The invention relates to a support device (15) for a press brake, comprising a base frame (24) and a support plate (17) with a bearing surface (18) which can be positioned between a base position (26) and a maximum position (27). The support plate (17) is arranged on a lever linkage system (25) which is connected to a drive unit (32) and which is designed as a parallel kinematics system. The drive unit (32) comprises a crank (35), which is connected to a positioning drive (33) designed as a rotary drive (34), and a rocker (54), which is connected to the crank in an articulated manner. The rocker (54) is connected to the crank (35) by means of an eight rotary joint (55) and to the lever linkage system (25) by means of a ninth rotary joint (56).