[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025120440A1 - Casque de protection équipé d'une visière améliorée - Google Patents

Casque de protection équipé d'une visière améliorée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025120440A1
WO2025120440A1 PCT/IB2024/061713 IB2024061713W WO2025120440A1 WO 2025120440 A1 WO2025120440 A1 WO 2025120440A1 IB 2024061713 W IB2024061713 W IB 2024061713W WO 2025120440 A1 WO2025120440 A1 WO 2025120440A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
helmet
crystal layer
lens
layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2024/061713
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roberto Righi
Federico RIGHI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Out Of Srl
Original Assignee
Out Of Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Out Of Srl filed Critical Out Of Srl
Publication of WO2025120440A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025120440A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/18—Face protection devices
    • A42B3/22—Visors
    • A42B3/226—Visors with sunscreens, e.g. tinted or dual visor

Definitions

  • the obj ect of the present invention is a protective helmet for practicing sport and/or using motori zed vehicles , equipped with an eye visor, in particular a variable transparency visor .
  • Protective helmets often include a protective eye visor .
  • this visor is only intended to protect the eyes of the user against the entry of debris , dust , or simply against the wind .
  • the visor also provides protection against excessive light .
  • said screens are not suitable for sunlight protection under normal conditions , as they are in fact too dark in their maximum transmission state and have a very small field of vision .
  • Examples of lenses that use liquid crystals are known from the documents WO 2022 /254349 Al and US 2011 /283431 Al .
  • GH Guest-Host liquid crystals
  • This type of liquid crystal does not use polari zing filters and may therefore achieve transparencies much greater than 50% , making it potentially more suitable for use in sunlight protective devices under normal conditions .
  • this type of lens has a series of problems .
  • GH-type liquid crystal LC filters react to mechanical stresses by creating unwanted inhomogeneities within the transparency level .
  • Most existing helmet visors are made in such a way that , when a GH-type LC layer is applied to them, said layer undergoes such deformations and mechanical stresses that the uni formity of its transparency is compromised .
  • Helmet visors are furthermore typically made us ing the inj ection molding technique , which generates parts with residual internal stresses that interfere with liquid crystals thereby creating a birefringence ef fect typically called "rainbow" that renders vision uncomfortable .
  • the opening and closing system of the helmet visors usually prevents the film from being applied to the entire inner surface of the visor without creating interference with the seal that is usually used to prevent the passage of water and air between the visor and the cap .
  • the obj ect of the present invention is to solve the problems found in the state of the art in order to obtain a helmet equipped with a variable transparency visor that is truly ef fective and comfortable to use .
  • the obj ect of the present invention is to provide a helmet with a variable transparency visor provided with speci fic technical measures aimed at optimally protecting the GH liquid crystal layer from mechanical stresses that would create undesirable inhomogeneities within the transparency level .
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a protective helmet according to the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 2 shows an exploded diagram of the structure of the lens assembly of the visor of the protective helmet , in an exemplary embodiment
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a protective helmet according to the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment
  • Figure 4 shows a longitudinal-sectional view of a protective helmet according to the present invention, in a further exemplary embodiment ;
  • Figure 5 shows a longitudinal-sectional view of a protective helmet according to the present invention, in a still further exemplary embodiment ;
  • Figure 6 shows in detail a cross-sectional view of the lens assembly of the visor of a protective helmet according to the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment ;
  • FIG. 7 shows in detail a cross-sectional view of the lens assembly of the visor of a protective helmet according to the present invention, in a further exemplary embodiment .
  • 1 has been used to collectively denote a protective helmet equipped with a visor for the eyes for practicing sports or using motori zed vehicles according to the present invention .
  • the helmet 1 comprises a cap 2 , protecting at least part of the user' s head, to which is engaged a visor assembly 3 , protecting the user' s eyes .
  • the cap 2 has a frontal viewing opening 23 at the eye region of the user, which is intended to be closed by the visor assembly 3 at least when the helmet 1 is being used .
  • Said opening is characteri zed by a closed perimeter in the case of full- face helmets ( as in Figure 1 ) , while it takes the form of a recess in the perimeter of the cap in the case of helmets without chin guards .
  • the cap 2 has , on both sides , a seat 21 arranged near the region of the ear of the user, adapted to accommodate a corresponding anchor pin 32 of the visor assembly 3 in such a way that said assembly is pivoted on the cap 2 for opening and/or closing the opening 23 .
  • the visor assembly 3 tilts between an open position, wherein the opening 23 is substantially free , and a closed position, wherein the opening 23 is closed .
  • the visor assembly 3 is in contact with a helmet seal 232 , preferably sealed, present on the edge 231 of the opening 23 of the cap 3 .
  • the visor assembly 3 is attached to the cap 2 . In a further embodiment , the visor assembly
  • cap 3 is removable from the cap 2 , for example , to be replaced with a di f ferent visor assembly to adapt the helmet 1 to speci fic lighting situations .
  • the visor assembly 3 comprises a variable transparency lens assembly 4 that is truly ef fective and comfortable in use .
  • the 4 comprises a structural lens 41 or outer lens .
  • the structural lens 41 is at least partially transparent .
  • Said lens may be made with transparent materials and without the addition of pigments resulting in a light transmission close to 100% . Or it may be made by using materials or combinations of pigments , materials , and surface treatments in such a way as to filter out some of the non-visible light or radiation, even possibly unevenly over the whole spectrum to achieve optimal vision under di f ferent environmental conditions .
  • the structural lens 41 is made of plastics material , such as polycarbonate or polyamide .
  • the structural lens 41 is a thermoformed sheet , obtained by thermoforming or flexing a sheet of polymer material .
  • the structural lens 41 is pigmented to modulate the absorption spectrum, speci fically in this case the structural lens 41 may also be pigmented to modulate the contrast in speci fic lighting situations , for example by increasing it .
  • the structural lens 41 has an outer surface 411 and an inner surface 412 , facing the cap 2 .
  • the outer surface 411 of the structural lens 41 is preferably treated with one or more coatings , such as an anti-scratch, and/or mirroring, and/or anti-reflective , and/or multilayer coating .
  • one or more coatings such as an anti-scratch, and/or mirroring, and/or anti-reflective , and/or multilayer coating .
  • the lens assembly 4 comprises a liquid crystal layer 43 , provided with an outer face 431 , facing the structural lens 41 , and an inner face 432 facing the cap 2 .
  • the liquid crystal layer 43 is preferably of the GH ( Guest-Host ) type .
  • dichroic pigments are dispersed in a matrix of liquid crystals ; the electric field drives the orientation of the liquid crystals , which, in turn, drive the orientation of the pigments .
  • the crystals assume a helical configuration and the pigments are arranged in planes parallel to the surface of the layer, whilst in the " inactive” state , crystals and pigments are arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the layer .
  • the liquid crystal layer 43 comprises at least two substrates 434 , facing therebetween, and a peripheral seal 438 .
  • a closed space is defined between said substrates 434 and the peripheral seal 438 wherein a mixture of liquid crystals is contained .
  • the substrates 434 of the liquid crystal layer 43 are preferably spaced apart by means of cylindrical or spherical spacer elements 433 , which are also arranged within the closed space wherein the liquid crystal mixture is contained .
  • the peripheral seal 438 is a seal that is wider than traditional peripheral seal s , such as the one in Figure 6 , and extends further into the closed space between the substrates 434 .
  • the peripheral seal 438 extends at least below, and preferably beyond, the projection of the contact line between the helmet seal
  • this solution prevents unwanted mechanical stresses from being generated within the liquid crystal layer 43.
  • the liquid crystal layer 43 has a visible light transparency of at least 60% in the lightest state thereof and at most 40% in the darkest state thereof.
  • the LC layer may have a transparency of about 22% in the darkest state thereof and about 65% in the lightest state thereof.
  • the liquid crystal layer 43 is mounted to the rear of the structural lens 41, i.e., on the side of the inner surface 412, preferably by means of an optically clear adhesive (OCA) .
  • OCA optically clear adhesive
  • the inner surface 412 of the structural lens 41 is characterized by a Gaussian substantially 0 curvature, for example it may be substantially conical, conoidal, cylindrical.
  • the inner surface 412 of the structural lens 41 is characterized by a substantially torical curvature, i.e., it has a curvature in the horizontal plane that is greater than that in the longitudinal plane.
  • anti-fog and/or anti-reflection treatments may be applied internally to the liquid crystal layer 43, i.e., on the side of the inner face 432.
  • a real additional layer equipped with anti-fog and/or anti-reflection treatment may be applied.
  • the lens assembly 4 preferably comprises a depolarizing layer 42 arranged externally to the liquid crystal layer 43, i.e., at the outer face 431.
  • the depolarizing layer 42 is therefore arranged between the structural lens 41 and the liquid crystal layer 43.
  • the depolarizing effect is preferably achieved by means of a birefringent layer characterized by a wave phase shift between the two optical axes of greater than 1500nm.
  • lens assembly 4 comprises a protective layer 44 arranged inside the liquid crystal layer 43, i.e., at the inner face 432.
  • the protective layer 44 is therefore arranged between the liquid crystal layer 43 and the face of the user.
  • the protective layer 44 is laminated directly to the inner face 432 of the liquid crystal layer 43.
  • the protective layer 44 is preferably made of plastic material. [0040]
  • the protective layer 44 preferably has a thickness of between 0 . 4 mm and 2 mm .
  • the presence of the protective layer 44 improves the structural strength thereof and avoids unwanted and annoying visual ef fects .
  • the visor assembly 3 comprises an electronic board 5 adapted to control the liquid crystal layer 43 .
  • the electronic board 5 produces a signal , wherein the intensity thereof increases as ambient light increases .
  • the electronic board 5 comprises , or is connected to , a photovoltaic panel and an electronic circuit supplied by the photovoltaic panel .
  • the photovoltaic panel comprises at least one photovoltaic panel .
  • the photovoltaic panel operates simultaneously as a sensor of the amount of light within the environment and as a power supply for the liquid crystal layer 43 ; in fact , the greater the amount of light that impacts the photovoltaic panel , the greater the power generated by the photovoltaic panel , the greater the amount of power with which the liquid crystal layer 43 is fed and the more said LC lens darkens .
  • the response curve between the input signal and output signal from the electronic board 5 may be changed according to the user' s needs .
  • Said response curve is preferably characteri zed by a threshold value wherebelow there is no activation of the liquid crystal layer 43 .
  • the photovoltaic panel is located close to the structural lens 41 , thus receiving more light .
  • the electronic board 5 with the photovoltaic panel is located directly to the rear of the structural lens 41 , and the photovoltaic panel faces the structural lens 41 .
  • the visor assembly is made in such a way that the photovoltaic panel is not externally visible .
  • the area of the outer surface 411 of the structural lens 41 in front of the photovoltaic panel is preferably treated with a multilayer or single-layer, preferably opaque , mirroring coating .
  • the mirroring coating present within the area in front of the photovoltaic panel is preferably di f ferent from that which may be present within the vision area of the visor assembly 3 .
  • the mirroring coating in front of the photovoltaic panel is preferably selective in such a way that it forms a pattern, a logo or a graphic of some kind .
  • a semi-covering film for example a micro-perforated film, which has an outwardly facing print , whilst towards the inside it is black .
  • the photovoltaic panel receives filtered light from the structural lens 41 and thus reacts to the same component of ambient light that the eye of the user receives , net of the intervention of the liquid crystal layer 43 .
  • the structural lens 41 has , at the inner surface 412 , a lens recess 413 wherein both the liquid crystal layer 43 and the protective layer 44 and, where present , the depolari zing layer 42 are housed .
  • the lens recess 413 has a depth that is such to accommodate all of the layers present , in such a way that the final layer facing the cap 2 does not protrude from the plane defined by the inner surface 412 of the structural lens 41 .
  • a polymer filler material 415 for example a resin, for filling the remaining free space , respectively, with the liquid crystal layer 43 , the protective layer 44 and, where present , with the depolari zing layer 42 .
  • a polymer filler material 415 for example a resin
  • such a solution allows surface continuity to be obtained between the inner surface 412 of the structural lens 41 and the inner side of the protective layer 44 .
  • a covering layer 416 which is preferably opaque .
  • Said covering layer 416 extends to cover the inner contour of the protective layer 44 and, in proj ection, also to cover the inner contour of the liquid crystal layer 43 .
  • the filler material is preferably opaque.
  • the structural lens 41 has , at the inner surface 412 , a board recess 417 wherein the electronic board 5 is housed .
  • a filler material 415 such as a resin .
  • the structural lens 41 is surrounded, at the outer periphery thereof , by a frame 45 that is pre ferably opaque and obtained by overmolding .
  • the frame 45 vertically protruding with respect to the inner surface 412 of the structural lens 41 , defines a lens recess 413 in which both the liquid crystal layer 43 and the protective layer 44 and, where present , the depolari zing layer 42 are housed .
  • the lens recess 413 has a depth that is such to accommodate all of the layers present in such a way that the final layer facing the cap 2 does not protrude from the plane defined by the inner surface 412 of the structural lens 41 .
  • the frame 45 pre ferably fills the entire space with the liquid crystal layer 43 , the protective layer 44 and, where present , with the depolari zing layer 42 .
  • such a solution allows surface continuity to be obtained between the inner surface of the frame 45 and the inner side of the protective layer 44 .
  • the electronic board 5 is housed within a board recess 417 defined between the frame 45 , a front screen 418 , and a panel 419 .
  • the electronic board 5 is housed within a board recess 417 defined between a front screen 418 and the frame 45 itsel f .
  • the frame 45 is configured in such a way as to make a seal with the helmet seal 232 and prevent the passage of light outside the outer periphery of the liquid crystal layer 43 .
  • the frame 45 completely surrounds the lens assembly 4 of the visor 3.
  • the structural lens 41 is devoid of a recess or overmolded frame, and the liquid crystal layer 43 together with the protective layer 44 and, where present, the depolarizing layer 42, are fixed at the inner surface 412.
  • the electronic board 5 is housed within a board recess 417 defined between the structural lens 41, the side walls of the other layers of the lens assembly (i.e., liquid crystal layer 43 and protective layer 44 and, where present, depolarizing layer 42) , and a panel 419.
  • the board recess 417 is preferably arranged outside the periphery defined by the frontal opening 23 of the cap 2, in such a way that, when the visor 3 is lowered, the electronic board 5 is external to the periphery of the opening 23 and does not result in a significant reduction of the field of vision of the user.
  • the photovoltaic panel is positioned in such a way that it is in an area of the field of vision of the user that is already occluded by the cap 2 of the helmet 1.
  • the board recess 417 is preferably sealed i.e., leak-proof, and protects the electronic board 5 ; said board may alternatively or additionally be protected by protective coatings or embedded in resins .
  • the helmet 1 includes a battery that may provide more power to the electronic board 5 ; possibly, this battery may also be used to power other electronic devices such as traditional or bone-conduction audio systems , intercoms , "head-up" or traditional displays , signal lights , emergency call systems , cameras , or sensors . Said battery may in turn be powered by solar cells , also applied to the outside of the helmet cap, or recharged by connecting the battery to the electrical grid .
  • the protective helmet 1 for sports or motori zed vehicle use comprises :
  • a protective cap 2 provided with a vision opening 23 ;
  • a visor 3 engaged with the cap 2 to cover the opening 23 , and comprising : a structural lens 41 , which is at least partially transparent ;
  • liquid crystal layer 43 comprising at least two substrates 434 and a peripheral seal 438 defining a closed space containing a mixture comprising liquid crystals ;
  • the liquid crystal layer 4 is controlled by an electronic board 5 , being positioned inside the structural lens 41 , and being provided with an outer face 431 , facing the structural lens 41 , and an opposite inner face 432 ;
  • a helmet equipped with a variable transparency visor has technical measures aimed at optimally protecting the GH liquid crystal layer from unwanted mechanical stresses that could compromise the uni formity of transparency thereof .
  • the protective layer laminated on the inner face of the liquid crystal layer protects it from unwanted deformations and mechanical stres ses .
  • the frame obtained by overmolding on the structural lens makes it possible to improve the stability of the lens assembly to mechanical stresses and to protect the liquid crystal layer from contact with the seals of the cap .
  • the enlarged peripheral seal of the liquid crystal layer protects the liquid crystal matrix from contact with the seals of the cap .

Landscapes

  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)

Abstract

Un casque de protection (1) pour la pratique sportive ou l'utilisation d'un véhicule motorisé selon la présente invention comporte une visière (3) en prise avec une calotte (2) et comprend une lentille structurale (41) qui est au moins partiellement transparente, une couche de cristaux liquides (43), et une couche de protection (44) stratifiée sur la face interne (432) de la couche de cristaux liquides (43). De manière innovante, un casque ainsi fabriqué présente des caractéristiques techniques visant à protéger de manière optimale la couche de cristaux liquides GH contre des contraintes mécaniques indésirables qui pourraient compromettre l'uniformité de transparence de celle-ci.
PCT/IB2024/061713 2023-12-06 2024-11-22 Casque de protection équipé d'une visière améliorée Pending WO2025120440A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102023000026049A IT202300026049A1 (it) 2023-12-06 2023-12-06 Casco di protezione dotato di visiera migliorata
IT102023000026049 2023-12-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025120440A1 true WO2025120440A1 (fr) 2025-06-12

Family

ID=90362798

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2024/061713 Pending WO2025120440A1 (fr) 2023-12-06 2024-11-22 Casque de protection équipé d'une visière améliorée

Country Status (2)

Country Link
IT (1) IT202300026049A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2025120440A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6239778B1 (en) * 1998-06-24 2001-05-29 Alphamicron, Inc. Variable light attentuating dichroic dye guest-host device
US20110283431A1 (en) * 2009-01-30 2011-11-24 Alphamicron, Inc. Attachable optical element arrangements and methods
US20150272260A1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2015-10-01 Alphamicron Incorporated Attachable optical element arrangements and methods
WO2022254349A1 (fr) * 2021-06-04 2022-12-08 Out Of S.R.L. Casque de protection équipé d'une visière à couche lc et couche de dépolarisation
US20230029086A1 (en) * 2020-01-14 2023-01-26 Out Of S.R.L. Protective eye mask for the practice of winter sports

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6239778B1 (en) * 1998-06-24 2001-05-29 Alphamicron, Inc. Variable light attentuating dichroic dye guest-host device
US20110283431A1 (en) * 2009-01-30 2011-11-24 Alphamicron, Inc. Attachable optical element arrangements and methods
US20150272260A1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2015-10-01 Alphamicron Incorporated Attachable optical element arrangements and methods
US20230029086A1 (en) * 2020-01-14 2023-01-26 Out Of S.R.L. Protective eye mask for the practice of winter sports
WO2022254349A1 (fr) * 2021-06-04 2022-12-08 Out Of S.R.L. Casque de protection équipé d'une visière à couche lc et couche de dépolarisation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT202300026049A1 (it) 2025-06-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20240366430A1 (en) Type gh liquid crystal protective glasses and covering structural frame
CN101646972B (zh) 增加眼部保护用装置
US9335565B2 (en) Attachable optical element arrangements and methods
EP4346484B1 (fr) Casque de protection équipé d'une visière à couche lc et couche de dépolarisation
US20200230920A1 (en) Safety glass stack
EP2919728A1 (fr) Agencements d'élément optique apte à être fixé et procédés associés
US8411214B2 (en) Variably transmittive, electronically-controlled eyewear
CN116601552A (zh) 用于进行冬季运动的防护眼罩
EP4346486B1 (fr) Casque de protection équipé d'une visière avec cadre et couche lc
WO2025120440A1 (fr) Casque de protection équipé d'une visière améliorée
JPH07267194A (ja) 可変透過率の頭部装着バイザ
US20240277100A1 (en) Protective helmet equipped with visor with lc layer and thermoformed lens
US20040034898A1 (en) Self-tinting helmet visor and method of making same
WO2025119168A1 (fr) Verre feuilleté et véhicule
IT202100014561A1 (it) Casco di protezione dotato di visiera con strato lc incassato nella lente strutturale
CN117784459A (zh) 眼镜装置、眼镜和操作眼睛装置的方法
CN212380070U (zh) 一种亮度可控的led显示屏
WO2025040977A1 (fr) Dispositif de protection des yeux à transparence variable
JP2004226739A (ja) 液晶調光素子、並びにサングラス

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24824455

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1