Elastic material, assist suit

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a novel assist suit that improves safety during wear. [Solution] The elastic member 1 used in the assist suit 10 for reducing the burden of movement on the wearer (S) comprises a flexible elastic member body 2 formed by bundling a single rod-shaped body 20 or multiple rod-shaped bodies 20, end caps 3 fitted to both ends of the elastic member body 2, and a cord 4 arranged along the length direction of the elastic member body 2, with both ends of the cord 4 exposed to the outside through the top of each end cap 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an elastic member used for an assist suit for reducing the operation burden of a wearer, and an assist suit provided with this elastic member.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, as a means for reducing the operation burden of workers and the elderly, especially the operation burden caused by forward bending, a wearable assist device using elastic force, such as an "assist suit", has been put into practical use (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In both of the assist suits disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a pair of elastic members are arranged on the back side of the body, and each elastic member bends in response to the forward bending operation of the wearer to generate an elastic assist force, thereby reducing the operation burden of the wearer. Therefore, by wearing this type of assist suit, it is possible to reduce the operation burden such as the operation of lifting a load.

[0005] However, when the elastic member is bent in response to the forward bending operation, a strong stress is applied to the connecting portion between the assist suit main body and the elastic member, so the connecting portion may be damaged. If the connecting portion is damaged, the elastic member may fly backward from the wearer, and there is a possibility of accidental accidents such as damage to objects and personal injuries.

[0006] This invention was completed in view of the aforementioned technical problems, and aims to provide a novel assist suit that improves safety during wear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The elastic member of the present invention, which solves the aforementioned technical problems, is an elastic member used in an assist suit for reducing the burden of movement on the wearer, and comprises a flexible elastic member body consisting of one rod-shaped body or a plurality of rod-shaped bodies bundled together, and end caps fitted to both ends of the elastic member body, and further comprises a cord arranged along the length direction of the elastic member body, with both ends of the cord exposed to the outside through the tops of each end cap (hereinafter referred to as "the elastic member of the present invention").

[0008] In the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which at least one of the rod-shaped bodies constituting the elastic member body is hollow, and the cord is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the elastic member body through the inside of the hollow rod-shaped body.

[0009] In the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which the cord is hollow, a rod-shaped body is inserted and positioned inside, and the cord is arranged along the length direction of the elastic member body.

[0010] In the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which a retaining member for preventing the elastic member body from coming off the end cap is provided at at least one end of the cable.

[0011] In the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which a restraining member is provided at one or more locations in the middle of the elastic member body for restraining the rod-shaped body and the cable.

[0012] In the present invention, a preferred embodiment is one in which the restraining member is a flexible hollow body fitted onto the elastic member body along its longitudinal direction.

[0013] The assist suit of the present invention, which solves the aforementioned technical problems, is characterized by comprising the elastic member of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "assist suit of the present invention"). [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The assist suit of the present invention can improve safety when worn. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view showing the elastic member of the present invention according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view showing the rod-shaped body constituting the elastic member of the present invention in a state where it has been broken in the middle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of the end cap fitted to the lower end of the elastic member of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows perspective views (a), (b), and a cross-sectional view (c) of the end cap fitted to the upper end of the elastic member of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of the end cap with the cable inserted through it. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a perspective view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of the end cap fitted onto the end of the elastic member body. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) illustrating the state in which the elastic member body is prevented from coming off the end cap by the retaining member. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the assist suit of the present invention, equipped with the elastic member of the present invention, as seen from the rear. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a front view (a) and a rear view (b) of a person wearing the assist suit. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is a side view showing a person lifting a load placed on the ground, and Figure 9(b) is a side view showing the end cap in a damaged state. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing another aspect of the elastic member of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a perspective view showing still another aspect of the elastic member of the present invention, and Figure 11(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the middle part of the restraint member and the rod-shaped body constituting the elastic member of the present invention is broken. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is a perspective view showing the elastic member of the present invention according to Embodiment 2, and Figure 12(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the middle part of the rod-shaped body constituting the elastic member of the present invention is broken. [Figure 13] Figure 13(a) is a perspective view showing the elastic member of the present invention according to Embodiment 3, and Figure 13(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the middle part of the rod-shaped body and the cable body constituting the elastic member of the present invention is broken.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described based on the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0017] [Embodiment 1] <The elastic member 1 of the present invention> Figure 1 shows the elastic member 1 of the present invention according to Embodiment 1. The elastic member 1 of the present invention includes an "elastic member main body (2)" and an "end cap (3)", and further includes a "cable body (4)".

[0018] - Elastic member main body 2 - The elastic member main body 2 is a flexible member. In the present embodiment, a round bar made of carbon fiber (diameter 4 mm, length 750 mm) is used as the rod-shaped body 20, and the elastic member main body 2 is constructed by bundling four of these rod-shaped bodies 20.

[0019] - End cap 3 - The end caps 3 are members that are fitted to each end of the elastic member body 2. In this embodiment, two types of end caps 3 are used: a lower end cap 3 (3L) that is fitted to the lower end of the elastic member body 2, and an upper end cap 3 (3U) that is fitted to the upper end.

[0020] • Lower end cap 3 (3L) As shown in Figure 2, the lower end cap 3(3L) comprises a hollow cylindrical cap body 30 and a cap top surface 31 that closes one end of the cap body 30. The lower end cap 3(3L) is a resin molded product in which the cap body 30 and the cap top surface 31 are integrally molded. Furthermore, a recess 32 is provided in the center of the cap top surface 31, which is the top of the lower end cap 3(3L), and a through hole 33 that leads to the inside of the cap body 30 is provided in the center of the recess 32. In addition, a male screw portion 34 is provided on the peripheral wall of the cap body 30.

[0021] • Upper end cap 3 (3U) As shown in Figure 3, the upper end cap 3(3U) comprises a hollow cylindrical cap body 30, a cap top surface 31 that closes one end of the cap body 30, and a ball stud 35 provided on the cap top surface 31. The upper end cap 3(3U) is also a resin molded product, with the cap body 30, the cap top surface 31, and the ball stud 35 being integrally molded. Furthermore, a recess 32 is provided in the center of the ball stud 35, which forms the top of the upper end cap 3(3U), and a through hole 33 leading to the inside of the cap body 30 is provided in the center of the recess 32.

[0022] -chordal body 4- The cord 4 is a component arranged along the length of the elastic member body 2. In this embodiment, a cord (2 mm in diameter) made of twisted high-strength polyethylene fibers is used as the cord 4. The cord 4 is positioned to correspond to the core material of the multiple rod-shaped bodies 20 that make up the elastic member body 2. Both ends of the cord 4 are exposed to the outside through the tops of the end caps 3 (3U, 3L).

[0023] In constructing the elastic member 1 of the present invention, as shown in Figure 4, the cord 4 is inserted through the through hole 33 of the end cap 3 (3U, (3L)), and then the rod-shaped body 20 is inserted into the cap body 30 as shown in Figure 5.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a retaining member 5 is attached to the end of the cord 4 exposed to the outside of the end cap 3 (3U, (3L)), and the excess portion of the cord 4 protruding from the recess 32 is cut off to construct the elastic member 1 of the present invention.

[0025] <Assist Suit 10 of the Invention> Figure 7 shows the assist suit 10 of the present invention according to Embodiment 1. The assist suit 10 of the present invention according to this embodiment is equipped with the aforementioned elastic member 1 of the present invention, and further comprises an "upper body attachment member (11)" and a "thigh attachment member (12)".

[0026] -Upper body attachment component 11- The upper body mounting member 11 is a member that is attached to the upper body when wearing the assist suit 10 of the present invention. The upper body mounting member 11 is also provided with an upper end connector 111 for connecting the upper end end cap 3 (3U) of the elastic member 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper body mounting member 11 is made up of a back support plate 110, an upper end connector 111 provided on the back side of the back support plate 110, and a pair of loop-shaped shoulder straps 112 attached to the back support plate 110. The bottom of the upper end connector 111 is provided with two connecting receiving parts (sockets) at symmetrical positions on either side of the center line for connecting the ball studs 35 of the upper end end cap 3 (3U).

[0027] -Thigh attachment member 12- The thigh attachment members 12 are members that are attached to the left and right thighs when wearing the assist suit 10 of the present invention. The thigh attachment members 12 are also provided with a lower end connector 121 for connecting the lower end end cap 3 (3L) of the elastic member 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the thigh attachment member 12 is made up of a thigh support plate 120 and a support rod 122 that connects the thigh support plate 120 to the lower end connector 121. The lower end connector 121 is also provided with a screw hole 123 that can be screwed into the male screw portion 34 of the lower end end cap 3 (3L). A band-shaped positioning device 6 and a push-down device 7, whose length can be adjusted by a buckle, are stretched between the left and right thigh attachment members 12.

[0028] - Attachment of the elastic member 1 of the present invention - In the assist suit 10 according to this embodiment of the present invention, a pair of elastic members 1 of the present invention are arranged on the back side. The upper end cap 3 (3U) of the elastic member 1 is connected to an upper end connector 111 provided on the upper body mounting member 11, and the lower end cap 3 (3L) is connected to a lower end connector 121 provided on each thigh mounting member 12. In this embodiment, the ball stud 35 provided on the upper end cap 3 (3U) of the elastic member 1 is connected to a connecting receiving portion (socket) provided on the upper end connector 111, while the male screw portion 34 provided on the lower end cap 3 (3L) is screwed into the screw hole 123 of the lower end connector 121 provided on each thigh mounting member 12, thereby arranging a pair of elastic members 1 of the present invention on the back side of the assist suit 10. Since the upper end of the elastic member 1 is connected to the upper end connector 111 by the ball stud 35, it can rotate using the connection portion as a pivot. Furthermore, a strip-shaped spacing regulating device 8, whose length can be adjusted by a buckle, is stretched between the left and right elastic members 1 of the present invention.

[0029] <Wearing the assist suit 10 of the present invention> Figure 8 shows a wearer (S) wearing the assist suit 10 of the present invention having the above configuration. The assist suit 10 of the present invention is worn by attaching the upper body attachment member 11 to the upper body of the wearer (S) and attaching each thigh attachment member 12 to each of the wearer's (S) thighs.

[0030] When attaching the upper body attachment member 11 to the upper body of the wearer (S), the wearer (S) puts both arms through each of the pair of shoulder straps 112 provided on the upper body attachment member 11 and guides them to the left and right shoulders, and the wearer (S) puts on the upper body attachment member 11 on their back so that the back support plate 110 is positioned in the center of the wearer's back.

[0031] On the other hand, when attaching the thigh attachment member 12, the thigh support plate 120 provided on the thigh attachment member 12 is positioned in front of the thigh, and the position of the lower end of the elastic member 1 of the present invention is determined by adjusting the length of the positioning device 6 in this state. In this embodiment, the lower end of the elastic member 1 of the present invention is positioned closer to the body side of the wearer (S).

[0032] <Modes for using the assist suit 10 of the present invention> In this wearing state, as shown in Figure 9(a), when the wearer (S) bends forward to lift a load (W) placed on the ground, the elastic member 1 of the present invention flexes, and an elastic force is generated in the direction that returns the wearer's (S) body to an upright position. At this time, the push-down device 7 is pushed down by the buttocks when the wearer lowers their hips, suppressing the lifting of the elastic member 1 of the present invention. In addition, the spacing regulating device 8 regulates the spacing between the elastic members 1 of the present invention so that it does not widen.

[0033] The resulting elastic force acts as an assisting force to reduce the burden on the wearer (S), but this elastic force can also act as a force that tries to pull the elastic member body 2 of the present invention out of the end cap 3. In this regard, in the present invention's elastic member 1, the distance between the end caps 3 (3U, 3L) is determined by retaining members 5 attached to both ends of the cord 4, preventing the elastic member body 2 from coming out of the end cap 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the elastic force of the elastic member 1 of the present invention, generated in response to the wearer's (S) forward bending movement, exerts strong stress on the end caps 3 (3U, 3L). In particular, in the elastic member 1 of the present invention according to this embodiment, the boundary between the cap body 30 and the ball stud 35 is constricted at the upper end cap 3 (3U), and as shown in Figure 9(b), damage is likely to occur at this part. However, in the elastic member 1 of the present invention, the cord 4, to which retaining members 5 are attached at both ends, prevents the elastic member body 2 from coming off the end cap 3, thus preventing the elastic member body 2 from snapping off. As a result, the assist suit 10 of the present invention equipped with the elastic member 1 of the present invention offers improved safety when worn.

[0035] By the way, in this embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 1 is made up of four rod-shaped bodies 20 bundled together in the elastic member body 2, but the number of rod-shaped bodies 20 constituting the elastic member body 2 can be any number, and the elastic member body 2 may be made up of just one rod-shaped body 20.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a round carbon fiber rod is used for the rod-shaped body 20 that constitutes the elastic member body 2, but the material, shape, and dimensions of the rod-shaped body 20 are not particularly limited in this invention. In addition to carbon fiber, other materials such as glass fiber, metal, plastic, rubber, and silicon can be used as appropriate for the material of the rod-shaped body 20. Also, in addition to a round rod, other shapes such as a square rod, flat plate, hollow pipe, or coil spring can be appropriately selected for the shape of the rod-shaped body 20.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the assist suit 10 of the present invention is constructed by connecting the ball stud 35 provided on the upper end cap 3 (3U) to the connecting receiving portion (socket) provided on the upper end connector 111, and screwing the male threaded portion 34 provided on the lower end cap 3 (3L) into the threaded hole 123 of the lower end connector 121. However, in the present invention, the shape of the end caps 3 (3U, 3L) is not particularly limited in terms of material, shape, and dimensions, as long as they have a shape that can be fitted to the end of the elastic member body 2 and allow the end of the cable 4 to be exposed through the top.

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, a cord made by twisting high-strength polyethylene fibers is used as the cord 4, but the material of the cord 4 may be natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Furthermore, a metal material such as wire may be used as the cord 4. Moreover, a material with some elasticity may be used as the cord 4.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a retaining member 5 is used to prevent the elastic member body 2 from coming off the end cap 3, but the retaining member 5 is not an essential component in this invention. The elastic member body 2 can be prevented from coming off the end cap 3 even if a knot is made at the end of the cord 4 without using the retaining member 5.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface of the rod-shaped body 20 constituting the elastic member body 2 is exposed. However, in the present invention, it is preferable to provide a restraining member 9 at one or more locations in the middle of the elastic member body 2, as shown in Figure 10, to restrain the rod-shaped body 20 and the cable 4. By providing a restraining member 9 to restrain the rod-shaped body 20 and the cable 4, the cable 4 can more easily follow the bending of the elastic member body 2, and the sense of unity between the rod-shaped body 20 and the cable 4 constituting the elastic member body 2 is improved.

[0041] In addition, as shown in Figure 11, if a flexible hollow body is used as the restraining member 9, which is fitted onto the elastic member body 2 along its length, it is possible to prevent fragments of the rod-shaped body 20 from scattering into the surroundings if the rod-shaped body 20 constituting the elastic member body 2 breaks.

[0042] In this embodiment, the assist suit 10 of the present invention is equipped with a pair of elastic members 1 of the present invention on the back and is configured to primarily assist the wearer's (S) forward bending movements. However, the configuration of the assist suit 10 of the present invention is not limited to that of this embodiment. Furthermore, the number of elastic members 1 of the present invention used and their positions are not limited. Other examples of the assist suit 10 of the present invention include configurations that assist the wearer's (S) bending and straightening movements, and configurations that assist the movement of raising the upper arm.

[0043] [Embodiment 2] <Elastic member 1 of the present invention> Figure 12 shows the elastic member 1 of the present invention according to Embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the elastic member 1 of the present invention has one of the five rod-shaped bodies 20 constituting the elastic member body 2 made hollow, and a cord 4 is arranged along the length direction of the elastic member body 2 through the inside of the hollow rod-shaped body 20.

[0044] As in this embodiment, by arranging the cord 4 along the length direction of the elastic member body 2 through the hollow rod-shaped body 20, the cord 4 can more easily follow the bending of the elastic member body 2, improving the sense of unity between the rod-shaped body 20 and the cord 4 that constitute the elastic member body 2.

[0045] The rest is the same as in Embodiment 1, and to avoid repetition, the explanation is omitted here.

[0046] [Embodiment 3] <Elastic member 1 of the present invention> Figure 13 shows the elastic member 1 of the present invention according to Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the elastic member 1 of the present invention has one of the five rod-shaped bodies 20 that constitute the elastic member body 2 inserted and arranged inside a hollow cord 4.

[0047] As in this embodiment, by inserting the rod-shaped body 20 inside the hollow cord 4, the cord 4 can more easily follow the bending of the elastic member body 2, and the sense of unity between the rod-shaped body 20 and the cord 4 that constitute the elastic member body 2 is improved.

[0048] The rest is the same as in Embodiment 1, and to avoid repetition, the explanation is omitted here.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from its spirit or main features. Therefore, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and the text of the specification is not restrictive. Moreover, any modifications or changes falling within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] The present invention is suitably used as a means to reduce the burden on the wearer's movements. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Elastic member of the present invention (elastic member) 2 Elastic member body 20 rod-shaped bodies 3 End caps 4 Chord body 5. Retaining member 6 Positioning device 7. Push-down device 8. Spacing Regulator 9 Restraining member 10. Assist Suit of the Present Invention (Assist Suit)

Claims

1. An elastic member used in an assist suit designed to reduce the burden of movement on the wearer, A flexible elastic member body consisting of a single rod-shaped body or a bundle of multiple rod-shaped bodies, End caps fitted to both ends of the elastic member body, It is equipped with, Furthermore, it comprises a cable arranged along the longitudinal direction of the elastic member body, An elastic member characterized in that both ends of the cord are exposed to the outside through the top of each end cap.

2. In the elastic member described in claim 1, At least one of the rod-shaped bodies constituting the elastic member body is hollow, An elastic member in which the cord is arranged along the length direction of the elastic member body through the inside of a hollow rod-shaped body.

3. In the elastic member described in claim 1, The aforementioned cord is made hollow, An elastic member in which a rod-shaped body is inserted and positioned inside, and the cord is arranged along the length direction of the elastic member body.

4. In the elastic member described in claim 1, An elastic member wherein a retaining member is provided at least one end of the cable to prevent the elastic member body from coming off the end cap.

5. In the elastic member described in claim 1, An elastic member having restraining members provided at one or more locations in the middle of the elastic member body for restraining the rod-shaped body and the cable.

6. In the elastic member according to claim 5, The restraining member is a flexible, hollow elastic member fitted onto the elastic member body along its longitudinal direction.

7. An assist suit characterized by comprising an elastic member as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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