Electromotively adjustable support device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromotively adjustable support device (2) for supporting the cushioning of an item of seating and / or lying furniture, in particular a mattress for a bed. The support device comprises an electromotive drive device (10) for pivoting adjustment of the support part (6) relative to the base part (4), wherein the drive device (10) comprises two drivetrains (24), (26), wherein an erecting lever arrangement (42) and (42') is arranged in each drivetrain between the base part (4) and the support part (6), and wherein the erecting lever arrangements (42), (42') can be moved between a starting position, which corresponds to the unadjusted starting position of the support part (6), and a final position, which corresponds to the final position of the adjustment movement. The invention provides synchronisation means for the drive-related synchronisation of the drive trains (24), (26) such that the erecting lever arrangements (42), (42') are actuated synchronously during the adjustment of the support part (6) relative to the base part (4).

Description

[0001] Electrically adjustable support device

[0002] The invention relates to an electromotively adjustable support device of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 for supporting the upholstery of a piece of seating and / or reclining furniture, in particular a mattress of a bed.

[0003] For adjusting slatted frames, for example, so-called double drives are known. These have a housing designed as a separate component that can be connected to the slatted frame and in which two adjustment units are accommodated, one of which serves, for example, to adjust a back support part and the other to adjust a leg support part of the slatted frame. The adjustment units in the known double drives are designed as spindle drives, with the drive coupling to a support part to be adjusted via a linkage lever that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a pivot shaft assigned to the support part to be adjusted. To adjust the support part, the spindle nut of the spindle drive presses against the linkage lever, so that the pivot shaft and thus the support part pivots. Such double drives are known, for example, from EP 0 372 032 A1 and DE 38 42 078 A1.

[0004] EP 3 009 052 A1 discloses an electromotively adjustable support device having the features of the preamble of claim 1, which serves to retrofit a slatted frame with an electromotively adjustable functionality and is inserted between the slatted frame and a mattress.The support device known from the document has a base part and a support part which is connected to the base part so as to be pivotable about a support part pivot axis, and an electromotive drive device which is operatively connected to the base part and the support part for pivotal adjustment of the support part relative to the base part, wherein the base part and the support part are designed in such a way and are operatively connected to the drive device in such a way that the support part can be adjusted between an unadjusted starting position in which the support part lies flat on the base part and an end position of the adjustment movement in which the support part is arranged at an angle to the base part.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an electromotively adjustable support device of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1, which is of simple construction and suitable for applying large adjustment forces

[0006] This object is achieved by the invention defined in claim 1.

[0007] The invention is based on a support device with a drive device which has two drive trains, wherein in each drive train between the base part and the support part a setting lever arrangement is arranged, wherein the setting lever arrangements are movable between a starting position which corresponds to the unadjusted starting position of the support part, and an end position which corresponds to the end position of the adjustment movement, and wherein the drive device has at least one electric motor which is arranged on the base part. According to the invention, synchronization means for the drive-technical synchronization of the drive trains are provided such that the setting lever arrangements are actuated synchronously when the support part is adjusted relative to the base part.

[0008] This provides a support device that, despite its simple design, is suitable for applying large forces. Due to the drive-related synchronization of the drive trains, the adjustment force is introduced symmetrically into the support part, transverse to the longitudinal center plane of the support device, thus preventing twisting of the support part during adjustment.

[0009] Depending on the respective requirements and circumstances, the synchronization means can be designed in different ways. An advantageous development of the invention provides that at least one electric motor is assigned to each drive train, and that the synchronization means have an electrical control device for controlling the electric motors. The control device is designed and configured such that the electric motors of the drive trains are actuated synchronously to adjust the support part relative to the base part. In this embodiment, the drive trains are synchronized by an electrical or electronic control device that generates control signals with which the drive trains are controlled synchronously.

[0010] However, the synchronization means can also be designed as mechanical synchronization means. In this context, another advantageous development of the invention provides that one drive train has a first drive unit and the other drive train has a second drive unit, wherein the synchronization means have a mechanical shaft for the rotationally fixed connection of a rotatably mounted component of the first drive unit to a rotatably mounted component of the second drive unit, wherein the shaft is in rotationally drive connection with a single electric motor, such that a common electric motor is assigned to the drive units.

[0011] An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that each drive unit has a drive housing, and that the electric motor is attached to one of the drive housings. This results in a particularly simple and compact design.

[0012] Another advantageous development of the invention provides that each drive train has a spindle drive with a threaded spindle and a spindle nut mounted on the threaded spindle. Such spindle drives are available as relatively simple and inexpensive standard components and are suitable for transmitting large forces.

[0013] In the interests of a particularly compact design, a further development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the output element of the spindle drive is formed by the spindle nut, which is arranged in a rotationally secure and axially movable manner on a threaded spindle that is connected to an electric motor for rotational drive. Another advantageous development of the invention provides that each drive train has at least one worm gear that is connected to an electric motor for rotational drive and is connected to the threaded spindle in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the worm gear of each drive unit preferably engages a worm that is integrally formed on the output shaft of the electric motor assigned to the drive train. Corresponding worm gears are of simple construction and robust, and allow the transmission ratio to be adapted to the respective requirements and conditions.

[0014] A further development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the first drive unit has a first worm connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, and the second drive unit has a second worm connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the first worm engages with a first worm wheel of the first drive unit and the second worm engages with a second worm wheel of the second drive unit. In a kinematic reversal of this embodiment, worm wheels can also be connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, each of which engages with a worm of the associated drive unit.

[0015] An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment provides for a third worm gear to be mounted on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, which engages with a third worm integrally formed on the output shaft of the common electric motor. In this embodiment, too, a third worm gear can be mounted on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, which engages with a third worm gear that is rotationally fixedly connected to the output shaft of the electric motor.

[0016] In order to further simplify the structure, another advantageous development of the embodiments with the common electric motor provides that the common electric motor is fastened to a drive housing of a drive unit of a drive train.

[0017] In order to make the support device and drive trains as flat as possible, another development of the invention provides that each setting lever arrangement has a first setting lever, one end of which is articulated and connected about a first articulation axis to the output member or a component connected thereto, and the other end of which is articulated and connected about a second articulation axis to a second setting lever, the free end of which is operatively connected to a wedge-like stroke guide element assigned to the support part, wherein the operative connection between the second setting lever and the stroke guide element is designed in such a way that, starting from the starting position of the adjustment movement

[0018] - in a first kinematic phase, the setting levers perform a translational movement when not set up, the free end of the second setting lever cooperating with the lifting guide element to pivot the support part relative to the base part, and

[0019] - in a second kinematic phase, the free end of the second setting lever runs against a stop, so that the setting levers pivot about the second joint axis relative to each other, whereby the support part is further pivoted relative to the base part about the support part pivot axis until the end position of the adjustment movement is reached.

[0020] Another advantageous development of the invention provides, in the sense of a construction that is as flat as possible, that the wedge-like acting stroke guide element is arranged on the support part, wherein preferably the stroke guide element is arranged on the support part in the region of the support part pivot axis.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawing. All features described, illustrated in the drawing, and claimed in the claims, taken individually and in any technically reasonable combination with one another, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims and their references, as well as regardless of their specific description or representation in the drawing. The subject matter and disclosure content of the present application also include sub-combinations of the claims in which at least one feature of the respective claim is omitted or replaced by another feature.The subject matter and disclosure content of the application also include combinations of the individual embodiments in which at least one feature of one embodiment is transferred to another embodiment. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the features disclosed in the individual embodiments further develop the respective embodiment in isolation, i.e., independently of the other features of the embodiment.

[0022] It shows:

[0023] Fig. 1.1 to 1.9 show various perspective views of a first embodiment of a support device according to the prior art,

[0024] Fig.2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a support device according to the prior art,

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a support device,

[0026] Fig. 4.1 to 4.5 show various perspective views of a fourth embodiment of a support device according to the invention,

[0027] Fig. 5.1 and 5.2 show two perspective views of a fifth embodiment of a support device according to the prior art,

[0028] Fig. 6.1 to 6.5 show various perspective views of a sixth embodiment of a support device according to the prior art, Fig. 7.1 to 7.4 show various perspective views of a seventh embodiment of a support device according to the prior art,

[0029] Fig. 8.1 to 8.5 in various perspective views an eighth embodiment of a support device according to the prior art and

[0030] Fig. 9.1 to 9.8 in various perspective and schematic views a ninth embodiment of a support device according to the prior art,

[0031] Fig. 10.1 to 10.4 in various perspective views a first embodiment of a support device according to the invention and

[0032] Fig. 11 .1 to 11 .5 show various perspective views of a second embodiment of a support device according to the invention.

[0033] In the figures of the drawing, identical or corresponding components are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0034] For clarity and to simplify explanation, certain components have been omitted from certain figures in the drawing. The omitted components should be added to the relevant figures in a conceptual manner.

[0035] A first exemplary embodiment of a support device according to the prior art is explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 1.1 to Fig. 1.9. Fig. 1.1 to Fig. 1.9 show a first exemplary embodiment of an electromotively adjustable support device 2 for supporting the upholstery of a piece of seating and / or reclining furniture, in particular a mattress of a bed. To simplify the illustration, the upholstery is not shown in the drawing. The manner in which such upholstery is supported by means of a support device is generally known to those skilled in the art and is therefore not explained in more detail here.

[0036] Fig. 1.1 shows the support device 2 in an unadjusted starting position of the adjustment movement, while Fig. 1.2 shows the support device 2 in an end position of the adjustment movement.

[0037] The support device 2 has a base part 4 and a support part 6, which is connected to the base part 4 so as to be pivotable about a support part pivot axis 8 (cf. Fig. 1.4). The support device 2 is particularly suitable for retrofitting a support device that is not factory-adjustable by electric motor, for example a slatted frame of a bed, with the functionality of electric motor adjustment. The support device 2 according to the invention is also particularly suitable for temporarily equipping or permanently retrofitting a nursing home or hotel bed in order to give it the functionality of electric motor adjustment. The basic structure and possible uses of a corresponding support device are known from EP 3 009 052 A2, to which reference is made here and the content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference into the present application.

[0038] The support device 2 further comprises an electromotive drive device 10, which is operatively connected to the base part 4 and the support part 6 for pivotally adjusting the support part 6 relative to the base part 4. The base part 4 and the support part 6 are designed and operatively connected to the drive device 10 in such a way that the support part 6 is adjustable between an unadjusted starting position (see Fig. 1.1), in which the support part 6 rests flat on the base part 4, and an end position of the adjustment movement, in which the support part is arranged at an angle to the base part 4 (see Fig. 1.2).

[0039] The support part 6 carries spring elements on its upper side, on which a padding, for example a mattress of a bed, rests when the support device 2 is in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring elements are formed by plastic spring elements, of which only one spring element is provided with the reference numeral 12 in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2.

[0040] For a more detailed explanation of the structure of the base part 4 and the support part 6, the spring elements 12 are omitted in Fig. 1.3, which corresponds to Fig. 1.1 and shows the support device 2 in the unadjusted starting position, and Fig. 1.4, which corresponds to Fig. 1.2 and shows the support device 2 in the end position of the adjustment movement.

[0041] In particular, it can be seen from Fig. 1.4 that the support part 6 has longitudinal beams 14, 16, while the base part 4 has longitudinal beams 18, 20, which are connected to one another via a transverse beam 22.

[0042] The drive device 10 has at least one drive train, through which the drive device 10 is driveably connected to an adjustment element that is translationally movable along a linear axis, such that the adjustment element can be moved by means of the drive device between a starting position, which corresponds to the unadjusted starting position of the support part, and an end position, which corresponds to the end position of the adjustment movement. In the illustrated embodiment, two drive trains are present, namely a drive train 24 assigned to the longitudinal beams 14, 18 and a drive train 26 assigned to the longitudinal beams 16, 20. Only the drive train 26 will be explained in more detail below. The drive train 24 is constructed accordingly.

[0043] The drive train 26 has an output member 28 that is translationally movable along a linear axis. In this exemplary embodiment, this output member is formed by a slider guided in a linear guide 30 defined by the longitudinal beam 20, which is formed by a U-shaped profile. In the U-shaped profile, the slider is translationally movable in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam 20 along a linear axis that runs in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam 20.

[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, the electromotive drive device 10 is formed by a furniture drive using a Bowden cable with a traction cable and a sheath. A corresponding furniture drive is known from EP 2 792 277 B2, the content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the present application by reference. To simplify the illustration, the Bowden cable is not shown in Fig. 1.1 to Fig. 1.9. The output element 28 is connected to a movable part of the Bowden cable, so that it moves translationally along the linear axis when the furniture drive is actuated.

[0045] The movable part of the Bowden cable can be the Bowden cable's pull rope, while the sheath is fixed. Kinematically, however, the movable part of the Bowden cable can also be the sheath, while the pull rope is fixed, as is known from EP 3 157 389 A1.

[0046] For adjusting the support part 6 relative to the base part 4, an adjusting element 32 is provided, which is integrally formed with the output member 28. Depending on the structural design of the support device 2, the adjusting element 32 can also be designed as a separate component that is rigidly connected to the drive element or can be operatively connected to the output member 28 in another suitable manner.

[0047] At least one wedge-like stroke guide element 34 is arranged on one of the parts (base part 4, support part 6), which is shaped in such a way and is or can be brought into operative connection with the adjustment element 32 such that, upon a relative movement between the adjustment element 32 and the stroke guide element 34 along the linear axis, the support part 6 is pivoted relative to the base part 4 about the support part pivot axis 8.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the wedge-like stroke guide element 34 is arranged on the support part, specifically in the region of the support part pivot axis 8 (see in particular Fig. 1.5).

[0049] In accordance with the arrangement on the output member 28 guided in the linear guide 30, the adjusting element 32 is arranged on the base part 4 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting element 32 is nose-like and projects beyond the base part 4 in the direction of the support part 6, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 1 .9 with regard to the adjusting element 32' of the drive train 24.

[0051] In the initial position of the adjustment movement, the adjustment element 32 is received in a recess formed on the support part 6, the inner wall of which forms a contact surface for the adjustment element 32, the cross section of which tapers in the direction of the support part pivot axis 8, such that the support part 6 is pivotable or is pivoted about the support part pivot axis 8 during a translational movement of the adjustment element 32 in the direction of the support part pivot axis 8.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the stroke guide element 34 is formed by a molded part connected to the longitudinal beam 20 of the support part 6, the side of which facing the base part 4 forms the recess and contact surface for the adjustment element 32, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 1.8.

[0053] In order to adjust the support part 6 relative to the base part 4, the adjusting element, which is in contact with the stroke guide element 34, is moved translationally relative to the same, wherein the stroke guide element 34 is designed or shaped in such a way and is operatively connected to the adjusting element 32 in such a way that during a translational relative movement between the adjusting element 32 and the stroke guide element 34, the support part 6 is pivoted relative to the base part 4 about the support part pivot axis 8.

[0054] In the unadjusted starting position of the adjustment movement shown in Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.3, the support part 6 lies flat on the base part 4, wherein the nose-like adjustment element 32 is excellently received in the recess defined by the stroke guide element 34 over the upper side of the support part 6.

[0055] Starting from this initial position, the furniture drive (electric motor drive device 10) is actuated such that the adjustment element 32 moves translationally to the right in the drawing along the linear guide 30. During this relative movement, the adjustment element 32 rests against the underside of the lifting guide element 34, so that, due to the shape of the lifting guide element 34, the support part 6 is pivoted relative to the base part 4 about the support part pivot axis 8 until the end position of the adjustment movement shown in Fig. 1.2 and Fig. 1.4 is reached, in which the support part 6 is angularly arranged relative to the base part 4 and is maximally adjusted.

[0056] Fig. 1.5 shows the support device 2 in the same representation as Fig. 1.4 and illustrates the interaction of the adjusting element 32 with the stroke guide element 34. Fig. 1.6 shows, on an enlarged scale compared to Fig. 1.5, a detail from Fig. 1.5 in the area of ​​the adjusting element 32 and the stroke guide element 34.

[0057] In Fig. 1 .7, the stroke guide element 34 is shown in interaction with the adjustment element 32, omitting the remaining components of the support part 6.

[0058] In Fig. 1 .8 the longitudinal beam 20 is also omitted.

[0059] The return of the support part 6 back to the starting position relative to the base part 4 takes place when the drive device 10 is switched on, but under the weight of the upholstery resting on the support part 6 and, if applicable, under the additional weight of a person resting on the upholstery.

[0060] The support device 2 is simple and robust in construction and is suitable for applying large adjustment forces, which are required, for example, when the support part 6 is adjusted under the load of a person resting on the upholstery supported by the support device 2.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive is provided by two drive trains assigned to the longitudinal beams 14, 18 and 16, 20, respectively. While maintaining the basic principle of the invention, a single drive train can also be used, which is arranged in the longitudinal center plane of the support part 6 or base part 4.

[0062] According to the invention, a wedge-like effect is understood to mean that the component in question performs the function of a wedge or an inclined plane, regardless of its shape and design.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a support device 2. While in the embodiment according to Fig. 1.1 to Fig. 1.9 the sheath of the Bowden cable forms the movable part, which is moved by means of the furniture drive, in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 the traction cable of the Bowden cable is the movable part. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the Bowden cable, designated by reference numeral 36 in Fig. 2, is guided in the region of the support part pivot axis 8 out of the support device 2 to the furniture drive (not shown), which forms the electromotive drive device 10.

[0064] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a support device 2 according to the invention, which differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 2 in that the spring elements are formed by spring woods, of which in Fig. 3 one spring wood is provided with the reference number 38 by way of example.

[0065] In Fig. 4.1 to Fig. 4.5 a fourth embodiment of a support device according to the invention is shown, which differs from the previous embodiments in that instead of two drive trains spaced apart from one another transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support device 2, a single drive train 26 is provided, which is effective between a single longitudinal beam 20 of the base part 4 and a single longitudinal beam 16 of the support part 6.

[0066] Furthermore, the embodiment according to Fig. 4.1 to Fig. 4.5 differs from the previous embodiments in that a lever arrangement 40 is arranged in the drive train between the base part 4 and the support part 6.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever arrangement 40 has a setting lever arrangement 42 functioning as an adjusting element in the sense of the invention with at least one setting lever.

[0068] Fig. 4.1 to Fig. 4.3 show the support device 2 in the final position of the adjustment movement, whereby in Fig. 4.2 and 4.3 various components are omitted for reasons of illustration.

[0069] Fig. 4.4 and Fig. 4.5 show the support device in the unadjusted starting position of the adjustment movement, whereby in Fig. 4.4 and Fig. 4.5 various components are omitted for the sake of illustration.

[0070] In detail, the setting lever arrangement 42 (see in particular Fig. 4.5) has a first setting lever 44, one end of which is articulated and connected to the output member 28 about a first articulation axis 46, and the other end of which is articulated and connected to one end of a second setting lever 50 about a second articulation axis 48, the free end of which is operatively connected to a wedge-like stroke guide element 52.

[0071] The operative connection between the second setting lever 50 and the stroke guide element 52 is designed such that, starting from the unadjusted starting position of the adjustment movement (cf. Fig. 4.4), in a first kinematic phase the setting levers 44, 50 execute a translational movement in an unadjusted manner, wherein the setting levers 44, 50 are guided in the linear guide 30 and the free end of the second setting lever 50 cooperates with the stroke guide element 52 to pivot the support part 6 relative to the base part 4, and that in a second kinematic phase the free end of the second setting lever 50 runs against a stop, so that the setting levers 44, 50 pivot relative to one another about the second joint axis 48, wherein the support part 6 pivots further relative to the base part 4 about the support part pivot axis 8 until the end position of the adjustment movement is reached.

[0072] In particular, it can be seen from Fig. 4.5 that the stroke guide element 52 has a cross-section that widens at least in sections along the linear axis of the adjusting element.

[0073] The stroke guide element 52 is shaped such that its cross-section widens along the linear axis such that the adjustment element, in the region of the starting position of the adjustment movement, rests against a section of smaller or minimal cross-section of the stroke guide element 52 and, in the region of the end position of the adjustment movement, rests against a section of larger or maximum cross-section of the stroke guide element 52. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 4.5, the stroke guide element 52 is wedge-shaped in the illustrated embodiment, with its cross-section widening in the direction of the support part pivot axis 8, i.e. in the direction in which the setting lever arrangement 42 acting as the adjustment element moves when adjusted from the starting position to the end position.

[0074] Depending on the respective design conditions and requirements, the stroke guide element 52 can also be shaped such that its cross-section widens at least partially in an arcuate or ramp-like manner. Any combination of arcuate and straight cross-sectional sections is also possible. The kinematics of the adjustment movement is defined by the cross-sectional shape of the stroke guide element 52. This also applies to the previously explained and the further exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below.

[0075] The raising lever arrangement 42 acting as an adjusting element is guided in a linear guide 30 formed by the U-profile of the longitudinal beam 18, corresponding to the embodiment according to Fig. 1.1 to Fig. 1.9. Starting from the starting position of the adjusting movement shown in Fig. 4.4, the furniture drive (electrical motor drive device 10) assigned to the adjusting element is actuated such that the raising lever arrangement 42 moves, in the unraised position, to the right in the drawing in the linear guide 30. The free end of the second raising lever 2 thereby passes under the lifting guide element 52, so that the lifting guide element is pivoted about the support part pivot axis 8 in a clockwise direction in the drawing. As a result, the support part 6 is pivoted in the desired manner relative to the base part 4.Because the free end of the second setting lever 50 passes under the stroke guide element 52 at the beginning of the adjustment movement, the dead center of the adjustment of the support part 6 is overcome.

[0076] At the end of the first kinematic phase, the free end of the second setting lever 50 runs against the end of the linear guide 30 acting as a stop, so that the setting levers 44, 50 pivot relative to each other about the second joint axis 2, whereby the support part 6 is pivoted further about the support part pivot axis 8 until the end position of the adjustment movement shown in Fig. 4.1 is reached.

[0077] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 4.5, a roller arrangement 54 can be provided at the free end of the second setting lever 50 in order to reduce the friction of the setting lever arrangement 42 in the linear guide 30.

[0078] Fig. 5.1 and Fig. 5.2 show a modification of the previous embodiment, which differs from the latter in that the positioning levers 44, 50 are longer. This increases the pivot stroke during the pivot adjustment of the support part 6 relative to the base part 4, and reduces the load on the electric motor drive device. Fig. 5.1 shows the support device 2 in the final position of the adjustment movement, while Fig. 5.2 shows the support device 2 in the unadjusted starting position of the adjustment movement.

[0079] Figs. 6.1 to 6.5 show a further modification of the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 4.1 to 4.5, which differs from the above in that the electric motor drive device 10 is not based on the functional principle of a Bowden cable, but rather on the functional principle of a spindle drive. The electric motor drive device 10 has an electric motor 56, which is connected via a worm gear to a rotatably mounted threaded spindle, on which a spindle nut 58 is arranged in a rotationally secure manner and movable in the axial direction. Corresponding spindle drives are generally known to those skilled in the art from the field of furniture drives and are therefore not explained in detail here.

[0080] The spindle nut 58 is connected to the setting lever arrangement 42 via tabs 60, 62 extending in the longitudinal direction of the linear guide 30, which can be formed, for example, by sheet metal strips and between which the threaded spindle is received.

[0081] Starting from the initial position of the adjustment movement shown in Fig. 6.4 and Fig. 6.5, the electric motor 56 drives the threaded spindle such that the spindle nut 58 moves to the right in the drawing. The pivoting adjustment of the support part 6 relative to the base part 4 occurs in two successive kinematic phases, as explained for the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.1 to Fig. 4.5.

[0082] Because the Bowden cable drive has been replaced by a spindle drive, the drive train 26 has a high degree of rigidity.

[0083] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that, in both the previously described and the subsequently explained embodiments, a Bowden cable drive can be exchanged for a drive with a spindle drive.

[0084] Fig. 7.1 to Fig. 7.4 illustrate another embodiment of a support device 2 using a lever arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever arrangement comprises a single lever 66 pivotably mounted on the base part 4 about a stationary lever pivot axis 64. The free end of the lever 66 carries a roller 68 (see Fig. 7.3), on which the support part 6 rests loosely with its underside.

[0085] A stroke guide element 52 is attached to the underside of the lever 66. This element cooperates with an adjustment element designed as a roller carriage 68 (see Fig. 7.4) to adjust the support part 6 relative to the base part 4. The roller carriage 68 has rollers 70, 72 on its side facing the linear guide 30, on which it runs in the linear guide 30. On its side facing the stroke guide element 52, the roller carriage 68 has a further roller 74, with which the roller carriage 68 comes into contact with the stroke guide element 52 during the adjustment movement.

[0086] As can be seen from Fig. 7.4, the stroke guide element 52 has an elongated wedge-like contact surface which widens in cross section towards the lever pivot axis 64.

[0087] The roller carriage 68 is in traction connection with a movable part of a Bowden cable of a Bowden cable drive.

[0088] Fig. 7.1 shows the support device 2 in the end position of the adjustment movement, while Fig. 7.2 to Fig. 7.4 show the support device in the starting position. Starting from this starting position, the Bowden cable drive is actuated such that the roller carriage 68 in the linear guide 30 is pulled to the left in the drawing. In doing so, the roller carriage 68 moves under the stroke guide element 52, so that the lever 66 is pivoted counterclockwise in Fig. 7.1. As a result, the support part 6, which rests loosely on the free end of the lever 66, is pivoted clockwise until the end position of the adjustment movement shown in Fig. 7.1 is reached.

[0089] In Fig. 8.1 to Fig. 8.5 a modification of the previous embodiment is shown, which differs from the same in that instead of a Bowden cable drive a spindle drive 57 with a spindle nut 58 is provided, which is arranged on a threaded spindle 76.

[0090] Fig. 8.1 shows the support device 2 in the final position of the adjustment movement, while Fig. 8.2 to Fig. 8.5 show the support device 2 in the initial position of the adjustment movement. For clarity, various components of the support device 2 have been omitted from Figs. 8.2 to 8.4. Fig. 8.5 shows the stroke guide element 52 used in the exemplary embodiment in isolation.

[0091] In particular, it can be seen from Fig. 8.4 that the lever 66 has two parallel lever parts 78, 80 (tabs) spaced apart from one another in the radial direction of the threaded spindle 76, between which the threaded spindle 76 is guided during the adjustment movement. Figs. 9.1 to 9.8 show a further embodiment of a support device 2.

[0092] Fig. 9.1 to Fig. 9.3 each show the support device 2 in a perspective view in different adjustment positions.

[0093] Fig. 9.1 shows the support device 2 in a starting position of the adjustment movement, in which the support part 6 rests flat on the base part 4, while Fig. 9.3 shows the support device in a final position of the adjustment movement. Fig. 9.2 shows the support device in an intermediate position of the adjustment movement.

[0094] Fig. 9.4 shows the support device 2 in the final position of the adjustment movement in a perspective view of the back of the support part 6.

[0095] Fig. 9.5 shows the support device 2, wherein the support part 6 is omitted to illustrate the interaction of the second setting lever 50 with the lifting guide element 52.

[0096] Fig. 9.6 shows, in the same representation as Fig. 9.5, but on an enlarged scale compared to Fig. 9.5, a detail in the area of ​​the stroke guide element 52.

[0097] The drive device 10 has a drive housing 82 consisting of half-shells, to which struts 84, 86 are connected, with which the support device 2 rests on a base during use and which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the support device 2. The struts 84, 86 can be molded onto the drive housing 82 or formed by separate components connected to the drive housing 82.

[0098] It can be seen that the design of the setting lever arrangement 42 corresponds to that of the embodiment according to Fig. 5.1 and Fig. 5.2.

[0099] In accordance with the embodiment according to Fig. 8.1 to Fig. 8.5, the drive device 10 has a spindle drive 57.

[0100] In Fig. 9.7, an upper half shell of the drive housing 82 is omitted in order to clarify the structure of the drive device 10 in more detail.

[0101] In Fig. 9.8, the electric motor 56 has been omitted to illustrate the structure of a transmission arranged downstream of the electric motor 56 in the drive train. The output shaft of the electric motor 56 is designed as a worm gear, which engages with a first worm gear 88, which is non-rotatably connected to a first spur gear 90. The output shaft of the electric motor 56 is further engaged with a second worm gear 92, to which a second spur gear 94 is non-rotatably connected, which engages with the first spur gear 90. The threaded spindle 76 is non-rotatably connected to the second worm gear 92 and the second spur gear 94. Any other transmissions can be used depending on the respective requirements and circumstances.

[0102] The support device is simple and robust and is suitable for applying large adjustment forces.

[0103] When using the support device, the upholstery of a piece of seating and / or reclining furniture, for example, a mattress of a bed, can be supported directly on the support part 6. However, it is also possible to motorize, for example, a manually adjustable slatted frame using a support device according to the invention by inserting a support device according to the invention between an adjustable support part of the slatted frame, in particular a head part of the slatted frame, and a mattress.

[0104] The support device can be used both in the care sector and in the home.

[0105] The kinematics of the adjustment movement can be selected within wide limits according to the respective requirements and conditions by appropriately designing the setting lever arrangement, in particular with regard to the length of the setting levers of the setting lever arrangement, as well as the stroke guide element, in particular with regard to its shape.

[0106] Exemplary embodiments of a support device according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 10.1 to Fig. 11.5. Identical or corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0107] According to the invention, the support device 2 according to the exemplary embodiments has two drive trains 24, 26, each with a setting lever arrangement 42 and 42', respectively, wherein synchronization means are provided according to the invention for the drive-technical synchronization of the drive trains 24, 26, such that the setting lever arrangements 42, 42' are actuated synchronously when the support part 6 is adjusted relative to the base part 4. Figs. 10.1 to 10.5 show a first exemplary embodiment of a support device 2 according to the invention, in which the synchronization means are formed by an electrical control device.

[0108] Fig. 10.1 shows the support device 2 in the unadjusted starting position, while Fig. 10.2 shows the support device 2 in the final position of the adjustment movement.

[0109] Fig. 10.3 shows a detail from Fig. 10.2 on an enlarged scale compared to Fig. 10.2.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one separate electric motor 56 or 56' is assigned to each drive train 24 or 26. Depending on the respective requirements and circumstances, two or more separate electric motors can also be assigned to each drive train 24 or 26 in order to increase the adjusting force of the electromotive drive device formed by the drive trains 24, 26.

[0111] Fig. 10.4 shows a detail from Fig. 10.3, with a drive housing of one drive train omitted to clarify the structure of the drive trains 24, 26. The structure of the drive train 24 is explained in more detail below. The drive train 26 is constructed accordingly.

[0112] The output shaft of the electric motor 56 is designed as a worm 100 which engages with a worm wheel 102 which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the threaded spindle 76, so that the spindle nut 58 moves to the left or right in Fig. 10.4 according to the direction of rotation of the worm 100 in order to move the setting lever arrangement 42 and between its initial position (cf. Fig. 10.1) and its adjusted end position (cf. Fig. 10.2) according to the initial position and the adjusted end position of the support part 6.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the synchronization means provided according to the invention comprise an electrical control device 104 for controlling the electric motors 56, 56', wherein the control device 104 is designed and configured such that the electric motors 56, 56' of the drive trains 24, 26 are actuated synchronously to adjust the support part 6 relative to the base part 4. This ensures that the adjusting force is introduced symmetrically into the support part 6 by the drive trains 24, 26 transversely to the longitudinal center plane of the support device 2, so that twisting of the support part 6 during adjustment is avoided. Because each drive train 24, 26 has at least one separate or dedicated electric motor 56 or 56', the drive trains generate a particularly high adjusting force.

[0114] The control device 104 is shown purely schematically and in block diagram form in Fig. 10.3.

[0115] Figs. 11.1 to 11.5 show a second embodiment of a support device 2 according to the invention, in which the synchronization means are designed as mechanical synchronization means. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive train 24 has a first drive unit 106, and the second drive train 26 has a second drive unit 107. The drive unit 106 is explained in more detail below. The drive unit 107 is constructed accordingly.

[0116] The first drive unit 106 has a first worm gear 108 that is non-rotatably connected to the threaded spindle 76 and that meshes with a first worm 110 that is non-rotatably connected to one end of a shaft 112, to the other end of which a second worm 114 of the second drive unit 26 is non-rotatably connected. The second worm 114 meshes with a second worm gear 116 that is non-rotatably connected to the threaded spindle 76' of the second drive unit 26.

[0117] In this way, the first worm 110 as a rotatable component of the first drive unit 106 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second worm 114 as a rotatable component of the second drive unit 107.

[0118] The shaft 112 is in rotary drive connection with a single electric motor 117, such that at least one common electric motor 117 is assigned to the drive units 106, 107 and thus to the drive trains 24, 26.

[0119] The first drive unit 108 has a first drive housing 118, and the second drive unit 107 has a second drive housing 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the common electric motor 117 is attached to the second drive housing 120.

[0120] The output shaft of the common electric motor 117 is designed as a third worm 122, which is in engagement with a third worm wheel 124, which is mounted on the shaft 112 in a rotationally fixed manner, so that in this way the shaft 112 is in rotational drive connection with the electric motor 117.

[0121] The drive units 106, 107 and thus the drive trains 24, 26 are synchronized with one another by the shaft 112, so that the positioning lever assemblies 42, 42' are moved synchronously during adjustment. According to the first embodiment according to Figs. 10.1 to 10.4, this ensures that the adjustment force is introduced symmetrically into the support part 6 by the drive trains 24, 26 transversely to the longitudinal center plane of the support device 2, so that twisting of the support part 6 during adjustment is also avoided in this embodiment.

[0122] To prevent moving parts of the support device 2 from being exposed, the shaft 112 is housed in a tubular casing 126 (see Fig. 11.1 to Fig. 11.3). In Fig. 11.4, the casing 126 is omitted to clarify the operative connection of the shaft 112 with the drive units 106, 107. To clarify the structure of the drive units 106, 107, one half-shell of the drive housings 118, 120 is omitted in Fig. 11.4. In Fig. 11.5, the drive housing 120 is completely omitted.

[0123] Reference symbol list for AZ OAC240401PCT

[0124] Support device

[0125] Base part

[0126] Support part

[0127] Support part swivel axis electromotive drive device

[0128] spring element

[0129] Longitudinal beam of the support part

[0130] Longitudinal beam of the support part

[0131] Longitudinal beam of the base part

[0132] Longitudinal beam of the base part

[0133] Cross member of the base part

[0134] Powertrain

[0135] Powertrain

[0136] Output element

[0137] Linear guide

[0138] Adjustment element

[0139] Lifting guide element

[0140] Bowden cable

[0141] Spring wood

[0142] Lever arrangement

[0143] Setting lever arrangement

[0144] 1. Lifting lever

[0145] 1. Joint axis

[0146] 2. Joint axis

[0147] 2. Lifting lever

[0148] Lifting guide element

[0149] Roller arrangement

[0150] Electric motor spindle drive

[0151] spindle nut

[0152] tab

[0153] tab

[0154] Lever pivot axis lever

[0155] Roller carriage

[0156] role

[0157] role

[0158] role

[0159] Threaded spindle tab

[0160] tab

[0161] Drive housing strut

[0162] strut

[0163] Worm gear

[0164] Spur gear

[0165] Worm gear

[0166] Spur gear not assigned not assigned worm worm gear

[0167] Control device first drive unit second drive unit first worm gear first worm shaft second worm second worm gear common electric motor drive housing drive housing third worm third worm gear cover

Claims

Patent claims 1 . An electromotively adjustable support device (2) for supporting the upholstery of a piece of seating and / or lying furniture, in particular a mattress of a bed, comprising a base part (4), a support part (6) which is connected to the base part (4) so ​​as to be pivotable about a support part pivot axis (8), and an electromotive drive device (10) which is operatively connected to the base part (4) and the support part (6) for pivotally adjusting the support part (6) relative to the base part (4), wherein the base part (4) and the support part (6) are designed in such a way and are operatively connected to the drive device (10) in such a way that the support part (6) can be moved between an unadjusted starting position in which the support part (6) lies flat on the Base part (4) rests, and is adjustable to an end position of the adjustment movement, in which the support part (6) is arranged at an angle to the base part (4), wherein the drive device (10) has two drive trains (24, 26), wherein in each drive train between the base part (4) and the support part (6) a setting lever arrangement (42 or 42') is arranged, wherein the setting lever arrangements (42, 42') are movable between a starting position, which corresponds to the unadjusted starting position of the support part (6), and an end position, which corresponds to the end position of the adjustment movement, wherein the drive device (10) has at least one electric motor (56, 56' or 117) which is arranged on the base part (4), characterized by Synchronization means for the drive-technical synchronization of the drive trains (24, 26) such that the setting lever arrangements (42, 42') are actuated synchronously when the support part (6) is adjusted relative to the base part (4).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one separate electric motor (56, 56') is assigned to each drive train (42, 42') and that the synchronization means have an electrical control device (104) for controlling the electric motors (56, 56'), wherein the control device (104) is designed and set up such that the electric motors (56, 56') of the drive trains (24, 26) are actuated synchronously to adjust the support part (6) relative to the base part (4).

3. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that one drive train (24) has a first drive unit (106) and the other drive train (26) has a second drive unit (107), wherein the synchronization means mechanical shaft (112) for the rotationally fixed connection of a rotatably mounted component of the first drive unit (106) to a rotatably mounted component of the second drive unit (107), wherein the shaft (112) is in rotationally drive connection with an individual electric motor (117), such that a common electric motor (117) is assigned to the drive units (106, 107).

4. Support device according to claim 3, characterized in that each drive unit (106, 107) has a drive housing (118, 120) and that the common electric motor (56) is attached to one of the drive housings (118, 120).

5. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each drive train (24, 26) has a spindle drive (57) with a threaded spindle (76 or 76') and a spindle nut (58 or 58') placed on the threaded spindle (76 or 76').

6. Support device according to claim 5, characterized in that the output member of the spindle drive (57) is formed by the spindle nut (58 or 58') which is arranged in a rotationally secure and axially movable manner on the threaded spindle (76, 76') which is in rotary drive connection with an electric motor (56; 117).

7. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each drive train (24, 26) has at least one worm wheel which is in rotary drive connection with an electric motor and which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the threaded spindle (76, 76').

8. Support device according to claim 7, characterized in that the worm wheel (102) of each drive train (24, 26) is in engagement with a worm (100) which is formed on the output shaft of the electric motor (56, 56') associated with the drive train (24, 26).

9. Support device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first drive unit (106) has a first worm (110) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft (112) and the second drive unit (107) has a second worm (114) connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft (112), wherein the first worm (110) is in engagement with a first worm wheel (108) of the first drive unit (106) and the second worm (114) is in engagement with a second worm wheel (116) of the second drive unit (107).

10. Support device according to claim 9, characterized in that a third worm wheel (124) is mounted on the shaft (112) in a rotationally fixed manner, which third worm wheel engages with a third worm (122) formed on the output shaft of the common electric motor (117). 11 . Support device according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the common electric motor (117) is fastened to a drive housing (120) of a drive train (26).

12. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each setting lever arrangement (42) has a first setting lever (44), one end of which is articulated and connected about a first articulation axis (46) to the output member or a component connected thereto and the other end of which is articulated and connected about a second articulation axis (48) to a second setting lever (50), the free end of which is operatively connected to a wedge-like stroke guide element (34) assigned to the support part, where- wherein the operative connection between the second setting lever (50) and the stroke guide element (34) is designed such that, starting from the starting position of the adjustment movement - in a first kinematic phase, the setting levers (44, 50) perform a translational movement when not set up, the free end of the second setting lever (50) cooperating with the stroke guide element (34) to pivot the support part (6) relative to the base part (4), and - in a second kinematic phase, the free end of the second setting lever (50) runs against a stop, so that the setting levers (44, 50) are set up so as to pivot relative to one another about the second joint axis (48), whereby the support part (6) is pivoted further relative to the base part (4) about the support part pivot axis until the end position of the adjustment movement is reached.

13. Support device according to claim 12, characterized in that the wedge-like lifting guide element (34) is arranged on the support part (6).

14. Support device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the stroke guide element (34) is arranged on the support part (6) in the region of the support part pivot axis (8).

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