Electrically adjustable support device

Abstract

An electrically adjustable support device (2) for supporting a cushion, in particular a mattress, of a sitting and / or lying piece of furniture has a base part (4) and a support part (6). At least one wedge-like acting stroke guide element (34) is provided on at least one of the parts (4, 6), which is shaped and in operative connection with or can be brought into operative connection with an adjustment element (32) in order to cause a swiveling of the support part (6) about a support part swivel axis (8) relative to the base part (4) upon a relative movement between the adjustment element (32) and the stroke guide element (34) along a straight line axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrically adjustable support device for supporting cushions, particularly mattresses, in sitting and / or reclining furniture. Background Technology

[0002] For example, to adjust slatted grating mats, so-called dual-drive devices are known. These devices have a housing of a separate component designed to connect with the slatted grating mat, housing two adjustment units. One adjustment unit is used, for example, to adjust the back support member of the slatted grating mat, while the other adjustment unit is used to adjust the leg support member of the slatted grating mat. These adjustment units in the known dual-drive devices are designed as screw drives, wherein the drive connection to the support member to be adjusted is achieved via a hinge rod, which is non-rotatably connected to a swing shaft assigned to the support member to be adjusted. To adjust the support member, the screw nut of the screw drive presses against the hinge rod, thereby causing the swing shaft, and consequently, the support member to swing. Such dual-drive devices have been disclosed, for example, by EP 0 372 032 A1 and DE 38 42 078 A1.

[0003] DE 100 17 979C2 discloses a furniture drive device designed as a dual-drive unit, in which each adjustment unit has an electrically driven winding device for a rope-like, belt-like, or chain-like traction component. The winding device is connected to a swing rod in the manner of a pulley block. The swing rod is non-rotatably connected to a swing shaft, which itself is in an active connection with the support component to be adjusted.

[0004] DE 34 09 223 C2, DE 198 43 259C1 and EP 1 020 171 A1 also disclose furniture drive devices that operate on a similar principle.

[0005] In addition, DE 298 11 566U1 and DE 297 14746U1 disclose dual-drive devices that operate according to different operating principles.

[0006] DE 39 00 384 A1 discloses an adjustable slat grid pad in which the adjustment of the head or leg support components of the slat grid pad is achieved by a pneumatic cylinder.

[0007] DE 296 02 947U1 discloses a gas spring adjustment fitting for a slatted grid pad, wherein a steel cable lifting device is provided for operating the gas spring.

[0008] DE 31 03 922 A1 discloses a slatted mat in which, for example, the adjustment of an upper body support component is achieved via a wiper motor and a scissor lift device.

[0009] EP 1 294 255 B1 discloses a dual-drive device in which power transmission from a linearly movable drive element to a swing rod connected to a swing shaft that is operatively connected to a support component to be adjusted is achieved via a pulley system. Similar furniture drive devices are also disclosed in FR 2 727 296 A, DE 34 09 223C2, DE 198 43 259C1, GB 2 334 435A, and US 5 528 948 A.

[0010] Furthermore, slatted lattice pads are known in which adjustment devices for adjusting support members are partially or entirely integrated into the base of the slatted lattice pad. In this regard, DE 199 62 541C2 shows and describes a motorically adjustable support device having a first support member with parallel longitudinal beams, the first support member being composed of a fixed intermediate support member. This known support device also has other support members that are adjustable relative to the first support member by a drive member. In the support device disclosed in this document, the first longitudinal beam of the first support member is designed as a hollow profile to accommodate the drive member, wherein the entire drive unit, including the drive motor, is housed within the hollow longitudinal beam. According to this design, the drive motor does not protrude from the first longitudinal beam in the vertical direction, thus the support device disclosed in this document has an extremely small structural height. DE 100 46 751A1 also discloses a similar support device. WO 96 / 29970 discloses a motorized adjustable support device for a mattress, having a plurality of support members arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the support device, these support members being oscillating relative to a first support member by a drive member. These support members are supported on an outer frame, the profile height of which is significantly greater than the profile height of the support members. In the support device disclosed in this document, the outer frame is designed as a hollow profile, wherein a drive member for relative adjustment of the support members is housed within the hollow profile. A drive motor is disposed on the inner side of one of the outer frame components.

[0011] EP 0 788 325 B1 discloses a motorized adjustable support device for a mattress, the support device having a first support member and at least one second support member, the first support member having a longitudinal beam, and the second support member being oscillating relative to the first support member by a drive member. In this known support device, the drive motor is disposed outside the bottom surface of the support device and fixed to a frame-like extension of the first support member.

[0012] EP 1 633 219 B1 discloses a slat grid pad in which the components of an adjustment device are housed in a hollow longitudinal beam, and a drive motor is disposed outside the longitudinal beam and passes through a hole to be in drive connection with the components of the adjustment device housed in the longitudinal beam.

[0013] WO 2008 / 113401 discloses a furniture drive device designed for adjusting a drawer relative to the cabinet body, wherein the adjustment of the drawer is achieved by a flexible rack that meshes with a gear.

[0014] EP 2 792 277 B2 discloses an electric furniture drive device. The furniture drive device disclosed in this document has a housing, in which a driven member capable of linear motion is provided. The driven member is driven by an electric motor and is operatively connected to the pull wire of a Bowden wire in the operating state of the furniture drive device to apply tension to the pull wire. The housing has a first fastening point for securing the sheath of the Bowden wire.

[0015] The furniture drive mechanism disclosed in this document is based on the concept that power transmission from an electric drive unit used for relative adjustment of, for example, support members of a slatted floor mat to the support member to be adjusted is achieved via a Bowden cable with a pull cable and a sheath. The furniture drive mechanism disclosed in this document thus eliminates the power transmission concepts known to date, for example, for slatted floor mats, and provides a furniture drive mechanism based on the Bowden cable principle known in other technical fields, such as brakes and gearboxes in bicycles, throttle and clutch cables in motorcycles, and motor vehicle technology. This design yields significant technical advantages because the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the furniture drive mechanism relative to the support member to be adjusted is significantly increased, enabling a compact furniture drive mechanism with a very small structural height, and the furniture drive mechanism is simple and robust in structure.

[0016] EP 3 009 052 A1 discloses an electrically adjustable support device. The support device disclosed in this document has a base component, a support member oscillating about a pivot axis connected to the base component, and an electric drive device operatively connected to the base component and the support member for oscillating adjustment of the support member relative to the base component. The base component and the support member are designed and operatively connected to the drive device such that the support member can be adjusted between an unadjusted initial position and a final position of the adjusted movement. In the unadjusted initial position, the support member rests flat on the base component, while in the final position, the support member is set at an angle to the base component. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrically adjustable support device that is a further improvement over known support devices.

[0018] This objective is achieved through the present invention.

[0019] The present invention specifies that the drive device has at least one drive chain, through which the drive device is in drive connection with an adjustment element capable of translational movement along a linear axis, thereby enabling the adjustment element to move between an initial position corresponding to an unadjusted initial position of the support member and a final position corresponding to the final position of the adjustment movement via the drive device, and at least one of the components is provided with at least one stroke guide element acting like a wedge, the stroke guide element being shaped and operatively connected to or capable of being operatively connected to the adjustment element, thereby causing the support member to oscillate relative to the base member about a swing axis when relative movement occurs between the adjustment element and the stroke guide element along a linear axis.

[0020] The present invention provides an electrically adjustable support device, which has a simple and robust structure and is suitable for applying large adjustment forces.

[0021] Advantageous and suitable improvements of the invention are described in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams and embodiments. Here, all described, illustrated, and claimed features constitute the subject matter of the invention individually and in any technically suitable combination thereof, regardless of their generalization in the technical solutions and their reference relationships, or their specific description or illustration in the figures. Sub-combinations of the technical solutions are also part of the subject matter and disclosure of this application, in which at least one feature of the corresponding technical solution is omitted or replaced by another feature. Furthermore, combinations of various embodiments are also part of the subject matter and disclosure of this application, in which at least one feature of one embodiment is transferred to another embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the features disclosed in the various embodiments are modifications to the corresponding embodiments individually, that is, independently of other features of that embodiment.

[0023] In the attached diagram:

[0024] Figures 1.1 to 1.9 A first embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown using various perspective views.

[0025] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0026] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view.

[0027] Figures 4.1 to 4.5 A fourth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown using various perspective views.

[0028] Figure 5.1 and Figure 5.2 A fifth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown in two perspective views.

[0029] Figures 6.1 to 6.5 A sixth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown using various perspective views.

[0030] Figures 7.1 to 7.4 A seventh embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown using various perspective views.

[0031] Figures 8.1 to 8.5 The eighth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown using various perspective views.

[0032] Figures 9.1 to 9.8 A ninth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is illustrated using various three-dimensional schematic diagrams, and

[0033] Figures 10.1 to 10.7 The tenth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention is shown using various three-dimensional schematic diagrams. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the figures, the same or corresponding components have the same reference numerals.

[0035] For illustrative purposes and to simplify the explanation, some components have been omitted from certain figures in the accompanying drawings. The omitted components should be imagined and added accordingly in the relevant figures.

[0036] The following reference Figures 1.1 to 1.9 A first embodiment of the support device according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0037] exist Figures 1.1 to 1.9 The figure shows a first embodiment of an electrically adjustable support device 2 according to the invention for supporting cushions, particularly mattresses, in sitting and / or reclining furniture. For simplicity, the cushion is not shown in the figure. The manner in which the corresponding cushion is supported by the support device is well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0038] Figure 1.1 The support device 2 is shown in its unadjusted initial position during the adjustment of the movement, while Figure 1.2 The support device 2 is shown in the final position of the adjustment movement.

[0039] The support device 2 has a base component 4 and a support component 6, the support component being able to swing about a pivot axis 8 (see...). Figure 1.4 The support device 2 is connected to the base component 4 in a swinging manner. The support device 2 is particularly suitable for modifying, for example, a non-electrically adjustable support device such as a bed slat mattress to have an electrically adjustable function. The support device 2 according to the invention is also particularly suitable for temporary or permanent modification of nursing beds or hotel beds to give them electrically adjustable functionality. The basic structure and possible applications of the corresponding support device have been disclosed in EP 3 009 052 A2, which is referred to herein and whose contents are therefore incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0040] The support device 2 also includes an electric drive device 10, which is operatively connected to the base component 4 and the support component 6 for swinging adjustment relative to the base component 4. The base component 4 and the support component 6 are designed and operatively connected to the drive device 10 so that the support component 6 can be adjusted to an initial, unadjusted position (see 1.1) and a final, adjusted position (see 1.2). Figure 1.2The adjustment is performed between the two positions. In the initial position without adjustment, the support component 6 is placed flat on the base component 4, and in the final position of the adjustment movement, the support component 6 is set at an angle to the base component 4.

[0041] The support member 6 has elastic elements on its upper surface, on which the cushion, particularly the mattress, is supported during the use of the support device 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic elements are made of plastic elastic elements, in which... Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2 In the example, only one elastic element has reference numeral 12.

[0042] To provide a detailed explanation of the structure of the base component 4 and the support component 6, in conjunction with... Figure 1.1 Correspondingly shown is the support device 2 in its unadjusted initial position. Figure 1.3 In China, and in relation to Figure 1.2 Correspondingly shown is the support device 2 located in the final position of the adjustment movement. Figure 1.4 The elastic element 12 is omitted.

[0043] Especially by Figure 1.4 As can be seen, the support component 6 has longitudinal beams 14 and 16, while the base component 4 has longitudinal beams 18 and 20, and these longitudinal beams are interconnected by crossbeams 22.

[0044] According to the present invention, the drive device 10 has at least one drive chain, through which the drive device 10 is in a drive connection with an adjustment element capable of translational movement along a linear axis, such that the adjustment element can move between an initial position corresponding to the unadjusted initial position of the support member and a final position corresponding to the final position of the adjustment movement. In the illustrated embodiment, two drive chains are provided, namely, drive chain 24 assigned to the longitudinal beams 14, 18 and drive chain 26 assigned to the longitudinal beams 16, 20. Only drive chain 26 will be described in detail below. Drive chain 24 has a corresponding structure.

[0045] The drive chain 26 has a driven member 28 capable of translating along a linear axis. In this embodiment, the driven member is a slider guided in a linear guide 30 defined by a longitudinal beam 20, which is constructed of a U-shaped profile. Within the U-shaped profile, the slider is capable of translating along a linear axis extending longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam 20.

[0046] In this embodiment, the electric drive unit 10 is a furniture drive unit using Bowden wire with a drawstring and sheath. A corresponding furniture drive unit has been disclosed in EP 2 792 277 B2, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. For simplicity of illustration, Bowden wire is... Figures 1.1 to 1.9 Not shown in the image.

[0047] Driven member 28 is connected to the moving part of Bowden line, so that when the furniture drive device is operated, the driven member moves translationally along a linear axis.

[0048] The moving part of a Bowden line can be the Bowden line's guy wire, while the sheath is positioned fixed. However, kinematically, the moving part of a Bowden line can also be the sheath, while the guy wire is positioned fixed, as disclosed in EP3 157 389 A1.

[0049] To adjust the support member 6 relative to the base member 4, an adjustment element 32 is provided, which in this embodiment is formed on the driven member 28. However, depending on the structural design of the support device 2, the adjustment element 32 may also be designed as a separate member that is not relatively movable and is connected to the drive element, or be operatively connected to the driven member 28 in other suitable ways.

[0050] According to the present invention, at least one of the components (base component 4, support component 6) is provided with a stroke guide element 34 that functions like a wedge. The stroke guide element is shaped and is operatively connected to the adjustment element 32 or can be positioned to operatively connect to the adjustment element 32, so that when relative movement occurs between the adjustment element 32 and the stroke guide element 34 along a linear axis, the support component 6 swings relative to the base component 4 about the support component swing axis 8.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the stroke guide element 34, which acts like a wedge, is disposed on the support member and is located in the region of the swing axis 8 of the support member (see in particular). Figure 1.5 ).

[0052] In other words, according to the arrangement of the driven member 28 guided in the linear guide 30, in the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment element 32 is arranged on the base component 4.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting element 32 is designed in a nose shape and protrudes from the base member 4 toward the support member 6, as particularly from... Figure 1.9 As can be seen from the adjustment element 32' of the drive chain 24.

[0054] At the initial position of the adjustment movement, the adjustment element 32 is accommodated in a recess formed on the support member 6. The inner wall of the recess forms a contact surface for the adjustment element 32. The cross-section of the contact surface gradually tapers toward the swing axis 8 of the support member, so that when the adjustment element 32 moves in the direction of the swing axis 8 of the support member, the support member 6 swings around the swing axis 8 of the support member or is able to swing around the swing axis 8 of the support member.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the travel guide element 34 is constituted by a molded part connected to the longitudinal beam 20 of the support member 6. This molded part has a recess and contact surface for adjusting the element on the side facing the base member 4, such as particularly from... Figure 1.8 As can be seen in the text.

[0056] In order to adjust the support member 6 relative to the base member 4, the adjustment element and the stroke guide element 34 are in contact and move in a translational manner relative to the stroke guide element 34, wherein the stroke guide element 34 is designed or shaped and is operatively connected to the adjustment element 32, so that when a translational relative movement occurs between the adjustment element 32 and the stroke guide element 34, the support member 6 swings relative to the base member 4 about the support member swing axis 8.

[0057] exist Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.3 In the unadjusted initial position of the adjustment movement shown, the support member 6 rests flat on the base member 4, wherein the nose-shaped adjustment element 32 protrudes from the upper surface of the support member 6 and is received in a recess defined by the stroke guide element 34.

[0058] Starting from this initial position, the furniture drive mechanism (electric drive mechanism 10) is operated, causing the adjusting element 32 to move translatably to the right along the linear guide rail 30 as shown in the figure. During this relative movement, the adjusting element 32 is in close contact with the lower surface of the travel guide element 34, thereby causing the support member 6 to swing relative to the base member 4 about the support member swing axis 8 due to the shape of the travel guide element 34, until it reaches the position where... Figure 1.2 and Figure 1.4 The final position of the adjustment movement shown is in which the support member 6 is set at an angle relative to the base member 4 and adjusted to the maximum extent.

[0059] Figure 1.5 Used Figure 1.4 The same view shows the support device 2 and explains the interaction between the adjusting element 32 and the travel guide element 34.

[0060] Figure 1.6 In relation to Figure 1.5 The magnified scale shows Figure 1.5Details in the area of ​​adjusting element 32 and stroke guiding element 34.

[0061] exist Figure 1.7 In the diagram, the stroke guide element 34 that interacts with the adjustment element 32 is shown, with the rest of the support component 6 omitted.

[0062] exist Figure 1.8 The longitudinal beam 20 is also omitted.

[0063] The support component 6 is reset to its initial position relative to the base component 4 when the drive is turned on, but this is achieved under the weight of the cushion placed on the support component 6 and, if necessary, under the additional weight of the person lying on the cushion.

[0064] The support device 2 according to the invention has a simple and robust structure and is suitable for applying large adjustment forces, which are necessary, for example, when adjusting the support member 6 under the weight of a person lying on a cushion supported by the support device 2.

[0065] In principle, the manipulation of the Bowden lines assigned to drive chains 24 and 26 can be achieved by separate furniture drive units that are synchronized in control technology. However, for structural simplicity, this manipulation is preferably achieved by a common furniture drive unit that synchronously manipulates both Bowden lines, as disclosed, for example, by EP 2 792 277 B1. In this way, twisting of the support member 6 during adjustment is reliably avoided.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive mechanism is implemented by two drive chains respectively assigned to the longitudinal beams 14, 18 and 16, 20. While maintaining the basic principles of the invention, a single drive chain may also be used, which is disposed in the longitudinal midplane of the support member 6 or the base member 4.

[0067] According to the present invention, "wedge-like function" is understood to mean that the relevant component performs the function of a wedge or inclined plane, regardless of its shape and construction.

[0068] exist Figure 2 A second embodiment of the support device 2 according to the present invention is shown. In accordance with... Figures 1.1 to 1.9 In one embodiment, the sheath of the Bowden wire constitutes a moving part, which is moved by a furniture drive mechanism, while according to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the Bowden wire is a moving part. For example, from... Figure 2 It can be seen that, in Figure 2 The Bowden line, marked with reference numeral 36, is drawn from the support device 2 to the furniture drive device (which constitutes the electric drive device 10) in the region of the swing axis 8 of the support member.

[0069] exist Figure 3 The image shows a third embodiment of the support device 2 according to the present invention, which is similar to... Figure 2 The difference in the embodiments is that the elastic element is made of elastic wood, in which... Figure 3 In the example, only one elastic timber has reference numeral 38.

[0070] exist Figures 4.1 to 4.5 The image shows a fourth embodiment of the support device according to the present invention. The difference between this fourth embodiment and the previous embodiments is that, instead of providing two drive chains that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other and transverse to the support device 2, a single drive chain 26 is provided, which acts between the single longitudinal beam 20 of the base component 4 and the single longitudinal beam 16 of the support component 6.

[0071] In addition, such as Figures 4.1 to 4.5 The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in that a joystick device 40 is provided between the base component 4 and the support component 6 in the drive chain. The use of the joystick device and the corresponding improvements are combined with other features of the previous embodiment, but have independent inventive significance independent of the other features of the previous embodiment.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the joystick device 40 has an erecting lever device 42 having at least one erecting lever, which serves as an adjustment element in the sense of the present invention.

[0073] Figures 4.1 to 4.3 The support device 2 is shown in the final position of the adjustment movement, wherein, Figure 4.2 and 4.3 Some components have been omitted for explanation purposes.

[0074] Figure 4.4 and Figure 4.5 The support device is shown in its unadjusted initial position during the adjustment of the movement, wherein... Figure 4.4 and Figure 4.5 Some components have also been omitted for the sake of explanation.

[0075] Specifically, the erecting rod device 42 (see in particular) Figure 4.5 It has a first lifting rod 44, one end of which is hinged to the ground and connected to the driven member 28 around a first hinge axis 46, while the other end of the first lifting rod is hinged to the ground and connected to one end of a second lifting rod 50 around a second hinge axis 48, and the free end of the second lifting rod is in active connection with a stroke guide element 52 that acts like a wedge.

[0076] The connection between the second vertical rod 50 and the stroke guide element 52 is designed such that the movement starts from the unadjusted initial position (see...). Figure 4.4 In the first movement phase, the erecting rods 44 and 50 perform translational movements without being erected, wherein the erecting rods 44 and 50 are guided in the linear guide rail 30 and the free end of the second erecting rod 50 interacts with the stroke guide element 52 to cause the support member 6 to swing relative to the base member 4. In the second movement phase, the free end of the second erecting rod 50 hits the stop, thereby erecting the erecting rods 44 and 50 relative to each other about the second hinge axis 48, wherein the support member 6 continues to swing relative to the base member 4 about the support member swing axis 8 until the final position of the adjustment movement is reached.

[0077] Especially from Figure 4.5 As can be seen, the stroke guide element 52 has a cross-section that is at least partially gradually increasing along the linear axis of the adjusting element.

[0078] Here, the stroke guide element 52 is shaped such that its cross-section gradually expands along a linear axis, so that the adjusting element contacts the smaller or smallest cross-sectional section of the stroke guide element 52 within the initial position of the adjusting movement and the larger or largest cross-sectional section of the stroke guide element 52 within the final position of the adjusting movement. For example, particularly from... Figure 4.5 As can be seen, the stroke guide element 52 is designed as a wedge in the illustrated embodiment, wherein its cross-section gradually expands in the direction of the swing axis 8 of the support member, that is, along the direction in which the erecting rod device 42, which serves as the adjustment element, moves from the initial position to the final position during adjustment.

[0079] Depending on the specific structural requirements, the stroke guide element 52 can also be shaped such that its cross-section is at least partially arc-shaped or gradually widens in a sloping manner. Any combination of arc-shaped and straight cross-sectional segments is also feasible. The kinematic characteristics of the adjustment motion are defined by the cross-sectional shape of the stroke guide element 52. This also applies to the other embodiments of the invention described above and those to be detailed later below.

[0080] The erecting rod device 42 used as an adjusting element and such Figures 1.1 to 1.9 The embodiments are consistent with those of the linear guide rail 30, which is composed of a U-shaped profile of longitudinal beam 18.

[0081] From Figure 4.4Starting from the initial position of the adjustment movement shown, the furniture drive mechanism (electric drive mechanism) assigned to the adjustment element is manipulated, causing the erector lever 42 to move to the right in the figure without being erected in the linear guide rail 30. Here, the free end of the second erector lever 50 moves below the stroke guide element 52, causing the stroke guide element to swing clockwise about the support member swing axis 8 in the figure. Thus, the support member 6 swings relative to the base member 4 in the desired manner. By moving the free end of the second erector lever 50 below the stroke guide element 52 at the start of the adjustment movement, the dead point during the adjustment of the support member 6 is overcome.

[0082] At the end of the first movement phase, the free end of the second erecting rod 50 strikes the end of the linear guide rail 30 that serves as a stop, causing the erecting rods 44 and 50 to swing relative to each other around the second hinge axis 2, thereby causing the support member 6 to continue swinging around the support member swing axis 8 until it reaches the point where... Figure 4.1 The final position of the adjustment movement is shown.

[0083] For example, especially from Figure 4.5 It can be seen that a roller device 54 is provided on the free end of the second erecting rod 50 in order to reduce the friction of the erecting rod device 42 in the linear guide rail 30.

[0084] exist Figure 5.1 and Figure 5.2 A variation of the previous embodiment is shown, which differs from the previous embodiment in that the erecting rods 44 and 50 have greater lengths. In this way, the swing stroke in the swinging motion of the support member 6 relative to the base member 4 is increased and the load on the electric drive device is reduced. Figure 5.1 The support device 2 is shown in its final position during adjustment. Figure 5.2 The support device 2 is shown in its unadjusted initial position during the adjustment movement.

[0085] exist Figures 6.1 to 6.5 As shown in Figures 4.1 to 4.5 Another variation of the embodiment, which is similar to... Figures 4.1 to 4.5 The difference in the embodiments is that the electric drive device 10 is not based on the working principle of Bowden wire, but on the working principle of screw drive device.

[0086] The electric drive unit 10 has an electric motor 56, which is rotaryly driven connected to a rotatably supported lead screw via a worm gear transmission. A lead screw nut 58 is provided on the lead screw, which is non-rotatable relative to the lead screw but axially movable. Such lead screw transmission devices are well known to those skilled in the art of furniture drive systems and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0087] The lead screw nut 58 is connected to the erecting rod device 42 via connecting plates 60, 62 extending longitudinally along the linear guide rail 30. The connecting plates can be made of metal strips, for example, and the lead screw is accommodated between the connecting plates.

[0088] From Figure 6.4 and Figure 6.5 Starting from the initial position of the adjustment movement shown, the motor 56 drives the lead screw, causing the lead screw nut 58 to move to the right as shown in the figure. The swing adjustment of the support member 6 relative to the base member 4 is achieved in two consecutive movement phases, as for example... Figures 4.1 to 4.5 As illustrated in the embodiments.

[0089] By replacing the Bowden wire drive with a lead screw drive, the drive chain 26 has high rigidity.

[0090] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in the embodiments described above and to be detailed below, the Bowden line drive can be replaced by a drive with a lead screw drive.

[0091] exist Figures 7.1 to 7.4 Another embodiment of the support device 2 according to the invention using a joystick device is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the joystick device has a single joystick 66 oscillating about a joystick pivot axis 64 fixed in position and supported on a base member 4, the free end of which has a roller 68 (see [link to illustration]). Figure 7.3 The support component 6 is loosely placed on the roller with its lower surface.

[0092] A travel guide element 52 is fixed to the lower surface of the control lever 66. This travel guide element interacts with an adjustment element for adjusting the support member 6 relative to the base member 4. In this embodiment, the adjustment element is designed as a roller slide 68 (see...). Figure 7.4 The roller slide 68 has rollers 70 and 72 on its side facing the linear guide 30, and the roller slide moves on these two rollers within the linear guide 30. The roller slide 68 has another roller 74 on its side facing the stroke guide element 52, and the roller slide 68 contacts the stroke guide element 52 with this other roller during adjustment movements.

[0093] As from Figure 7.4 As can be seen, the stroke guide element 52 has a slender, wedge-shaped contact surface with a cross-section that gradually expands toward the joystick swing axis 64.

[0094] The roller slide 68 is in traction connection with the moving parts of the Bowden line of the Bowden line drive device.

[0095] Figure 7.1The support device 2 is shown in its final position during adjustment. Figures 7.2 to 7.4 The support device is shown in its initial position. From this initial position, the Bowden line drive is operated so that the roller slide 68 is pulled to the left in the linear guide 30 (see figure). Here, the roller slide 68 moves below the stroke guide element 52, thereby causing the operating lever 66 to... Figure 7.1 It swings counterclockwise. Therefore, the support member 6, loosely placed on the free end of the control lever 66, swings clockwise until it reaches the... Figure 7.1 The final position of the adjustment movement is shown.

[0096] exist Figures 8.1 to 8.5 The image shows a variation of the previous embodiment, which differs from the previous embodiment in that it does not provide a Bowden wire drive device, but instead provides a screw drive device 57 with a screw nut 58 disposed on the screw 76.

[0097] Figure 8.1 The support device 2 is shown in its final position during adjustment. Figures 8.2 to 8.5 The support device 2 is shown in its initial position for adjusting the movement. Here, for illustrative purposes, [it is not shown here]. Figures 8.2 to 8.4 Some components of the support device 2 are omitted from the text. Figure 8.5 The travel guide element 52 used in this embodiment is shown separately.

[0098] Especially by Figure 8.4 As can be seen, the control lever 66 has two control lever parts 78 and 80 that are radially spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other along the lead screw 76, and the lead screw 76 is guided between the two control lever parts during the adjustment movement.

[0099] exist Figures 9.1 to 9.8 Another embodiment of the support device 2 according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a joystick device 40 with a joystick transmission device 82 is provided in the drive chain between the base component 4 and the support component 6.

[0100] The joystick drive mechanism 82 has a first joystick 84, which is supported on the base member 4 in a manner that allows it to swing about a joystick swing axis 86 that is parallel to and fixed in position with respect to the swing axis 8 of the support member. A second joystick 92 is hinged to one end of the first joystick 84 at a first connection point 90, about a first joystick hinge axis 88 parallel to the swing axis 86. The other end of the second joystick 92 is hinged to and swingably connected at the second connection point 96 to one end of a third joystick 98 about a second joystick hinge axis 94 parallel to the first joystick hinge axis 88. The other end of the third joystick is swingably guided and axially movable along a linear axis in the elongated guide rail 100. The end of the third joystick 98 connected to the second joystick 92 is movably guided along the longitudinal direction of the support member 6 at the second connection point 96 and hingedly connected to the support member.

[0101] The joysticks 84, 92, and 98 are designed and connected to the base component 4 or support component 6 and the drive device, and are in an active connection such that:

[0102] Starting from the initial position of the adjustment movement, in the first movement phase, the first control lever 84 is oscillating about the fixed control lever hinge axis 86, wherein the support member 6 is oscillating about the support member swing axis 8 while resting flat on the second control lever 92; the second control lever 92 moves along the longitudinal direction of the support member 4 in a direction away from the support member swing axis 8; and the third control lever moves in the elongated guide rail 100 in a direction away from the support member swing axis 8 until the third control lever 98 hits a stop formed by the end of the elongated guide rail away from the support member swing axis 8 in the elongated guide rail 100, and

[0103] In the second movement phase, the first control lever 84 continues to swing around the fixed control lever swing axis 86, while the third control lever 98 swings around the end of the elongated guide rail 100 away from the swing axis 8 of the support member; the support member 6 is lifted from the first connection point 90 located between the first control lever 84 and the second control lever 92 and moves from the second connection point located between the second control lever 92 and the third control lever 98 toward the end of the support member away from the first swing axis until the final position of the adjustment movement is reached.

[0104] Figure 9.5 The diagram shows a stroke guide element 52 fixed to the side of the first lever 84 facing the linear guide 30 and interacting with a roller slide 68 guided within the linear guide 30. The first lever 84 swings about a lever pivot axis 86 accordingly, as shown in the diagram. Figures 8.1 to 8.5 The corresponding implementation method is as described in the examples.

[0105] Figures 9.6 to 9.8 It is a schematic diagram and shows the motion model of this embodiment to illustrate the various motion stages.

[0106] exist Figure 9.6 In the first movement phase shown, the first joystick 84 is swung counterclockwise around the joystick swing axis 86. Here, the end of the third joystick 98 away from the support member 6 moves in the elongated guide rail 100 toward the joystick swing axis 86, wherein the support member 6 rests flat on the third joystick 98 at connection points 90, 96 and the third joystick 98 moves relative to the support member 6 toward the free end of the third joystick.

[0107] At the end of the first movement phase, the third lever 98 contacts the end of the elongated guide rail 100 near the lever swing axis 86, thereby preventing further translational movement in the direction of the lever swing axis 86 and also causing the third lever 98 to swing counterclockwise. Here, the support member 6 is lifted from the second lever 92 at the first connection point 90, wherein the second connection point 96 moves toward the free end of the support member 6, as in Figure 9.7 As shown in the image.

[0108] Figure 9.8 The final position of the adjustment movement is shown.

[0109] Figure 9.1 As shown, the joystick device, consisting of joysticks 84, 92, and 98, forms a parallelogram structure in the final position of the adjustment movement.

[0110] from Figure 9.1 It can also be seen that the first joystick 84 and the third joystick 98 have a relatively long length, while the second joystick 92 is designed as a shorter connecting rod. The length dimensions of the joysticks 84, 92 and 98 are designed such that the length of the first joystick 84 plus the length of the second joystick 92 is equivalent to the length of the third joystick 98 plus the distance along the linear axis between the joystick swing axis 86 and the end of the elongated guide rail 100 away from the joystick swing axis 86.

[0111] In addition, especially from Figure 9.1 and Figure 9.2 It can also be seen that the third joystick 98 is composed of two parallel joystick components spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the joystick swing axis 86. In the initial position of the adjustment movement, the ends of the second joystick 92 and the first joystick 84 near the second joystick 92 are accommodated between these two joystick components, as shown from... Figure 9.1 visible.

[0112] exist Figures 10.1 to 10.7 Another embodiment of the support device according to the invention using a joystick drive 102 is shown.

[0113] Figure 10.1 The support device 2 is shown in its final position during adjustment. Figure 10.2 and Figure 10.3 The support device 2 is shown in the initial position of the adjustment movement.

[0114] Figures 10.4 to 10.7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the various motion stages of adjusting the motion in this embodiment.

[0115] As in the aforementioned embodiments, the support device 2 has a base component 4 and a support component 6, the support component being connected to the base component 4 in a manner that allows it to swing about a swing axis 8. To enable the support component 6 to swing relative to the base component 4, an electric drive device (furniture drive device) is provided, which is in drive connection with an adjustment element capable of translating along a linear axis.

[0116] The joystick drive 102 has a single-arm first joystick 104, which is supported on the base member 4 in a manner that allows it to swing about a joystick swing axis 106 that is parallel to and fixed in position to the swing axis 8 of the support member. The joystick drive 102 also has a double-arm second joystick 108, wherein the free end of the first joystick 104, away from the joystick swing axis 106, is hinged to the second joystick 108 about the first joystick hinge axis 110 and away from both ends of the second joystick. One end of the second joystick 108 is guided in a linear guide rail 112 to translate relative to the joystick swing axis 106, while the other end of the second joystick 108 is hinged to and movably connected to the support member 6 along its longitudinal direction.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting element is composed of a slide 114, which is in drive connection with an electric drive device and can move in the linear guide 112 under the action of the electric drive device.

[0118] The operative connection between the joystick transmission device 102, the electric drive device, the base component 4, and the support component 6 is designed such that:

[0119] Starting from the initial position of the adjustment movement, in the first phase of the movement, the end of the second lever 108 guided in the linear guide 112 moves toward the lever swing axis 106, wherein the other end of the second lever 108 is located in the region of the end of the support member 6 away from the support member swing axis 8, thereby causing the support member 6 to swing about the support member swing axis 8.

[0120] In the second movement phase, the end of the second joystick 108 near the joystick swing axis 106 continues to move toward the joystick swing axis 106, while the end of the second joystick 108 away from the joystick swing axis 106 moves toward the support member swing axis relative to the support member 6, thereby causing the support member 6 to continue to swing around the support member swing axis 8 relative to the base member 4 until the final position of the adjustment movement is reached.

[0121] Figures 10.3 to 10.6 It is a schematic diagram and shows a motion model of an embodiment to illustrate the various motion stages.

[0122] In the initial, unadjusted position for adjusting the motion, the support member 6 rests flat on the base member 4, with the levers 104 and 108 lying flat within the linear guide 112. In this position, the end of the second lever 108 near the support member 6 is spaced apart from the free end of the support member 6.

[0123] Starting from this position, the slide 114 is driven by an electric drive device, causing it to move to the left in the figure and press against the end of the second lever that is guided in the linear guide 112, thereby pressing this end in the linear guide 112 to the left in the figure. This causes the first lever 104 to swing counterclockwise about the lever swing axis 106 in the figure and causes the second lever 108 to swing clockwise relative to the first lever 104 about the lever hinge axis 110.

[0124] Here, the end of the second lever 108 guided on the support member 6 moves toward the free end of the support member 6 until the lever 108 hits a stop at that free end, as in Figure 10.4 As shown in the image.

[0125] As the slide 114 continues to move to the left in the linear guide 112 as shown in the figure, the second control lever 108 continues to swing clockwise around the control lever hinge axis 110, wherein the support member 6 continues to swing clockwise as shown in the figure. Figure 10.5 As shown in the image.

[0126] As the slide 114 continues to move to the left in the linear guide 112 as shown in the figure, the support member 6 continues to swing clockwise, wherein the end of the second control lever 108 guided on the support member 6 begins to move away from the free end of the support member toward the swing axis 8 of the support member, until it reaches the point where... Figure 10.7 The final position of the adjustment movement is shown.

Claims

1. Electrically adjustable support device (2) for supporting a cushion of a seat and / or a couch, having a base part (4), a support part (6) which is connected to the base part (4) in a manner that it can be pivoted about a support part pivot axis (8), and an electric drive device (10) which is in operative connection with the base part (4) and the support part (6) for the purpose of adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4), the base part (4) and the support part (6) being designed and in operative connection with the drive device (10) in such a way that the support part (6) can be adjusted between an unadjusted initial position of the adjustment movement, in which the support part (6) lies flat on the base part (4), and a final position of the adjustment movement, in which the support part (6) is arranged at an angle to the base part (4), characterized in that the drive device (10) has at least one drive train (24, 26) by which it is in driving connection with an adjustment element (32) which can be moved in translation along a straight axis, so that the adjustment element (32) can be moved by the drive device (10) between an initial position, which corresponds to the unadjusted initial position of the support part (6), and a final position, which corresponds to the final position of the adjustment movement, the drive device (10) being designed and in operative connection with the adjustment element (32) in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4), and at least one wedge-like acting travel guide element (34) is provided on the base part (4) and / or the support part (6), which is shaped and in operative connection with or can be brought into operative connection with the adjustment element (32) in such a way that, when a relative movement between the adjustment element (32) and the travel guide element (34) along the straight axis takes place, the support part (6) is pivoted about the support part pivot axis (8) in relation to the base part (4). The wedge-like acting travel guide element (34) is provided on the support part (6). The travel guide element (34) is provided on the support part (6) in the region of the support part pivot axis (8). The adjustment element (32) is provided on the base part (4).

2. Support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device (10) has a drive motor (12) and a transmission (14) which is in driving connection with the drive motor (12) and the adjustment element (32).

3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive device (10) has a drive motor (12) and a transmission (14) which is in driving connection with the drive motor (12) and the adjustment element (32), and the transmission (14) is designed in such a way that, when the drive motor (12) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

4. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4). wherein 5. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

6. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

7. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

8. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

9. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

2. The support device of claim 1, wherein, 10. Support device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment element (32) is designed in such a way that, when the drive device (10) is actuated, the adjustment element (32) is moved in translation along its straight axis from the drive device (10) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) for adjusting the support part (6) in relation to the base part (4).

3. Support device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ​ 4. The support device of claim 1 or 2, wherein ​ 5. The support device of claim 1 or 2, wherein The adjustment element (32) is designed in the shape of a nose and projects beyond the base part (4) and is accommodated in a recess formed on the support part (6) in the initial position of the adjustment movement, the inner wall of the recess forming a contact surface for the adjustment element (32), the cross section of the contact surface tapering in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8) in order to cause the support part (6) to pivot or be able to pivot about the support part pivot axis (8) upon translational movement of the adjustment element (32) in the direction of the support part pivot axis (8).

6. The support device of claim 5, wherein, The recess is formed in the support part (6) or in a separate component connected to the support part (6).

7. The support device of claim 6, wherein The component is composed of plastic and is designed as an injection-molded part.

8. The support device of claim 1, wherein, The drive (10) has at least one Bowden cable in operative connection with an electric motor, the Bowden cable having a sheath and a pull wire accommodated in the sheath, a movement part of the Bowden cable being in operative connection with the adjustment element in order to cause the adjustment element to move translationally along the straight axis.

9. The support device of claim 1 or 2, wherein In order to adjust the support part (6) relative to the base part (4), the adjustment element (32) is moved translationally relative to the travel guide element (34) in contact with the travel guide element (34), wherein the travel guide element (34) is designed or shaped and is in operative connection with the adjustment element (32) in order to cause the support part (6) to pivot relative to the base part (4) about the support part pivot axis (8) upon relative translational movement between the adjustment element (32) and the travel guide element (34).

10. The support device of claim 1, wherein, At least one travel guide element (34) has a cross section which expands at least partially gradually along the straight axis of the adjustment element (32).

11. The support device of claim 10, wherein, The travel guide element (34) is shaped such that its cross section expands gradually along the straight axis, so that the adjustment element (32) comes into contact with a section of the travel guide element (34) having a smaller or minimum cross section in the range of the initial position of the adjustment movement and comes into contact with a section of the travel guide element (34) having a larger or maximum cross section in the range of the final position of the adjustment movement.

12. Support device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that At least one travel guide element (34) is shaped such that its cross section expands at least partially in the shape of an arc or in the shape of a ramp.

13. The support device of claim 1, wherein, A joystick device (40) having at least one joystick is provided in the drive train (24, 26) between the base part (4) and the support part (6).

14. The support device of claim 13, wherein, The joystick device (40) has a riser device (42) having at least one riser (44, 50). The riser device (42) has at least one riser (44, 50).

15. The support device of claim 14, wherein, The erecting lever device (42) has a first erecting lever (44), one end of which is articulated and connected to a driven member (28) or to a member connected to the driven member about a first articulation axis (46), and the other end of which is articulated and connected to a second erecting lever (50) about a second articulation axis (48), the free end of the second erecting lever being in operative connection with the travel guide element (34) acting like a wedge, wherein the operative connection between the second erecting lever (50) and the travel guide element (34) is designed such that, starting from the initial position of the adjustment movement, in a first movement phase the erecting levers (44, 50) perform a translational movement without being erected, wherein the free end of the second erecting lever (50) interacts with the travel guide element (34) to swing the support member (6) relative to the base member (4), and in a second movement phase the free end of the second erecting lever (50) hits a stop, so that the erecting levers (44, 50) are erected relatively to the swing about the second articulation axis (48), whereby the support member (6) continues to swing relative to the base member (4) about the support member swing axis until the final position of the adjustment movement is reached.

16. The support apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The adjustment element (32) is guided along the straight axis in a straight guide rail (30) formed on the base member (4).

17. The support device of claim 16, wherein, The erecting lever device (42) is guided in the straight guide rail (30).

18. The support device of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, The control lever device has a control lever transmission (82, 102).

19. The support device of claim 18, wherein, The control lever transmission (82) has a first control lever (84) which is supported on the base member (4) in a manner that it can swing about a control lever swing axis (86) which is fixed in position parallel to the support member swing axis (8), wherein one end of a second control lever (92) is articulated and connected in a first connection point (90) away from the control lever swing axis (86) and about a first articulation axis (88) which is parallel to the control lever swing axis, the other end of the second control lever being swingably connected to one end of a third control lever (98) in a second connection point (96) and about a second articulation axis (94) which is parallel to the first articulation axis (88), the other end of the third control lever being swingably guided and displaceable along the straight axis in a long-hole guide rail (100), wherein the end of the third control lever (98) connected to the second control lever (92) in the second connection point (96) is displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the support member (6) on the support member and is articulated to the support member, wherein the control levers (84, 92, 98) are designed and connected to the base member (4) or to the support member (6) and the drive device in such a way that: - from the initial position of the adjustment movement, in a first movement phase, the first lever (84) is swung about the position-fixed lever swing axis (86), wherein the support part (6) is swung about the support part swing axis (8) lying on the second lever (92); the second lever (92) is moved in the longitudinal direction of the support part (6) away from the support part swing axis (8); and the third lever (98) is moved in the long-hole guide (100) away from the support part swing axis (8) until the third lever (98) strikes an end stop formed by the end of the long-hole guide (100) that is remote from the support part swing axis (8), and - in a second movement phase, the first lever (84) is continued to be swung about the position-fixed lever swing axis (86), wherein the third lever (98) is swung about the end of the long-hole guide (100) that is remote from the support part swing axis (8); the support part (6) is lifted from the first connection point (90) between the first lever (84) and the second lever (92) and is moved in the direction of the end of the support part that is remote from the swing axis between the second connection point (96) between the second lever (92) and the third lever (98) until the final position of the adjustment movement is reached.

20. The support device of claim 18, wherein, The lever transmission (102) has a single-armed first lever (104) and a double-armed second lever (108), which first lever is supported on the base part (4) in such a way that it can be swung about a position-fixed lever swing axis (106) that is parallel to the support part swing axis (8), wherein the free end of the first lever (104) that is remote from the lever swing axis (106) is connected to the second lever (108) via a first articulation axis (110) in a hinged manner and remote from both ends of the second lever (108); one end of the second lever (108) is guided in a linear guide in a translational movement relative to the lever swing axis (106); and the other end of the second lever (108) is connected to the support part (6) in a hinged manner and in a movable manner in the longitudinal direction of the support part (6), wherein the operative connection between the lever transmission (102), the drive (10) and the base part (4) and the support part (6) is designed in such a way that: - from the initial position of the adjustment movement, in a first movement phase, the end of the second joystick (108) guided in the linear guide is moved towards the joystick pivot axis (106), with the other end of the second joystick (108) being located in the region of the end of the support member (6) remote from the support member pivot axis (8), thereby causing the support member (6) to pivot about the support member pivot axis (8), and - in a second movement phase, the end of the second joystick (108) close to the joystick pivot axis (106) continues to move towards the joystick pivot axis (106), while the end of the second joystick (108) remote from the joystick pivot axis (106) is moved relative to the support member (6) towards the support member pivot axis (8), thereby causing the support member (6) to continue to pivot about the support member pivot axis (8) relative to the base member (4) until the final position of the adjustment movement is reached.

Images