Adjustable footrest device for a military vehicle

Abstract

Adjustable footrest device for a seat of a military vehicle which can be raised from an under-hatch position (U) to an over-hatch position (O) via a lifting device, with a footrest (1) for supporting the feet of a person sitting on the seat and a connecting unit (2) via which the footrest (1) can be arranged so as to be movable relative to the seat, characterized by a coupling device (3) which, during a lifting movement (H) of the seat in a first lifting range (H1), decouples the footrest (1) from the seat and which, during a lifting movement (H) in a second lifting range (H2), couples the footrest (1) to the seat.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustable footrest device for a seat of a military vehicle which can be raised from an under-hatch position to an over-hatch position via a lifting device, with a footrest for supporting the feet of a person sitting on the seat and a connecting unit via which the footrest can be arranged so as to be movable relative to the seat.

[0002] Vehicles of this type are frequently deployed in crisis zones where they are exposed to various threats, such as ballistic or mine threats. Recently, mine attacks from so-called IEDs (“Improvised Explosive Devices”) have proven particularly critical, especially when they detonate beneath the vehicle.

[0003] Mine detonation creates gas clouds, also known as "blasts," with very high kinetic energy, which are transferred from the explosion site to the vehicle with high dynamic force. Even if a mine-protected vehicle can withstand these forces, the floor area usually bulges upward, posing a danger to the vehicle occupants. For this reason, mine-protected vehicles often have vehicle seats that are decoupled from the floor and also have footrests that are decoupled from the floor and feature a footrest. The footrests are usually attached to the vehicle seat and can therefore be moved along with it.

[0004] In addition to moving the seat to adjust to the height of the person sitting on it, it is common practice in the military to raise the seat using a lifting device so that the person can stick their head through a hatch located above the seat in the roof area of ​​the vehicle. In this over-the-hatch position, the person, or in particular the person's head, is not protected by the vehicle, but this position allows for very intuitive observation of the surroundings and can be adopted, for example, during marches or generally during operations in a peaceful area. During a combat mission and if there is a risk of the vehicle being fired upon, the person must be completely inside the protected interior of the vehicle. Consequently, the seat must then be moved from the over-the-hatch position to a lower, under-the-hatch position using the lifting device.

[0005] To ensure that the passenger can rest their feet on the footrest even in the over-the-hatch position, the footrest moves along with the seat. However, due to the different seating positions, it may be necessary for the distance of the footrest from the seat to be different in the over-the-hatch and under-the-hatch positions. In the under-the-hatch position, passengers generally assume a more reclining position in the rather cramped interior of the vehicle, with their backrest tilted far back, whereas in the over-the-hatch position, the seat's backrest is usually more upright.

[0006] To adjust the footrest not only to the person's height or leg length, but also to the different seating positions below and above the hatch, the footrest can be connected to the seat via a connecting unit that allows relative movement of the footrest relative to the seat. This allows the distance of the footrest from the person to be individually adjusted. However, especially in the below-hatch position, the footrest must not be moved too close to the vehicle floor due to the risk of mine detonation. This ensures sufficient distance and decoupling even in the event of floor deformation.

[0007] While such manually adjustable footrests can be easily and individually adjusted relative to the seat, this requires readjusting the footrests in the various positions, which is comparatively laborious, especially given the limited space. Furthermore, it is also necessary to adjust the position of the footrest to each person's individual needs, so a rather time-consuming initial adjustment of the footrest is always required when changing passengers.

[0008] Based on this, the invention aims to provide an adjustable foot support device which is characterized by simplified handling.

[0009] This object is achieved in a footrest device of the type mentioned at the outset by a coupling device which decouples the footrest from the seat during a lifting movement of the seat in a first lifting range and which couples the footrest to the seat during a lifting movement in a second lifting range.

[0010] The coupling device thus allows optional decoupling of the lift between the seat and footrest. This means that when moving in the first lift range, the seat can move relative to the footrest, automatically increasing the distance between the footrest and the seat. In the second lift range, the footrest can then be moved in height together with the seat thanks to the lift coupling. Separate adjustment of the footrest in the under-hatch position and the over-hatch position is therefore no longer necessary; instead, thanks to the coupling device, the footrest can automatically assume the correct position that best suits the person in both positions. Separate manual adjustment in the under-hatch position and in the over-hatch position is therefore no longer necessary.

[0011] During a lifting movement, the seat is moved vertically relative to the vehicle. This means that the distance between the seat and the floor of the vehicle increases during the lifting movement. During a lowering movement, the distance decreases accordingly. The seat can be raised from the under-hatch position to the over-hatch position and lowered from the over-hatch position to the under-hatch position. With regard to these two positions, reference is made to the explanations given at the beginning. When moving from the under-hatch position to the over-hatch position, the seat can first go through the first lifting range and then the second lifting range. This means that initially the footrest cannot move from the under-hatch position, so the distance between the seat and footrest increases. In the second lifting range, the distance can then remain constant and the footrest and seat can be moved or raised in height in the same direction.The distance between the seat and footrest then advantageously no longer changes. During a lowering movement, the second lifting range is first passed through, followed by the first lifting range.

[0012] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the coupling device is provided with an adjustment unit for adjusting the size of the first lifting range. By adjusting the size of the first lifting range, it is possible to adjust the range in which the seat is decoupled from the footrest, i.e. how far the seat can be raised without the footrest being moved with it. By adjusting the size of the first lifting range, the distance between the footrest and the seat in the over-the-hatch position or in the second lifting range can also be adjusted. This is because the larger the first lifting range, the further the seat can be moved relative to the footrest, so that the distance between the footrest and the seat is correspondingly increased. For taller people or people with longer legs, it can therefore be advantageous if the distance or the first lifting range is set larger than for shorter people.People with shorter legs.

[0013] If the first lifting range is increased, the second lifting range automatically decreases. This is because the first lifting range and the second lifting range form the total lift, which may be predetermined, for example, by the vehicle's geometry and thus cannot be changed. Therefore, the size of the second lifting range can also be adjusted accordingly using the adjustment unit. The second lifting range can directly follow the first lifting range when raising. The first lifting range can directly follow the second lifting range when lowering.

[0014] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the coupling device is designed as a mechanical coupling device. This design allows the footrest to be mechanically decoupled from the seat in a first stroke range and coupled to the seat in a second stroke range. Therefore, no electrical energy is required to move the footrest or drive the coupling device, which has also proven to be beneficial with regard to the probability of failure.

[0015] With regard to the connecting unit, it has proven advantageous if it is connected to the footrest on one side and can be connected to the seat on the other side. The footrest can thus be connected to the seat via the connecting unit. However, the connecting unit can be designed in such a way that relative movement between the seat and footrest is nevertheless possible. The connecting unit can have a connecting area for connecting the connecting unit to the seat. The connecting area can thus function as an interface which, in particular, allows a screw connection to the seat. During a lifting or lowering movement, the connecting area can then move relative to the footrest. For information on the movement of the connecting area, reference is made to the explanations on the movement of the seat, since the connecting area can be moved vertically together with the seat via the lifting device.Accordingly, the connecting area can be moved together with the seat in the two lifting areas.

[0016] By connecting the footrest to the seat, it is no longer necessary for the footrest to be connected to the vehicle floor or rest on it. Instead, the footrest is decoupled from the vehicle floor, preventing deformation of the vehicle floor, for example, due to an exploding mine, from impacting the footrest. Therefore, even in the under-hatch position, the footrest maintains a certain minimum clearance from the floor that cannot be exceeded.

[0017] To achieve a relative lifting movement of the seat or the connecting area of ​​the connecting unit relative to the footrest, it has proven advantageous if the connecting unit is extendable. This extendability allows the footrest and the seat or the connecting area to be arranged in a way that is decoupled from each other. During a relative movement, the connecting unit can be extended, particularly in a purely passive manner.

[0018] From a design point of view, it has proven advantageous if the connecting unit has at least one, preferably three, scissor supports. Forces between the footrest and the seat or the connecting area that can be connected to the seat can be transferred via the scissor support(s) and at the same time a relative lifting movement can be ensured. In the under-hatch position, the scissor support(s) can lie on a block so that in this position the distance between the footrest and the seat can be minimal. Overall, the fighting compartment height can be significantly reduced without this leading to restrictions for the crew. In this respect, no local raising of the fighting compartment is necessary. Since the person in the under-hatch position advantageously assumes a more lying position, the position of the footrest can play only a subordinate role.

[0019] Three scissor supports have proven particularly effective in terms of reliable force distribution. Two scissor supports can be arranged parallel to each other, and the third scissor support can be arranged perpendicular to the two scissor supports, particularly between the two parallel scissor supports. The two parallel scissor supports can absorb forces from the same direction, while the scissor support arranged perpendicular to them can absorb transverse forces. The two parallel scissor supports can be aligned in the direction of travel.

[0020] The scissor support(s) can be connected at the upper end to the connecting section for connection to the seat. In this respect, the scissor support(s) can form a scissor table together with the connecting section. At the lower end, the scissor support(s) can be connected to the footrest.

[0021] Alternatively, it may also be possible for the connecting unit to ensure a relatively movable connection between the footrest and the connecting area in another way. For example, the connecting unit can also be designed as a telescopic support or comprise one, preferably three, telescopic supports.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the coupling device has a cable for connection to the footrest. The cable can be connected to the footrest on one side and to the adjustment unit on the other side. Depending on the lifting range adjustable via the adjustment unit, the footrest can be pulled upwards via the cable and thus raised or lowered accordingly in the opposite direction. The connecting unit can have a deflection pulley around which the cable is deflected, in particular by 90 degrees. The cable can extend vertically between the deflection pulley and the footrest and horizontally between the deflection pulley and the adjustment unit. Overall, a structurally very simple coupling of the footrest to the seat or to the connecting area can be achieved via the cable.The cable pull can only transmit forces in a vertical direction to the footrest, which is sufficient for raising and lowering the footrest, especially since the connecting unit stabilizes the footrest.

[0023] By applying force to the cable, the footrest can be moved upward. If the cable is free of force, the pulley can move up or down along with the seat or the connecting area. The pulley rolls along the cable, but because of the absence of force, the footrest does not move. Instead, the seat moves relative to the footrest, and the footrest remains in its lowered position.

[0024] The cable pull isn't necessarily limited to the use of a cable; other elements that allow for unidirectional power transmission can also be used. For example, the cable pull can also include a chain that connects the footrest to the adjustment unit.

[0025] With regard to the adjustment unit, it has proven advantageous if it has a lifting section that can be coupled to the seat. The lifting section can move together with the seat during raising and lowering. The lifting section can have a deflection pulley that deflects the cable, in particular by 90 degrees. On one side, the cable can extend from the deflection pulley of the lifting section to the deflection pulley of the connecting unit, in particular in a horizontal direction, and on the other side, the cable can extend vertically into the adjustment unit and be connected to it there, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0026] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the adjustment unit has a fixed stop. The stop does not move with the seat's lifting movement; rather, it is fixed to the vehicle. Thus, the lifting section also moves relative to the stop when the seat is moved. The stop determines the lower position of the footrest, i.e., the under-hatch position. It is therefore not possible to move the footrest below this position, so the required minimum clearance from the vehicle floor is always ensured.

[0027] According to an advantageous development, the adjustment unit has a movable slide. The end of the cable pull can be attached to the slide, so that a movement of the slide also moves the cable pull. The slide can be guided, in particular linearly guided, in a housing of the adjustment unit. Furthermore, guide struts, in particular two guide struts, can be provided, which can extend through the slide and thus allow linear guidance of the slide. The guide struts can extend in the vertical direction.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the lifting section has a driver, with the carriage resting either against the stop or against the driver. When the carriage rests against the stop, the lifting unit can move relative to the carriage. This movement then does not result in a movement of the carriage, so that the footrest is not moved along with this movement. Rather, the distance between the footrest and the seat increases. This movement thus corresponds to a movement in the first lifting range.

[0029] If the carriage rests against the driver, the carriage can move along with the lifting section. This means that the driver can then drive the carriage along. If the lifting section is motion-coupled to the seat, the carriage also moves in parallel with the seat. Consequently, the distance between the footrest and the seat no longer changes, but remains constant. If the carriage rests against the driver and is driven along during a lifting movement, the seat is moved accordingly in the second lifting range.

[0030] According to a design development, the carriage has an L-shaped geometry. The carriage can have a section extending essentially in the horizontal direction and a section extending essentially in the vertical direction. The vertical section can come into contact with the stop and thus prevent a lowering movement of the carriage. Furthermore, the horizontal section can come into contact with the driver during a lifting movement and be lifted by it. Due to the L-shaped design of the carriage, the points at which the carriage comes into contact with the stop and the driver are not in one plane. Rather, with regard to the movement of the carriage and thus also of the footrest, it is advantageous if the contact plane with the stop is arranged below the contact plane with the driver.

[0031] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the position of the driver is adjustable. Because the driver is adjustable, it is possible to set the lifting movement at which the slide comes into contact with the driver and when the latter rests against the stop. In this respect, the size of the first lifting range can be set by adjusting the position of the driver relative to the housing of the adjustment unit, as already described above. If the driver is arranged very far down, the lifting section must be moved a corresponding distance until the driver comes into contact with the slide. This means that the seat can be raised relatively far before the slide is moved with it, so that the distance between the footrest and the seat in the over-hatch position is comparatively large. If the driver is in a higher position in comparison, the lifting travel of the seat orThe initial stroke range is smaller, so that the carriage is then driven by the driver after a shorter stroke. The seat is then not raised as far relative to the footrest before the footrest is moved along with it, so the distance between the footrest and the seat in the over-the-hatch position is correspondingly smaller. Overall, the distance between the footrest and the seat in the over-the-hatch position can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position of the driver.

[0032] From a design perspective, the position of the driver can be adjusted by rotating a spindle. By rotating the spindle, the driver can be moved in height and thus adjusted. The spindle can extend through the driver and mesh with it. This means that the spindle can have an external thread and the driver a corresponding internal thread. When the spindle is rotated, the driver can then be moved up and down like a linear drive, thus adjusting the distance of the footrest from the seat in the over-the-hatch position.

[0033] The spindle can extend parallel to the guide struts. In particular, the spindle can be arranged centrally between the two guide struts to ensure reliable adjustment. In order to rotate the spindle, it can have a handwheel with which the spindle can be turned manually. The spindle can be mounted for rotation in the housing and the handwheel can be arranged outside the housing so that it can be easily reached. The housing can have a scale on the side facing the person sitting on the seat, which shows the distance of the footrest from the seat in the over-hatch position with the set driver position. When the spindle is rotated, the driver then moves up or down depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle and the position can be easily read off the scale.

[0034] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the distance of the driver from the stop can be adjusted by rotating the spindle. In the under-hatch position, as well as during movement in the first lifting range, the driver can rest against the stop fixed to the vehicle or tub. Depending on the position of the driver, the carriage can then be lifted from the stop at a different height and moved along with it. From the moment of lifting, the seat moves through the second lifting range, in which the footrest is moved vertically.

[0035] The driver can be designed with a block-shaped geometry and thus be comparatively stable. The driver can protrude laterally from the housing of the adjustment unit and, in this protruding section, can rest against the stop. However, the driver can be arranged inside the housing so that the driver cannot collide with the stop. During the transition from the first to the second stroke range, the slide can thus rest against both the stop and the driver simultaneously.

[0036] Furthermore, with regard to the object mentioned above, a seating device for a military vehicle is proposed, comprising a seat, which is arranged in particular decoupled from the floor of the military vehicle, and an adjustable footrest device designed in the manner described above. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the footrest device.

[0037] With regard to the object stated above, a method for adjusting a footrest of a footrest device relative to a seat of a military vehicle is further proposed, wherein the footrest device can be designed as described above. It is proposed that the seat be raised from an under-hatch position to an over-hatch position via a lifting device, wherein the seat is moved relative to the footrest in a first lifting range and is moved together with the footrest in a second lifting range. This results in the advantages already described with regard to the footrest device.

[0038] During movement in the first lifting range, the footrest can be decoupled from the seat, and in the second lifting range, the footrest can be coupled to the seat. For the optional coupling or decoupling of the lifting range or the lifting height of the seat, please refer to the above explanations regarding the coupling device of the footrest device.

[0039] Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b perspective views of a footrest device for use in a military vehicle in an under-hatch position; Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b the footrest device in a raised position; Fig. 3a-3c the footrest device in a side view in different positions; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a footrest and a connecting unit of the footrest device; Fig. 5 perspective views of an adjustment unit of the footrest device; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a stop of the footrest device.

[0040] The representations of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shows a footrest device 10 that can be used in a military vehicle, such as a battle tank. Not shown is a seat to which the footrest device is assigned, which can be moved back and forth in height between an over-hatch position O and a under-hatch position U via a lifting movement.

[0041] The footrest device 10 essentially consists of three parts: the actual footrest 1, a connecting unit 2, via which the footrest 1 is connected to the seat, and a coupling device 3 for moving the footrest 1 vertically depending on the seat's lift position. The functionality of the coupling device 3 and its components are explained in more detail below.

[0042] The footrest 1 is essentially plate-shaped and has a plurality of holes, which reduces the weight and also ensures that dirt from the shoes of the person sitting on the seat does not collect on the footrest 1, but can fall through the footrest 1 down onto the floor of the vehicle. The footrest 1 is not arranged on the floor of the vehicle, but is attached to the seat via the connecting unit 2. The footrest 1 is thus decoupled from the floor of the vehicle, so that in the event of a mine detonation, the floor can bulge towards the vehicle interior without the floor coming into contact with the footrest 1. In this respect, a specified minimum distance must always be provided between the footrest 1 and the vehicle floor.

[0043] In the representations of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b shows the under-hatch position U, in which the person sitting on the seat is in the protected interior of the vehicle. The seat, not shown, is mounted on top of the connecting unit 2, for which the connecting unit 2 has a substantially U-shaped connecting area 2.1, as can also be seen in the illustrations. However, the connecting area 2.1 does not rigidly connect the footrest 1 to the seat, but rather the connecting area 2.1 has three scissor supports 2.2, which are variable in length and can therefore be extended and retracted. Thus, the distance between the footrest 1 and the seat or the connecting area 2.1 is not constant, but can vary. When the scissor supports 2.2 are fully retracted and in a block position, the distance between the footrest 1 and the seat is minimal.This corresponds to the under-hatch position U, in which the person sitting on the seat assumes a more reclining position. If necessary, the person in this position does not necessarily have to place their feet on footrest 1; instead, another footrest, preferably a fixed one with a fixed height, can be provided in front of footrest 1 in the direction of travel. If this is the case, the legs of the person sitting on the seat then extend over footrest 1.

[0044] The three scissor supports 2.2 are also arranged in a U-configuration, in which two scissor supports 2.2 are spaced apart and arranged parallel to one another, and the third scissor support 2.2 is arranged at the edge of the footrest 1, transverse to the other two scissor supports 2.2. This design allows the three scissor supports 2.2 to be retracted and extended reliably and without interfering with one another, and reliable force absorption and a reliable connection between the footrest 1 and the seat or connecting area 2.1 is possible. The scissor supports 2.2 are connected at the upper end to the connecting area 2.1 and at the lower end to the footrest 1, whereby a U-shaped connecting element connected to the footrest 1 can also be provided.

[0045] If the seat is now raised from the under-hatch position U to an over-hatch position O, in which the person can stick their head out through a roof hatch, the seating position also changes. Because, due to the limited space inside the vehicle, a more reclining position is advantageous, in the over-hatch position O a more upright seating position is advantageous, in which the person's upper body is aligned significantly more vertically. In this respect, it is particularly necessary in the over-hatch position O that the person can place their feet on the footrest 1, for which the distance between the seat and the footrest 1, starting from the position according to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b needs to be enlarged.

[0046] The representations of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b now show the seat in a raised position. Consequently, the distance between the seat or the illustrated connecting area 2.1 and the footrest 1 is also greater than in the under-hatch position U according to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b. During the lifting movement of the seat 1, the footrest 1 initially remains in its lower starting position or in its under-hatch position U, while the seat is already moved towards the over-hatch position O by the lifting movement. It can thus be seen that the scissor supports 2.2 are or have been extended.

[0047] The required position of the footrest 1 in the over-hatch position O or the distance of the footrest 1 from the seat depends on the size of the person sitting on the seat or the length of their lower legs, as well as, of course, the person's preference. Taller people generally prefer a slightly greater distance than shorter people. Thus, the position of the footrest 1 in the under-hatch position U is always the same regardless of the person's size; however, different positions are required in the over-hatch position O. The lifting movement of the footrest 1 when the seat is lifted can now be adjusted using the coupling device 3.

[0048] The function of the coupling device 3 will be explained below, in particular with reference to the illustrations of the Fig. 3a to 3c. The coupling device 3 essentially consists of two parts, namely an adjustment unit 4 and a cable pull 3.1, which connects the adjustment unit 4 to the footrest 1. The adjustment unit 4 essentially consists of a lifting section 4.1, a slide 4.2, and a stop 4.3.

[0049] The cable pull 3.1 has two parallel cables, as can be seen, for example, from the perspective view of the Fig. 2a can be clearly seen. The cable 3.1 is connected at one end to the center of the rear part of the footrest 1 and at the other end to the slide 4.2. Starting from the footrest 1, the cable 3.1 initially extends vertically to the deflection pulley 2.3, which is connected to the connecting area 2.1 and thus moves together with the seat or the connecting area 2.1 when the seat is lifted. The cable 3.1 then extends horizontally between the deflection pulley 2.3 and another deflection pulley 4.11 of the adjustment unit 4, underneath the seat or the connecting area 2.1. The cable is then deflected again by the deflection pulley 4.11 of the adjustment unit 4, so that it extends vertically into the adjustment unit 4 and is connected to the slide 4.2. When the seat is lifted, the distance between the two pulleys 2.3, 4 remains.11 constant, meaning the length of the horizontal cable section does not change. However, the vertical sections do. In the diagram of the . Fig. 3a shows that the distance between the deflection pulley 4.11 and the carriage 4.2 is comparatively large, so that the distance between the deflection pulley 2.3 and the footrest 1 must be correspondingly small due to the fixed length of the cable 3.1. If the seat is then raised, the distance between the carriage 4.2 and the deflection pulley 4.11 becomes smaller and the distance between the deflection pulley 2.3 and the footrest 1 becomes larger. The seat is thus raised, but the footrest 1 does not initially move with it, but remains in its starting position. Overall, the position of the footrest 1 is thus coupled to the position of the carriage 4.2, i.e., the footrest 1 only moves when the carriage 4.2 is moved.

[0050] In the under-hatch position U, the slide 4.2 initially rests on the tub-fixed stop 4.3, which defines the under-hatch position U of the footrest 1 and is not movable, so that the corresponding position of the footrest 1 is fixed. The slide 4.2 is as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 5 is arranged movably in a housing 4.13. The housing 4.13 is part of the lifting section 4.1, which is movable together with the seat and can be lifted together with the seat using the lifting device (not shown). If the seat is now lifted from the under-hatch position U towards the over-hatch position O, the lifting section 4.1 moves upwards relative to the slide 4.2. The slide 4.2, however, remains on the stop 4.3, so that the footrest 1 also remains in its initial position and the distance between the seat and the footrest 1 increases with the lifting movement H of the seat. This can be seen from the illustration of the Fig. 3b can be seen.

[0051] The carriage 4.2 remains in its starting position until the lifting section 4.1 has been raised within the lifting movement H until the driver 4.12 reaches the carriage 4.2. A further lifting movement H of the lifting section 4.1 then causes the driver 4.12 to lift the carriage 4.2 from the stop 4.3, so that the carriage 4.2 is then moved further upwards together with the lifting section 4.1 and thus also together with the seat. Due to the then synchronous movement of the carriage 4.2 and the seat or the carriage 4.2 and the lifting section 4.1, the relative position of the footrest 1 and the seat no longer changes, so that the footrest 1 is then moved together with the seat.

[0052] During a downward movement from the over-hatch position O to the under-hatch position, the slide 4.2 initially rests on the driver 4.12. At a certain point, however, the slide then comes into contact with the stop 4.3, which marks the lowest position of the footrest 1. During a further lowering movement, the slide 4.2, and thus also the footrest 1, do not move, so that the distance of the seat from the footrest 1 is reduced accordingly, and the seat 1 moves toward the footrest 1 until it reaches its final position.

[0053] When the seat is in the under-hatch position U and has reached its lowest position, the lifting section 4.1 or the housing 4.13 rests on top of the carriage 4.2, as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 3a. The slide 4.2 thus acts as a lower stop for the lifting section 4.1, which limits any further downward lowering movement of the seat.

[0054] The carriage 4.2 has an L-shaped geometry in cross section, as can be seen from the illustration of the Fig. 3a to 3c. The vertically extending leg can strike the stop 4.3 at its lower end, and the vertically extending leg can come into contact with the driver 4.12, which can run against the vertical leg during a lifting movement H of the seat and then carry the slide 4.2 upwards during a further lifting movement H.

[0055] As can be seen from the above explanations regarding the function and movement of the footrest 1, this is either coupled or decoupled from the lifting section 4.1 and thus also from the seat, depending on the position of the lifting section 4.1. If the slide 4.2 rests on the stop 4.3 and the lifting section 4.1 can move independently of the slide 4.2, the slide 4.2 is decoupled from the lifting section 4.1. This decoupled lifting range is also shown in the illustration of the Fig. 3a and is also referred to as the first stroke range H1. If the carriage 4.2 is driven by the driver 4.12, so that a corresponding stroke coupling is present, the stroke section 4.1 is moved in the second stroke range H2. Based on the illustration of the Fig. 3c shows that the slide 4.2 moved a little relative to the stop 4.3 and was thus driven a little by the driver 4.12. Here, the slide 4.2 was thus moved a little together with the stroke section 4.1 in the second stroke range H2.

[0056] The position of the footrest 1 in the over-hatch position O can now be adjusted by adjusting the driver 4.12. According to the illustration of the Fig. 5, a spindle 4.15 is provided for this purpose, which extends through the carriage 4.2 and has an external thread that meshes with the carriage 4.2. By turning the spindle 4.15, the height of the driver 4.12 can be adjusted like a nut arranged on the spindle. To adjust the driver 4.12, the spindle 4.15 is provided with a handwheel 4.16 on the head and in the area outside the housing 4.13, so that the person sitting on the seat in the under-hatch position U, i.e. when no force is exerted on the driver 4.12, can easily screw it up and down. By turning the handwheel 4.16, the driver 4.12 can be moved up and down along the spindle 4.15, depending on the direction in which the handwheel 4.16 and thus the spindle 4.15 is turned.

[0057] Parallel to the spindle 4.15, two guide struts 4.14 with a round cross-section are provided, which guide the movement of the carriage 4.2 so that it can move reliably in the vertical direction.

[0058] To simplify the adjustment, a scale is provided on the front of the housing 4.13. If the driver 4.12 is in the lowest position, as shown in the Fig. 5, the first stroke range H1 is very large, which is also evident from the illustration of the Fig. 3a. This means that the lifting section 4.1 can be raised comparatively far until the driver 4.12 comes into contact with the slide 4.2. Consequently, the seat is initially raised a considerable distance without moving the footrest 1, so that the distance between the footrest 1 and the seat in the over-the-hatch position O is correspondingly large. This setting is therefore particularly advantageous for tall people or for people with long lower legs.

[0059] However, if the driver 4.12 is moved upwards by rotating the spindle 4.15 and thus in the direction of the carriage 4.2 resting on the stop 4.3, the first stroke range H1 is reduced. This means that the driver 4.12 then comes into contact with the carriage 4.2 at a lower stroke movement H of the lifting section 4.1 and lifts it off the stop 4.3. In other words, the footrest 1 is then moved along with the seat, but from an earlier point or from a lower lifting height. Thus, the distance between the footrest 1 and the seat in the over-hatch position O is also smaller than if the driver 4.12 were in a lower position relative to the housing 4.13 of the lifting section 4.1.

[0060] Overall, the footrest device 10 described above allows for a structurally very simple and variably adjustable footrest 1, which functions purely mechanically and does not depend on additional outputs. Reference symbol: 1 footrest 2 connection unit 2.1 Connection area 2.2 Scissor support 2.3 Deflection pulley 3 Coupling device 3.1 Cable pull 4 Adjustment unit 4.1 Lifting section 4.11 Deflection pulley 4.12 Driver 4.13 Housing 4.14 Guide strut 4.15 Spindle 4.16 Handwheel 4.2 Sled 4.3 Stop 10 Footrest device H lifting movement H1 first stroke range H2 second stroke range U under-hatch position O over-hatch position

Claims

[1] Adjustable footrest device for a seat of a military vehicle which can be raised from an under-hatch position (U) to an over-hatch position (O) by means of a lifting device, with a footrest (1) for supporting the feet of a person sitting on the seat and a connecting unit (2) via which the footrest (1) can be arranged so as to be movable relative to the seat, characterized by a coupling device (3) which decouples the footrest (1) from the seat during a lifting movement (H) of the seat in a first lifting range (H1) and which couples the footrest (1) to the seat during a lifting movement (H) in a second lifting range (H2). [2] Adjustable footrest device according to claim 1, characterized by that the coupling device (3) has an adjustment unit (4) for adjusting the size of the first stroke range (H1). [3] Adjustable footrest device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized bythat the coupling device (3) is designed as a mechanical coupling device (3). [4] Adjustable footrest device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting unit (2) is connected to the footrest (1) on one side and can be connected to the seat on the other side. [5] Adjustable footrest device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting unit (2) is extendable. [6] Adjustable footrest device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting unit (2) has at least one, preferably three, scissor supports (2.2). [7] Adjustable footrest device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling device (3) has a cable pull (3.1) for connection to the footrest (1). [8] Adjustable footrest device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized bythat the adjustment unit (4) has a lifting section (4.1) that can be coupled to the seat and a fixed stop (4.3). [9] Adjustable footrest device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized by that the adjustment unit (4) has a movable carriage (4.2) to which the end of the cable (3.1) is attached. [10] Adjustable footrest device according to claim 9, characterized by that the lifting section (4.1) has a driver (4.12), wherein the slide (4.2) rests either on the stop (4.3) or on the driver (4.12). [11] Adjustable footrest device according to claim 10, characterized by that the position of the driver (4.12) is adjustable. [12] Adjustable footrest device according to claim 11, characterized by that the position of the driver (4.12) can be adjusted by rotating a spindle (4.15). [13] Adjustable footrest device according to claim 12, characterized bythat the distance of the driver (4.12) from the stop (4.3) can be adjusted by rotating the spindle (4.15). [14] Seat device for a military vehicle with a seat, in particular a seat arranged decoupled from the floor of the military vehicle, and an adjustable footrest device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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