EP2716175B1 - Helmet with improved ventilation - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to an improved ventilation helmet. In particular, the invention relates to a helmet for the practice of sports such as skiing, surfing, mountaineering or cycling.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In known manner, a helmet comprises means for protecting the head. These means protect the skull from shocks that it could suffer when the user falls.

The means of protection may consist of a shell and a damping cap. The hull is usually rigid. It can be made by molding, for example by injection of a thermoplastic material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). Usually, the damping cap is made of an expanded material such as EPS (expanded polystyrene).

Channels and orifices are generally arranged through both the shell and the cap so that the air can enter and circulate in the helmet and then allow it to come out again. This allows ventilation of the helmet wearer's head to improve comfort.

For example, the document US 4,555,816 discloses a ventilated chin guard for cycling. This helmet has an outer shell and an inner liner. A grille on the front of the chin strap allows air to access directly inside the helmet. Elongated openings on either side of the grid communicate with the inside of the helmet by a complex network of cavities. Thus, the ventilation channels are fed by a hole located at the chin. On each side, the airflow is then directed to the top of the skull through a lateral opening at one ear. The air circulates towards the anterior part and towards the posterior part of the cap. A phenomenon of depression is used to extract the air headphones through openings below and behind the ears.

This headset has a large number of components and is complex to implement.

The document US 4,766,614 describes a ventilated helmet comprising a shell and a multitude of projections, in the form of studs, directly attached to the shell. These projections are independent and do not form a one-piece cap. These projections are arranged to form linear air flow channels in the longitudinal direction of the helmet. The air flow is not disturbed and is evacuated quickly behind the helmet. This multitude of pads reduces the number of contacts of the helmet with the skull of the user. Ventilation is not optimal because of the linearity of the flow of air.

The document US 2007/0209098 also describes a ventilated helmet comprising a shell and a multitude of projections.

Given the disadvantages of the prior art, there is a need to provide a helmet for improved ventilation that is simple, convenient and economical to manufacture.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

• une coque de protection,
• une calotte, disposée à l'intérieur de la coque, cette calotte présentant, sur un côté interne, tourné vers la tête d'un utilisateur, des saillies délimitant des canaux de circulation d'air entre la partie antérieure de la calotte et la partie postérieure de la calotte, les canaux de circulation d'air étant alimenté par un orifice frontal de la coque de protection,
  où les saillies sont disposées aléatoirement de manière à former au moins un canal de circulation d'air présentant une trajectoire, projetée sur un plan horizontal, irrégulière dans le sens longitudinal du casque, afin de perturber l'écoulement d'un flux d'air entrant.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a helmet according to claim 1, comprising:

• a protective shell,
• a cap, disposed inside the shell, this cap having, on an inner side, facing the head of a user, projections defining air flow channels between the front part of the cap and the part posterior of the cap, the air circulation channels being fed by a front orifice of the protective shell,
  where the projections are arranged randomly so as to form at least one airflow channel having a trajectory, projected on a horizontal plane, irregular in the longitudinal direction of the helmet, to disrupt the flow of an incoming airflow.

By forcing the air to circulate in a disturbed manner in the channels, the structure of the helmet according to the invention allows an increased heat dissipation compared to the existing devices.

According to advantageous features of the invention, at least one projection disrupting the longitudinal air flow is located in the front part of the helmet.

According to one embodiment, the projections are arranged in such a way that all the air circulation channels have a trajectory, projected on a horizontal plane, irregular in the longitudinal direction of the helmet, in order to disturb the flow of a flow of air. air entering.

According to another embodiment, the helmet comprises an air circulation groove which runs along at least an anterior part of a lower edge of the cap so as to laterally feed an air circulation channel.

The helmet may be a helmet according to the invention, of the type described above, which may, for example, be used for skiing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation principal d'un casque selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée en perspective du casque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 2A est une vue de dessous en perspective de l'intérieur du casque pourvu de sa collerette ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessous du casque, sans collerette, montrant la coque pourvue de la calotte et détaillant les éléments de circulation d'air dans ces deux parties ;
• la figure 4 est une vue du casque similaire à la figure 3, cette fois muni de la collerette et montrant des exemples de flux entre les éléments de circulation d'air ;
• la figure 5 est une coupe d'une portion avant du casque selon les repères 5-5 présents en figure 4 ;
• les figures 6 à 8 sont des coupes schématiques de portions du casque muni de la collerette montrant une gorge de circulation d'air respectivement ménagée dans la collerette (figure 6), dans la calotte (figure 7) et dans les deux (figure 8) ;
• les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues de dessous de variantes du casque ne faisant pas partie de l'invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a main embodiment of a helmet according to the invention;
• the figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the helmet of the figure 1 ;
• the Figure 2A is a bottom view in perspective of the inside of the helmet provided with its collar;
• the figure 3 is a bottom view of the helmet, without collar, showing the shell provided with the cap and detailing the air circulation elements in these two parts;
• the figure 4 is a helmet view similar to the figure 3 this time provided with the flange and showing examples of flow between the air circulation elements;
• the figure 5 is a section of a front portion of the helmet according to the 5-5 marks present in figure 4 ;
• the Figures 6 to 8 are schematic sections of portions of the helmet provided with the collar showing an airflow groove respectively formed in the collar ( figure 6 ), in the cap ( figure 7 ) and in both ( figure 8 );
• the figures 9 and 10 are bottom views of variants of the helmet not forming part of the invention.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

The helmet 10 comprises a protective shell 11, a collar 12, a cap 13, ear protection cushions 14 and a chinstrap 15.

In the rest of the description, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "transversal", "superior", "lower", "up", "down", "before" will be used. , "back". These terms must be interpreted in a relative sense in relation to the position helmet occupies on the head of a user in normal posture, and the normal direction of advancement of the wearer.

The helmet 10 is defined with respect to a first median plane 16 which follows a vertical orientation, from the front to the rear and by a second vertical plane 17, perpendicular to the first median plane 16 and passing through an extreme upper point of contact between the helmet and the skull of the user. The term "front" or "front" part A of the helmet 10, the front portion of the helmet, located between the front end of the helmet and the vertical plane 17. is designated by "rear" part P of the helmet 10, the part back of the helmet, extending between the vertical plane 17 and the rear end of the helmet.

The protective shell 11 is monolithic, that is to say made in one piece. Here it is made of polycarbonate (PC). Alternatively, it is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a material loaded with carbon fibers or natural fibers. The shell 11 is molded, for example, injected.

The shell 11 has a shape designed to surround the head of a user. It is delimited by a lower edge 11i. It has openings 11o. In this example, the air outlet openings 11o are two in number. They are arranged in the rear part of the helmet, on a high area.

The cap 13 is here also monolithic. It is made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). It may alternatively be expanded polypropylene (EPP) or other material, preferably expanded material. It is attached to the hull 11 to cover the inner surface of the hull 11.

The cap 13 has a shape designed to also envelop the head of a user. The construction of its internal envelope will be detailed later. It is delimited by a lower edge 13i. The lower edge 13i is substantially aligned with the lower edge 11i of the shell 11 or may, locally, be slightly lower. The lower edge 11i and / or the lower edge 13i form the lower edge 20 of the helmet. The cap 13 also presents openings 13o coinciding with the openings 11o of the shell 11, when the cap 13 is integral with the shell 11. Thus, the openings 11o and 13o form openings 22 of the air evacuation of the helmet 10.

The cap 13 may be a separate piece of the shell 11, and assembled with the shell 11. Alternatively, it may be overmolded on the shell 11, it is called "in-mold" technology.

In this example, the flange 12 comprises a flat strip 121, of small thickness in a vertical direction. This flat band 121 forms a closed ring whose profile follows the contour of the lower edge 20 of the helmet. The width of the band is substantially equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the shell 11 and the cap 13. Consequently, the lower edge 13i of the cap 13 and the lower edge 11i of the shell 11 are covered by the collar 12. Moreover, the flat strip 121 extends vertically upwards on its outer edge. This extension forms an outer rim 122 which partially covers the lower outer surface of the shell 11 and / or the cap 13. The collar thus forms a ring having a substantially L-shaped section, or at least on a large scale. part of the circumference. The height of the outer rim is variable along the lower circumference of the helmet.

Alternatively, the flange 12 may be in several parts, have a different section, for example, be only a band without external rim. The collar may cover only certain areas of the lower edge of the helmet.

The flange 12 is intended to be fixed on the lower edge of the helmet 10. It therefore comprises fastening means to the cap 13 or to the shell 11. In this example, the attachment of the flange 12 is made by clipping, with lugs 40 engaging with corresponding bores 41 of the cap 13. Alternatively, the flange 12 can be glued to the shell 11 or the cap 13, screwed on or other fastening methods may be used.

On the front part of the helmet, the outer flange 122 of the flange 12 comprises two recesses 123 so that the association of the flange 12 with the lower edge 11i of the shell 11 delimits front orifices 21 of air inlet, at the recesses 123. This avoids making air intake port in the mass of the helmet 10, which would tend to to reduce its solidity by creating zones of weakness. In addition, by eliminating any orifice on the front part of the helmet, the protection of the head is reinforced and in particular the risk of insertion of foreign bodies such as, for example, branches. Moreover, the absence of holes on the front of the shell facilitates the decoration of the helmet.

The flange 12 also comprises, on the flat strip 121, some functional arrangements.

For example, the band includes front ports 28 for supplying air to an area in front of the user's eyes. This localized ventilation makes it possible, for example, to demist the skier's mask.

Another arrangement consists in providing lateral cutouts 124, at the level of the ears, in order to allow the attachment of the protective cushions 14 of the ears and of the chinstrap 15, directly on the cap 13.

A third arrangement consists in placing posterior orifices 125 intended to evacuate the air circulating inside the helmet.

Another development is the realization of airflow throat to bring a flow of air in the air circulation channels fed by a lateral groove 32. This type of development will be detailed later.

In this example, the flange 12 is molded and is ABS, mainly for economic reasons. Alternatively, it can be made of another plastic material and with a different manufacturing process.

The cap 13 has on an inner side, facing the user's head, projections 31, or pads, disposed on a support zone of the helmet on the top of the skull. It also presents, on the periphery of this zone of support, a succession of reliefs 30. These reliefs extend substantially to the lower edge 13i of the cap 13. Two reliefs 30 adjacent are arranged so as to form between them a groove 26 of general orientation up-down.

The grooves 26 are here substantially linear except for the curvature of the helmet 10 and have a U-shaped profile. The U-shaped grooves 26, delimited on three sides by the cap 13, is obstructed on a fourth side by the head. 50 of the user.

Some grooves 26 define air supply grooves 32 and 33 and air discharge grooves 35. These grooves 32, 33 and 35 each extend from a lower zone, through a lower orifice 24, to a upper region, through an upper orifice 25. The grooves 32 are front feed grooves, that is to say, that the lower orifice 24 is formed on the front portion of the cap 13. These grooves 32 are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction. The grooves 33 are grooves of lateral feeds, that is to say, that they feed, on the side, channels of air circulation. The supply is substantially transverse, for example, forming an angle greater than 45 ° with respect to a longitudinal direction.

Thus, the spacings between the reliefs 30 of the cap 13 and those between the projections 31 of the cap 13 form a network of air circulation channels ensuring the ventilation of the head of the user. In this embodiment, these air circulation channels are fed by the air supply grooves 32 and 33 of the cap 13. To feed these feed grooves 32 and 33, the air enters through the front openings 21 and is directed by airflow grooves 27 described hereinafter.

In a first example, the lower edge of the cap 13 incorporates two air flow grooves 27, hollowed in the cap, thus forming two grooves. The flange 12 then closes the grooves 27 when attached to the helmet 10. Each groove runs along the lower edge of the cap from a front orifice 21 to one of the lower openings 24 of a feed groove In lateral air 32. Thus, along the lower edge of the helmet, the cap 13 and the collar 12 together form two grooves of air circulation 27, arranged on either side of the median plane 16 ( figure 6 ). Here again, this embodiment of airflow grooves 27 makes it possible to avoid providing a channel in the mass of the helmet, which would be a source of embrittlement. In a variant, the hollow of the circulation grooves 27 is formed only in the collar 12 (FIG. figure 7 ), or jointly in the collar 12 and the cap 13 ( figure 8 ).

Thus, in this example, the grooves 27 are in fluid communication with the inside of the helmet 10 and can convey the air that has entered through the front ports 21.

Here it is noted that the medial frontal portion of the helmet located between the orifices 21 is full, so as to generate two distinct air inlet flows, on either side of the plane 16.

As it is visible to the Figure 2A and at the figure 5 , the flange 12 has two defogging orifices 28 oriented towards the eyes of a user. As the user gains speed, a flow of air is thus directed to prevent the deposition of mist on a mask that can wear to protect the eyes.

In the example shown in figures 3 and 4 , the helmet 10 has a lateral supply groove 32 on each of its sides and four front feed grooves 33. The air entering a groove 32 or 33 from the groove 27 comes out either through the openings 22 or by one of the air exhaust throats 35.

This type of helmet construction consisting of bringing back a flange 12 to cover the lower edge 20 of the helmet is advantageous because it allows easy integration of air flow grooves 27 ensuring the feeding of several grooves 32, 33 of the cap 13 and, more particularly, the lateral feeding grooves 32. In fact, it is easy and economical to make grooves on the flange 12 and / or on the lower edge 13i of the cap 13.

In this example, the projections 31 of the cap 13 are twenty-three, as is visible in FIGS. figures 3 and 4 . This number is not limiting and there may be more or less than twenty-three.

The projections 31 in the illustrated embodiment are substantially rectangular in shape, that is, their section in a plane perpendicular to the normal to the outer surface of the helmet is rectangular. They may alternatively be substantially triangular, circular, oval, or non-regular shape or all the projections may be a mixture of these different forms.

The projections 31 delimit between them air circulation channels 34. The projections 31 are arranged so as to disturb at least one air flow from the feed grooves 32 and 33 and at least one circulating air flow. in the channels 34 themselves. In other words, the number of projections 31 and their angular orientation prevent stagnation of hot air and any laminar flow in at least one channel 34. Here, at least one flow of air flowing from a supply throat 33 meets a minimum of a projection 31 in the longitudinal flow direction. This flow of air entering through a front orifice 21 will be guided by a feed groove 33 and the projections 31. The trajectory of this flow is not regular or laminar in the direction of the longitudinal flow because at less a projection impedes this flow so as to divide the flow which causes the flow disturbance. The flow is then discharged through a rear opening 22 or a discharge groove 35.

In other words, at least one channel 34 is non-linear in the longitudinal direction of the helmet in order to disturb the flow of an incoming air flow. For the purposes of the invention, a meridional direction is considered to be linear to the inner curved surface of the cap 13. Thus, the trajectory of at least one air circulation channel, projected on a horizontal plane, is irregular in the longitudinal direction of the helmet. A projection forming a line or a simple curve, for example, the projection on a horizontal plane of a lateral meridian, is considered as regular.

The longitudinal direction of the helmet designates a direction oriented from the anterior part to the posterior part of the helmet, in a plane parallel to the plane 16. A horizontal plane is a plane perpendicular to the planes 16 and 17.

Advantageously, at least one projection 31 disturbing the longitudinal air flow is located in the front part A of the helmet. This arrangement makes it possible to create the disturbance of the flow at the beginning of the trajectory, which ensures better ventilation of the head and in particular of the frontal part of the top of the skull.

Advantageously, all the air circulation channels 34 have a trajectory, projected on a horizontal plane, irregular in the longitudinal direction of the helmet, in order to disturb the flow of an incoming air flow 29. Again, the ventilation is substantially improved by these multiple disturbed flows.

According to the invention shown in figures 3 and 4 the projections 31 are arranged randomly. By the term randomly, it is meant that the side walls of the projections 31 are oriented without particular angular coherence of a projection 31 to an adjacent projection 31. In these figures, the projections 31 are square or rectangular and of various dimensions.

In this example, the distribution of the projections 31 is asymmetrical relative to the median plane 16.

The protrusions 31 may alternatively be distributed in a regular and / or symmetrical manner provided that they satisfy the criterion according to which any flow of air flowing from a feed groove meets a minimum of a projection in the direction of flow. longitudinal. Thus, the projections 31 are arranged randomly or so as to reproduce a repetitive pattern on at least one area. This is for example the case in the achievements represented in figures 9 and in figure 10 but these variants are not part of the invention.

We now detail the movement of air in the helmet.

When the user gains speed, two air flows enter the helmet 10 through the front ports 21 to circulate in the throats 27.

A first part of these flows out through the defogging ports 28 towards the eyes of the user via a Short portion of the grooves 27. In this example, the demister holes 28 correspond to two rectangular cutouts in the plane band 121 of the flange 12. Each cutout is located just above an eye of the user.

The rest of the air enters the lateral feed grooves 32 and front 33, either directly or after having taken one of the air circulation grooves 27.

The different flows then arrive in the circulation channels 34. Here, the arrangement of the projections 31 disturbs any airflow 29 so that all of the air entering through the grooves 32 and 33 is brewed. In other words and as described above, the arrangement of the projections prevents stagnation of hot air and any laminar flow of air in the channels 34. Any incoming air flow 29 does not go directly to the one of the discharge grooves 35 or an air outlet opening 22. In reality, each stream will encounter, in its evacuation path, an obstacle formed by one of the projections 31.

The brewed air is then extracted from the helmet by the lower openings 24 of the discharge grooves 35 and through the openings 22.

In the variants represented figures 9 and 10 , which are not part of the invention, the projections 31 are distributed regularly, symmetrically and in a repetitive pattern.

In the variant represented in figure 9 the projections 31 have an isosceles triangle bearing surface. They are arranged in successive rows which are oriented transversely to the median plane. In the same row, the base of the isosceles triangle of the projections successively faces the front and the back of the helmet 10. The triangles are thus arranged head to tail. This arrangement ensures a strong disturbance of the air flow and thus a good cooling of the head.

In the variant represented in figure 10 the projections 31 have a square bearing surface. They are arranged staggered, a diagonal of each projection 31 having the same orientation as the median plane 16.

Alternatively, the shell and / or the flange are produced by another manufacturing method that molding, for example, by thermoforming.

Alternatively, each front orifice is defined solely by a hole through the shell 11 or through the flange 12. In these two cases, the air inlet opening leads, in fluid communication, to at least one circulation groove of air as described above.

As a variant not shown, the distribution of the projections is symmetrical while respecting a random arrangement on the same side of the median plane.

In a variant not shown, the helmet has front feed grooves only and the air circulation groove feeds the support area of the helmet by the front portion of the helmet exclusively.

In variant not shown, the helmet has several feed grooves on each of its sides. The airflow grooves then extend further back.

In a variant not shown, the cap is provided with a textile layer, removable, covering the free surface of the projections.

The flange, which is not part of the invention, can be used in combination with a helmet having projections disposed in the manner explained above, but also protrusions arranged in a regular manner. As already indicated, the realization of air inlet openings and a circulation channel, using the lower edge of the shell and the outer collar avoids the formation of weakening zones in the mass of the protective shell.

Whatever the realization of the helmet, the collar can be made in one or more pieces.

The helmet 10 incorporates an airflow groove 27, running along at least an anterior portion of the lower edge 13i of the cap 13, the airflow groove 27 for feeding laterally through a lateral feed groove 32 , an air circulation channel 34. This feature also contributes to the improvement of the ventilation of the skull because it brings a flow of air in an area close to the temples. This flow lateral allows also to further stir the flow of air circulation channels 34 fed by a front feed groove 33.

In the example described, the air flow groove 27 is made by providing a flange 12 on the lower edge 20 of the helmet 10. This solution is very practical and economical because very simple to achieve. Alternatively, this air circulation groove 27 can be made differently, for example, by being directly dug into the cap 13 in the lower part of the cap. The groove can thus be obtained by a groove formed on the outer shell of the cap 13 and plugged by the shell 11.

Advantageously, the helmet 10 can incorporate an airflow groove, at the rear of the helmet, with a construction similar to that made at the front of the helmet, that is to say, the integration of grooves of In this case, the outgoing air is channeled to direct it towards a precise zone, thanks to the rear orifices 125 formed here in the collar 12.

Claims (10)

1. Sports helmet (10) comprising:

   - a protective shell (11),

   - a dome (13), attached to the inside of the shell, this dome (13) having, on an inner side, oriented towards the head (50) of a user, projections (31) delimiting air circulation passages (34) between the forward portion of the dome and the rear portion of the dome, the air circulation passages being supplied from the forward portion of the helmet,

   characterized in that the projections (31) are arranged randomly so as to form at least one air circulation passage (34) having a trajectory which, when projected onto a horizontal plane, is irregular in the longitudinal direction of the helmet so as to disturb the flow of an incoming air flow (29).
2. Helmet (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one projection (31) disturbing the longitudinal flow of air is located in the forward portion of the helmet.
3. Helmet (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections (31) are arranged such that all the air circulation passages (34) have a trajectory which, when projected onto a horizontal plane, is irregular in the longitudinal direction of the helmet so as to disturb the flow of an incoming air flow (29).
4. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an air circulation channel (27) expending along at least a forward portion of a lower edge (13i) of the dome (13) so as to supply laterally an air circulation passage.
5. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air circulation passages are supplied by a frontal opening (21) delimited by the protective shell (11) and/or a flange (12) covering the lower edge (11i) of the forward portion of the protective shell.
6. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air circulation passages (34) are supplied from at least one supply channel (32, 33) which is fluidically connected to the frontal opening (21) of the helmet (10), the frontal opening being located at the lower edge (11i) of the forward portion of the protective shell (11).
7. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral walls of the projections (31) are oriented with no particular angular coherence between one projection (31) and an adjacent projection (31).
8. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections (31) are square or rectangular and of varied dimensions.
9. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dome (13) is fitted onto or overmoulded onto the protective shell (11).
10. Helmet (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dome (13) is made of an expanded material such as EPS or EPP.

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