Floor-mounted care lift

Abstract

To provide a floor traveling type care lift that is lightweight, requires low costs, is easy to operate by a carer even with no drive force provided, and allows turning operation to be easily performed.SOLUTION: A floor traveling type care lift includes: a vehicle body 2; two-wheeled travel wheels 3 provided on both sides in a width direction of the vehicle body 2; an arm 4 coupled to the vehicle body 2 for suspending a care receiver; a driving source 6; and a driving wheel 52 that is driven by the driving source 6. The driving wheel 52 is one-wheeled and positioned between the travel wheels 3 in the width direction of the vehicle body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor-running care lift that assists in moving a care recipient by traveling on the floor surface while lifting the care recipient.

Background Art

[0002] The elderly and the physically disabled may have difficulty moving freely depending on the degree of their disabilities and often require assistance. A wheelchair is sufficient if the person only needs to move while sitting, but when taking a bath or the like, the care recipient must be lifted and moved.

[0003] In recent years, the aging of society has been progressing rapidly, and the demand for a running care lift that moves a care recipient by lifting and running has been increasing.

[0004] Conventionally, as this type of running care lift, an arm for lifting a patient is provided so as to be able to rise and fall on a column provided on a vehicle body to which traveling wheels are attached on both sides in the width direction, and an operation handle is provided. A running care lift including a detection unit that detects an operation force acting on the operation handle, an electric motor that drives the traveling wheels, and a control unit that controls the electric motor according to the operation force detected by the detection unit is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0005] Such a running care lift assists running with the driving force of an electric motor according to the operation of an operator, so the burden on the caregiver is reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the floor-mounted care lift described in Patent Document 1 above, wheels driven by electric motors are provided on both sides of the vehicle in the width direction, which makes the mechanism for controlling and driving the wheels complex and increases costs, as well as the weight. Furthermore, since the vehicle is equipped with electric motor-driven wheels on both sides in the width direction, a decrease in battery charge can increase the resistance of the wheels, actually increasing the force required for operation. In particular, considerable force is required to change the direction of travel of the wheels on both sides when turning.

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a floor-mounted care lift that is lightweight, inexpensive, has low resistance even without a driving force, is easy for caregivers to operate, and is easy to rotate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Configuration 1 The floor-traveling care lift comprises a vehicle body, running wheels provided on both sides of the vehicle body in the width direction, an arm connected to the vehicle body for lifting a person to be cared for, a drive source, and a drive wheel driven by the drive source, wherein the drive wheel is a single wheel located between the running wheels in the width direction of the vehicle body, and comprises an operating handle fixed to the vehicle body for transmitting an operating force to the vehicle body for a caregiver to push and pull the vehicle body to move it, a detection unit for detecting the operating force acting on the operating handle, and a control unit for controlling the drive source according to the operating force detected by the detection unit, wherein the detection unit is provided between the vehicle body and the operating handle. Configuration 2 The control unit, when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward, controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward; and when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in a turning direction, controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward at a lower speed than when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward. Configuration 1 This is a floor-mounted care lift as described above. Configuration 3 The control unit is characterized in that, when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward, and when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in a turning direction, it controls the drive source to not drive the drive wheels. Configuration 1 This is a floor-mounted care lift as described above. Configuration 4 The floor-traveling care lift comprises a vehicle body, running wheels provided on both sides of the vehicle body in the width direction, an arm connected to the vehicle body for lifting a person to be cared for, a drive source, and a drive wheel driven by the drive source, wherein the drive wheel is a single wheel located between the running wheels in the width direction of the vehicle body, and further comprises an operating handle fixed to the vehicle body, a detection unit for detecting the operating force acting on the operating handle, and a control unit for controlling the drive source according to the operating force detected by the detection unit, wherein when the control unit determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheel forward or backward, and when the control unit determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in a turning direction, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheel forward or backward at a lower speed than when the operating force is determined to move the vehicle body forward or backward. Configuration 5The floor-traveling care lift comprises a vehicle body, running wheels provided on both sides of the vehicle body in the width direction, an arm connected to the vehicle body for lifting a person to be cared for, a drive source, and a drive wheel driven by the drive source, wherein the drive wheel is a single wheel located between the running wheels in the width direction of the vehicle body, and further comprises an operating handle fixed to the vehicle body, a detection unit for detecting the operating force acting on the operating handle, and a control unit for controlling the drive source according to the operating force detected by the detection unit, wherein the control unit controls the drive source to drive the drive wheel in the forward or backward direction when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward, and the control unit controls the drive source to not drive the drive wheel when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in a turning direction. Configuration 6 The detection unit is characterized in that it is provided between the vehicle body and the operating handle. Configuration 4 or Configuration 5 This is a floor-mounted care lift as described above. Configuration 7 The aforementioned wheels are characterized by being swivel casters whose direction can be changed. One of the configurations 1 through 6 This is the floor-mounted care lift described. The following are also acceptable alternative inventions. Means 1 is a floor-mounted care lift comprising a vehicle body, running wheels provided on both sides of the vehicle body in the width direction, an arm connected to the vehicle body for suspending a person to be cared for, a drive source, and a drive wheel driven by the drive source, wherein the drive wheel is a single wheel located between the running wheels in the width direction of the vehicle body.

[0010] Means 2 The vehicle comprises an operating handle fixedly mounted on the vehicle body and pushed or pulled by a caregiver, a detection unit that detects the operating force acting on the operating handle, and a control unit that controls the drive source according to the operating force detected by the detection unit, wherein the detection unit is provided between the vehicle body and the operating handle. Means 1 This is a floor-mounted care lift as described above.

[0011] Means 3 When the control unit determines that the operating force causes the vehicle body to move in the forward or reverse direction, the drive source is controlled to drive the drive wheels in the forward or reverse direction. Means 2 It is the floor-running type care lift according to

[0012] Means 4 When the control unit determines that the operating force causes the vehicle body to move in the turning direction, the drive source is controlled to drive the drive wheels in the forward or reverse direction at a lower speed than when it is determined that the operating force causes the vehicle body to move in the forward or reverse direction. Means 3 It is the floor-running type care lift according to

[0013] Means 5 When the control unit determines that the operating force causes the vehicle body to move in the turning direction, the drive source is controlled so as not to drive the drive wheels. Means 3 It is the floor-running type care lift according to

[0014] Means 6 The traveling wheels are freely rotatable casters whose direction can be changed. Any of the methods described in 1 to 5 It is the floor-running type care lift according to

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] In the floor-running type care lift of the present invention, since a single drive wheel is installed between the traveling wheels provided on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle body, even when performing a curve or turning operation, it can be easily curved or turned without requiring a large force. In particular, when turning at the position without moving forward and backward, it can be turned around a single drive wheel, so the resistance of the drive wheel is small. Also, compared with those having two drive wheels, the drive source and drive mechanism are fewer, so the structure is simple and lightweight, and the cost is also low.

[0016] In addition, the vehicle is equipped with an operating handle that is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body and pushed or pulled by the caregiver, a detection unit that detects the operating force acting on the operating handle, and a control unit that controls the drive source according to the operating force detected by the detection unit. Since the detection unit is located between the vehicle body and the operating handle, the caregiver does not need to specially operate the operating handle to obtain the drive assist function, and the driving assist function can be activated with the same operation as when the vehicle is driven manually.

[0017] In addition, when the control unit determines that the operating force will move the vehicle forward or backward, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward, thereby providing an assist function in the same direction as the caregiver intends to move the vehicle forward or backward.

[0018] In addition, when the control unit determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body in the turning direction, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward at a lower speed than when it determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body forward or backward. This makes it less likely for a large centrifugal force to be generated when driving only one drive wheel to make a turn or corner, allowing for safe cornering.

[0019] In addition, when the control unit determines that the operating force will move the vehicle in the turning direction, it controls the drive source to prevent the drive wheels from being driven. This allows the floor-mounted care lift to be operated with the same feel as manual operation by the caregiver when turning or rotating, by disabling the driving assist function.

[0020] In addition, if the wheels are directional casters, the wheels can freely change direction to match the direction in which the caregiver intends to move the floor-mounted care lift, making it easy to make turns and turns. This is particularly effective when the lift needs to rotate around a single drive wheel without moving forward or backward. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a floor-mounted care lift illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention: a floor-mounted care lift. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention: a floor-mounted care lift. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the lower part of a floor-mounted care lift illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a rear view of the lower part of a floor-mounted care lift illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a side view of an complete drive unit of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a rear view of the drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the pressing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a plan view of the operating handle and detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a rear view of the operating handle and detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a side view of an operating handle and a detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of the driving assist function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floor-mounted care lift according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a side view of a floor-mounted care lift according to an embodiment, Figure 3 is a plan view of a floor-mounted care lift according to an embodiment, Figure 4 is a plan view of the main lower part of a floor-mounted care lift according to an embodiment, Figure 5 is a rear view of the main lower part of a floor-mounted care lift according to an embodiment, Figure 6 is a side view of the drive unit according to an embodiment, Figure 7 is a rear view of the drive unit according to an embodiment, Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the pressing mechanism according to an embodiment, Figure 9 is a plan view of the operating handle and detection unit according to an embodiment, Figure 10 is a rear view of the operating handle and detection unit according to an embodiment, Figure 11 is a side view of the operating handle and detection unit according to an embodiment, and Figure 12 is a flowchart of the driving assist function according to an embodiment.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the floor-mounted care lift 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, wheels 3, an arm 4, a drive unit 5, a drive source 6, an operating handle 7, a detection unit 8, a control unit 9, and a battery 10.

[0025] The vehicle body 2 comprises a base 20, a support column 21 erected in the center of the upper surface of the base 20, and a pair of legs 22 extending in the front-rear direction from both sides in the width direction of the base 20.

[0026] The base 20 is a box-shaped structure that is long in the width direction. The control unit 9 is housed on one side of the base, and the battery 10 is housed on the other side (Figures 3 and 4).

[0027] The support column 21 is a square tube with an open upper end. A cover portion 21a is integrally provided on the rear side of the support column 21, and an arm drive unit 23 is provided inside the cover portion. An arm drive motor 24 is installed below the arm drive unit 23.

[0028] The arm drive unit 23 includes a cylinder and has a lifting truss 230, and is connected to the arm drive motor 24. Furthermore, a control panel 25 is provided on the cover portion 21a that covers the arm drive unit 23.

[0029] The leg portion 22 is a rod-shaped member that is pivotally supported on both sides of the base 20, and its length in front of the base 20 is longer than its length behind it. The legs 22 can be arranged in a V-shape, with their front sides spreading apart from each other, centered around the portion pivotally supported on the base 20. By spreading the legs 22 in this way, the person being cared for can be lifted stably.

[0030] Furthermore, a raised portion 220 is formed on the part of the leg portion 22 that faces the front of the base 20, curving upward. The front of the leg portion 22 is formed to be lower than the raised portion 220, allowing the leg portion 22 to enter beneath the bed or other surface on which the person being cared for is lying.

[0031] The running wheels 3 consist of six wheels, and include a front wheel 3a installed at the front end on the lower surface of the leg portion 22, an intermediate wheel 3b installed on the raised portion 220, and a rear wheel 3c installed at the rear end. The intermediate wheel 3b, which is installed on the raised section 220, has a larger diameter than the front wheel 3a and the rear wheel 3c. Furthermore, the rear wheel 3c has a larger diameter than the front wheel 3a.

[0032] The wheels 3 (front wheels 3a, middle wheels 3b, rear wheels 3c) are swivel casters whose direction can be changed, and they rotate while changing direction as the floor-mounted care lift 1 moves forward.

[0033] The arm 4 is formed in an inverted L shape with a horizontal section 41 extending forward from the upper end of the vertical section 40, and the vertical section 40 is slidably inserted from the upper end of the support column 21. A bracket 42 is attached to the rear surface of the vertical section 40, and the lifting pole 230 is connected to the bracket 42. Therefore, when the arm drive motor 24 is driven to move the lifting pole 230 up and down, the arm 4 moves up and down.

[0034] A belt 43 with a hook 44 attached to its lower end is suspended from the front end of the arm 4, and a sheet or the like on which the person to be cared for is placed can be attached to the hook 44 and suspended.

[0035] Conventional floor-mounted care lifts have wheels driven by electric motors on both sides of the vehicle's width, which makes the mechanism for controlling and driving the wheels complex, resulting in higher costs and increased weight. Furthermore, since the vehicle is equipped with electric motor-driven wheels on both sides in the width direction, a decrease in battery charge can increase the resistance of the wheels, actually increasing the force required for operation. In particular, considerable force is required to change the direction of travel of the wheels on both sides when turning.

[0036] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a floor-mounted care lift that is lightweight, inexpensive, has low resistance even without a driving force, is easy for caregivers to operate, and is easy to rotate.

[0037] Conventional mobile care lifts equipped with drive wheels have the drive wheels incorporated from the time of manufacture. When attempting to add drive wheels to a self-propelled care lift that does not have drive wheels, in a side view of the floor surface, the drive wheels to be installed may be positioned between the vertical line passing through the point where the weight of the person being cared for is applied to the arm when the person is lifted by the arm. In such cases, a downward force acts along the vertical line passing through the point of force application of the arm, with the running wheels as the fulcrum, generating a rotational moment that tends to tilt the vehicle forward. As a result, the drive wheels mounted on the vehicle body lift off the floor, and the driving force from the drive wheels is no longer adequately transmitted to the floor.

[0038] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a floor-mounted care lift in which the drive wheels make sufficient pressure contact with the floor surface even when the person being cared for is lifted by the arm, thereby ensuring reliable driving assistance by the drive wheels.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the drive unit 5 is positioned between the running wheels 3 installed on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle body 2 and includes a support plate 50 attached to the rear surface of the base 20, a slide frame 51 that is vertically movable relative to the support plate 50, and a single drive wheel 52 that is rotatably mounted on the slide frame 51.

[0040] In this embodiment, the drive wheel 52 is positioned midway between the running wheels 3 on both sides in the width direction. Furthermore, the drive wheel 52 is positioned approximately the same as the rear wheel 3c in the longitudinal direction. The drive wheel 52 is attached to the rear side of the base 20, which has a support column 21 on its upper surface. Furthermore, the person to be cared for can be suspended by hooking a seat or the like on the hook 44 and raising the arm 4. At this time, the belt 43, intermediate wheel 3b, and drive wheel 52 are arranged such that, in a side view on the floor, the intermediate wheel 3b is positioned between the drive wheel 52 and the vertical line passing through the point where the weight of the person to be cared for is applied to the arm 4.

[0041] The support plate 50 has a fixing plate 500 that is fixed to the rear surface of the base 20, and an upper plate 501 that extends horizontally backward from the upper end of the fixing plate 500. A pair of left and right guide rails 502 are provided on the rear surface of the fixing plate 500, oriented vertically.

[0042] The sliding frame 51 is formed in a roughly U-shape by having side walls 511 hanging down from both ends of the top plate 510. A drive shaft 520 is installed between the side walls 511 on both sides of the slide frame 51, and drive wheels 52 are attached to it.

[0043] The drive wheel 52 is a double-tire type wheel with a pair of tires arranged side by side, and constitutes one wheel.

[0044] A drive source (electric motor) 6 for rotating the drive shaft 520 is attached to the outer surface of one of the side walls 511.

[0045] A pair of slide blocks 512 that slidably engage with the guide rail 502 are provided at the front end of the upper surface of the top plate 510. As the slide blocks 512 slide against the guide rail 502, the slide frame 51 moves stably up and down relative to the vehicle body 2 together with the drive wheels 52 and the drive source 6. These are the guide mechanisms of the pressing mechanism, which will be described later.

[0046] Upward restricting shafts 503 are formed protruding from both sides of the lower surface of the upper plate 501 of the support plate 50. The lifting restriction shaft 503 is a lifting restriction mechanism that restricts the drive wheels 52 from rising above a predetermined height relative to the vehicle body 2. When the slide frame 51 rises to the predetermined height, the top plate 510 comes into contact with the lower part of the lifting restriction shaft 503, preventing the slide frame 51 from rising any further.

[0047] In front of the lifting restriction shaft 503, a pair of retaining bolts 504 pass through the upper plate 501 of the support plate 50 and the top plate 510 of the slide frame 51, and a stopper 505 is attached to the lower end of the retaining bolt 504. The retaining bolts 504 and the stopper 505 constitute a lowering restriction mechanism that restricts the drive wheel 52 from descending below a predetermined height relative to the vehicle body 2.

[0048] Between the upper plate 501 of the support plate 50 and the top plate 510 of the slide frame 51, a coil spring 506 is wound around the outer circumference of the lifting restricting shaft 503 while being biased. The coil spring 506 presses against the upper plate 501 of the support plate 50 and the top plate 510 of the slide frame 51, forming a pressing mechanism that, together with the guide, presses the drive wheel 52 against the floor surface. Furthermore, the pressing mechanism includes a guide mechanism in which the slide block 512 is connected to the guide rail 502. As a result, the drive wheels move up and down stably relative to the vehicle body.

[0049] In a side view, the floor-mounted care lift 1 is arranged from the front in the following order: front wheel 3a, belt 43 attachment point of arm 4, intermediate wheel 3b, and drive wheel 52. When the person to be cared for is suspended using arm 4, the weight of the person to be cared for is added to the attachment point of belt 43 on arm 4.

[0050] As shown in Figure 8(A), in a side view of the floor, the running wheels (intermediate wheels 3b) are positioned between the drive wheels 52 and the vertical line a passing through the point of force application on the arm 4 when the arm 4 lifts the person being cared for. Therefore, with the intermediate wheels 3b as the fulcrum, a downward force acts along the vertical line a passing through the point of force application on the arm 4, which is the attachment point for the belt 43, generating a rotational moment that tends to tilt the vehicle body 2 forward. As a result, the drive wheels 52 located at the rear of the vehicle body 2 lift off the floor, and the driving force from the drive wheels 52 is not adequately transmitted to the floor. However, since the drive wheels 52 are pressed against the floor surface below by the pressing mechanism, as shown in Figure 8(B), the drive wheels 52 are in firm contact with the floor surface, and the driving assist function of the drive wheels is not lost.

[0051] Furthermore, since the drive wheel 52 that is pressed by the pressing mechanism is a single wheel, it is relatively easy to curve and turn even when the pressing force is applied. Moreover, even when turning around a single drive wheel 52, the pressing force acts to grip the single wheel as the center of rotation, allowing for stable turning.

[0052] The downward movement of the drive wheels 52 relative to the vehicle body 2 is restricted by the downward movement restriction mechanism to the lowest position where the top plate 510 of the slide frame 51 contacts the stopper 505 of the support plate 50. Therefore, even if the coil spring 506 presses the slide frame 51 downward, the slide frame 51, the drive wheels 52 attached to it, and the drive source 6 will not detach from the support plate 50. Furthermore, the drive wheels 52 will not detach even if the vehicle body 2 is lifted.

[0053] Furthermore, even if the front wheels 3a lift up due to the movements of the person being cared for, causing a force to act that tries to tip the vehicle body 2 backward, and the rear of the vehicle body 2 sinks relative to the slide frame 51 to which the drive wheels 52 are attached, the upward movement of the drive wheels 52 relative to the vehicle body 2 is restricted by the upward movement restriction mechanism to the upper limit position where the top plate 510 contacts the lower end of the upward movement restriction shaft 503. This prevents the vehicle body 2 from being compressed and damaged, or from sinking too much at the rear of the vehicle body 2 and tipping over backward. Furthermore, rear wheels 3c are provided to prevent the vehicle body 2 from tipping backward. However, since swivel casters that allow the direction of travel to be changed are used, the effect of preventing backward tipping may be reduced depending on the direction. In such cases, this upward restraint mechanism will still be effective.

[0054] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the operating handle 7 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 and is used by the caregiver to push and pull it to move the floor-traveling care lift 1. The operating handle 7 is fixed to the rear surface of the cover portion 21a, sandwiching the detection portion 8. The operating handles 7 extend from the arm drive unit 23 to both the left and right sides, allowing the caregiver to move the floor-mounted care lift 1 by gripping and pushing / pulling them with both hands.

[0055] Furthermore, moving the vehicle in the turning direction includes both moving the vehicle by curving and moving it by turning.

[0056] The detection unit 8 is a load cell that detects the load applied when a caregiver pushes or pulls the operating handle 7, and is installed on both sides of the cover 21a in the width direction, for example, via stays or the like. When a caregiver pushes or pulls both sides of the operating handle 7, the operating handle 7 flexes, applying force to the detection unit 8 sandwiched between the cover 21a and the operating handle 7, allowing the detection units 8 on both sides to detect the operating force applied to the corresponding side.

[0057] When a caregiver tries to move the floor-mounted care lift 1 forward, they press the operating handle 7, and the detection unit 8 detects the pressing force and its strength. On the other hand, when a caregiver tries to move the floor-mounted care lift 1 backward, they pull the operating handle 7, and the detection unit 8 detects the tensile force and its strength.

[0058] The control unit 9 is connected to the detection units 8 and drive source 6 on both sides, and controls the drive source 6 according to the operating force detected by the detection unit 8. When a caregiver presses both sides of the operating handle 7 with roughly the same force, the detection units 8 on both sides detect the pressing force and convert it into an electrical detection signal, which is then sent to the control unit 9. If the pressing force is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 9 determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body 2 in a straight line in the forward direction, and controls the drive source 6 to rotate the drive wheels 52 in the forward direction.

[0059] When a caregiver pulls both sides of the operating handle 7 with roughly the same force, the detection units 8 on both sides detect the pulling force and send it to the control unit 9 as an electrical detection signal. If the pulling force is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 9 determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body 2 in a straight line in the reverse direction and controls the drive source 6 to rotate the drive wheels 52 in the reverse direction.

[0060] When attempting to turn or rotate the floor-mounted care lift 1, the caregiver pushes and pulls both sides of the operating handle 7 with different forces. The detection units 8 on both sides then detect the operating forces of different strengths and send detection signals to the control unit 9. If the difference in operating force detected by the detection units 8 on both sides exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 9 determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body 2 in the turning direction, and controls the drive source 6 to rotate the drive wheels 52 at a lower speed than when the control unit determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body in a straight line forward or backward. The floor-mounted care lift 1 curves or turns around a single drive wheel 52, making it susceptible to large centrifugal forces. However, when the floor-mounted care lift 1 is curved or turned in this manner, the drive wheel 52 is rotated at a lower speed than when moving it in a straight line forward or backward. Therefore, the driving force of the drive wheel 52 does not easily generate large centrifugal forces, allowing for safe and easy turning.

[0061] Furthermore, by operating an emergency button (not shown) located on the control panel 25, the control unit 9 stops the drive source 6, preventing the drive wheels 52 from being driven.

[0062] The control unit 9 controls the drive source 6 as follows: When the power switch (not shown) on the control panel 25 is operated to start supplying power from the battery 10 to the drive source 6 and detection unit 8 via the control unit 9, the driving assist function starts.

[0063] As shown in Figure 12, first, in step 1 (S1), it is determined whether an operating force of a strength greater than a predetermined value is applied to the detection units 8 on both sides, and whether a detection signal is input from the detection unit 8 to the control unit 9. If no detection signal is received from either of the detection units 8, the process returns to before step 1 (S1). When a caregiver operates the control handle 7 to move the floor-mounted care lift 1 forward or backward, detection signals are input from the detection units 8 on both sides to the control unit 9, so the process proceeds to step 2 (S2), where the control unit 9 controls the drive source 6 to rotate the drive wheels 52 at a relatively high speed, for example. This allows the drive wheels 52 to assist the floor-mounted care lift 1 in moving forward or backward in a straight line.

[0064] Next, in step 3 (S3), it is determined whether the difference in operating force detected by the detection units 8 on both sides exceeds a predetermined value. If the difference in operating force detected by the detection units 8 on both sides does not exceed a predetermined value, the process returns to before step 2 (S2). If the difference in operating force detected by the detection units 8 on both sides exceeds a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step 4 (S4), where the control unit 9 controls the drive source 6 to rotate the drive wheel 52, for example, at a low speed, and the process ends.

[0065] Furthermore, the drive unit 5, drive source 6, detection unit 8, and control unit 9 that constitute the driving assist mechanism can be easily retrofitted to a care lift that does not have a driving assist function. In other words, there is no need to replace the driving wheels with drive wheels, and it can be easily installed by simply adding one drive wheel between the driving wheels.

[0066] In a care lift that does not have a driving assist function, the operating handle 7 is directly fixed to the rear surface of the cover part 21a, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9. Therefore, the operating handle 7 is removed first, the detection unit 8 is attached to the rear surface of the arm drive unit 23, and the operating handle 7 is fixed to the cover part 21a with the detection unit 8 sandwiched in between.

[0067] The drive unit 5 is attached to the vehicle body 2 by first attaching the drive source 6 to the slide frame 51, and then fixing the fixing plate 500 of the support plate 50 to the rear surface of the base 20. The control unit 9 can be easily housed inside the hollow base 20, and the battery 10 may be shared with one that is already installed to supply power to the arm drive motor 24.

[0068] The floor-mounted care lift 1 is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body 2 and includes an operating handle 7 that the caregiver pushes and pulls, a detection unit 8 that detects the operating force acting on the operating handle 7, and a control unit 9 that controls the drive source 6 according to the operating force detected by the detection unit 8. Since the detection unit 8 is located between the vehicle body 2 and the operating handle 7, the caregiver does not need to operate the operating handle 7 itself in any special way to obtain the drive assist function, and the drive assist function can be activated by operating it in the same way as operating a care lift without a drive assist function.

[0069] When the control unit 9 determines that the operating force will move the vehicle body 2 in a straight line forward or backward, it controls the drive source 6 to drive the drive wheels 52 in the forward or backward direction, thereby enabling the caregiver to obtain an assist function in the same direction as the direction in which they intend to move the vehicle forward or backward.

[0070] When the control unit 9 determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body 2 in the turning direction, it controls the drive source 6 to drive the drive wheels 52 in the forward or reverse direction at a lower speed than when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body 2 in a straight line forward or reverse direction. This makes it less likely for a large centrifugal force to be generated when driving only one drive wheel 52 to make a turn or corner, allowing for safe cornering.

[0071] The floor-mounted care lift 1 has a single drive wheel 52 positioned between the drive wheels 3 located on both sides of the vehicle body 2 in the width direction. This allows for easy cornering or turning without requiring significant force. In particular, when turning in a fixed position without forward or backward movement, the single drive wheel 52 can be used as the pivot point, resulting in less resistance from the drive wheel 52. Furthermore, compared to vehicles with two drive wheels, it requires fewer drive sources and drive mechanisms, resulting in a simpler and lighter structure, and lower costs.

[0072] If the wheels 3 are directional casters, the wheels 3 can freely change direction to match the direction in which the caregiver intends to move the floor-mounted care lift 1, making it easy to make turns and turns. This is particularly effective when the lift is to rotate around a single drive wheel 52 in a fixed position without moving forward or backward.

[0073] In the embodiment described above, when a caregiver operates the operating handle 7 to curve the floor-mounted care lift 1, and the difference in operating force detected by the detection units 8 on both sides exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 9 controls the drive source 6 to rotate the drive wheels 52 at a low speed. However, it is also possible to stop the drive source 6 so that the drive wheels 52 do not rotate. In this case, the specific control is as follows: in step 4 (S4) of Figure 12, instead of controlling the drive wheels to rotate at a low speed, the drive source 6 is controlled to not drive at all. In this way, when turning or rotating the floor-mounted care lift 1, the driving assist function can be deactivated, allowing it to be operated with the same feel as if it were being operated solely by the caregiver's manual controls.

[0074] Furthermore, when cornering or turning, a combination of control at low speed rotation of the drive wheels and control that does not drive the drive wheels may be used. In this case, for example, if the steering wheel operation is detected as an operation for turning, the drive wheels may be controlled to rotate at a low speed, and if the steering wheel operation is detected as an operation for turning, the drive wheels may be de-driven. Specifically, in step 3 (S3) and beyond in Figure 12, the evaluation of the difference in left and right operating force is set in two stages (for example, a predetermined value A and a predetermined value B that is greater than predetermined value A). It is determined whether the difference in left and right operating force exceeds predetermined value A (step 3 (S3)). If the difference in left and right operating force does not exceed predetermined value A (S3 is NO), the drive wheels are rotated at high speed (S2). If it exceeds predetermined value A (S3 is YES), it is further determined whether the difference in left and right operating force exceeds predetermined value B (step 4 (S4)). If the difference in left and right operating force does not exceed predetermined value B (S4 is NO), the drive wheels are rotated at low speed (step 5 (S5)). If the difference in left and right operating force exceeds predetermined value B (S4 is YES), the drive wheels are not driven (step 6 (S6)).

[0075] [Other variations] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, it also includes the following:

[0076] The shape and structure of the vehicle body can be changed from those of the above embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the arm is an inverted L-shaped arm that can be raised and lowered, but the portion that extends forward from the support column may be an arm that can swing up and down.

[0077] In this embodiment, the single drive wheel is a double-tire type, but it may also be a single-tire type.

[0078] In this embodiment, a stopper is provided at the lower end of the retaining bolt that penetrates the upper plate of the support plate and the top plate of the slide frame to prevent the slide frame from falling off. Alternatively, a stopper that restricts the descent of the slide block may be provided at the lower part of the guide rail provided on the fixing plate of the support plate to serve as a descent restricting mechanism.

[0079] In this embodiment, the slide frame is pressed downward by a coil spring, but other biasing means such as a leaf spring can also be used.

[0080] In this embodiment, the invention was applied to a floor-mounted care lift equipped with six wheels, but it is not limited to this and may also be applied to floor-mounted care lifts with four or other wheels.

[0081] In this embodiment, a load cell was used as the detection unit, but it is not limited to this, and force sensors or the like may also be used.

[0082] In this embodiment, the vertical movement of the slide frame is guided by engaging a guide rail provided on the support plate with a slide block provided on the slide frame. However, this can be replaced with a vertically elongated slot and a projection that slidably engages with it. In this case, the upper end of the slot and the projection form an upward restricting mechanism, and the lower end of the slot and the projection form a downward restricting mechanism.

[0083] Each technical matter in any embodiment, including variations, may be applied to other embodiments to form examples. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Floor-mounted care lift 2 car bodies 20 bases 21 Post 22 Legs 220 Ridge 23 Arm drive unit 230 rising and falling culms 24 Arm drive motor 25 Control panel 3. Running wheels 3a front wheel 3b Intermediate wheel 3c rear wheel 4 Arms 40 Vertical section 41 Horizontal part 42 brackets 43 belts 44 hooks 5 Drive Unit 50 Support plate 500 Fixed plate 501 Top plate 502 Guide Rail 503 Rising Restriction Axis 504 Retaining bolt 505 Stopper 506 Coil Spring 51 Slide frame 510 Top plate 511 Side wall 512 Slide Block 52 drive wheels 520 Drive shaft 6. Power source 7. Operating handle 8. Detection Unit 9. Control Unit 10 batteries

Claims

1. The car body and, The running wheels provided on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle body, An arm connected to the vehicle body for suspending a person to be cared for, Power source and A floor-mounted care lift comprising a drive wheel driven by the drive source, The aforementioned drive wheel is a single wheel located between the aforementioned running wheels in the width direction of the vehicle body. An operating handle fixed to the vehicle body, A detection unit that detects the operating force acting on the aforementioned operating handle, The system comprises a control unit that controls the drive source in accordance with the operating force detected by the detection unit, When the control unit determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward. The floor-mounted care lift is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in the turning direction, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels in the forward or reverse direction at a lower speed than when it determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in the forward or reverse direction.

2. The car body and, The running wheels provided on both sides in the width direction of the vehicle body, An arm connected to the vehicle body for suspending a person to be cared for, Power source and A floor-mounted care lift comprising a drive wheel driven by the drive source, The aforementioned drive wheel is a single wheel located between the aforementioned running wheels in the width direction of the vehicle body. An operating handle fixed to the vehicle body, A detection unit that detects the operating force acting on the aforementioned operating handle, The system comprises a control unit that controls the drive source in accordance with the operating force detected by the detection unit, When the control unit determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body forward or backward, it controls the drive source to drive the drive wheels forward or backward. The floor-mounted care lift is characterized in that when the control unit determines that the operating force moves the vehicle body in the turning direction, it controls the drive source to prevent the drive wheels from being driven.

3. The floor-mounted care lift according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection unit is provided between the vehicle body and the operating handle.

4. The floor-mounted care lift according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned wheels are swivel casters whose direction can be changed.

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