors.

Preferably, the signaling device further comprises an energy source and electronics. The energy source is preferably a rechargeable battery or a battery. With the help of electronics, the Output of the optical signals to the optical signal transmitter controlled or regulated and preferably carried out the evaluation of the electronics.

In a preferred embodiment, the individual elements of the signaling device are at least partially electrically connected to one another via textile lines or cables. The textile lines are preferably firmly integrated or woven into an item of clothing.

Alternatively, channels can be provided in the item of clothing, in which lines or cables which connect the individual elements of the signaling device to one another are guided.

The signaling device preferably further comprises a switch-on and switch-off device.

The optical signal transmitters are preferably light-emitting diodes or LEDs.

In a preferred embodiment, the optical signal transmitters can be arranged at least on a sleeve area which is spaced from the shoulder area. This means that the optical signal transmitters, when integrated into a piece of clothing, are clearly visible when there is a direction indicator. It can further preferably be provided that optical signal transmitters can be arranged along the entire sleeve area. It can further preferably be provided that the optical signal transmitters light up successively when a direction is to be displayed, in particular in order to indicate a desired direction of the change of direction.

The angle sensor arrangement is preferred on both sides of the body with respect to the

Body center essentially symmetrical. The angle sensor arrangement is thus preferably symmetrical on the left and right side with respect to the center of the body essentially symmetrical arranged. A change of direction to the left and right can thus be displayed.

The angle sensors preferably comprise optical, mechanical-electrical and / or piezo-electrical sensors.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, an article of clothing is provided which is at least partially wearable on the upper body of a person and which comprises a signaling device according to the present invention or a preferred embodiment thereof.

Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic rear view of a garment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view of the garment shown in Figure 1 when a change of direction is indicated;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic plan view of an angle sensor according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in a contacted state;

FIG. 3B shows a schematic side view of the angle sensor shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows a schematic plan view of an angle sensor according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in an uncontacted state; Figure 3D is a schematic side view of the angle sensor shown in Figure 3C;

FIG. 4A shows a schematic, partial sectional view of an angle sensor according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a non-contacted state; and

Figure 4B is a schematic, partial sectional view of the angle sensor according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention in a contacted state.

The structure of a signaling device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. 1.

The signaling device described below is preferably used in bicycle outerwear. With the help of

Signaling device allows visual directional indication in addition to extending the cyclist's arm when the cyclist wishes to indicate a planned change of direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the signaling device is permanently integrated in a jacket 10. The view shown is a rear view of the jacket 10. The signaling device comprises a plurality of sensors or angle sensors 12, 14, 16, electronics 18, a power supply 20 and preferably an on / off switch 22. Furthermore, the signaling device comprises one A large number of light-emitting diodes or LEDs 24. The individual elements of the signaling device are electrically connected to one another via a textile cable 26. The sensors 12, 14, 16 are designed such that they can detect a predetermined angle. In particular, the sensors 12, 14, 16 are designed such that it can be determined whether or not there is a predetermined angle within certain tolerance limits between two parts of the body. A decision is therefore preferably made as to whether there is a predetermined angular value or not.

The sensors 12 are each arranged in the rear shoulder area of the jacket 10. Alternatively or additionally, the sensors 12 can also be arranged in the front shoulder area and / or armpit area. The armpit area is in particular the area between the inner area of the upper arm and the torso or the lateral rib area. With the aid of the sensors 12, in particular the angle between the upper arm and the torso can be determined or detected.

The sensors 14 are arranged in the shoulder area of the jacket 10 and in particular in the transition area between the shoulder belt and the outside of the upper arms. With the help of sensors 14, the angle of the upper arm with respect to the shoulder belt can thus be determined or detected. This is the angle that can be seen in the top view of the human body. In particular, this is the angle when the upper arm of the person wearing the jacket points forwards, sideways or backwards.

The sensors 16 are arranged in the elbow area of the jacket 10. This is particularly the area between the forearm and the upper arm. With the help of the sensors 16, the angle between the forearm and the upper arm can be determined or it can be determined whether there is a predetermined angle value. The sensors 16 are preferably arranged on the side of the elbow.

The electronics 18 uses the angle values determined by the sensors 12, 14, 16 to determine whether and which LEDs 24 should be switched on and thus light up. The signaling device can be switched on or off with the aid of the on / off switch 22.

The LEDs 24 are preferably arranged on both sleeve ends and, depending on the angle determination result, enable the desired direction of travel to be displayed. Furthermore, it can be provided that LEDs 24 are arranged at other, clearly visible positions of the jacket 10. For example, the LEDs 24 can be arranged along the length of the sleeve of the jacket 10 and / or light up in a specific order in order to enable better signaling.

The mode of operation of the signaling device described above is described below with reference to FIG. 2.

When a cyclist wearing the jacket 10 wishes to indicate an impending change of direction to the left or right, he extends his left or right arm to the side. In the view shown in Fig. 2, this is the right arm. The position of the outstretched arm is detected with the help of sensors 12, 14, 16 and a corresponding signal is output to the LEDs 24 on the side of the jacket of the planned change of direction so that they light up.

The extended arm is detected as described below.

As shown in Figure 2, a planned change of direction to the right should be signaled. To do this, extend the right arm to the side. To reach this position, the right arm must be stretched sideways essentially at right angles. Thus there is a right or 90 ° angle between the upper arm and the torso, an extended or 180 ° angle between the forearm and the upper arm and between the shoulder girdle and the upper arm also an extended or 180 ° angle. The angle information is preferably provided with tolerances. The tolerances are preferably in a range of ± 10-20 °, most preferably + 15 °. In Figure 2, the tolerance limits indicated above are marked with "x". Thus, the angles leading to activation do not have to be precise 90 ° or 180 °.

With the aid of the sensor 12 it is determined that an essentially right angle is formed between the upper arm and the torso or the lateral rib region.

Furthermore, it is determined with the aid of the sensor 14 that the arm is extended laterally, and thus essentially a 180 ° angle is formed between the shoulder girdle and the upper arm when the person is viewed from above.

With the help of the sensor 16 it is determined that there is essentially a 180 ° angle between the forearm and the upper arm.

It can thus be determined with the aid of the three sensors 12, 14, 16 that the right arm is extended laterally. When the three conditions described above are met, the electronics 18 output a signal to the LEDs 24, which are arranged at the end of the right sleeve, so that they light up. Additional signaling of a planned change of direction can thus be achieved in a simple manner.

However, if one of the sensors 12, 14, 16 is used to determine an angle that deviates from the specification, ie if one of the angles does not meet the required value, the LEDs 24 are not activated and thus no optical signal is output. If, for example, the arm is stretched vertically upwards, a correct result is achieved with sensors 14 and 16, but sensor 12 detects an angle and deviating from 90 ° thus the LEDs 24 are not activated. The same thing happens when e.g. B. the cyclist extends his arm at right angles to the front. Although sensors 12 and 16 determine a correct value here, sensor 14 determines an angle deviating from 180 ° and thus LEDs 24 are not activated.

A first preferred embodiment of angle sensors used in the signaling device is described below with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D.

The angle sensor 40 shown is a mechanical-electrical sensor. This means that an electrical circuit is closed or opened by mechanical actuation.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a top view and a side view of an angle sensor 40 in a contacted state. The angle sensor 40 shown here is an angle sensor 40 with a fulcrum 46. This means that an angle can be measured in an expansion direction.

The sensor 40 shown comprises two legs 42, 44 which can be rotated relative to one another about the pivot point 46. Contacts 48 are arranged on the opposite sides of the legs 42, 44. In the embodiment shown, an angle of 180 ° can be detected.

If the two legs 42, 44 are at a 180 ° angle to one another, the contacts 48 of the respective legs lie on one another and thus an electrical circuit is closed, which signals the presence of a 180 ° angle.

If, on the other hand, the legs 42, 44 are not at a 180 degree angle to one another, the respective contacts 48 are displaced relative to one another and the electrical circuit is open. This is shown in Figures 3C to 3D. If a 90 ° angle is to be detected with the aid of the sensor 40, the contacts 48 of either the leg 42 or the leg 44 are rotated by 90 °, so that the electrical circuit is closed when the legs 42, 44 are in a 90th Degrees angle to each other and is open when there is an angle other than 90 degrees.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a sensor 60 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor 60 shown is an optical sensor. The sensor 60 comprises a light source 62 and a detector 64. When the detector 64 detects the incidence of light, an electrical circuit is also closed.

With regard to the light source detector arrangement, a diaphragm arrangement 66 is arranged so as to be rotatable about a pivot point, not shown. The aperture assembly 66 includes a slot 68.

The light source detector arrangement 62, 64 can be viewed as a first leg and the diaphragm arrangement 66 can be viewed as a second leg.

When the two legs are arranged at the desired angle to be detected relative to one another, the slot 68 is arranged between the light source 62 and the detector 64, so that a light falls on the detector 64. The detected incident light can be output as an electrical signal.

However, if the two legs are outside the desired angular range, no light can fall from the light source 62 onto the detector 64 and no signal is output. Thus, with the aid of the sensors described above, a predetermined angular position of two legs rotatably mounted with respect to one another about an axis of rotation can be detected.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors can also be designed as piezo elements which have a different resistance with a varying bend. A certain bending state, which corresponds to an angular position, can thus be detected.

It is also conceivable to use angle sensors which can detect more than one direction of rotation.

The signaling device described above can preferably be integrated into any suitable type of clothing which is worn on the upper body. It is also conceivable to design the signaling device in such a way that it can be subsequently integrated into items of clothing.

With the aid of the signaling device described above, additional signaling of a planned change of direction can be achieved in a user-friendly manner, independently of other systems. In particular, a signal is output as a result of a certain posture.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

jacket

sensor

electronics

accumulator

On / off switch

LED textile cable

sensor

leg

pivot point

contacts

sensor

light source

detector

diaphragm arrangement

slot

Claims

Expectations

Signaling device which can be integrated into a piece of clothing (10) which can be worn at least partially on the upper body of a person, the signaling device comprising: an angle sensor arrangement (12, 14, 16) for determining at least one angle of an arm position of the person carrying the signaling device Person; and optical signal transmitters (24) which are designed such that a signal can be output in response to the angle determination.

2. Signaling device according to claim 1, wherein the angle sensor arrangement (12, 14, 16) angle sensors (12) for determining the

Includes an upper arm with respect to the torso, wherein the angle sensors (12) are preferably each arranged in the rear shoulder area and / or front shoulder area and / or armpit area of the garment.

3. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle sensor arrangement (12, 14, 16) comprises angle sensors (16) for determining the angle of a forearm with respect to the upper arm, wherein the angle sensors (16) can preferably be arranged in each case in the elbow region of the item of clothing ,

4. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle sensor arrangement (12, 14, 16) comprises angle sensors (14) for determining the angle of an upper arm with respect to the shoulder area, wherein the angle sensors (14) can preferably be arranged in each case in the shoulder area of the item of clothing ,

5. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an energy source (20) and electronics (18).

6. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the individual elements of the signaling device are at least partially electrically connected lines (26).

7. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling device further comprises an on and off device

(22).

8. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical signal transmitter (24) are light-emitting diodes.

9. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical signal transmitter (24) can be arranged at least on a sleeve area which is spaced from the shoulder area.

10. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle sensor arrangement (12, 14, 16) is formed on both sides of the body substantially symmetrically with respect to the center of the body.

11. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle sensors (12, 14, 16) comprise optical, mechanical-electrical and / or piezo-electrical sensors.

12. Garment (10) which is at least partially wearable on the upper body of a person and which comprises a signaling device according to one of the preceding claims.