Assistive Device

Abstract

To provide an assist device capable of preferably supplying assisting force to a worker even if an upper limb is at a relatively low position.SOLUTION: An assist device 100 may be used as the so-called "installation type" that is installed to a worker 200. The assist device 100 is equipped with an arm part 10 including a supporting part 11, a strut part 20 connected with the arm part 10, and an installing part 30 connected with the strut part 20 and capable of being installed to the worker 200. The arm part 10 may be disposed so as to surround a back surface of the worker 200 and a side part of a body 240.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assist device, and more particularly to a wearable assist device that can be worn by a worker. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to reduce the workload and improve the working environment, a method in which workers wear assist devices while working has been actively introduced. Such assist devices can provide an assist force to a worker who is gripping a workpiece while the worker's upper limbs are supported by a support part, which is a component of the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-512666 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, the inventors of the present application have newly discovered that conventional assist devices need to be improved in the following respects: Specifically, in the conventional assist device, in which the upper limbs of the worker are supported by a support part, when the angle formed between the upper limbs of the worker and the worker's body is less than a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees), that is, when the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively low position, it may not be easy to provide an assist force to the worker.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an assist device that can suitably provide an assist force to a worker even when the worker's upper limbs are in a relatively low position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present invention, An assist device is provided that is capable of generating an assist force to a worker and includes a support portion that can support the armpits of the worker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suitably provide an assist force to the worker even when the upper limbs are in a relatively low position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic diagram of an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a side view schematically showing a transmission path of a reaction force generated in an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view schematically showing a mode in which a workpiece is gripped using an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a support portion directly surrounded by a cushioning member, which is a component of an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support section with the buffer members of FIG. 7 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively high position. [Figure 9] 8 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support section with the buffer members of FIG. 7 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively low position. [Figure 10]1 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a support portion indirectly surrounded by a cushioning member, which is a component of an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support section with the buffer members of FIG. 10 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively high position. [Figure 12] 11 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support section with the buffer members of FIG. 10 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively low position. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of an embodiment of the assist device of the present invention, in which an arm portion, which is a component of the assist device, is moved in the up and down direction. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of another mode in which an arm portion, which is a component of an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention, is moved in the up and down direction. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of a manner in which an arm portion and an elastic portion, which are components of an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention, are connected to each other. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic manner in which an arm portion and an elastic portion, which are components of an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention, are brought into contact with each other. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is provided with a support portion that can be bent forward and backward. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The various elements in the drawings are merely shown schematically and for illustrative purposes to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the appearance, dimensional ratio, etc. may differ from the actual product.

[0010] [Assistive device configuration] The configuration of an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0011] As described above, the inventors of the present application have newly discovered that in the case of conventional assist devices in which the worker's upper limbs are supported by a support portion, it may not be easy to provide an assist force to the worker when the angle between the worker's upper limbs and the worker's torso is less than a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees), i.e., when the worker's upper limbs are in a relatively low position.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors of the present application did not seek a solution that was an extension of the conventional method of supporting the upper limbs of a worker with a support part, but instead diligently studied a solution that was different from the conventional method. As a result, the inventors of the present application found that the armpits of a worker are parts that have difficulty following the movement of the upper limbs. This led to the invention of the present application, which is based on the idea of ​​supporting the armpits of a worker rather than the upper limbs of the worker (see Figure 1). Note that, in this specification, "upper limbs" refers to the upper arms, forearms, hands, etc. of the worker.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view that schematically shows an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view that schematically shows an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view that schematically shows an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view that schematically shows a transmission path of a reaction force generated in an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view that schematically shows a mode in which a workpiece is gripped using an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view that schematically shows an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] An assisting device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used as a so-called "wearable type" that is attached to a worker 200 (see FIG. 1, etc.). The assisting device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an arm unit 10 including a support unit 11, a support pole unit 20 connected to the arm unit 10, and an attachment unit 30 connected to the support pole unit 20 and attachable to the worker 200 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). As an example, the arm unit 10 can be arranged to surround the back and the sides of the torso 240 of the worker 200.

[0015] The support unit 11 may be, for example, a long cylindrical member. The support unit 20 extends along the back surface 210 of the worker 200, specifically along the longitudinal direction of the back surface 210. In this case, the arm unit 10 and the support unit 20 may have a shape in which they intersect with each other, for example, forming a cross shape. Although not particularly limited, the arm unit 10, the support unit 20, and the attachment unit 30 may be made of, for example, a carbon material, and the connecting portions of the respective components may be made of a material such as aluminum.

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the support part 11 is capable of supporting the armpits 220 of the worker 200. In this specification, "armpits 220 of the worker 200" refers to a part located between the torso 240 and the upper limbs 230 of the worker 200, and the part whose outer surface extends in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity (corresponding to the vertical direction). In this specification, "the support part 11 is capable of supporting the armpits 220 of the worker 200" refers to a state in which the armpits are supported and / or held by the support part 11, and refers to a state in which the support part 11 and the armpits 220 are in direct contact with each other or indirectly via a buffer member, which will be described later.

[0017] According to this feature, as described above, the armpits 220 of the worker 200 are parts that do not easily follow the movement of the upper limbs 230, and therefore the support parts 11 that support the armpits 220 also do not easily follow the movement of the upper limbs 230. Therefore, the support parts 11 can be positioned independently of the movement of the upper limbs 230 of the worker 200 (see FIG. 6). That is, it is possible to prevent the support parts 11 from moving in accordance with the movement of the upper limbs 230.

[0018] Furthermore, the support parts 11 that support the armpit parts 220 can be configured to extend in a direction that intersects with the direction of gravity, in accordance with the above-described configuration of the outer surface of the armpit parts 220. For example, if the support parts 11 are elongated, their longitudinal portions can extend in a direction that intersects with the direction of gravity. Preferably, the support parts 11 can be disposed directly below the armpit parts 220, in order to accommodate the configuration of the outer surface of the main part of the armpit parts 220.

[0019] As a result of the above, movement of the support part 11 following the movement of the upper limb 230 can be avoided, and therefore, compared to the previous configuration (in which the worker's upper limb is supported by the support part), it is possible to suppress changes in the extension direction of the support part 11 that intersects with the direction of gravity.

[0020] As a result, even during heavy muscle work in which the support part 11 and the armpit 220 are in contact (including heavy muscle work with the upper limbs 230 in a relatively low position) and / or work in a forward-leaning position, the contact between the armpit 220 and the support part 11 located below the armpit 220 can suitably generate a reaction force in the support part 11 in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity (see FIG. 4). Note that in the case of heavy muscle work with the upper limbs 230 in a relatively low position, the support part 11 can function as a receiver of a reaction force 400 against the load force of an object (workpiece 300, tool, etc.) held by the worker 200 (see FIG. 5). For example, when the support part 11 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the support part 11 can function as a receiver of the reaction force 400 generated in the direction opposite to the acting direction of the load force of the held object in the direction of gravity.

[0021] In this specification, "work in which the upper limbs 230 of the worker 200 may be in a relatively low position" refers to work in which the support part 11 and the armpit 220 may come into contact, and for example, refers to work in which the angle θ between the torso 240 and the upper arm 231 of the worker 200 is 0 degrees < θ < 120 degrees. Also, in this specification, "heavy muscle work in which the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively low position" includes work in which a heavy object weighing 5 kg or more and 25 kg or less is carried.

[0022] Therefore, with the assisting device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, even when the upper limbs 230 are in a relatively low position, it is possible to suitably provide an assisting force to the worker 200 in a simple manner in which the support parts 11 support the armpits 220 of the worker 200. Note that, from the viewpoint of suitably providing the assisting force in work that uses both upper limbs 230, it is preferable that the support parts 11 be capable of supporting both armpits 11 of the worker 200.

[0023] Furthermore, as described above, movement of the support part 11 following the movement of the upper limbs 230 can be avoided, so compared to the previous configuration (in which the worker's upper limbs are supported by the support part), it is possible to preferably avoid contact between the support part 11 and surrounding objects such as work located around the support part 11.

[0024] Furthermore, as described above, the support portion 20 is connected to the arm portion 10 including the support portion 11, and the attachment portion 30 is connected to the support portion 20, so that the support portion 20 and the attachment portion 30 can function as a reaction force transmission portion against the load force of the object (workpiece, tool, etc.) held by the worker 200.

[0025] This makes it possible to distribute the reaction force against the load force of the object that may occur in the support part 11 from the support part 11 side to the attachment part 30 side via the support part 20. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the trunk 240 of the worker 200, i.e., the muscles of the trunk, and to reduce the load on the lumbar region of the worker 200. Therefore, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the worker 200.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0027] First, in one embodiment, the support portion 11 is preferably arranged along the side of the trunk 240 of the worker 200 so as to protrude forward of the trunk 240 .

[0028] With this arrangement, the support part 11 is located along the side of the torso 240 of the worker 200, which makes it possible to more suitably avoid contact between the support part 11 and surrounding objects such as workpieces located around the support part 11. In addition, the contact state between the armpits 220 and the support part 11 can be suitably ensured.

[0029] In one embodiment, it is preferable to provide a buffer member 50 surrounding the outer main surface 11a of the support portion 11 (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

[0030] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a support section directly surrounded by a buffer member, which is a component of an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support section with a buffer member of Fig. 7 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively high position. Fig. 9 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support section with a buffer member of Fig. 7 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively low position.

[0031] This aspect is characterized in that the outer main surface 11a of the support part 11 is surrounded by the buffer member 50. Specifically, the outer main surface 11a of the support part 11 is directly surrounded by the buffer member 50. As an example, the buffer member 50 may be a resilient cushion member.

[0032] According to the above feature, compared to when the buffer member 50 is not present, when the upper limbs 230 of the worker 200 are in a relatively high position or a relatively low position while using the assist device, it is possible to reduce friction that may occur between the armpits 220 and the support parts 11 when the armpits 220 are supported by the support parts 11. This makes it possible to suitably prevent pain from occurring to the worker 200 while working, and enables the worker 200 to smoothly perform work using the assist force of the assist device.

[0033] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the support portion 11 has a rotatable cylindrical portion 60 surrounding the outer main surface 11a thereof, and the buffer member 50 surrounds the cylindrical portion 60 (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

[0034] Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a support unit surrounded by a buffer member, which is a component of an assist device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support unit with a buffer member of Fig. 10 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively high position. Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged front view schematically showing the support unit with a buffer member of Fig. 10 in a state where the upper limbs of the worker are in a relatively low position.

[0035] This aspect is characterized in that the tubular portion 60 located on the outer main surface 11a of the support portion 11 is surrounded by the buffer member 50. In other words, the outer main surface 11a of the support portion 11 is indirectly surrounded by the buffer member 50.

[0036] According to the above feature, compared to when the outer main surface 11a of the support part 11 is directly surrounded by the buffer member 50, when the armpit 220 is supported by the support part 11, the tubular part 60 interposed between the support part 11 and the buffer member 50 can rotate about its axis, regardless of whether the upper limb 230 of the worker 200 is in a relatively high position or a relatively low position when using the assist device. This can further reduce friction that can occur between the armpit 220 and the support part 11. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately prevent pain from occurring to the worker 200 during work, and it becomes possible to more smoothly perform work using the assist force of the assist device.

[0037] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the arm portion 10 is movable up and down along the longitudinal extension direction of the support portion 20 and is capable of contacting or connecting with an elastic portion 40 that provides an elastic force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity (see Figures 13 to 15).

[0038] Fig. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing one mode in which an arm portion, which is a component of an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, is moved in the vertical direction. Fig. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing another mode in which an arm portion, which is a component of an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, is moved in the vertical direction. Fig. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a mode in which an arm portion and an elastic portion, which are components of an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, are connected. Fig. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing a mode in which an arm portion and an elastic portion, which are components of an assisting device according to one embodiment of the present invention, are brought into contact with each other.

[0039] This embodiment is premised on the assumption that the arm unit 10 is movable up and down along the longitudinal extension direction of the support unit 20. Based on this assumption, it becomes possible to move the support unit 11, which is a component of the arm unit 10 that can come into contact with the armpit 220, downward along the longitudinal extension direction of the support unit 20. This makes it possible to smoothly perform heavy muscle work (including heavy muscle work with the upper limbs 230 in a relatively low position) and / or work in a forward-leaning position while the support unit 11 and the armpit 220 are in contact.

[0040] Furthermore, the elastic part 40, which can come into contact with or be connected to the arm part 10, provides an elastic force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, and therefore this elastic force can be used to move the support part 11, which is a component of the arm part 10, upward after it has once moved downward. Therefore, by using the elastic force of the elastic part 40 in addition to the reaction force of the support part 11 in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, it is possible to more suitably provide an assist force to the worker 200.

[0041] In addition, specific embodiments for moving the arm portion 10 including the support portion 11 up and down along the longitudinal extension direction of the support portion 20, and for contacting or connecting the arm portion 10 and the elastic portion 40, include, for example, the following embodiments.

[0042] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the arm portion 10I includes a support portion 11I and a shaft portion 12I that is continuous with the support portion 11I, and that the shaft portion 12I is rotatable about its axis (see FIG. 13).

[0043] This embodiment is premised on the premise that the shaft portion 12I, which is a component of the arm portion 10I, is rotatable. Specifically, the shaft portion 12I can be configured to extend in a different direction, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the support portion 11I, on the same plane, and one end of the support portion 11I and one end of the shaft portion 12I can be continuous with each other.

[0044] When the assist device 100I is attached to the worker, the shaft portion 12I can be disposed facing the back of the worker so as to cross the back of the worker. In one example, the shaft portion 12I includes a fixed portion 13I fixedly connected to the support portion 20I and a movable portion 14I located on at least one side of the fixed portion 13I.

[0045] In this embodiment, the arm portion 10I including the shaft portion 12I can be moved up and down by the axial rotation of the shaft portion 12I. Because the shaft portion 12I and the support portion 11I are continuously connected, the support portion 11I can be moved up and down in conjunction with the axial rotation of the shaft portion 12I.

[0046] In addition, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the support portion 20I is arranged so as to intersect with the arm portion 10I, one end 41I of the elastic portion 40I is connected to the support portion 11I, and the other end 42I is connected to a predetermined portion 21I of the support portion 20I that is located at a higher position than the support portion 11I.

[0047] According to the above configuration, in this embodiment, the elastic portion 40I can be disposed at a higher position than the support portion 11I. Therefore, in order to provide an elastic force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, it is preferable to select the elastic portion 40I in this embodiment as one that can change from a stretched state to a contracted state. As an example, a rubber member, a tension coil spring, or the like can be used as the elastic portion 40I. This allows the support portion 11I, which has once moved downward, to move upward (see FIG. 15).

[0048] Alternatively, the arm portion 10II is preferably slidably connected to the support portion 20II (see FIG. 14).

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, one end of the arm portion 10II may be slidably connected to the support portion 20II. In one example, when the support portion 20II is elongated, the arm portion 10II may include a sliding portion 15II, which may be connected to surround a portion of the outer periphery of the elongated support portion 20II. Furthermore, the sliding portion 15II of the arm portion 10II may be a portion that partially protrudes from the shaft portion 12II. This protruding portion may extend in a direction different from the longitudinal extension direction of the shaft portion 12II, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the shaft portion 12II.

[0050] In this embodiment, the arm 10II including the sliding portion 15II allows the arm 10II as a whole to slide relative to the support 20II. As a result, the support 11II, which is a component of the arm 10II, can be moved up and down as the arm 10II slides. Note that the arm 10II can not only slide along the longitudinal portion of the support 20II, but also slide rotatably about its axis relative to the lateral portion of the support 20II.

[0051] In this embodiment, the elastic portion 40II is preferably disposed below the arm portion 10II so as to be able to come into contact with the slidable arm portion 10II.

[0052] According to the above configuration, in this embodiment, the elastic portion 40II can be positioned lower than the arm portion 10II including the support portion 11I. Therefore, in order to provide an elastic force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, it is preferable to select an elastic portion 40II in this embodiment that can change from a compressed state to an expanded state. As an example, a compression coil spring or the like can be used as the elastic portion 40II. This allows the support portion 11II, which has once moved downward, to move upward (see FIG. 16).

[0053] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the support column 20III is bendable forward and backward, and that the bendable support column 20III is positioned so as to be able to face the waist 250 of the worker 200.

[0054] FIG. 17 is a side view schematically showing an assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is provided with a support part that can be bent back and forth.

[0055] This embodiment is characterized in that the support portion 20III, which is a component of the assist device 100III, is bendable back and forth.

[0056] According to the above feature, when the back 210 of the worker 200 is bent forward during work in a forward leaning position using the tool 500III and / or heavy muscle work with the support part 11III and the armpit part 220 in contact (including heavy muscle work with the upper limbs 230 in a relatively low position), the support part 20III can be aligned along the curved back 210. This makes it possible to improve the work efficiency of the worker 200 in these works.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and various improvements and design modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0058] The above-described embodiment of the present invention includes the following preferred aspects. First aspect : An assist device that is capable of generating an assist force for a worker and includes a support portion that is capable of supporting the armpits of the worker. Second aspect : In the first aspect, the assist device is configured such that the support portion is positioned independently of the movement of the worker's upper limbs. Third aspect : In the assist device according to the first or second aspect, the support portion is a reaction force receiving portion for a load force of an object held by the worker. Fourth aspect : In any one of the first to third aspects, the assist device is such that the support portion is positioned directly below the armpit. Fifth aspect : In any one of the first to fourth aspects, the assist device is such that the support portion is elongated and a longitudinal portion of the support portion extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of gravity. Sixth Aspect : In any one of the first to fifth aspects, the assist device is arranged so that the support portion protrudes in front of the trunk of the worker along the side of the trunk. Seventh aspect : In any one of the first to sixth aspects, the assist device is configured so that the support portion can support both of the two armpits of the worker. Eighth aspect : In any one of the first to seventh aspects, the assist device further comprises an arm portion including the support portion and a support portion connected to the arm portion, the support portion extending along the back of the worker. Ninth Aspect : In any one of the first to eighth aspects, the assist device is such that the support portion is a reaction force transmitting portion for transmitting a load force of an object held by the worker. Tenth Aspect : In the eighth or ninth aspect, the assist device is such that the arm portion is movable up and down along the longitudinal extension direction of the support portion and is capable of contacting or connecting with an elastic portion that provides an elastic force in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Eleventh aspect : In the tenth aspect, the assisting device is such that the arm portion includes the support portion and a shaft portion continuous with the support portion, and the shaft portion is rotatable about an axis. Twelfth Aspect : In the tenth or eleventh aspect, the assist device is such that the support pillar portion is arranged to cross the arm portion, one end of the elastic portion is connected to the support pillar portion, and the other end is connected to a predetermined portion of the support pillar portion that is positioned higher than the support pillar portion. Thirteenth Aspect : In the assist device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the arm portion is slidably connected to the support portion. Fourteenth Aspect : In any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, the assist device is such that the elastic portion is disposed below the arm portion so as to be able to come into contact with the arm portion. Fifteenth Aspect : In any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the assist device comprises a buffer member surrounding an outer main surface of the support portion. Sixteenth Aspect : In the fifteenth aspect, the assist device includes a rotatable cylindrical portion that surrounds the outer main surface of the support portion, and the buffer member surrounds the cylindrical portion. Seventeenth Aspect : In any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects, the assist device is such that the support column is bendable forward and backward, and the bendable support column is positioned so as to face the lower back of the worker. 18th aspect : In any one of the eighth to seventeenth aspects, the assist device further comprises a mounting part connected to the support part and mountable on the worker. 19th aspect : In the eighteenth aspect, the assist device is such that the attachment portion is a reaction force transmission portion for transmitting a load force of an object held by the worker. 20th aspect : In any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, the assist device is used for at least one of heavy muscle work and work in a forward leaning position with the support portion and the armpit portion in contact with each other. 21st Aspect : In the twentieth aspect, the assist device is configured such that the heavy physical work includes carrying a heavy object weighing 5 kg or more and 25 kg or less. 22nd Aspect : In any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, the assist device is a wearable type that can be worn by the worker. 23rd Aspect : In any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, the assist device is used for assembling an automobile. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] The assist device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be suitably used in the assembly of automobiles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 100, 100I~100III Assist Device 10, 10I~10III Arm section 11, 11I~11III Support part 12I, 12II shaft part 13I Fixed part 14I Moving parts 15II Sliding part 20, 20I~20III Strut part 21I A specified part of a support that is higher than the support 30, 30III mounting part 40, 40I, 40II Elastic part 50 Cushioning material 60 Cylinder 200 workers 210 Back of worker 220 Worker's armpits 230 Worker's upper limbs 240 Worker's torso 250 Worker's lower back 300 Work 400 reaction force 500III Tools

Claims

1. The robot is capable of generating an assist force for a worker and includes a support portion capable of supporting the armpits of the worker, The apparatus further includes an arm portion including the support portion and a support portion connected to the arm portion, the support portion extending along the back of the operator, An assist device, wherein the arm portion is movable up and down along the longitudinal extension direction of the support portion and is capable of contacting or being connected to an elastic portion that provides an elastic force in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

2. The assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the support is positioned independently of the movement of the worker's upper limbs.

3. The assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the support portion is a reaction force receiving portion for receiving a load force of an object held by the worker.

4. The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion is located directly below the armpit.

5. 4. The assist device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is elongated, and a longitudinal portion of the support portion extends in a direction intersecting with the direction of gravity.

6. The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion is arranged so as to protrude in front of the torso along a side of the torso of the worker.

7. 4. The assist device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is capable of supporting both of the two armpits of the worker.

8. The assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the support portion is a reaction force transmission portion for transmitting a load force of an object held by the worker.

9. The assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the arm portion includes the support portion and a shaft portion continuous with the support portion, the shaft portion being rotatable about an axis.

10. 10. The assist device of claim 9, wherein the support pillar is arranged so as to cross the arm portion, one end of the elastic portion is connected to the support pillar, and the other end is connected to a predetermined portion of the support pillar that is positioned higher than the support pillar.

11. The assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the arm portion is slidably connected to the support portion.

12. The assist device according to claim 11 , wherein the elastic portion is disposed below the arm portion so as to be able to come into contact with the arm portion.

13. The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a buffer member surrounding an outer main surface of the support portion.

14. The assist device according to claim 13 , further comprising a rotatable cylindrical portion surrounding an outer main surface of the support portion, the buffer member surrounding the cylindrical portion.

15. The assist device according to claim 1 , wherein the support column is bendable forward and backward, and the bendable support column is positioned so as to face the lower back of the worker.

16. The assist device according to claim 1 , further comprising a mounting part connected to the support part and mountable on the worker.

17. The assist device according to claim 16 , wherein the attachment portion is a reaction force transmission portion for transmitting a load force of an object held by the worker.

18. The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for at least one of heavy muscle work and work in a forward-leaning position with the support portion and the armpit portion in contact with each other.

19. The assist device according to claim 18, wherein the heavy physical work includes carrying a heavy object weighing 5 kg or more and 25 kg or less.

20. The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is a wearable type that can be worn by the worker.

21. The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for assembling an automobile.

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