Support Device Adjustable by an Electric Motor

Abstract

Support device, adjustable by an electric motor, for padding of seating, or reclining furniture, in particular a mattress of a bed, has a base body which includes support parts on which the padding is supported during use. The support parts include one stationary first support part, a pivot axis, and a second support part pivotably adjustable relative to first support part about the pivot axis. Support device has a drive apparatus for adjusting second support part relative to first support part. Second support part is configured so pivot axis is supported so as to be translationally movable in the longitudinal direction of the support device. Second support part is in drive connection with drive apparatus so that during pivoting adjustment, second support part undergoes translational movement away from first support part. During translational movement, second support part runs up against a first raising element, and thus pivots.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Support device, adjustable by an electric motor, for padding of seating or reclining furniture, comprising:
 a) a base body including support parts on which the padding is supported during use of the support device, the support parts including a stationary first support part and a second support part pivotably adjustable relative to the first support part about a pivot axis;   b) a drive apparatus for adjusting the second support part relative to the first support part;   c) the second support part being configured and located in such a way that the pivot axis is supported so as to be translationally movable in the longitudinal direction of the support device; and   d) the second support part being in drive connection with the drive apparatus in such a way that during the pivoting adjustment, the second support part, at least in phases, simultaneously undergoes a translational movement away from the first support part, and during the translational movement, the second support part or a component connected to the second support part runs up against a first raising element, and thereby pivots.   
     
     
         2 . Support device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a) the second support part is in drive connection with the drive apparatus in such a way that during the overall adjustment movement between an unadjusted starting position, in which the second support part together with the first support part spans a horizontal or approximately horizontal support plane, and an end position of the adjustment movement, the second support part simultaneously undergoes both a pivoting movement and the translational movement.   
     
     
         3 . Support device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a) a slide is provided, on which the pivot axis is supported, and which is translationally movable by the drive apparatus.   
     
     
         4 . Support device according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 a) the drive apparatus has a linear drive for translationally moving the second support part.   
     
     
         5 . Support device according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 a) the slide is translationally movably supported on a longitudinal guide.   
     
     
         6 . Support device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a) the first raising element is situated laterally next to a translational movement path of the second support part, and a second raising element is connected to the second support part, the first raising element being situated in the movement path of the second raising element in such a way that during the translational movement of the second support part, the second raising element cooperates with the first raising element in order to pivot the second support part.   
     
     
         7 . Support device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a) at least of the first raising element and the second raising element effects pivoting of the second support part according to the principle of operation of an inclined plane or a cam mechanism.   
     
     
         8 . Support device according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 a) at least of the first raising element and the second raising element at its outer periphery is configured as a cam body in such a way that the first raising element and the second raising element cooperate with one another in the manner of a cam mechanism.   
     
     
         9 . Support device according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 a) cross sections of the first raising element and the second raising element have, at least in sections, a complementary or approximately complementary configuration with respect to one another.   
     
     
         10 . Support device according to  claim 6 , wherein:
 a) at least of the first raising element and the second raising element is configured and located in such a way that a lever arm which acts to pivot the second support part lengthens from an unadjusted starting position toward an end position of the adjustment movement of the second support part.   
     
     
         11 . Support device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 a) the first raising element or a second raising element are configured and located in such a way that a lever arm which acts to pivot the second support part lengthens from an unadjusted starting position toward an end position of the adjustment movement of the second support part.