Modular helmet system

Abstract

A modular helmet system comprising a helmet (11) and a chin guard (41) detachably attached to the helmet (11), wherein the helmet (11) has two chin guard receptacles (13), wherein the chin guard (41) can be inserted into the chin guard receptacles (13) of the helmet (11) with its two ends (43) oriented along an insertion direction (E) in a substantially straight line, wherein the chin guard (41) can be locked in a final position in the chin guard receptacles (13), wherein each of the two chin guard receptacles (13) has two insertion flanks (15) extending towards each other along the insertion direction (E) at an acute centering angle (a), wherein the insertion flanks (15) are designed to center the chin guard (41) in a vertical direction during insertion and to form a chin rest stop (41) in the final position of the chin rest (41).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular helmet system comprising a helmet and a chin bar that can be detachably attached to the helmet.

[0002] The helmet in question can generally be a sports helmet. The helmet's purpose is to protect the user (helmet wearer) from head injuries, especially in the event of a fall. The term "sports helmet" is to be understood broadly in this context and refers not only to helmets designed exclusively or specifically for practicing a sport (such as a riding helmet or ski helmet), but also, for example, to helmets used for recreational activities (e.g., as a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet).

[0003] In some sports, such as mountain biking, it may be desirable to wear a helmet with a chin bar that also protects the rider's face, especially the lower jaw (a so-called full-face helmet). However, wearing an additional chin bar is not always desirable, for example, if the rider prefers a lighter helmet or a wider field of vision. In this case, a helmet that is open around the face and ears (an open-face helmet) is preferred. In some cases, the rider may also want to wear a helmet with increased side protection, including protection around the ears (a jet helmet).

[0004] In such cases, a modular helmet system is advantageous, comprising a helmet and a chin bar that can be attached to the helmet detachably (i.e., non-destructively). This provides a 2-in-1 modular system where—depending on the desired application—the chin bar can be attached to or removed from the helmet to convert it into either a full-face or open-face configuration. With such a helmet system, it is crucial that the chin bar can be attached to the helmet easily, securely, and reliably.

[0005] Document IT MI20 100 510 A1 discloses a modular helmet system with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Documents IT 2019 0000 1857 A1, US 5 619 755 A and CN 203 262 379 U disclose further modular helmet systems.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to create a modular helmet system comprising a helmet and a chin bar which can be detachably attached to the helmet, wherein the attachment of the chin bar to the helmet should be easy for the user and yet stable and reliable.

[0007] This task is solved by a modular helmet system with the features of claim 1.

[0008] The modular helmet system comprises a helmet and a chin bar, which can be detachably attached to the helmet. The helmet has two chin bar receptacles, and the chin bar can be inserted into these receptacles in a generally straight line, with its two ends leading along a defined insertion path. In a final position, the chin bar can be locked into the receptacles to secure it to the helmet. Each of the two receptacles has two insertion flanks that converge at an acute centering angle along the insertion path. These flanks are designed to center the chin bar vertically during insertion and to form a stop for the chin bar in its final position.

[0009] In this helmet system, the chin bar has two ends that can be inserted into corresponding chin bar receptacles on the helmet, specifically at the front. These receptacles can form forward-facing openings for inserting the chin bar. Each of the helmet's two chin bar receptacles has two insertion flanks for the respective end of the chin bar, converging at an acute centering angle towards the rear of the helmet. Thus, the chin bar can be inserted into the helmet's chin bar receptacles from the front in a substantially linear (i.e., translational) manner, with some centering movements, if necessary, effected vertically by the insertion flanks of the receptacles, but without requiring any additional (active) pivoting motion of the chin bar. It is also unnecessary to spread the chin bar to insert it into the helmet.The user can therefore easily insert the chin bar into the helmet, even while wearing the helmet, as only a straight insertion motion and force are required and the insertion flanks of the bar receptacles guide the movement of the chin bar ends.

[0010] The insertion flanks also serve as a stop to define a tactile end position for the chin bar, in which the chin bar comes to rest at the end of the insertion movement and assumes the correct orientation. In this end position, the chin bar can be locked in the bar receptacles. The locking mechanism can be activated manually or, in some designs, automatically, as will be explained below.

[0011] The chin bar has a corresponding insertion wedge at each of its two ends, with each insertion wedge having two contact surfaces that are at least partially complementary to the insertion surfaces of the respective chin bar receptacles of the helmet. In the final position of the chin bar, the contact surfaces fit snugly against the insertion surfaces of the respective chin bar receptacles. This provides effective and easily perceptible guidance for the user during insertion, and in the final position, the chin bar is held stably in the chin bar receptacles with regard to its position and orientation.

[0012] Regarding the aforementioned acute centering angle of the respective pair of insertion flanks, the centering angle can generally be greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0013] In addition to centering in the vertical direction, the helmet's bracket mounts can, in some designs, also be configured to provide lateral guidance and / or centering of the insertion movement of the chin bar (i.e., in the horizontal direction).

[0014] The directional information given in connection with the invention generally refers to the intended wearing position of the helmet.

[0015] Regarding the further design of the helmet – particularly as a sports helmet, such as a mountain bike helmet – it may, for example, comprise a helmet body that generally has a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface facing the user's head. The helmet body is designed to absorb as much of the kinetic energy impacting the helmet as possible through inelastic and / or elastic deformation. In some embodiments, the helmet body may include a shock-absorbing shell (for example, made of expanded polystyrene, EPS), an outer shell (for example, made of ABS or polycarbonate), and an inner lining or padding. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the helmet body may have numerous ventilation openings. In some embodiments, the helmet may also include a helmet strap for securing the helmet body to the user's head.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments are explained below.

[0017] The insertion flanks of the respective bracket mount of the helmet can be straight, at least in sections, along the insertion direction.

[0018] The two insertion flanks of the respective bracket receptacle can be arranged vertically one above the other to form a lower and an upper insertion flank.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the respective insertion flank can run horizontally in a vertical cutting plane that runs perpendicular to the insertion direction of the chin bar in order to form a planar guide track.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the two insertion flanks of the respective bracket receptacle can be aligned at an acute angle to a horizontal plane.

[0021] In some embodiments, the two insertion flanks of the respective bracket receptacle can be aligned symmetrically to the insertion direction of the chin bar.

[0022] The centering angle formed by the two insertion flanks of the respective chin bar receptacle can, in particular, have a value in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees, for example, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 45 degrees, or approximately 50 degrees. These values ​​refer to at least one respective section of the two insertion flanks, in particular to two opposing sections of the two insertion flanks. The centering angle can also vary along the insertion direction of the chin bar, especially if one or both insertion flanks are curved.

[0023] The measures mentioned above help to facilitate the insertion of the chin bar into the helmet's chin bar recesses by guiding and centering the ends of the chin bar along the insertion direction, with a simple straight-line force being sufficient.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the two insertion wedges of the chin bar can have an insertion section with a trapezoidal outline, particularly with respect to a vertical plane.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the two chin bar receptacles of the helmet can have a support groove on at least one of the two insertion faces, wherein each of the two insertion wedges of the chin bar has a respective support rib on at least one of the two contact faces, which projects vertically from the respective contact face, and wherein the respective support rib is designed to engage in the support groove of the respective chin bar receptacle in the end position of the chin bar. This allows the chin bar, inserted into the chin bar receptacles, to also be supported laterally (in particular horizontally).

[0026] In some embodiments, the helmet system may include a locking device to secure the chin bar to the helmet in its end position. The locking device may have at least one locking opening on each of the two chin bar mounts of the helmet, with the locking device having at least one movable latch at each of the two ends of the chin bar, which is designed to engage in the at least one locking opening of the respective chin bar mount in a locked position. The locking device may have at least one handle on the chin bar, by actuating which the at least one latch can be moved from the locked position to an unlocked position. Such embodiments have the advantage that the movable locking and unlocking mechanism (in particular the respective latch and the handle) is arranged on the chin bar.The helmet itself can therefore be designed to be very lightweight, especially for the open face configuration.

[0027] Each end of the chin bar may have its own handle, or a common handle may be provided for the latches at both ends of the chin bar.

[0028] In some embodiments, the respective latch can also be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position by operating the handle, in order to manually lock the chin bar to the helmet. In other embodiments, automatic locking of the chin bar upon reaching the end position may be provided, in particular by pre-tensioning at least one latch towards the locking position.

[0029] The at least one locking opening of the respective chin bar receptacle of the helmet can be formed on one of the two insertion flanks of the respective chin bar receptacle. In such embodiments, the at least one latch of the chin bar can be designed to project from one of the two contact flanks of the respective insertion wedge in its locked position and engage in the at least one locking opening of the respective chin bar receptacle. In other words, the respective locking engagement can occur at the interface between a contact flank of the chin bar and an insertion flank of the helmet. This ensures a stable locking mechanism.

[0030] In some embodiments, a locking opening can be formed on each of the two insertion flanks of the respective chin bar receptacle, wherein the locking device has two movable latches at each of the two ends of the chin bar, each of the two latches at the respective end of the chin bar projecting from one of the two contact flanks of the respective insertion wedge in its locking position and engaging in one of the two locking openings of the respective chin bar receptacle. Thus, a double locking mechanism along different engagement directions can be achieved at each chin bar receptacle, thereby distributing the forces transmitted between the chin bar and the helmet (in particular, tensile forces against the insertion direction or tilting moments) more evenly. This allows for a particularly stable locking of the chin bar to the helmet.

[0031] In some embodiments, the two latches at each end of the chin bar can be biased towards their locking position, with each end of the chin bar having a common handle and a deflection device. The deflection device can be designed to convert an actuating movement of the common handle into a respective unlocking movement of the two latches, with the unlocking movements of the two latches occurring in different directions, particularly in opposite directions. Thus, a simple actuation of the common handle can move the two latches at each end of the chin bar. This simplifies the operation of the locking device. The deflection device can, for example, include a cam guide and / or a deflection ramp.To pre-tension the respective bolt towards its locking position, a section of the handle or deflection device or bolt may be designed to be elastic (i.e., spring-back), or the bolt may be pre-tensioned, for example, by a separate spring (tension spring or compression spring).

[0032] In some embodiments, the two latches, the deflection device, and the common handle at each end of the chin bar can form a locking assembly, with the locking assemblies at both ends of the chin bar being identical. This makes it possible to arrange identical locking assemblies at the left and right ends of the chin bar. This simplifies and reduces the cost of manufacturing the chin bar.

[0033] In some embodiments, a magnetic element can be arranged at each chin bar receptacle of the helmet, and a corresponding magnetic element at each end of the chin bar. The magnetic element and the corresponding magnetic element can be designed to exert a magnetic attraction on the chin bar as it is inserted into the chin bar receptacles, directing it towards its final position, in order to assist the insertion movement and to fix the chin bar in its final position.

[0034] The magnetic element or the magnetic counter-element can be made of a permanent magnet, while the other element is made of a magnetizable material. Alternatively, both the magnetic element and the magnetic counter-element can be made of permanent magnets.

[0035] In some embodiments, the helmet system can further comprise two ear protection modules designed to be inserted into the helmet's two chin bar receptacles, optionally in place of the chin bar. Each of the two ear protection modules can—as explained for the chin bar—have an insertion wedge, wherein each insertion wedge may have two contact surfaces that are at least partially complementary to the insertion surfaces of the respective chin bar receptacles. The contact surfaces of the ear protection modules can be designed to fit snugly against the insertion surfaces of the respective chin bar receptacles in an end position of the respective ear protection module. With such ear protection modules, the helmet can thus be optionally converted into a jet helmet, in which the helmet offers increased lateral protection, including in the ear area. This provides a 3-in-1 modular system.

[0036] In embodiments of the helmet system with ear protection modules and magnetic elements on the helmet's headband mounts, the two ear protection modules can be designed without a mechanical locking device, with each of the two ear protection modules—as explained for the chin bar—having a magnetic counter-element. The magnetic element of the respective headband mount and the magnetic counter-element of the respective ear protection module can be designed to exert a magnetic attraction on the ear protection module in the direction of its final position when the respective ear protection module is inserted, in order to assist the insertion movement and to fix the respective ear protection module in its final position. Thus, unlike with the chin bar, the magnetic counter-elements alone serve as fixing devices for the inserted ear protection modules. This does not preclude the presence of additional stabilizing devices, which may be effective, in particular, in the lateral direction.Considering the low stress on the ear protection modules compared to the chin bar, the ear protection modules can therefore have a simple, compact and lightweight design.

[0037] In some helmet embodiments, a stabilizing recess may be formed at the respective chin bar receptacle, wherein the chin bar at its two ends and / or the ear protection modules may have a respective stabilizing projection which, in the end position of the chin bar and / or the ear protection modules, engages positively in the respective stabilizing recess, so that the chin bar and / or the ear protection modules are blocked against movement in directions perpendicular to the insertion direction of the chin bar and / or the ear protection modules. The stabilizing projection may, for example, be pin- or ridge-shaped, in particular with centering chamfers. In some embodiments, the stabilizing projection may be arranged offset relative to the insertion wedge of the chin bar and / or the ear protection modules, for example, offset downwards in the vertical direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the insertion flanks, the at least one locking opening, the magnetic element, and / or the stabilizing recess of the respective helmet bracket receptacle—if present—can be formed on a common fastening unit integrated into the helmet body. Such a fastening unit can, for example, be essentially plate-shaped, particularly flat or curved. Optionally, a connection device for a helmet strap can also be formed on the fastening unit. Such a fastening unit can be integrated into the helmet body and anchored there, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the helmet.

[0039] The invention also relates generally to a helmet designed for the releasable attachment of a chin bar, wherein the helmet has two bar receptacles, each of the two bar receptacles having two insertion flanks which extend towards each other at an acute centering angle in the direction of a rear of the helmet, wherein the insertion flanks are designed to center the chin bar in a vertical direction during insertion.

[0040] As explained, each of the two chin bar mounts of such a helmet can have at least one locking opening, wherein the at least one locking opening of the respective chin bar mount is formed on one of the two insertion flanks of the respective chin bar mount. In particular, a locking opening can be formed on each of the two insertion flanks of the respective chin bar mount. As explained, a magnetic element for securing the chin bar can also be arranged on the respective chin bar mount.

[0041] The invention also relates generally to a helmet system comprising a helmet, a chin bar detachably attached to the helmet, and two ear protection modules detachably attached to the helmet as an alternative to the chin bar, wherein the helmet has two chin bar receptacles, wherein the chin bar can be inserted into the chin bar receptacles of the helmet with its two ends facing forward, wherein the chin bar has a mechanical locking device configured to lock the chin bar in an end position in the chin bar receptacles of the helmet, wherein a magnetic element is arranged at the respective chin bar receptacle of the helmet and a magnetic counter-element is arranged at the respective end of the chin bar, wherein the magnetic element of the respective chin bar receptacle and the magnetic counter-element of the chin bar are configured to exert a magnetic attraction force on the chin bar in the direction of its end position when the chin bar is inserted into the chin bar receptacles.to assist the insertion movement and to fix the chin bar in its final position, wherein the two ear protection modules are designed to be inserted into the two bar receptacles of the helmet optionally in place of the chin bar, wherein the two ear protection modules do not have a mechanical locking device, wherein each of the two ear protection modules has a magnetic counter-element, wherein the magnetic element of the respective bar receptacle and the magnetic counter-element of the respective ear protection module are designed to exert a magnetic attraction on the ear protection module towards an end position when the respective ear protection module is inserted, in order to assist the insertion movement and to fix the respective ear protection module in its end position. This creates an advantageous 3-in-1 module system. The mechanical locking device of the chin bar can, for example, have one or more movable latches.as explained above.

[0042] The invention is explained below by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Identical or similar elements are identified by the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a helmet with a detached chin bar in a side view. Fig. 2 shows a chin bar receptacle into which an insertion wedge has been inserted. Figs. 3A and 3B show the chin bar receptacle according to Fig. 2 in a side view and a perspective view. Figs. 4A and 4B show the insertion wedge according to Fig. 2 in a side view or a perspective view. Fig. 5 shows the helmet according to Fig. 1 with an ear protection module detached from this.

[0043] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a modular helmet system comprising a helmet 11 in the form of a mountain bike helmet and a chin bar 41 that can be detachably attached to the helmet 11. The helmet 11 is a so-called open-face helmet with cutouts in the area of ​​the user's ears. The helmet 11 has two chin bar mounts 13, of which, in the side view, according to Figure 1, are... Fig. 1 Only the left bracket mount 13 is visible.

[0044] The chin bar 41 is in Fig. 1 The chin bar 41 is shown in a state detached from the helmet 11. However, it can optionally be inserted into the helmet 11 along an insertion direction E and detachably attached to the helmet in order to convert the helmet 11 into a so-called full face configuration.

[0045] The chin bar 41 has two free ends 43, of which in the side view according to Fig. 1Only the left end 43 is visible. The chin bar 41, with its two ends 43 facing forward, can be inserted essentially straight into the bar receptacles 13 of the helmet 11 and locked in place once it reaches its final position. The chin bar 41 has an insertion wedge 45 at each of its two ends 43, which engages positively with the respective bar receptacle 13 of the helmet 11 to ensure a stable and essentially play-free fit on the helmet 11 in the final position of the chin bar 41.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows the left bracket receptacle 13, into which the left insertion wedge 45 of the chin bar 41 is inserted.

[0047] Fig. 3A and 3BFigure 1 shows the left chin bar receptacle 13 in isolation. The chin bar receptacle 13 has two insertion flanks 15 that project away from a receiving plate 17 and converge at an acute centering angle α along the insertion direction E. The centering angle α can be, for example, approximately 45 degrees. The insertion flanks 15 serve to center and align the chin bar 41 vertically during insertion and to form a stop for the chin bar 41 in its final position.

[0048] The insertion flanks 15 are straight and terminate at a connecting section 19. A locking opening 21 is formed on each of the two insertion flanks 15 of the shackle receptacle 13. A support groove 23 is formed along the lower insertion flank 15 of the shackle receptacle 13. A magnetic element 25 is arranged on the connecting section 19 of the shackle receptacle 13. Furthermore, the shackle receptacle 13 has a stabilizing recess 27, which is offset vertically downwards with respect to the insertion flanks 15.

[0049] The mounting plate 17 forms a common fastening unit to integrate the insertion flanks 15 with the locking openings 21 and the support groove 23, the magnetic element 25 and the stabilizing recess 27 of the bracket mount 13 into a helmet body of the helmet 11.

[0050] The right bracket mount 13 is in relation to the in Fig. 3A and 3B The left bracket mount 13 shown is formed in a mirror image.

[0051] Figs. 4A and 4B Figure 1 shows the left insertion wedge 45 of the chin bar 41 in isolation. The insertion wedge 45 has an insertion section 47 with a trapezoidal outline. The insertion wedge 45 has a plate-shaped support 49 on which two contact surfaces 51 are formed. The contact surfaces 51 are designed to be complementary to the insertion surfaces 15 of the respective bar receptacle 13 of the helmet 11 such that, in the described end position of the chin bar 41, the contact surfaces 51 abut the insertion surfaces 15 of the respective bar receptacle 13 in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, the plate-shaped support 49 of the insertion wedge 45 has two support ribs 53, one of which is designed to engage in the support groove 23 of the respective bar receptacle 13 of the helmet 11 in the described end position of the chin bar 41.

[0052] The helmet system shown has a locking device for locking the chin bar 41 in its end position on the helmet 11. On the side of the respective chin bar receptacle 13 of the helmet 11, the locking device comprises locking openings 21 on the insertion flanks 15. On the side of the respective end 43 of the chin bar 41, the locking device comprises two movable latches 55, which are designed to engage in one of the two locking openings 21 of the associated chin bar receptacle 13 in a locked position. Each of the two latches 55 is attached to the support 49 via a spring arm 57. The two spring arms 57 are pushed apart by a spring 59 designed as a compression spring. This causes the two latches 55 to move in the direction of the Figs. 4A and 4B Pre-tensioned to the locking position shown.

[0053] The locking device further comprises, on the respective end 43 of the chin bar 41, a handle 61 in the form of a slider, which is mounted to the support 49 so as to be movably in a straight line. The handle 61 is connected to two control lugs 63, each of which bears against one of the two spring arms 57 via a respective deflecting ramp 65. This forms a deflection mechanism, whereby by manually moving the handle 61 away from the latches 55, the deflecting ramps 65 deflect the spring arms 57 against the preload force of the spring 59. This releases the latches 55 from the position in Figs. 4A and 4B The locking position shown is moved towards an unlocking position in which the locking bolts 55 no longer protrude from the contact surfaces 51 of the insertion wedge 45.

[0054] The carrier 49 with the two contact surfaces 51 and the support webs 53, the two locking bars 55 and the handle 61 of the respective insertion wedge 45 form a locking assembly which can be identical for the two ends 43 of the chin bar 41 (left and right end 43). The carrier 49 can be attached to the chin bar, for example, via fastening openings 67.

[0055] A magnetic counter-element 69 is also arranged on the insertion wedge 45. The magnetic element 25 of the respective bracket receptacle 13 of the helmet 11 and the magnetic counter-element 69 of the associated end 43 of the chin bar 41 are designed to exert a magnetic attraction on the chin bar 41 in the direction of its final position when the chin bar 41 is inserted into the bracket receptacles 13, in order to assist the insertion movement and to fix the chin bar 41 in its final position. The magnetic elements 25 and magnetic counter-elements 69 can also be arranged in positions other than those shown. Figs. 3 and 4 shown, or additional magnetic elements and magnetic counter-elements may also be provided.

[0056] The chin bar 41 has a stabilizing projection at each of its two ends 43, which, in the described end position of the chin bar 41, engages positively in the stabilizing recess 27 of the associated bar receptacle 13 to block the chin bar 41 against movements in directions perpendicular to the insertion direction E of the chin bar 41. The stabilizing projection can, in particular, be arranged on a recessed front face of the respective end 43 of the chin bar 41 (thus, in the side view according to...). Fig. 1 (not apparent).

[0057] Fig. 5 Figure 1 illustrates an optional further development of the modular helmet system, in which the helmet system additionally features two ear protection modules 81. The two ear protection modules 81 can optionally be inserted in place of the chin bar 41 along the insertion direction E into the two bar receptacles 13 of the helmet 11 in order to convert the helmet 11 into a so-called jet helmet configuration.

[0058] Each of the two ear protection modules 81 can in turn have an insertion wedge, wherein the respective insertion wedge has two contact flanks that are designed to be complementary to the insertion flanks 15 of the respective headband receptacle 13 of the helmet 11. As explained in connection with the chin bar 41, the contact flanks of the ear protection modules 81 can, in an end position of the respective ear protection module 81, form-fitting contact with the insertion flanks 15 of the respective headband receptacle 13. Furthermore, each of the two ear protection modules 81 can have a magnetic counter-element in order to exert a magnetic attraction force on the ear protection module 81 in the direction of its end position when the respective ear protection module 81 is inserted, as explained in connection with the chin bar 41. This assists the insertion movement and fixes the respective ear protection module 81 in its end position.In contrast to the chin bar 41, the two ear protection modules 81 do not have a mechanical locking device, in particular not the latches 55 and the handle 61. This allows the ear protection modules 81 to be designed to be compact and lightweight.

[0059] The described helmet 11 has the advantage that the chin bar 41 can be easily attached, even while the user is wearing the helmet 11. The chin bar 41 simply needs to be inserted from the front, essentially in a straight line, into the bar receptacles 13 of the helmet 11, with the insertion flanks 15 of the bar receptacles 13 providing the necessary centering without requiring any additional pivoting movements. In its final position, the chin bar 41 is stably aligned with the helmet 11 and can also be supported laterally. The locking device (latch 55, handle 61) is robust and easy to operate. The locking of the inserted chin bar 41 can be automatic. The locking device is located almost entirely on the chin bar 41, making the helmet 41 very lightweight in the open-face configuration.Since the respective locking assembly at both ends 43 of the chin bar 41 (carrier 49 with contact surfaces 51 and support struts 53, latch 55, handle 61) can be identically designed, the helmet system can be manufactured cost-effectively. Through the combination of mechanical locking and magnetic fixation, the helmet system can easily be expanded into a 3-in-1 modular system, which additionally provides a jet helmet configuration with a compact and lightweight design of the ear protection modules 81, which are simply magnetically fixed. Reference symbol list

[0060] 11 Helmet 13 Temple Receptacle 15 Insertion Flank 17 Mounting Plate 19 Connecting Section 21 Locking Opening 23 Support Groove 25 Magnetic Element 27 Stabilizing Recess 41 Chin Bar 43 End of Chin Bar 45 Insertion Wedge 47 Insertion Section 49 Carrier 51 Contact Flank 53 Support Bar 55 Latch 57 Spring Arm 59 Spring 61 Handle 63 Control Bar 65 Deflection Angle 67 Mounting Opening 69 Magnetic Counter Element 81 Ear Protection Module Insertion Direction α Centering Angle

Claims

1. A modular helmet system comprising a helmet (11) and a chin bar (41) detachably mountable to the helmet (11), wherein the helmet (11) comprises two receiving-brackets (13), wherein the chin bar (41) is insertable into the receiving-brackets (13) of the helmet (11) with its two ends (43) in front along an insertion direction (E) in a substantially straight line, wherein the chin bar (41) is lockable in the receiving-brackets (13) in an end position, wherein each of the two receiving-brackets (13) comprises two insertion flanks (15) which extend towards each other along the insertion direction (E) at an acute centering angle (α), wherein the insertion flanks (15) are configured to center the chin bar (41) in the vertical direction when being inserted and to form a stop for the chin bar (41) in the end position of the chin bar (41), characterized in that the chin bar (41) comprises a respective insertion wedge (45) at each of its two ends (43), wherein the respective insertion wedge (45) comprises two abutment flanks (51) which are configured, at least in sections, to be complementary to the insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) of the helmet (11), wherein the abutment flanks (51) lie in a form-fit manner against the insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) in the end position of the chin bar (41).

2. A helmet system according to claim 1, wherein the insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) are formed as rectilinear, at least in sections.

3. A helmet system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the centering angle (α) has a value in a range from 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

4. A helmet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two insertion wedges (45) comprises an insertion section (47) having a trapezoidal contour.

5. A helmet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two receiving-brackets (13) comprises a support groove (23) at at least one of the two insertion flanks (15), wherein each of the two insertion wedges (45) comprises a respective support rib (53) at at least one of the two abutment flanks (51) which projects in a vertical direction from the respective abutment flank (51), and wherein the respective support rib (53) is configured to engage in the support groove (23) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) in the end position of the chin bar (41).

6. A helmet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the helmet system comprises a locking device for locking the chin bar (41) in the end position to the helmet (11), wherein the locking device comprises at least one locking opening (21) at each of the two receiving-brackets (13) of the helmet (11), wherein the locking device comprises at least one movable latch (55) at each of the two ends (43) of the chin bar (41) which is configured to engage in the at least one locking opening (21) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) in a locking position, and wherein the locking device comprises at least one handle (61) at the chin bar (41), through the actuation of which the at least one latch (55) is moveable out of the locking position into an unlocking position.

7. A helmet system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one locking opening (21) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) is formed at one of the two insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13), and wherein the at least one latch (55) is configured to project out of one of the two abutment flanks (51) of the respective insertion wedge (45) in the locking position and to engage in the at least one locking opening (21) of the respective receiving-bracket (13).

8. A helmet system according to claim 7, wherein a locking opening (21) is formed at each of the two insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13), wherein the locking device comprises two movable latches (55) at each of the two ends (43) of the chin bar (41), wherein each of the two latches (55) of the respective end (43) of the chin bar (41) is configured to project from a respective one of the two abutment flanks (51) of the respective insertion wedge (45) and to engage in a respective one of the two locking openings (21) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) in the locking position.

9. A helmet system according to claim 8, wherein the two latches (55) of the respective end (43) of the chin bar (41) are biased towards their locking position, wherein each end (43) of the chin bar (41) is associated with a common handle (61) and a deflecting device (65), wherein the deflecting device (65) is configured to convert an actuating movement of the common handle (61) into a respective unlocking movement of the two latches (55), whereby the unlocking movements of the two latches (55) take place in different directions.

10. A helmet system according to claim 9, wherein the two latches (55), the deflecting device (65) and the common handle (61) of the respective end (43) of the chin bar (41) form a locking assembly, wherein the locking assemblies of the two ends (43) of the chin bar (41) are configured identical.

11. A helmet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a magnetic element (25) is arranged at the respective receiving-bracket (13) and a magnetic counter-element (69) is arranged at the respective end (43) of the chin bar (41), wherein the magnetic element (25) and the magnetic counter-element (69) are configured to exert a magnetic force of attraction on the chin bar (41) in the direction of its end position when the chin bar (41) is being inserted into the receiving-brackets (13), in order to support the insertion movement and to secure the chin bar (41) in its end position.

12. A helmet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the helmet system further comprises two ear protection modules (81) which are configured to be selectively inserted into the two receiving-brackets (13) of the helmet (11) instead of the chin bar (41), wherein each of the two ear protection modules (81) comprises an insertion wedge, wherein the respective insertion wedge comprises two abutment flanks which are configured, at least in sections, to be complementary to the insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13), wherein the abutment flanks of the ear protection modules (81) are configured to lie in a form-fitting manner against the insertion flanks (15) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) in an end position of the respective ear protection module (81).

13. A helmet system according to claim 11 and claim 12, wherein the two ear protection modules (81) do not have a mechanical locking device, wherein each of the two ear protection modules comprises a magnetic counter-element, wherein the magnetic element (25) of the respective receiving-bracket (13) and the magnetic counter-element of the respective ear protection module (81) are configured to exert a magnetic force of attraction on the ear protection module (81) in the direction of its end position when the respective ear protection module (81) is being inserted, in order to support the insertion movement and to secure the respective ear protection module (81) in its end position.

14. A helmet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a stabilizing recess (27) is formed at the respective receiving-bracket (13), wherein the chin bar (41) comprises a respective stabilizing protrusion at its two ends (43) which engages in a form-fitting manner with the respective stabilizing recess (27) in the end position of the chin bar (41), so that the chin bar (41) is blocked against movements in directions perpendicular to the insertion direction (E) of the chin bar (41).

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