Assistive devices

Abstract

To provide an assistance device that can be applied to a wider range of people being assisted. [Solution] The assistance device comprises a base, a support section having a torso support section that supports the front of the torso of the person being assisted and a pair of side support sections that support the left and right sides of the person being assisted, a drive section that moves the support section up and down relative to the base, a front belt provided on the support section, a support material that supports the back of the person being assisted, a rear belt provided on the support material, and a buckle that detachably connects the front belt and rear belt between the torso support section and the support material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to an assistance device for assisting the movements of a person being assisted, as well as an assisting tool, a body cushion, and an armpit cushion used in the assistance device. [Background technology]

[0002] As society ages, the need for assistance devices is increasing. Assistance devices generally assist various movements of the person being assisted by driving a support unit that supports a part of the person's body. Assistance devices that assist the person being assisted in standing up or sitting down often include a torso support unit that supports the torso of the person being assisted, and a pair of armpit support units that support each of the person's left and right sides. The introduction of assistance devices reduces the physical burden on the person being assisted and the caregiver, and also alleviates the shortage of caregivers. Examples of technologies for this type of assistance device are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The assistance device in Patent Document 1 includes a base, an arm swingably attached to the base, a support part swingably attached to the arm and supporting the person being assisted, an actuator, and a link mechanism that transmits a first movement of the actuator to the support part and a second movement to the arm. According to this, by using one actuator to drive the support part and the arm, it is said that the comfort of use for the person being assisted is improved and the cost is lower than the conventional technology that uses two actuators.

[0004] Furthermore, the posture change device in Patent Document 2 changes the patient's posture using a sling that supports the patient's upper body and buttocks. The sling has an upper arm that engages with a hook on the chest pad and a lower arm that engages with a hook on the slider, thereby integrating the patient with the device. This allows the patient's posture to be changed between a sitting position and a standing position without causing discomfort to the patient, and is said to be applicable to patients who were not suitable for conventional devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 168112 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-570 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the assistance device of Patent Document 1 is difficult to apply to some users who have reduced trunk function or disabilities. These users have difficulty leaning their upper body forward enough to approach the support, and the assistance device cannot perform its intended function. Furthermore, users with weak lower body muscles have to support most of their weight through the armpit support, placing a heavy load on their armpits. Therefore, these users are prone to pain in their armpits, making it difficult for them to use the assistance device.

[0007] To address the above-mentioned problems, the posture change device in Patent Document 2 is designed for use with persons receiving care who have reduced function or disabilities. However, the sling is a large device that supports the patient from the upper body to the buttocks. This requires the person receiving care to temporarily assume a semi-crouched position, and the caregiver must insert the sling between the patient's buttocks and the chair, performing the difficult task of putting it on. As a result, the physical burden on both the person receiving care and the caregiver increases.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide an assistance device that can expand the range of applicable persons to be assisted, as well as auxiliary tools, torso cushions, and side cushions that can be used with the assistance device to expand the range of applicable persons to be assisted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This specification discloses an assistance device that includes a base, a support section that supports the upper body of the person being assisted, a drive section that moves the support section vertically relative to the base, and an assisting device that assists the person being assisted, in a seated position, in leaning their upper body forward and moving closer to the support section, which is in a preparation position for the person being assisted to board.

[0010] This specification also discloses an auxiliary device used in an assistance device that includes a base, a support section that supports the upper body of the person being assisted, and a drive section that moves the support section in an up and down direction relative to the base, and that assists the person being assisted, who is in a seated position, in leaning their upper body forward and moving closer to the support section, which is in a preparation position for the person being assisted to board.

[0011] This specification also discloses a torso cushion used in an assistance device that includes a base, a torso support part that supports the torso of the person being assisted, and a drive part that moves the torso support part up and down relative to the base, and that is inserted into a gap that occurs between the person being assisted who is approaching the torso support part and the torso support part.

[0012] This specification also discloses an armpit cushion for use in an assistance device that includes a base, a pair of armpit support parts that respectively support the left and right sides of the person being assisted, and a drive part that moves the pair of armpit support parts in an up and down direction relative to the base, the armpit cushion being inserted between the armpits of the person being assisted and the armpit support parts, and deforming so as to increase the contact area with the armpits of the person being assisted due to the load acting on it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the disclosed assistance device, the assisting device assists a person who has difficulty leaning forward in a seated position, who has not been considered applicable in the past, to move toward the support unit in the ready position, so that the person is supported by the support unit. Furthermore, the drive unit moves the support unit upward, so that the person can be assisted in standing up from a seated position. Therefore, the disclosed assistance device can expand the range of people who can be assisted by adding some people who have not been considered applicable in the past to the range of people who can be assisted.

[0014] Furthermore, the disclosed assisting device is applicable to those who are assisted but who have difficulty leaning forward in a seated position, and assists them in leaning closer to the support part. As a result, even a conventional assisting device can perform its original function for this person by using the assisting device. Therefore, the disclosed assisting device can expand the range of people who can be assisted.

[0015] Furthermore, the disclosed torso cushion is applicable to those who are being assisted but have not been considered applicable in the past, in other words, those who have a gap between the torso support part and the cushion, and can fill the gap. As a result, even with a conventional assistance device, the use of the torso cushion allows the device to perform its original function for the person being assisted. Therefore, the disclosed torso cushion can expand the range of people who can be assisted.

[0016] Furthermore, the disclosed armpit cushion is applicable to those who are assisted but who previously were not considered suitable, i.e., those who experience pain in their armpits when using a care device, and can reduce pain by increasing the contact area with the armpits of the person being assisted. As a result, even with a conventional care device, the armpit cushion can be used by such a person being assisted. Therefore, the disclosed armpit cushion can expand the range of people who can be assisted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an assistance device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the overall configuration of an assistance device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an initial state in which a person being assisted is mounted on the assistance device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support material and a rear belt that constitute the assisting device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the support material and the rear belt. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a support material according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for using the assistance device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the initial state of the assisting device. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a support material is temporarily fixed to the back of a person being assisted using a temporary fixing material. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the front belt is stretched. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the front belt and the rear belt are connected using a buckle. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assisting device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a trunk cushion and a pair of side cushions used in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a person being assisted is riding on the assistance device and the assisting device, the body cushion, and a pair of side cushions are used. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 1. Overall configuration of the care assistance device 1 of the first embodiment The overall configuration of the assistance device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. The arrows in the upper right corner of Fig. 1 define the front, back, left, and right of the assistance device 1. The assistance device 1 is used for transferring a person being assisted M between two locations in a room, for example, between a bed and a wheelchair, or between a wheelchair and a toilet seat. The assistance device 1 is also used for transferring the person being assisted M onto the device when the two transfer locations are far apart. For example, the assistance device 1 is used for transferring the person being assisted M from a room to a toilet, a dining room, or the like. The assistance device 1 supports the upper body of the person being assisted M and assists him / her in standing up from a sitting position to a standing position and in sitting down from a standing position to a sitting position.

[0019] Here, the standing posture refers to a posture in which the buttocks are raised above the seat surface and the legs are extended, and includes both a standing posture and a half-squat posture. In other words, the standing posture includes a standing posture in which the upper body is generally upright, and a half-squat posture in which the upper body leans forward. The assistance device 1 is composed of a base 2, an arm member 3, a support unit 6 including a torso support unit 4 and an armpit support unit 5, a drive unit 7, and a control unit (not shown).

[0020] The base 2 is the part on which the person being assisted M stands. An arm member 3 and a drive unit 7 are assembled to the base 2. The base 2 is formed of a footplate 20, a pair of left and right pipe frames 21, and a pair of left and right assembly frames 22. The footplate 20 is formed from a metal or resin plate material and extends horizontally at a position slightly higher than the floor. The left and right edges of the footplate 20 are bent downward. Middle wheels 26 are provided on both the left and right sides of the underside of the front of the footplate 20. Rear wheels 27 are provided on both the left and right sides of the underside of the rear end of the footplate 20. The footplate 20 is a member on which the person being assisted M places their feet.

[0021] The pipe frames 21 are formed by bending metal pipes. The pair of left and right pipe frames 21 are attached to the underside of the foot plate 20 and extend forward. The front portion of each pipe frame 21 is bent diagonally upward and forward in front of the foot plate 20. An upright plate-shaped assembly frame 22 is provided on the front side of each of the pair of pipe frames 21. A drive support part 28 is provided at a central position near the front of the pair of pipe frames 21.

[0022] A swing support seat 29 is provided on the upper part of each of the pair of assembly frames 22. A front wheel 25 is provided on the lower part of each of the pair of assembly frames 22. The middle wheel 26 and rear wheel 27 have a smaller diameter than the front wheel 25. The front wheel 25, middle wheel 26, and rear wheel 27 have a steering function. Therefore, the assistance device 1 is capable of not only moving straight and turning, but also moving sideways and making sharp turns. Furthermore, the front wheel 25 has a locking function that restricts the movement of the assistance device 1.

[0023] Support rods 2B are respectively attached to the rear of the pair of mounting frames 22 via position adjustment units 2A. The pair of left and right support rods 2B extend rearward from the position adjustment units 2A and then bend upward. Knee rest members 2C are attached to span the upper ends of the pair of support rods 2B. The position adjustment units 2A adjust the front-to-rear position of the knee rest members 2C to suit the physique of the person being assisted M. The knee rest members 2C have two recesses that come into contact with the knees of the person being assisted M, and are positioned above the footplate 20. By determining the position of the knees with the knee rest members 2C, the lower body of the person being assisted M is stabilized, facilitating standing up and sitting down.

[0024] The arm member 3 is a member that is long in the vertical direction, and its front surface is curved. A pair of left and right swing shafts 31 are provided near the lower part of the arm member 3. Each of the pair of swing shafts 31 is swingably supported by a swing support seat 29 of the assembly frame 22. In order to restrict the swing angle range of the arm member 3, a stopper mechanism (not shown) is provided near the swing support seat 29. This allows the arm member 3 to swing in the front-to-rear direction relative to the base 2. The arm member 3 swings forward about the swing shaft 31 when the person being assisted M stands up (swinging counterclockwise in Figure 2). In addition, the arm member 3 swings backward about the swing shaft 31 when the person being assisted M sits down.

[0025] The arm member 3 houses a battery 32 and a link mechanism (not shown). The battery 32 serves as the power source for the drive unit 7 and the control unit. The heavy battery 32 is placed in front of the arm member 3 and stabilizes the horizontal state of the assistance device 1 in response to the weight of the person being assisted M who sits behind the arm member 3. A swing support unit 33 is provided on the rear side of the upper part of the arm member 3. A handle 34 is also provided on the upper part of the arm member 3. The handle 34 is formed in a roughly rectangular frame shape and extends diagonally upward and forward of the arm member 3. The handle 34 can be held by the person being assisted M, and can also be held by an assistant to move the assistance device 1.

[0026] The support part 6 is provided at the rear side of the swinging support part 33 so as to be able to swing. The support part 6 is composed of a torso support part 4 and a pair of side support parts 5. The torso support part 4 is attached to the rear side of the swinging support part 33. The torso support part 4 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape by laminating a metal plate, a hard buffer member, and a soft buffer member. The torso support part 4 has sufficient mechanical strength to be able to support the weight of the person being assisted M. The torso support part 4 supports mainly the area from the chest to the abdomen of the person being assisted M who has leaned their upper body forward.

[0027] A pair of left and right side support parts 5 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the torso support part 4. The side support parts 5 are formed in the shape of a round bar with a bent part. The upright upper part above the bent part of the side support parts 5 abuts the shoulders of the person being assisted M. The inclined straight part below the bent part of the side support parts 5 supports the sides of the person being assisted M. When the person being assisted M stands up, the side support parts 5 play the role of lifting up the person being assisted M.

[0028] The side support part 5 is composed of a core member and an outer peripheral member. The core member is formed, for example, using a round bar or pipe made of metal or hard resin. The core member has sufficient mechanical strength to support the weight of the person being assisted M. The upper part of the core member is bent toward the torso support part to form a connecting part 51 (see Figure 2). The connecting part 51 is joined to the torso support part 4, and connects the side support part 5 to the torso support part 4.

[0029] The outer peripheral member is made of elastically deformable cushioning material and is formed into a thick cylindrical shape that covers the core member. An example of the material for the cushioning material that forms the outer peripheral member is sponge rubber made from ethylene propylene rubber. The outer peripheral member made of cushioning material easily compresses and deforms in response to the load applied by the person being assisted M, dispersing the load.

[0030] The drive unit 7 moves the support unit 6 at least in the vertical direction relative to the base 2. When the support unit 6 moves to the lowest position, it is in the ready position for the person being assisted M to board. This is not limited to this, and the ready position of the support unit 6 may be a position slightly higher than the lowest position. An electric, extendable linear actuator can be used as the drive unit 7. The drive unit 7 is attached to the drive support unit 28, and its extendable tip engages with the link mechanism of the arm member 3. The drive unit 7 performs a first extension movement in which it extends from the minimum length to a predetermined intermediate length, and a second extension movement in which it extends from the intermediate length to the maximum length.

[0031] The first extending operation of the drive unit 7 drives the support unit 6 via the link mechanism, causing it to swing upward and forward from the ready position. The second extending operation of the drive unit 7 drives the arm member 3 via the link mechanism, causing it to swing forward. In this way, the support unit 6 moves upward relative to the base 2, while also moving forward. This allows the assistance device 1 to assist the person being assisted M in standing up. Furthermore, the contracting operation of the drive unit 7 causes the support unit 6 to move downward, while also moving backward. This allows the assistance device 1 to assist the person being assisted M in sitting down. The applicant of the present application has disclosed a detailed configuration example of the link mechanism in Patent Document 1.

[0032] The control unit (not shown) is composed of an operating device and a control main unit. The operating device has an up button and a down button that operate the drive unit 7. The operating device is operated by a caregiver. The control main unit is a computer device that has a CPU and runs on software. The control main unit controls the current flowing through the drive unit 7 in response to the operation information of the up button and down button. This controls the operation and stopping of the drive unit 7, as well as the switching between extension and retraction operations.

[0033] 2. Assistive devices 8 The assistance device 1 uses the assisting device 8 for some persons M who are not suitable for assistance devices of conventional configurations. For example, there are cases where the person M cannot lean their upper body forward sufficiently due to factors such as a decline in the function of the trunk of the person M, such as the hip joints, abdominal muscles, and back muscles, or obesity in the lower abdomen. In this case, the person M cannot move their upper body closer to the support part 6 by themselves.

[0034] In this specification, "approaching the support part 6" refers to both contact with the support part 6 and approaching the support part 6 without contacting it. If the person being assisted M cannot contact the support part 6 and is not supported, the assistance device 1 cannot perform its intended function. Furthermore, in the case of a person being assisted M with a hemiplegic disability, even if the healthy half of the body can approach the support part 6, it is difficult for the paralyzed half of the body to approach the support part 6, and the same problem occurs.

[0035] To address this issue, the assisting device 8 assists the person being assisted M, who is in a seated position, in leaning his or her upper body forward and moving closer to the support part 6, which is in the preparation position for the person being assisted M to board. Figures 1 and 2 show the assisting device 8 in an assumed position of use, assuming the person being assisted M (not shown). The assisting device 8 is composed of a support member 81, a rear belt 82, a front belt 83, a buckle 84, a fastening part 85, an adjustment part 86, and the like. The assisting device 8 pulls the support member 81, which supports the back of the person being assisted M, toward the support part 6 in front. This allows the person being assisted M to move closer to the support part 6. The assisting device 8 can be used in other types of assistance devices that have a different configuration from the assistance device 1 described above.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the support material 81 is attached so as to come into contact with the back of the person being assisted M, and supports the back of the person being assisted M. The position at which the support material 81 comes into contact is higher on the back than the belt threaded through the trousers worn by the person being assisted M. This allows the person being assisted M to easily change their trousers while standing. As shown in FIG. 4, the support material 81 is formed in a roughly horizontally long rectangular shape. Furthermore, the support material 81 has a height dimension that is wider than the width of the two branched belts of the rear belt 82. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the support material 81 has a width dimension that is wider on both sides than the back of the person being assisted M.

[0037] The support material 81 is composed of a plate material 811 and a cushion material 812. The plate material 811 is formed into a rectangular plate shape using metal or hard resin, and has high rigidity. Therefore, the plate material 811 does not deform due to the operating force of the pulling operation. The cushion material 812 is formed to be approximately the same size as the plate material 811 when viewed from the rear, and is attached to the front side of the plate material 811. The cushion material 812 is formed so that it is thicker near the left and right ends and thinner in the center. The cushion material 812 is formed using soft urethane or the like, which easily deforms elastically with a small load.

[0038] Therefore, the cushion material 812 can easily deform and come into surface contact with the back of the person being assisted M. This allows the operating force of the pulling operation to be distributed over a large contact area of ​​the cushion material 812 and not concentrated in a specific area on the back of the person being assisted M. As a result, the person being assisted M does not feel pain on the back.

[0039] A modified support material 87 shown in FIG. 6 may also be used. The modified support material 87 has a size similar to that of the support material 81 shown in FIG. 4. The modified support material 87 is deformable so as to come into surface contact with the back of the person being assisted M by the operating force of the pulling operation. In this modified example, the operating force of the pulling operation is distributed over a large contact area of ​​the support material 87 and is not concentrated at a specific point on the back of the person being assisted M. As a result, the person being assisted M does not feel pain on the back.

[0040] Furthermore, temporary fastening materials 88 are provided on the support materials (81, 87) (see FIG. 1). The temporary fastening materials 88 are used to temporarily fasten the support materials (81, 87) to the backs of the person being assisted M, and are not essential. A pair of left and right tape materials extending forward from the right and left ends of the support materials (81, 87) can be used as the temporary fastening materials 88. Then, connecting portions called Velcro (registered trademark) or hook-and-loop fasteners (registered trademark) can be provided near the tips of the left and right tape materials.

[0041] According to this, after the support materials (81, 87) are brought into contact with the backs of the person being assisted M, the left and right tape materials can be temporarily fastened by joining the vicinity of their tips in front of the person being assisted M. Since the support materials (81, 87) will not fall off once they have been temporarily fastened, the subsequent connecting operation using the buckle 84 can be facilitated. Note that the temporary fastening material 88 may be configured such that a single tape extending from the right end of the support material (81, 87) is passed in front of the person being assisted M and joined to the left end of the support material (81, 87). Alternatively, the temporary fastening material 88 may be configured such that string materials extending forward from the right and left ends of the support materials (81, 87) are tied in front of the person being assisted M.

[0042] The rear belts 82 are formed of deformable belt-shaped members and are provided on the left and right sides. As shown in FIG. 4, the left and right rear belts 82 are connected at the rear surface of the support material 81 and are essentially one unit. This is not limiting, and the left and right rear belts 82 may be separate bodies. The rear portion of the rear belt 82 is bifurcated into two, upper and lower. The rear ends of the two upper and lower belts branching off from the left and right sides are connected at the rear surface of the support material 81 and connected to the support material 81.

[0043] In this way, by ensuring a contact area with the support material 81 that is twice the belt width of the rear belts 82, it is possible to ensure good adhesion of the support materials (81, 87) to the back of the person being assisted M. Furthermore, the operating force of the pulling operation can be widely distributed across the support material 81. Also, since the left and right rear belts 82 are connected, mechanical strength and durability are improved. Meanwhile, a buckle recess 841 is provided at the front end of each of the left and right rear belts 82. When not in use, the integrated support material 81 and rear belts 82 are detached from the assistance device 1 and stored.

[0044] The front belts 83 are formed of a deformable belt-like member and are provided in a pair on the left and right. The front ends of the front belts 83 are pulled forward, passing above the connecting portions 51 of the side support portions 5. Furthermore, the front ends of the front belts 83 are hooked to hooking portions 85 provided on the front surface of the torso support portion 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The front ends of the front belts 83 may also be hooked to the connecting portions 51. By positioning the front sides of the front belts 83 at a high position on the support portion 6 in this manner, the support material 81 and the person being assisted M can be reliably pulled forward. If the front sides of the front belts 83 were positioned at a low position on the support portion 6, there would be a risk that the person being assisted M would slip off the side support portions 5 while pulling the support material 81. The front belts 83 may be attached to the assistance device 1 when not in use, or may be detached from the assistance device 1 and stored together with the support material 81 and the rear belts 82 when not in use.

[0045] An adjustment part 86 and a buckle protrusion 842 are provided side by side at the rear of the front belt 83. The adjustment part 86 folds and holds the front belt 83. The adjustment part 86 has a clutch mechanism that fixes and releases the folded position of the front belt 83. More specifically, when the rear end of the front belt 83 is pulled in a specific direction, the adjustment part 86 fixes the folded position thereafter. When the rear end of the front belt 83 is pulled in a direction other than the specific direction, the adjustment part 86 releases the fixed folded position and allows the front belt 83 to move forward and backward. This allows the adjustment part 86 to adjust the effective length of the front belt 83 (the length from the locking part 85 to the adjustment part 86).

[0046] The buckle 84 detachably connects the rear belt 82 and the front belt 83. The connected rear belt 82 and front belt 83 are one embodiment of an operating member that allows the support material 81 to be pulled toward the front support portion 6. The buckle 84 is composed of a buckle recess 841 provided on the rear belt 82 and a buckle protrusion 842 provided on the front belt 83. By inserting the buckle protrusion 842 into the buckle recess 841, the rear belt 82 and the front belt 83 are connected, and a not-shown release prevention mechanism is activated. The buckle 84 has a not-shown release button that releases the release prevention mechanism. When the release button is pressed, the buckle protrusion 842 becomes detachable from the buckle recess 841, and the rear belt 82 and the front belt 83 are separated. A connector having a configuration other than that described above may be used as the buckle 84.

[0047] The rear belt 82 and the front belt 83 are separate and connected by the buckle 84, which makes it easy and convenient to put the assisting device 8 on the person being assisted M. If the buckle 84 were omitted and the rear belt 82 and the front belt 83 were made into a single operating belt, it would be necessary to pull out the long operating belt, adjust its length, and lock it into the locking portion 85 every time, which would be cumbersome and difficult to handle.

[0048] 3. How to use the assistance device 1 Next, a method of using the assisting device 8 with the assistance device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7, and Figs. 3, 8 to 11. Note that in Figs. 8 to 11, the person being assisted M seated on a chair or the like is not shown to make it easier to see the state of the assisting device 8. Before use, the drive unit 7 is at its minimum length and the support unit 6 is in the standby position. Also, the front belt 83 is assumed to be engaged with the assistance device 1.

[0049] In step S1 of FIG. 7, the person being assisted M gets on the assistance device 1. More specifically, the assistant moves the assistance device 1 to the front of the person being assisted M who is in a seated position. This allows part of the upper body of the person being assisted M to enter between the side support parts 5 and place their feet on the footplates 20. If necessary, the assistant assists the person being assisted M in placing their feet on the footplates 20. At this point, the person being assisted M is asked to try to see if they can lean their upper body forward. If they can lean forward sufficiently, the person being assisted M can stand up without using the assisting device 8. If they cannot lean forward sufficiently, the assisting device 8 is required. In many cases, it is known in advance from past usage history that the person being assisted M in question will need the assisting device 8.

[0050] In the next step S2, the caregiver prepares the integrated support material 81 and rear belt 82. Next, the caregiver brings the support material 81 into contact with the back of the person being assisted M. At this time, the caregiver adjusts the height of the support material 81 appropriately so that the belt of the trousers of the person being assisted M is not hidden. This results in the state shown in Figure 8. Next, the caregiver connects the temporary fastening material 88 to temporarily fasten the support material 81 to the back of the person being assisted M. This results in the state shown in Figures 3 and 9. As shown in Figure 3, the person being assisted M is seated with both arms resting on the side support parts 5. Furthermore, the upper body of the person being assisted M is generally upright and away from the torso support part 4.

[0051] In the next step S3, the caregiver uses the adjustment unit 86 to extend the front belt 83. The caregiver typically extends the front belt 83 until its effective length is maximized. The caregiver also orients the buckle protrusion 842 at the rear of the front belt 83 toward the rear. This results in the state shown in FIG. 10. In the next step S4, the caregiver performs a connecting operation using the buckle 84. This connects the rear belt 82 and the front belt 83, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 11.

[0052] In the next step S5, the caregiver uses the adjustment part 86 to shorten the front belt 83. This causes the support material 81 to be pulled toward the support part 6. Therefore, the upper body of the person being assisted M is pulled forward, allowing him or her to lean forward. In other words, even if the person being assisted M is unable to move his or her upper body closer to the support part 6 by himself or herself, he or she can lean his or her upper body forward and lean closer to the support part 6 with the help of the assisting device 8 and the caregiver.

[0053] As a precaution at this time, it is preferable that the caregiver carefully operate the adjustment unit 86 so as not to cause pain to the person being assisted M. If the person being assisted M complains of pain or shows a facial expression of pain, the caregiver should immediately stop operating the adjustment unit 86. It is also preferable to adjust the left and right adjustment units 86 at the same speed to approximately the same length, thereby preventing imbalances in the posture of the person being assisted M. It is also possible for the caregiver to temporarily stop operating the adjustment unit 86 and directly touch the person being assisted M to correct their posture.

[0054] The next step S6 is performed for some of the assisted persons M. The caregiver inserts a side cushion 95 between the side of the assisted person M and the side support section 5. Details of the side cushion 95 will be described in the second embodiment. The next step S7 is performed for some of the assisted persons M. The caregiver inserts a torso cushion 91 into the gap that has formed between the assisted person M and the torso support section 4. Details of the torso cushion 91 will be described in the second embodiment. Note that there may be assisted persons M into which both the side cushion 95 and the torso cushion 91 are inserted, assisted persons M into which only the side cushion 95 is inserted, assisted persons M into which only the torso cushion 91 is inserted, and assisted persons M into which neither is inserted.

[0055] By performing the usage procedures up to this point, the person being assisted M is ready to stand up. Therefore, in step S8, the caregiver uses the operating device to cause the drive unit 7 to perform an extension operation, thereby assisting the person being assisted M in standing up from a sitting position to a standing position. Next, after moving the assistance device 1 and the person being assisted M, the caregiver uses the operating device to cause the drive unit 7 to perform a contraction operation, thereby assisting the person being assisted M in sitting down from a standing position to a sitting position. Note that if the person being assisted M complains of pain or if the person being assisted M's posture becomes inappropriate during the standing up or sitting down movement, the caregiver will interrupt the operation of the assistance device 1 as appropriate and assist the person being assisted M by directly touching him / her.

[0056] In the subsequent step S9, the caregiver performs an operation to detach the assisting device 8 from the person being assisted M. More specifically, the caregiver first uses the adjustment part 86 to extend the front belt 83, thereby changing the person being assisted M from a forward leaning position to a comfortable position. The caregiver then operates the buckle 84 to separate the rear belt 82 and the front belt 83. The caregiver then removes the temporary fastening material 88 and removes the support material 81 and the rear belt 82 from the person being assisted M. Finally, the caregiver puts away the main body of the care assistance device 1, the support material 81, and the rear belt 82. In this way, one use of the care assistance device 1 is completed.

[0057] According to the assistance device 1 of the first embodiment, the assisting device 8 assists the person being assisted M, who has not been considered applicable in the past, in other words, the person being assisted M who has difficulty leaning forward in a seated position, to move closer to the support part 6 in the ready position, so that the person being assisted M is supported by the support part 6. Furthermore, the drive part 7 moves the support part 6 upward, thereby assisting the person being assisted M in standing up from a seated position to a standing position. Therefore, the assistance device 1 can expand the range of people being assisted M to which the device can be applied, adding to the range of people being assisted M who have not been considered applicable in the past.

[0058] Furthermore, the assisting device 8 is applicable to persons M who are assisted but who have been conventionally ineligible for such devices, in other words, persons M who have difficulty leaning their upper body forward in a seated position, and assists the movement of moving closer to the support part 6. As a result, even an assistance device with a conventional configuration can perform its original function for such persons M by using the assisting device 8. Therefore, the range of persons M to whom the assisting device 8 can be applied can be expanded.

[0059] 4. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the main body of the care assistance device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the front belt 8B constituting the assisting device 8A is different from that in the first embodiment. In Fig. 14, the front belt 8B is conveniently shown in black for easy viewing. In addition, in the second embodiment, a body cushion 91 and an armpit cushion 95 are used as needed.

[0060] The assisting device 8A of the second embodiment is composed of a support member 81, a rear belt 82, a front belt 8B, and a buckle 84, but does not have a locking portion 85 or an adjustment portion 86. The front belts 8B are formed from an easily deformable belt-like member and are provided in a pair on the left and right. A ring-shaped pull tab 8C is provided at the front end of the front belts 8B so that the caregiver can pull them. Meanwhile, a buckle protrusion 842 is provided at the rear end of the front belt 83. Furthermore, a connecting belt 8D is provided that has a redundant length and extends forward in a curved shape while connecting the left and right buckle protrusions 842.

[0061] The buckle protrusion 842 is positioned behind the torso support part 4. The front belts 8B and connecting belts 8D are pulled forward, passing above the connecting parts 51 of the side support parts 5. Two fasteners 8E are attached to the connecting belts 8D. The fasteners 8E are detachably fastened to the front of the torso support part 4, making the left and right front belts 8B detachable. The front belts 8B and connecting belts 8D may be fastened to the assistance device 1 when not in use, or may be detached from the assistance device 1 and stored together with the support material 81 and rear belts 82 when not in use.

[0062] When using the assisting device 8A, the temporary fastening of the support material 81 and the fastening operation with the buckle 84 are the same as in the first embodiment. After this, the caregiver pulls the pull tab 8C forward to pull the support material 81 toward the support part 6, causing the upper body of the person being assisted M to lean forward. Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the caregiver ties the left and right front belts 8B together in front of the torso support part 4. Tying the left and right front belts 8B corresponds to the function of the locking part 85 that locks the ends of the front belts 8B. Furthermore, adjusting the position at which the front belts 8B are tied (position in the belt length direction) corresponds to the function of the adjusting part 86 that adjusts the effective length of the front belts 8B. Therefore, the assisting device 8A has the same function as the assisting device 8 of the first embodiment, and produces the same effects.

[0063] The torso cushion 91 is used for the person being assisted M who, even when leaning their upper body forward and approaching the torso support part 4, leaves a gap between them and the torso support part 4. For example, it is suitable for the person being assisted M who does not come into contact with the torso support part 4 even when they lean their upper body forward, or for the person being assisted M who, even when the part of their upper body closer to their abdomen comes into contact with the torso support part 4, leaves a gap between the part of their upper body closer to their chest and the torso support part 4. As shown in FIG. 14 , the caregiver inserts the torso cushion 91 into the gap that has appeared between the person being assisted M and the torso support part 4.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the body cushion 91 has the shape of a horizontal pentagonal prism with a portion of a rectangular parallelepiped cut away. The body cushion 91 has a plurality of different sizes that fill a gap by changing the orientation of insertion into the gap. That is, the body cushion 91 fills a gap of a first width dimension W1 when inserted horizontally as shown. On the other hand, the body cushion 91 fills a gap of a second width dimension W2 when inserted vertically, rotated 90 degrees from FIG. 13. The orientation in which the body cushion 91 is used is determined by the caregiver.

[0065] The body cushion 91 supports part of the weight of the person being assisted M while the person being assisted M stands up and sits down. Therefore, the body cushion 91 preferably has enough rigidity and mechanical strength to prevent large deformation even if it is allowed to deform slightly when the weight (load) of the person being assisted M acts on it, and is made of, for example, urethane. The body cushion 91 is provided with an S-shaped hanging hook 92 for easy storage. The body cushion 91 may be used when the assistance device 1 does not use the assisting devices (8, 8A), or may be used with a different type of assistance device that does not originally have the assisting devices (8, 8A).

[0066] The trunk cushion 91 is applicable to a person M who is assisted but was previously not applicable, in other words, a person M who has a gap between the trunk support part 4 and the cushion, and can fill the gap. As a result, even an assistance device with a conventional configuration can perform its original function for this person by using the trunk cushion 91. Therefore, the trunk cushion 91 can expand the range of people who can be assisted.

[0067] The armpit cushion 95 is used for the person being assisted M who has difficulty standing up due to the load acting on the side of the person being assisted M from the armpit support section 5. For example, if the person being assisted M has weak muscles in the lower body, their weight is not supported by their feet but is mostly supported by the armpit support section 5. As a result, the person being assisted M feels pain in their armpits due to the large load (reaction force) from the armpit support section 5, making it difficult for them to stand up using the assistance device 1. Furthermore, if the person being assisted M has weak muscles to tighten their armpits, their armpits tend to open, and the load from the armpit support section 5 tends to be concentrated in specific areas. As a result, the person being assisted M feels pain in their armpits and makes it difficult for them to stand up using the assistance device 1. Alternatively, the person being assisted M may have difficulty using the assistance device 1 due to an increased risk of slipping off the armpit support section 5. As shown in FIG. 14 , the caregiver inserts the armpit cushion 95 between the armpit of the person being assisted M and the armpit support section 5.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 13, the side cushion 95 is formed in a mountain shape that is long in the front-to-back direction and thick in the up-to-down direction when viewed from the front. The side cushion 95 is formed using the same material as the outer peripheral member of the side support part 5, or a softer material than the outer peripheral member, and is easily compressively deformed by the applied load. Therefore, the contact area between the side cushion 95 and the side of the person being assisted M is increased, ensuring a larger contact area than when the person being assisted M is directly supported by the side support part 5. This distributes the applied load over a wider contact area, reducing pain for the person being assisted M and enabling them to use the assistance device 1. Alternatively, the risk of the person being assisted M slipping off the side support part 5 is reduced, making it possible to use the assistance device 1.

[0069] The armpit cushion 95 is also provided with an S-shaped hanging hook 96 for easy storage. Even if only one side of the person being assisted M is sore, it is preferable to use both the left and right armpit cushions 95 to maintain a balance between the left and right posture of the person being assisted M. The armpit cushion 95 may also be used when the assistance device 1 does not use the assisting devices (8, 8A), or may be used with a different type of assistance device that does not originally have the assisting devices (8, 8A).

[0070] The armpit cushion 95 is applicable to persons M who are assisted but who have not been considered suitable for the conventional care device 1, in other words, persons M who feel pain in their armpits when using the care device 1, and can reduce the pain by increasing the contact area with the armpits of the person M. As a result, even a care device with a conventional configuration can be used by using the armpit cushion 95 for this person M. Therefore, the armpit cushion 95 can expand the range of persons to whom it can be applied.

[0071] 5. Modifications and Applications of the Embodiments The assisting devices (8, 8A) of the first and second embodiments can also be used in an assistance device configured such that the arm member 3 is fixed to the base 2 and the support unit 6 moves up and down along the arm member 3. In the embodiments, the operation of pulling the support member 81 toward the support unit 6 is performed by the caregiver, but this can also be performed using a drive source such as a motor. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, if the person being assisted M sways their upper body, the insertion position and insertion direction of the body cushion 91 and the side cushion 95 may be shifted. To address this issue, a temporary fastening material may be used to temporarily fasten the body cushion 91 to the body support unit 4, or a temporary fastening material may be used to temporarily fasten the side cushion 95 to the side support unit 5. Various other modifications and applications of the first and second embodiments are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1: Assist device 2: Base 3: Arm member 4: Torso support section 5: Side support section 51: Connecting section 6: Support section 7: Drive section 8, 8A: Auxiliary tool 81: Support material 811: Plate material 812: Cushion material 82: Rear belt 83: Front belt 84: Buckle 85: Locking section 86: Adjustment section 87: Support material 88: Temporary fastening material 8B: Front belt 8C: Pull tab 8D: Connecting belt 91: Torso cushion 95: Side cushion M: Person being assisted W1: First width dimension W2: Second width dimension

Claims

1. The base and a support part having a trunk support part for supporting the front of the trunk of the person being assisted and a pair of armpit support parts for supporting the left and right sides of the person being assisted, a drive unit that moves the support unit in a vertical direction relative to the base; a front belt provided on the support portion; A support material that supports the back of the person being assisted; a rear belt provided on the support material; a buckle that detachably connects the front belt and the rear belt between the trunk support portion and the support material; An assistance device comprising:

2. The assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the front belt is fastened to a front surface of the torso support portion.

3. The care device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front belt is provided inside the pair of side support portions.

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