ARMORED VEHICLE WITH EMERGENCY EXIT HATCH IN THE VEHICLE FLOOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an armored vehicle with an emergency exit hatch. The armored vehicle described in this invention is equipped with a vehicle floor, e.g., in a tub-like construction. This vehicle floor is to be understood as the outer boundary of the vehicle and, in normal operation, runs parallel to the ground outside the vehicle on which the vehicle travels.

[0002] DE 10 2015 114 426 A1 discloses a lifting / swivel device for a hatch cover of a protected vehicle. The device comprises a flange element that can be rigidly connected to a roof or roof section of the vehicle. A sleeve element is rotatably and axially immovably mounted in the flange element. A column element is longitudinally displaceable and rotationally fixed in the sleeve element and can be rigidly connected to the hatch cover. An operating element for controlling the device and a coupling device for selectively coupling and uncoupling it with the sleeve element complete the device. Because the operating element can be coupled to and uncoupled from the sleeve element, it can perform a dual function. In the coupled state, the hatch cover can be lifted and pivoted for opening using the operating element.When decoupled, the hatch cover can be locked using the control element. An emergency escape hatch is not revealed.

[0003] US patent 2004 / 0237764 A1 describes a hatch as an access point to a generally sealed environment. The primary purpose of the hatch is to facilitate the movement of military personnel while providing the same level of protection as the rest of the structure. The hatch assembly includes a base plate that frames an access point on a military vehicle.

[0004] US patent 6,435,071 B1 reveals a highly maneuverable vehicle for operations near landmines, featuring hydraulic suspension for adjusting ground clearance. An opening on the underside is intended to allow for the evacuation of injured persons into the vehicle.

[0005] Further publications on this topic can be found in EP 0 825 411 A2, DE 10 2018 112 671 A1, DE 3239141 A1 and EP 1 564 518 A1.

[0006] The access hatch, located on the vehicle roof, provides access to the crew compartment. The hatch assembly also includes a hatch lifting mechanism supported by the base plate and a hatch mounted on the lifting mechanism. The hatch is raised and lowered by a lifting tower, in this case a rotating telescopic assembly, which allows the entire hatch to be raised and rotated. An internal hand crank and an external hand crank located on the outside of the lifting tower are used to operate the hatch assembly. An emergency escape hatch is not disclosed.

[0007] Currently known emergency exit hatches on armored wheeled or tracked vehicles allow for safe exit in an emergency situation, such as an accident or major incident such as a mine detonation.

[0008] The emergency exit is often designed as an opening in the vehicle's floor, closed by a hatch. The level of protection offered by this hatch typically corresponds to that of the vehicle's floor (first floor).

[0009] This is the reason for its high mass (>150 kg). Under normal circumstances (the vehicle is in its normal position standing on the ground), it is unlocked when needed, falls to the ground due to gravity, and provides an emergency exit opening for the evacuation of the crew.

[0010] Such an emergency escape hatch is known, for example, from DE 102018 112671 A1. This publication discloses such a floor hatch in an armored vehicle, which can be used as an emergency escape hatch.

[0011] Due to external force (accident, explosion, etc.), the vehicle may come to a stop in a position where the normal access points (hatches on the top or side of the vehicle) cannot be opened (for example, upside down or on its side). Opening the emergency escape hatch located in the floor of the vehicle is then also impossible with standard onboard tools due to its considerable weight. In this case, the emergency escape hatch can only be opened from the outside and requires external assistance. This situation can be extremely life-threatening for the trapped crew. Furthermore, scenarios are possible in which the evacuation of the crew must take place under enormous time pressure (upside down in the water or in a combat situation).

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to design an emergency escape hatch for armored vehicles in such a way that opening the emergency escape hatch remains possible even in difficult situations or unusual positions, in order to evacuate the vehicle's crew. Furthermore, the invention is intended to assist in opening the emergency escape hatch when, due to deformation caused, for example, by an impact, it cannot be opened by gravity even in its normal position.

[0013] These tasks are solved by the features of the main claim.

[0014] The invention therefore relates to a lifting device for raising an emergency escape hatch, which can be installed within the chassis of an armored wheeled or tracked vehicle in the lower area near the hull floor. The lifting device can be permanently installed in the vehicle or carried as a portable accessory.

[0015] According to the invention, the emergency exit hatch is arranged in the vehicle floor. For this purpose, the vehicle floor has an opening into which the emergency exit hatch can be inserted. This provides a closed position for the emergency exit hatch, namely when the emergency exit hatch is held in the opening.

[0016] The opening has a circumferential shoulder, with the emergency exit hatch having a corresponding counter-shoulder. In the closed position, the counter-shoulder of the emergency exit hatch rests on the shoulder of the opening.

[0017] The opening therefore has at least two different diameters to create the shoulder. The larger diameter faces the outside of the vehicle, and the smaller diameter faces the inside.

[0018] The lifting mechanism allows the crew of wheeled and tracked vehicles to open the emergency escape hatch in any position. The lifting mechanism can be driven electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically.

[0019] According to the invention, an actuating element is provided, which can be designed as a hand crank. However, a design as a drive shaft is also conceivable and thus compatible with known drives.

[0020] The lifting device can be designed as a lifting cylinder, with a hydraulic cylinder being the preferred option. Alternatively, the lifting device can also be configured as a scissor lift or a spindle lift.

[0021] The opening in which the emergency exit hatch is located in its closed position is provided in the vehicle floor. According to the invention, a fastening device is arranged on the side of the vehicle floor facing the interior. Preferably, this device is located at the periphery of the emergency exit hatch opening. This fastening device can be designed as at least one rod that can be guided through a base plate of the lifting device. The base plate can also be attached to the fastening device via locking bolts. A screw connection is also conceivable.

[0022] By attaching the lifting device to the mounting device using the base plate, the lifting device can form a point of application for force transmission to the emergency exit hatch.

[0023] The lifting device also makes contact with the emergency exit hatch at a second point of application. For this purpose, the lifting device preferably has a lifting platform that can be moved towards the emergency exit hatch and back again. In a particular embodiment, the emergency exit hatch includes at least one ball track that, in the closed position, points towards the interior of the vehicle. The lifting device can then act on the emergency exit hatch or the ball track via the lifting platform.

[0024] This design allows the emergency exit hatch to be moved out of the opening. When the vehicle is on its side, the emergency exit hatch can, for example, be lifted and thus moved from its closed position to an open position. For this purpose, the lifting platform has a diameter that is equal to, or preferably smaller than, the smaller of the two diameters of the opening.

[0025] The emergency exit hatch can then slide down the ball track from the lifting platform, thus clearing the opening. Normally, after leaving the lifting platform, the emergency exit hatch can continue sliding down the ball track on the outside of the vehicle floor.

[0026] If required, the lifting device can be attached to the base plate using the mounting bracket. This secures the lifting device to the inside of the vehicle in the area of ​​the emergency exit hatch. The two points of application allow the lifting device to exert a force on the emergency exit hatch when the actuating element is activated or driven.

[0027] The lifting device can be designed as a lifting cylinder, preferably a hydraulic cylinder. In this case, a pump or a hydraulic drive can serve as the actuating element. By actuating the actuating element, the lifting cylinder can extend and thus raise the emergency exit hatch from its opening. When using a lifting cylinder as the lifting device, it is proposed to equip the lifting cylinder with a safety device that prevents rapid downward movements. Such a safety device can prevent failure of the lifting mechanism and a potential risk of injury. This applies particularly to the use of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0028] The lifting device can also be designed as a spindle lift. In this case, the base plate has a thread into which the spindle lift engages and is guided. A crank or a hydraulic or electric drive can serve as the actuating element. By actuating the element, the spindle lift can be moved towards the emergency exit hatch, thus raising the hatch from its opening.

[0029] The lifting device can also be designed as a scissor lift. The base plate then serves to support the scissor lift. A crank or a hydraulic or electric drive can also serve as the operating element. By actuating the operating element, the scissor lift can act on the emergency escape hatch, thus raising the emergency escape hatch from its opening.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the emergency escape hatch includes at least one locking means to hold the emergency escape hatch in the closed position. These locking means can be latching connections, snap connections, or screw locks.

[0031] It is further proposed that the emergency exit hatch be fitted with the same armor as the armored vehicle. This would eliminate any weak points in the vehicle floor.

[0032] When not in use, the lifting device can be detached from the mounting bracket and stored separately, for example, in a compartment in the vehicle floor. Alternatively, the lifting device can be hinged to the mounting bracket and, when not in use, swung to the side and anchored. As a third option, the lifting device can be permanently fixed to the mounting bracket.

[0033] Due to the weight of the emergency escape hatch exceeding the sliding friction force of the ball track in the rotary table bearing, the emergency escape hatch rolls off the base plate when lifted from its closed position. This clears the escape route for the vehicle occupants once the lifting device has been moved away from the opening. The high mass of the emergency escape hatch and the sliding properties between the ball track and the hatch allow the hatch to roll off the track. The direction of this rolling motion depends on the position of the crashed vehicle. Because the ball track is located at the emergency escape hatch, the hatch can then continue sliding along the outside of the vehicle floor.

[0034] Further characteristics can be derived from the figures. They show: Fig. 1: View of a vehicle according to the invention with an emergency exit hatch in a horizontal position; Fig. 2: Side view of an emergency exit hatch according to the invention in a closed position; Fig. 3: Side view of an emergency exit hatch according to the invention in an open position; Fig. 4: Side view of an emergency exit hatch according to the invention in an open position and moved away from the opening; Fig. 5: Side view of a lifting device according to the invention designed as a lifting cylinder; Fig. 6: Side view of a lifting device according to the invention designed as a spindle lift; Fig. 7: Side view of a lifting device according to the invention designed as a scissor lift.

[0035] The figures show a stationary or mobile lifting device for raising an emergency exit hatch 10, which can be used inside the chassis of an armored wheeled or tracked vehicle 1 in the lower area near the vehicle floor 20.

[0036] The lifting device enables the crew of wheeled and tracked vehicles 1 to open the emergency escape hatch 10 regardless of the vehicle's position. The device can be driven hydraulically, electrically, or mechanically.

[0037] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an armored vehicle 1 according to the invention, which has a vehicle floor 20, preferably designed in a tub-like construction. An emergency exit hatch 10 is provided in the vehicle floor, which, when closed, is located in an opening in the vehicle floor 20.

[0038] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows an emergency exit hatch 10 according to the invention, which is in a closed position. This means that the emergency exit hatch 10 is located in an opening in the vehicle floor 20.

[0039] The opening has two different diameters, forming a shoulder. Emergency exit hatch 10 also has two different diameters, forming a counter-shoulder that corresponds to the diameters of the opening.

[0040] Designed in this way, the emergency exit hatch 10 can brace itself against the shoulder with the opposite shoulder.

[0041] The vehicle floor 20 has at least one fastening device 40 on its side facing the interior of the vehicle. This device is located near the opening and can be designed as rigid rods, locking devices, or screws. The fastening device can be located at at least one point near the opening on the vehicle floor 20 or can extend completely around the opening.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the emergency exit hatch 10 from Figure 1, however, now in a raised position, in which the emergency exit hatch 10 is no longer in the closed position. The fastening device can also be seen here.

[0043] Normally, the emergency exit hatch 10 is raised by the force of gravity acting upon it. Locking means (not shown) are proposed to hold the emergency exit hatch 10 in the closed position. In the event of deformation of the vehicle floor 20 or a vehicle position other than normal, the lifting mechanism according to the invention ensures that the hatch is raised.

[0044] After raising the emergency exit hatch 10, it can be moved to Figure 4The emergency exit hatch 10 is moved away from the opening in a movement parallel to the vehicle floor. Depending on the vehicle's position, this can occur by gravity or, preferably, via at least one roller track which includes the emergency exit hatch 10. The emergency exit hatch 10 can then slide along the outer surface of the vehicle wall via the roller track. Figure 5 Figure 1 shows the interaction of the emergency exit hatch 10 described above with the lifting device according to the invention.

[0045] The lifting device consists of a base plate 60, via which the lifting device can be detachably attached to the mounting device 40. The lifting device also includes a lifting tool, which can be inserted into the base plate 60. The lifting device further includes a flat lifting table 50, which can come into contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or, if a ball track is present, with it.

[0046] If necessary, the lifting device is firmly connected to the vehicle floor 20 via the base plate 60 and the fastening device 40, for example by means of snap bolts, rods or tubes.

[0047] Emergency exit hatch 10 is in Figure 5 connected to a ball track 30, which enables direction-independent movement parallel to the vehicle floor 20. After the emergency exit hatch is raised, this movement initially takes place on the lifting platform 50 and continues outside the opening directly on the vehicle floor 20. The force required for movement parallel to the vehicle floor 20 is generated either by the weight of the emergency exit hatch 10 (tilting of the vehicle) or, if necessary, is assisted by a tool (rod, pipe, etc.) operated by a crew member.

[0048] The lifting device of the Figure 5The lifting cylinder is designed as a lifting cylinder, preferably as a hydraulic cylinder 70. The hydraulic cylinder further comprises an actuating element by which the lifting cylinder can be operated, so that the lifting cylinder is moved with the lifting table plate 50 in the direction of the emergency exit hatch 10. The actuating element, shown here as a lever, can be operated manually or by a drive.

[0049] The lifting cylinder 70 rests on or against the base plate 60.

[0050] Once the lifting cylinder is extended to the point where it makes contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or the ball track 30 via the lifting table plate, two points of force application are created: firstly, through the attachment of the lifting device to the mounting device 40 by means of the base plate 60, and secondly, through contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or the ball track 30. These points of application allow the emergency exit hatch 10 to be lifted out of the opening by further extension of the lifting cylinder. The lifting device of the Figure 6 The spindle stroke 71 is designed as a spindle lift. The spindle lift 71 also has an actuating element by which the spindle lift 71 can be operated, so that the lifting table plate 50 is extended in the direction of the emergency exit hatch 10. The actuating element, shown here as a crank, can be operated manually or by a drive.

[0051] The spindle stroke 71 engages in a corresponding thread or guide in the base plate 60.

[0052] Once the spindle stroke 71 is extended to the point where it makes contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or the ball track 30 via the lifting table plate, two points of force application are created: firstly, through the attachment of the lifting device to the mounting device 40 by means of the base plate 60, and secondly, through the contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or the ball track 30. These points of application allow the emergency exit hatch 10 to be lifted out of the opening by further extension of the spindle stroke 71.

[0053] The lifting device of the Figure 7The scissor lift 72 is designed as a scissor lift mechanism. The scissor lift mechanism 72 also includes an actuating element by which the scissor lift mechanism 72 can be operated, so that the lifting table plate 50 is extended in the direction of the emergency exit hatch 10. The actuating element, shown here as a rotary axis, can be operated manually or by a drive.

[0054] The scissor stroke 72 rests on the base plate 60.

[0055] When the scissor lift 72 is extended to the point where it comes into contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or the ball track 30, two points of force application are created: firstly, by attaching the lifting device to the fastening device 40 by means of the base plate 60, and secondly, by contact with the emergency exit hatch 10 or the ball track 30.

[0056] These points of attack allow the emergency exit hatch 10 to be lifted out of the opening by further extending the scissor lift 72.

[0057] According to the invention, a roller conveyor with a rotary table bearing can be used to perform a rotary movement. An illustration is omitted here. The roller conveyor is understood as a ball track 30 according to the invention. In this case, instead of a conventional ball track, at least one roller conveyor is arranged on a rotary table. This rotary table is then rotatably connected to the emergency exit hatch 10 via a bearing, such that the rotary table faces the interior of the vehicle when the emergency exit hatch 10 is in the closed position. After the emergency exit hatch 10 is raised, it can then be rotated via the bearing or rotate due to gravity. Subsequently, the emergency exit hatch slides over the roller conveyor and opens. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the rotary table is mounted off-center.

[0058] The connection between the lifting device and the lifting table plate 50 can include a tilting joint if required. Such a tilting joint can facilitate the sliding of the emergency escape hatch 10.

[0059] If crew evacuation is necessary due to an unfavorable vehicle position, the emergency escape hatch 10 can first be locked by at least one locking element. This is followed by the installation of the lifting device and thus its attachment to the mounting device 40 using the base plate 60.

[0060] The lifting device first moves the emergency exit hatch 10 out of the opening in the vehicle floor 20 and then shifts it parallel to the vehicle floor 20. After the lifting device is subsequently removed, the crew can exit the vehicle.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned features. Rather, further embodiments are conceivable. For example, the lifting cylinder can be designed as an electric or pneumatic lifting cylinder. Rods and levers can also be provided which can overcome the movement of a jammed emergency escape hatch resulting from deformation. Furthermore, a pyrotechnic lifting device can also be used, in which the force is then applied to the emergency escape hatch by means of pyrotechnic force generation. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0062] 1 Vehicle 10 Emergency exit hatch 20 Vehicle floor 30 Ball track 40 Fastening device 50 Lifting table top 60 Base plate 70 Hydraulic cylinder 71 Spindle stroke 72 Scissor stroke

Claims

1. Armored vehicle (1) with an emergency exit hatch (10), the vehicle (1) having a vehicle floor (20), the emergency exit hatch (10) being arranged in a closed position in an opening of the vehicle floor (20) in the vehicle (1), characterized in that the vehicle (1) contains a lifting device for opening the emergency exit hatch (10), in that an actuating element is provided, in that a fastening device (40) is arranged on one side of the vehicle floor (20), which is directed towards an interior of the vehicle (1), in that the lifting device can be connected to the fastening device (40) and in that the lifting device can act on the emergency exit hatch (10) by means of the actuating element in such a way that the emergency exit hatch (10) is moved out of the opening and can thus be transferred into an open position.

2. Armored vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element is designed as a crank.

3. Armored vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating element can be operated hydraulically, electrically, or mechanically.

4. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lifting device is designed as a hydraulic cylinder (70).

5. Armored vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder (70) comprises a safety means to prevent rapid lowering movements of the hydraulic cylinder (70).

6. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lifting device is designed as a screw jack (71).

7. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 3, characterized in that the lifting device is designed as a scissor lift (72).

8. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lifting device includes a base plate (60) by means of which the lifting device can be connected to the fastening device (40).

9. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lifting device includes a lifting table plate (50) which can come into contact with the emergency exit hatch (10).

10. Armored vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the emergency exit hatch (10) includes at least one ball track (30) via which the lifting table plate (50) can come into contact with the emergency exit hatch (10).

11. Armored vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the lifting table plate (50) is rotatably mounted on the lifting device and the emergency exit hatch (10) includes at least one roller track via which the lifting table plate (50) can come into contact with the emergency exit hatch (10).

12. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the fastening device (40) and the roller track or ball track (30) form points of application for force transmission of the lifting device.

13. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the emergency exit hatch (10) has locking means for being able to lock the emergency exit hatch (10) in the closed position.

14. Armored vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the emergency exit hatch (10) is armored.