Transfer device

Abstract

To provide a transfer device that offers excellent convenience. [Solution] The transfer device of the present invention comprises a base 1, a first support column 3, a holding member 5, an operating mechanism 7, a first knee holding device 11, and a second knee holding mechanism 13. The first knee holding mechanism 11 has a first guide member 11a and a first knee holding member 11b, and the second knee holding mechanism 13 has a second guide member 13a and a second knee holding member 13b. The first knee holding member 11b and the second knee holding member 13b are capable of holding the left knee and the right knee at different positions in the front-rear direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional transfer device. This transfer device includes a base, a support column, a holding member, and an operation mechanism. The base is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. Further, casters are provided on the base. The support column extends upward from the base.

[0003] The holding member is provided so as to be swingable from an initial position to a transfer position, and has a central member, a right-side member, and a left-side member. The holding member, the central member, can receive the chest of the care recipient. The right-side member can support the right side of the care recipient. The left-side member can support the right side of the care recipient. Thus, the holding member can hold the care recipient.

[0004] The operation mechanism has a handle, a damper, and a pedal. The handle is connected to the holding member and is disposed behind the holding member. The handle can be gripped by a caregiver. The damper is connected to the holding member. The damper swings the holding member between the initial position and the transfer position by expanding and contracting in the longitudinal direction. Further, the damper is prohibited from expanding and contracting when it is in a prohibited state, and is allowed to expand and contract when it is in an allowed state. Only one pedal is provided. The pedal is located behind the base and at the center in the left-right direction of the base, and is connected behind the damper. The pedal switches the damper from the prohibited state to the allowed state when depressed by a caregiver.

[0005] In this transfer device, when the caregiver wants to hold the person being cared for in the holding member, the caregiver first presses the pedal with their foot to switch the damper from the prohibited state to the permitted state. While in this state, the caregiver operates the handle to swing the holding member to its initial position. After swinging the holding member to the initial position, the caregiver releases the pedal and switches the damper back to the prohibited state. In this way, the caregiver can hold the person being cared for in the holding member in its initial position. After the caregiver has held the person in the holding member, the caregiver presses the pedal again to switch the damper from the prohibited state to the permitted state, and then swings the holding member to the transfer position by operating the handle. This allows the entire body of the person being cared for to be transferred to the transfer device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-154773 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, this type of transfer device requires greater convenience.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a transfer device that can demonstrate excellent convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The transfer device of the present invention has a base having casters and extending in the front-rear and left-right directions, A support column extending upward from the base, A holding member is provided that is pivotable around a horizontal pivot axis relative to the support column from an initial position to a transport position, and is used to hold the person to be cared for. An operating mechanism that causes the holding member to swing when operated by the caregiver who is caring for the person being cared for, A first knee support mechanism capable of supporting the left knee of the person being cared for, The system includes a second knee-holding mechanism capable of holding the right knee of the person being cared for, The support member comprises a central member capable of supporting the chest of the person being cared for, a right-side member positioned to the right of the person being cared for relative to the central member and capable of supporting the right armpit of the person being cared for, and a left-side member positioned to the left of the person being cared for relative to the central member and capable of supporting the left armpit of the person being cared for. In the initial position, the central member is in a substantially vertical position. In the transfer device, the central member is in a substantially horizontal position at the transfer position, The operating mechanism includes a handle connected to the holding member and positioned in one of the front-to-back directions relative to the holding member, which can be pivoted by the caregiver grasping and pushing it down, A damper connected to the holding member, which extends and contracts in the longitudinal direction to cause the holding member to swing between the initial position and the transfer position, and which is capable of achieving a prohibited state in which the extension and contraction is prohibited and a permitted state in which the extension and contraction are permitted, The damper has a switching member connected to it, which can switch the damper between the prohibited state and the permitted state, The first knee holding mechanism includes a first guide member and a first knee holding member that holds the left knee and is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the first guide member, and is also capable of restricting movement in the front-rear direction. The second knee holding mechanism includes a second guide member and a second knee holding member that holds the right knee, is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the second guide member, and is also capable of restricting movement in the front-rear direction. The first knee-holding member and the second knee-holding member are characterized in that they can hold the left knee and the right knee at different positions in the front-rear direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The transfer device of the present invention offers excellent convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a holding member is in an initial position, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a holding member is in a transfer position, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a switching member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a base and a switching member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view showing a central member, a right member, and a left member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view showing a central member, a right member, and a left member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a cross-section taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 when a damper is in a prohibited state, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part similar to FIG. 7 when a damper is in an allowable state, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a state where a second knee holding member has moved forward, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a state where a second knee holding member has moved backward, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second guiding member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second knee holding member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a second guiding member and a second knee holding member, related to the transfer device of the embodiment. (A) of FIG. 13 shows a state where a first engaging tooth and a second engaging tooth are engaged. (B) of FIG. 13 shows a state where the engagement between the first engaging tooth and the second engaging tooth is released. (C) of FIG. 13 shows a state where the first engaging tooth and the second engaging tooth are engaged at a position different from that of (A) of FIG. 13.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transfer device of the embodiment includes a base 1, a first column 3, a holding member 5, an operation mechanism 7, a first knee holding mechanism 11, and a second knee holding mechanism 13. The first column 3 is an example of the "column" in the present invention. The operation mechanism 7 has a handle 70, a damper 71, and a switching member 72 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the vertical direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction of the transfer device are defined by the black solid arrows shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Here, the rear of the transfer device corresponds to "one of the front-back directions" in the present invention. Further, in the present embodiment, the left-right direction of the transfer device is defined based on the case where the transfer device is viewed from the front side. And in FIGS. 3 and subsequent figures, the vertical direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction of the transfer device are defined corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2. These vertical direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the base 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape extending in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. At the rear portion of the base 1, a left rear end portion 1a and a right rear end portion 1b are formed. The left rear end portion 1a and the right rear end portion 1b are formed by being bent upward from the base 1, respectively. Below each of the left rear end portion 1a and the right rear end portion 1b, casters 2a and 2b are attached, respectively. On the other hand, at the front portion of the base 1 and at a substantially central portion in the front-back direction of the base 1, casters 2c and 2d are attached to the lower right and lower left portions, respectively. The casters 2c and 2d are smaller than the casters 2a and 2b. Here, the substantially central portion includes not only the completely central position but also a position slightly deviated from the center due to manufacturing tolerances or the like. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustration of the casters 2c and 2d attached to the lower left of the base 1 is omitted.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, a left first mounting hole 1c and a right first mounting hole 1d are formed at locations approximately in the center of the base 1 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Furthermore, a left second mounting hole 1e and a right second mounting hole 1f are formed at locations behind the left first mounting hole 1c and the right first mounting hole 1d. A wire insertion hole 1g is formed between the left second mounting hole 1e and the right second mounting hole 1f. In addition, a spring mounting portion 1k is formed at locations between the left first mounting hole 1c and the right first mounting hole 1d and the left second mounting hole 1e and the right second mounting hole 1f in the front-to-back direction.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first support column 3 extends in the vertical direction. The first support column 3 is composed of a first left column section 3a, a first right column section 3b, and a first cover section 3c. The first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b have the same shape and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. Through holes (not shown) for inserting the first connecting pin 8, which will be described later, are provided at the lower ends of the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b. The first cover section 3c is integral with the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b and is located in front of the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b, between the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b. The first cover section 3c connects the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b in the left-right direction. Here, the vertical length of the first cover section 3c is designed to be shorter than the vertical lengths of the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b. The first support column 3 is fixed to the base 1 at approximately the center in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and extends approximately vertically upward from the base 1. The fixing of the first support column 3 to the base 1 will be described later.

[0018] Furthermore, the front ends of the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b are fixed to the first support column 3. The first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b are identical in shape and are formed as rectangular plates extending in the front-rear direction. The first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b are spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend approximately horizontally toward the rear from the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, a second support column 6 is provided behind the first support column 3, between the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b. The second support column 6 extends vertically. The second support column 6 is composed of a second left column section 6a, a second right column section 6b, and a second cover section 6c. The second left column section 6a and the second right column section 6b are identical in shape, spaced apart in the left-right direction, and extend vertically. Here, the vertical lengths of the second left column section 6a and the second right column section 6b are shorter than the vertical lengths of the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b. As a result, the second support column 6 is shorter in vertical length than the first support column 3. The second cover section 6c is positioned between the second left column section 6a and the second right column section 6b. The second cover section 6c connects the second left column section 6a and the second right column section 6b in the left-right direction by connecting to the upper ends of the second left column section 6a and the second right column section 6b, respectively.

[0020] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second left column 6a is fixed to the base 1 by inserting its lower end through the left second mounting hole 1e of the base 1. Although not shown in the figures, the second right column 6b is also fixed to the base 1 by inserting its lower end through the right second mounting hole 1f of the base 1. In this way, the second column 6 is fixed to the base 1 and extends upward from the base 1 almost vertically. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear ends of the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b are fixed to the upper ends of the second left column 6a and the second right column 6b, respectively. In this way, the first column 3 and the second column 6 are connected by the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b.

[0021] The holding member 5 includes a central member 51, a right-side member 52, a left-side member 53, a base 54, a first connecting rod 55, a second connecting rod 56, and the first to fourth link arms 57a to 57d shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first connecting rod 55 and the second connecting rod 56 are formed from rectangular steel members extending in the longitudinal direction. The first connecting rod 55 has one end in the longitudinal direction (the front end of the first connecting rod 55 in Figure 1) fixed to the base 54. The second connecting rod 56 extends vertically in the longitudinal direction, and its upper end is connected to the other end of the first connecting rod 55. The lower end of the second connecting rod 56 enters the first support column 3, that is, between the first left column section 3a and the first right column section 3b. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a spacer 58 is provided between the second connecting rod 56 and the first left column section 3a. Although not shown, a spacer 58 is also provided between the second connecting rod 56 and the first right column section 3b.

[0023] The second connecting rod 56, the first left column section 3a, and the first right column section 3b, including both spacers 58, are connected by a first bolt 81. The first bolt 81 extends horizontally in the left-right direction relative to the first support column 3. As a result, the axis of the first bolt 81 also extends horizontally in the left-right direction. The axis of the first bolt 81 is defined as the first pivot axis X1. The first pivot axis X1 is an example of a "pivot axis" in this invention. The first and second connecting rods 55 and 56 are able to pivot in the front-rear direction around the first pivot axis X1 relative to the first support column 3. As a result, the holding member 5 can pivot from the initial position shown in Figure 1 to the transport position shown in Figure 2.

[0024] The central member 51 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is made of cushioning material and is formed in a roughly triangular shape. The central member 51 can support the chest of a person being cared for by bringing the chest of the person being cared for (not shown) into contact with its surface 51a (see Figure 2). The base 54 is fixed to the back side of the central member 51. The base 54 is formed to conform to the shape of the central member 51. In Figures 5 and 6, the first and second cover plates 522 and 532, which will be described later, are shown with dashed lines for the sake of clarity. Also, in Figures 5 and 6, the front-to-back direction and other directions are defined based on the state in which the holding member 5 is in its initial position.

[0025] The central member 51 and the base 54 are displaced to a substantially vertical state in the vertical direction when the holding member 5 swings to the initial position shown in Figure 1, and to a substantially horizontal state in the front-rear direction when it swings to the transport position shown in Figure 2. Here, substantially vertical includes not only a perfectly vertical state but also a state that is slightly inclined due to tolerances, etc. Similarly, substantially horizontal includes not only a perfectly horizontal state but also a state that is slightly inclined due to tolerances, etc.

[0026] The right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53 are also made of cushioning material and are formed in a roughly rectangular shape. The right-side member 52 supports the right side of the person being cared for by placing the right side of the person being cared for on the mounting surface 520. The left-side member 53 supports the left side of the person being cared for by placing the left side of the person being cared for on the mounting surface 530. In addition, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, back plates 521 and 531 are provided on the back surfaces of the right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53, respectively.

[0027] The first and second link arms 57a and 57b are pivotably connected to the base 54 at their left ends by bolts 63a and 63b, respectively, and pivotably connected to the right-side member 52 via a back plate 521 at their right ends by bolts 64a and 64b. The third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d are pivotably connected to the base 54 at their right ends by bolts 63c and 63d, respectively, and pivotably connected to the left-side member 53 via a back plate 531 at their left ends by bolts 64c and 64d. In this way, the first to fourth link arms 57a to 57d connect the central member 51 and base 54, the right-side member 52, and the left-side member 53. Furthermore, the right ends of the first and second link arms 57a and 57b are covered by a first cover plate 522, and the left ends of the third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d are covered by a second cover plate 532. Note that the first and second cover plates 522 and 532 may be omitted.

[0028] The right-side member 52 is displaced between the first position shown in Figure 5 and the second position shown in Figure 6, as the left ends of the first and second link arms 57a and 57b each swing around bolts 63a and 63b, respectively, and the right ends of the first and second link arms 57a and 57b each swing around bolts 64a and 64b, respectively. Similarly, the left-side member 53 is displaced between the first position shown in Figure 5 and the second position shown in Figure 6, as the right ends of the third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d each swing around bolts 63c and 63d, respectively, and the left ends of the third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d each swing around bolts 64c and 64d, respectively. Furthermore, the distance between the right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53 changes in the left-right direction as they are displaced between the first and second positions. Specifically, the right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53 move closer together in the left-right direction as they are displaced from the first position to the second position.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handle 70 is formed by combining multiple steel members that extend cylindrically in the longitudinal direction. The handle 70 is fixed to the first connecting rod 55. Furthermore, the handle 70 is provided with the first to sixth grips 701 to 706. The shape of the handle 70 can be designed as appropriate.

[0030] The damper 71 shown in Figures 7 and 8 comprises a cylinder 711, a piston rod 712, a push rod 713, a first bracket 714, a second bracket 715, and a pressing lever 716. In this embodiment, a commercially available damper 71 is used, specifically a product (FLF125-50) from KYB Engineering & Service Co., Ltd. For this reason, a detailed explanation of the individual components of the cylinder 711, etc., is omitted. Note that other products may be used as the damper 71.

[0031] The damper 71 is positioned between the first support column 3 and the second support column 6. In this configuration, the damper 71 is positioned so that it slopes upward from the rear end to the front end in the longitudinal direction. In the damper 71, the first bracket 714 is fixed to the front end of the cylinder 711, and the second bracket 715 is fixed to the rear end of the piston rod 712. The first bracket 714 enters between the first left column portion 3a and the first right column portion 3b of the first support column 3 and is connected to the lower end of the second connecting rod 56 by a second bolt 82. Thus, the front end of the damper 71 is connected to the second connecting rod 56 at a position below the first bolt 81. On the other hand, the second bracket 715 enters between the second left column portion 6a and the second right column portion 6b of the second support column 6 and is connected to the second left column portion 6a and the second right column portion 6b by a third bolt 83. Thus, the rear end of the damper 71 is fixed to the second support column 6. The second and third bolts 82 and 83 are parallel to the first bolt 81 and extend horizontally in the left-right direction.

[0032] Furthermore, a pressing lever 716 is pivotably attached to the second bracket 715 by a second connecting pin 717. A power transmission wire 91 is also attached to the second bracket 715. One end 91a of the power transmission wire 91 is locked to the pressing lever 716. The other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 is inserted through a wire insertion hole 1g and is located below the base 1.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the damper 71 is in a restricted state when the push rod 713 is not pressed by the pressing lever 716, preventing the piston rod 712 from moving relative to the cylinder 711. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, the damper 71 is in a permitted state when the push rod 713 is pressed by the pressing lever 716, allowing the piston rod 712 to move relative to the cylinder 711. Thus, in the restricted state, the damper 71 is prohibited from extending or retracting in the longitudinal direction, and in the permitted state, it is permitted to extend or retract in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the switching member 72 is composed of a frame 72a, a central pedal 72b, a left pedal 72c, and a right pedal 72d. The central pedal 72b is an example of the "first pedal" in the present invention.

[0035] Frame 72a has a first extension portion 721, a second extension portion 722, a third extension portion 723, a main body portion 724, and a connecting portion 725. The first to third extension portions 721 to 723 are formed from cylindrical steel material. The first extension portion 721 extends in the left-right direction while having a substantially arc shape that projects towards the rear. The second extension portion 722 and the third extension portion 723 have a symmetrical shape, extending closer to each other from the rear end towards the front end, and then extending linearly towards the front end. The second extension portion 722 and the third extension portion 723 are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and their respective rear ends are connected to the first extension portion 721. As a result, the second and third extension portions 722 and 723 extend forward from the first extension portion 721.

[0036] The main body 724 is formed from a metal plate and has a roughly rectangular box shape with an open top. The main body 724 is fixed to the front ends of the second and third extending parts 722 and 723, with the front ends of the second and third extending parts 722 and 723 entering into the main body 724. The main body 724 is also provided with first to fourth side walls 724a to 724d. The first side wall 724a is located at the left end of the main body 724, and the second side wall 724b is located at the right end of the main body 724. The third and fourth side walls 724c and 724d are located between the first side wall 724a and the second side wall 724b. The first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d are formed in the first to fourth side walls 724a to 724d, respectively. The first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d are coaxially aligned and penetrate the first to fourth side walls 724a to 724d in the left-right direction, respectively. In addition, the main body portion 724 is provided with a locking portion 724e. The locking portion 724e is located at the rear end of the main body portion 724 and is positioned between the second extension portion 722 and the third extension portion 723.

[0037] The connecting portion 725 is formed from a metal plate. The connecting portion 725 is positioned behind the main body portion 724. The connecting portion 725 is located between the second extending portion 722 and the third extending portion 723, and is fixed to the second and third extending portions 722 and 723. In addition, a locking groove 725a extending in the vertical direction is formed at the rear end of the connecting portion 725.

[0038] The central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d all have the same configuration, comprising a metal base 720a and a synthetic rubber anti-slip portion 720b provided on the base 720a. The central pedal 72b is fixed to the center of the first extension portion 721 in the left-right direction. The left pedal 72c is fixed to the left end of the first extension portion 721, and the right pedal 72d is fixed to the right end of the first extension portion 721. Here, since the first extension portion 721 has a shape that extends in the left-right direction while being roughly arc-shaped and projecting backward, the central pedal 72b is located further back than the left pedal 72c and the right pedal 72d. Also, the central pedal 72b is located between the left pedal 72c and the right pedal 72d in the left-right direction. The shapes of the central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d can be designed as appropriate.

[0039] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the switching member 72 is connected to the first support column 3 and is pivotably mounted to the base 1. Specifically, the switching member 72 is positioned such that the main body 724 is located below the left first mounting hole 1c and the right first mounting hole 1d of the base 1. In the first support column 3, the lower end of the first left column portion 3a is inserted through the left first mounting hole 1c, and the lower end of the first right column portion 3b is inserted through the right first mounting hole 1d. At this time, within the main body 724, the lower end of the first left column portion 3a is positioned between the second extension portion 722 and the third side wall 724c, and the lower end of the first right column portion 3b is positioned between the third extension portion 723 and the fourth side wall 724d. The first connecting pin 8 is then inserted horizontally in the left-right direction through the first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d and the through holes in the first left column 3a and the first right column 3b. This connects the first support column 3 and the switching member 72, while the switching member 72 is attached to the base 1. The switching member 72 is pivotable up and down relative to the base 1 around the second pivot axis X2, with the axis of the first connecting pin 8 being the second pivot axis X2. The first support column 3 is fixed to the base 1 via the switching member 72. Although not shown in the illustration, retaining rings are attached to both the left and right ends of the first connecting pin 8 to prevent it from coming loose from the first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d and the through holes. The first support column 3 may also be fixed to the base 1 separately from the switching member 72.

[0040] Furthermore, a leaf spring 93 is provided between the base 1 and the switching member 72. The leaf spring 93 is formed by bending into a roughly U-shape. The upper part of the leaf spring 93 is fixed to the spring mounting part 1k of the base by a fixing screw 94, and the lower part is locked to the locking part 724e of the main body 724. As a result, the leaf spring 93 biases the switching member 72 upward by its own elastic force. Alternatively, the switching member 72 may be biased by a coil spring or the like instead of the leaf spring 93.

[0041] Furthermore, in the switching member 72, the other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 is locked into the locking groove 725a of the connecting portion 725. As a result, the connecting portion 725 and the pressing lever 716 are connected via the power transmission wire 91 in a way that allows for power transmission.

[0042] As the switching member 72 is attached to the base 1, the central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d are positioned at the rear of the base 1, as shown in Figure 4. More specifically, the central pedal 72b is positioned between the right rear end 1b and the left rear end 1a of the base 1, approximately in the rear center of the base 1. The left pedal 72c is positioned on the left side of the base 1, in front of the left rear end 1a. The right pedal 72d is positioned on the right side of the base 1, in front of the right rear end 1b. In other words, of the central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d, the central pedal 72b is positioned at the rearmost position, midway between the left pedal 72c and the right pedal 72d in the left-right direction. Note that the left pedal 72c and the right pedal 72d may be positioned on the left and right sides of the base 1, respectively, for example, on the front side of the base 1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first knee support mechanism 11 includes a first guide member 11a and a first knee support member 11b. The second knee support mechanism 13 includes a second guide member 13a and a second knee support member 13b. The first guide member 11a and the second guide member 13a have a symmetrical shape, and the first knee support member 11b and the second knee support member 13b also have a symmetrical shape. The configuration will be described below based on the second guide member 13a and the second knee support member 13b.

[0044] As shown in Figure 11, the second guide member 13a is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape. An entry point 31 is formed at the rear end of the second guide member 13a. In addition, a guide groove 32 extending horizontally in the front-rear direction is formed in the second guide member 13a. The guide groove 32 penetrates from the right side to the left side of the second guide member 13a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, a plurality of first engaging teeth 33 arranged in the front-rear direction are formed inside the second guide member 13a. Each of the first engaging teeth 33 faces downwards towards the second guide member 13a.

[0045] As shown in Figure 12, the second knee support member 13b has a gripping portion 41, an entry portion 42, and a connecting portion 43. The gripping portion 41 extends linearly in the front-rear direction. A support bracket 44 is fixed to the front end of the gripping portion 41. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a support plate 45 is fixed to the support bracket 44. Although not shown, a cushioning material capable of supporting the right knee of the person being cared for is attached to the support plate 45. In addition, a seventh grip 46 is provided at the rear end of the gripping portion 41. Note that in Figure 12, the support plate 45 and the seventh grip 46 are omitted from the illustration for the sake of clarity.

[0046] The entry portion 42 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and is located to the left of the gripping portion 41. Multiple second engaging teeth 48 are formed at the front end of the entry portion 42. Each second engaging tooth 48 is aligned in the front-rear direction of the entry portion 42 and faces upward. The entry portion 42 also has a pin hole 42a that penetrates the entry portion 42 in the left-right direction. A guide pin 47 can be inserted through the pin hole 42a. The connecting portion 43 is located between the gripping portion 41 and the entry portion 42, extending in the left-right direction and connecting the gripping portion 41 and the entry portion 42.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second guide member 13a is fixed to the upper end of the first right column 3b with the entrance 31 facing rearward. In this case, the second guide member 13a is fixed to the first right column 3b in a substantially horizontal position in the front-rear direction. The second knee support member 13b has its entrance portion 42 inserted into the interior of the second guide member 13a from the entrance 31. As shown in Figure 13, the second guide member 13a is prevented from coming off by inserting the guide pin 47 through the pin hole 42a. Thus, in the second knee support mechanism 13, the second knee support member 13b is attached to the second guide member 13a and is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the second guide member 13a. Furthermore, the guide pin 47 is positioned within the guide groove 32, and as the second knee support member 13b moves in the front-rear direction, it is guided by the guide groove 32 and moves in the front-rear direction within the guide groove 32. Here, as shown in Figures 13(A) and (C), when the second knee support member 13b is attached to the second guide member 13a, it assumes a downward-sloping posture due to its own weight, moving from the front end to the rear end. For this reason, inside the second guide member 13a, each second engaging tooth 48 engages with each first engaging tooth 33 from below.

[0048] Similarly, in the first knee support mechanism 11, the first guide member 11a is fixed to the upper end of the first left column 3a. In addition, the first knee support member 11b is attached to the first guide member 11a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0049] With the transfer device configured as described above, it is possible to, for example, transport a person receiving care to another location, or to perform care such as changing clothes while the person receiving care is held in place by the support members. Note that the person receiving care includes the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities. The operation of the transfer device will be explained in detail below, using the example of transferring a person receiving care from a bed to a wheelchair.

[0050] First, the caregiver providing care to the person being cared for swings the holding member 5 to the initial state shown in Figure 1, and moves the transfer device so that the front side of the transfer device faces the person being cared for. The person being cared for then holds their left knee in the first knee holding member 11b and their right knee in the second knee holding member 13b. The person being cared for also places their chest against the surface 51a of the central member 51, places their right armpit on the mounting surface 520 of the right member 52, and their left armpit on the mounting surface 530 of the left member 53. At this time, the right member 52 and the left member 53 are displaced from the first position shown in Figure 3 to the second position shown in Figure 4 by the weight of the person being cared for. In this way, the person being cared for has their chest held by the central member 51, and their right and left armpits held by the right member 52 and the left member 53, respectively.

[0051] In this state, the caregiver, while gripping the handle 70, presses down on either the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d with their foot, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 1. As a result, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, the switching member 72 swings in the D11 direction around the second swing axis X2 relative to the base 1, against the biasing force of the leaf spring 93. Therefore, the connecting part 725 pulls the other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 downward. As a result, one end 91a of the power transmission wire 91 pulls the pressing lever 716 forward. Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, the pressing lever 716 swings forward around the second connecting pin 717 and presses the push rod 713. As a result, the damper 71 switches from the prohibited state to the permitted state.

[0052] In this way, while switching the damper 71 to the allowable state, the caregiver pushes down the handle 70 in the D21 direction, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1. As a result, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 8, the second connecting rod 56 in the holding member 5 swings around the first swing axis X1, pulling the damper 71 forward. As a result, the piston rod 712 begins to protrude from the cylinder 711 in the damper 71, and it begins to extend in the longitudinal direction, as shown by the black arrow in Figure 8. Then, as the caregiver pushes down the handle 70 further in the D21 direction, the damper 71 extends further in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the holding member 5 swings from the initial position to the transfer state shown in Figure 2. As a result, the person being cared for, held by the central member 51, the right-side member 52, and the left-side member 53, is transferred entirely to the transfer device.

[0053] Furthermore, after the caregiver has swung the holding member 5 to the transport position, they release their feet from the central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d to release the pressure. As a result, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 7, the switching member 72 swings in the D21 direction around the second swing axis X2 due to the biasing force of the leaf spring 93. Consequently, the other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 is pushed upward by the connecting part 725, causing one end 91a to press the pressing lever 716 backward. This causes the pressing lever 716 to swing backward and no longer press the push rod 713, so the damper 71 switches from the permitted state to the prohibited state. As a result, the damper 71 can no longer extend or retract in the longitudinal direction, and the holding member 5 becomes unable to swing. In this way, the holding member 5 is fixed in the transport position.

[0054] Then, the caregiver places the person being cared for onto the transfer device and moves the transfer device to the vicinity of the wheelchair. Once the transfer device arrives near the wheelchair, the caregiver turns the front side of the base 1 toward the wheelchair. After that, the caregiver presses down on either the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d again with their foot, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 2. As a result, the damper 71 switches back to the permissible state. Also, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 2, the caregiver pushes the handle 70 upward in the direction of D22. At this time, the caregiver changes their grip on the 1st to 6th grips 701 to 706 as needed.

[0055] As a result, the holding member 5 swings in the opposite direction to when the second connecting rod 56 swings to the transport position. Therefore, the damper 71, which is in the allowable state, shrinks in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the holding member 5 swings from the transport position to the initial position shown in Figure 1. After the holding member 5 has swung to the initial position, the caregiver releases their feet again from the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d. This fixes the holding member 5 in the initial position. As the holding member 5 swings to the initial position in this way, the person being cared for, held by the central member 51, the right-side member 52, and the left-side member 53, is lowered from the buttocks into the wheelchair. In this way, the transfer of the person being cared for from the bed to the wheelchair using the transfer device is completed.

[0056] In this transfer device, the switching member 72 is equipped with a central pedal 72b, a left pedal 72c, and a right pedal 72d, and the damper 71 can be switched from a prohibited state to an permitted state using any of the central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, or right pedal 72d. Here, the central pedal 72b is located at the rear of the base 1 and approximately in the center in the left-right direction, the left pedal 72c is located to the left of the base 1, and the right pedal 72d is located to the right of the base 1. As a result, in this transfer device, by selecting and pressing the central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, or right pedal 72d, the caregiver can swing the holding member 5 between the initial position and the transfer position while selecting the position relative to the person being cared for according to the person's physique and degree of disability.

[0057] Specifically, with this transfer device, when the central pedal 72b is pressed, the caregiver is positioned approximately in the center of the left-right direction behind the base 1, and can swing the holding member 5 between the initial position and the transfer position while facing the person being cared for. In contrast, when the left pedal 72c is pressed, the caregiver is positioned to the left of the base 1, and consequently to the person being cared for, while swinging the holding member 5 from the transfer position to the initial position. Similarly, when the right pedal 72d is pressed, the caregiver is positioned to the right of the person being cared for, while swinging the holding member 5 from the transfer position to the initial position. In this way, when pressing the left pedal 72c or the right pedal 72d, the caregiver can assist the person being cared for from the left or right side, holding the person in the holding member 5, or moving the person being cared for while they are held in the holding member 5 to a bed or the like. Thus, this transfer device allows for more stable care of the person being cared for. Furthermore, in this transfer device, the user can select the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d to swing the holding member 5. Therefore, even when it is difficult to secure sufficient space around the transfer device, such as when providing care for a person in a small room, the caregiver can select their position relative to the base 1 and, consequently, the transfer device, when pressing the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d. For example, if it is difficult to secure space in the front-to-back direction between the caregiver and the base 1, the caregiver can swing the holding member 5 by pressing the left pedal 72c or the right pedal 72d in this transfer device. Similarly, if it is difficult to secure space in the left-to-right direction between the caregiver and the base 1, the caregiver can swing the holding member 5 by pressing the central pedal 72b in this transfer device.

[0058] Furthermore, in this transfer device, the first knee support member 11b is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the first guide member 11a, and the second knee support member 13b is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the second guide member 13a. This operation will be explained using the second knee support member 13b as an example.

[0059] As shown in Figure 13(A), when the second knee support member 13b is attached to the second guide member 13a, it assumes a tilted position due to its own weight, and each second engaging tooth 48 engages with each first engaging tooth 33. As a result, the second guide member 13a is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction relative to the second guide member 13a, so that even if the care recipient's right knee presses backward, the right knee can be held without moving backward. On the other hand, if the caregiver grasps the gripping part 41 through the seventh grip 46 and lifts the rear end of the second knee support member 13b upward, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 13(B), the front end of the second knee support member 13b moves downward inside the second guide member 13a, and the engagement between each second engaging tooth 48 and each first engaging tooth 33 is released. In this state, as shown by the black arrow in the figure, the caregiver pulls the second knee support member 13b backward, causing the second knee support member 13b to move backward relative to the second guide member 13a (see Figure 10). Then, when the caregiver releases their hand from the second knee support member 13b, as shown by the white arrow in (C) of Figure 13, the second knee support member 13b returns to a tilted position due to its own weight, causing each second engaging tooth 48 to engage with each first engaging tooth 33, and restricting the anterior-posterior movement of the second knee support member 13b again. As a result, the second knee support member 13b can hold the care recipient's right knee further back than the position shown in Figure 9. The caregiver can also move the second knee support member 13b forward while lifting its rear end upward. Similarly, the first knee support member 11b can also be moved anterior-posterior relative to the first guide member 11a.

[0060] Furthermore, in this holding member, the first knee holding member 11b and the second knee holding member 13b can be moved independently in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the first knee holding member 11b and the second knee holding member 13b can hold the left and right knees of the person being cared for at different positions in the front-to-back direction. Thus, in this transfer device, the first knee holding member 11b and the second knee holding member 13b, and by extension the first and second knee holding mechanisms 11 and 13, can adjust the position in which they hold the left and right knees according to the physique of the person being cared for. In this respect as well, this transfer device allows for more stable care of the person being cared for. Moreover, in this transfer device, the first and second knee holding members 11b and 13b can be moved in the front-to-back direction with a simple configuration, and the movement of the first and second knee holding members 11b and 13b in the front-to-back direction can also be restricted.

[0061] Therefore, the transfer device of this embodiment offers excellent convenience.

[0062] In particular, in this transfer device, the switching member 72 has a frame 72a. The main body 724 of the frame 72a is pivotably connected to the base 1, and the connecting portion 725 is connected to the damper 71 via a power transmission wire 91 so as to transmit power. As a result, in this transfer device, the configuration of the switching member 72 is simplified, while the switching member 72 can be suitably connected to the base 1 and the damper 71.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0064] For example, in the transfer device of the embodiment, the switching member 72 has a central pedal 72b, a left pedal 72c, and a right pedal 72d, but it is not limited to this configuration, and the switching member 72 may have either a left pedal 72c or a right pedal 72d in addition to the central pedal 72b. Furthermore, the switching member 72 may have a pedal in addition to the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d.

[0065] Furthermore, the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d may each be individually connected to the damper 71 in a manner that allows for power transmission. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] This invention can be used in transfer devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...Base, 2a~2d...Casters, 3...First support column (support column), 5...Retaining member 7...Operating mechanism, 51...Central component, 52...Right-side component, 53...Left-side component, 70...Handle 71...Damper, 72...Switching member, 72a...Frame 72b...Center pedal (first pedal), 72c...Left pedal (second pedal) 72d...Right pedal (second pedal) X1...First pivot axis (pivot axis)

Claims

[Claim 1] A base having casters and extending in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, A support column extending upward from the base, A holding member is provided that is pivotable around a horizontal pivot axis relative to the support column from an initial position to a transport position, and is used to hold the person to be cared for. An operating mechanism that causes the holding member to swing when operated by the caregiver who is caring for the person being cared for, A first knee support mechanism capable of supporting the left knee of the person being cared for, The system includes a second knee-holding mechanism capable of holding the right knee of the person being cared for, The support member comprises a central member capable of supporting the chest of the person being cared for, a right-side member positioned to the right of the person being cared for relative to the central member and capable of supporting the right armpit of the person being cared for, and a left-side member positioned to the left of the person being cared for relative to the central member and capable of supporting the left armpit of the person being cared for. In the initial position, the central member is in a substantially vertical position. In the transfer device, the central member is in a substantially horizontal position at the transfer position, The operating mechanism includes a handle connected to the holding member and positioned in one of the front-to-back directions relative to the holding member, which can be pivoted by the caregiver grasping and pushing it down, A damper connected to the holding member, which extends and contracts in the longitudinal direction to cause the holding member to swing between the initial position and the transfer position, and which is capable of achieving a prohibited state in which the extension and contraction is prohibited and a permitted state in which the extension and contraction are permitted, The damper has a switching member connected to it, which can switch the damper between the prohibited state and the permitted state, The first knee holding mechanism includes a first guide member and a first knee holding member that holds the left knee and is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the first guide member, and is also capable of restricting movement in the front-rear direction. The second knee holding mechanism includes a second guide member and a second knee holding member that holds the right knee and is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the second guide member, and is also capable of restricting movement in the front-rear direction. A transfer device characterized in that the first knee-holding member and the second knee-holding member are capable of holding the left knee and the right knee at different positions in the front-rear direction.

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