ITVR20100093A1 - ENERGY ABSORPTION STRUCTURE AND ITEM INCLUDING THIS STRUCTURE. - Google Patents

Description

ENERGY ABSORPTION STRUCTURE

AND ARTICLE INCLUDING THIS STRUCTURE

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure refers in general to an energy-absorbing structure and to an article for the protection of a user, such as for example a garment, a personal protective accessory, such as a back protector, a neck protector or similar accessory adapted to be worn by a user, or an article in which a user can find himself housed, such as for example a passenger compartment of a vehicle or other article suitable for housing a user, or an article arranged in proximity to a user, such as for example a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, a handlebar of a motorcycle, a roof of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, wherein said article for a protection of a user includes such an energy absorbing structure.

By "energy absorption structure" we mean a structure capable of satisfactorily absorbing the mechanical energy of an object external to the structure, for example the energy that the structure receives from an object that hits the structure with a specific strength and / or speed. It is therefore a structure capable of transmitting a force lower than a force suffered, that is, capable of transmitting to the user who wears it a lower energy than an energy received.

A known energy absorption structure is a sandwich structure including an intermediate layer including a plurality of cells arranged side by side in a honeycomb, a first cover, or first skin, adherently fixed on a first face of the intermediate layer and at least a second cover , or second skin, adherently fixed on a second face of the intermediate layer on the opposite side of said first face. This structure, when subjected to an external force, has a so-called "plastic" behavior, that is to say it undergoes, in the event of an impact, a permanent deformation, ie without returning to an original pre-impact condition; the behavior of the structure in the event of an impact is such as to absorb at least part of the force and energy suffered and received.

Although the known energy absorption structure is advantageous from many points of view, however, the need has arisen to further improve the performances it offers, which, as the inventor understood, have ample room for improvement.

A technical problem underlying the present disclosure resides in providing an energy absorption structure which is capable of satisfying said requirement with reference to the known art and / or of achieving further advantages.

At the basis of the present disclosure there is the solution idea that an improvement in the absorption capacity is effectively obtainable by overlapping, or stacking, in an appropriate manner a plurality of sandwich structures, intended as structurally independent elements, rather than, as the technician of the branch might speculate, increasing the height of the cells of a single sandwich structure.

Starting from this solution idea, the above technical problem is solved by an energy absorption structure according to claim 1. In practice, the energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure includes an overlap, or stacking, of at least two sandwich structures.

The technical problem is also solved by an article according to claim 14 including the energy absorption structure.

Secondary characteristics of the object of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The subject matter of this disclosure provides some relevant benefits.

An advantage of the energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure lies in the fact that it offers a high energy absorption, which derives from the coupling of at least two plastic structures capable of absorbing energy.

In fact, the arrangement of at least two sandwich structures of a given height, each including an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of cells covered on both sides with a first cover and a second cover respectively, is a structure that exhibits improved plastic behavior with respect to a single sandwich structure having a height equivalent to the sum of the heights of the two structures. This is due to a better and more efficient redistribution of the deformation stresses, thanks to the fact that the two sandwich structures can deform with a certain degree of independence from each other; this independence can be further increased by providing sandwich structures with cells having different dimensions for the two structures, or arranged staggered from each other.

Basically, the use of two or more sandwich structures, each with its own system of cells and associated with each other, has a synergistic effect from the point of view of the energy absorption capacity, which is higher than the absorption of a single structure. of equal height, thanks to the structural discontinuity at the interface between the first and second sandwich structure.

It has been found that on the occasion of some impacts by bodies hitting the structure with high energy, for example of the order of 50 Joules, the energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure may be able to transmit a force of order of about 5 - 6 kN. These results were obtained through tests conducted in compliance with the current technical reference standards EN 1621.2 / 03 and EN 1621.1 / 97.

Another advantage of the energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure lies in the fact of providing for the use of several sandwich structures each having a relatively low weight (thanks to the presence of the cells, which have large empty spaces), allowing to maintain the advantage in itself of sandwich structures with an overall weight of the structure without affecting the energy absorption capacity. In some embodiments, the overall height of the energy absorbing structure is between 7 mm and 18 mm, preferably 15 mm.

This advantage is combined with the need to include the energy absorption structure in articles for the protection of a user in which relatively small dimensions and weight are required.

For example, the energy absorption structure is suitable for being inserted into, or associated with, an article for a user's protection, to provide passive safety to the user's body in the event of a collision, impact or accident. In particular, the energy absorption structure finds application for energy absorption in protectors intended for a motorcyclist or a person who practices a dynamic sport. The structure is also applied in the workplace, for example in protective clothing for workers, and in general where it is required to arrange an energy absorption to limit the injuries to the user that may result from an impact against an obstacle or an object. For example, the energy absorption structure can be arranged inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, or on the bodywork of a motor vehicle.

Preferably, said article has a covering barrier, rigid or soft, such as a rigid shell, a plate or similar covering barrier, or a fabric barrier. The energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure can be only partially covered by the covering barrier, or completely covered by it.

In one embodiment the two sandwich structures are freely superimposed on top of each other without fixing.

In one embodiment, the two sandwich structures are joined on top of each other by fastening, for example by gluing.

In practice, improvements have been found in energy absorption both in the case in which the two sandwich structures are glued together and in the case in which the two sandwich structures are simply associated without constraint.

In one embodiment, the first sandwich structure has a height equal to half the height of the second sandwich structure, for example 5 mm and 10 mm respectively.

In another embodiment, the use of a third sandwich structure is envisaged in which all three sandwich structures have the same height, for example of 5 mm each.

In one embodiment, according to the final application for which it is intended, the energy absorption structure is cut to design (i.e. shaped with a predefined profile) and included in an appropriate closed casing, which acts as a covering barrier and which it is formed for example by a single fabric or a single material, or by two different materials. For example, the shell is made of a comfort fabric.

Alternatively, the envelope is formed by a layer intended to be provided with logos or graphics, and by a layer made of a comfort fabric.

The two layers of the envelope are joined together, as for example sewn or glued along the periphery.

In practice, the energy absorption structure comprises the at least two sandwich structures included in said casing, to form, with the casing, a single piece that can be individually manipulated.

In one embodiment, the energy absorbing structure is associated with a personal protective device including an inflatable element or so-called airbag. Preferably, the energy absorption structure is superimposed on the inflatable element. More preferably, to control the shape of the inflatable element and cause the inflatable element to have a flat shape (as compatible as possible with an overlap with the energy absorbing structure), in one embodiment the inflatable element includes a plurality of tie elements (preferably filiform and inextensible) placed inside the inflatable element and stably associated with opposite surface portions of the inflatable element itself.

The expression "tie element" means an element or entity having the function of keeping two or more parts of the inflatable element together or constrained, at least when the latter is in an inflated condition, said tie element being tensioned by traction when the inflatable element is in the inflated condition.

By appropriately calibrating the maximum length of the tie-rod elements in a tense or tensioned condition, it is possible to check in advance the shape of the inflatable element in the inflated condition. For example, with tie elements all having the same length, it is possible to make an inflatable element with a flat mattress shape.

Other advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of its preferred embodiments, given by way of example and not of limitation.

However, it is evident that each embodiment can have one or more of the advantages listed above; in any case, it is not however required that each embodiment have all the listed advantages simultaneously. It is also to be understood that, within the scope of the present disclosure, all the possible combinations of the previously indicated embodiments and those described with reference to the following detailed description fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view and in detached parts of an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure, according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view with joined parts of the energy absorption structure of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a vertical sectional view of the energy absorption structure of Figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view and in detached parts of an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure, according to a variant embodiment;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view with joined parts of the energy absorption structure of Figure 4;

figure 6 shows a vertical sectional view of the energy absorption structure of figure 5;

figure 7 illustrates a perspective view and in detached parts of an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure, according to a further embodiment;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view with joined parts of the energy absorption structure of Figure 7;

figure 9 shows a vertical sectional view of the energy absorption structure of figure 8;

Figure 10 illustrates a first article including an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure;

Figure 11 shows a sectional view along the line XI-XI of Figure 10;

figure 12 shows an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure adapted to be associated with a back protector; Figure 13 illustrates a second article including an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure;

- figure 14 shows a sectional view along the line XIV-XIV of figure 13;

Figure 15 illustrates a third article including an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure;

- figure 16 shows a section view along the line XVI-XVI of figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a top view of a back protector including an absorption structure according to the present disclosure;

- figure 18 shows a view in detached parts of the back protector of figure 17;

- figure 19 shows a section view along the section line XIX-XIX of figure 17;

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an article including an energy absorption structure associated with a personal protective device;

- figure 21 shows a sectional view along the line XXI-XXI of figure 20.

First example

With reference initially to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure is indicated with the reference number 10.

The energy absorption structure 10 has an overall height H and includes a first sandwich structure 12 and a second sandwich structure 13, each respectively including an intermediate layer 14, 16, or core, including a plurality of cells 15, 17 , in the example arranged in a honeycomb. In particular, the first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 each include at least a first cover 22, 23 fixed adherently, for example by glue or by hot pressing, on a first face 18 of the intermediate layer 14, 16 and at least a second covering 24, 25 fixed adherently, for example by glue or by hot pressing, on the opposite face 19, therefore on the opposite side, of the intermediate layer 14, 16.

In the example, the first cover 22, 23 and the second cover 24, 25 are made of preferably flexible and inextensible material.

The first covering 22, 23 and the second covering 24, 25 constitute skin or covering for the intermediate layer 14, 16, and preferably have a very low height, which is considerably lower than the height of the intermediate layer 14, 16. It is it should be understood that the ratio between the heights visible in figures 1 to 3 is purely indicative and significant of the fact that the first covering 22, 23 and the second covering 24, 25 have negligible heights with respect to the intermediate layer 14, 16.

The first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 are superimposed on each other in the direction of the height H, that is, in the longitudinal development direction of the cells 15, 17. It follows, in the example, that the second covering 24 of the first sandwich structure 12 faces (and even comes into contact) on the first cover 23 of the second sandwich structure 13. In the illustrated example, preferably both sandwich structures 12, 13 are chosen from those marketed under the name Nidaplast® Honeycombs. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first sandwich structure 12 is juxtaposed on the second sandwich structure 13 without any fixing or constraint, so that the two structures are simply superimposed on each other.

The overall height H1 of the first sandwich structure 12 is preferably 5 mm.

The overall height H2 of the second sandwich structure 13 is preferably 10 mm.

In the example, each first cover 22, 23 and second cover 24, 25 is made in the form of a piece, for example in an inextensible fabric, or in a so-called inextensible non-woven fabric, or again in a plastic film. The material with which the first cover 22, 23 and the second cover 24, 25 are made is for example polyester.

Alternatively, each first cover 22, 23 and second cover 24, 25 is made in the form of a multilayer, comprising for example a piece of fabric or non-woven fabric and a plastic film and / or other combinations of flexible and inextensible layers.

Covers can also be made from a breathable fabric.

The intermediate layer 14, 16 of the sandwich structure 12, 13 comprises a plurality of cells 15, 17, in polypropylene, arranged side by side. Each cell 15, 17 substantially has the shape of a hexagonal prism and defines an internal cavity, also in the shape of a hexagonal prism. In fact, each cell 15, 17 has a hexagonal section with cells 15, 17 made of polypropylene.

Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the cells have the form of cylindrical tubes open at respective ends or other forms of cells open in the direction of the height H.

The intermediate layer 14, 16 is a plastic body with anisotropic behavior, which following a deforming action, for example a force F, which acts on the face 18 of the intermediate layer 14, 16, causes permanent deformation in the latter. . The intermediate layer 14, 16 is made of plastic material, such as polypropylene, or metal, such as aluminum or an alloy thereof.

As can be seen from Figure 3, the first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 are associated with each other in such a way that the first sandwich structure 12 (having a lower height) is exposed to an external force F, therefore to a force to be absorbed, for example during an impact. In other words, the first sandwich structure 12 is closer to an impact provocation event that generates an external force F than the second sandwich structure 13. It is reasonable to assume that the presence of two sandwich structures 12, 13 ensures that there is a distribution of the force from the first sandwich structure 12 to the second sandwich structure 13. In this way the second sandwich structure 13 is indirectly stressed by the force F in correspondence with a zone or surface of action which is greater with respect to the action surface on the first sandwich structure 12, which is in fact stressed in correspondence with a circumscribed area, which corresponds to the impact area of an impactor body. The second sandwich structure 13 is therefore stressed with a more distributed stress. Therefore a transmitted force F 'is considerably reduced.

It is reasonable to hypothesize that thanks to said greater distribution the second sandwich structure 13 works better (that is, it deforms more) and allows to obtain a more effective absorption of energy.

Therefore, a synergistic effect of the two sandwich structures 12, 13 was observed, such that the energy absorption capacity of the energy absorption structure 10 according to the present disclosure is much greater than the absorption capacity of a single sandwich structure of equal height, as will be illustrated later with reference to comparative tests.

It should be noted that in practice and in compliance with the reference technical standards EN 1621.2 / 03 and EN 1621.1 / 97, the energy absorption tests are carried out by means of a sash hitting an anvil and placing the energy absorption structure 10 between sash and anvil . It follows that in the illustrated example the first sandwich structure 12 is on the striking side b while the second sandwich structure 13 is on the anvil side i.

Second example

With reference to Figures 4 to 6, an energy absorption structure 110 according to a second embodiment is illustrated.

In this second embodiment 110, elements having the same structure and function as those of the previously described embodiment 10 retain the same reference number, and are not described again. The energy absorption structure 110 has an overall height H and includes three sandwich structures 112, which in the example are equal to each other. Each sandwich structure 112 is the same as the first sandwich structure 12 of the first embodiment, and therefore comprises an intermediate layer 14 including a plurality of cells 15, a first cover 22 fixed adherent, for example by glue or by hot pressing, on the first face 18 of the intermediate layer 14 and a second cover 24 fixed adherent, for example by glue or by hot pressing, on the opposite face 19, therefore on the opposite side, of the intermediate layer 14.

In the example shown, all three sandwich structures 112 have a height H3 of 5 mm. The sandwich structures 112 are superimposed and stacked vertically, so that the entire superposition has a total height H of 15 mm. Furthermore, in the example illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the sandwich structures 112 are juxtaposed one above the other without fixing.

As can be seen from Figure 6, the three sandwich structures 112 are associated with each other in such a way that the sandwich structure 112 which is located on the top of the stack is exposed to an external force F, therefore to a force to be absorbed, for example during an impact. It is reasonable to assume that the presence of three sandwich structures 112 causes there to be a force distribution from the sandwich structure 112 exposed to the impact on the underlying sandwich structures 112, i.e. the impact force on the first sandwich structure 112 is redistributed on the intermediate sandwich structure 112 and from there it is further redistributed on the third sandwich structure 112.

As for the previous embodiment, the underlying sandwich structures 112 (i.e. anvil side i, for an energy absorption test) are indirectly stressed by the force F at a greater area than the sandwich structure 112 directly exposed to the impact (i.e. swing side b).

Third example

A third example of embodiment provides for the use of an energy absorption structure 10 such as the one illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, in which, unlike this first example, the first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 are glued together in correspondence with the respective covers 23, 24 in contact. A polyurethane glue was used as glue, for example a water-based single-component polyurethane adhesive, which is suitable for gluing foam rubber, for example on plastic materials, sheets, fabric.

The gluing can be carried out by means of any conventional fixing technique, such as for example by spreading the glue and subsequent joining, or by hot pressing.

Fourth example.

With reference to Figures 7 to 9, an energy absorption structure 210 according to a fourth embodiment is illustrated.

In this fourth embodiment 210, elements having the same structure and function as the previously described embodiment 10 retain the same reference number, and are not described again.

In particular, the energy absorption structure 210 includes, like the previous embodiment, a first sandwich structure 12 and a second sandwich structure 13, each having the same technical characteristics as the previous embodiment 10. In this case, similarly in the third example, the two sandwich structures 12, 13 are superimposed and joined together by gluing or other form of fixing. A polyurethane glue was used as glue, for example a water-based single-component polyurethane adhesive, which is suitable for gluing foam rubber, for example on plastic materials, sheets, fabric.

The gluing can be carried out by means of any conventional fixing technique, such as for example by spreading the glue and subsequent joining, or by hot pressing.

The height H1 of the first sandwich structure 12 is preferably 5 mm. The height H2 of the second sandwich structure 13 is preferably 10 mm, with an overall height H of 15 mm being obtained.

The first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 are superimposed on each other in the sense of height, and are arranged in such a way that the second sandwich structure 13 (having greater height) is exposed to a force External F, therefore to a force to be absorbed, for example during an impact. In other words, the second sandwich structure 13 is closer to an impact provocation event that generates an external force F, than the first sandwich structure 12.

That is to say, the second sandwich structure 13 is located on the striking side b during an energy absorption test, while the first sandwich structure 12 is located on the anvil side i.

Similarly to the previous embodiments, it is reasonable to assume that the presence of two sandwich structures 12, 13 causes there to be a distribution of the impact force from the second sandwich structure 13 to the underlying first sandwich structure 12.

Fifth example

A fifth example of embodiment provides for the use of an energy absorption structure 110 such as the one illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, in which, unlike the energy absorption structure 110, the three sandwich structures 112 are glued together in correspondence of the respective contact covers 22, 24. A polyurethane glue was used as glue, for example a water-based single-component polyurethane adhesive.

The gluing can be carried out by means of any conventional fixing technique, such as for example by spreading the glue and subsequent joining, or by hot pressing.

Comparative tests

The multilayer structures 10, 110, 210 of the five examples illustrated above were subjected to energy absorption tests conducted in compliance with the reference technical standards EN 1621.2 / 03 and EN 1621.1 / 97.

In particular, as anticipated above, these tests involve placing each energy absorption structure 10, 110, 210 between a sash and an anvil and subjecting the structures to impacts with energy of the order of 50 Joules.

The five examples of multilayer structures 10, 110, 210 were compared with an energy absorption structure having a single sandwich structure with an overall height of 15 mm (indicated with "Ref." In table 1).

Table 1 below shows the results of the tests obtained, in terms of transmitted force (expressed in kN).

Table 1

It should be noted that the use of an overlap of sandwich structures 12, 13 made it possible to obtain a drastic reduction in the transmission of force with respect to the reference (single sandwich structure), therefore a considerably greater energy absorption.

It is noted that in the field of protective accessories for the human body the permitted transmission threshold - so-called first level - is 18 kN, while the permitted threshold - so-called second level - is 9 kN.

It follows that the energy absorption structures according to this disclosure are broadly compatible, with a good safety margin, with the requirements of the current legislation.

Similar results can be obtained by means of energy absorption structures obtainable by combining the previously described embodiments, as well as shown in figures 1 to 9.

Further embodiments and applications

With reference to Figures 10 to 16, some applications of an energy absorption structure according to the present disclosure are illustrated in an article for protecting a user from impacts.

In the illustrated examples, an energy absorption structure 10 according to the first example reported above is used. However, there is nothing to prevent other energy absorbing structures according to the present disclosure from being used.

In particular, with reference to figures 10, 11 and 12, a protective accessory for a rider is shown, such as a back protector 2 which includes a shell 2a and soft straps 2b, 2c for fixing the back protector 2 to the body of a user. The shell 2a acts as a protective covering barrier and includes a plurality of structurally independent rigid protection elements 60, arranged side by side, which allow to give flexibility to the back protector 2. The energy absorption structure 10 is arranged under the rigid elements of cover 60, so as to be covered by the rigid protection elements 60.

As an alternative to the rigid covering elements 60, elements made of soft material can be provided.

Basically, the energy absorption structure 10 is covered externally, i.e. on the face opposite to that facing the user, with a covering layer formed by said rigid or soft covering elements 60, for example made of plastic material. The energy absorption structure 10 is therefore interposed between the user and the covering elements 60.

In addition to a back protector 2, the energy absorbing structure 10 can be included in another accessory for protecting a user, such as for example an elbow guard, a knee guard, a shoulder blade, a helmet, or other accessory. In the example illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the energy absorption structure 10, located below the covering elements 60, includes two sandwich structures 12, 13 shaped into sectors 20. Each sector 20 is arranged in correspondence with a cover element 60 of the shell 2a.

In particular, the sectors 20 of each sandwich structure 12, 13 are separated by cuts 26, 27 and connected at a central zone by means of a connecting bridge 21.

The sectors 20 confer flexibility to the energy absorption structure 10 compatibly with the flexibility of the shell 2a.

With reference to figures 13 and 14, a garment 1, such as a motorcycle jacket or suit, is illustrated.In particular, the garment 1 of figure 13 includes the energy absorption structure 10 in correspondence with joint protections, such as joint protectors 50 of the shoulders, elbows and knees.

In the illustrated example, the energy absorption structure 10 has the sandwich structure facing the outside of the garment 1, and can be covered, for example, by an external barrier, such as an external layer generally indicated with the reference number 51, for example a rigid titanium layer or a soft layer. The energy absorption structure 10 is therefore interposed between the user and the external barrier 51.

With reference to Figures 15 and 16, a passenger compartment 3 of a motor car or vehicle 4 is illustrated, which passenger compartment 3 includes an energy absorption structure 10 according to the present disclosure, which is for example arranged in correspondence with the internal part of the roof 3a of the vehicle 4.

The energy absorption structure 10 is covered for example by a covering barrier generally indicated with the reference number 70, for example of sheet metal.

The applications of the energy absorption structure 10 to articles 1, 2, 3 are to be understood by way of example, as this energy absorption structure 10 can be positioned in any position in articles 1, 2, 3, or in other articles for personal protection, or in other articles inside a passenger compartment 3, or in other articles placed on a vehicle in general and which are at risk of impact against a user in the event of an accident.

Furthermore, the energy absorption structure 10 can be associated at will with any covering barrier both in rigid material and in soft comfort material, or be included in an external covering casing. In addition, the energy absorbing structure 10 could be positioned on the steering wheel or dashboard of a motor vehicle, or on the handlebar or tank of a motorcycle.

With reference to Figures 17 to 19, an article for user protection is illustrated, in the example a back protector 100 adapted to be inserted in a motorcycle jacket or similar garment to protect the back of a user. It is therefore a protective insert, suitable for being inserted into a garment, such as in a special pocket of a garment, or placed underneath a garment and fixed there by means of straps or similar retaining means.

The back protector 100 includes an energy absorption structure 10 for example like that of the first example described above.

The energy absorption structure 10 is included in a casing 101 and, more particularly, is sandwiched between an external layer 102 (arranged on the external side and fixed to the first sandwich structure 12) and which acts as a covering barrier, in the for example in a comfort material, such as for example a soft fabric, and an internal layer 103 (arranged on the internal side and fixed to the second sandwich structure 13) both suitable for conferring a satisfactory comfort to a user, and to avoid abrasions. Preferably, the layers 102, 103 are made of a suitably perforated fabric, preferably a so-called double-needle fabric, which allows the back protector 100 to breathe.

The presence of the casing 101 also allows to further protect a user from contact with the cells 15, 17 which usually have a jagged and sharp edge following the cutting and shaping operations.

A layer of fixing glue, not shown in the figures, is interposed between the outer layer 102 and the first sandwich structure 12 and between the inner layer 103 and the second sandwich structure 13. The fixing glue is distributed in sections in order to to maintain the breathability of the entire structure.

It is also pointed out that both the first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 have a lower surface extension with respect to the surface extension of the outer layer 102 and of the inner layer 103. In particular, the outer layer 102 and the inner layer 103 they have perimeter edges 104, 105 protruding with respect to both the first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13, which perimeter edges 104, 105 are sewn together by means of a tape 106.

Basically, in correspondence with a perimeter zone, the back protector 100 is closed by means of a tape 106 having the function of edging.

It should also be noted that, preferably, in the example illustrated in figures 17, 18 and 19 both the first sandwich structure 12 and the second sandwich structure 13 are shaped in sectors 20, as already described with reference to figure 12.

Also in this case the sectors 20 give flexibility to the energy absorption structure 10 compatibly with the natural flexibility of a user's back.

The back protector 100 including an energy absorbing structure according to the present disclosure, or any other article thus made, is very light and suitable for insertion into a garment without excessively affecting the overall weight of the garment itself.

Such a protective article can also be made by any of the energy absorbing structures illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 or combinations thereof.

With reference to Figures 20 and 21, by way of example, a protection article 300 including an energy absorption structure 10 such as that of the back protector 100 of Figures 17-19 and a personal protection device 200 is illustrated. In particular, the protection device personal protection 200 includes an inflatable element 202 or airbag which includes two walls 221, 222 arranged in spaced relation to form an internal chamber 225, in the example impermeable to an inflating gas. The walls 221, 222 are in particular associated with each other perimeter, in the example fixed gas-tight.

The inflatable element 202 also includes a first link 229 and a second link 230 opposite each other and connected by a plurality of tie elements 227.

The two walls 221, 222 form an envelope in which the structure including the two links 229, 230 is sandwiched. In particular, each mesh 229, 230 internally lines a respective wall 221, 222, and is fixed there by glue.

Basically, the inflatable element 202 includes a textile structure, or body, prefabricated and including the two meshes 229, 230, and the two walls 221, 222, or sheets, in the example impermeable to gas; a first wall 221 is glued to a first link 229 and a second wall 222 is glued to a second link 230.

The tie elements 227 have opposite ends fixed stably to the respective link 229, 230. The fastening at the opposite ends of the tie elements 227 is, for example, obtained by simply intertwining tie elements 227 between the wefts of the respective link 229, 230.

Alternatively, each tie element 227 is a yarn integrally interlaced with, or continuously evolves from, both said first and second stitches 229, 230. In practice, the yarn / tie element 227 protrudes from one of said first and second stitches 229, 230 and is integrally interlaced with the other of said first and second links 229, 230.

The combination of the two meshes 229, 230 and the tie elements 227 forms a so-called 3D three-dimensional fabric, or a double needle bed.

Mesh 229 and 230 are made of polyester or polyamide.

The two walls 221, 222 or sheets are made of a sheet of soft and gas-tight material, for example of polyamide or polyurethane; the two walls 221, 222 are opposite each other, and fixed perimeter along the perimeter edges.

The tie elements 227 are suitably sized so that, when the inflatable element 202 is in the rest condition, they are preferably not subject to tension and are collapsed in the internal chamber 225, while when the inflatable element 202 is in the inflated condition they are subjected to traction, as illustrated by way of example in figure 21.

From the above description, it can be seen that the tie elements 227 allow to control the flattened shape of the inflatable element 202 in the inflated condition, and allow, in general, to control the shape of the inflatable element 202 for an adequate overlap with the protection article 300 including energy absorbing structure 10.

In fact, when the protective article 300 is worn on the back of a user, the personal protective device 200 is arranged on the external side of the energy absorption structure 10, which therefore covers the energy absorption structure 10. In the example, the device personal protection device 200 covers the energy absorption structure 10 or the back protector 100, and the latter is therefore interposed between the personal protection device 200 and the body of a user. There is therefore a further redistribution of the impact force, since the absorption capacity of the inflatable element 202 is synergistically combined with the energy absorption capacity of the sandwich structure 10.

The protection article 300, and in particular the personal protection device 200, is provided with straps 250 for a stable connection with the body of a user.

The object of the present disclosure has been described up to now with reference to its preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that there may be other embodiments that pertain to the same inventive core, all falling within the scope of the claims annexed hereafter.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS 1. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) of a certain overall height (H), including at least a first sandwich structure (12, 112) of a certain height (H1, H3) and a second sandwich structure (13, 112) of certain height (H2, H3), in which each of said sandwich structures (12, 13, 112) includes - an intermediate layer (14, 16) comprising a plurality of cells (15, 17), - a first cover (22, 23) fixed adherently on a first face (18) of the intermediate layer (14, 16) and - a second cover (24, 25) fixed adherently on a second face (19) of the intermediate layer (14, 16) on the opposite side of said first face (18), said sandwich structures (12, 13, 112) being superimposed on top of each other in the sense of height (H, H1, H2, H3), the second covering (24) of the first sandwich structure (12, 112 ) being facing the first cover (23) of the second sandwich structure (13, 112). 2. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to claim 1, wherein either of said first cover (22, 23) and said second cover (24, 25) is glued on the respective face (18, 19) of the intermediate layer (14, 16). 3. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein either of said first cover (22, 23) and said second cover (24, 25) is made of an inextensible material. 4. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein either of said first cover (22, 23) and said second cover (24, 25 ) is made of a flexible material. 5. Energy absorbing structure (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cover (22, 23) and the second cover (24, 25) are at least partially made of a non-woven fabric or a a fabric. 6. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sandwich structures (12, 13, 112) are superimposed on top of each other without fixing each other. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein said sandwich structures (12, 13, 112) are joined on top of each other by fastening. 8. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to claim 7, wherein said sandwich structures (12, 13, 112) are fixed by glue. Multi-layer structure (10, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sandwich structure (12) has a height equal to half the height of the second sandwich structure (13). Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) has an overall height (H) of 15 mm. Energy absorption structure (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a third sandwich structure (112). Energy absorption structure (110) according to claim 12, wherein said first sandwich structure (112), said second sandwich structure (112) and said third sandwich structure (112) have the same height (H3). 13. Energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said cells (15, 17) are open in the direction of the height (H). 14. Article (1, 2, 3, 100, 300) suitable for conferring protection on a user, wherein said article (1, 2, 3, 100, 300) includes an energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Article (1, 2, 3, 100, 300) according to claim 14, wherein said article is selected from a group comprising - a garment (1), - a personal protective accessory (2, 100, 300), - a passenger compartment of a vehicle (3), e - an article suitable for being associated with a vehicle. 16. Article (1, 2, 3, 100, 300) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a covering barrier (51, 60, 70, 101, 102, 103) able to at least partially cover said energy absorption structure ( 10, 110, 210). Article (1, 2, 3, 100, 300) according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein said article is a back protector (2, 100, 300). 18. Article (1, 2, 3, 100, 300) according to claim 17, wherein the sandwich structures (12, 13, 112) of the energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210) are shaped in sectors (20 ) and in which the sectors (20) of each sandwich structure (12, 13, 112) are separated by cuts (26, 27) and connected at a central zone by means of a connection bridge (21). Article (300) according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 18, including a personal protective device (200) comprising an inflatable element (202) superimposed on said energy absorption structure (10, 110, 210), wherein said inflatable element (202) includes a plurality of tie elements (227) placed inside said inflatable element (202) and stably associated with surface portions (221, 222, 229, 230) of said inflatable element (202), in wherein said tie elements (227) are sized so that, when said inflatable element (202) is in the deflated condition, said tie elements (227) are in a non-tensioned condition and collapsed in the inflatable element (202), while, when said inflatable element (202) is in an inflated condition, said tie elements (227) are subjected to traction. Article (300) according to claim 19, wherein said inflatable element (202) includes a first wall (221) and a second wall (222) fixed to each other along respective perimeter edges to form an internal chamber (225), a first link (229) which is glued internally at least partially to said first wall (221), and a second link (230) which is internally glued at least partially to said second wall (222), said tie elements (227) having opposite ends fixed respectively to said first link (229) and to said second link (230).