Assist suit

Abstract

To provide a novel assist suit in which the assistive force can be adjusted.SOLUTION: An assist suit 1 for reducing an operation burden of a wearer (S) comprises: an upper-body wearing member 2 which is worn on an upper body; a pair of thigh wearing members 3 which is respectively worn on left and right thighs; and a pair of elastic members 4 which respectively has an upper end connected to an upper-end connector 21 provided on a back side of the upper-body wearing member 2 and a lower end connected to a lower-end connector 31 provided on each thigh wearing member 3. In the assist suit, the assistive force is adjusted by a spacing adjustment device 5 which adjusts a spacing between the elastic members 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assist suit for reducing the movement burden on the wearer. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, wearable assistive devices that utilize elasticity, known as "assist suits," have been put into practical use as a means of reducing the burden on workers and the elderly, particularly the burden caused by bending forward (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-188896 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-144858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The assist suits disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 each have a pair of elastic members arranged on the back side of the body, and the elastic members bend as the wearer bends forward, generating an elastic assist force, thereby reducing the movement load on the wearer. Therefore, wearing this type of assist suit makes it possible to reduce the movement load when lifting luggage, etc.

[0005] However, the weight of the load to be lifted varies from work site to work site, and the required assist force also varies depending on the muscular strength of the person wearing the assist suit. As a result, the wearer may feel that the assist suit does not sufficiently reduce the burden of movement, or that bending the elastic member is more of a burden than the reduction in the burden of movement, hindering smooth work.

[0006] The present invention was completed in consideration of the above technical problems, and aims to provide a new assist suit that allows the assist force to be adjusted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The assist suit of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned technical problems, is an assist suit for reducing the wearer's burden on movement, and is characterized by comprising an upper body attachment member attached to the upper body, a pair of thigh attachment members attached to the left and right thighs, and a pair of elastic members whose upper ends are connected to an upper end connector provided on the back side of the upper body attachment member and whose lower ends are connected to lower end connectors provided on each thigh attachment member, and further comprising a spacing adjustment device for changing the spacing between each elastic member (hereinafter referred to as the ``assist suit of the present invention'').

[0008] In the assist suit of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which the distance adjustment device is arranged on the lower end side of each elastic member.

[0009] In the assist suit of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which the spacing adjustment device is arranged in the middle of each elastic member.

[0010] In the assist suit of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which the distance adjustment device is arranged on the upper end side of each elastic member.

[0011] In the assist suit of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which the spacing adjustment device is arranged in two or more locations on the lower end side, middle, or upper end side of each elastic member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The assist suit of the present invention makes it possible to adjust the assist force. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing the assist suit of the present invention according to embodiment 1 from the rear side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing the assist suit of the present invention from the front side. [Figure 3] 3(a) and 3(b) are front and back views showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention, and FIG. 3(c) is a side view showing the wearer lifting a load. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and (b) are front and back views showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention in which the spacing between each elastic member has been narrowed by a spacing adjustment device, and Figure 4(c) is a side view showing the wearer lifting luggage. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the assist suit of the present invention according to embodiment 2 from the rear side. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention, and Figure 6(b) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention in which the spacing between each elastic member has been narrowed by a spacing adjustment device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the assist suit of the present invention according to embodiment 3 from the rear side. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention, and Figure 8(b) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention in which the spacing between each elastic member has been narrowed by a spacing adjustment device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the assist suit of the present invention according to embodiment 4 from the back side. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention, Figure 10(b) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention in which the spacing between each elastic member has been widened by a spacing adjustment device, and Figure 10(c) is a rear view showing a wearer wearing the assist suit of the present invention in which the elastic members have been crossed by a spacing adjustment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] <Inventive Assist Suit 1> 1 and 2 show an assist suit 1 of the present invention according to embodiment 1. The assist suit 1 of the present invention comprises an "upper body attachment member (2)", a pair of "thigh attachment members (3)", and a pair of "elastic members (4)", and further comprises a "distance adjustment device (5)".

[0016] -Upper body attachment part 2- The upper body attachment member 2 is a member that is attached to the upper body when donning the assist suit 1 of the present invention. The upper body attachment member 2 is provided with an upper end connector 21 for connecting the upper ends of the elastic members 4. In this embodiment, the upper body attachment member 2 comprises a back support plate 20, an upper end connector 21 provided on the back side of the back support plate 20, and a pair of loop-shaped shoulder straps 22 (22L, 22R) attached to the back support plate 20. The bottom of the upper end connector 21 is provided with connection receiving portions (sockets) at two symmetrical positions across the center line for connecting the upper ends of the elastic members 4. The shoulder straps 22 are designed so that the loop diameter can be expanded or contracted.

[0017] -Thigh attachment part 3- The pair of thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R) are attached to the left and right thighs when wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention. Each thigh attachment member 3 (3L, 3R) is provided with a lower connector 31 for connecting the lower ends of the elastic members 4. In this embodiment, the thigh attachment member 3 includes a thigh support plate 30, a loop-shaped thigh band 32 fixed to the back of the thigh support plate 30, and a support rod 33 connecting the thigh support plate 30 and the lower connector 31. The lower connector 31 has a fixing hole for connecting the lower end of the elastic member 4. The thigh support plate 30 is movable up and down by swinging the support rod 33 relative to the lower connector 31, and is movable left and right by sliding along the support rod 33. The thigh band 32 has a loop diameter that can be expanded or contracted.

[0018] -Elastic member 4- The upper ends of the pair of elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) are connected to an upper end connector 21 provided on the upper body attachment member 2, and the lower ends are connected to lower end connectors 31 provided on each thigh attachment member 3 (3L, 3R). In this embodiment, carbon fiber round rods are used for each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R), and ball studs provided on the upper ends are connected to connection receiving portions (sockets) provided on the upper end connector 21, while the lower ends of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) are inserted and fixed into fixing holes in the lower end connectors 31 provided on each thigh attachment member 3 (3L, 3R), thereby disposing each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) on the back side of the assist suit 1 of the present invention. Note that the upper ends of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) are connected to the upper end connector 21 by ball joints, and therefore can pivot around the connecting portion.

[0019] -Space adjustment device 5- The distance adjusting device 5 serves to change the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R). In this embodiment, a belt with a length-adjustable buckle is used as the distance adjusting device 5, and both ends of the belt are fixed to the lower end connectors 31 provided on the thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R), thereby disposing the distance adjusting device 5 on the lower end side of the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R).

[0020] <Wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention> 3 and 4 show a wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention having the above-described configuration. The assist suit 1 of the present invention is worn in two ways: "wearing without adjusting the spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)" and "wearing with adjusting the spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)."

[0021] -Installation without adjusting the gap between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) (see Figure 3)- The assist suit 1 of the present invention is put on by putting the upper body attachment member 2 on the upper body of the wearer (S) and putting the thigh attachment members 3 on both thighs of the wearer (S). When putting on the suit without adjusting the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), the distance adjustment device 5 is not actually operated.

[0022] When attaching the upper body attachment member 2 to the upper body of the wearer (S), the wearer (S) passes both arms through each of a pair of shoulder straps 22 (22L, 22R) provided on the upper body attachment member 2 and guides them to the left and right shoulders, and carries the upper body attachment member 2 on the wearer's (S) back with the back support plate 20 abutting against the back of the wearer (S). At this time, the loop diameter of the shoulder straps 22 (22L, 22R) is adjusted so that the back support plate 20 is stably positioned in the center of the wearer's (S) back.

[0023] On the other hand, when wearing the thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R), the wearer's (S) legs are passed through each of the pair of thigh bands 32 provided on the thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R) and guided to the left and right thighs, and the thighs are attached to the wearer's (S) thighs by adjusting the loop diameter of the thigh bands 32. At this time, the position of the thigh support plate 30 is adjusted to position the thigh support plate 30 in front of the thighs.

[0024] When the assist suit 1 of the present invention is worn by the wearer (S) in this manner, a pair of elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) are arranged on the back side of the wearer (S) in a manner that forms an inverted V shape from near the center of the back toward both thighs.

[0025] 3(c), when the wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention bends forward to lift a load (W), the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) bend, and an elastic force (f) is generated in the direction of returning the wearer's (S) body to an upright position. The generated elastic force (f) acts as an assist force to reduce the movement burden on the wearer (S).

[0026] Furthermore, when the belt-shaped spacing adjustment device 5 is arranged at the lower end of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) as in this embodiment, the spacing adjustment device 5 can be pushed down by the buttocks when the wearer (S) bends over, which results in the advantage that the assist suit 1 of the present invention is prevented from slipping up and the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) can bend more reliably.

[0027] - Installation to adjust the gap between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) (see Figure 4) - When putting on the assist suit 1 of the present invention according to this embodiment, which adjusts the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) is narrowed by shortening the length of the distance adjustment device 5, which is made up of a belt with a buckle. At this time, the position of the thigh support plate 30 is adjusted according to the change in the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), and the thigh support plate 30 is positioned so that it is located in front of the thighs.

[0028] When the assist suit 1 of the present invention is worn by the wearer (S) in this way, the pair of elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) arranged on the back side of the wearer (S) are brought close to each other.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4(c), when a wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention bends forward to lift a load (W), the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) bend, generating an elastic force (F) in the direction of returning the wearer (S) to an upright position. Because this elastic force (F) is generated near the center of the wearer (S), it is less likely to escape toward the sides of the body. Furthermore, because the degree of bending of the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) increases, the elastic force (F) is greater than the elastic force (f) generated when the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) are not spaced apart (see FIG. 3). As a result, the generated elastic force (F) acts as a strong assist force that further reduces the burden on the wearer (S). It has been confirmed that the narrower the space between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), the greater this assist force becomes.

[0030] That is, the assist suit 1 of the present invention having the above-described configuration makes it possible to adjust the assist force. As a result, even when the required assist force differs depending on the workload, such as the weight of the load to be lifted, or the muscle strength of the wearer (S), the required assist force can be applied to the wearer (S).

[0031] In the present embodiment, the assist suit 1 of the present invention uses the upper body attachment member 2 that is worn by being carried on the back, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the attachment mode or shape of the upper body attachment member 2. The upper body attachment member 2 may be, for example, a waistcoat or vest that is worn by being worn.

[0032] Furthermore, in the assist suit 1 of the present embodiment, the thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R) are attached by wrapping loop-shaped thigh bands 32 around the thighs, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the manner in which the thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R) are worn or the shape thereof. Furthermore, the thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R) are not necessarily limited to a pair of independent members, and may be partly or entirely connected. The thigh attachment members 3 (3L, 3R) may also be attached by wearing, for example, shorts or long trousers.

[0033] Furthermore, in the assist suit 1 of the present invention in this embodiment, round rods made of carbon fiber are used for the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), but the material and shape of the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) are not particularly limited in the present invention. In addition to carbon fiber, materials such as glass fiber, metal, plastic, rubber, and silicon can be used as appropriate for the material of the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R). Furthermore, the shape of the elastic members 4 can be selected appropriately from shapes other than round rods, such as square rods, flat plates, hollow pipes, and helical springs. Furthermore, a single elastic member 4 may be constructed by bundling multiple elastic materials together.

[0034] In addition, in this embodiment of the present invention, when arranging the elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) in the assist suit 1 of the present invention, the ball stud provided at the upper end is connected to the connection receiving portion (socket) provided on the upper end connector 21, and the lower end is inserted and fixed into the fixing hole of the lower end connector 31. However, in the present invention, the fixing means of the elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) to the upper end connector 21 and the lower end connector 31 is not particularly limited as long as it does not easily come off or break during use of the present invention's assist suit 1.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the assist suit 1 of the present invention uses a belt with a buckle as the distance adjustment device 5, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the shape of the distance adjustment device 5 or the manner in which the distance is adjusted. The distance adjustment device 5 may be, for example, a member such as a string or wire, and may be configured to adjust the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) by fastening means such as a hook-and-loop fastener, button, or hook.

[0036] [Embodiment 2] <Inventive Assist Suit 1> Figure 5 shows the assist suit 1 of the present invention according to embodiment 2. The assist suit 1 of the present invention is the same as embodiment 1, except that the distance adjustment device 5 is arranged in the middle of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R). Both ends of the distance adjustment device 5 are fixed to the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), respectively.

[0037] <Wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention> Figure 6 shows a wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration. Note that wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 6(a) is "wearing without adjusting the spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)", and wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 6(b) is "wearing with adjusting the spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)".

[0038] When the wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention bends forward to lift a load (W), the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) bend, generating an elastic force in the direction of returning the wearer's (S) body to an upright position. The generated elastic force acts as an assist force that reduces the movement burden on the wearer (S). It has been confirmed that the narrower the gap between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), the greater this assist force becomes.

[0039] Incidentally, when the distance adjusting device 5 is disposed in the middle of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the distance between each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) can be easily adjusted.

[0040] [Embodiment 3] <Inventive Assist Suit 1> FIG. 7 shows an assist suit 1 of the present invention according to a third embodiment. The assist suit 1 of the present invention is similar to the second embodiment, except that the distance adjustment device 5 is structured so that it can move up and down along the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R). In this embodiment, insertion holes 51 are provided at both ends of the distance adjustment device 5, and the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) are inserted into the insertion holes 51, thereby allowing the distance adjustment device 5 to move up and down along the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R). When the distance adjustment device 5 moves up and down, the spacing between the insertion holes 51 does not change, so moving the distance adjustment device 5 upward increases the spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), and moving the distance adjustment device 5 downward decreases the spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R). In addition, the gap adjustment device 5 is equipped with a release dial 52 that limits the up and down movement of the gap adjustment device 5. By opening the release dial 52, the gap adjustment device 5 can move up and down, and by closing the release dial 52, the position of the gap adjustment device 5 is fixed.

[0041] <Wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention> Figure 8 shows a wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration. Note that the wearing of the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 8(a) is "wearing with a wide gap between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)", and the wearing of the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 8(b) is "wearing with a narrow gap between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)".

[0042] When the wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention bends forward to lift a load (W), the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) bend, generating an elastic force in the direction of returning the wearer's (S) body to an upright position. The generated elastic force acts as an assist force that reduces the movement burden on the wearer (S). It has been confirmed that the narrower the gap between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R), the greater this assist force becomes.

[0043] In addition, if the mechanism is such that the spacing between each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) can be adjusted by the up and down movement of the spacing adjustment device 5 as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the spacing between each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) can be adjusted even more easily.

[0044] [Embodiment 4] <Inventive Assist Suit 1> Figure 9 shows the assist suit 1 of the present invention relating to embodiment 4. The assist suit 1 of the present invention is similar to embodiment 1, except that the distance adjustment device 5 is arranged on the upper end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R). The distance adjustment device 5 according to this embodiment is constructed by providing connection receiving portions (sockets) at multiple locations (four locations in this embodiment) for connecting the upper end of the elastic member 4 to the upper end side connector 21 of the upper body wearing member 2.

[0045] <Wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention> Figure 10 shows a wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration. Note that wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 10(a) is "wearing with a narrow spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)", and wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 10(b) is "wearing with a wide spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R)". Furthermore, wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention shown in Figure 10(c) is "wearing with a negative spacing between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) (wearing with the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) crossed)".

[0046] When the wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 1 of the present invention bends forward to lift a load (W), the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) bend, generating an elastic force in the direction of returning the wearer's (S) body to an upright position. The generated elastic force acts as an assist force to reduce the movement burden on the wearer (S).

[0047] It has been confirmed that the assisting force increases as the distance between the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) decreases. It has also been confirmed that crossing the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) makes it difficult for the generated elastic force to escape toward the body, and therefore a greater assisting force can be applied to the wearer (S).

[0048] Incidentally, when the distance adjusting devices 5 are disposed on the upper end sides of the elastic members 4 (4L, 4R) as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the generated assist force can be easily finely adjusted.

[0049] In the present embodiment of the assist suit 1 of the present invention, the spacing adjustment device 5 is arranged on the upper end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R), but in the present invention, arranging the spacing adjustment device 5 on the upper end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) means that the spacing on the upper end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) is actively adjusted by the spacing adjustment device 5.

[0050] Therefore, in the present invention, arranging the gap adjustment device 5 on the lower end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) means actively adjusting the gap at the lower end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) by the gap adjustment device 5, and arranging the gap adjustment device 5 in the middle of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) means actively adjusting the gap at the middle of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R) by the gap adjustment device 5. To give specific numerical values, the "upper end side" of the elastic member 4 is preferably a portion more than 10% of the effective length of the elastic member 4 toward the upper end, and the "lower end side" of the elastic member 4 is preferably a portion less than 20% of the effective length of the elastic member 4 toward the lower end. Furthermore, the "middle" of the elastic member 4 is preferably a portion less than 10% of the effective length of the elastic member 4 toward the upper end and more than 20% of the effective length of the elastic member 4 toward the lower end.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, the spacing adjustment device 5 is arranged at one of the upper end side, middle side, or lower end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R), but in the present invention, it is preferable to arrange the spacing adjustment device 5 at two or more of the lower end side, middle side, or upper end side of each elastic member 4 (4L, 4R), thereby synergistically utilizing the advantages arising from the difference in the position of the spacing adjustment device 5.

[0052] It should be noted that the present invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited in any way by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent range of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0053] The present invention is suitably used as a means for reducing the movement burden on the wearer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1. Assist Suit of the Present Invention (Assist Suit) 2 Upper body attachment 21 Upper end connector 3 Thigh attachment member 31 Lower end side connector 4 Elastic member 5 Spacing adjustment device

Claims

1. An assist suit for reducing the movement burden of the wearer, an upper body attachment member attached to the upper body; A pair of thigh attachment members attached to the left and right thighs, respectively; a pair of elastic members each having an upper end connected to an upper end connector provided on the back side of the upper body attachment member and a lower end connected to a lower end connector provided on each thigh attachment member; and The assist suit further comprises a spacing adjustment device for changing the spacing between each elastic member.

2. The assist suit according to claim 1, The assist suit has the spacing adjustment device arranged on the lower end side of each elastic member.

3. The assist suit according to claim 1, The assist suit has the spacing adjustment device arranged in the middle of each elastic member.

4. The assist suit according to claim 1, The assist suit has the spacing adjustment device arranged on the upper end side of each elastic member.

5. The assist suit according to claim 1, The assist suit has the spacing adjustment device arranged in two or more locations, either at the lower end side, middle side, or upper end side of each elastic member.

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