Safety helmet with chin bracket fixation, chin bracket fixation and method for assembling and disassembling the chin bracket fixation.

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective helmet (1) with a helmet shell (10) for covering an upper head region and at least partially side regions of a helmet wearer when worn, wherein the helmet shell (10) has a front side (12) with a viewing cutout (14), wherein the helmet shell (10) has a cheek region (20) on the left and right sides, wherein a connecting device (30) for detachably mounting a chin guard (100) is arranged in the cheek region (20), and wherein the connecting device (30) has at least one connecting means (40) for connection to the chin guard (100). The connecting device (30) has a covering unit (80) which is designed to be displaceable between an open mounting position and a closed covering position, and the covering unit (80) conceals the at least one connecting means (40) in the closed covering position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective helmet, particularly intended for motorcyclists. The invention further relates to a chin guard for such a protective helmet, as well as methods for mounting and dismounting such a chin guard on or from such a protective helmet.

[0002] For example, protective helmets in the form of crash helmets for motorcyclists are known from the prior art, which feature so-called chin guards. The document DE202004014578U1 describes such a protective helmet, from which the present invention is based. The protective helmet of DE202004014578U1 has a hard helmet shell that covers the upper head area and side areas of the helmet wearer, and which leaves a downwardly open viewing area at the front. The protective helmet also comprises a pivoting visor and a chin guard that can be removed without tools and ensures a clear distance from the helmet wearer's chin. For this purpose, a receiving opening that is open towards the front, towards the front, is arranged in a cheek area of ​​the protective helmet. Suitable ends of the chin guard in the form of a round rod in cross-section can be inserted into this receiving opening and locked by a locking mechanism using a sliding button.

[0003] What needs improvement with this well-known safety helmet is its general usability even with the chin guard removed. The remaining mounting holes for the chin guard after removal have a negative impact on the usability of the helmet without the chin guard. These open mounting holes can allow dirt and moisture to penetrate, while also impairing the helmet's aerodynamic properties and causing unwanted noise for the wearer. The penetration of dirt or moisture can also negatively impact the longevity of the fasteners used to attach the chin guard to the helmet.

[0004] Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly steps are complex, and the means provided for disassembly are fragile. The proposed sliding button is relatively small, and the separate mounting piece for the assembly and locking mechanism creates an additional component that protrudes significantly from the helmet shell, resulting in a lack of uniformity on the outer surface of the protective helmet. This can again result in disadvantages in terms of aerodynamics and noise. The handling of the chin guard from the front into the relatively small mounting opening can also be optimized to simplify the assembly process.

[0005] Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing an improved protective helmet that can be used safely and comfortably even without a chin guard and whose durability is improved. Furthermore, the invention is based on the object of providing an optimized chin guard that both improves handling during assembly and disassembly and can ensure compatibility with a protective helmet that can be used without a chin guard. Furthermore, methods are to be provided that enable quick and safe assembly and disassembly of the chin guard and minimize the absorption of dirt and moisture when using the helmet without a chin guard.

[0006] This problem is solved for a protective helmet with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved for a chin guard with a chin guard by a chin guard with the features of patent claim 12. Furthermore, the problem is solved with respect to a method for the detachable mounting of a chin guard on a protective helmet (in short "mounting method") by an mounting method with the features of patent claim 14. Finally, the problem is solved with respect to a method for the manual removal of a chin guard from a protective helmet (in short "dismantling method") by a dismantling method with the features of patent claim 15.

[0007] Essential to the invention is the realization that the cover unit serves to conceal and protect the connecting elements provided on the protective helmet and responsible for the detachable attachment of the chin guard. The entire connection mechanism is designed to ensure that the protective helmet, both when used with and, above all, without a chin guard, has no obstructive mounting openings exposed, which could have negative aerodynamic, acoustic, or safety-related effects.In addition, a uniform, closed outer surface, precisely without these mounting openings, is advantageous both in terms of design and in terms of durability. Because without the risk of dirt and water entering the mounting openings, the connecting elements for connecting the protective helmet to the chin guard are exposed to fewer negative external environmental influences and are therefore less exposed to aging processes. The receiving elements or connecting elements for the chin guard are designed in such a way that even after the chin guard has been removed, no obstructive or detrimental residual elements remain on the helmet. The resulting free space on the helmet structure, which is open after the chin guard has been removed, can be closed manually in a simple step by the helmet wearer using the covering component in the form of the cover unit and is therefore not exposed to the outside.The chin guard itself is designed to be easy to maneuver and supports a safe, intuitive, and tool-free assembly and disassembly process. Additionally, the procedures for assembling and disassembling the chin guard to and from the helmet are marked by steps that increase the manageability and safety of the respective process.

[0008] The proposed protective helmet, which can in particular be a motorcycle helmet, has a helmet shell for covering the upper head area and at least partially the side areas of a helmet wearer when worn. The helmet shell has a front side with a viewing cutout. Furthermore, the helmet shell has a cheek area on the left and right sides. Furthermore, a connecting device for detachably mounting a chin guard is arranged in the cheek area. Furthermore, the connecting device has at least one connecting means for connecting to the chin guard.

[0009] The proposed protective helmet is characterized in that the connecting device comprises a cover unit. The cover unit is designed to be displaceable between an open assembly position and a closed covering position. In the closed covering position, the cover unit conceals the at least one connecting means.

[0010] The helmet's wearing position is defined by the helmet wearer's position on their head. The inner surface of the helmet shell, or usually the inner surface of the helmet shell with its padding, can fit snugly against the top of the head and the sides of the wearer. These sides, in turn, can be specially shaped to surround the wearer's cheeks, providing protection and comfort.

[0011] With regard to the required detachable assembly, the connecting device is designed so that the connection can be achieved by the helmet wearer using intuitive and handy operation. The helmet wearer can attach or detach the chin guard from the helmet shell without the need for tools or special skills. The detachable assembly can be carried out in simple steps, with the helmet wearer being supported in the assembly steps by the appropriate shape and alignment of the connecting elements. Preferably, the detachable assembly is a detachable, form-fitting assembly so that the helmet wearer can attach and detach the chin guard with simple steps. In particular, disassembly is also possible with simple steps while the helmet is being worn, if the helmet wearer is wearing the protective helmet to protect their head.

[0012] Regarding the terms "left-sided" and "right-sided," the definition is based on the perspective of the helmet wearer, who has put on the helmet and is looking forward. The left cheek area is thus on the left side of the wearer, and the right cheek area is on the right side. This terminology allows for the precise description of the positions of other helmet elements.

[0013] The cover unit can, for example, be designed as a slider that can be grasped or engaged from the outside and thus moved by a corresponding hand movement of the helmet wearer. The slider can be an elongated element with an ergonomically designed or engageable outer surface that is easy to grip and thus enables uncomplicated operation. The inside of the slider is designed to leave space for the connecting means, while the slider completely covers the connecting means(s). To fulfill this purpose, the slider can, for example, have a hollow space or a correspondingly shaped structure on the inside that allows the connecting means(s) to be protectively enclosed.

[0014] In principle, the connecting device comprises at least one connecting means, which can be, for example, a pin, which in turn can be engaged by a corresponding chin guard connecting means (for example, the pin can be inserted into a hole or slot in the chin guard connecting means). Multiple connecting means can also be provided. For example, a receptacle can additionally be provided, which in turn can accommodate and, if necessary, hold a corresponding chin guard connecting means (for example, a connecting section of a chin guard connection unit).

[0015] The "covering" feature is to be interpreted as meaning that it covers the connecting elements in a manner that fulfills the protective purpose but does not impair the function of the connecting device, while simultaneously fulfilling the function of preventing large mounting openings from being exposed, which could, for example, lead to strong airflow and acoustic noise when riding with the helmet without a chin guard. In principle, there can be a gap between the connecting element and the cover unit. A corresponding clearance may also be preferred. However, the cover unit should fulfill its covering function at least outwards, towards the external environment.It should be noted that, due to design or tolerance constraints, minimal gaps may exist between the cover unit and the corresponding helmet components (to which the cover unit is designed to be movable), so that, theoretically, a minimal continuous connection from the outside to the connecting element can be established through such gaps. The concealment feature should therefore not be understood as limited to the case of hermetic sealing to the outside. It is important that such gaps do not impair the fundamental protection of the connecting elements and, in particular, the acoustic advantages of the proposed solution, which prevent the massive inflow of airflow into open assembly openings.

[0016] In the open assembly position, the at least one connecting means or means is / are generally exposed in such a way that assembly or disassembly of the chin guard is possible. In particular, the one or more connecting means is / are not covered by the cover unit, so that, in a case where the chin guard is not mounted, the one or more connecting means for one or more chin guard connecting means for establishing the connection between the chin guard and the protective helmet is freely accessible. Analogously, in particular, the one or more connecting means is / are not covered by the cover unit, so that, in a case where the chin guard is mounted on the protective helmet, the connection between the one or more connecting means and one or more chin guard connecting means is / are exposed in such a way that a release of the connection and a lifting or removal of the chin guard is possible.The chin guard can be pulled away from the helmet.

[0017] The front side is the front side of the helmet or helmet shell, as seen from the direction of travel of the wearer, or from the direction of travel of the respective motorcyclist as the helmet wearer. The view cutout allows the wearer to look forward out of the helmet, even while wearing the helmet to protect their head. A sliding or foldable visor can be positioned in the area of ​​the view cutout to close the view cutout and thus protect the wearer in that area as well.

[0018] In principle, the chin guard can each have a connection unit on each of its two ends facing the protective helmet, which in turn can interact with a connecting device, once in the cheek area arranged on the left and once in the cheek area arranged on the right. Accordingly, the protective helmet has a connecting device on the left and right sides, in particular, each with at least one connecting means (or several per connecting device), as described above, and furthermore with a displaceably arranged cover unit for respectively concealing the respective connecting means(s). For the sake of simplicity, only one cheek area, one connecting device, the orthe connecting means and a cover unit arranged on one side are described, whereby the corresponding description can apply to components arranged accordingly on both sides of the protective helmet.

[0019] In principle, the features of a proposed protective helmet and its embodiments described above and below can also be transferred, where technically feasible and, if necessary, adapted accordingly, to proposed embodiments of the items described in more detail below, such as a chin guard, an assembly method, and a disassembly method, and thus form independent new embodiments of the respective item. This is intended to avoid unnecessary repetition.Furthermore, this also applies between the categories of the other proposed objects, so that features described exclusively with regard to embodiments of either the chin guard or the assembly method or the disassembly method can be transferred, where technically reasonable and, if necessary, adapted accordingly, to proposed embodiments of the other objects (a protective helmet, a chin guard, an assembly method or a disassembly method) and can thus form independent new embodiments of the respective object.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as recited in claim 2, the cover unit can be configured to be linearly displaceable along a displacement direction between the open mounting position and the closed covering position. Advantageously, the linear displacement can be performed easily and intuitively by the helmet wearer, especially while wearing the helmet on their head.

[0021] In this case, as also stated in claim 2, the displacement direction can preferably extend obliquely upwards and backwards from a lower plane defined by a helmet end edge of the protective helmet towards a rear of the protective helmet, wherein an acute angle is formed between the displacement direction and the lower plane upwards. Moving the cover unit into the open assembly position then requires, when the covering position corresponds to the front lower position, the active backward and upward movement of the cover unit by the helmet wearer. In particular, the acute angle between the displacement direction and the lower plane upwards can be between 5° and 60°, particularly preferably between 10° and 55°, further preferably between 30° and 45°.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as set forth in claim 3, the protective helmet can comprise the chin guard, and the chin guard can be manually interchangeable between a disassembled state in which it is not connected to the protective helmet and an assembled state in which it is firmly connected to the protective helmet by means of the connecting device in the cheek area. An assembled state in which it is firmly connected to the protective helmet can also be understood as an exclusively form-fitting connection, which can generally be released again by simple movements in the corresponding directions serving to release the connection. For example, the firmly connected assembled state can be released again by a movement (e.g., diagonally) upwards.In principle, the cover unit can initially serve to block such a movement that would release the connection, so that the cover unit must first be moved out of this blocking position. The chin guard can in principle be part of the protective helmet, although the protective helmet can also be used without the chin guard, i.e. with the chin guard removed. The chin guard can have a chin guard end facing the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet with a connection unit for forming a firm connection to the protective helmet. In principle, one connection unit can be provided for each chin guard end facing the respective left- or right-hand cheek area of ​​the protective helmet. This can advantageously ensure that the chin guard can be quickly and securely attached to the protective helmet and just as easily removed again if necessary, in order to guarantee flexibility in use.In particular, the connection between the protective helmet and the connection unit can preferably be a form-fitting connection.

[0023] The chin guard can preferably comprise a chin pad. In particular, the chin guard can be designed in at least two parts, in that the chin guard has a dimensionally stable chin part for absorbing and transmitting external forces, for example, in the event of a fall, and at least one chin pad in addition to the dimensionally stable chin part. In particular, the chin guard can be designed in at least four parts, in that, in addition to the components in the form of the dimensionally stable chin part and the chin pad, a connection unit is also added on each side of the chin guard as a separately formed and connected component.In principle, the chin guard can also be constructed in multiple parts, for example, approximately six parts, by arranging a separately formed pad holder on each side of the chin guard, in addition to the components in the form of the dimensionally stable chin part, the chin pad, and a connection unit on each side of the chin guard. The connection unit (or the two connection units on the respective side of the chin guard) can preferably be connected in a force-fitting manner to the (respective) end of the dimensionally stable chin part, optionally also with the aid of the respective pad holder.

[0024] The connection unit can preferably be designed as a mounting plate. This advantageously allows forces acting on the chin guard, for example, during a fall, to be safely transferred into the protective helmet or its shell. The connection unit is preferably designed as a metallic mounting plate, in particular as a sheet metal. The connection unit designed as a mounting plate can also have different steps or, from a geometric perspective, jumps and does not have to be uniformly formed as a plate on a single plane.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as recited in claim 4, when the chin guard is mounted, the cover unit can also conceal the at least one connecting means in an intermediate position between the open mounting position and the closed covering position. The cover unit can preferably rest against the end of the chin guard. This advantageously ensures protection of the connecting means even when the chin guard is mounted (and not just when the chin guard is removed). Negative acoustic effects caused by any mounting openings or the geometry of the connecting means can also be avoided when using the protective helmet with the chin guard.

[0026] Advantageously, additional security of the assembly state can also be achieved by having the cover unit act as a type of securing element that prevents unwanted detachment of the connection between the chin guard and the protective helmet. In particular, the cover unit can be configured both to conceal the at least one connecting means in the closed covering position and in the intermediate position, and to secure, or in particular to hold, the connection between the at least one connecting means and the chin guard connecting means by means of abutment against the connection.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as set out in claim 5, the chin guard and the connecting device in the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet can be configured to interact in such a way that the chin guard can be changed into the assembled state by essentially engaging the chin guard with the connecting device via a movement of the connection unit counter to a normal direction pointing outwards towards the environment, as viewed essentially perpendicularly from a cheek plane defined by the cheek area. Advantageously, the connection between the chin guard and the protective helmet can be achieved with simple manual action by the helmet wearer. In particular, the assembly movement (or disassembly movement) is also easily possible when the protective helmet is worn. The cheek plane is to be understood as being, for example, a mean plane through the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet.In particular, the cheek plane can be considered the plane formed by the outer surface of the helmet shell in the cheek area, for example, in the area of ​​a cheek wrap unit. "Substantially perpendicular" here means that the mounting movement or the corresponding connecting elements do not have to be exactly at 90° to the cheek plane, but in principle, a corresponding movement from the outside must occur toward the cheek plane or the corresponding side of the helmet.

[0028] In this case, as also stated in claim 5, the chin guard and the connecting device in the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet can preferably be further configured to interact in such a way that the chin guard can be further moved into the assembled state by finalizing the engagement of the chin guard with the connecting device of the protective helmet via a movement of the connection unit and at least the chin guard end as a whole along a parallel direction pointing downwards, substantially parallel to the cheek plane. Advantageously, the assembly movement (or correspondingly also the disassembly movement) can therefore be divided into two differently oriented movements. This can increase the security of the connection. Moving the chin guard or chin guard end "as a whole" means that the connection unit of the chin guard, which forms the connection, does not have to be moved in a delicate, targeted manner, but rather that a movement of the chin guard or chin guard is required.whose corresponding end can be directed downwards to establish the connection. "Substantially parallel" means that the assembly movement or the corresponding connecting means does not have to run mathematically exactly parallel to or along the cheek plane, but generally a corresponding movement from top to bottom must occur approximately along / parallel to the cheek plane or the corresponding side of the protective helmet and not transversely to the cheek plane or the corresponding side of the protective helmet. In principle, the parallel direction does not have to run straight downwards, for example perpendicular to a lower plane defined by the helmet's end edge, but can preferably run diagonally downwards, for example diagonally backwards and downwards.

[0029] Preferably, as also stated in claim 5, the chin guard and the connecting device in the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet can be further configured to interact in such a way that the chin guard can be changed into the assembled state by first expanding the chin guard by moving the chin guard ends in opposite expansion directions. A simple, intuitive movement can advantageously serve to assemble or disassemble the chin guard.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as set forth in claim 6, the attachment unit can have a base portion arranged close to the chin guard and connected to the chin guard, as well as a connecting portion configured for detachable connection to the connecting device in the cheek area using a chin guard connecting means. In particular, the connecting portion, when viewed in the assembled state of the chin guard on the protective helmet, can be arranged further back in the viewing direction relative to the base portion. Viewed from the perspective of the chin guard, the connecting portion thus protrudes further toward the protective helmet. In particular, the connecting portion can be designed to be superior to a dimensionally stable chin part of the chin guard.

[0031] In this case, as also stated in claim 6, the chin guard connecting means can preferably have an elongated hole. In particular, the elongated hole can comprise a narrower securing area and an insertion area that is wider than the narrower securing area. This can advantageously ensure a simple and secure connection between the chin guard and the protective helmet, since the elongated hole, due to its geometric design, makes it easier to insert the chin guard and then offers a firm anchorage. For example, the chin guard connecting means can therefore be formed from a body with an elongated hole, wherein the elongated hole has two different diameter areas: At one end of the elongated hole there is an extension with a larger diameter, which can serve as an insertion opening or insertion area for the connecting means of the connecting device of the protective helmet. The insertion opening orThe insertion area can then be dimensioned so that it can be pushed over a suitable pin of the connecting device. As soon as the elongated hole and thus the chin guard connector with its larger hole area is pushed over the pin, the chin guard connector, or rather the chin guard, can be moved transversely to the pin, along the elongated hole, until the pin is located in the area of ​​the narrower part of the elongated hole. This displacement causes the wider part of the elongated hole to be moved away from the pin, and thus the pin is enclosed by the side walls of the narrower part of the elongated hole. This prevents the pin from being pulled out of the connector in the axial direction of the pin without the connector being moved transversely to the pin and along the elongated hole back to the larger hole area.Such a connection is characterized by its ease of assembly and disassembly, while simultaneously ensuring secure fixation of the pin when the chin guard connector is in its locked position together with the connector of the protective helmet's connecting device. In addition to the elongated hole, the chin guard connector can also be assigned, for example, the mounting plate or its (connecting) section in which the elongated hole is formed.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as set forth in claim 7, the connecting portion can be arranged set back relative to the base portion in the assembled state, along a normal direction pointing substantially perpendicularly from a cheek plane defined by the cheek region outwards toward the surroundings. This advantageously allows for optimized wearing ergonomics and improved integration of the connection unit into the overall helmet system, since the setting back of the connecting portion reduces the bulk and increases wearing comfort. It is also easier to cover the connecting portion or the corresponding connecting means, both the chin guard connecting means and the connecting means of the connecting device of the protective helmet, with the cover unit.In particular, planes formed by the base section and the connecting section can be arranged substantially parallel to one another but spaced from one another, or can be arranged spaced from one another and offset from one another by a small angle, preferably between 0.5° and 10°, more preferably between 0.5° and 5°. Advantageously, the stepped arrangement of the base section and the connecting section can further improve the connection of the chin guard to the protective helmet, and in particular also improve the force introduction into the protective helmet, since the stepped surfaces of the two sections can bear differently against the protective helmet and the connecting unit of the chin guard can also bear against a corresponding step of the protective helmet via a transition section between the connecting section and the base section, as seen in the viewing direction.

[0033] "Substantially perpendicular" is again understood here, as previously described, and also whenever reference is made to a normal direction pointing outward toward the environment from a cheek plane defined by the cheek area, essentially perpendicular to the outside, meaning that the corresponding direction does not have to be exactly at 90° to the cheek plane, but generally a corresponding direction or movement outward away from the cheek plane, perpendicular to the cheek plane or the corresponding side of the helmet, is to be understood as the normal direction. Analogously, reference can be made to the previous definition of the cheek plane, which also applies below.

[0034] Similarly, in the following, "essentially parallel" is understood, whenever a parallel direction pointing downwards essentially parallel to the cheek plane is mentioned, to mean that the corresponding movement or direction does not have to be mathematically exactly parallel to or along the cheek plane, but generally means a corresponding movement or direction approximately along / parallel to the cheek plane or the corresponding side of the protective helmet, and not perpendicular to the cheek plane or the corresponding side of the protective helmet. In principle, the parallel direction does not have to run straight downwards or upwards, for example, perpendicular to a lower plane defined by the helmet's end edge, but can also run diagonally downwards or upwards, for example, diagonally backwards and downwards.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as recited in claim 8, the cover unit can have a hook portion extending toward the helmet shell, by means of which hook portion the cover unit is configured to be displaceable back and forth in a slotted opening in the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet between the open assembly position and the closed covering position. Advantageously, the displaceability of the cover unit and the concealment of the connecting means are realized in a structurally simple manner. Preferably, the cover unit is configured to be displaceable in this manner in a cheek wrap-around unit connected externally to the helmet shell. The slotted opening can preferably have a widened portion for inserting the hook portion.This advantageously allows for intuitive and easy operation of the cover unit and improves the stability of the connection between the cover unit and the helmet. In particular, the hook section can be connected to the cover unit in such a way that it is designed to be elastically movable. The hook section can advantageously serve as a captive device for the cover unit mounted on the protective helmet or its other components (such as the cheek rest unit).

[0036] Advantageously, the cover device can be designed such that it assumes a locking position in the open assembly position and / or in the closed cover position and / or in the intermediate position, preferably in that a downwardly projecting spring element engages in the respective position in a notch in a support surface for the linear displacement movement of the cover unit.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as set out in claim 9, the protective helmet can have at least one first contact surface in the cheek area for contacting a corresponding first end face of the chin guard, and preferably also a second contact surface for contacting a corresponding second end face of the chin guard. In this case, the first contact surface can preferably be arranged offset in a stepped manner relative to the second contact surface, as viewed in the viewing direction. In particular, the first contact surface can be arranged further outwardly, as viewed along the normal direction, than the second contact surface, which is arranged correspondingly further inwardly. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a precise fit and strength of the connection between the chin guard and the protective helmet, which can contribute to increased safety.The large and preferably stepped contact surfaces make it easy to find the direction of the chin guard's mounting position.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as recited in claim 10, the chin guard can have the corresponding first end face in the region of the chin guard end, and preferably also the corresponding second end face of the chin guard. In this case, the corresponding first end face, viewed in the assembled state opposite the viewing direction, can preferably be arranged so as to project forward relative to the corresponding second end face. In particular, the corresponding first end face can be arranged offset further outward, viewed along the normal direction, than the corresponding second end face, which is arranged correspondingly further inward.This advantageously optimises the connection of the chin guard to the protective helmet by enabling a form-fitting and at the same time intuitively operated connection, in particular by means of a graduated, corresponding external geometry of the two components to be connected, the protective helmet and the chin guard.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet, as recited in claim 11, the at least one connecting means of the connecting device can have a pin for connecting to the connection unit of the chin guard. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting device can further have a receptacle in the cheek region for inserting a section of the connection unit of the chin guard, in particular the connecting section. This can advantageously ensure a precise and secure connection between the chin guard and the protective helmet, which supports both simple assembly and disassembly and thus offers a high level of user-friendliness without compromising safety aspects. In particular, the pin can extend from a cheek plane defined by the cheek region (from the cheek plane already described) essentially perpendicularly outwards to the surroundings.

[0040] According to an independent aspect of the present invention, as set out in claim 12, a chin guard for a protective helmet is proposed, which can in particular be the proposed and previously described protective helmet. The protective helmet has a helmet shell with a cheek region on the left and right sides. The proposed chin guard has two chin guard ends facing the respective cheek region of the protective helmet, each with a connecting unit for forming a fixed, preferably form-fitting, connection to the protective helmet. At least in an assembled state of the chin guard, the connecting unit has a preferably flat, more preferably metallic, fastening plate on the end facing the protective helmet.

[0041] This advantageously provides a higher level of safety and comfort for the user. The effective connection between the chin guard and the helmet increases the level of protection and can better distribute the transmitted forces in the event of an impact. The easy detachability of the chin guard from the helmet increases comfort for the user.

[0042] By designing the mounting plate as a flat element, improved force distribution can be achieved under load. The flat design of the mounting plate also allows for unobtrusive and aesthetic integration into the overall design of the helmet, thereby also achieving aerodynamic and noise-reducing advantages through a design with fewer prominently protruding components.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the proposed chin guard, as recited in claim 13, an elongated hole can be formed in the fastening plate of the connection unit as a chin guard connecting means for detachable connection to a connecting device in the cheek area of ​​the protective helmet. Preferably, the elongated hole can be configured to receive a connecting means of the connecting device of the protective helmet and, at the same time, for relative displacement relative to the connecting means. The receiving movement can, in particular, correspond to a movement of the chin guard connecting means counter to a normal direction perpendicular to the cheek plane of the protective helmet, while the relative movement can, in particular, correspond to a movement along a parallel direction running parallel to the cheek plane.More preferably, the elongated hole can comprise a narrower securing area and an insertion area that is wider than the narrower securing area. This advantageously creates a flexible connection option that allows easy adjustment of the chin guard on the helmet, thus improving comfort for the user. The threading movement of the connecting means is easy to implement. Furthermore, the securing area of ​​the elongated hole contributes to the secure locking of the connection, thereby increasing stability and effectively preventing accidental loosening of the connection during use.

[0044] According to an independent aspect of the present invention, as set forth in claim 14, a method is proposed for the detachable mounting of a chin guard, which may in particular be the proposed and previously described chin guard, on a protective helmet, which may in particular be the proposed and previously described protective helmet. The protective helmet has a helmet shell with a cheek region on each side, wherein a connecting device for detachably mounting the chin guard is arranged in the cheek region. The chin guard has two chin guard ends facing the respective cheek region of the protective helmet, each with a connecting unit for forming a fixed, preferably positive, connection with the protective helmet. The proposed ("mounting") method comprises at least the following steps: a1) The chin guard is generally engaged with the connecting device by a movement of the connecting unit counter to a normal direction pointing outwards towards the environment, as viewed essentially perpendicularly from a cheek plane defined by the cheek area; and a2) the chin guard is then moved into a further assembled state in which it is firmly connected to the protective helmet, in that the engagement of the chin guard with the connecting device of the protective helmet is finalised by a movement of the connecting unit and at least the end of the chin guard as a whole along a parallel direction pointing downwards, essentially parallel to the cheek plane.

[0045] In this case, a cover unit of the connecting device can preferably also be displaced from an open assembly position into a closed covering position, in which closed covering position the cover unit conceals at least one connecting means of the connecting device. Preferably, before step a1), the chin guard can first be expanded by moving the chin guard ends in opposite expansion directions to enable the movement according to step a1). This also applies analogously to the disassembly method described in more detail below.

[0046] The corresponding procedural steps can be carried out with regard to the directions of the movements as previously described with regard to the proposed protective helmet or chin guard. Specifically, all steps can be carried out analogously on both sides of the protective helmet or chin guard, with regard to the two chin guard ends, the connecting units or connecting sections of the chin guard, and the connecting devices of the protective helmet. Simultaneous execution of the movements on both sides or sequential movement sequences are possible.

[0047] In principle, all steps are reversible, meaning that the chin guard can be installed in the reverse order, analogous to the assembly procedure.

[0048] In principle, all assembly or disassembly steps can be carried out manually and without tools, non-destructively and reversibly (this also applies to the disassembly procedure described below).

[0049] A "downward parallel direction" can be understood as a "parallel direction pointing diagonally downwards." It does not have to be perpendicular to a lower sub-plane (this also applies to the disassembly procedure described below).

[0050] A movement "of the chin guard end as a whole" means that the connection unit or any components of the connecting means do not have to be moved delicately downwards to establish engagement between the chin guard and the connecting device of the protective helmet. Rather, a correspondingly coarse downward movement of the chin guard end or the corresponding arm of the chin guard is sufficient, which corresponding movement automatically also moves the connecting unit of the chin guard to be engaged downwards (this also applies analogously to the disassembly procedure described below, whereby these are not movements "downward" but corresponding movements of the chin guard end or arm of the chin guard "upward" in order to release the engagement between the chin guard and the connecting device of the protective helmet or to disengage the connection unit).

[0051] According to an independent aspect of the present invention, as set out in claim 15, a method is proposed for the manual disassembly of a chin guard, which may in particular be the proposed and previously described chin guard, from a protective helmet, which may in particular be the proposed and previously described protective helmet. The protective helmet has a helmet shell with a cheek region on the left and right sides, wherein a connecting device for detachably mounting the chin guard is arranged in the cheek region. The chin guard has two chin guard ends facing the respective cheek region of the protective helmet, each with a connecting unit for forming a fixed, preferably positive, connection with the protective helmet. The method for manual disassembly comprises at least the following steps: b1) An assembly state between the chin guard and the protective helmet which is firmly connected to the protective helmet is first fundamentally released by fundamentally changing the engagement of the chin guard with the connecting device of the protective helmet by moving the connecting unit and at least the end of the chin guard as a whole upwards, counter to a parallel direction pointing downwards substantially parallel to the cheek plane; and b2) the engagement between the chin guard and the protective helmet is finally completely released and thus the chin guard is transferred from the assembly state to a disassembly state by moving the connecting unit away from the connecting device along a normal direction pointing outwards to the environment, as viewed substantially perpendicularly from a cheek plane defined by the cheek area.

[0052] In this case, preferably before step b1), in order to enable the movement of the connection unit at least of the chin guard end as a whole according to step b1), a cover unit of the connecting device can first be moved from an intermediate position, in which intermediate position the cover unit covers at least one connecting means of the connecting device, into an open assembly position, in which open assembly position the cover unit no longer covers the at least one connecting means.

[0053] Preferably, the chin guard can be widened by moving the chin guard ends in opposite directions of widening and the chin guard can finally be removed from the protective helmet.

[0054] A particular advantage of the proposed protective helmet or chin guard, as well as the proposed method, can be achieved by using smaller moving components, in particular no spring-loaded, automatically folding components or snap fasteners, no very flexible rubber seals, and the like, in the connecting mechanism and, for example, for covering connecting means. Only rigid, dimensionally stable elements are used, such as plastic parts and, if necessary, a metal connecting pin and a metal fastening plate. In particular, it is provided that the only relatively moving component is the cover unit, which can be moved via a simple linear assembly movement, optionally supplemented by resilient, locking projections for holding a position, although these resilient elements are only subjected to load when the cover unit changes position.Thus, the connection as a whole can advantageously be designed to be durable, since no loose, wear-prone spring elements, no automatic flaps or the like need to be used to cover the connecting means from the outside as desired.

[0055] Further advantageous and preferred embodiments will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. The drawing, which merely shows one exemplary embodiment, shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a proposed protective helmet with a connected proposed chin guard; Fig. 2 the protective helmet including chin guard made of Fig. 1 in an enlarged detailed view corresponding to section A of Fig. 1 , the protective helmet being shown in a different state with the cover unit pushed up; Fig. 3 the protective helmet including chin guard made of Fig. 1in an enlarged detailed view corresponding to section A of Fig. 1 , wherein the protective helmet and chin guard are shown in a different state with the cover unit pushed up and the chin guard moved upwards; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the proposed protective helmet according to Fig. 1 from the front and top, and without a chin guard; Fig. 5 an enlarged partial view of the left half of the protective helmet from Fig. 1 or 4 without chin guard, and with the cover unit pushed up; Fig. 6 in view a) a perspective view obliquely from one side of the proposed chin guard, as it is according to Fig. 1 to 3 is used, and in view b) the corresponding chin guard according to view a) in an exploded view with separated components; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the proposed protective helmet from the front and above analogous to Fig. 4, wherein the protective helmet is shown in a different state with the cover unit pushed up and additionally a component (the fastening plate) of a chin guard; Fig. 8 according to view a) a schematic sectional view through a section of a proposed protective helmet with mounted chin guard, in a view from the front, and according to view b) a schematic partial view of a cheek area of ​​a proposed protective helmet without a cover unit and without mounted chin guard, and according to view c) a perspective view from the inside of a cover unit of a protective helmet; and Fig. 9 according to view a) a side view of a proposed chin guard, and according to view b) a partial front view according to viewing direction B from view a) of the chin guard from view a), and according to view c) a partial view obliquely from below according to viewing direction C from view a) of the chin guard from view a).

[0056] The protective helmet 1 shown in the figures is a motorcycle helmet. Fig. 1 A proposed embodiment of the protective helmet 1 is shown in a side view. The protective helmet 1 has a chin guard 100. The chin guard 100 is thus in the assembled state, firmly connected to the protective helmet 1. In principle, the chin guard 100 can also be removed from the protective helmet 1. For this purpose, it can be removed via a few steps, as are also shown by way of example in the Fig. 2 and 3 are indicated, are released from the connection with the protective helmet 1 and removed from the protective helmet 1 (protective helmet 1 without chin guard especially in Fig. 4 and 5 to recognize; chin guard 100 especially in Fig. 6 as well as Fig. 9shown individually). This state can be referred to as the disassembly state. The proposed chin guard 100 is fundamentally designed to be manually interchangeable between the disassembly state, in which it is not connected to the protective helmet 1, and the assembly state, in which it is firmly connected to the protective helmet 1. Specifically, the chin guard 100 can be firmly connected to the protective helmet 1 by means of a connecting device 30 in the cheek area 20 of the protective helmet 1, as will be described in detail later.

[0057] The protective helmet 1 can therefore also be used without the connected chin guard 100. The protective helmet 1 without the chin guard 100 is, for example, Fig. 4 clearly visible, in which the protective helmet 1 is shown in a perspective view from the front and diagonally from above, as well as in Fig.5 in a section.

[0058] The description of the technical features and corresponding reference symbols can refer simultaneously to all mentioned figures, which basically show the same embodiment of the protective helmet 1 or the chin guard 100. Only in Fig. 8 the components are shown in a somewhat simplified manner.

[0059] In the Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 only different states of the protective helmet 1 or chin guard 100 are shown, whereby the protective helmet 1 or the chin guard 100 in the Fig. 2 and 3 , both of which are fundamentally Fig. 1 marked detail section A from Fig. 1 show, are merely shown in a different assembly (intermediate) state. The description and reference symbols can also refer to the illustrations of the Fig. 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 be transferred, whereby Fig. 7the protective helmet 1 in the same perspective view as Fig. 4 shows, however, a cover unit 80 compared to Fig. 4 is shifted upwards, the connecting device 30 of the protective helmet 1 is exposed and a fastening plate 132, which is actually a component of a connection unit 130 of the chin guard 100, can be seen, while the remaining part of the chin guard 100 is not shown for the sake of clarity. In Fig. 8 In turn, individual components of the protective helmet 1 and partly of the connection unit 130 of the chin guard 100 can be seen in three detailed views, whereby these components are shown in slightly simplified embodiments for the sake of clarity, and in Fig. 9 then the chin guard 100 in three further views.

[0060] The protective helmet 1 has a helmet shell 10, which, when used as intended, i.e., when worn, covers at least the top of the head and, in principle, also the back of the head of the helmet wearer, thereby protecting them. Furthermore, the helmet shell 10, when worn, also at least partially covers and protects a left and right side area of ​​the helmet wearer. A cheek area 20 of the helmet shell 10, provided on both the left and right sides, primarily serves this purpose.

[0061] At the lower edge, the protective helmet 1 has a helmet edge 2. The helmet edge 2 forms the lower edge of the helmet shell 10 or the lower edge of the protective helmet 1, if, for example, further attachments are arranged on the lower edge of the helmet shell 10, ultimately forming the lower edge. The helmet edge 2 defines a sub-level EU, which in the Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 , by the dashed line or in Fig. 4 indicated by the hatched area. The back 4 of the protective helmet 1 is Fig. 1 shown on the right, while the upper side 5 is shown at the top, the apex line S of the protective helmet 1 runs on that upper side 5, and the underside 6 is arranged opposite the upper side 5.

[0062] The helmet shell 10 has a viewing cutout 14 which can be closed by a visor 13, wherein in the illustrations according to Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 7 The visor 13 is always folded up. For this purpose, the visor 13 is pivotally mounted in a so-called rotating capsule 15. The visor 13 is connected to the helmet shell 10 by means of this rotating capsule 15. The rotating capsule 15 itself is not formed by the helmet shell 10, but rather is integrated into an additional functional unit connected to an outer side of the helmet shell.

[0063] A viewing direction X, which corresponds to the wearer's viewing direction during intended use, is also marked for orientation. When the helmet is worn, the wearer looks along viewing direction X through the viewing cutout 14 on the front 12 of the helmet shell 10 toward the external environment U, either through the folded-down visor 13 (not shown) or directly (as shown) when the visor 13 is folded up.

[0064] On the front side 12 of the helmet shell 10 or the protective helmet 1, the proposed chin guard 100 is in the Fig. 1shown embodiment and connected to the protective helmet 1. The chin guard 100 serves to improve the wearer's protection in the event of an accident or a fall (especially on a motorcycle). However, the chin guard 100 is optional in that the protective helmet 1 can also be used without the chin guard 100 if desired. Fig. 1 The protective helmet 1 is shown with the chin guard 100 mounted, for which purpose this chin guard 100 is detachably connected to the protective helmet 1, as described in more detail below in connection with the other figures. In contrast, the protective helmet 1 is in the Fig. 4 and 5 without chin guard 100, in which condition the protective helmet 1 can also be used. Fig. 2 and 3 represent the transition between the assembly state of the chin guard 100 (as in Fig. 1 ) to the disassembly state of the chin guard 100.

[0065] The chin guard 100 can be manually removed from the Fig. 1 shown assembly state into the disassembly state by first removing a cover unit 80 from the Figure 1 shown intermediate position diagonally upwards and backwards along a displacement direction M into the Fig. 2 , as well as in Figure 3 , is displaced into the open assembly position shown. The rear end of the cover unit 80, viewed along the displacement direction M, is pushed into a recess 16 formed in the rotary capsule 15.

[0066] While the cover unit 80, which forms part of the connecting device 30 in the cheek area 20 of the protective helmet 1, in the intermediate position, as in Fig. 1shown, still on the chin guard 100, specifically on a chin guard end 102 facing the cheek area 20 of the protective helmet 1, or more specifically on an angled section 111 of a dimensionally stable chin part 110 of the chin guard 100, the cover unit 80 is in the in Fig. 2 and 3 shown open assembly positions from the chin guard end 102. As a result, a connecting means 40 of the connecting device 30 of the protective helmet 1 is exposed and is no longer covered by the cover unit 80. This also provides the possibility for simple manual disassembly movements, which enable removal of the chin guard 100. Specifically, a pin 50 is exposed, which forms a connecting means 40 of the connecting device 30. Furthermore, a receptacle 60, which also represents a component of the connecting device 30 of the protective helmet 1 and is better integrated into the Fig. 5 and 8 (View b) of the Fig. 8) can be seen, now, in the open assembly position according to Fig. 2 and 3 , is no longer concealed by the cover unit 80. The receptacle 60 can also be counted among the connecting means 40 of the connecting device 30, which connecting means 40 can advantageously be concealed by the cover unit 80.

[0067] The method for manually disassembling the chin guard 100 from the protective helmet 1 can now be carried out by the Fig. 2 The situation described above can be continued in such a way that the fundamentally Fig. 1The assembly state between the chin guard 100 and the protective helmet 1, which is still firmly connected to the protective helmet 1, is first fundamentally released by changing the engagement of the chin guard 100 with the connecting device 30 via an upward movement. Specifically, the chin guard end 102 as a whole, and thus in particular a connection unit 130 of the chin guard 100 responsible for the connection to the protective helmet 1 (cf. Fig. 6 and 7 ) is moved upwards against a parallel direction Y. The parallel direction Y can be defined as a direction essentially parallel to a cheek plane EW (which cheek plane EW is defined by the cheek area 20, see Fig. 5) downward direction. By moving the chin guard 100 or the chin guard end 102 upwards against the parallel direction Y, the fastening plate 132 as a component of the connection unit 130 is displaced upwards relative to the pin 50 or connecting means 40 or the connecting device 30. As a result, the engagement between the pin 50 and the fastening plate 132 is displaced along an elongated hole 150 in the fastening plate 132. The fastening plate 132 is displaced such that the pin 50 is no longer arranged in a narrower securing area 154 of the elongated hole 150 (as shown in the illustration according to Fig. 2 ), but now in a widened area of ​​the slot 150 in the form of the insertion area 152, as in Fig. 3can be seen. This creates the conditions for the fastening plate 132 and thus the connecting section 160 of the connection unit 130 and the entire chin guard end 102 to be moved outwards in a subsequent step, along a normal direction Z pointing from the cheek plane EW outwards to the surroundings U (cf. Fig. 4 and 5 ), can be moved away from the cheek area 20 and thus the protective helmet 1, so that the chin guard connecting means 140 and the connecting means 40 or the connecting device 30 of the protective helmet 1 are released from each other. The chin guard 100 can then be removed from the protective helmet 1.

[0068] In principle, the description, which in the present case particularly relates to the left-side cheek region 20 of the protective helmet 1 and the corresponding chin guard end 102, which can be defined as the right chin guard end 102 when viewing the chin guard 100 in a designated connection direction towards the protective helmet 1, also applies to the other, opposite side of the protective helmet 1 or the chin guard 100. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the proposed protective helmet 1, the right-side cheek region 20 of the protective helmet 1 is designed analogously to the left-side cheek region 20. In particular, a cheek wrap-around unit 21 and all other described elements such as connecting device 30 and the like are also arranged on the right side. With regard to the chin guard 100, the same applies as in Fig. 6shown that both chin guard ends 102 are designed analogously or mirror-symmetrically on the left as well as on the right (this also applies to the representations according to Fig. 9 ).

[0069] Accordingly, the previously described detachment of the chin guard 100 from the protective helmet 1 is achieved by sliding the respective cover unit 80 (of which there are two on the protective helmet 1) upwards on both sides of the protective helmet 1, both in the left and right cheek areas 20, whereupon both the left and right chin guard ends 102 are moved upwards and then, by expanding the two chin guard ends 102 in opposite directions, the respective fastening plates 132 are disengaged from the respective connecting devices 30 and the entire chin guard 100 can be removed from the protective helmet 1. Fig. 6, as well as in the two views b) and c) of the right chin guard end 102, which show in more detail Fig. 9 , the expansion directions / expansion direction A are marked, in which the corresponding chin guard end 102 must be pushed a little or the chin guard 100 must be widened accordingly so that the movement of the fastening plate away from the pin 50 can succeed.

[0070] This applies analogously, and the entire preceding description of the disassembly process applies in reverse order, for a (re)assembly of a chin guard 100 removed from the protective helmet 1 on the protective helmet 1: The expansion along the expansion directions A takes place first, after which the respective fastening plate 132 can be brought into position over the respective pin 50. The respective pin 50 is then inserted through the respective expanded insertion area 152 of the respective elongated hole 150, thus undoing the expansion of the chin guard 100. Subsequently, the respective fastening plate 132 or the respective chin guard end 102 is moved downwards along the parallel direction Y, so that the connecting section 160 is inserted into the receptacle 60 of the connecting device 30 of the protective helmet 1.Finally, the respective cover unit is pushed back downwards from the open assembly position into the intermediate position and also brought into contact with the respective chin guard end 102, so that the connecting means 40, specifically the pin 50, the receptacle 60 and additionally also the fastening plate 132 of the chin guard connecting means 140 are covered from the outside by the cover unit 80.

[0071] What is particularly advantageous about the illustrated embodiment of the protective helmet 1 is that the cover unit 80 can be moved between the open assembly position, as in Fig. 2 , 3 , 5 and 7 shown, and the closed cover position, as in Fig. 4 shown, as well as the intermediate position, as shown in Fig. 1shown, can be moved linearly along the displacement direction M, and both in the closed cover position and in the intermediate position, the connecting means 40, namely both the pin 50 and the receptacle 60, as well as additionally in the intermediate position also the chin guard connecting means 140 (the otherwise exposed part of the fastening plate 132 and in particular the elongated hole 150) are covered. The intermediate position is therefore a position lying between the open assembly position and the closed cover position of the cover unit 80. In addition, the cover unit 80 in the intermediate position rests on the chin guard end 102, specifically on the angled section 111 of the chin guard 100, specifically on an end face of this area of ​​the chin guard facing the protective helmet 1 in the assembled state (see also Fig. 9 ).

[0072] The displacement direction M extends from a sub-plane EU defined by the helmet end edge 2 of the protective helmet 1 obliquely upwards and backwards towards the rear side 4 of the protective helmet 1. An acute angle α is formed between the displacement direction M and the sub-plane EU upwards, as shown in the Fig. 3 and 4 is marked.

[0073] The linear displacement of the cover unit 80 is particularly important in connection with the Fig. 4 , 5 and 7 , as well as Fig. 8 This makes it possible for the cover unit 80 to slide or be displaced with its underside along the support surface 26, whereby the aforementioned locking positions (closed cover position, intermediate position and open assembly position) can be provided, even if these are shown on the support surface in view b) of the Fig. 8 are not shown.

[0074] On the inside of the cover unit 80, which in view c) of the Fig. 8As can be seen, a cavity is formed into which the concealed pin 50 can also protrude or into which the fastening plate 132, if connected thereto, can be arranged. A hook section 82 is also arranged protruding at the top of this inner side of the cover unit 80, which serves to linearly guide the cover unit 80 during movement along the displacement direction M and, in principle, to hold the cover unit 80 to the protective helmet 1 or a cheek wrap unit 21 of the protective helmet 1. The hook section 82 extends in the direction of the helmet shell 10.With the aid of the hook portion 82, the cover unit 80 is arranged in a slotted opening 22 in the cheek region 20 of the protective helmet 1, specifically in the slotted opening 22 in the cheek wrap unit 21 connected externally to the helmet shell 10, so that it can be moved back and forth between the open assembly position and the closed covering position, and thus also into the intermediate position. The slotted opening 22 has a widened portion 23 for inserting the hook portion 82, as shown in view b) of FIG. Fig. 8 , which represents a front view from the outside of the cheek wrap unit 21 of the protective helmet 1.

[0075] In views a) and b) of the Fig. 8 Furthermore, the parallel direction Y and, only in view a), the normal direction Z are marked in order to allow the corresponding movements, particularly in relation to the Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 7explained, again. In addition, view a) indicates the two levels, the stringer level EW and the sublevel EU, and view b) indicates the direction of displacement M.

[0076] As in view c) of the Fig. 8 As can be seen, next to the hook section 82 there is also a downward-pointing T-section which can ensure that the fastening plate 132 is held or pushed downwards, which fastening plate 132 is part of the connection unit 130 of the chin guard 100.

[0077] The connection unit 130 of the chin guard 100 serves for the firm, specifically form-fitting, connection of the chin guard 100 with the protective helmet 1. The connection mechanism can be seen in view of the views a) and b) of the Fig. 8 , as well as the chin guard Fig. 6 and 9 , and further Fig. 7, which shows in isolation the fastening plate 132 in engagement with the connecting means 40 of the protective helmet 1.

[0078] The pin 50, which together with the receptacle 60 represents the connecting means 40 of the connecting device 30, is firmly connected to the helmet shell 10 and basically projects vertically from the cheek plane UW outwards in the direction of the environment U. A head, which has a larger diameter than the adjoining bolt section, forms the end of the pin 50 as seen in the normal direction Z.

[0079] The components of the chin guard 100 that interact with the connecting means 40 or the connecting device 30 are the two connection units 130 arranged at the respective chin guard ends 102. The connection units 130 are designed to form the fixed, positive connection with the protective helmet 1. For the sake of simplicity, the following description refers to one of the two connection units 130: The connection unit 130 has a flat, metallic fastening plate 132 at its end, which, when the chin guard 100 is assembled, faces the protective helmet 1.

[0080] In the mounting plate 132, the elongated hole 150 is arranged as a chin guard connecting means 140 for detachable connection to a connecting device 30 in the cheek area 20 of the protective helmet 1. Specifically, the elongated hole 150 is designed to receive the connecting means 40 of the connecting device 30 of the protective helmet 1, namely the pin 50 (opposite the normal direction Z), and simultaneously for relative displacement relative to the connecting means 40 or pin 50 (along or opposite the parallel direction Y).The elongated hole 150 comprises a narrower securing region 154 and an insertion region 152 which is wider than the narrower securing region 154 and into which insertion region 152 the pin 50 can be inserted with its head of larger diameter, whereupon the fastening plate can then be displaced relative to the pin by guiding the narrower securing region 154 along the bolt section adjoining the head of the pin 50.

[0081] Basically, the connection unit 130 of the chin guard 100 has a base section 134 and a connecting section 160. This connecting section 160 can be inserted into the receptacle 60 of the connecting device 30 and can continue to be held there in a form-fitting manner.

[0082] The base section 134 of the chin guard 100 is arranged close to the chin guard and firmly connected to the chin guard 100. The connecting section 160, which is designed for detachable connection to the connecting device 30 in the cheek area 20 using the chin guard connecting means 140, is arranged far from the chin guard. The properties "near to the chin guard" and "far from the chin guard" refer to the relative position of the two sections to one another. Thus, in the assembled state, the connecting section 160 is arranged so as to protrude further in the direction of the protective helmet 1 than the base section 134 near the chin guard. In the assembled state, the connecting section 160 is also arranged set back from the base section 134 along the normal direction Z. This means that in the state connected to the protective helmet 1, the connecting section 160 protrudes further in the direction of the protective helmet 1.Due to the stepped course of the fastening plate 132 and specifically the connecting section 160 which is offset further in the direction of the cheek plane EW, the fastening plate 132 can be placed well under the cover unit 80 and thus a good concealment by the cover unit 80 can be achieved.

[0083] In the region of the chin guard end 102, the chin guard 100 has a first end face 124 and a second end face 125, each of which is configured to correspond to contact surfaces on the protective helmet 1. The corresponding first end face 124, viewed in the assembled state opposite to the viewing direction X, is positioned protruding forward relative to the corresponding second end face 125. Furthermore, the corresponding first end face 124, viewed along the normal direction Z, is offset further outward in the assembled state than the corresponding second end face 125, which is positioned correspondingly further inward.

[0084] On the protective helmet 1, in turn, the cheek wrap unit 21 is provided in the cheek area 20, which is connected to the outside of the helmet shell 10 and has a first contact surface 24 for contacting the corresponding first end face 124 of the chin guard 100, as well as a second contact surface 25 for contacting the corresponding second end face 125 of the chin guard 100. The first contact surface 24, as viewed in the direction X, is arranged offset in a stepped manner relative to the second contact surface 25. Furthermore, the first contact surface 24 is arranged offset further outwards, as viewed along the normal direction Z, than the second contact surface 25, which is arranged correspondingly further inwards.

[0085] The graduated, corresponding surfaces and sections have the advantage that the correct positioning of the chin guard to the protective helmet is simple and intuitive.

[0086] A significant advantage of the described embodiment is that the connecting means 40, especially the pin 50 and the receptacle 60, concealed in the intermediate position of the cover unit 80, contribute to a smooth or uniform surface contour, which improves the aerodynamics of the protective helmet 1 and reduces the noise level for the helmet wearer. List of reference symbols 1 protective helmet 100 Chin strap 2 Helmet edge 102 Chin strap end 4 Back (of the helmet) 110 dimensionally stable chin part 5 Top (of the helmet) 111 angled section 6 Bottom (of the helmet) 115 pad 10 helmet shell 120 Cushion holder 12 front 124 first frontal surface (of the chin guard) 13 visor 125 second frontal surface (of the chin guard) 14 View section 15 Rotating capsule 130 connection unit 16 recess 132 Mounting plate 20 Cheek area 134 Base section 21 Cheek wrap unit 140 Chin strap lanyard 22 Slot opening 150 slot 23 Widening 152 Introductory area 24 first investment area 154 narrower security area 25 second contact surface 160 connecting section 26 Support surface 30 Connecting device α acute angle (between displacement direction and sub-plane) 40 connecting devices 50 cones 60 Recording E u sublevel 80 Cover unit E w Cheek plane 82 Hook section U Vicinity A Expansion direction M Shift direction X Direction of view Y Parallel direction Z Normal direction

Claims

1. A protective helmet (1) with a helmet shell (10) for covering an upper head region and at least partially side regions of a helmet wearer when worn, wherein the helmet shell (10) has a front side (12) with a viewing cutout (14), wherein the helmet shell (10) has a cheek region (20) on the left and right sides, wherein a connecting device (30) for detachably mounting a chin guard (100) is arranged in the cheek region (20), and wherein the connecting device (30) has at least one connecting means (40) for connecting to the chin guard (100), characterized in that the connecting device (30) has a cover unit (80), wherein the cover unit (80) is displaceably arranged for displacement between an open assembly position and a closed cover position and the cover unit (80) conceals the at least one connecting means (40) in the closed cover position.

2. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover unit (80) is arranged to be linearly displaceable along a displacement direction (M) between the open assembly position and the closed covering position, wherein, preferably, the displacement direction (M) extends from a sub-plane (E) defined by a helmet end edge (2) of the protective helmet (1). U ) extends obliquely upwards and backwards in the direction of a rear side (4) of the protective helmet (1), wherein between the direction of displacement (M) and the lower plane (E U ) an acute angle (a) is formed upwards.

3. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective helmet (1) comprises the chin guard (100) and the chin guard (100) is designed to be manually interchangeable between a disassembled state not connected to the protective helmet (1) and an assembled state firmly connected to the protective helmet (1) by means of the connecting device (30) in the cheek area (20), wherein the chin guard (100) has a chin guard end (102) facing the cheek area (20) of the protective helmet (1) with a connecting unit (130) for forming a fixed, preferably form-fitting, connection with the protective helmet (1).

4. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 3, wherein, in the assembled state of the chin guard (100), the cover unit (80) in an intermediate position between the open assembly position and the closed covering position also covers the at least one connecting means (40) and, preferably, rests against the chin guard end (102).

5. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the chin guard (100) and the connecting device (30) in the cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1) are arranged to cooperate in such a way that the chin guard (100) can be changed into the assembled state by moving the chin guard (100) by means of a movement of the connecting unit (130) against a cheek plane (E W) viewed outwards in the normal direction (Z) pointing towards the environment (U), is brought into engagement with the connecting device (30), wherein, preferably, the chin guard (100) and the connecting device (30) in the cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1) are further configured to cooperate in such a way that the chin guard (100) can be further brought into the assembled state by the engagement of the chin guard (100) with the connecting device (30) of the protective helmet (1) via a movement of the connection unit (130) and at least the chin guard end (102) as a whole along a direction substantially parallel to the cheek plane (E W) downwardly pointing parallel direction (Y), wherein, further preferably, the chin guard (100) and the connecting device (30) in the cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1) are further arranged to cooperate in such a way that the chin guard (100) can be changed into the assembled state by first widening the chin guard (100) by moving the chin guard ends in opposite widening directions (A).

6. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the connection unit (130) has a base section (134) which is arranged close to the chin guard and is connected to the chin guard (100), and a connecting section (160) which is designed for detachable connection to the connecting device (30) in the cheek area (20) by means of a chin guard connecting means (140), wherein, preferably, the chin guard connecting means (140) has an elongated hole (150), wherein, further preferably, the elongated hole (150) comprises a narrower securing area (154) and an insertion area (152) which is wider than the narrower securing area (154).

7. Protective helmet (1) according to claim 6, wherein, viewed in the assembled state, the connecting portion (160) is arranged relative to the base portion (134) along a plane substantially perpendicular to a cheek plane (E W) is arranged so as to point outwards towards the surroundings (U) or set back when viewed along the normal direction (Z).

8. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover unit (80) has a hook section (82), which hook section (82) extends in the direction of the helmet shell (10) and by means of which hook section (82) the cover unit (80) is arranged to be displaceable back and forth between the open assembly position and the closed covering position in a slotted opening (22) in the cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1), preferably in a cheek wrap-around unit (21) connected externally to the helmet shell (10), wherein, preferably, the slotted opening (22) has a widening (23) for inserting the hook section (82).

9. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protective helmet (1) in the cheek region (20), preferably a cheek wrap-around unit (21) connected to the outside of the helmet shell (10), has at least one first contact surface (24) for contacting a corresponding first end face (124) of the chin guard (100), preferably furthermore a second contact surface (25) for contacting a corresponding second end face (125) of the chin guard (100), wherein, preferably, the first contact surface (24), viewed in the viewing direction (X), is arranged in a stepped manner set back from the second contact surface (25), wherein, in particular, the first contact surface (24) extends along a cheek plane (E) defined essentially perpendicularly by the cheek region (20). W) pointing outwards towards the environment (U) or, viewed along the normal direction (Z), is arranged further outwards than the second contact surface (25) which is arranged correspondingly further inwards.

10. Protective helmet (1) at least according to claims 3 and 9, wherein the chin guard (100) in the region of the chin guard end (102) has the corresponding first end face (124), preferably furthermore the corresponding second end face (125) of the chin guard (100), wherein, preferably, the corresponding first end face (124), viewed in the assembled state opposite to the viewing direction (X), is arranged so as to protrude forwards relative to the corresponding second end face (125), wherein, in particular, the corresponding first end face (124) in the assembled state, viewed along the normal direction (Z), is arranged offset further outwards than the corresponding second end face (125), which is arranged correspondingly further inwards.

11. Protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one connecting means (40) of the connecting device (30) has a pin (50) for connecting to a / the connecting unit (130) of the chin guard (100), and / or wherein the connecting device (30) in the cheek region (20) further has a receptacle (60) for inserting a section of a / the connecting unit (130) of the chin guard (100), in particular the connecting section (160).

12. Chin guard (100) for a protective helmet (1), preferably for a protective helmet (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the protective helmet (1) has a helmet shell (10) with a cheek region (20) on the left and right sides, wherein the chin guard (100) has two chin guard ends (102) facing the respective cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1), each having a connecting unit (130) for forming a fixed, preferably form-fitting, connection with the protective helmet (1), and wherein the connecting unit (130), at least in an assembled state of the chin guard (100), has a preferably flat, more preferably metallic, fastening plate (132) on the end facing the protective helmet (1).

13. Chin guard (100) according to claim 12, wherein an elongated hole (150) is formed in the fastening plate (132) of the connection unit (130) as a chin guard connecting means (140) for detachable connection to a connecting device (30) in the cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1), wherein, preferably, the elongated hole (150) is designed to receive a connecting means (40) of the connecting device (30) of the protective helmet (1) and at the same time for relative displacement relative to the connecting means (40), wherein, further preferably, the elongated hole (150) comprises a narrower securing region (154) and an insertion region (152) which is wider than the narrower securing region (154).

14. A method for the detachable mounting of a chin guard (100) on a protective helmet (1), wherein the protective helmet (1) has a helmet shell (10) with a cheek region (20) on the left and right sides, wherein a connecting device (30) for the detachable mounting of the chin guard (100) is arranged in the cheek region (20), wherein the chin guard (100) has two chin guard ends facing the respective cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1), each having a connecting unit (130) for forming a fixed, preferably form-fitting, connection with the protective helmet (1), wherein the mounting method comprises at least the following steps: a1) the chin guard (100) is moved by a movement of the connecting unit (130) against a cheek plane (E W) viewed outwards in the normal direction (Z) pointing towards the environment (U); a2) the chin guard (100) is then brought into engagement with the connecting device (30); a3) the chin guard (100) is then moved into a further assembled state in which it is firmly connected to the protective helmet (1), in that the engagement of the chin guard (100) with the connecting device (30) of the protective helmet (1) is effected by a movement of the connection unit (130) and at least of the chin guard end (102) as a whole along a direction substantially parallel to the cheek plane (E W ) downward-pointing parallel direction (Y); wherein, preferably, a cover unit (80) of the connecting device (30) is further displaced from an open assembly position into a closed cover position, in which closed cover position the cover unit (80) conceals at least one connecting means (40) of the connecting device (30).

15. A method for manually disassembling a chin guard (100) from a protective helmet (1), wherein the protective helmet (1) has a helmet shell (10) with a cheek region (20) on the left and right sides, wherein a connecting device (30) for detachably mounting the chin guard (100) is arranged in the cheek region (20), wherein the chin guard (100) has two chin guard ends facing the respective cheek region (20) of the protective helmet (1), each with a connecting unit (130) for forming a fixed, preferably form-fitting, connection with the protective helmet (1), wherein the method for manual disassembly comprises at least the following steps: b1) an assembly state between the chin guard (100) and the protective helmet (1) which is fixedly connected to the protective helmet (1) is first fundamentally released by,that engagement of the chin guard (100) with the connecting device (30) of the protective helmet (1) is achieved by a movement of the connecting unit (130) and at least the chin guard end (102) as a whole upwards, against a direction substantially parallel to the cheek plane (E, W ) downwards pointing parallel direction (Y), is fundamentally changed; b2) the engagement between the chin guard (100) and the protective helmet (1) is finally completely released and thus the chin guard (100) is transferred from the assembled state into a disassembled state by the connecting unit (130) being moved along a cheek plane (E W) is moved away from the connecting device (30) as viewed outwards towards the environment (U) in a normal direction (Z); wherein, preferably, before step b1) to enable the movement of the connecting unit (130) at least of the chin guard end (102) as a whole according to step b1), a cover unit (80) of the connecting device (30) is first moved from an intermediate position, in which intermediate position the cover unit (80) covers at least one connecting means (40) of the connecting device (30), into an open mounting position, in which open mounting position the cover unit (80) no longer covers the at least one connecting means (40). wherein, preferably, the chin guard is widened by a movement of the chin guard ends in opposite widening directions and the chin guard is finally removed from the protective helmet.

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