Lifting and lowering auxiliary device

Abstract

To provide a lifting and lowering auxiliary device that enables a worker to perform lifting and lowering work with less force and is highly safe.SOLUTION: A lifting and lowering auxiliary device 1 has a placement section 2 on which an object is placed, a biasing mechanism 3 that biases the placement section upward, a first rail 4 extending in the vertical direction, a brake mechanism 6 that prevents the placement section from rising when activated, a switch mechanism 7 that is movably attached to the first rail and that activates or releases the brake mechanism from the activated state, a lock mechanism 8 that fixes the placement section at the lowest position, and a release mechanism 9 that releases the lock mechanism. When the object is not placed on the placement section, the switch mechanism is located at a position a predetermined distance higher than the placement section, thereby activating the brake mechanism, and when the object is placed on the placement section. The switch mechanism is pushed down from that position to the height of the placement section, thereby activating the brake mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lift assist device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a lifting assist device for assisting a worker in lifting and lowering a heavy object, a lifting assist device having a lifting mechanism utilizing electricity, air pressure, hydraulic pressure, springs, or the like has been proposed.

[0003] Among these, lifting assistance devices using spring balancers have attracted attention because, although they have a weaker biasing force (lifting force) than electric or hydraulic lifting mechanisms, they do not require a power source, so they can be used anywhere, and they have the advantage of a fast lifting speed, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a work lift that assists loading and unloading work, which has a load receiving section that holds loads, and a lifting mechanism that supports the load receiving section so that it can be raised and lowered, and which includes a spring balancer as the lifting mechanism.

[0004] Although not an invention related to a lifting assistance device, Patent Document 2 discloses a cart that has a liftable pedestal placed on a platform with wheels, and by providing an elastic body in the support column that supports the pedestal, it is possible to always maintain the pedestal at a constant height. It is described that the internal elastic body allows the pedestal to be maintained at a constant height. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-2414 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-118363 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a lifting device having a biasing mechanism that biases the placement section upward, if the placement section is accidentally raised without any object on it or if the object falls off the placement section midway, the placement section may suddenly rise, and the worker may be injured. In particular, devices having a biasing mechanism that uses the traction force of a spring such as a spring balancer are prone to such problems because a constant force is always applied upward to the placement section.

[0007] The present disclosure is an invention made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has a primary object to provide a lifting assistance device that allows a worker to perform lifting work with less force and is highly safe. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure provides a lifting assist device comprising: a platform on which an object is placed; a biasing mechanism for biasing the platform in an upward direction; a first rail extending in a vertical direction; a brake mechanism for preventing the platform from rising when activated; a switch mechanism movably attached to the first rail for activating or releasing the brake mechanism from the activated state; a locking mechanism for fixing the platform at a lowermost position; and a release mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism; wherein when the object is not placed on the platform, the switch mechanism is at position H that is a predetermined distance higher than the platform, thereby activating the brake mechanism; and when the object is placed on the platform, the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the platform, thereby activating the brake mechanism. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a lifting / lowering assistance device that enables a worker to perform lifting / lowering work with less force and is highly safe. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010]

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[0011] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. In addition, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual form in order to make the explanation clearer, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. In this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] In this specification, when describing a mode in which another component is disposed on a certain component, the term "above" or "below" is used, unless otherwise specified, to include both a case in which another component is disposed directly above or below a certain component so as to be in contact with the component, and a case in which another component is disposed above or below a certain component with another component interposed therebetween. Also, in this specification, when describing a mode in which another component is disposed on the surface of a certain component, the term "on the surface side" or "on the surface" is used, unless otherwise specified, to include both a case in which another component is disposed directly above or below a certain component so as to be in contact with the component, and a case in which another component is disposed above or below a certain component with another component interposed therebetween.

[0013] The lift assist device of the present disclosure will be described below. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are respectively a schematic front view and a schematic side view showing an example of the lift assist device of the present disclosure.

[0014] The lifting assistance device 1 of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 1 includes a placement section 2 on which an object is placed, a biasing mechanism 3 for biasing the placement section 2 upward, and a first rail 4 extending in the vertical direction. The lifting assistance device 1 further includes a brake mechanism 6 for preventing the placement section 2 from rising when activated, and a switch mechanism 7 for movably mounting the brake mechanism 6 on the first rail 4 and for activating or deactivating the brake mechanism 6. The lifting assistance device 1 further includes a lock mechanism 8 for fixing the placement section 2 at the lowest position, and a release mechanism 9 for releasing the lock mechanism 8. The biasing mechanism 3 has a wire 3a connected to the placement section 2, and by pulling the wire 3a, an upward force is applied to the placement section 2. The lifting assistance device 1 includes casters 10 for allowing the lifting assistance device 1 to move horizontally.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the actuated and released states of the brake mechanism in the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. 2(b), when no object L is placed on the placement section 2, the switch mechanism 7 is at a position H that is a predetermined distance X higher than the placement section 2, thereby putting the brake mechanism 6 into an actuated state. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2(a), when the object L is placed on the placement section 2, the switch mechanism 7 is pushed down from the position H to the height of the placement section 2, thereby putting the brake mechanism 6 into a released state.

[0016] 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views for explaining the operating mechanism of the lift assist device of the present disclosure. Also, FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view of the lift assist device of FIG. 3(a) when the placement part is at the lowest position. As shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 4, when the object L is placed on the placement part 2, the brake mechanism 6 is released as described above. By releasing the lock mechanism 8 with the brake mechanism 6 released, the placement part 2 is raised by the upward pulling force of the biasing mechanism 3 as shown in FIG. 3(b). In this way, the lift assist device of the present disclosure is provided with a double safety mechanism of a brake mechanism and a lock mechanism.

[0017] Since the lifting assist device of the present disclosure is equipped with the above-mentioned brake mechanism, it is possible to lift and lower only when an object is placed on the placement section. When no object is placed on the placement section, even if the lock mechanism is accidentally released, the placement section can be prevented from rising suddenly. In addition, even if an object falls during lifting and lowering, the brake mechanism is activated and the placement section can be prevented from rising suddenly. Therefore, the lifting assist device is safe while taking advantage of the convenience of the biasing mechanism that biases the placement section upward.

[0018] Hereinafter, each configuration and characteristic of the lift assist device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0019] 1. Biasing mechanism The lifting assistance device according to the present disclosure has a biasing mechanism that acts to assist the force exerted by the worker to support an object, allowing the worker to perform lifting work with less force and significantly reducing the physical burden on the worker.

[0020] The biasing mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it biases the placement portion upward. The biasing mechanism is preferably a mechanism that utilizes the traction force of a spring. Devices that utilize electricity or air pressure have a strong lifting force, but they require the use of a battery or a compressor, so that the place of use is limited. On the other hand, since the mechanism utilizes the traction force of a spring, electricity or air pressure is not required, and therefore there is no need to connect a power cord or an air hose, and the place of use is not limited. In addition, since it does not require a motor or an actuator, it has a simple and lightweight structure and is easy to carry. In addition, lifting devices that utilize hydraulic pressure have a strong lifting force, but are often foot-operated, and it is difficult to lift and lower them quickly. On the other hand, mechanisms that utilize the traction force of a spring have a high lifting speed.

[0021] The lift assist device of the present disclosure uses a biasing mechanism that utilizes the traction force of a spring, making it possible to create a device that does not use any electrical mechanisms and that can be used in explosion-proof environments.

[0022] An example of a biasing mechanism that utilizes the traction force of a spring is a spring balancer that is commonly used in factories and workshops to suspend tools and the like. By using a spring balancer, a heavy object can be easily lifted. The spring balancer has, for example, a wire, a spring that generates tension that counteracts the force pulling the wire in the direction in which it is paid out, and a winding drum that winds up the wire. Since the spring balancer constantly pulls the wire, the mounting part is always under an upward force. When using a spring balancer, it is preferable that the wire is directly or indirectly connected to the mounting part.

[0023] The spring balancer preferably includes a biasing force adjustment means for adjusting the strength of the biasing force that biases the winding drum. For example, by adjusting the strength of the biasing force according to the weight of the load to be handled, the strength of the worker, etc., the versatility of the lifting assist device can be improved.

[0024] Other biasing mechanisms that utilize the traction force of a spring include, for example, a tension spring.

[0025] Although the position of the biasing mechanism in the lift assist device is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the biasing mechanism be fixed above the frame of the lift assist device, specifically, above the placement portion.

[0026] The number of biasing mechanisms in the lift assist device is not particularly limited, and may be one or more than two. By changing the number and specifications of the biasing mechanisms, it is possible to handle objects of various weights, from several kilograms to several tens of kilograms.

[0027] 2. Brake mechanism The lifting assistance device of the present disclosure has a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is directly or indirectly connected to the placement portion and prevents the placement portion from rising when activated. The brake mechanism is activated when the switch mechanism is at position H, which is a predetermined distance higher than the placement portion. On the other hand, the brake mechanism is released when the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the placement portion.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the brake mechanism 6 is preferably attached to a second rail 5 arranged parallel to the first rail 4 so as to be movable up and down, and is preferably fixed to the second rail 5 when activated to prevent the placement unit 2 from rising. On the other hand, when released, it is preferable that the placement unit 2 is allowed to rise by being released from the fixation to the second rail 5. Note that "arranged in parallel" does not necessarily mean that they are arranged in parallel, but means that they are arranged side by side extending in approximately the same direction. The second rail is preferably arranged parallel to the first rail.

[0029] In this case, the brake mechanism is preferably a mechanism that can fix and release the fixation to the second rail with a single touch. More specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 2, the mechanism preferably has a main body 62 with an expandable part 61, and a movable part 63 connected to the main body 62 via the expandable part 61, and when the movable part 63 is pushed into the main body 62 (the expandable part 61 contracts by length Y), the brake mechanism is released (the main body is released from the fixation to the second rail). On the other hand, the mechanism preferably has a brake mechanism that is activated when the movable part 63 leaves the main body 62 (the expandable part 61 extends by length Y). As the expandable part 61, a compression spring is preferably used.

[0030] As such a brake mechanism, for example, a product called "Quick Clamper" manufactured by Talk Systems Co., Ltd. or a product called "Quick Clamper" manufactured by SUS Corporation can be used. do.

[0031] The expansion / contraction length Y is preferably the same as a predetermined distance X, which will be described later.

[0032] 2, it is preferable that the movable part 63 of the brake mechanism 6 is connected to the switch mechanism 7. This is because the movable part 63 rises and falls as the switch mechanism 7 rises and falls, making it easy to fix and release the brake mechanism 6 from the second rail.

[0033] In the case where the brake mechanism has such a configuration, as shown in Fig. 2(a), when the switch mechanism 7 is pushed down from position H, the movable part 63 also moves down in conjunction with this, the expandable part 61 contracts, and the main body part 62 comes off the second rail. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2(b), when the switch mechanism 7 rises to position H, the movable part 63 in the brake mechanism 6 also rises, the expandable part 61 extends, and the main body part 62 is fixed to the second rail. In other words, the brake mechanism is in an activated state.

[0034] The brake mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it switches between an activated state and a released state depending on the vertical position of the switch mechanism.

[0035] Other examples of the brake mechanism include a mechanism using the expansion and contraction of a spring as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The brake mechanism 6 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is attached to the second rail 5 so as to be movable up and down, and when activated, the engagement members 66, 69 are caught on the uneven members 65, 68, thereby preventing the placement unit 2 from rising. On the other hand, when released, the linear slider 51 traveling on the second rail 5 is released from the fixed position to the uneven members 65, 68, allowing the placement unit 2 to rise.

[0036] The brake mechanism 6 shown in FIG. 6 has a spring 64 attached directly or indirectly to the placement portion 2, a concave-convex member 65 having a concave-convex shape on its surface and extending in the vertical direction, and an engagement member 66 connected to the spring 64 and having an engagement portion 66a that can engage with the concave-convex shape of the concave-convex member 65. The switch mechanism 7 is connected to a wheel 73 that moves the engagement member 66 horizontally toward the spring 64. As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the switch mechanism 7 is in position H, the engagement portion 66a of the engagement member 66 engages with the concave-convex member 65, and the brake mechanism is in an operating state. As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the switch mechanism 7 is pressed down, the wheel 73 descends, the engagement member 66 moves horizontally toward the spring 64, and the engagement portion 66a of the engagement member 66 is disengaged from the engagement with the concave-convex member 65. As a result, the linear slider 51 traveling on the second rail 5 can rise, and the brake mechanism is in a released state.

[0037] The brake mechanism 6 shown in FIG. 7 includes a spring 67 attached directly or indirectly to the placement portion 2 at an angle to the placement surface, a concave-convex member 68 having a concave-convex shape on its surface and extending in the vertical direction, and an L-shaped member 69 connected to the spring 67 and having an engagement portion 69a that can engage with the concave-convex member 68. Furthermore, the switch mechanism 7 is connected to a wheel 74 that rotates the L-shaped member 69 toward the spring 67 with the corner of the L-shaped member 69 as a fulcrum. As shown in FIG. 7(a), when the switch mechanism is in position H, the engagement portion 69a of the L-shaped member 69 engages with the concave-convex member 68, and the brake mechanism is in an operating state. As shown in FIG. 7(b), when the switch mechanism 7 is pressed down, the wheel 74 descends, and the wheel 74 rotates the L-shaped member 69 toward the spring 67, and the engagement portion 69a of the L-shaped member 69 is released from engagement with the concave-convex member 66. This allows the linear slider 51 running on the second rail 5 to rise, and the brake mechanism is released.

[0038] 3. Switch mechanism The lifting assistance device of the present disclosure has a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism is attached to the first rail so as to be movable up and down, and activates or deactivates the brake mechanism. Since the switch mechanism is attached to the first rail so as to be movable up and down, the brake mechanism can be controlled by a vertical movement. As shown in FIG. 2, the switch mechanism 7 is preferably attached to the first rail 4 so as to be movable up and down via a linear slider 45 that runs on the first rail 4. In this case, the switch mechanism 7 is preferably connected to the movable part 63 in the brake mechanism 6 via the linear slider 45.

[0039] When no object is placed on the placement portion, the switch mechanism is at a position H that is a predetermined distance X higher than the placement portion, thereby activating the brake mechanism. As shown in Fig. 2, the predetermined distance X is the vertical distance from the upper surface S2 of the placement portion 2 to the lower surface S7 of the switch mechanism 7, and is, for example, 5 mm or more, and may be 10 mm or more. On the other hand, it may be, for example, 20 mm or less, and may be 15 mm or less.

[0040] On the other hand, when an object is placed on the placement section, the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the placement section, thereby releasing the brake mechanism. Note that "the switch mechanism is pushed down to the height of the placement section" means that the switch mechanism is pushed down until it comes into contact with the placement section. For example, this means that the vertical distance from the upper surface S2 of the placement section 2 to the lower surface S7 of the switch mechanism 7 is substantially 0 mm.

[0041] 1, the switch mechanism preferably has a first member 71 having a surface parallel to the placement surface of the placement portion 2. By having the first member 71, when an object is placed on the placement portion 2, the first member 71 of the switch mechanism 7 can be interposed between the placement portion 2 and the object L. In other words, the switch mechanism 7 can be lowered from position H.

[0042] The shape of the first member in a plan view is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a linear shape as shown in FIG. 3, or a rectangular shape.

[0043] The first member is preferably thin. This is because when the first member 71 of the switch mechanism 7 is interposed between the placement portion 2 and the object L, the object can be stably placed thereon. The material of the first member may be, for example, a rigid body, and is preferably a material that is difficult to deform, such as stainless steel. For example, when the material of the first member is stainless steel, the thickness of the first member is preferably about 5 mm.

[0044] 1, the switch mechanism preferably has the above-mentioned first member and a second member 72 arranged perpendicular to the first member, because this allows easy connection to the brake mechanism while maintaining the above-mentioned functions.

[0045] 4.Placement section The lifting assistance device of the present disclosure has a placement section on which an object is placed. The placement section is a member that extends horizontally and has a placement surface on which an object is placed. The placement section is biased upward by a biasing mechanism and is directly or indirectly connected to a brake mechanism. The placement section is supported, for example, on a first rail or a second rail so as to be able to rise and fall. The shape of the placement surface in a plan view is not particularly limited, but is, for example, rectangular. The placement section may be connected to a brake mechanism and thereby attached to the second rail so as to be able to rise and fall. The placement section may be connected to a linear slider and thus attached to the first rail so as to be able to rise and fall.

[0046] 1, the placement unit 2 is preferably connected to a linear slider (not shown) and supported on two first rails 4 so as to be movable up and down. However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, it is preferable that the vicinity of the center of the placement unit 2 is supported on one first rail so as to be movable up and down.

[0047] 5. Locking and unlocking mechanisms The lifting assistance device in the present disclosure has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a function of fixing the placement section at the lowest position. The lowest position refers to the lowest position within the range in which the placement section can be raised and lowered. By having the locking mechanism, an object can be safely transferred to the placement section from another location. In the present disclosure, even if the locking mechanism is accidentally released, if no object is placed on the placement section, the brake mechanism is activated, thereby preventing the placement section from rising suddenly.

[0048] The locking mechanism only needs to have a function of fixing at least at the lowest position, and may have a function of fixing at another height position. Examples of other height positions include the highest position (maximum position) in the range in which the platform can be raised and lowered, and an intermediate position in the range in which the platform can be raised and lowered. By having a function of fixing the platform at the maximum position, when an object is placed on the platform and raised to the maximum position, and then the object is transferred to another location, the platform can be prevented from descending unintentionally, and the object can be transferred to another location, such as a shelf, more safely.

[0049] The specific configuration of the locking mechanism is not particularly limited. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating the locking mechanism in the present disclosure. The locking mechanism 8 has a main body 81 that is directly or indirectly connected to the placement unit 2 and a fixed part 82 that is fixed to the frame 15 of the lifting assist device. The main body 81 has a claw 81a and a link mechanism 81b that can change the orientation of the claw 81a. A part of the link mechanism 81b is connected to the release mechanism 9 described later by a connection member 85 (for example, a wire). The fixed part 82 has a protrusion 82a on which the claw 81a is hooked and a pipe part 82b that supports the protrusion 82a.

[0050] With such a locking mechanism, when locked, as shown in Fig. 5(a), claw 81a of main body 81 hooks onto protruding portion 82a of fixing portion 82 fixed to frame 15 of the lift assist device, and the placement portion is fixed. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when release portion 9 is pulled, link mechanism 81b moves via connecting member 85, and the orientation of claw 81a changes, causing claw 81a to disengage from protruding portion 82b.

[0051] The position of the fixing portion on the frame may be appropriately adjusted depending on the position where the mounting portion is fixed.

[0052] 1, the release mechanism 9 may be attached to the mounting portion 2. The release mechanism 9 and the lock mechanism 8 are preferably connected by a connecting member 85 (for example, a wire).

[0053] 6. Lifting assistance device (1) Frame The lifting assistance device of the present disclosure has, for example, a frame. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 15 supports the above-mentioned biasing mechanism 3, the placement unit 2, the brake mechanism 6, the switch mechanism 7, the lock mechanism 8, and the release mechanism 9. The frame has a support column extending in the vertical direction. The number of support columns included in the frame is one or more, and preferably two or more. When the frame has multiple support columns, the multiple support columns are preferably arranged at a distance from each other. At least one of the support columns functions, for example, as a first rail. At least one of the support columns may function, for example, as a second rail. The support column may function as a rail by having a linear guide rail attached thereto.

[0054] In Figs. 1 to 4, for example, a plurality of pillars are arranged at a distance from each other, and two pillars each function as a first rail 4 and support the mounting portion 2 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. In addition, two pillars each function as a second rail 5 and support the brake mechanism 6 so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction. There may be one pillar functioning as the first rail, or more than two pillars. Similarly, there may be one pillar functioning as the second rail, or more than two pillars. Furthermore, the mounting portion and the brake mechanism may be supported by the same pillar.

[0055] (2) Earth The lift assist device of the present disclosure preferably does not have a floating conductor (a conductor that is not grounded) that can cause static electricity. In other words, it is preferable that metal members that can become floating conductors are connected to an earth. The generation of static electricity can be suppressed, and the device can be used in factories that handle solvents, etc. In the present disclosure, examples of metal members that can become floating conductors include members made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0056] (3) Casters The lifting assistance device of the present disclosure may have casters. By having casters, the lifting assistance device can be freely moved horizontally, so that work can be performed without restrictions on the environment or location. In addition, for example, it is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the placement unit and a shelf or the like to which an object is transferred from the placement unit, making it easier to ensure safety when transferring an object and improving workability.

[0057] It is preferable to use a conductive rubber material for the casters, which allows the casters to be explosion-proof and can be used in factories that handle solvents.

[0058] (4)Operation section The lifting assistance device of the present disclosure may have an operation unit that accepts a lifting operation by an operator to lift and lower the placement unit. In this case, the release unit may be provided in the operation unit. In this case, the lifting operation can be easily performed while performing an operation to release the fixation of the placement unit.

[0059] 7.Applications The lifting assistance device in the present disclosure is a device for assisting a worker in lifting and lowering an object. The weight of the object to be lifted and lowered is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10 kg or more, or 20 kg or more. On the other hand, it may be, for example, 40 kg or less, or 30 kg or less.

[0060] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and any embodiment that has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea described in the claims of the present disclosure and exhibits similar effects is included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] Thus, in the present disclosure, for example, the following inventions are provided:

[0062] [1] A placement section on which an object is placed; A biasing mechanism that biases the placement portion upward; A first rail extending in the vertical direction; a brake mechanism that prevents the placement portion from rising when activated; a switch mechanism that is attached to the first rail so as to be capable of rising and lowering, and that activates the brake mechanism or releases it from the activated state; a locking mechanism for fixing the placement portion at a lowermost position; A release mechanism that releases the lock mechanism, When the object is not placed on the placement portion, the switch mechanism is at a position H that is a predetermined distance higher than the placement portion, thereby causing the brake mechanism to be in an activated state. When the object is placed on the placement section, the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the placement section, thereby releasing the brake mechanism.

[0063] [2] The lift assist device further includes a second rail arranged parallel to the first rail, The brake mechanism is attached to the second rail so as to be movable up and down, When activated, the loading section is fixed to the second rail to prevent the loading section from rising, The lifting assistance device described in [1], which, when released, is released from the fixation to the second rail, thereby allowing the placement section to be lifted.

[0064] [3] the brake mechanism includes a main body having an expandable portion and a movable portion connected to the main body via the expandable portion; the switch mechanism is connected to the movable part of the brake mechanism, The lifting assistance device described in [2], wherein when the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the placement section and the extension section contracts in conjunction with this, the brake mechanism is released and the main body section is released from its fixation to the second rail.

[0065] [4] The lifting assistance device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the biasing mechanism is a spring balancer.

[0066] [5] The lifting assistance device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the lifting assistance device does not have a floating conductor.

[0067] [6] The lifting assistance device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the lifting assistance device has casters. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 … Lifting aid 2 … Placement section 3 … Biasing mechanism 4 … First rail 5 … 2nd rail 6 ... Brake mechanism 7 … Switch mechanism 8 … Locking mechanism 9…Release mechanism

Claims

1. A placement section on which an object is placed; A biasing mechanism that biases the placement portion upward; A first rail extending in a vertical direction; a brake mechanism that prevents the placement portion from rising when activated; a switch mechanism that is attached to the first rail so as to be capable of ascending and descending, and that activates the brake mechanism or releases it from the activated state; a locking mechanism for fixing the placement portion at a lowermost position; A release mechanism that releases the lock mechanism, When the object is not placed on the placement portion, the switch mechanism is at a position H that is a predetermined distance higher than the placement portion, thereby causing the brake mechanism to be in an activated state. When the object is placed on the placement section, the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the placement section, thereby releasing the brake mechanism.

2. The lift assist device further includes a second rail arranged parallel to the first rail, The brake mechanism is attached to the second rail so as to be movable up and down, When activated, the loading section is fixed to the second rail to prevent the loading section from rising, The lifting assist device according to claim 1 , wherein when released, the mounting portion is released from the second rail, thereby allowing the mounting portion to be lifted.

3. the brake mechanism includes a main body having an expandable portion and a movable portion connected to the main body via the expandable portion; the switch mechanism is connected to the movable part of the brake mechanism, 3. The lifting assistance device of claim 2, wherein when the switch mechanism is pushed down from position H to the height of the placement portion and the extension portion contracts in conjunction with this, the brake mechanism is released and the main body portion is released from its attachment to the second rail.

4. The lift assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the biasing mechanism is a spring balancer.

5. The lift assistance device of claim 1 , wherein the lift assistance device has no floating conductors.

6. The lift assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the lift assist device has casters.

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