Seat and utility vehicle

A seat for a utility vehicle, in particular for a military utility vehicle, comprising a seat base, a seat element comprising a sitting surface and a first stepping surface, a first pivoting mechanism for pivoting the seat element such that the seat element is pivotable from a seat position, in which the first stepping surface is facing the seat base, into a first step position, in which the first stepping surface is facing away from the seat base, a backrest comprising a backrest sitting surface and a second stepping surface, and a second pivoting mechanism for pivoting the backrest such that the backrest is pivotable from a seat position, in which the backrest sitting surface is positioned upright relative to the seat base, into a second step position, in which the second stepping surface is arranged parallel to the first stepping surface.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a seat for a utility vehicle and a utility vehicle comprising such a seat.

BACKGROUND

In utility vehicles, in particular in trucks, for military applications usually a center seat is provided between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat arranged in a cab. The center seat is intended to enable the operation of a weapon mounted on or to the roof via a roof hatch provided on the cab. For this, it is necessary to provide a stepping surface on the center seat.

EP 1 832 468 shows a seat, in particular of a truck, padded on a top surface, having a pivoting rotating mechanism by means of which the seat can be forced into a position where the top surface is facing downward and is accessible for at least one additional use.

EP 3 002 541 A1 describes a seat for a vehicle having a back rest and a sitting surface, the seat comprising a hinged tray articulated in relation to the back rest, the tray being positionable in a folded position in a receptacle of the backrest at a front face of the latter, which is designed to receive the back of a user sitting on the seat, the seat comprising armrests on which the tray is supported in a folded-apart position.

SUMMARY

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved seat for a utility vehicle.

Accordingly, a seat for a utility vehicle, in particular a military utility vehicle, is proposed. The seat comprises a seat base, a seat element comprising a sitting surface and a first stepping surface, a first pivoting mechanism for pivoting the seat element such that the seat element is pivotable from a seat position in which the first stepping surface is facing the seat base into a first stepping position in which the first stepping surface is facing away from the seat base, a backrest comprising a backrest sitting surface and a second stepping surface, and a second pivoting mechanism for pivoting the backrest such that the backrest is pivotable from a seat position in which the backrest sitting surface is positioned upright relative to the seat base into a second step position in which the second stepping surface is arranged parallel to the first stepping surface.

By providing a first stepping surface and a second stepping surface, two standing heights may be realized compared to known seats for utility vehicles, with the first stepping surface being operable as step-up aid to the second stepping surface. This allows for two standing levels to be achieved, wherein, for example, users of most diverse body sizes are able to use the seat, or the user is able to see more or less far out of a roof hatch of the utility vehicle depending on the stepping surface used.

The seat preferably is a center seat. This means that the seat may be arranged between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat of a utility vehicle. The seat is in particular provided in a cab of the utility vehicle. The seat base may also be referred to as seat basis. The seat base preferably comprises a cuboid or box-shaped geometry and may be a component made from steel plates.

Preferably, the seat base comprises a front wall or front, a rear wall or rear arranged spaced apart from the front and parallel to the front, two side walls or sides arranged spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, a top, and a bottom. The top and the bottom may be open or closed. Preferably, the sides are provided with seat base flanges facing the rear and extending past the top. Preferably, the seat element is mounted to the seat base flanges by means of the first pivoting mechanism. Accordingly, the backrest also is mounted to the seat base flanges by means of the second pivoting mechanism. The seat base flanges are provided in the area of the rear of the seat base.

The sitting surface and the first stepping surface of the seat element are preferably provided on opposite sides of the seat element. In particular, the sitting surface is provided on the front of the seat element, and the first stepping surface is provided on the back of the seat element. The sitting surface may be made of fabric, synthetic leather, or the like. The sitting surface may, for example, have padding, in particular in form of a foam padding. The sitting surface may thus also be referred to as seat cushion. Alternatively, the sitting surface may also be designed without such padding. For example, the sitting surface may be a seat shell in this case, made of, for example, wood or a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

The first stepping surface is preferably made from a steel sheet or an aluminum sheet. The first stepping surface may also be referred to as bottom stepping surface, first stepping plate, bottom stepping plate, first step or bottom step. Alternatively to a metal material, the first stepping surface may also be made of a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material or the like. The first stepping surface is designed to be non-slip, slip-proof or slip-resistant. To this end, the first stepping surface may have surface texturing. For example, the first stepping surface may be a diamond plate.

In the seat position of the seat element, the first stepping surface is facing the seat base, in particular its top, and the sitting surface is facing away from the seat base, in particular its top. The seat position of the seat element may also be referred to as first seat position or seat element seat position. In the first step position of the seat element, the first stepping surface is facing away from the seat base, and the sitting surface is facing the seat base. The seat element may rest on the top of the seat base. Alternatively, there may also be provided a supporting element between the top of the seat base and the seat element on which the seat element may rest both in the seat position and the first step position. The supporting element may be in the form of a strip. The supporting element may thus also be referred to as supporting strip. There may also be provided two supporting elements. In this case, one supporting element may be associated with each side of the seat base.

The second stepping surface is preferably made from a steel sheet or an aluminum sheet. The second stepping surface may also be referred to as top stepping surface, second stepping plate, top stepping plate, second step or top step. For example, the second stepping surface may be a diamond plate. Alternatively, the second stepping surface, like the first stepping surface, may also be made of a composite material, in particular of a fiber-reinforced plastic material or the like. The second stepping surface is also designed to be non-slip, slip-proof or slip-resistant. This means, the second stepping surface may also have a surface texturing.

The backrest sitting surface and the second stepping surface of the backrest are preferably provided on opposite sides of the backrest. In particular, the backrest sitting surface is provided on the front of the backrest, and the second stepping surface is provided on the back of the backrest. The backrest sitting surface may be made of fabric, synthetic leather, or the like. The backrest sitting surface, like the sitting surface, may have padding, in particular a foam padding. The backrest sitting surface may thus also be referred to as backrest cushion. Alternatively, the backrest sitting surface may also be designed without such padding. For example, the backrest sitting surface may be a backrest seat shell in this case, made of, for example, wood or a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The sitting surface and the backrest sitting surface are preferably ergonomically fitted to the user. This means, the sitting surface and the backrest sitting surface may be arbitrarily shaped, for example in the form of a free-form surface.

The seat position of the backrest may also be referred to as second seat position or backrest seat position. The backrest sitting surface being positioned “upright” relative to the seat base in the seat position means that the back rest or backrest sitting surface, is oriented approximately perpendicular to the seat base or it's top. However, in its seat position, the backrest is preferably slightly inclined backwards relative to the sitting surface. For example, the second stepping surface may be oriented in a defined inclination angle to the first stepping surface or to the top of the seat base, when the backrest is in its seat position. In this case, the seat element is preferably also in its seat position so that the first stepping surface is facing the seat base. The inclination angle may be referred to as the backrest inclination angle. This inclination angle is preferably 90° to 110°, more preferably 100°±5°, more preferably 100°±3°, more preferably 100°±1°, more preferably exactly 100°. The inclination angle α may be adjustable.

The first stepping surface and the second stepping surface are preferably parallel to each other and arranged spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the seat when the seat element is in the first step position and the backrest is in the second step position. However, “parallel” here also means that the first stepping surface and the second stepping surface may also be arranged slightly inclined to each other. For example, the first stepping surface and the second stepping surface may be inclined to each other at an inclination angle of 1° to 20°.

In particular, the first stepping surface and the second stepping surface each span one plane, particularly a first plane associated with the first stepping surface and a second plane associated with the second stepping surface. These two planes, which may also be referred to as planes of main extension of the stepping surfaces, are oriented parallel to each other when both the seat element and the backrest are in the respective step position, as explained above. If both the seat element and the backrest are in the respective seat position, the planes at the inclination angle described above are inclined relative to each other. This means, in this case the planes intersect.

The second pivoting mechanism is preferably configured to pivot the backrest as a whole. In particular, the backrest is flipped forward or folded forward when said backrest is pivoted from its seat position into the second step position. The term “forward” here means in the direction toward the seat element or the seat base. The backrest is preferably pivoted or flipped by the inclination angle mentioned above when the same is pivoted from its seat position into the second step position.

According to an embodiment, the first pivoting mechanism comprises a first axis of rotation, about which the seat element is rotatably mounted, and a second axis of rotation about which the seat element is rotatably mounted, the first axis of rotation being oriented perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.

The term “perpendicular” here means an angle of preferably 90°±10°, more preferably of 90°±5°, more preferably of 90°±1°, more preferably of exactly 90°. The first pivoting mechanism may also be referred to as swiveling mechanism or pivoting and rotating mechanism. Preferably, multiple mounting locations are provided on the sides or on the seat base flanges of the seat base. The first axis of rotation is associated with a first shaft of the first pivoting mechanism, which is rotatably mounted at the respective mounting locations of the seat base. For this, roller bearings or plain bearings may be provided. Alternatively, the first shaft may also be mounted rotationally fixed at the mounting locations and the seat element is accordingly mounted as to be rotatable about the shaft. The second axis of rotation is preferably associated with a second shaft of the first pivoting mechanism. This means that the first shaft is oriented perpendicular to the second shaft. The first shaft is preferably designed rotationally symmetric to the first axis of rotation, and the second shaft is preferably designed rotationally symmetric to the second axis of rotation.

According to another embodiment, the first axis of rotation intersects the second axis of rotation.

This means that the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation span a common plane. The first axis of rotation is preferably oriented parallel to a width direction of the seat, and the second axis of rotation is preferably oriented parallel to a depth direction of the seat.

According to another embodiment, the seat element is first pivotable about the first axis of rotation by a first pivot angle by means of the first pivoting mechanism for pivoting said seat element from the seat position into the first step position, wherein, after the pivoting about the first axis of rotation, the seat element is pivotable about the second axis of rotation by a second pivot angle.

This means that for pivoting the seat element from the seat position into the first step position, the seat element is pivoted in two steps first about the first axis of rotation and subsequently about the second axis of rotation. This means that the seat element is first lifted off the seat base and pivoted about the first axis of rotation. Subsequently, the seat element pivoted by the first pivot angle is now also pivoted by the second pivot angle about the second axis of rotation. Subsequently, the seat element is pivoted back about the first axis of rotation and placed on the seat base. When doing so, the seat element may be locked or latched with the seat base both in the seat position and the first step position. A locking mechanism may be provided for this.

According to another embodiment, the second pivot angle is larger than the first pivot angle.

The second pivot angle is preferably 180°. The first pivot angle may be, for example, 30° to 60°, preferably 45°. This means that the seat element is turned 180° about the second axis of rotation during the pivoting so that either the sitting surface or the first stepping surface is facing the seat base.

According to another embodiment, the seat element is mounted at a rear of the seat base as to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation.

In particular, the seat element is mounted about the first axis of rotation in the area of the rear. Preferably, the seat base flanges are provided at the rear of the seat base, said seat base flanges being connected to the sides of the seat base or formed integrally with the sides. The seat element is thus mounted on the seat base as to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation by means of the first shaft mentioned above, which is mounted on the rear of the seat base, in particular on the seat base flanges.

According to another embodiment, the first pivoting mechanism comprises a coupling element mounted on the seat base as to be rotatable about the first axis of rotation, wherein the seat element is mounted on the coupling element as to be rotatable about the second axis of rotation.

The above mentioned first shaft of the pivoting mechanism is preferably accommodated in the coupling element. For this, the first shaft may either be rotatably mounted in or on the coupling element or the first shaft is connected rotationally fixed with the coupling element and rotatably mounted on the seat base or on the seat base flanges, by means of the above-mentioned mounting locations. For mounting the seat element on the coupling element, the above mentioned second shaft is provided in the first pivoting mechanism. The second shaft may be rotatably mounted in or on the coupling element or rotatably mounted in or on the seat element. For this, roller bearings or plain bearings may be provided.

According to another embodiment, the seat element is linearly displaceable along the second axis of rotation for moving the seat element from a non-displaced position into a displaced position and vice versa.

The non-displaced position may also be referred to as pushed-in position and the displaced position as pulled-out position. In particular, the seat element is linearly displaceable along the second shaft. A linear motion guide may be provided for this. Because the seat element is movable from the non-displaced position into the displaced position, the seat element is able to be moved away from the seat base for pivoting about the second axis of rotation. Thereby a bumping of the seat element against the seat base or the backrest when said seat element is pivoted about the second axis of rotation is reliably prevented.

According to another embodiment, the seat element is spring-biased toward the non-displaced position.

Thereby the seat element automatically moves back into the non-displaced position when a force directed into the displaced position is no longer applied to said seat element. This simplifies the operation of the seat. In particular, it enables one-handed operation of the seat.

According to another embodiment, the first pivoting mechanism for moving the seat element from the non-displaced position into the displaced position and vice versa comprises a telescopic shaft assembly comprising a shaft and a spring element.

The telescopic shaft assembly forms the above-mentioned linear motion guide of the seat element. The shaft of the telescopic shaft assembly corresponds to the above-mentioned second shaft of the first pivoting mechanism. The spring element is preferably a cylinder spring, in particular a helical spring, or a gas pressure spring. The spring element is preferably a compression spring which spring-biases the seat element toward the non-displaced position. The spring element may be accommodated in the seat element or in the above-mentioned coupling element. Preferably, the shaft is arranged within the spring element. This way, a particularly compact structure of the telescopic shaft assembly can be achieved. The telescopic shaft assembly may further have a tubular shaft or sleeve arranged in the seat element. The sleeve, in turn, accommodates in particular the spring element and the second shaft.

According to another embodiment, the second pivoting mechanism comprises a third axis of rotation, about which the backrest is rotatably mounted, wherein the third axis of rotation is oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation and perpendicular to the second axis of rotation.

Preferably, the third axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation in the height direction and the depth direction of the seat and arranged parallel to said first axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation is optionally associated with a third shaft which is mounted on the seat base or the seat base flanges of the seat base by means of the above-mentioned mounting locations. The third shaft may be rotatably mounted on the seat base and connected rotationally fixed to the backrest, or the third shaft may be connected rotationally fixed to the seat base, and the backrest is mounted as to be rotatable about the third shaft. For this, roller bearings or plain bearings may be provided.

According to another embodiment, the seat comprises a locking means for locking the backrest both in the seat position as well as in the second step position.

The locking means is configured to positively lock the backrest. A positive connection is created by interlocking or engaging behind at least two connecting partners. The locking means preferably comprises the mounting locations in the form of borings provided on the seat base or the seat base flanges, as well as at least one locking member provided on the backrest. Preferably, two locking members are provided, which are positioned on opposing sides of the backrest. The locking members may, for example, be spring-biased pins, in particular so-called ball locking pins. On the other hand, such locking members, which are configured to snap into or engage with corresponding recesses in the backrest, may also be provided on the seat base flanges, in particular at the mounting locations. To move the backrest from its seat position into the second step position, the locking means is unlocked and the backrest is pivoted about the third axis of rotation. As soon as the backrest is in the second step position, the locking means automatically locks the backrest. Vice versa, the locking means again automatically locks the backrest also when said backrest is pivoted from the second step position into the seat position.

According to another embodiment, the backrest comprises a supporting bracket resting on the seat base or on the first stepping surface in the second step position.

This allows the second stepping surface to be subjected to a particularly high weight force. The supporting bracket is optional. The supporting bracket is preferably mounted on the back of the backrest, i.e., on the second stepping surface, as to be rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation.

According to another embodiment, the seat element comprises support portions resting on the seat base in the first step position.

This prevents the sitting surface from resting directly on the seat base in the first step position. This allows for a particularly secure footing to be achieved when the seat element is in the first step position, since a deforming of the potentially padded sitting surface is prevented. Preferably, the support portions are resting on the above-mentioned supporting element.

Further proposed is a utility vehicle, in particular a military utility vehicle, having at least one such seat.

The utility vehicle may also have multiple such seats. As mentioned above, the utility vehicle comprises a cab in which the seat is arranged. The seat is preferably a center seat arranged between the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat. The utility vehicle preferably comprises a weapon mounted on or to the roof of the cab operable via a roof hatch provided in the roof. The cab may be protected. This means that the cab may be protected against small arms fire, booby traps, improvised explosive devises (IED), mines, and the like. The seat is preferably mounted on a floor of the cab. Alternatively, the seat may also be suspended from the roof of the cab. The utility vehicle is preferably a wheeled vehicle. The utility vehicle preferably comprises all-wheel drive. The utility vehicle may be a truck used in the military applications.

Other possible implementations of the seat and/or the utility vehicle also comprise combinations of features or embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned above or described below in the context of the exemplary embodiments. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the seat and/or the utility vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been provided with the same reference numbers, unless otherwise indicated. Concealed components are shown in the figures with dashed lines.

FIG. 1shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a utility vehicle1. The utility vehicle1is in particular a military utility vehicle. The utility vehicle1may be a truck, as shown inFIG. 1. The utility vehicle1is in particular an all-terrain truck. The utility vehicle1may be a protected vehicle. The utility vehicle1comprises a chassis2having a plurality of axles3to5. For example, three such axles3to5may be provided. This means that the utility vehicle1is a three-axle vehicle. The utility vehicle1preferably comprises all-wheel drive. This means that all axles3to5are driven. Alternatively, the utility vehicle1may also have any number of axles3to5. The utility vehicle1may be a wheeled vehicle, as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the utility vehicle1may also be a tracked vehicle.

The utility vehicle1further comprises a structure6supported by the chassis2. The structure6may, for example, comprise a platform, a container, a case, a tank, or the like. The utility vehicle1further comprises a cab7. The cab7is preferably protected against small arms fire, booby traps, improvised explosive devises (IED), mines, and the like. The cab7comprises a rear side8facing the structure6, a front side9facing away from the structure6, two doors10arranged laterally, a floor11, and a roof12.

A weapon (not shown) may be mounted on or to the roof12. The roof12is provided with a roof hatch13. The roof hatch13is openable and closable. For this, the roof hatch13is, for example, pivotable by means of a pivot mechanism. An interior I of the cab7may be entered and exited from a surrounding area U of the utility vehicle1via the opened roof hatch13. In particular, the roof hatch13may be opened when the weapon mounted on or to the roof12is to be operated.

FIG. 2shows a schematic side view, andFIG. 3shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a seat14for the utility vehicle1. The seat14is preferably arranged within the cab7and centered in the same. This means, the seat14is arranged below the roof hatch13. The seat14may be arranged between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat of the utility vehicle1. The seat14may also be referred to as center seat. The seat14may be mounted to the floor11of the cab7. Alternatively, the seat14may also be suspended from the roof12of the cab7.

The seat14comprises a seat basis or seat base15, which, as mentioned above, may be coupled with the floor11or the roof12of the cab7. The seat base15comprises a front wall or front16, and a rear wall or rear17arranged spaced apart from the front16and parallel to the front16. The seat base15further comprises two side walls or sides18,19arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The seat base15further comprises a top20and a bottom21arranged parallel to the top20and spaced apart from the same. Thus, the seat base15is essentially cuboid or box-shaped. The seat base15may be upwardly open or closed, i.e., at the top20. The bottom21may also be open or closed.

The seat base15further comprises two seat base flanges22,23provided at the rear17and extending past the top20. The seat base flanges22,23may be formed monolithically, in particular, integrally, with the sides18,19. The term “monolithically” here means that the seat base flanges22,23and the respective side18,19form a common one-piece structural part, respectively. The term “integrally” here means that the seat base flanges22,23and the respective side18,19are made from the same material throughout, respectively.

For example, the sides18,19with the respective seat base flange22,23may be formed as steel plates. The entire seat base15may be a welded structure. Each seat base flange22,23comprises multiple mounting locations24to27. The mounting locations24to27may, for example, be provided as through holes in the respective seat base flange22,23. The mounting locations24to27may, in particular, be circular borings provided in the seat base flanges22,23. The mounting locations24to27may comprise roller bearings or plain bearings.

The seat14further comprises a seat element28. The seat element28comprises a sitting surface29at its front and a first stepping surface30at its rear, i.e., facing away from the sitting surface29. The first stepping surface30may also be referred to as bottom stepping surface. Moreover, the first stepping surface30may also be referred to as first stepping plate, bottom stepping plate, first step or bottom step. The sitting surface29may be a seat cushion or may be referred to as such. The sitting surface29may be made of fabric, synthetic leather, or the like. The sitting surface29may, for example, be padded by means of a foam material. The sitting surface29may also be designed without such padding. For example, the sitting surface29may be a seat shell in this case, made of, for example, wood or a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

The first stepping surface30may, for example, be made from a steel sheet or from an aluminum sheet. The first stepping surface30is non-slip or slip-proof. For example, the first stepping surface30may be a textured steel sheet or a textured aluminum sheet. In particular, the first stepping surface30may be a diamond plate. Alternatively, the first stepping surface30may also be made of a plastic material or a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The first stepping surface30may have surface texturing in this case, as well. The first stepping surface30spans a first plane E1. The first plane E1may also be referred to as plane of main extension of the first stepping surface30.

The first stepping surface30further comprises two support portions31,32, which, for example, may be formed as profile edges provided on the first stepping surface30, and extending laterally along the sitting surface29. The support portions31,32are configured to rest on the top20of the seat base15or on a supporting element33provided on the top20. The supporting element33may be in the form of a strip. The supporting element33may thus also be referred to as supporting strip. The supporting element33may extend between the sides18,19and, for example, be welded to them. The supporting element33is optional. Alternatively, there may also be provided two supporting elements33. In this case, one supporting element33may be associated with each side18,19of the seat base15.

The seat14further comprises a first pivoting mechanism34(FIG. 4) for pivoting the seat element28. The first pivoting mechanism34may also be referred to as first pivoting mechanism or pivoting and rotating mechanism. The first pivoting mechanism34comprises a first shaft35mounted on the seat base15in the mounting locations27of the seat base flanges22,23as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation M1. The first pivoting mechanism34further comprises a coupling element36coupling the seat element28with the first shaft35. The coupling element36extends strip-like between the sides18,19or between the seat base flange22,23.

The first shaft35may be rotatably mounted in the mounting locations27of the seat base flanges22,23. In this case, the mounting locations27may, for example, comprise roller bearings or plain bearings. Alternatively, the first shaft35may be mounted rotationally fixed at the mounting locations27, and the coupling element36may rotate about the shaft35by rotating about the first axis of rotation M1. In this case, the first shaft35may be mounted in the coupling element36in roller bearings or plain bearings.

The first pivoting mechanism34further comprises a second shaft37mounted in the coupling element36, about which the seat element28is mounted as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation M2. The second shaft37may either be rotatably mounted in the seat element28, or the second shaft37is rotatably mounted in the coupling element36. For this, roller bearings or plain bearings may be provided. The first axis of rotation M1and the second axis of rotation M2, or the first shaft35and the second shaft37, are positioned perpendicular to each other. The term “perpendicular” here means an angle of preferably 90°±10°, more preferably of 90°±5°, more preferably of 90°±1°, more preferably of exactly 90°. The first axis of rotation M1intersects the second axis of rotation M2.

The seat element28is linearly displaceable along the second axis of rotation M2or along the second shaft37. This linear displaceability is indicated inFIG. 4with a double-headed arrow38. The seat element28may be moved from a pushed-in or non-displaced position P1shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, 6 and 7into a pulled-out or displaced position P2(FIG. 5) and vice versa. To move the seat element28from the non-displaced position P1into the displaced position P2and vice versa, either the seat element28may be moved linearly with respect to the second shaft37, or the second shaft37is moved together with the seat element28linearly with respect to the coupling element36. A linear motion guide may be provided for this.

In the exemplary embodiment of the first pivoting mechanism34according toFIG. 4, the seat element28is linearly displaceable with respect to the second shaft37. For example, an optional tubular shaft or sleeve39may be provided in the seat element28, in which the second shaft37is displaceably accommodated. The seat element28is spring-biased toward the non-displaced position P1. This means that the seat element28automatically moves from the displaced position P2into the non-displaced position P1and may be moved from the non-displaced position P1into the displaced position P2against the spring bias.

To this end, the first pivoting mechanism34comprises a spring element40. The spring element40may either be arranged within the seat element28, as shown inFIG. 4, or it may also be accommodated in the coupling element36. The second shaft37and the spring element40form a telescopic shaft assembly41of the first pivoting mechanism34. The optional sleeve39may also be part of the telescopic shaft assembly41. The spring element40is preferably a cylinder spring, in particular a compression spring. The spring element40may also be a gas pressure spring. The second shaft37is accommodated in the spring element40. The spring element40, in turn, is accommodated in the sleeve39.

The seat14further comprises a backrest42having a backrest sitting surface43and a second stepping surface44facing away from the backrest sitting surface43. The second stepping surface44may also be referred to as top stepping surface. The second stepping surface44may also be referred to as second stepping plate, top stepping plate, second step or top step. The backrest sitting surface43may also be referred to as backrest cushion. The backrest sitting surface43may, for example, be made of fabric, synthetic leather, or the like. The backrest sitting surface43may, for example, be padded by means of a foam material. Alternatively, the backrest sitting surface43may also be designed without such padding. For example, the backrest sitting surface43may be a backrest seat shell in this case, made of, for example, wood or a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

The second stepping surface44may, for example, be made from a steel sheet or from an aluminum sheet. The second stepping surface44is non-slip or slip-proof. For example, the second stepping surface44may be a textured steel sheet or a textured aluminum sheet. In particular, the first stepping surface44may be a diamond plate. Alternatively, the second stepping surface44may also be made of a plastic material or a composite material such as a fiber-reinforced plastic material. The second stepping surface44may have surface texturing in this case, as well. The second stepping surface44spans a second plane E2. The second plane E2may also be referred to as plane of main extension of the second stepping surface44.

The backrest42is associated with a second pivoting mechanism45of the seat14. The second pivoting mechanism45may also be referred to as second swiveling mechanism. The second pivoting mechanism45comprises the mounting locations25of the seat base flanges22,23and a third shaft46mounted in the mounting locations25. The third shaft46may be rotatably mounted in the mounting locations25, or the third shaft46is accommodated rotationally fixed in the mounting locations25, and the backrest42is rotatable about the third shaft46. Correspondingly, roller bearings or plain bearings may also be provided.

In particular, the backrest42is pivotable about a third axis of rotation M3by means of the second pivoting mechanism45. The third axis of rotation M3is preferably arranged parallel to the first axis of rotation M1and positioned spaced apart from the same. This means that the third axis of rotation M3is oriented perpendicular to the second axis of rotation M2. Viewed from a z-direction or height direction z of the seat14, the third axis of rotation M3is positioned above the axes of rotation M1, M2. The seat14is also assigned an x-direction or width direction x as well as a y-direction or depth direction y. The directions x, y, z are oriented perpendicular to each other a form a coordinate system of the seat14. The axes of rotation M1, M3are positioned parallel to the width direction x, and the second axis of rotation M2is oriented parallel to the depth direction y.

The backrest42is further associated with a locking means47. The locking means47comprises the mounting locations24,26of the seat base flanges22,23and a locking member (not shown). Preferably, two locking members are provided, which are positioned on opposing sides of the backrest42. The locking members may be, for example, spring-biased pins, in particular so-called ball locking pins, provided on the backrest42which are configured to positively engage, in particular to snap in or interlock, either with the two mounting locations24or with the two mounting locations26. In this case, the mounting locations24,26may be recesses or borings. A positive connection is created by interlocking or engaging behind at least two connecting partners, in this case the locking members and the mounting locations24,26. Alternatively, the two mounting locations24,26may be provided with such locking members that are configured to positively engage with corresponding recesses in the backrest42.

The seat14further comprises a supporting bracket48attached to the stepping surface44. The supporting bracket48is mounted on the second stepping surface44as to be rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation M4. At the back of the backrest42, i.e., on the second stepping surface44, a shaft49may be provided by the means of which the supporting bracket48is pivotable about the fourth axis of rotation M4. The shaft49may be pivotably mounted in a mounting section50provided at the second stepping surface44. The fourth axis of rotation M4is oriented parallel to the axes of rotation M1, M3.

The functionality of the seat14is explained below usingFIGS. 2 to 7. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the seat element28is in seat position SP1, in which the first stepping surface30is facing the seat base15and the sitting surface29is facing away from the seat base15. The backrest42is also in a seat position SP2. In the seat position SP2of the backrest42, the backrest42or the backrest sitting surface43is positioned upright relative to the seat base15. In particular, the backrest42is oriented approximately perpendicular relative to the seat base15.

When the seat element28and the backrest42are in their seat positions SP1, SP2, then the second stepping surface44is inclined at an inclination angle α relative to the first stepping surface30. The inclination angle is preferably 90° to 110°, more preferably 100°±5°, more preferably 100°±3°, more preferably 100°±1°, more preferably exactly 100°. The inclination angle α may be adjustable. As soon as the seat element28and the backrest42are in their seat positions SP1, SP2, the seat14may be used in the manner of a conventional seat. This means that a user is able to sit on the seat14. When both the seat element28and the backrest42are in the respective seat position SP1, SP2, the planes E1, E2are inclined relative to each other at the inclination angle α. This means that planes E1, E2intersect at the inclination angle α.

To move the seat element28from the seat position SP1into a first step position TP1, shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, in which the first stepping surface30is facing away from the seat base15, and the sitting surface29is facing the seat base15, the seat element28is first lifted from the seat base15, as shown inFIG. 5. In doing so, the seat element28is first pivoted about the first axis of rotation M1by means of the first pivoting mechanism34. A pivot angle β between the second axis of rotation M2and a horizontal plane H may be approximately 45°. Prior to pivoting the seat element28about the first axis of rotation M1, the seat element28may be unlocked. For this, a locking means, for example in the form of a spring-biased pin may be provided.

After pivoting the seat element28about the first axis of rotation M1, the seat element28is linearly displaced along the second axis of rotation M2against the spring bias of the spring element40to move the seat element28from the non-displaced position P1shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, 6 and 7into the displaced position P2shown inFIG. 5. In the displaced position P2, the seat element28is arranged so far from the seat base15that the seat element28is pivotable about the second axis of rotation M2by a pivot angle γ of 180° (FIG. 3). The first stepping surface30is now facing away from the seat base15, and the sitting surface29is facing the seat base. This means that the seat element28is rotated by 180°. A direction of rotation D of the seat element28may be oriented clockwise, as shown inFIG. 5, but also counter-clockwise. The moving of the seat element28from the non-displaced position P1into the displaced position P2is indicated inFIG. 5by means of an arrow51.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 6, the seat element28is moved from the displaced position P2into the non-displaced position P1and pivoted back about the first axis of rotation M1such that the support portions31,32are resting on the seat base15or the supporting element33. The moving of the seat element28from the displaced position P2into the non-displaced position P1is indicated inFIG. 6by means of an arrow52. As soon as the seat element is in the first step position TP1, the first stepping surface30may be stepped on by the user. The seat14may now be used as a standing platform such that the user is able to look out of the roof hatch13and is, for example, able to operate the weapon mounted on or to the roof12.

To now move the backrest42from its seat position SP2into a second step position TP2, shown inFIG. 7, in which the second stepping surface44is arranged parallel to the first stepping surface30, the backrest42is first unlocked by means of the locking means47so that the backrest42is pivotable about the third axis of rotation M3toward the seat element28by means of the pivoting mechanism45. After unlocking the backrest42, it is pivoted clockwise about the third axis of rotation M3. This pivoting movement is indicated inFIG. 7an arrow53. The backrest42is subsequently locked or latched again in the second step position TP2by means of the locking means47. The second stepping surface44may now also be used as a standing platform. The first stepping surface30may be operable as step-up to the second stepping surface44. A clearance or space is now provided between the seat element28and the backrest42. This means that the backrest42is not resting directly on the seat element28.

The seat14may now be used as a two-step standing platform. The second stepping surface44is arranged parallel to the first stepping surface30and is spaced apart from the same in the height direction z. The term “parallel” may here also comprise that the stepping surfaces30,44are slightly inclined toward each other, for example at an inclination angle of 1° to 20°. When both the seat element28and the backrest42are in the respective step position TP1, TP2, the planes E1, E2are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

Additionally, the supporting bracket48is pivotable about the shaft49such that the supporting bracket48is resting either on the first stepping surface30or on the seat base15or the supporting element33. This pivoting movement is indicated inFIG. 7an arrow54. This allows a higher weight to be placed on the second stepping surface44. InFIG. 7, the supporting bracket48is assigned the reference number48′ in a folded-in position and the reference number48in a folded-out position.

It is also possible to only pivot the backrest42so that the seat element28is in its seat position SP1and the backrest42is in the second step position TP2. In this case, only the second stepping surface44is operable as standing surface or standing platform.

Although the present invention has been described using examples, it can be modified in many ways.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS