Standing up assist device

Abstract

To provide a standing-up support device that can be used anywhere. [Solution] The standing-up assistance device 1 includes an air cell 2 that is separate from the seat S on which a person sits, an air supply device 3 that supplies air to the air cell 2, and a sound insulation device 6 that insulates the operating noise of the air supply device 3. This makes it possible to retrofit the air cell 2 to anything that has a seat S, so there are no limitations on who can install the standing-up assistance device 1. As a result, there are no limitations on who can use the standing-up assistance device 1. Furthermore, the standing up assistance device 1 is provided with a sound insulation device 6 that insulates the operating noise of the air supply device 3. This makes it possible to insulate the operating noise of the air supply device 1, so that the standing up assistance device 1 can be used in places where quietness is required, and there are no restrictions on where it can be used.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stand-up assist device, and more particularly to a portable stand-up assist device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various proposals have been made for stand-up assistance devices that assist elderly people and people with weakened leg muscles to stand up from a seat. For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of cells including a first cell and a second cell arranged adjacent to each other; a control unit for inflating both the first cell and the second cell while independently controlling fluid supply to the first cell and the second cell; A standing-up assist device is disclosed.

[0003] The document discloses a mattress and a wheelchair equipped with a standing-up support device, and states that the use of the standing-up support device can assist the user in standing up stably.

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, each cell of the standing up support device is fixed to a mattress or the like, so depending on the user's body size, sitting position, etc., each cell may not necessarily be positioned in the optimal standing up support position.

[0005] Therefore, one possible solution is to separate each cell from the seat. If each cell is separate from the seat, it will be easier to adjust the installation position of each cell on the seat, and the above problem can be solved. Furthermore, since the standing-up assistance device can be installed later on any device that has a seat, the number of installation targets for the device is also increased.

[0006] However, if the standing-up assistance device is made portable and installed in many places, the noise emitted by the air supply device may become a problem depending on the location (library, movie theater, etc.). In this case, restrictions will be placed on the facility use of users of the standing-up assistance device.

[0007] It should be noted that the mattress etc. in Patent Document 1 is not intended to be portable, so the noise emitted by the control unit (air pump) is not a particular problem. In other words, it is assumed that the operating noise of the control unit (air pump) is quite loud, and it is thought that the installation location is limited to predetermined locations (where noise is acceptable). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-15206 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a standing-up assistance device that can be used anywhere. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present invention, the stand-up assist device includes an air cell that is separate from the seat and is disposed in the seat on which a person sits, and an air supply device that supplies air to the air cell. Furthermore, the standing-up assist device includes a sound insulating device that insulates the operating noise of the air supply device.

[0011] The stand-up assist device includes an air cell that is separate from the seat and is placed on the seat where a person sits, and an air supply device that supplies air to the air cell. As a result, since the air cell is separate from the seat portion, the position of the air cell can be adjusted, allowing the user to stand up more stably. Furthermore, since the air cell can be installed afterwards on a seat that has a seat portion, there are no limitations on the object on which the air cell can be installed. As a result, there are no limitations on who can use the standing up assistance device.

[0012] Furthermore, the standing-up assist device is provided with a sound insulating device that blocks the operating noise of the air supply device. This allows the operating noise of the air supply device to be blocked, making it possible to use the standing-up assistance device in places where quietness is required, and there are no restrictions on where the device can be used.

[0013] It should be noted that the larger the air supply volume of the air supply device, the larger the size and operating noise of the air supply device tend to be. Therefore, in order to inflate the air cells at a realistic speed, a large air supply volume is required, and therefore the standing-up assist device inevitably involves a loud operating noise from the air supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a standing-up support device (embodiment); [Figure 2] 1A is a side view of the standing-up assistance device before the air cells are inflated, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the standing-up assistance device when the air cells are inflated (embodiment). [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the height of the air cell when it is fully expanded (Example). [Figure 4] 10 is an example of an arrangement of a plurality of air cells (modification example). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the mode for carrying out the invention will be described based on examples. [Example]

[0016] [Configuration of the Example] FIG. 1 shows a standing-up assistance device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The standing-up assistance device 1 includes an air cell 2 that is separate from the seat S and is arranged on the seat S of a wheelchair W on which a person sits, and an air supply device 3 that supplies air to the air cell 2.

[0017] The seat S is not particularly limited as long as it is possible for a person to sit on it. The seat portion S is formed into a chair, a seat, a bench, a sofa, a Western-style toilet, etc.

[0018] The air cell 2 is a bag body provided separately from the seat portion S. The air supply device 3 is a so-called electric air compressor, and can inflate the air cell 2 by supplying air to the air cell 2 via a soft tube 5 .

[0019] The materials of the air cells 2 and the tubes 5 are not particularly limited, and an optimum material can be selected as appropriate. The air cells 2 and the tubes 5 may be made of materials such as silicone, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polyurethane, butyl rubber, and natural rubber. The air cells 2 and the tubes 5 may be made of one of these materials, or two or more of these materials.

[0020] Furthermore, the tube 5 is detachable from the air cell 2 and the air supply device 3. That is, the standing assistance device 1 can be disassembled into the air cell 2, the intake air supply device 3, and the tube 5.

[0021] Here, the air supply device 3 is driven by a battery, and air can be supplied to and discharged from the air cells 2 by a wireless remote controller (not shown). The air supply device 3 automatically stops supplying air to the air cell 2 when the pressure in the air cell 2 reaches a predetermined value.

[0022] Furthermore, the standing up assistance device 1 is provided with a sound insulating device 6 that insulates the operating noise of the air supply device 3. More specifically, the sound insulating device 6 is made of an open-cell resin material that covers the periphery of the air supply device 3.

[0023] Here, the sound insulation device 6 is made of an open-cell resin material, which provides good breathability and reduces pressure loss when air is drawn in and out by the air supply device 3. In addition, the formation of multiple cells (unevenness) makes it easy to absorb sound wave energy, and by converting the absorbed sound wave energy into thermal energy, it effectively absorbs the operating noise of the air supply device 3.

[0024] Examples of open-cell resin materials include foamed polyurethane, polyethylene, and the like. To obtain open cells, an open-cell foam may be formed by adjusting the mixing ratio of a chemical foaming agent and a physical foaming agent, or a closed-cell foam may be made open by crushing.

[0025] Moreover, covering at least a part of the air supply device 3 means that the sound insulation device 6 does not need to cover the entire air supply device 3. Incidentally, covering does not necessarily mean that the air supply device 3 and the sound insulation device 6 are in contact with each other, and the air supply device 3 and the sound insulation device 6 may be spaced apart. In this embodiment, the air supply device 3 is housed in a two-part open-cell foam box having a hollow space therein.

[0026] The sound-insulating device 6 and the air supply device 3 are stored in a bag or the like, and can be attached to the wheelchair W by hanging the bag or the like from the back of the wheelchair W.

[0027] [Operation of the Example] The operation of the standing up support device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, armrests, footrests, etc. are omitted from FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 2(a), an air cell 2 into which no air has been introduced is placed on the seat S of a wheelchair W, and a person sits on the air cell 2.

[0028] Next, when standing up, the air supply device 3 is driven by operating a remote controller (not shown), whereby air is supplied to the air cell 2, causing the air cell 2 to expand. This causes the buttocks and thighs to rise as shown in FIG. 2(b), thereby assisting the user in standing up.

[0029] Here, the height h of the air cell 2 at maximum expansion is the distance from the surface of the seat S to the maximum height of the air cell 2 at maximum expansion when there is nothing placed on top of the air cell 2, as shown in Figure 3. The height h at maximum inflation is not particularly limited as long as it can assist the user in standing up, and can be set to a value that is most preferred by the user.

[0030] If the height h at maximum inflation is less than 5 cm, the support provided to the user when standing up may be insufficient. Therefore, it is preferable that the height h is 5 cm or more. On the other hand, if the height h at maximum inflation exceeds 40 cm, the height becomes too high and the soles of the feet may not contact the ground sufficiently, resulting in instability. Therefore, the height h is preferably 40 cm or less.

[0031] [Effects of the Example] The standing-up assistance device 1 includes an air cell 2 that is separate from the seat S and is arranged on the seat S on which a person sits, and an air supply device 3 that supplies air to the air cell 2. As a result, since the air cell 2 is separate from the seat portion S, the position of the air cell 2 can be adjusted, allowing the user to stand up more stably. Furthermore, since the air cells 2 can be attached to a seat having a seat portion S, there are no limitations on the objects on which the air cells 2 can be installed. As a result, the target users of the standing up assistance device 1 are not limited.

[0032] Furthermore, the standing up assistance device 1 is provided with a sound insulating device 6 that insulates the operating noise of the air supply device 3. This allows the operating noise of the air supply device 3 to be blocked, making it possible to use the standing up assistance device 1 in places where quietness is required, and there are no restrictions on where the standing up assistance device 1 can be used.

[0033] In addition, in the standing up assist device 1, the sound insulating device 6 is made of an open-cell resin material that covers the air supply device 3. As a result, the sound insulation device 6 is made of an open-cell resin material, and therefore has good breathability and little pressure loss when the air is taken in and exhausted by the air supply device 3. In addition, since multiple air bubbles (unevenness) are formed, it is easy to absorb sound wave energy, and by converting the absorbed sound wave energy into thermal energy, it effectively absorbs the operating noise of the air supply device 3. Furthermore, vibrations caused by the operation of the air supply device 3 are also absorbed by the resin material, which is effective in absorbing low-frequency operating noise caused by vibrations.

[0034] Furthermore, since the air supply device 3 is covered with an open-cell resin material, even if the air supply device 3 is accidentally dropped or hit, the transmission of impact to the air supply device 3 is reduced due to deformation of the resin material. This improves the impact resistance of the air supply device 3.

[0035] Furthermore, since the sound insulation device 6 is made of an open-cell resin material, it has a low apparent density and is lightweight. Therefore, even if the sound insulation device 6 is attached to the air supply device 3, the weight will not be excessively heavy. As a result, the portability of the standing up assistance device 1 is not significantly hindered.

[0036] [Variations] Various modifications of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the embodiment, only one air cell 2 is provided, but a configuration with a plurality of air cells 2 may also be used. This allows the standing up assistance operation of the standing up assistance device 1 to be further improved.

[0037] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of air cells 2 are arranged in front of and behind the seat portion S. In this case, the heights h of the plurality of air cells 2 at maximum inflation may be different for each of the plurality of air cells 2 or may be the same. Alternatively, a plurality of air cells 2 may be arranged in the width direction of the seat portion S.

[0038] The supply of air to the plurality of air cells 2 may be performed by one air supply device 3 or by a plurality of air supply devices 3. When one air supply device 3 supplies air to a plurality of air cells 2, it may supply air to each of the plurality of air cells 2 simultaneously, or may supply air to each of the plurality of air cells 2 alternately.

[0039] Furthermore, when multiple air cells 2 are arranged at the front and rear of the seat portion S, it is preferable that the height h of the rear air cells 2 at maximum expansion be higher than the height h of the front air cells 2 at maximum expansion, as shown in Figure 4. This allows the buttocks to be pushed up higher, allowing the user to stand up more smoothly.

[0040] In the embodiment, the air cell 2 is simply disposed in the seat portion S, but the air cell 2 may be temporarily fixed to the seat portion S. More specifically, the air cell 2 may be temporarily fixed to the seat portion S by using an adhesive such as earthquake-resistant gel. This makes it possible to prevent the air cells 2 from being displaced when they are inflated or the like.

[0041] In the embodiment, the air supply device 3 is started up using a wireless remote controller, but the air supply device 3 may be started up, the air cell 2 may be vented, and the like may be performed manually. This makes it possible to use the standing up support device 1 even in places where wireless electromagnetic waves are a problem.

[0042] In the embodiment, the air supply device 3 is disposed on the back of the wheelchair W, but the air supply device 3 may be disposed under the wheelchair W. This moves the center of gravity downward, making the wheelchair W more stable.

[0043] In the embodiment, the sound insulation device 6 is a simple box made of an open-cell resin material, but the inner peripheral surface of the sound insulation device 6 may have an uneven shape. This increases the internal surface area of ​​the resin material covering the air supply device 3, thereby further improving the absorption of sound wave energy.

[0044] In the embodiment, the sound insulation device 6 is made of an open-cell resin material, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The soundproofing device 6 may be any device that attenuates the energy of sound waves emitted to the outside by utilizing the reflection, resonance, diffusion, etc. of sound waves, and may be made of a composite material if the frequency of the operating sound is known. The sound insulation device 6 may also be equipped with an active noise cancellation mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Standing-up aid device 2 Air cell 3 Air supply device 6 Sound insulation device

Claims

1. an air cell disposed in a seat portion where a person sits, the air cell being separate from the seat portion; an air supply device that supplies air to the air cell; a sound insulating device that insulates the operating noise of the air supply device; A standing-up assistance device comprising:

2. The sound insulation device is The standing-up assist device according to claim 1, wherein the air supply device is at least partially covered with an open-cell resin material.

3. 3. The standing-up assist device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the air cells from the seat when fully inflated is a height that enables assistance in standing up.

4. 4. The standing assistance device according to claim 3, wherein the height at the maximum inflation is 5 cm or more and 40 cm or less.

Images