Transfer device

Abstract

To provide a transfer device capable of demonstrating excellent convenience.SOLUTION: A transfer device of the present invention includes: a base 1; a first pole 3; a holding member 5; and an operation mechanism 7. The operation mechanism 7 includes: a handle 70; a dumper 71; and a switching member 72. The handle 70 can be held by a care provider. The dumper 71 oscillates the holding member 5 between an initial position and a transfer position by expanding / contracting in a length direction. The dumper 71 can achieve a prohibition state in which the expansion / contraction is prohibited, and a permission state in which the expansion / contraction is permitted. The switching member 72 is provided with: a center pedal 72b; a left pedal 72c; and a right pedal 72d. When the care provider steps down the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d, the switching member 72 switches the state of the dumper 71 from the prohibition state to the permission state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] The holding member is swingable from an initial position to a transfer position and has a center member, a right member, and a left member. The center member can support the chest of the care recipient. The right armpit of the care recipient can be placed on the right member. The right armpit of the care recipient can be placed on the left member. This allows the holding member to hold the care recipient.

[0004] The operating mechanism has a handle, a damper, and a pedal. The handle is connected to the holding member and is located 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 an initial position and a transfer position by extending and retracting in the longitudinal direction. The damper is prohibited from extending and retracting when in a prohibited state, and is permitted from extending and retracting when in a permitted state. Only one pedal is provided. The pedal is located behind the base and in the center of the base in the left-right direction, and is connected to the rear of the damper. The caregiver steps on the pedal to switch the damper from the prohibited state to the permitted state.

[0005] When a care recipient is to be held on the holding member in this transfer device, the caregiver first depresses the pedal with his / her foot to switch the damper from the prohibition state to the permissive state. In this state, the caregiver operates the handle to swing the holding member to the initial position. After swinging the holding member to the initial position, the caregiver releases the pedal to switch the damper to the prohibition state. In this way, with this transfer device, the care recipient can be held on the holding member in the initial position. Furthermore, after the caregiver has held the care recipient on the holding member, the caregiver depresses the pedal again to switch the damper from the prohibition state to the permissive state, while operating the handle to swing the holding member to the transfer position. This allows the care recipient's entire body to be transferred to the transfer device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-154773 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, this type of transfer device is required to be more convenient.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and an object to be achieved is to provide a transfer device that is highly convenient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The transfer device of the present invention includes: 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 that is swingable about a swing axis that is horizontal to the support column from an initial position to a transfer position and that holds the care recipient; an operating mechanism that swings the holding member by an operation of a caregiver who cares for the care recipient, The holding member has a central member that can support the chest of the care recipient, a right-side member that is disposed on the right side of the care recipient relative to the central member and on which the right armpit of the care recipient can be placed, and a left-side member that is disposed on the left side of the care recipient relative to the central member and on which the left armpit of the care recipient can be placed, In the initial position, the central member is in a substantially vertical state, In the transfer position, the central member is in a substantially horizontal state, The operating mechanism is connected to the holding member and is disposed on one side of the holding member in the front-rear direction. and push down to swing the holding member. possible handles, a damper connected to the holding member, capable of extending and contracting in a longitudinal direction to cause the holding member to swing between the initial position and the transfer position, and capable of realizing a prohibited state that prohibits the extension and contraction and an allowed state that allows the extension and contraction; a switching member connected to the damper and capable of switching the damper between the inhibited state and the permitted state; The switching member is provided with a first pedal disposed on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and at approximately the center in the left-right direction, and a second pedal disposed on at least one side of the base in the left-right direction, The switching member switches the damper from the prohibiting state to the allowing state when the caregiver depresses the first pedal or the second pedal. 、 the second pedal comprises a left pedal disposed on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and to the left of the base, and a right pedal disposed on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and to the right of the base, The first pedal is disposed at a position intermediate between the left pedal and the right pedal in the left-right direction. It is characterized by:

[0010] In the transfer device of the present invention, the switching member is provided with a second pedal in addition to a first pedal. That is, this transfer device has multiple pedals, and the caregiver can switch the damper from the prohibited state to the permitted state by depressing either the first pedal or the second pedal. Here, the first pedal is located on one side of the base in the front-to-rear direction and approximately in the center in the left-to-right direction, and the second pedal is located on at least one side of the base in the left-to-right direction. As a result, in this transfer device, by selecting and depressing the first pedal or the second pedal, the caregiver can swing the holding member while selecting a position relative to the care recipient depending on the care recipient's physique, level of disability, etc.

[0011] Specifically, when the first pedal is depressed, the caregiver can swing the holding member between the initial position and the transfer position while facing the care recipient in the front-to-back direction. In contrast, when the second pedal is depressed, the caregiver can swing the holding member from the transfer position to the initial position while positioned to the side of the base and, therefore, the care recipient. Therefore, when the second pedal is depressed, the caregiver can easily assist the care recipient from the side, hold the care recipient on the holding member, or move the care recipient held by the holding member to a bed, wheelchair, or the like. This transfer device thus enables more stable care for the care recipient. Furthermore, this transfer device allows the caregiver to select either the first or second pedal to swing the holding member. Therefore, even when providing care to a care recipient in a small room or other situation where it is difficult to secure sufficient space around the transfer device, the caregiver can select a position relative to the base and, therefore, the transfer device when depressing the first or second pedal. Therefore, even if it is difficult to secure space between the caregiver and the base to step on the first pedal, with this transfer device the caregiver can swing the holding member by stepping on the second pedal.

[0012] Therefore, the transfer device of the present invention exhibits excellent convenience.

[0013] The second pedal is composed of a left pedal located on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and on the left side of the base, and a right pedal located on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and on the right side of the base. become The first pedal is located midway between the left and right pedals in the left-right direction. do. In this case, the transfer device can be more convenient.

[0014] The switching member may be provided with a frame that connects to the first pedal and the second pedal. The frame is preferably disposed below the base and swingably connected to the base, and is also connected to the damper. In this case, the configuration of the switching member can be simplified and the switching member can be suitably connected to the base and the damper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The transfer device of the present invention provides excellent convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transfer device according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a holding member is in an initial position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transfer device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the holding member is at a transfer position. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a switching member in the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the base and the switching member of the transfer device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic rear view showing the central member, the right member, and the left member of the transfer device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic rear view showing the central member, the right member, and the left member of the transfer device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the transfer device of the embodiment, showing the cross section AA in FIG. 1 when the damper is in the inhibited state. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the transfer device according to the embodiment, similar to FIG. 7, when the damper is in the permissive state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the transfer device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the second knee holding member has moved forward. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the transfer device according to the embodiment, showing a state in which the second knee holding member has moved rearward. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second guide member in the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second knee holding member in the transfer device of the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the second guide member and the second knee support member in the transfer device of the embodiment. Figure 13(A) shows a state in which the first engagement tooth and the second engagement tooth are engaged. Figure 13(B) shows a state in which the first engagement tooth and the second engagement tooth are disengaged. Figure 13(C) shows a state in which the first engagement tooth and the second engagement tooth are engaged at a position different from that of Figure 13(A). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transfer device of this embodiment includes a base 1, a first support column 3, a holding member 5, an operating mechanism 7, a first knee holding mechanism 11, and a second knee holding mechanism 13. The first support column 3 is an example of the "support column" of the present invention. The operating mechanism 7 includes a handle 70, a damper 71, and a switching member 72 shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0019] In this embodiment, the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction of the transfer device are defined by the black solid arrows shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here, the rear of the transfer device corresponds to "one of the front-back directions" in the present invention. In this embodiment, the left-right direction of the transfer device is defined based on the view of the transfer device from the front side. Then, in Figure 3 and subsequent figures, the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction of the transfer device are defined corresponding to Figures 1 and 2. These up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the base 1 is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate extending in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The rear of the base 1 is formed with a left rear end 1a and a right rear end 1b. The left rear end 1a and the right rear end 1b are each formed by bending the base 1 upward. Casters 2a and 2b are attached to the lower left and right rear end 1a and 1b, respectively. Meanwhile, casters 2c and 2d are attached to the front of the base 1 and at approximately the center of the base 1 in the front-to-rear direction, respectively, at the lower right and lower left positions. Casters 2c and 2d are smaller than casters 2a and 2b. Here, "approximately center" refers to a position that is completely centered, as well as a position slightly off-center due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. Note that casters 2c and 2d attached to the lower left of the base 1 are not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0021] 4, a left first mounting hole 1c and a right first mounting hole 1d are formed in a location that is approximately centered in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions on the base 1. Furthermore, a left second mounting hole 1e and a right second mounting hole 1f are formed in locations rearward of 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. Furthermore, a spring mounting portion 1k is formed in a location 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-rear direction.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first support pillar 3 extends in the vertical direction. The first support pillar 3 is composed of a first left pillar portion 3a, a first right pillar portion 3b, and a first cover portion 3c. The first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b have the same shape and are spaced apart in the left-right direction. A through-hole (not shown) is provided at the bottom end of each of the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b for inserting a first connecting pin 8 (described later). The first cover portion 3c is integral with the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b and is located in front of the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b, between the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b. The first cover portion 3c connects the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b in the left-right direction. Here, the vertical length of the first cover portion 3c is designed to be shorter than the vertical lengths of the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b. The first support pillar 3 is fixed to the base 1 at approximately the center of the base 1 in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions, and extends approximately vertically upward from the base 1. The fixing of the first support pillar 3 to the base 1 will be described later.

[0023] The front ends of the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b are fixed to the first support pillar 3. The first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b have the same shape and are formed as rectangular plates extending in the front-to-rear direction. The first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b are spaced apart in the left-to-right direction and extend approximately horizontally rearward from the first left pillar portion 3a and the first right pillar portion 3b, respectively.

[0024] Furthermore, a second support pillar 6 is provided behind the first support pillar 3, between the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b. The second support pillar 6 extends in the vertical direction. The second support pillar 6 is composed of a second left support pillar portion 6a, a second right support pillar portion 6b, and a second cover portion 6c. The second left support pillar portion 6a and the second right support pillar portion 6b have the same shape, are spaced apart in the horizontal direction, and extend in the vertical direction. The vertical lengths of the second left support pillar portion 6a and the second right support pillar portion 6b are shorter than the vertical lengths of the first left support pillar portion 3a and the first right support pillar portion 3b. As a result, the vertical length of the second support pillar 6 is shorter than that of the first support pillar 3. The second cover portion 6c is disposed between the second left support pillar portion 6a and the second right support pillar portion 6b. The second cover portion 6c is connected to the upper ends of the second left pillar portion 6a and the second right pillar portion 6b, thereby connecting the second left pillar portion 6a and the second right pillar portion 6b in the left-right direction.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second support 6 has the second left column portion 6a fixed to the base 1 by inserting the lower end of the second left column portion 6a into the second left mounting hole 1e of the base 1. Furthermore, although not shown, the second support 6 has the second right column portion 6b fixed to the base 1 by inserting the lower end of the second right column portion 6b into the second right mounting hole 1f of the base 1. Thus, the second support 6 is fixed to the base 1 and extends upward from the base 1 substantially perpendicularly. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 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 portion 6a and the second right column portion 6b, respectively. Thus, the first support 3 and the second support 6 are connected by the first connecting plate 4a and the second connecting plate 4b.

[0026] The holding member 5 has 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 first to fourth link arms 57a to 57d shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first connecting rod 55 and the second connecting rod 56 are formed of rectangular steel material extending in the longitudinal direction. One longitudinal end of the first connecting rod 55 (the front end of the first connecting rod 55 in FIG. 1) is 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, i.e., between the first left column portion 3a and the first right column portion 3b. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a spacer 58 is provided between the second connecting rod 56 and the first left column portion 3a. Although not shown, a spacer 58 is also provided between the second connecting rod 56 and the first right column portion 3b.

[0028] The second connecting rod 56, the first left column portion 3a, and the first right column portion 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 swing axis X1. The first swing axis X1 is an example of the "swing axis" in this invention. The first and second connecting rods 55, 56 are swingable in the front-rear direction around the first swing axis X1 relative to the first support column 3. As a result, the holding member 5 can swing from the initial position shown in FIG. 1 to the transfer position shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] The central member 51 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is made of cushioning material and is formed in a substantially triangular shape. The central member 51 can support the chest of the care recipient (not shown) by abutting the chest of the care recipient against a surface 51a (see Figure 2). A base 54 is fixed to the rear side of the central member 51. The base 54 is formed to fit the shape of the central member 51. For ease of explanation, first and second cover plates 522 and 532, which will be described later, are shown by imaginary lines in Figures 5 and 6. In Figures 5 and 6, the front-rear direction and other directions are defined based on the state in which the holding member 5 is in its initial position.

[0030] The central member 51 and the base 54 are displaced to a substantially vertical state in the up-down direction when the holding member 5 swings to the initial position shown in Fig. 1, and are displaced to a substantially horizontal state in the front-rear direction when the holding member 5 swings to the transfer position shown in Fig. 2. Here, "substantially vertical" includes not only a completely vertical state but also a state in which there is a slight tilt due to tolerances, etc. Similarly, "substantially horizontal" includes not only a completely horizontal state but also a state in which there is a slight tilt due to tolerances, etc.

[0031] The right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53 are also made of cushioning material and are formed in a generally rectangular shape. The right-side member 52 supports the right armpit of the care recipient when the right armpit is placed on the placement surface 520. The left-side member 53 supports the left armpit of the care recipient when the left armpit is placed on the placement surface 530. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 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.

[0032] The left ends of the first and second link arms 57a and 57b are pivotally connected to the base 54 by bolts 63a and 63b, and the right ends are pivotally connected to the right-side member 52 by bolts 64a and 64b via a back plate 521. The right ends of the third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d are pivotally connected to the base 54 by bolts 63c and 63d, and the left ends are pivotally connected to the left-side member 53 by bolts 64c and 64d via a back plate 531. In this way, the first to fourth link arms 57a to 57d connect the central member 51 and base 54 to the right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53. 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. The first and second cover plates 522 and 532 may be omitted.

[0033] The right-side member 52 is displaced between a first position shown in FIG. 5 and a second position shown in FIG. 6 as the left ends of the first and second link arms 57a and 57b swing about bolts 63a and 63b, respectively, and the right ends of the first and second link arms 57a and 57b swing about bolts 64a and 64b, respectively. Similarly, the left-side member 53 is displaced between the first position shown in FIG. 5 and a second position shown in FIG. 6 as the right ends of the third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d swing about bolts 63c and 63d, respectively, and the left ends of the third and fourth link arms 57c and 57d swing about bolts 64c and 64d, respectively. Furthermore, the distance between the right-side member 52 and the left-side member 53 changes as they move between the first position and the second position. Specifically, the right and left members 52 and 53 move closer to each other in the left-right direction as they are displaced from the first position to the second position.

[0034] 1 and 2, the handle 70 is formed by combining a plurality of steel members each extending cylindrically in the longitudinal direction. The handle 70 is fixed to the first connecting rod 55. The handle 70 is further provided with first to sixth grips 701 to 706. The shape of the handle 70 can be designed as appropriate.

[0035] 7 and 8 includes 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 publicly available product is used for the damper 71, specifically, a product (FLF125-50) manufactured by KYB Engineering & Services Co., Ltd. Therefore, detailed description of the individual components of the cylinder 711, etc. will be omitted. However, other products may also be used as the damper 71.

[0036] The damper 71 is disposed between the first support column 3 and the second support column 6. The damper 71 is disposed longitudinally inclined upward from the rear end to the front end. In the damper 71, a first bracket 714 is fixed to the front end of the cylinder 711, and a second bracket 715 is fixed to the rear end of the piston rod 712. The first bracket 714 is connected to the lower end of the second connecting rod 56 by a second bolt 82 while inserted between the first left column portion 3a and the first right column portion 3b of the first support column 3. In this way, the front end of the damper 71 is connected to the second connecting rod 56 at a position lower than the first bolt 81. Meanwhile, the second bracket 715 is connected to the second left column portion 6a and the second right column portion 6b of the second support column 6 by a third bolt 83 while inserted between the second left column portion 6a and the second right column portion 6b. In this way, the rear end of the damper 71 is fixed to the second support column 6. The second and third bolts 82, 83 are parallel to the first bolt 81 and extend horizontally in the left-right direction.

[0037] A pressing lever 716 is swingably attached to the second bracket 715 by a second connecting pin 717. A power transmission wire 91 is attached to the second bracket 715. One end 91a of the power transmission wire 91 is engaged with the pressing lever 716. The other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 is inserted into a wire insertion hole 1g and is located below the base 1.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 7, the damper 71 is in a prohibited state when the push rod 713 is not pressed by the pressing lever 716, and the piston rod 712 cannot move relative to the cylinder 711. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, the damper 71 is in a permitted state when the push rod 713 is pressed by the pressing lever 716, and the piston rod 712 can move relative to the cylinder 711. Thus, the damper 71 is prohibited from extending and contracting in the longitudinal direction in the prohibited state, and is allowed to extend and contract in the longitudinal direction in the permitted state.

[0039] 3, the switching member 72 is made up of a frame 72a, a center pedal 72b, a left pedal 72c, and a right pedal 72d. The center pedal 72b is an example of the "first pedal" in the present invention.

[0040] The frame 72a has a first extending portion 721, a second extending portion 722, a third extending portion 723, a main body portion 724, and a connecting portion 725. The first to third extending portions 721 to 723 are formed from cylindrical steel material. The first extending portion 721 extends in the left-right direction while forming a generally arcuate shape that protrudes rearward. The second extending portion 722 and the third extending portion 723 are symmetrical in shape, and extend closer to each other from the rear end to the front end, and then extend linearly toward the front end. The second extending portion 722 and the third extending portion 723 are spaced apart in the left-right direction, and each rear end is connected to the first extending portion 721. As a result, the second and third extending portions 722 and 723 extend forward from the first extending portion 721.

[0041] The main body 724 is formed from a metal plate and has a generally rectangular box shape with an open top. The main body 724 is fixed to the front ends of the second and third extension portions 722 and 723, with the front ends of the second and third extension portions 722 and 723 inserted into the main body 724. The main body 724 is 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 side walls 724a to 724d are formed with first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d, respectively. The first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d are aligned coaxially and penetrate the first to fourth side walls 724a to 724d in the left-right direction, respectively. A locking portion 724e is provided on the main body 724. The locking portion 724e is located at the rear end of the main body 724, between the second extending portion 722 and the third extending portion 723.

[0042] The connecting portion 725 is formed of a metal plate. The connecting portion 725 is disposed rearward of 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.

[0043] The central pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d all have the same configuration and include 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, the first extension portion 721 has a shape that extends in the left-right direction while forming a substantially arc shape that protrudes rearward. Therefore, the central pedal 72b is located further rearward than the left pedal 72c and the right pedal 72d. 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.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the switching member 72 is connected to the first support pillar 3 and is attached to the base 1 so as to be able to swing relative to the base 1. Specifically, the switching member 72 is arranged so that the main body 724 is located below the first left mounting hole 1c and the first right mounting hole 1d of the base 1. In addition, in the first support pillar 3, the lower end of the first left pillar portion 3a is inserted into the first left mounting hole 1c, and the lower end of the first right pillar portion 3b is inserted into the first right mounting hole 1d. In this case, within the main body 724, the lower end of the first left pillar portion 3a is positioned between the second extension portion 722 and the third side wall 724c, and the lower end of the first right pillar 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 of the first left column portion 3a and the first right column portion 3b. This connects the first support column 3 and the switching member 72, and the switching member 72 is attached to the base 1. The axis of the first connecting pin 8 is the second oscillation axis X2, and the switching member 72 is able to swing up and down relative to the base 1 around the second oscillation axis X2. The first support column 3 is fixed to the base 1 via the switching member 72. Although not shown, retaining rings are attached to both the left and right ends of the first connecting pin 8 to prevent it from slipping out of the first to fourth connecting holes 73a to 73d and the through-holes. The first support column 3 may be fixed to the base 1 separately from the switching member 72.

[0045] Furthermore, a leaf spring 93 is provided between the base 1 and the switching member 72. The leaf spring 93 is formed by being bent into a generally U-shape. An upper portion of the leaf spring 93 is fixed to the spring mounting portion 1k of the base with a fixing screw 94, and a lower portion is engaged with an engaging portion 724e of the main body portion 724. As a result, the leaf spring 93 urges the switching member 72 upward by its own elastic force. Note that the switching member 72 may be urged by a coil spring or the like instead of the leaf spring 93.

[0046] Furthermore, in the switching member 72, the other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 is locked in 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 so as to be capable of transmitting power.

[0047] By attaching the switching member 72 to the base 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d are each disposed rearward of the base 1. More specifically, the center pedal 72b is disposed 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 disposed on the left side of the base 1 and forward of the left rear end 1a. The right pedal 72d is disposed on the right side of the base 1 and forward of the right rear end 1b. In other words, of the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d, the center pedal 72b is disposed 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 disposed on the left and right sides of the base 1, respectively, for example, on the front side of the base 1.

[0048] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first knee-retaining mechanism 11 has a first guide member 11a and a first knee-retaining member 11b. The second knee-retaining mechanism 13 has a second guide member 13a and a second knee-retaining member 13b. The first guide member 11a and the second guide member 13a are symmetrical, and the first knee-retaining member 11b and the second knee-retaining member 13b are symmetrical. The following describes the structure of the second guide member 13a and the second knee-retaining member 13b.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 11, the second guide member 13a is formed in a generally rectangular box shape. An entrance 31 is formed at the rear end of the second guide member 13a. The second guide member 13a also has a guide groove 32 that extends horizontally in the front-to-rear direction. The guide groove 32 penetrates the second guide member 13a from the right side to the left side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the second guide member 13a has a plurality of first engagement teeth 33 formed inside it and aligned in the front-to-rear direction. Each of the first engagement teeth 33 faces downward from the second guide member 13a.

[0050] As shown in Figure 12, the second knee support member 13b has a grip portion 41, an entry portion 42, and a connection portion 43. The grip portion 41 extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction. A support bracket 44 is fixed to the front end of the grip 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 care recipient is attached to the support plate 45. In addition, a seventh grip 46 is provided at the rear end of the grip portion 41. Note that the support plate 45 and the seventh grip 46 are not shown in Figure 12 for ease of explanation.

[0051] The entrance portion 42 is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and is disposed to the left of the grip portion 41. A plurality of second engagement teeth 48 are formed at the front end of the entrance portion 42. The second engagement teeth 48 are aligned in the front-rear direction of the entrance portion 42 and face upward. The entrance portion 42 is also formed with a pin hole 42a that penetrates the entrance portion 42 in the left-right direction. A guide pin 47 can be inserted through the pin hole 42a. The connection portion 43 is disposed between the grip portion 41 and the entrance portion 42, and extends in the left-right direction to connect the grip portion 41 and the entrance portion 42.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second guide member 13a is fixed to the upper end of the first right pillar 3b with the entrance 31 facing rearward. The second guide member 13a is fixed to the first right pillar 3b in a generally horizontal position in the front-to-rear direction. The second knee support member 13b has its entrance 42 inserted into the second guide member 13a through the entrance 31. As shown in Figure 13, a guide pin 47 is inserted into the pin hole 42a to prevent the second guide member 13a from slipping out of the second guide member 13a. In this way, 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-to-rear direction relative to the second guide member 13a. The guide pin 47 is disposed within the guide groove 32 and moves longitudinally within the guide groove 32 as the second knee retaining member 13b moves longitudinally. As shown in Figures 13A and 13C, when attached to the second guide member 13a, the second knee retaining member 13b tilts downward due to its own weight as it moves from the front end to the rear end. Therefore, within the second guide member 13a, the second engagement teeth 48 mesh with the first engagement teeth 33 from below.

[0053] Similarly, the first knee retaining mechanism 11 has a first guide member 11a fixed to the upper end of the first left pillar 3a, and a first knee retaining member 11b attached to the first guide member 11a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0054] The transfer device configured as described above can be used, for example, to transport a care recipient to another location, or to provide care such as changing the care recipient's clothes while the care recipient is held by the holding member. Care recipients include elderly people, sick or injured people, and physically disabled people. The operation of the transfer device will be specifically explained below, taking the example of transferring a care recipient sitting on a bed to a wheelchair.

[0055] First, the caregiver providing care to the care recipient swings the support member 5 to the initial position shown in FIG. 1 and moves the transfer device so that the front side faces the care recipient. The care recipient then has the first knee support member 11b support the left knee and the second knee support member 13b support the right knee. The care recipient also places their chest against the surface 51a of the central member 51, places their right armpit on the support surface 520 of the right member 52, and places their left armpit on the support 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 FIG. 3 to the second position shown in FIG. 4 due to the weight of the care recipient. In this way, the chest of the care recipient is supported by the central member 51, and the right and left armpits are supported by the right member 52 and the left member 53, respectively.

[0056] In this state, the caregiver grasps the handle 70 and depresses one of the center pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, and right pedal 72d with their foot, as indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 1. As a result, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 8, the switching member 72 swings in the direction D11 around the second swing axis X2 relative to the base 1 while resisting the biasing force of the leaf spring 93. As a result, the connecting portion 725 pulls the other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 downward. As a result, the one end 91a of the power transmission wire 91 pulls the pressing lever 716 forward. As indicated by the dashed-line arrow in FIG. 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 inhibited state to the permitted state.

[0057] While switching the damper 71 to the allowable state in this manner, the caregiver pushes down the handle 70 in the direction D21, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1. As a result, in the holding member 5, the second connecting rod 56 swings around the first swing axis X1, pulling the damper 71 forward, as shown by the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. 8. As a result, in the damper 71, the piston rod 712 begins to protrude from the cylinder 711, and the damper 71 begins to extend in the longitudinal direction, as shown by the black arrow in FIG. 8. Then, when the caregiver further pushes down the handle 70 in the direction D21, the damper 71 further extends in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the holding member 5 swings from the initial position to the transfer state shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the care recipient held by the central member 51, the right member 52, and the left member 53 is transferred entirely to the transfer device.

[0058] After swinging the holding member 5 to the transport position, the caregiver releases their feet from the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d to release the pedal pressure. As a result, as shown by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 7 , the switching member 72 swings in the direction D21 around the second swing axis X2 due to the biasing force of the leaf spring 93. As a result, the other end 91b of the power transmission wire 91 is pushed upward by the connecting portion 725, causing the 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, switching the damper 71 from the allowable state to the inhibited state. As a result, the damper 71 can no longer expand or contract in the longitudinal direction, preventing the holding member 5 from swinging. Thus, the holding member 5 is fixed in the transport position.

[0059] The caregiver then places the care recipient on the transfer device and moves it close to the wheelchair. When the transfer device arrives near the wheelchair, the caregiver turns the front side of the base 1 toward the wheelchair. After that, the caregiver again depresses one of the center pedal 72b, left pedal 72c, or right pedal 72d with their foot, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 2. This switches the damper 71 back to the permissive state. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2, the caregiver pushes up the handle 70 in the direction D22. At this time, the caregiver switches between the first to sixth grips 701 to 706 as needed.

[0060] As a result, the holding member 5 swings in the opposite direction to when the second connecting rod 56 swings to the transfer position. Therefore, the damper 71, which is in the permissive state, contracts longitudinally. As a result, the holding member 5 swings from the transfer position to the initial position shown in FIG. 1 . After swinging the holding member 5 to the initial position, the caregiver again releases their feet from the central pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d. This fixes the holding member 5 in the initial position. By swinging the holding member 5 to the initial position in this way, the care recipient held by the central member 51, the right member 52, and the left member 53 is lowered into the wheelchair, buttocks first. This completes the transfer of the care recipient from the bed to the wheelchair using the transfer device.

[0061] In this transfer device, a switching member 72 is provided with a center pedal 72b, a left pedal 72c, and a right pedal 72d, and the damper 71 can be switched from the prohibition state to the permission state by any of the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d. Here, the center pedal 72b is disposed rearward of the base 1 and approximately in the center in the left-right direction, the left pedal 72c is disposed to the left of the base 1, and the right pedal 72d is disposed to the right of the base 1. Thus, in this transfer device, by selecting and stepping on the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d, the caregiver can select a position relative to the care recipient depending on the care recipient's physique, level of disability, etc., and swing the holding member 5 between the initial position and the transfer position.

[0062] Specifically, in this transfer device, when the caregiver depresses the center pedal 72b, the caregiver positions himself / herself behind the base 1, approximately in the center in the left-right direction, and can swing the holding member 5 between the initial position and the transfer position while facing the care recipient. In contrast, when the caregiver depresses the left pedal 72c, the caregiver positions himself / herself to the left of the base 1 and thus the care recipient, and can swing the holding member 5 from the transfer position to the initial position. Furthermore, when the caregiver depresses the right pedal 72d, the caregiver positions himself / herself to the right of the care recipient, and can swing the holding member 5 from the transfer position to the initial position. Thus, when the caregiver depresses the left pedal 72c or the right pedal 72d, the caregiver can assist the care recipient from the left or right side, and can hold the care recipient on the holding member 5 or move the care recipient held by the holding member 5 to a bed, etc. This transfer device thus enables more stable care for the care recipient. Furthermore, in this transfer device, the caregiver can select the center 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 caring for a care recipient in a small room, the caregiver can select the position of the base 1 and, ultimately, the transfer device when stepping on the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, or the right pedal 72d. Therefore, for example, when 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 stepping on the left pedal 72c or the right pedal 72d in this transfer device. Similarly, when 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 stepping on the center pedal 72b in this transfer device.

[0063] Furthermore, in this transfer device, the first knee retaining member 11b is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the first guide member 11a, and the second knee retaining member 13b is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the second guide member 13a. This function will be explained using the second knee retaining member 13b as an example.

[0064] As shown in Figure 13(A), when the second knee support member 13b is attached to the second guide member 13a, it tilts due to its own weight, and each of the second engagement teeth 48 meshes with each of the first engagement teeth 33. As a result, the second guide member 13a is restricted from moving forward and backward relative to the second guide member 13a. Therefore, even if the second guide member 13a is pressed backward by the care recipient's right knee, it can hold the right knee without moving backward. In contrast, if the caregiver grasps the handle 41 with the seventh grip 46 and lifts the rear end of the second knee support member 13b upward as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 13(B), the front end of the second knee support member 13b moves downward within the second guide member 13a, and the second engagement teeth 48 and the first engagement teeth 33 are disengaged. In this state, the caregiver pulls the second knee support member 13b backward, as indicated by the black arrow in the figure, causing the second knee support member 13b to move backward relative to the second guide member 13a (see FIG. 10). Then, when the caregiver releases the second knee support member 13b, the second knee support member 13b tilts again due to its own weight, as indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 13C. The second engagement teeth 48 mesh with the first engagement teeth 33, once again restricting the forward-backward movement of the second knee support member 13b. As a result, the second knee support member 13b can support the care recipient's right knee further back than the position shown in FIG. 9. The caregiver can also move the second knee support member 13b forward while lifting the rear end of the second knee support member 13b upward. Similarly, the first knee support member 11b can be moved forward relative to the first guide member 11a.

[0065] Furthermore, with this support member, the first guide member 11a and the second knee support member 13b can be moved independently in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the first guide member 11a and the second knee support member 13b can support the left and right knees of the care recipient at different positions in the front-to-rear direction. Thus, with this transfer device, the first knee support member 11b and the second knee support member 13b, and ultimately the first and second knee support mechanisms 11 and 13, can adjust the positions at which the left and right knees are supported depending on the care recipient's physique, etc. In this respect, too, this transfer device can provide more stable care to the care recipient. Furthermore, with this transfer device, the first and second knee support members 11b and 13b can be moved in the front-to-rear direction while the front-to-rear movement of the first and second knee support members 11b and 13b can be restricted with a simple configuration.

[0066] Therefore, the transfer device of the embodiment exhibits excellent convenience.

[0067] In particular, in this transfer device, the switching member 72 has a frame 72a. In the frame 72a, a main body 724 is swingably connected to the base 1, and a connecting portion 725 is connected to the damper 71 via a power transmission wire 91 so as to transmit power. This simplifies the configuration of the switching member 72 in this transfer device, while allowing the switching member 72 to be suitably connected to the base 1 and the damper 71.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and applied as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0069] For example, in the transfer device of the embodiment, the switching member 72 has the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d, but is not limited to this, and the switching member 72 may have a configuration including either the left pedal 72c or the right pedal 72d in addition to the center pedal 72b. Furthermore, the switching member 72 may have a pedal in addition to the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d.

[0070] Furthermore, the center pedal 72b, the left pedal 72c, and the right pedal 72d may be individually connected to the damper 71 so as to be capable of transmitting power. [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] The present invention can be used in a transfer device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1... base, 2a to 2d... casters, 3... first support column (support column), 5... holding member 7...operation mechanism, 51...central member, 52...right side member, 53...left side member, 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

1. 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 that is swingable about a swing axis that is horizontal to the support column from an initial position to a transfer position and that holds the care recipient; an operating mechanism that swings the holding member by an operation of a caregiver who cares for the care recipient, The holding member has a central member that can support the chest of the care recipient, a right-side member that is disposed on the right side of the care recipient relative to the central member and on which the right armpit of the care recipient can be placed, and a left-side member that is disposed on the left side of the care recipient relative to the central member and on which the left armpit of the care recipient can be placed, In the initial position, the central member is in a substantially vertical state, In the transfer position, the central member is in a substantially horizontal state, the operating mechanism is a handle connected to the holding member and disposed on one side of the holding member in the front-rear direction, the handle being gripped and pushed down by the caregiver to swing the holding member; a damper connected to the holding member, capable of extending and contracting in a longitudinal direction to cause the holding member to swing between the initial position and the transfer position, and capable of realizing a prohibited state that prohibits the extension and contraction and an allowed state that allows the extension and contraction; a switching member connected to the damper and capable of switching the damper between the inhibited state and the permitted state; The switching member is provided with a first pedal disposed on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and at a substantially center in the left-right direction, and a second pedal disposed on at least one side of the base in the left-right direction, the switching member switches the damper from the prohibition state to the permission state when the caregiver depresses the first pedal or the second pedal, the second pedal comprises a left pedal disposed on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and to the left of the base, and a right pedal disposed on one side of the base in the front-rear direction and to the right of the base, The transfer device is characterized in that the first pedal is disposed at a position intermediate between the left pedal and the right pedal in the left-right direction.

2. The switching member is provided with a frame that is connected to the first pedal and the second pedal, 2. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the frame is disposed below the base, is swingably connected to the base, and is also connected to the damper.

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