Nursing device

Abstract

The utility model provides a nursing device. The nursing device comprises a base table; a support part having a torso support part for supporting the torso of the person to be cared and a pair of armpit support parts for supporting the left and right armpits of the person to be cared, respectively; a drive unit that moves the support unit in the vertical direction with respect to the base; the supporting piece is used for supporting the back surface of the nursed person; the rear side belt is arranged on the supporting piece; a front belt provided on the torso support part; and a buckle that detachably connects the rear side belt and the front side belt.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with the application number 202190001069.X, the application date of November 8, 2021, and the utility model name of "nursing device, auxiliary, torso pad, and underarm pad". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present specification relates to a nursing device that assists the movement of a care recipient, an auxiliary for a nursing device, a torso pad, and an underarm pad. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the development of an aging society, the demand for nursing devices has increased. A nursing device generally drives a support portion that supports a part of the body of a care recipient to assist various movements of the care recipient. A nursing device that assists the standing movement and the sitting movement of a care recipient mostly has a torso support portion that supports the torso of the care recipient and a pair of underarm support portions that respectively support the left and right underarms of the care recipient. By the use of a nursing device, the burden on the body of the care recipient and the caregiver is reduced, and the shortage of caregivers is also alleviated. Technical examples of such a nursing device are disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2.

[0004] The nursing device of Patent Literature 1 has a base, an arm provided on the base in a swingable manner, a support portion that supports a care recipient and is provided on the arm in a swingable manner, an actuator, and a link mechanism that transmits a first movement of the actuator to the support portion and transmits a second movement to the arm. Accordingly, by driving the support portion and the arm using one actuator, the comfort of use of the care recipient is improved, and the cost is lower compared to the prior art using two actuators.

[0005] Furthermore, the posture conversion device of Patent Literature 2 uses a sling that supports the upper body and the hips of a patient to convert the posture of the patient. The sling has an upper arm portion that is hooked to a hook portion of a chest pad and a lower arm portion that is hooked to a hook portion of a sliding member, whereby the patient becomes integrated with the device. Accordingly, it is possible to convert the posture of the patient between a sitting posture and a standing posture without causing the patient to feel uncomfortable, and it is possible to be applied to patients who are not the target in the existing device.

[0006] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0007] PATENT LITERATURE

[0008] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 168112

[0009] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-570 UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0010] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE UTILITY MODEL

[0011] However, the nursing device of Patent Literature 1 is difficult to apply to a care recipient who has a functional decline or an obstacle in a part of a trunk. Such a care recipient is difficult to sufficiently lean forward the upper body and lean against the support portion, and the nursing device cannot exert the original function. Also, a care recipient who has weak strength in the lower body has most of the body weight supported by the underarm support portion, and thus a large load acts on the underarm. Therefore, the care recipient easily feels pain in the underarm, and it is difficult to use the nursing device.

[0012] In view of the above-described problems, the posture conversion device of Patent Literature 2 can take a care recipient who has a functional decline or an obstacle as an object. However, the sling is a large device that supports the upper body to the hips of the patient. Therefore, the care recipient temporarily takes a stooped posture, and the caregiver performs difficult assistance of making the sling enter between the hips of the patient and the chair and fitting. As a result, the physical burden on both the care recipient and the caregiver becomes large.

[0013] Therefore, in the present specification, the problem to be solved is to provide a nursing device capable of expanding the range of applicable care recipients, an assistive tool capable of being used for the nursing device and expanding the range of applicable care recipients, a trunk pad, and an underarm pad.

[0014] Means for solving the problem

[0015] The present specification discloses a nursing device including: a base; a support portion that supports an upper body of a care recipient; a drive portion that moves the support portion in a vertical direction with respect to the base; and an assistive tool that assists an action of leaning forward the upper body of the care recipient in a seated position and leaning against the support portion in a ready position when the care recipient gets on.

[0016] Also, the present specification discloses an assistive tool for a nursing device including: a base; a support portion that supports an upper body of a care recipient; and a drive portion that moves the support portion in a vertical direction with respect to the base, the assistive tool assisting an action of leaning forward the upper body of the care recipient in a seated position and leaning against the support portion in a ready position when the care recipient gets on.

[0017] Also, the present specification discloses a trunk pad for a nursing device including: a base; a trunk support portion that supports a trunk of a care recipient; and a drive portion that moves the trunk support portion in a vertical direction with respect to the base, the trunk pad being inserted into a gap generated between the care recipient leaning against the trunk support portion and the trunk support portion.

[0018] Further, the present specification discloses an armpit pad for a nursing device, the nursing device having: a base; a pair of armpit supporting portions that support the left and right armpits of a nursing target, respectively; and a drive portion that moves the pair of armpit supporting portions in the up-and-down direction with respect to the base, the armpit pad being interposed between the armpits of the nursing target and the armpit supporting portions, deforming by an acting load to increase the contact area with the armpits of the nursing target.

[0019] Utility model effect

[0020] According to the disclosed nursing device, the auxiliary member assists the action of leaning against the supporting portion in the prepared position for the nursing target who has been conventionally inapplicable, in other words, the nursing target who is difficult to lean forward the upper body in the sitting position, and thus the nursing target is supported by the supporting portion. Further, the supporting portion is moved upward by the drive portion, and thus the standing action from the sitting position to the standing position of the nursing target is assisted. Therefore, the disclosed nursing device can add a part of the nursing targets who have been conventionally inapplicable to the applicable range, and thus the range of the applicable nursing targets is expanded.

[0021] Further, the disclosed auxiliary member assists the action of leaning against the supporting portion for the nursing target who has been conventionally inapplicable, in other words, the nursing target who is difficult to lean forward the upper body in the sitting position. Thus, even the nursing device of the conventional structure can exert the original function for the nursing target by using the auxiliary member. Therefore, the disclosed auxiliary member can expand the range of the applicable nursing targets.

[0022] Further, the disclosed trunk pad can fill the gap between the trunk supporting portion for the nursing target who has been conventionally inapplicable, in other words, the nursing target who has the gap between the trunk supporting portion. Thus, even the nursing device of the conventional structure can exert the original function for the nursing target by using the trunk pad. Therefore, the disclosed trunk pad can expand the range of the applicable nursing targets.

[0023] Further, the disclosed armpit pad can increase the contact area with the armpits of the nursing target for the nursing target who has been conventionally inapplicable, in other words, the nursing target who feels pain in the armpits at the time of using the nursing device, and thus the pain is alleviated. Thus, even the nursing device of the conventional structure can achieve the use for the nursing target by using the armpit pad. Therefore, the disclosed armpit pad can expand the range of the applicable nursing targets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the nursing device of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 is a side view showing the overall structure of the nursing device.

[0026] Figure 3 is a side view showing an initial state in which the care receiver rides on the care device.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a support member and a rear belt that constitute the assisting member.

[0028] Figure 5 is a plan view of the support member and the rear belt.

[0029] Figure 6 is a plan view of a support member of a modification example.

[0030] Figure 7 is a diagram of a flowchart that explains steps of using the care device.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view that schematically shows an initial state of the assisting member.

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view that schematically shows a state in which the support member is temporarily fixed to the back of the care receiver using a temporary fixing member.

[0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view that schematically shows a state in which an elongation operation is performed on the front belt.

[0034] Figure 11 is a perspective view that schematically shows a state in which the front belt is connected to the rear belt using a belt buckle.

[0035] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the assisting member of the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a torso pad and a pair of underarm pads used in the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the care receiver rides on the care device and uses the assisting member, the torso pad, and the pair of underarm pads. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 1. Overall structure of the care device 1 of the first embodiment

[0039] Reference Figures 1-3 and explain the overall structure of the care device 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the care device 1 of the first embodiment includes a care device main body 2 and an assisting member 3. Figure 1The front and rear and left and right of the nursing device 1 are determined as indicated by arrows shown at the upper right. The nursing device 1 is used for transfer between two places in a room, such as transfer of the care recipient M between a bed and a wheelchair, transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet seat, and the like. Also, in the case where the two places for transfer are apart, the nursing device 1 is also used for the purpose of allowing the care recipient M to ride and move. For example, the nursing device 1 is used for the purpose of moving the care recipient M from a living room to a toilet, a dining room, and the like. The nursing device 1 supports the upper body of the care recipient M and assists in a standing-up action from a sitting posture to a standing posture and a seating action from the standing posture to the sitting posture.

[0040] Here, the standing posture refers to a posture in which the hips are lifted from a seat surface and the legs are straightened, and includes a standing posture and a stooped posture. That is, the standing posture includes a standing posture in which the upper body is substantially upright and a stooped posture in which the upper body is inclined forward, and the like. The nursing device 1 is composed of a base 2, an arm member 3, a support portion 6 including a torso support portion 4 and an underarm support portion 5, a drive portion 7, and an omitted control portion, and the like.

[0041] The base 2 is a place for the care recipient M to ride. The base 2 is assembled with the arm member 3 and the drive portion 7. The base 2 is formed of a pedal 20, a pair of left and right pipe frames 21, and a pair of left and right assembly frames 22, and the like. The pedal 20 is formed of a metal or resin plate and extends horizontally at a position slightly higher than a floor surface. The edges of the pedal 20 to the left and right are bent downward. A middle wheel 26 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the lower surface of the front of the pedal 20. A rear wheel 27 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the lower surface of the rear end portion of the pedal 20. The pedal 20 is a member for the care recipient M to put his or her feet on.

[0042] The pipe frames 21 are formed by bending processing of a metal pipe. The pair of left and right pipe frames 21 are attached to the lower side of the pedal 20 and extend forward. The front portion of each pipe frame 21 is bent obliquely upward and forward of the front of the pedal 20. The assembly frames 22 in the shape of a plate that stand up are provided on the front sides of the pair of pipe frames 21. The drive support portions 28 are provided at the middle positions of the front of the pair of pipe frames 21.

[0043] Swivel support seats 29 are provided on the upper portions of the pair of assembly frames 22. Front wheels 25 are provided on the lower sides of the pair of assembly frames 22. The middle wheels 26 and the rear wheels 27 are smaller in diameter than the front wheels 25. The front wheels 25, the middle wheels 26, and the rear wheels 27 have a steering function. Therefore, the nursing device 1 can not only move straight and turn, but also move sideways and turn in place. Also, the front wheels 25 have a locking function that limits movement of the nursing device 1.

[0044] Supporting poles 2B are respectively provided at the rear of the pair of assembly frames 22 via position adjustment portions 2A. The left and right pair of supporting poles 2B extend rearward from the position adjustment portions 2A, and are bent upward. Knee abutting members 2C are installed at the upper ends of the pair of supporting poles 2B. The position adjustment portions 2A adjust the positions in the front-rear direction of the knee abutting members 2C in accordance with the body size of the person to be cared for M. The knee abutting members 2C have two recesses for the knees of the person to be cared for M to abut, and are located above the step 20. The positions of the knees are determined by the knee abutting members 2C, and the lower body of the person to be cared for M is stabilized, so that the standing-up action and the sitting-down action are stabilized.

[0045] The arm member 3 is a member that is long in the up-down direction, and the front surface thereof is curved. Left and right pair of swing shafts 31 are provided at the lower portions of the arm member 3. The pair of swing shafts 31 are respectively supported in a swingable manner to swing support seats 29 of the assembly frames 22. In order to limit the swing angle range of the arm member 3, a stop mechanism, which is not shown, is provided in the vicinity of the swing support seats 29. Thus, the arm member 3 is able to swing in the front-rear direction with respect to the base 2. The arm member 3 swings forward with the swing shafts 31 as centers at the time of the standing-up action of the person to be cared for M (counterclockwise swing in the drawing). Figure 2 Further, the arm member 3 swings rearward with the swing shafts 31 as centers at the time of the sitting-down action of the person to be cared for M.

[0046] A battery 32 and a link mechanism, which are not shown in the drawing, are housed in the arm member 3. The battery 32 is a power source of the driving portion 7 and the control portion. The battery 32, which has weight, is disposed on the front surface of the arm member 3, and corresponds to the body weight of the person to be cared for M who rides on the rear of the arm member 3, and stabilizes the horizontal state of the care device 1. A swing support portion 33 is provided at the rear side of the upper portion of the arm member 3. Further, a handle 34 is provided at the upper portion of the arm member 3. The handle 34 is formed in a substantially quadrangular frame shape, and extends to the obliquely front upper portion of the arm member 3. The handle 34 can be held by the person to be cared for M, and can be held by a caregiver in order to move the care device 1.

[0047] The support portion 6 is provided at the rear side of the swing support portion 33 in a swingable manner. The support portion 6 is configured to include the torso support portion 4 and a pair of underarm support portions 5. The torso support portion 4 is installed at the rear side of the swing support portion 33. The torso support portion 4 is formed in a substantially quadrangular shape by laminating a metal plate, a hard cushion member, and a soft cushion member. The torso support portion 4 has sufficient mechanical strength capable of supporting the body weight of the person to be cared for M. The torso support portion 4 supports the person to be cared for M whose upper body is inclined forward, mainly from the chest to the vicinity of the abdomen.

[0048] A pair of underarm supporting portions 5 is arranged on both sides of the torso supporting portion 4. The underarm supporting portion 5 is formed in a round bar shape having a curved portion. The raised upper portion of the underarm supporting portion 5 on the upper side of the curved portion abuts against the shoulder of the care recipient M. The inclined straight portion of the underarm supporting portion 5 on the lower side of the curved portion supports the underarm of the care recipient M. The underarm supporting portion 5 functions to lift the care recipient M up at the time of the standing action of the care recipient M.

[0049] The underarm supporting portion 5 is composed of a core member and an outer peripheral member. The core member is formed using, for example, a round bar or a pipe made of metal or a hard resin. The core member has sufficient mechanical strength to support the body weight of the care recipient M. The upper portion of the core member is curved toward the torso supporting portion and becomes a connecting portion 51 (see FIG. 2) that connects the underarm supporting portion 5 to the torso supporting portion 4. Figure 2 The connecting portion 51 is combined with the torso supporting portion 4 to connect the underarm supporting portion 5 to the torso supporting portion 4.

[0050] The outer peripheral member is formed in a cylindrical shape having a wall thickness that covers the core member, using a cushioning member that can be elastically deformed. As a material of the cushioning member that forms the outer peripheral member, a sponge rubber using an ethylene-propylene rubber as a raw material can be exemplified. The outer peripheral member composed of the cushioning member is easily compressed and deformed with respect to a load acting from the care recipient M, and disperses the load.

[0051] The driving portion 7 moves the supporting portion 6 with respect to the base 2 at least in the vertical direction. At the time when the supporting portion 6 is moved to the lowermost position, a position for the care recipient M to get on is prepared. It is not limited thereto, and the prepared position of the supporting portion 6 can be a position slightly raised from the lowermost position. As the driving portion 7, a telescopic straight actuator of an electric type can be used. The driving portion 7 is installed to a driving support portion 28, and the front end of the telescopic portion is engaged with the link mechanism of the arm member 3. The driving portion 7 performs a first extension action of extending from the minimum length to a predetermined intermediate length, and a second extension action of extending from the intermediate length to the maximum length.

[0052] By the first extension action of the driving portion 7, the supporting portion 6 is driven via the link mechanism to swing forward and upward from the prepared position. By the second extension action of the driving portion 7, the arm member 3 is driven via the link mechanism to swing forward. In this way, the supporting portion 6 is moved upward and also moved forward with respect to the base 2. Thus, the care support device 1 assists the standing action of the care recipient M. Also, by the shortening action of the driving portion 7, the supporting portion 6 is moved downward and also moved backward. Thus, the care support device 1 assists the sitting action of the care recipient M. Note that the applicant of the present application discloses a detailed structure example of the link mechanism in Patent Document 1.

[0053] The control unit not shown is composed of an operator and a control main unit, etc. The operator has an up button and a down button for operating the drive unit 7. The operator is operated by a caregiver. The control main unit is a computer device having a CPU and acting by software. The control main unit controls the current flowing to the drive unit 7 according to the operation information of the up button and the down button. Thereby, the operation and stop of the drive unit 7, and the switching of the elongation operation and the shortening operation are controlled.

[0054] 2. Auxiliary 8

[0055] The nursing device 1 takes as an object a part of the person to be nursed M which is not applicable in the existing structure of the nursing device, and uses the auxiliary 8. For example, there is a case where the person to be nursed M cannot sufficiently lean forward the upper body due to the functional decline of the hip joint, abdominal muscle, back muscle, etc. of the torso, obesity of the lower abdomen, etc. of the person to be nursed M. In this case, the person to be nursed M cannot lean the upper body against the support unit 6 by the own power.

[0056] In this specification, "leaning against the support unit 6" indicates both the case of contacting the support unit 6 and the case of approaching the support unit 6 without contacting. When the person to be nursed M cannot contact the support unit 6 and is not supported, the nursing device 1 cannot exert the original function. Also, in the person to be nursed M having a disorder of hemiplegy, although the sound side of the hemi leans against the support unit 6, the paralyzed side of the hemi is difficult to lean against the support unit 6, and the same problem occurs.

[0057] As a countermeasure, the auxiliary 8 assists the action of leaning the upper body of the person to be nursed M in a sitting position forward and leaning against the support unit 6 in a prepared position when the person to be nursed M gets on. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the person to be nursed M not shown is assumed, and the auxiliary 8 in an assumed use position is shown. The auxiliary 8 is composed of a support member 81, a rear side belt 82, a front side belt 83, a belt buckle 84, a locking unit 85, and an adjustment unit 86, etc. The auxiliary 8 pulls the support member 81 supporting the back of the person to be nursed M toward the direction of the support unit 6 in the front. Thereby, the person to be nursed M can lean against the support unit 6. Note that the auxiliary 8 can be used for another kind of nursing device different from the structure of the aforementioned nursing device 1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3 , the support member 81 is fitted to contact the back of the person to be nursed M and support the back of the person to be nursed M. The position contacted by the support member 81 is set to the position of the back of the spine higher than the waistband of the trousers worn by the person to be nursed M. Thereby, the person to be nursed M can easily perform the change of the trousers, etc. in a standing position. Figure 4As shown, the support member 81 is formed into a generally rectangular shape. Furthermore, the support member 81 has a height dimension wider than the width of the two branches with branches 82 on the rear side. Moreover, as... Figure 5 As shown, the support member 81 has a width dimension that is wider from left to right compared to the back of the person being cared for, M.

[0059] The support member 81 is composed of a sheet 811 and a buffer member 812. The sheet 811 is formed into a rectangular plate shape using metal and hard resin, and has high rigidity. Therefore, the sheet 811 will not deform under the operating force of the pulling operation. The buffer member 812 is formed to the same size as the sheet 811 in rear view and is installed on the front side of the sheet 811. The buffer member 812 is formed to be thicker at the left and right ends and thinner in the center. The buffer member 812 is formed using a soft polyurethane or the like, which is easily elastically deformable under small loads.

[0060] Therefore, the buffer 812 is easily deformable and can make face-to-face contact with the back of the patient M. As a result, the operating force of the pulling operation is distributed over a large contact area of ​​the buffer 812, and is not concentrated on a specific area of ​​the patient M's back. Consequently, the patient M does not experience pain on their back.

[0061] Furthermore, it can also be used Figure 6 The support member 87 of the modified example shown. The support member 87 of the modified example has a... Figure 4 The support member 81 shown is the same size. Furthermore, the modified support member 87 can deform to make face-to-face contact with the back of the patient M through the operating force of a pulling operation. In the modified example, the operating force of the pulling operation is distributed over a larger contact area of ​​the support member 87, and is not concentrated on a specific area of ​​the back of the patient M. As a result, the patient M does not experience pain on their back.

[0062] Furthermore, temporary fasteners 88 are provided on the support members (81, 87) (see reference). Figure 1 The temporary fastener 88 temporarily secures the support members (81, 87) to the back of the person being cared for, but this is not mandatory. As the temporary fastener 88, a pair of straps extending forward from the right and left ends of the support members (81, 87) can be used. Furthermore, a connection point called a nylon buckle (registered trademark) and a face zipper (registered trademark) is provided near the front end of the left and right straps.

[0063] Accordingly, it is possible to join and temporarily fix the vicinity of the front ends of the left and right belt members on the front surface of the care recipient M after the support members (81, 87) are brought into contact with the back surface of the care recipient M. The support members (81, 87) that have been temporarily fixed do not fall, and thus the joining operation using the belt buckle 84 thereafter is facilitated. Note that the temporary fixing member 88 can also be a structure in which one belt member extending from the right end of the support member (81, 87) passes through the front surface of the care recipient M and is joined to the left end of the support member (81, 87). Also, the temporary fixing member 88 can be a structure in which the ropes extending forward from the right and left ends of the support member (81, 87) are joined and joined on the front surface of the care recipient M.

[0064] The rear side belts 82 are formed of belt-like members that can be deformed, and are provided on the left and right. As shown in FIG. 2, the left and right rear side belts 82 are joined on the rear surface of the support member 81 and are substantially a single product. However, the left and right rear side belts 82 can also be separate products. The rear portions of the rear side belts 82 are branched into two on the upper and lower sides. Also, the rear ends of the two belts that are respectively branched on the left and right are joined on the rear surface of the support member 81 and are joined to the support member 81. Figure 4

[0065] Thus, the contact areas of the widths of the two belts of the rear side belts 82 are ensured with respect to the support member 81, and thus good adhesion of the support members (81, 87) with respect to the back surface of the care recipient M can be ensured. Also, the operation force of the pulling operation can be widely dispersed to the support member 81. Also, by joining the left and right rear side belts 82, the strength and durability of the mechanical properties are improved. On the other hand, belt buckle recesses 841 are provided at the front ends of the left and right rear side belts 82. The support member 81 and the rear side belts 82 that are integrated are separated from the care device 1 and are stored when not in use.

[0066] The front side belts 83 are formed of belt-like members that can be deformed, and are provided as a pair on the left and right. The front ends of the front side belts 83 pass over the upper side of the joining portion 51 of the underarm support portion 5 and are pulled out in the forward direction. Also, the front ends of the front side belts 83 are latched to the latching portions 85 provided on the front surface of the torso support portion 4 (see FIG. 2). Figure 2 Figure 3 Note that the front ends of the front side belts 83 can also be latched to the joining portion 51. Thus, by placing the front side belts 83 on the higher position of the support portion 6, the support member 81 and the care recipient M can be reliably pulled forward. If the front side belts 83 are placed on the lower position of the support portion 6, the care recipient M can possibly slip from the underarm support portion 5 midway through the pulling of the support member 81. The front side belts 83 can be latched to the care device 1 when not in use, or can be separated from the care device 1 and stored together with the support member 81 and the rear side belts 82 when not in use.

[0067] ​​An adjustment portion 86 and a buckle protrusion 842 are arranged at the rear of the front side belt 83. The adjustment portion 86 folds back and holds the front side belt 83. Also, the adjustment portion 86 has a clutch mechanism that fixes and releases the folded-back position of the front side belt 83. In detail, the adjustment portion 86 fixes the folded-back position after pulling the rear end of the front side belt 83 in a specific direction. Also, the adjustment portion 86 releases the fixing of the folded-back position when pulling the rear end of the front side belt 83 in a direction other than the specific direction, and allows the front side belt 83 to advance and retreat. Thus, the adjustment portion 86 can adjust the effective length of the front side belt 83 (the length from the locking portion 85 to the adjustment portion 86).

[0068] The buckle 84 links the rear side belt 82 and the front side belt 83 in a detachable manner. The linked rear side belt 82 and front side belt 83 are an embodiment of an operation member that can perform an operation of pulling the support member 81 in the direction of the support portion 6 in the front direction. The buckle 84 is composed of a buckle recess 841 provided in the rear side belt 82 and a buckle protrusion 842 provided in the front side belt 83. By inserting the buckle protrusion 842 into the buckle recess 841, the rear side belt 82 and the front side belt 83 are linked, and a fall-preventing mechanism, which is omitted from the illustration, functions. The buckle 84 has a release button, which is omitted from the illustration, that releases the fall-preventing mechanism. When the release button is pressed, the buckle protrusion 842 can be detached from the buckle recess 841, and the rear side belt 82 and the front side belt 83 are separated. As the buckle 84, a linking member having a structure other than the above can also be used.

[0069] By adopting a structure in which the rear side belt 82 and the front side belt 83 are separate and are combined by the buckle 84, the assembly of the assisting member 8 to the care recipient M becomes simple and easy. Assuming a case in which the buckle 84 is omitted and the rear side belt 82 and the front side belt 83 are one operation belt, the pulling back of the long operation belt, the adjustment of the length, and the locking operation to the locking portion 85 need to be performed every time, and thus the operation is cumbersome and difficult to handle.

[0070] 3. Method of using the care device 1

[0071] Next, the method of using the assisting member 8 in the care device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 7 and Figure 3 , Figures 8-11 . Note that in Figures 8-11 , the care recipient M seated on a chair or the like is omitted from the illustration, and the state of the assisting member 8 is easily observed. Before use, the drive portion 7 is the minimum length, and the support portion 6 is in the standby position. Also, the front side belt 83 is locked to the care device 1.

[0072] In Figure 7In step S1, the caregiver M gets on the care device 1. In detail, the caregiver moves the care device 1 to the front side of the seated caregiver M. Thereby, the caregiver M can put a part of the upper body between the axillary support portions 5 and put the feet on the footboard 20. Note that the caregiver assists the caregiver M in putting the feet on the footboard 20 as necessary. At this time, the caregiver M tries to lean forward. In a case where the caregiver M can sufficiently lean forward, the caregiver M can stand up without using the assist member 8. In a case where the caregiver M cannot sufficiently lean forward, the assist member 8 is necessary. Note that in many cases, it is known in advance from the past use history that the caregiver M needs the assist member 8.

[0073] In next step S2, the caregiver prepares the integrated support member 81 and the rear side belt 82. Next, the caregiver brings the support member 81 into contact with the back of the caregiver M. At this time, the caregiver appropriately adjusts the height of the support member 81 so as to avoid the waistband of the trousers of the caregiver M. Thereby, the state shown in FIG. 8 is obtained. Next, the caregiver combines the temporary fixing member 88, and temporarily fixes the support member 81 to the back of the caregiver M. Thereby, the state shown in FIG. 9 is obtained. Next, the caregiver loosens the rear side belt 82. Thereby, the state shown in FIG. 10 is obtained. Figure 8 Figure 3 Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 11, the caregiver M places the arms on the axillary support portions 5 in the seated state. Also, the upper body of the caregiver M is substantially upright and away from the trunk support portion 4. Figure 3

[0074] In next step S3, the caregiver performs the elongation operation of the front side belt 83 using the adjustment portion 86. The caregiver generally elongates the effective length of the front side belt 83 to the maximum. Also, the caregiver turns the buckle convex portion 842 of the rear portion of the front side belt 83 toward the rear. Thereby, the state shown in FIG. 12 is obtained. In next step S4, the caregiver performs the coupling operation based on the buckle 84. Thereby, the rear side belt 82 and the front side belt 83 are coupled, and the state shown in FIG. 13 is obtained. Figure 10 Figure 11

[0075] In next step S5, the caregiver performs the shortening operation of the front side belt 83 using the adjustment portion 86. Thereby, the support member 81 is drawn toward the support portion 6. Therefore, the caregiver M can draw the upper body forward and lean forward. That is, the caregiver M cannot lean the upper body against the support portion 6 by the own strength, but can lean the upper body forward and against the support portion 6 with the help of the assist member 8 and the caregiver.

[0076] ​​​​​As a matter of caution at this time, the caregiver preferably carefully operates the adjustment section 86 in a manner that avoids causing pain to the care recipient M. In the case where the care recipient M complains of pain or a painful expression appears, the caregiver immediately discontinues the operation. Also, the left and right adjustment sections 86 are preferably adjusted to the same degree of length at the same speed, and imbalance of the left and right of the posture of the care recipient M is suppressed. Also, the caregiver can temporarily interrupt the operation of the adjustment section 86 and directly touch the care recipient M to correct the posture.

[0077] The next step S6 is implemented with respect to a part of the care recipient M. The caregiver inserts the underarm pad 95 between the underarm of the care recipient M and the underarm support section 5. Details of the underarm pad 95 are described in the second embodiment. The next step S7 is implemented with respect to a part of the care recipient M. The caregiver inserts the torso pad 91 into the gap between the care recipient M and the torso support section 4. Details of the torso pad 91 are described in the second embodiment. Note that the care recipient M with the underarm pad 95 and the torso pad 91 inserted, the care recipient M with only the underarm pad 95 inserted, the care recipient M with only the torso pad 91 inserted, and the care recipient M with neither inserted can all occur.

[0078] By the execution of the use steps so far, the preparation of the standing action of the care recipient M is completed. Therefore, in step S8, the caregiver uses the manipulator to cause the drive section 7 to perform the extension action, and assists the standing action of the care recipient M from the sitting posture to the standing posture. Next, after the movement of the nursing device 1 and the care recipient M, and the like, the caregiver uses the manipulator to cause the drive section 7 to perform the contraction action, and assists the seating action of the care recipient M from the standing posture to the sitting posture. Note that in the case where the care recipient M complains of pain or the posture of the care recipient M becomes improper midway through the standing action and the seating action, the caregiver discontinues the action of the nursing device 1 as appropriate, and directly touches the care recipient M and assists.

[0079] In the subsequent step S9, the caregiver performs the operation of separating the assisting member 8 from the care recipient M. In detail, the caregiver first uses the adjustment section 86 to perform the extension operation of the front strap 83, and causes the care recipient M to become a comfortable posture from the forward leaning posture. The caregiver then operates the buckle 84 to separate the rear strap 82 from the front strap 83. The caregiver then removes the temporary fixing member 88, and removes the support member 81 and the rear strap 82 from the care recipient M. The caregiver finally arranges the nursing device 1 main body and the support member 81 and the rear strap 82. In this way, the use of the nursing device 1 is completed.

[0080] According to the nursing device 1 of the first embodiment, the assisting member 8 assists the action of leaning against the support portion 6 in the ready position by the nursing care recipient M who is not applicable in the past, in other words, the nursing care recipient M who is difficult to lean the upper body forward in the sitting position, and thus the nursing care recipient M is supported by the support portion 6. Further, the support portion 6 is moved upward by the driving portion 7, and thus the standing action from the sitting position to the standing position of the nursing care recipient M can be assisted. Therefore, the nursing device 1 can add the nursing care recipient M who is not applicable in the past to the applicable range, and thus the range of the applicable nursing care recipient M is expanded.

[0081] Further, the assisting member 8 assists the action of leaning against the support portion 6 by the nursing care recipient M who is not applicable in the past, in other words, the nursing care recipient M who is difficult to lean the upper body forward in the sitting position. Thus, even the nursing device of the related art can exert the original function for the nursing care recipient M by using the assisting member 8. Therefore, the assisting member 8 can expand the range of the applicable nursing care recipient M.

[0082] 4. Second Embodiment

[0083] Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12-14 In the second embodiment, the structure of the main body of the nursing device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the front side belt 8B constituting the assisting member 8A is the same as that of the first embodiment. In Figure 14 In the second embodiment, the front side belt 8B is shown black for easy observation. Further, in the second embodiment, the torso pad 91 and the underarm pad 95 are used as needed.

[0084] The assisting member 8A of the second embodiment is constituted by the support member 81, the rear side belt 82, the front side belt 8B, the belt buckle 84, and the like, and does not have the locking portion 85 and the adjustment portion 86. The front side belt 8B is formed of a belt-shaped member that can be easily deformed, and is provided in a pair of left and right. A ring-shaped handle 8C for a pulling operation by the nursing care giver is provided at the front end of the front side belt 8B. On the other hand, a belt buckle protrusion 842 is provided at the rear end of the front side belt 8B. Further, a connection belt 8D having a redundant length and connecting the left and right belt buckle protrusions 842 and extending in a curved shape toward the front is provided.

[0085] The belt buckle protrusion 842 is disposed at a position further rearward than the torso support portion 4. The front side belt 8B and the connection belt 8D are pulled out to the front through the upper side of the connection portion 51 of the underarm support portion 5. Two buckles 8E are attached to the connection belt 8D. The buckles 8E are detachably locked to the front surface of the torso support portion 4. Thus, the left and right front side belts 8B can be detachable. The front side belt 8B and the connection belt 8D can be locked to the nursing device 1 when not in use, or can be separated from the nursing device 1 when not in use and stored together with the support member 81 and the rear side belt 82.

[0086] In the use of the auxiliary 8A, the temporary fixation of the support 81 and the coupling operation based on the buckle 84 are the same as in the first embodiment. Then, the caregiver pulls the handle 8C forward to pull the support 81 closer to the support portion 6, and inclines the upper body of the care recipient M forward. Also, the caregiver connects the left and right front side belts 8B on the front side of the torso support portion 4 as shown. The connection of the left and right front side belts 8B corresponds to the function of the clamping portion 85 that clamps the front ends of the front side belts 8B. Also, the adjustment of the position (position in the belt length direction) at which the front side belts 8B are connected corresponds to the function of the adjustment portion 86 that adjusts the effective length of the front side belts 8B. Thus, the auxiliary 8A has the same function as the auxiliary 8 of the first embodiment, and produces the same effects. Figure 14

[0087] The torso pad 91 is used for a care recipient M who still has a gap between the torso support portion 4 even if the upper body is inclined forward and leaned against the torso support portion 4. For example, a care recipient M whose upper body does not contact the torso support portion 4 even if the upper body is inclined forward, or a care recipient M who still has a gap between the torso support portion 4 at the chest portion of the upper body even if the waist portion of the upper body contacts the torso support portion 4, is the target. As shown in Figure 14

[0088] As shown in Figure 13 Figure 13 The torso pad 91 has a shape of a transverse pentagonal prism in which a part of a rectangular parallelepiped is cut off. The torso pad 91 has a plurality of different sizes that fill the gap by changing the direction of insertion into the gap. That is, the torso pad 91 fills a gap of a first width size Wl by insertion in the illustrated transverse direction. Also, the torso pad 91 fills a gap of a second width size W2 by insertion in the longitudinal direction rotated by 90°. The direction of use of the torso pad 91 is determined by the caregiver.

[0089] The torso pad 91 supports a part of the weight of the care recipient M in the middle of the standing action and the seating action of the care recipient M. Thus, the torso pad 91 preferably has rigidity and mechanical strength that allow slight deformation but not large deformation when the weight (load) of the care recipient M acts thereon, and is, for example, made of polyurethane. The torso pad 91 is attached with a S-shaped hook 92 for the convenience of storage. Note that the torso pad 91 can also be used when the care apparatus 1 does not use the auxiliary (8, 8A), and can be used for another type of care apparatus that does not originally have the auxiliary (8, 8A).

[0090] ​​​The torso pad 91 can make a gap between the torso support portion 4 applicable to the nursing care recipient M, in other words, the nursing care recipient M whose gap is generated between the torso support portion 4, as an applicable object, and fill the gap. Thus, even the nursing care device of the existing structure, by using the torso pad 91, it is possible to exert the original function for the nursing care recipient. Therefore, the torso pad 91 can expand the range of applicable nursing care recipients.

[0091] The underarm pad 95 is used for the nursing care recipient M whose standing-up action is difficult by the load acting from the underarm support portion 5 to the underarm of the nursing care recipient M. For example, when the strength of the lower body of the nursing care recipient M is weak, the body weight is not supported by the feet, and most of it is supported by the underarm support portion 5. Then, the nursing care recipient M feels pain in the underarm due to the large load (reaction force) from the underarm support portion 5, and thus it is difficult to use the nursing care device 1 to stand up. Also, when the strength of the nursing care recipient M to tighten the underarm is weak, the underarm of the nursing care recipient M is opened, and the load from the underarm support portion 5 is often concentrated on a specific portion. Therefore, the nursing care recipient M feels pain in the underarm, and it is difficult to use the nursing care device 1 to stand up. Or, the possibility of the nursing care recipient M slipping from the underarm support portion 5 increases, and thus it is difficult to use the nursing care device 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the caregiver inserts the underarm pad 95 between the underarm of the nursing care recipient M and the underarm support portion 5. Figure 14

[0092] As shown in FIG. 7, the underarm pad 95 is formed in a mountain shape that is long in the front-rear direction and has a thickness in the up-down direction as viewed from the front side. The underarm pad 95 is formed of the same material as the outer peripheral member of the underarm support portion 5 or a material softer than the outer peripheral member, and is easily compressed and deformed with respect to the acting load. Therefore, the contact area between the underarm pad 95 and the underarm of the nursing care recipient M increases, and a larger contact area is ensured compared to the case where it is directly supported to the underarm support portion 5. Thus, the acting load is dispersed to a wider contact area, and thus the nursing care recipient M can alleviate the pain and use the nursing care device 1. Or, the possibility of the nursing care recipient M slipping from the underarm support portion 5 is reduced, and it is possible to use the nursing care device 1. Figure 13

[0093] Also, the underarm pad 95 is attached with a S-shaped hook 96 to achieve the convenience of storage. Note that even in the case where only the underarm of one side of the nursing care recipient M is painful, it is preferable to use the underarm pads 95 of both left and right sides to ensure the balance of the left and right of the posture of the nursing care recipient M. Also, the underarm pad 95 can be used even in the case where the nursing care device 1 does not use the auxiliary member (8, 8A), and can be used for another kind of nursing care device that does not originally have the auxiliary member (8, 8A).

[0094] ​​The armpit pad 95 can increase the contact area with the armpit of the care recipient M and reduce pain, and thus can expand the range of care recipients who can use the nursing device. Thus, the armpit pad 95 can expand the range of care recipients who can use the nursing device.

[0095] 5. Variations and applications of the embodiments

[0096] Note that the assist members (8, 8A) of the first and second embodiments can also be used in a nursing device in which the arm member 3 is fixed to the base 2 and the support portion 6 moves up and down along the arm member 3. Also, the operation of pulling the support member 81 toward the support portion 6 is performed by the caregiver in the embodiments, but can also be performed using a drive source such as a motor. Also, in the second embodiment, the insertion position and direction of the torso pad 91 and the armpit pad 95 can shift when the care recipient M moves his or her upper body. As a countermeasure, a temporary fixing member that temporarily fixes the torso pad 91 to the torso support portion 4 and a temporary fixing member that temporarily fixes the armpit pad 95 to the armpit support portion 5 can be used. In addition, the first and second embodiments can be varied and applied in various ways.

[0097] Explanation of reference numerals

[0098] 1: nursing device 2: base 3: arm member 4: torso support portion 5: armpit support portion 51: connecting portion 6: support portion 7: drive portion 8, 8A: assist member 81: support member 811: plate 812: cushion member 82: rear strap 83: front strap 84: buckle 85: locking portion 86: adjustment portion 87: support member 88: temporary fixing member 8B: front strap 8C: handle 8D: connecting strap 91: torso pad 95: armpit pad M: care recipient W1: first width dimension W2: second width dimension

Claims

1. A care device, characterized in that Possessing: a base; a support portion having a torso support portion that supports a torso of a care recipient and a pair of underarm support portions that respectively support left and right underarms of the care recipient; a drive portion that moves the support portion in a vertical direction with respect to the base; a support member that supports a back of the care recipient; a rear strap provided to the support member; a front strap provided to the torso support portion; and a buckle that detachably links the rear strap and the front strap.

2. The care apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front strap is caught to a front surface of the torso support portion.

3. The care apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front strap is provided at a position that is inward of the pair of underarm support portions. ​

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