JP6955957B2 - Helmet and temperature control system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to helmets and temperature control systems.

Conventionally, a helmet is known as a protective device for protecting the wearer's head. In addition, a helmet equipped with a cooling device has also been proposed in order to improve the comfort of the wearer. For example, in the helmet disclosed in Patent Document 1, a cooling device using a Perche element is arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the head of the wearer.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-16714

It would be very advantageous if the inside of the helmet could be adjusted to a comfortable temperature while being worn while appropriately protecting the wearer's head as a helmet.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a helmet and a temperature control system that realize good temperature control while maintaining the safety of the wearer.

The helmet according to one embodiment
It has an outer shell.
The helmet
A buffer arranged inside the outer shell and
A first flow path located between the helmet wearer's head and the shock absorber,
A second flow path located in a groove formed in the buffer or a portion where the buffer is not partially present, and a second flow path.
To be equipped.
In the helmet, a heat medium containing liquid at least partially flows in both the first flow path and the second flow path through the first flow path and the second flow path.

According to the helmet and the temperature control system according to the embodiment, good temperature control can be realized while maintaining the safety of the wearer.

It is a figure which shows the appearance of the helmet which concerns on one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the helmet which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 1st flow path shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of a part of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the helmet which concerns on other embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the helmet which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the appearance of the deformation of the helmet which concerns on one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The helmet according to the present embodiment may be worn by an occupant when riding on various vehicles such as a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle and a four-wheeled vehicle such as a racing car. However, the helmet according to this embodiment is not limited to the use worn by the occupant. For example, the helmet according to the present embodiment may be used for various purposes such as a helmet worn by a worker for safety when working in a factory or the like. The helmet according to the present embodiment may be of any purpose worn mainly for the purpose of protecting the head of the wearer.

First, the external structure of the helmet according to the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a helmet according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A is an external perspective view showing the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which the wearer of the helmet 1 wears the helmet 1 on the wearer's head H.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an outer shell portion (shell, cap body) 10, a shield 12, and a shield screw 14 in appearance. As shown in FIG. 1 (B), in the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment, the wearer of the helmet 1 inserts the head H in the positive direction of the Z axis shown in the figure, like a general helmet. To wear.

The outer shell portion 10 protects the wearer's head H when an impact is applied to the helmet 1 from the outside. The outer shell portion 10 may be made of a hard material so as to protect the wearer's head H. For example, the outer shell portion 10 is a synthetic resin such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin, a composite material such as FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastics), or a material such as a thermoplastic such as PC (Polycarbonate). It may be composed of. In normal use, the outer shell portion 10 is preferably formed in a shape that wraps the wearer's head H. Therefore, the outer shell portion 10 may be formed larger than the wearer's head H. In this case, the safety of the wearer's head H is maintained by arranging a buffer described later in the gap between the outer shell 10 and the wearer's head H.

The shield 12 covers at least a portion of the wearer's eyes or face. The shield 12 can protect the wearer's eyes or face from outside air, outside air temperature, foreign matter, and the like. The shield 12 may be made of a hard material so as to protect the wearer's eyes or face. For example, the shield 12 may be made of a material such as a thermoplastic such as PC (Polycarbonate). The shield 12 can be configured to transmit a certain amount of visible light in order to secure the wearer's field of view. Further, the shield 12 may slightly reduce the transmittance of visible light (while ensuring visibility) in order to reduce the glare felt by the wearer. Further, the shield 12 may reduce the transmittance of ultraviolet rays (UV) to some extent in order to protect the eyes of the wearer.

The shield screw 14 attaches the shield 12 to the outer shell portion 10. The shield screw 14 may be a screw-shaped member made of a somewhat hard material such as metal or plastic. The shield screw 14 may rotatably attach the shield 12 to the outer shell portion 10. In this case, the shield 12 can rotate around the shield screw 14 within a certain rotation range. That is, in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), the shield 12 is shown in a closed state (relative to the outer shell portion 10), but the shield 12 is attached (relative to the outer shell portion 10). ) It can also be left open. Thereby, the wearer of the helmet 1 can adjust the outside air taken into the outer shell portion 10 while traveling on a vehicle, for example.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shield 12 and the shield screw 14 may be omitted depending on the use of the helmet 1. That is, the helmet 1 may be configured without the shield 12 depending on the intended use. In the present embodiment, the helmet 1 may be configured to include an outer shell portion 10 that covers at least a part of the wearer's head in order to maintain the wearer's perfection.

Hereinafter, the safety-related functions and the temperature control-related functions of the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment will be mainly described. Therefore, the description of functions other than these functions will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. For example, in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), a general helmet ventilation system, i.e., a ventilation system including air intakes, air ducts, air outlets, etc., is not shown. Such a ventilation system can be appropriately adopted in the helmet 1 as needed. Further, in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B), the strap (chin strap) for making it difficult for the helmet 1 to come off from the wearer's head is not shown.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, a so-called full-face type helmet is exemplified as the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment. However, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the full face type shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). The helmet 1 according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a so-called jet helmet or a half-cap type helmet. Further, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a work helmet for construction work or the like, or may be a type of helmet that resembles a hat or the like.

Next, the internal structure of the helmet according to the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the helmet 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section substantially parallel to the YZ plane in the vicinity of the center of the helmet 1 shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B) in the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the helmet 1 includes an outer shell portion 10, a buffer body 20, a first flow path 30A, and a second flow path 30B. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer shell portion 10 covers the outside of the helmet 1. The outer shell portion 10 may have a strength that can withstand a certain degree of impact from the outside as the outer shell of the helmet 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the buffer body 20 is arranged inside the outer shell portion 10. The cushioning body 20 can be composed of, for example, styrofoam or a suitable cushioning material. When an impact is applied to the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1, the shock absorber 20 is crushed by the wearer's head, thereby reducing (absorbing) the impact on the wearer's head. When the buffer 20 is placed inside the outer shell 10, it can be attached using a suitable material such as an adhesive, double-sided tape, or a hook and loop fastener.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the helmet 1, the first flow path 30A is positioned inside the buffer body 20. The first flow path 30A is formed in the form of a sheet having a relatively thin thickness. Since FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the helmet 1, in FIG. 2, the cross section of the sheet-shaped first flow path 30A is represented by a thick line. In FIG. 2, the sheet-shaped first flow path 30A is arranged so as to be directly attached to the buffer body 20. However, a shock absorbing material such as a cushion material may be interposed between the buffer body 20 and the sheet-shaped first flow path 30A. The head of the wearer of the helmet 1 is positioned further inside the sheet-shaped first flow path 30A. That is, the first flow path 30A is positioned between the buffer 20 and the head of the wearer of the helmet 1. The first flow path 30A, when placed inside the buffer 20, can be attached using a suitable material such as an adhesive, double-sided tape, or a hook and loop fastener. Also, when a shock absorbing material such as a cushioning material is attached between the buffer 20 and the sheet-shaped first flow path 30A, an adhesive, double-sided tape, or a hook-and-loop fastener is used. Such suitable materials may be used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a plan view of the sheet-shaped first flow path 30A shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a view in which at least a part of the first flow path 30A seen from the lower side of the helmet 1 (facing the positive direction of the Z axis) in FIG. 2 is spread out in a plane. The first flow path 30A shown in FIG. 3 may extend over the entire inside of the buffer 20 shown in FIG. 2, or may extend over at least a part of the inside of the buffer 20 shown in FIG. Further, the first flow path 30A shown in FIG. 2 may be configured by using only one first flow path 30A shown in FIG. 3, or a plurality of the first flow paths 30A shown in FIG. 3 may be arranged. May be configured.

The first flow path 30A may be formed of a relatively hard material. However, the first flow path 30A is a member that directly or indirectly contacts the head of the wearer of the helmet 1. Therefore, if the first flow path 30A is made of a relatively flexible material such as nylon, it can be safely fitted to the wearer's head.

As shown in FIG. 3, the microchannel 32 constituting the first channel 30A may be made of, for example, a polymer. The micro flow path 32 constituting the first flow path 30A may be, for example, a fine flow path having a diameter of 200 μm or less. In this case, the thickness of the first flow path 30A formed in a sheet shape can be, for example, about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm. As shown in FIG. 3, in the first flow path 30A, by circulating a heat medium through the micro flow path 32, an object touching or in the vicinity of the first flow path 30A can be heated or cooled. can do. In FIG. 3, as a simple example, the first flow path 30A is composed of one micro flow path 32, and has only one inlet and one outlet for the heat medium. However, a plurality of inflow ports may be provided in the micro flow path 32 constituting the first flow path 30A, and the heat media may be appropriately merged. Further, a plurality of outlets may be provided in the micro flow path 32 constituting the first flow path 30A, and the heat medium may be appropriately branched.

The heat medium flowing through the microchannel 32 shown in FIG. 3 may be any fluid such as a gas or a liquid. Further, the heat medium flowing through the microchannel 32 shown in FIG. 3 may include, for example, particles in which at least a part of the above-mentioned fluid is solid. In the present embodiment, the heat medium flowing through the microchannel 32 may be a liquid such as water containing a predetermined amount of particles having a relatively high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride. Here, the aluminum nitride contained in the heat medium may be, for example, fine particles having a diameter of several tens of microns. As described above, in the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment, the heat medium containing the liquid at least partially flows through the first flow path 30A. By circulating the heat medium through the first flow path 30A in this way, the head of the wearer who is in contact with or in the vicinity of the first flow path 30A can be warmed or cooled.

Further, when an impact is applied to the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1, the buffer body 20 is crushed by the wearer's head as described above. Even in this case, since the first flow path 30A has flexibility, the first flow path 30A is also deformed according to the buffer 20 to be crushed. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1, the helmet 1 reduces (absorbs) the impact applied to the wearer's head.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment, the buffer body 20 is not spread all over the inside of the outer shell portion 10. That is, inside the outer shell portion 10, the buffer 20 does not exist depending on the location. As shown in FIG. 2, in the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment, the second flow path 30B is positioned in the portion where the buffer 20 does not exist inside the outer shell portion 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of buffers 20 formed in a substantially rectangular shape are arranged inside the outer shell portion 10. Here, the plurality of buffers 20 are arranged so as to be slightly separated from each other. Then, the second flow path 30B is arranged in the gap where the plurality of buffers 20 are separated from each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second flow path 30B may be formed in a tubular shape. The second flow path 30B may be a path having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first flow path 30A, for example, 2 mm or more. That is, the diameter of the first flow path 30A may be smaller than the diameter of the second flow path 30B. Further, the second flow path 30B may be formed of a relatively hard material. However, the second flow path 30B may be formed of a relatively flexible material such as nylon so that the buffer 20 is deformed when it is crushed. As a result, when an impact is applied to the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1, the helmet 1 reduces (absorbs) the impact applied to the wearer's head. That is, the second flow path 30B does not hinder the deformation of the buffer body 20 when an impact is applied to the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1.

By circulating a heat medium through the second flow path 30B as in the first flow path 30A, an object touching or in the vicinity of the second flow path 30B can be heated or cooled. Can be done. The heat medium flowing through the second flow path 30B may be the same as or different from the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A. In the present embodiment, the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 30B may be a liquid such as water containing a predetermined amount of particles having a relatively high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride. ..

As described above, in the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment, the heat medium containing the liquid at least partially flows through the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B. By passing the heat medium through the second flow path 30B in this way, the portion in contact with or in the vicinity of the second flow path 30B can be heated or cooled. In particular, the second flow path 30B can raise or lower the temperature between the head of the wearer of the helmet 1 and the outer shell portion 10, that is, the temperature inside the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1. can. The helmet of the present disclosure may use only one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B.

As shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of the second flow path 30B may be smaller than the thickness of the buffer body 20 (the length in the Z-axis direction). In this way, since the second flow path 30B can be completely buried between the buffers 20, the risk that the second flow path 30B impedes the safety of the buffer 20 can be reduced.

FIG. 2 is an example for explaining the arrangement configuration of the buffer body 20 and the second flow path 30B. Therefore, the size ratio of each member in FIG. 2, for example, the buffer 20 and the second flow path 30B, does not reflect the actual size ratio. For example, in FIG. 2, the second flow path 30B may be arranged more densely or sparsely. The size of each member, the number of each member, the arrangement position of each member, and the like may be appropriately changed according to the temperature control function required for the helmet 1.

Further, the arrangement configuration of the buffer body 20 and the second flow path 30B is not limited to the arrangement configuration as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second flow path 30B is arranged in a gap in which the plurality of buffers 20 are completely separated from each other. That is, in FIG. 2, the positional relationship between the buffer body 20 and the second flow path 30B is as shown in FIG. 4 (A). FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a part of the cross section of the helmet 1 shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the second flow path 30B is arranged in the gap between the plurality of buffers 20 that are completely separated from each other. Further, in the thickness direction inside the helmet 1, the second flow path 30B is arranged between the outer shell portion 10 and the first flow path 30A. As a modification of the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, for example, the second flow path 30B may be arranged so as to be in contact with at least one of the outer shell portion 10 and the first flow path 30A.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second flow path 30B is not limited to the configuration (FIGS. 2 and 4 (A)) in which the buffer 20 is positioned at a position where the buffer 20 is partially absent. For example, instead of the configuration in which the buffers 20 are separated from each other, a groove may be formed in a part of the buffer 20 and the second flow path 30B may be arranged along the groove. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, a groove is formed in the buffer 20 on the surface where the buffer 20 and the outer shell 10 face each other, and the second flow path 30B is arranged along the groove. You may. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, a groove is formed in the buffer 20 on the surface where the buffer 20 and the first flow path 30A face each other, and the second flow path is formed along the groove. 30B may be arranged. As described above, in the present embodiment, the second flow path 30B may be positioned at the groove formed in the buffer body 20 or at a position where the buffer body is partially absent. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4A, the space around the second flow path 30B (the gap between the plurality of buffers 20) may be at least partially filled with, for example, an arbitrary cushioning material. .. None of these structures significantly impair the safety aspects of the buffer 20.

Further, in the present embodiment, the path of the second flow path 30B is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. Most of the second flow paths 30B shown in FIG. 2 are configured to flow a heat medium along a path substantially parallel to the ZX plane. However, in the present embodiment, the path of the second flow path 30B may be a path that radiates from the vicinity of the ear of the wearer of the helmet 1, for example, as shown in FIG.

Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the path of the second flow path 30B near the crown of the wearer of the helmet 1 is arranged substantially parallel to the X-axis direction. However, in the present embodiment, the path of the second flow path 30B is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, the path of the second flow path 30B may be arranged in the vicinity of the crown of the wearer of the helmet 1 so as to be substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction or diagonally. Further, the path of the second flow path 30B may be arranged in a plurality of directions instead of one direction in the vicinity of the crown of the wearer of the helmet 1. In this case, the plurality of second flow paths 30B may be merged and / or split, or the plurality of second flow paths 30B may be crossed without merging or splitting.

The circulation pump 40 shown in FIG. 2 circulates the above-mentioned heat medium through at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B. The circulation pump 40 circulates a liquid, for example, by rotating a motor. As the circulation pump 40, any pump may be adopted, for example, a diaphragm type liquid feed pump for inflowing and outflowing a fluid such as a liquid to circulate the fluid. In the present embodiment, even if the circulation pump 40 adopts a pump that can change the flow rate of the circulating liquid or the like by changing the rotation speed of the motor by adjusting the input current by, for example, current control. good.

Here, the circulation pump 40 may be arranged at either the inside or the outside of the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1. In this case, the circulation pump 40 to be attached may be a small one. FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the circulation pump 40 is arranged inside the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1. However, the circulation pump 40 may be arranged outside the outer shell portion 10 of the helmet 1.

In FIG. 2, as an example, the circulation pump 40 shows a configuration in which a heat medium flowing out of any of the plurality of second flow paths 30B flows into any of the other of the plurality of second flow paths 30B. There is. In FIG. 2, the circulation pump that circulates the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A is not shown. Here, the circulation pump 40 may also circulate the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A. In this case, the inlet and outlet of the microchannel 32 shown in FIG. 3 may be connected to the circulation pump 40. Such a connection mode is not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Further, the circulation pump that circulates the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A may be provided separately from the circulation pump 40 shown in FIG. In this case, since the first flow path 30A is composed of micro flow paths, the circulation pump that circulates the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A may be, for example, a micro flow path pump.

The biological information sensor 50A shown in FIG. 2 may be various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a blood flow rate sensor, and a pulse wave sensor. Further, the biological information sensor 50A may be, for example, a heart rate sensor, a pulse sensor, or the like. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B is adjusted according to the biological information detected by the biological information sensor 50A. The biological information sensor 50A is not limited to the temperature sensor, the blood flow rate sensor, the pulse wave sensor, and the like, and can be a sensor that detects various information related to the wearer of the helmet 1. Hereinafter, a mode in which the biological information sensor 50A is a temperature sensor will be described as a typical example. That is, hereinafter, the biological information sensor 50A detects the temperature associated with the wearer of the helmet 1. Here, the temperature related to the wearer of the helmet 1 detected by the biological information sensor 50A is, for example, the temperature of any position (for example, the position around the wearer's ear) on the head of the wearer of the helmet 1. good.

As shown in FIG. 2, the biological information sensor 50A detects the biological information of the wearer of the helmet 1 inside the outer shell portion 10, the inside of the buffer 20, or the inside of the first flow path 30A. It is placed in a suitable position. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the biometric information sensor 50A is arranged so as to be positioned behind the ear of the wearer of the helmet 1.

In FIG. 2, only one biometric information sensor 50A is arranged behind the ear of the wearer of the helmet 1. However, in the helmet 1, an arbitrary number of biometric information sensors 50A may be installed at an arbitrary position according to various requirements and / or specifications. For example, the biometric information sensor 50A may be arranged in the helmet 1 so as to abut or approach a portion such as the forehead, head, temporal region, occipital region, temples, and neck of the wearer of the helmet 1.

Inside the helmet 1, the portion of the helmet 1 that comes into direct contact with the wearer is in close contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, by arranging the biometric information sensor 50A in the portion of the helmet 1 that comes into direct contact with the wearer, the position of the biometric information sensor 50A that comes into contact with the wearer is substantially fixed. Therefore, the biometric information sensor 50A can appropriately detect the biometric information of the wearer of the helmet 1 in a stable state.

The environmental information sensor 50B shown in FIG. 2 may be various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a barometric pressure sensor. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B is adjusted according to the environmental information detected by the environmental information sensor 50B. The environmental information sensor 50B is not limited to the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, the barometric pressure sensor, and the like, and can be a sensor that detects various information related to the helmet 1. Hereinafter, a mode in which the environmental information sensor 50B is a temperature sensor will be described as a typical example. That is, hereinafter, the environmental information sensor 50B detects the temperature associated with the helmet 1. Here, the temperature related to the helmet 1 detected by the biological information sensor 50B may be, for example, the temperature inside the helmet 1, particularly, for example, the temperature between the outer shell portion 10 and the first flow path 30A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the environmental information sensor 50B may be arranged between the outer shell portion 10 and the first flow path 30A. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the environmental information sensor 50B is arranged between the plurality of buffers 20. With such an arrangement, the environmental information sensor 50B can detect the information on the environment inside the helmet 1.

In FIG. 2, only one environmental information sensor 50B is arranged between the two buffers 20. However, in the helmet 1, an arbitrary number of environmental information sensors 50B may be installed at an arbitrary position according to various requirements and / or specifications.

Next, the function of temperature control in the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the helmet 1. In FIGS. 1 to 5, functional parts that are not essential to be visually observed in appearance are not shown as appropriate. In FIG. 6, a functional part necessary for the helmet 1 to control the temperature will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first flow path 30A, a second flow path 30B, circulation pumps 40A and 40B, a biological information sensor 50A, and an environmental information sensor 50B. , A controller 60, and heat exchangers 70A and 70B. The description of the functional unit already described above will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

As described above, the first flow path 30A may be formed of a micro flow path, and the second flow path 30B may be formed in a tubular shape. Further, the first flow path 30A is connected to the circulation pump 40A, and the second flow path 30B is connected to the circulation pump 40B. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the helmet 1 includes only one circulation pump 40. On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the circulation pump 40A and the circulation pump 40B are independently connected to the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B, respectively. Hereinafter, when the circulation pump 40A and the circulation pump 40B are not particularly distinguished, they are simply collectively referred to as the circulation pump 40.

The controller 60 controls various electrical functions of the helmet 1 as a whole, including a function of controlling the temperature of the helmet 1.

Helmet 1 may include at least one processor as controller 60 to provide control and processing power to perform various functions, as further described below. According to various embodiments, at least one processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as multiple communicable integrated circuits and / or discrete circuits. good. At least one processor can be implemented according to various known techniques.

In certain embodiments, a processor comprises one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computation procedures or processes. For example, the processor may be one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any of these devices or configurations. The functions described below may be performed by including combinations or combinations of other known devices or configurations.

In the present embodiment, the controller 60 controls the circulation pumps 40A and 40B to control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B, respectively.

As described above, the biological information sensor 50A detects the temperature associated with the wearer of the helmet 1 and transmits the information of the detection result to the controller 60. As described above, the environmental information sensor 50B detects the temperature associated with the helmet 1 and transmits the information of the detection result to the controller 60.

In the present embodiment, the controller 60 may adjust the temperature of the heat medium flowing through at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B based on the temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A. Further, in the present embodiment, the controller 60 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium flowing through at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B based on the temperature detected by the environmental information sensor 50B. good.

The heat exchanger 70A exchanges the heat of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A. Further, the heat exchanger 70B exchanges heat of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 30B. The heat exchangers 70A and 70B can be composed of elements having a heat exchange function, such as a Pelche element. The heat exchanger 70A cools or heats the heat medium flowing between the first flow path 30A and the circulation pump 40A. Similarly, the heat exchanger 70B cools or heats the heat medium flowing between the second flow path 30B and the circulation pump 40B. Hereinafter, when the heat exchanger 70A and the heat exchanger 70B are not particularly distinguished, they are simply collectively referred to as the heat exchanger 70. The heat exchanger 70 can release the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A or the second flow path 30B to the outside temperature of the helmet 1, the outside air temperature, or the like. On the contrary, the heat exchanger 70 can add the temperature outside the helmet 1 or the outside air temperature to the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A or the second flow path 30B.

Depending on the temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A and / or the environmental information sensor 50B, it may be desirable to cool or heat the temperature of the heat medium relatively quickly. Therefore, in this embodiment, the controller 60 controls at least one of the circulation pump 40 and the heat exchanger 70 to adjust the rate at which the temperature of the heat medium is cooled or heated. For example, if the heat exchanger 70 is operated with a large power and the flow rate at which the circulation pump 40 circulates the heat medium is increased, the temperature of the heat medium can be rapidly cooled or heated. On the contrary, for example, if the operating power of the heat exchanger 70 is suppressed and the flow rate at which the circulation pump 40 circulates the heat medium is reduced, the temperature of the heat medium can be slowly cooled or heated. Further, when the temperature of the heat medium is slowly cooled or heated, the controller 60 operates a circulation pump 40 and a heat exchanger 70 related to only one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B. You may let me.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the controller 60 controls at least one of the circulating pump 40 and heat exchanger 70, the first flow passage 30A and the second heat medium flowing through at least one flow passage 30B Adjust the temperature of.

Specifically, for example, when the temperature associated with the wearer of the helmet 1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first threshold value (for example, 37 ° C.), the controller 60 determines the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A. It may be controlled to lower. On the other hand, for example, the controller 60 raises the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A when the temperature associated with the wearer of the helmet 1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined second threshold value (for example, 35 ° C.). You may control it. The threshold value in this case may be determined based on the normal body temperature (normal heat) of the wearer of the helmet 1. By adjusting the temperature in this way, it is possible to improve the comfort for the wearer of the helmet 1 while suppressing the influence of the outside air temperature.

Further, for example, the controller 60 controls so as to lower the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 30B when the temperature associated with the helmet 1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined third threshold value (for example, 28 ° C.). good. On the other hand, for example, the controller 60 controls to raise the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the second flow path 30B when the temperature associated with the helmet 1 is equal to or lower than a predetermined fourth threshold value (for example, 15 ° C.). good. The threshold value in this case may be determined based on the temperature of the environment in which the wearer of the helmet 1 is placed (for example, the outside air temperature). By adjusting the temperature in this way, it is possible to improve the comfort for the wearer of the helmet 1 while suppressing the influence of the outside air temperature.

For example, when riding a vehicle such as O'Dubai, wearing a helmet, a special suit (for example, a coverall), special shoes (or special boots), etc. makes it relatively heavy equipment. For this reason, for example, in the summer, it is expected that a large amount of sweat will be sweated, which will make the wearer uncomfortable. On the contrary, when riding a vehicle such as Odubai in the middle of winter, or when working in a freezing / refrigerating facility, even if it is relatively heavy equipment, it is assumed that the cold will be unpleasant for the wearer. Will be done.

Conventionally, protective clothing, helmets, and the like having an air-conditioning function inside have been proposed. However, the conventionally proposed ones have problems such as an increase in size, not being sufficiently good in usability, and not being able to maintain the safety of the wearer. On the other hand, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment can be downsized as compared with a configuration provided with a conventional fan, a water-cooled device, or the like. Further, the temperature of the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment can be adjusted in consideration of various situations by cooperating with a biological information sensor or the like. Therefore, not only is it comfortable for the wearer of the helmet 1, but it is also possible to reduce the risk of the wearer suffering from dehydration or heat stroke. Further, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment can secure a configuration related to the safety of the wearer while having the temperature control function as described above. Therefore, according to the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment, good temperature control can be realized while maintaining the safety of the wearer.

In the temperature control described above, the heat medium was controlled to be cooled or heated according to the temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A and / or the environmental information sensor 50B. Such control may be performed dynamically according to the temperature that is constantly detected, or may be performed according to the temperature that is detected at predetermined time intervals.

Further, if the temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A and / or the environmental information sensor 50B does not show a predetermined change even after the predetermined time has elapsed after performing the temperature control described above, the controller 60 is abnormal. It may be controlled to notify that there is a possibility of. For example, if a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses without any effect on the temperature detected by the biological information sensor 50A despite the temperature control, there is a risk that the wearer of the helmet 1 has, for example, heat stroke. Suspected.

In such a case, the controller 60 may be controlled so as to notify the fact as information recognizable by the wearer of the helmet 1, such as sound, light, and vibration. In order to output the sound of the notification, the helmet 1 may be provided with a sound output unit such as a buzzer or a speaker. In order to output the notification light, the helmet 1 may include a light emitting unit such as a light emitting diode (LED). In order to output the vibration of the notification, the helmet 1 may be provided with a vibrating portion such as a vibrator.

Further, as described above, when some risk is suspected to the wearer of the helmet 1, the controller 60 notifies, for example, an external server that manages the health information of the wearer of the helmet 1 or an external emergency center. You may control it. In order to issue such a notification, a communication unit having, for example, a wireless communication function may be provided inside or outside the controller 60.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the biological information sensor 50A measures the temperature associated with the wearer of the helmet 1. However, the helmet 1 may be provided with a sensor capable of detecting heart rate, pulse rate, pulse wave, blood flow, etc. in place of or together with the biological information sensor 50A which is a temperature sensor. .. In this way, for example, when the pulse rate of the wearer of the helmet 1 rises or the blood flow rate suddenly decreases, appropriate temperature control is performed, and the wearer and / or the outside is notified. be able to.

In the above-described embodiment, all of the functional parts shown in FIG. 6 have been described assuming a configuration in which the helmet 1 is provided inside or outside. However, the helmet 1 according to the embodiment is not limited to such a configuration. Of the functional parts shown in FIG. 6, the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B are at least inside or outside the helmet 1 in order to regulate the temperature of the head of the wearer of the helmet 1. You need to be prepared. On the other hand, among the functional parts shown in FIG. 6, the members other than the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B may be appropriately provided outside the helmet 1 and are separated from the helmet 1. It may be a separate functional unit.

For example, the circulation pump 40 connected to at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B may be provided as an external functional unit separately from the helmet 1. In this case, at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B and the circulation pump 40 may be connected via a tube through which a heat medium flows. Further, in such a configuration, the heat exchanger 70 may also be provided as an external functional unit separately from the helmet 1. In this case, the heat exchanger 70 may be installed at any position of the tube connecting at least one of the first flow path 30A and the second flow path 30B and the circulation pump 40.

Further, the controller 60 may also be provided as a separate functional unit outside the helmet 1 instead of inside the helmet 1. In this case, the controller 60 may be connected to other functional units such as the circulation pump 40 and the heat exchange unit 70 by wire or wirelessly. When the controller 60 performs wireless communication with another functional unit, a communication unit having a wireless communication function may be provided inside or outside the controller 60.

When the controller 60 is provided outside the helmet 1 as a separate functional unit, if at least a part of the controller 60 and other functional units is connected by wireless communication, a wired connection by a cable becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the trouble of connecting the cables and also to avoid the risk of disconnection due to entanglement of the cables. In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that at least one of the biometric information sensor 50A and the environmental information sensor 50B is connected to the controller 60 by wire. However, at least one of the biological information sensor 50A and the environmental information sensor 50B may be wirelessly connected to the controller 60.

Further, when the controller 60 is provided outside the helmet 1 as a separate functional unit, the controller 60 does not necessarily have to be provided as a dedicated device. For example, when the two-wheeled vehicle or four-wheeled vehicle on which the wearer of the helmet 1 rides is equipped with a control device such as a computer, the computer may be provided with the function of the controller 60. In this case, the helmet 1 does not need to include the controller 60, but instead may include only a communication unit that communicates with the controller 60. Further, when the controller 60 is provided outside the helmet 1 as a separate functional unit, a device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone carried by the wearer of the helmet 1 may be provided with the function of the controller 60. In this case, the temperature of the helmet 1 can be controlled by installing an application for controlling the helmet 1 on a mobile phone or a smartphone carried by the wearer of the helmet 1.

As described above, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment can also be realized as an element included in the temperature control system. In this case, the temperature control system according to the present embodiment includes the helmet 1, at least one of the biological information sensor 50A and the environmental information sensor 50B, and the controller 60. In this case, the controller 60 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium based on at least one of the temperature related to the wearer of the helmet 1 detected by the biological information sensor 50A and the temperature related to the helmet 1 detected by the environmental information sensor 50B. do.

In FIGS. 1-2 and 5, a so-called full-face type helmet is illustrated as the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment. However, the helmet 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the full face type. The helmet according to the present embodiment may be, for example, the so-called jet helmet 2 shown in FIG. 7 (A) or the half-cap type helmet 3 shown in FIG. 7 (B). Further, the helmet according to the present embodiment may be, for example, a helmet for work such as construction work, or a helmet of a type similar to a hat or the like. The helmet according to the present embodiment can adopt the above-described configuration as long as it is a type of head armor having an outer shell portion 10.

Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and modifications based on the present disclosure. It should be noted, therefore, that these modifications and modifications are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional unit, each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and a plurality of functional units and steps can be combined or divided into one. It is possible. In addition, each of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to faithful implementation of each of the embodiments described above, and each of the features may be combined or a part thereof may be omitted as appropriate. You can also do it.

For example, the heat exchanger 70 described above has been described as an element having a heat exchange function such as a Pelche element. As a simpler configuration, a small fan may be provided as the heat exchanger 70. By rotating a small fan with, for example, a motor, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the first flow path 30A and / or the second flow path 30B can be cooled.

1 Helmet 10 Outer shell 12 Shield 14 Shield screw 20 Buffer 30A First flow path 30B Second flow path 32 Micro flow path 40 Circulation pump 50A Biometric information sensor (temperature sensor)
50B environmental information sensor (temperature sensor)
60 controller 70 heat exchanger

Claims (17)

A helmet with an outer shell
A buffer arranged inside the outer shell and
A first flow path located between the helmet wearer's head and the shock absorber,
A second flow path located in a groove formed in the buffer or a portion where the buffer is not partially present, and a second flow path.
With
A helmet through which a heat medium containing a liquid at least partially flows in both the first flow path and the second flow path through the first flow path and the second flow path. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path has a diameter smaller than that of the second flow path. The helmet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flow path is configured as a flexible micro flow path. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second flow path is formed in a tubular shape. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat medium contains particles of aluminum nitride. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a circulation pump that circulates the heat medium through at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path. The helmet according to claim 6, further comprising a heat exchanger for exchanging heat in the heat medium. The controls at least one of the circulating pump and the heat exchanger, a controller for controlling the temperature of the first flow path and the second flow path of the heat medium flowing through at least one, according to claim 7 Helmet described in. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein the controller adjusts the temperature of the heat medium based on the temperature associated with the wearer. The helmet according to claim 9, wherein the controller adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to be lowered when the temperature associated with the wearer is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. The helmet according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the controller adjusts to raise the temperature of the heat medium when the temperature associated with the wearer is equal to or less than a second threshold. The helmet according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a biometric information sensor that detects a temperature associated with the wearer. The helmet according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the controller adjusts the temperature of the heat medium based on the temperature associated with the helmet. 13. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the controller adjusts to lower the temperature of the heat medium when the temperature associated with the helmet is greater than or equal to a third threshold. The helmet according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the controller adjusts to raise the temperature of the heat medium when the temperature associated with the helmet is equal to or less than a fourth threshold. The helmet according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising an environmental information sensor that detects a temperature associated with the helmet. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
With at least one of the biometric sensor and the environmental information sensor,
A controller that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium based on at least one of the temperature related to the wearer detected by the biological information sensor and the temperature related to the helmet detected by the environmental information sensor.
A temperature control system.

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