JP2024073272A - Transfer support device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a transfer support device that can stably support and transfer a care receiver even when transferring the care receiver whose balance has decreased.SOLUTION: A transfer support device 1 comprises: a femur support part 30 which can support the femur of a care receiver P; and an upper body support part 10 which is provided on the upper side of the femur support part 30, has a support surface 11a on which a portion of the upper body of the care receiver P is placed, and is configured to allow the support surface 11a to be tilted forward downwards.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

This invention relates to a transfer assistance device, and in particular to a transfer assistance device that has a thigh support section and an upper body support section.

A transfer assistance device equipped with a thigh support section and an upper body support section is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a transfer device (transfer assistance device) that includes a seat support (thigh support) that supports the rear of the thighs, and a U-shaped holder (upper body support) for holding the upper body of the care recipient. This transfer device transfers the care recipient from a wheelchair to a bed, toilet, etc. by sliding and inserting the seat support into the rear of the thighs and lifting the rear of the thighs. In addition, when lifting the care recipient with the seat support, the holder supports the upper body of the care recipient from both sides by abutting against the left and right armpits of the care recipient.

JP 2017-93730 A

However, although not disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, there are cases where a transfer device (transfer support device) is used to lift and transfer a care recipient with reduced balance ability. Balance ability is the ability to maintain posture during stationary or dynamic movement, and it is known that the muscle strength of a care recipient whose muscle strength has decreased due to aging affects the balance ability. In this case, when a care recipient with reduced balance ability is lifted using the transfer device of the above Patent Document 1, for example, a care recipient whose balance ability has decreased due to reduced muscle strength would have difficulty in stably maintaining their own posture via the holder that abuts against the armpit area. Therefore, even when transferring a care recipient with reduced balance ability, it is desirable to be able to stably support the care recipient and transfer them.

This invention was made to solve the above problems, and one objective of the invention is to provide a transfer support device that can stably support and transfer a care recipient, even when transferring a care recipient with impaired balance ability.

To achieve the above object, a transfer assistance device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a thigh support section capable of supporting the thighs of a care recipient, and an upper body support section provided above the thigh support section, having a support surface on which a part of the care recipient's upper body is placed, and configured so that the support surface can be tilted forward and downward.

In one aspect of the transfer support device of the present invention, as described above, the upper body support part is provided above the thigh support part, has a support surface on which a part of the upper body of the care recipient is placed, and is configured to be able to tilt the support surface forward and downward. With this, when a part of the upper body of the care recipient is placed on the support surface of the upper body support part, the support surface is tilted forward and downward, so that the buttocks located on the rear side of the care recipient are tilted upward (floating) in response to the upper body of the care recipient being tilted forward and downward. Therefore, even when transferring a care recipient whose balance ability has decreased due to muscle weakness, for example, the care recipient can maintain his/her own posture by placing a part of his/her upper body on the support surface without relying on balance ability, and the buttocks of the care recipient can be easily and stably lifted by tilting the support surface on which a part of the upper body of the care recipient is placed forward and downward. Therefore, even when transferring a care recipient whose balance ability has decreased, the care recipient can be stably supported and transferred.

In a transfer assistance device according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper body support section is preferably configured to be tiltable downward and forward by rotating about a rotation axis that is oriented substantially horizontally. With this configuration, the upper body support section can be tilted downward and forward by rotating it about the rotation axis, so that the buttocks of the care recipient can be reliably lifted in response to the upper body of the care recipient being tilted downward and forward.

In this case, preferably, the device further comprises a first frame provided with a thigh support portion, and a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame and provided with an upper body support portion. With this configuration, the rotation axis for rotating the upper body support portion can be provided at the connection portion between the first frame and the second frame, away from the upper body support portion, and the rotation radius can be increased. This allows the upper body of the care recipient to be tilted further forward and downward, so that the buttocks of the care recipient can be lifted more reliably.

In the configuration further comprising the first frame and a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame, preferably, a base portion to which the first frame is attached is further comprised, and the support surface of the upper body support portion is configured to be changeable between a parallel state that is approximately parallel to the base portion and an inclined state that is inclined downward and forward with respect to the base portion. With this configuration, the support surface on which part of the upper body of the care recipient is placed can be inclined downward and forward as the support surface is changed from the parallel state to the inclined state.

In the transfer assistance device according to the above aspect, the upper body support part preferably includes a support part main body having a support surface and extending in the left-right direction, and a pair of side support parts extending rearward from each of the left and right ends of the support part main body. With this configuration, when the support surface on which part of the upper body of the care recipient is placed is tilted forward and downward, both the left and right sides of the care recipient can be supported by the pair of side support parts, making it possible to more stably support the care recipient and transfer him/her.

In this case, preferably, each of the pair of side support parts includes a first side support part provided on the support part main body side, and a second side support part provided on the opposite side of the first side support part from the support part main body and tiltable backward and upward with respect to the first side support part. With this configuration, when the care recipient places part of their upper body on the support surface, for example, the second side support part tilted backward and upward comes into contact with the armpits or the vicinity of the shoulder blades of the care recipient, and the contacted armpits or the vicinity of the shoulder blades of the care recipient can be moved toward the support surface. As a result, it is possible to easily place part of the care recipient's upper body on the support surface.

In a configuration in which each of the pair of side support parts includes a second side support part that can be tilted upward relative to the first side support part, preferably, the upper body support part further includes a front support part that is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction between the pair of side support parts, and is configured so that the second side support part tilts backward and upward relative to the first side support part as the front support part moves forward. With this configuration, the second side support part can be tilted backward and upward in response to the forward pushing of the front support part by the care recipient, so that the second side support part can reliably encourage movement of a part of the upper body toward the support part.

In the above-mentioned configuration in which the upper body support section can be tilted downward and forward by rotating around a rotation axis provided in a substantially horizontal direction, preferably, a first drive section is further provided that tilts the support surface downward and forward by rotating the upper body support section around the rotation axis. With this configuration, by driving the first drive section, the upper body support section can be rotated around the rotation axis to reliably tilt the support surface downward and forward.

In this case, preferably, the device further includes a control unit that controls the driving of the first drive unit and a notification unit that issues an alarm, and the control unit controls the notification unit to issue an alarm when it is determined that the torque change amount of the first drive unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. With this configuration, when it is determined that the torque change amount is smaller than a preset threshold value, for example, it can be determined that a part of the upper body of the care recipient is not properly placed on the support surface, and the notification unit can be made to issue an alarm. Therefore, when a part of the upper body of the care recipient is not properly placed on the support surface, it is possible to suppress rotation of the upper body support unit.

In the transfer assistance device according to the above aspect, the support surface of the upper body support part is preferably a flat plate having elasticity. With this configuration, the upper body of the care recipient can be appropriately protected, and the support surface can be used, for example, as a table.

In the transfer assistance device according to the above aspect, preferably, a rotation unit is further provided that rotates the thigh support unit and the upper body support unit together. For example, when transferring a care recipient from a wheelchair to a bed or a toilet, the care recipient sitting in the wheelchair may change the direction of their body to transfer to the bed or toilet seat. With the above configuration, the care recipient can be transferred from one location to another by rotating them.

In the transfer assistance device according to the above aspect, the thigh support section is preferably configured to be changeable between a folded closed state and an open state in which it opens substantially horizontally and can support the thighs of the care recipient. With this configuration, the thigh support section can be maintained in the closed state when the care recipient is not being transferred, so that contact of the thigh support section with the care recipient can be suppressed when the care recipient is not being transferred.

In this case, preferably, a second drive unit is further provided that changes the thigh support section between a closed state and an open state and moves the thigh support section in an up-down direction. This configuration eliminates the need to provide two drive units, one for changing the thigh support section between a closed state and an open state and the other for moving the thigh support section in an up-down direction, thereby preventing an increase in the number of parts and a complicated structure.

According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a transfer assistance device that can stably support and transfer a care recipient, even when transferring a care recipient with impaired balance ability.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer assistance device and a wheelchair according to an embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer assistance device with a thigh support section in an open state according to an embodiment; 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer assistance device with a thigh support section in a closed state according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a transfer assistance device whose support surface is inclined downward and forward; 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the inclination of the second side support portion by the front support portion. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening/closing and lifting of the thigh support part by the second drive part. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a transfer assistance device according to one embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing step 1 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer support device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing step 2 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer support device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing step 3 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer assistance device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing step 4 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer assistance device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing step 5 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer assistance device according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing step 6 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer assistance device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing step 7 of a method for transferring a care recipient using a transfer assistance device according to an embodiment. FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of the transfer assistance device)
The configuration of a transfer support device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In this specification, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction, the upward direction as the Z1 direction, and the downward direction as the Z2 direction. The direction from the front end of the upper body support section 10 of the transfer support device 1 where the support section main body 11 is located to the rear end where the front support section 16 is located is defined as the X direction, the direction toward the front end where the support section main body 11 is located is defined as the X1 direction, and the direction toward the rear end where the front support section 16 is located is defined as the X2 direction. The left-right direction (width direction) of the transfer support device 1 perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer support device 1 is attached to a wheelchair 100 as an example. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the transfer support device 1 is a device for transferring a cared person P who sits on a bed to the wheelchair 100 by turning the body of the cared person P when moving the cared person P who uses the wheelchair 100 from a room to another place (for example, a toilet, a bathroom, or a dining room). Also, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the transfer support device 1 is a device for transferring a cared person P who sits on the wheelchair 100 to a bed (other examples include a toilet bowl, a bathtub, or a dining room chair, etc.) by turning the body of the cared person P. Note that in FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the first drive unit 20 and the second drive unit 40 are omitted from the illustration.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer support device 1 includes an upper body support section 10, a first drive section 20, a thigh support section 30, a second drive section 40, a frame 50, and a base section 60. The transfer support device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is in an open state with the thigh support section 30 open substantially horizontally. Note that the transfer support device 1 shown in FIG. 3 is in a closed state with the thigh support section 30 folded. For ease of explanation, the back support section 17 described below is omitted from FIG. 2. For ease of explanation, the main body section 33, lift section 34, link 35, back support section 17, and first drive section 20 described below of the thigh support section 30 are omitted from FIG. 3.

(Upper body support)
2, upper body support section 10 includes a support section main body 11, side support sections 13, slide sections 14, connection sections 15 (see FIG. 4), front support section 16, rear support section 17 (see FIG. 4), and support section slide mechanism 18. Upper body support section 10 is provided above thigh support section 30. Upper body support section 10 is connected to the upper part of second frame 52.

The support body 11 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the Y direction. The support body 11 has a support surface 11a at the upper end. The support surface 11a is configured so that a part of the upper body of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1) can be placed on the support surface 11a when transferring the care recipient P. The support surface 11a is formed in a flat plate shape having elasticity (cushioning properties). The support surface 11a is configured to be tiltable downward toward the front. Here, the forward downward direction means, for example, that the position of the support surface 11a moves forward and the front side of the support surface 11a tilts downward. The support surface 11a is configured to be changeable between a parallel state (see FIG. 2) that is approximately parallel to the base portion 60 and an inclined state (see FIG. 4) that is inclined downward toward the front with respect to the base portion 60. The support surface 11a in the parallel state can be used, for example, as a table.

The side support parts 13 are provided so as to extend in the X2 direction from both ends of the support part main body 11 in the Y direction. A pair of side support parts 13 are provided so as to extend from each of both ends of the support part main body 11 in the Y direction. The side support parts 13 are formed of columnar members extending in the X direction. Each of the pair of side support parts 13 includes a first side support part 13a provided on the X1 direction side and a second side support part 13b provided on the X2 direction side. The support part main body 11, the first side support part 13a, and the second side support part 13b are connected along the X direction. The second side support part 13b (see FIG. 4) is configured so as to be able to tilt rearward and upward with respect to the first side support part 13a.

A pair of slide parts 14 is attached to each of the pair of side support parts 13. The slide parts 14 are configured to be able to slide along the side support parts 13. The slide parts 14 are configured to be able to slide in the X direction. Each of the pair of slide parts 14 is provided so as to cover a portion of the outer circumferential surface of each of the pair of side support parts 13.

As shown in FIG. 5(c), one end of the connection part 15 is connected to the upper surface of the sliding part 14, and the other end is connected to the end of the second side support part 13b in the X2 direction. As the sliding part 14 slides in the X1 direction, the second side support part 13b connected to the other end of the connection part 15 is pulled by the connection part 15, causing the second side support part 13b to tilt backward and upward. The connection part 15 is formed, for example, of a belt whose surface is made of a flexible material. The connection part 15 is also configured to function as a cushioning material when it comes into contact with the left and right armpits of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 4, the front support part 16 is provided between the pair of side support parts 13. The front support part 16 is provided on the X1 direction side of the back support part 17. The front support part 16 has a belt shape extending in the Y direction. Both ends of the front support part 16 are connected to each of the pair of slide parts 14. The front support part 16 is configured to be movable in the X direction between the pair of side support parts 13 as the slide parts 14 move in the X direction. When the front support part 16 is pushed in the X1 direction by the upper body of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1), the slide parts 14 are slid in the X1 direction, and the second side support part 13b is tilted backward and upward by the connection part 15. The front support part 16 is formed, for example, from a cloth that is difficult to stretch and is further processed with a cushioning elastic body.

The rear support portion 17 is provided between the pair of side support portions 13. The rear support portion 17 is provided on the X2 direction side of the front support portion 16. The rear support portion 17 has a belt shape extending in the Y direction. Both ends of the rear support portion 17 are connected to each of the pair of side support portions 13. Both ends of the rear support portion 17 are provided with engagement portions (not shown). The rear support portion 17 is configured to be detachable from each of the pair of side support portions 13 by engaging the engagement portions with the engagement receiving portions (not shown) provided on each of the pair of side support portions 13. The rear support portion 17 is configured to support the rear of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1) to prevent the care recipient P from falling backward. The rear support portion 17 is formed, for example, from a cloth that is not easily stretched and is further processed with a cushioning elastic body.

2, the support section slide mechanism 18 is configured to allow the support section main body 11 to slide in the X direction relative to the second frame 52. Therefore, the support section slide mechanism 18 can slide the support section main body 11, the side support section 13, the front support section 16, and the back support section 17 (see FIG. 4) in the X direction relative to the second frame 52 as a whole. By sliding the support section main body 11 in the X direction using the support section slide mechanism 18, the distance between the care recipient and the support section main body 11 and the front support section 16 can be adjusted. The support section slide mechanism 18 is provided on the lower side of the support section main body 11. The support section slide mechanism 18 includes, for example, a slide rail. The support section slide mechanism 18 includes stoppers (not shown) at multiple positions aligned in the X direction. The support section slide mechanism 18 is configured to be able to stop the slide movement at each of the multiple stoppers to fix the position.

(Inclination of the second side support part by the front support part)
The inclination of the second side support portion 13b by the front support portion 16 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 5 (a) shows the state in which the front support part 16 is not pushed in the X1 direction by the care recipient P (see Figure 1). In this state, the slide part 14 is not slid in the X1 direction. The second side support part 13b is not tilted upward and rearward due to the action of gravity, and the upper surface of the second side support part 13b forms approximately the same plane as the upper surface of the first side support part 13a.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), when the front support portion 16 is pushed in the X1 direction by the upper body of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1), the slide portion 14 slides in the X1 direction and the connection portion 15 pulls the rear end of the second side support portion 13b in the X1 direction. This causes the second side support portion 13b to tilt rearward and upward. As the slide portion 14 slides further in the X1 direction, the second side support portion 13b is tilted further rearward and upward, as shown in FIG. 5(c).

(First driving unit)
3, first drive unit 20 is configured to rotate upper body support unit 10 around first rotation axis 55, which will be described later. First drive unit 20 is configured to rotate upper body support unit 10 around first rotation axis 55 in first rotation direction R1, thereby tilting support surface 11a downward and forward. First drive unit 20 is provided at the upper end of first frame 51.

The first drive unit 20 includes a first rod 21 and a first linear actuator 22. The first rod 21 is configured to move linearly by the first linear actuator 22 in a direction protruding from the first linear actuator 22 (approximately the Z1 direction) or in a direction stored in the first linear actuator 22 (approximately the Z2 direction). The first linear actuator 22 is configured to convert, for example, the rotational driving force of a motor as a driving source into a linear driving force by a conversion mechanism to move the first rod 21. The first rod 21 is connected to the underside of the upper body support unit 10.

(Tilting of upper body support part by first driving part)
The tilting of upper body support unit 10 by first drive unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. FIG.

When the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 is in a parallel state substantially parallel to the base unit 60, the first rod 21 is moved linearly in the substantially Z2 direction by the first linear actuator 22, whereby the upper body support unit 10 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1 around the first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 3). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 is rotated so as to be tilted forward and downward, and the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 is inclined forward and downward relative to the base unit 60. In the inclined state, the support surface 11a is inclined, for example, by about 20 degrees forward and downward relative to the base unit 60. The inclination angle in the inclined state is not particularly limited.

When the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 shown in FIG. 4 is in an inclined state, the first rod 21 is linearly moved in the approximate Z1 direction by the first linear actuator 22, causing the upper body support unit 10 to rotate in the second rotation direction R2 around the first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 3). As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 moves rearward and rotates so that the front end rises and the rear end falls, and the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 becomes parallel.

(Thigh support)
As shown in Fig. 2, thigh support section 30 is configured to be changeable between a folded closed state (see Fig. 3) and an open state in which it opens substantially horizontally to support the thighs of care recipient P (see Fig. 1). Thigh support section 30 includes a pair of rod-shaped members 31, a cushion section 32, a main body section 33, a lifting section 34, and a link 35.

One end of each of the pair of rod-shaped members 31 is connected to the main body 33 so as to be rotatable. One end of each of the pair of rod-shaped members 31 is connected to the main body 33 via a corresponding second rotation shaft 36 (see FIG. 6) that extends in the X direction, so as to be rotatable around the second rotation shaft 36. The closed state of the thigh support 30 refers to a state in which the pair of rod-shaped members 31 are folded so as to overlap each other by being rotated around the second rotation shaft 36 in a direction toward each other. The open state of the thigh support 30 refers to a state in which the pair of rod-shaped members 31 are rotated around the second rotation shaft 36 in a direction away from each other, so as to be open approximately horizontally. The pair of rod-shaped members 31 are formed, for example, from metal.

The cushion portion 32 is provided on the outer periphery of each of the pair of rod-shaped members 31 at the other end side. The cushion portion 32 is configured to be able to support the thighs of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1) in the open state. In the open state, the upper end portion 32a of the cushion portion 32 has a flat surface. The cushion portion 32 may be cylindrical, and the shape of the cushion portion 32 is not particularly limited.

The main body 33 is attached to the first frame 51 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The main body 33 is connected to one end of each of a pair of rod-shaped members 31 via a second rotating shaft 36 (see FIG. 6). The main body 33 is configured to rise together with the pair of rod-shaped members 31 in the open state as the lifting part 34 in contact with the lower end of the main body 33 rises. The main body 33 is configured to fall together with the pair of rod-shaped members 31 in the open state as the lifting part 34 in contact with the lower end of the main body 33 descends.

The lifting unit 34 is configured to be raised and lowered by the second drive unit 40. A pair of links 35 are connected to the lifting unit 34. Each of the pair of links 35 is connected to the lifting unit 34 via a third pivot shaft 37 (see FIG. 6) that extends in the X direction.

One end of each of the pair of links 35 is rotatably connected to the rod-shaped member 31, and the other end is connected to the lifting unit 34 via a third pivot shaft 37 (see FIG. 6). When the lifting unit 34 rises, one end of the pair of links 35 moves in a direction opening outward, and the pair of rod-shaped members 31 become substantially horizontal. This places the thigh support unit 30 in an open state. When the lifting unit 34 descends, one end of the pair of links 35 moves in a direction closing inward, and the pair of rod-shaped members 31 become folded. This places the thigh support unit 30 in a closed state.

(Second driving unit)
As shown in Fig. 2, the second drive unit 40 is configured to change the thigh support unit 30 between a closed state (see Fig. 3) and an open state (see Fig. 2), and to move the thigh support unit 30 in the vertical direction (see Fig. 6). The second drive unit 40 is provided on the first frame 51.

The second drive unit 40 includes a second rod 41 and a second linear actuator 42. The second rod 41 is configured to move linearly by the second linear actuator 42 in a direction in which it protrudes from the second linear actuator 42 (approximately the Z1 direction) or in a direction in which it is stored in the second linear actuator 42 (approximately the Z2 direction). The second linear actuator 42 is configured to convert, for example, the rotational driving force of a motor as a driving source into a linear driving force by a conversion mechanism to move the second rod 41. The second rod 41 is connected to the underside of the lifting unit 34 of the thigh support unit 30.

(Opening, closing, and raising and lowering of thigh support part by second drive part)
The opening/closing and raising/lowering of thigh support section 30 by second drive section 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the state change of the thigh support unit 30 from the closed state to the open state caused by the second drive unit 40 will be described. In FIG. 6(a), the thigh support unit 30 is in the closed state. Also, the lifting unit 34 is not in contact with the lower end of the main body unit 33, and the lifting unit 34 is located below the main body unit 33.

In FIG. 6(b), the second rod 41 is moved linearly in the Z1 direction by the second linear actuator 42, so that the lifting section 34 rises. As the lifting section 34 rises, one end of the pair of links 35 moves in a direction that opens outward, so that the thigh support section 30 opens and the lifting section 34 comes into contact with the main body section 33, as shown in FIG. 6(c). As shown in FIG. 6(d), the lifting section 34 rises further while in contact with the main body section 33, so that the main body section 33 in the open state rises. The main body section 33 is configured to be able to rise until it comes into contact with the abutment section 38 formed on the first frame 51. This allows the height of the pair of rod-shaped members 31 and the cushion section 32 of the thigh support section 30 in the Z direction to be adjusted.

Next, the state change of the thigh support section 30 from the open state to the closed state by the second drive section 40 will be described. Note that, when the thigh support section 30 changes from the open state to the closed state, the direction of the arrows in Fig. 6(b) to Fig. 6(d) is reversed. As shown in Fig. 6(d), the second rod 41 is moved linearly in the Z2 direction by the second linear actuator 42, the lifting section 34 descends in contact with the main body section 33, and the main body section 33 in the open state descends. As shown in Fig. 6(c), when the main body section 33 comes into contact with the abutment section 38 provided on the first frame 51, the descent of the main body section 33 is restricted, and as shown in Fig. 6(b), only the lifting section 34 descends and one end side of the pair of links 35 moves inward in a closing direction. Then, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the thigh support section 30 is in the closed state.

(flame)
2, the frame 50 includes a first rotating shaft 55, a first frame 51, and a second frame 52. The frame 50 is made of metal.

The first rotating shaft 55 (see FIG. 3) is provided at the connection between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. The first rotating shaft 55 is provided in a direction substantially horizontal. The first rotating shaft 55 is provided in a direction substantially parallel to the pair of rod-shaped members 31 of the thigh support section 30 in the open state. The first rotating shaft 55 is provided near the thigh support section 30. The first rotating shaft 55 is provided at a position spaced downward from the support section main body 11. The support section main body 11 having the support surface 11a is configured to be tiltable forward and downward by rotating in the first rotation direction R1 around the first rotating shaft 55. In addition, the support section main body 11 having the support surface 11a is configured to move backward, with the front end rising and the rear end lowering, by rotating in the second rotation direction R2 around the first rotating shaft 55. The first rotating shaft 55 is an example of a "rotating shaft" in the claims.

The first frame 51 is provided to rise from the base portion 60. As an example, the first frame 51 is composed of two pillar members 53 aligned in the X direction and a beam member 54 connecting the upper ends of the two pillar members 53. The pillar member 53 in the X2 direction of the first frame 51 is provided with a thigh support portion 30 and a second drive portion 40. The first drive portion 20 is provided at the upper end portion in the X1 direction of the beam member 54 of the first frame 51.

The second frame 52 is rotatably connected to the first frame 51. As an example, the lower end of the second frame 52 is rotatably connected to the beam member 54 of the first frame 51 via a first pivot shaft 55. The upper end of the second frame 52 is non-rotatably connected to the support slide mechanism 18. The second frame 52 is formed to extend from the first frame 51 at an angle upward and forward.

(Base part)
The first frame 51 is attached to the base portion 60. The base portion 60 includes a rotating portion 61 and an attachment portion 62.

The rotating part 61 is configured to rotate integrally with the frame 50, the thigh support part 30, and the upper body support part 10. The rotating part 61 rotates when a caregiver (not shown) manually applies a rotational force to at least one of the care recipient P (see FIG. 1) or the upper body support part 10. When the rotating part 61 rotates around the rotation center axis C, the thigh support part 30 and the upper body support part 10 rotate integrally around the rotation center axis C.

The mounting portion 62 is configured to detachably mount the base portion 60 to the wheelchair 100. That is, the transfer assistance device 1 and the wheelchair 100 are connected to each other by the mounting portion 62. A pair of mounting portions 62 are provided to correspond to each of a pair of frames 50 on both sides of the width of the wheelchair 100. In addition, the transfer assistance device 1 is configured to be grounded by the mounting portion 62 when the weight of the care recipient P is applied to the base portion 60, and is configured to be lifted by the mounting portion 62 when the weight of the care recipient P is not applied to the base portion 60. The configuration of the mounting portion 62 is not particularly limited.

As shown in FIG. 7, the transfer assistance device 1 further includes an operation input unit 70, a control unit 71, an inclination sensor 72, an alarm unit 73, and a battery 74. The control unit 71, the inclination sensor 72, the alarm unit 73, and the battery 74 are housed in a housing 75 (see FIG. 2) provided on the base unit 60.

The operation input unit 70 (see FIG. 2) is, for example, a remote control that operates the transfer assistance device 1. The operation input unit 70 is disposed on each side of the upper body support unit 10. The operation input unit 70 is operated and input by the caregiver when the care recipient P transfers. The operation input unit 70 is provided with various buttons (not shown). While the tilt button is being operated, the upper body support unit 10 is tilted forward and downward by rotating around the first rotation axis 55 in the first rotation direction R1. Also, while the tilt release button is being operated, the upper body support unit 10 is rotated around the first rotation axis 55 in the second rotation direction R2, moving backward with the front end raised and the rear end lowered. Also, while the open/close state change button is being operated, the thigh support unit 30 is moved up and down and changed between the closed state and the open state.

The control unit 71 is configured to control the driving of the first drive unit 20 and the driving of the second drive unit 40. The control unit 71 is also configured to control the notification unit 73 to issue an alarm when it is determined that the torque change amount of the first drive unit 20 detected by the torque sensor 76 is equal to or less than a threshold value.

The control unit 71 continues to acquire the torque detected by the torque sensor 76 while driving the first drive unit 20. When the control unit 71 determines that the torque change amount is smaller than a preset threshold value based on the relationship between the drive time and the torque, it determines that a part of the upper body of the care recipient P is not properly placed on the support surface 11a, and causes the alarm unit 73 to issue an alarm. The control unit 71 may be configured to determine the torque change amount of the first drive unit 20 based on the current value of the first drive unit 20. The control unit 71 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer.

The tilt sensor 72 is provided to detect the tilt of the transfer support device 1. The control unit 71 continues to acquire the tilt of the transfer support device 1 detected by the tilt sensor 72. When the control unit 71 determines that the acquired angle change during the transfer of the care recipient P is greater than a preset threshold value, it causes the notification unit 73 to issue an alarm to prevent the transfer support device 1 from tipping over.

The alarm unit 73 issues an alarm based on the control of the control unit 71. The alarm unit 73 is, for example, a speaker. The battery 74 is configured to be able to supply power to the control unit 71, the first drive unit 20, the second drive unit 40, etc.

(Method of transferring a care recipient using a transfer assistance device)
A method for transferring a cared person P using the transfer support device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 14. Here, a method for transferring a cared person P seated on a bed to a wheelchair 100 using the transfer support device 1 will be described. For ease of explanation, the caregiver, main body 33 of thigh support unit 30, lifting unit 34, link 35, back support unit 17, first drive unit 20, second drive unit 40, etc. are not shown in Figures 8 to 14.

As shown in FIG. 8, the transfer assistance device 1 attached to the wheelchair 100 is placed in front of the care recipient P who is seated on the bed.

Next, the caregiver (not shown) moves the transfer support device 1 toward the care recipient P. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the thigh support portion 30 in the closed state is inserted between the thighs of both legs of the care recipient P, and the feet of the care recipient P are placed on the base portion 60 of the transfer support device 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the caregiver (not shown) operates the operation input unit 70 to raise the thigh support unit 30, thereby opening the thigh support unit 30 and lifting the thighs of the care recipient P with the cushion portion 32 of the thigh support unit 30. The thigh support unit 30 is then further raised until at least the heels of the care recipient P are lifted off the base portion 60. The thigh support unit 30 may also be raised until the entire soles of the feet of the care recipient P are lifted off the base portion 60.

Next, the support body 11, the side support parts 13, the front support part 16, and the rear support part 17 (see FIG. 2) are slid integrally toward the care recipient P (in the X2 direction) by the support part sliding mechanism 18. Note that the sliding movement by the support part sliding mechanism 18 does not have to be performed. In this case, the support part sliding mechanism 18 does not have to be provided on the upper body support part 10.

Then, the care recipient P leans forward and pushes the front support part 16 forward with his/her chest or abdomen, and lies over the support surface 11a so that his/her chest is placed on the support surface 11a. As a result, the second side support part 13b is tilted backward and upward, and the second side support part 13b tilted backward and upward comes into contact with the armpits or the vicinity of the shoulder blades of the care recipient P, encouraging the care recipient P to move onto the support surface 11a.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the caregiver operates the operation input unit 70 to rotate the upper body support unit 10 around the first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 8) in the first rotation direction R1, thereby tilting the support surface 11a downward and forward, thereby placing the support surface 11a in an inclined state.

When the support surface 11a is tilted forward and downward, at least the heels of the care recipient P are floating above the base portion 60. When the heels are on the base portion 60, the heels of the care recipient P are forced to push against the base portion 60, which makes it difficult for the body to lean forward. In contrast, when at least the heels of the care recipient P are floating above the base portion 60, the heels cannot push against the base portion 60, so it is possible to prevent the body from leaning forward. In addition, the upper body support portion 10 is configured to rotate in a rotation direction R1 around a first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 8) that is oriented along the thigh support portion 30 in the open state and is provided near the thigh support portion 30 in the open state. Therefore, the rotation center of the care recipient P can be the first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 8) along the thigh support portion 30 in the open state. For these reasons, when the support surface 11a is tilted forward and downward, the care recipient P can be placed in a position that allows the care recipient P to be easily rotated in the rotation direction R1 around the first rotation axis 55 (see FIG. 8). This makes it possible to easily lift the buttocks of the care recipient P and support the care recipient P. As a result, the care recipient P can easily put on and take off their underwear, and the care recipient P can easily rotate his or her body to transfer from the bed to the wheelchair 100, for example.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the caregiver applies a rotational force to at least one of the cared-for person P and the upper body support part 10, thereby rotating the upper body support part 10, the thigh support part 30, and the frame 50 together via the rotating part 61, thereby rotating the cared-for person P.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the caregiver places the care recipient P above the seat of the wheelchair 100. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the caregiver operates the operation input unit 70 to rotate the upper body support unit 10 around the first rotation shaft 55 (see FIG. 3) in the rotation direction R2, so that the support surface 11a moves backward, the front end rises, and the rear end lowers, making the support surface 11a parallel. Then, the caregiver operates the operation input unit 70 to lower the thigh support unit 30 and close the thigh support unit 30. As a result, the thighs of the care recipient P are not in contact with the thigh support unit 30, and the heels of the care recipient P are in contact with the base unit 60, so that the care recipient P is seated on the wheelchair 100. With the above, the transfer of the care recipient P seated on the bed to the wheelchair 100 using the transfer support device 1 is completed.

The method for transferring a cared-for person P sitting in a wheelchair 100 to a bed, a toilet seat, or the like using the transfer assistance device 1 is the reverse of the method for transferring a cared-for person P sitting on a bed to a wheelchair 100 using the transfer assistance device 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

(Effects of this embodiment)
In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In this embodiment, as described above, the upper body support part 10 is provided above the thigh support part 30, has a support surface 11a on which a part of the upper body of the care recipient P is placed, and is configured to be able to tilt the support surface 11a forward and downward. With this, when a part of the upper body of the care recipient P is placed on the support surface 11a of the upper body support part 10, the support surface 11a is tilted forward and downward, so that the buttocks located on the rear side of the care recipient P are tilted upward (floating) in response to the upper body of the care recipient P being tilted forward and downward. Therefore, even when transferring a care recipient P whose balance ability has decreased due to muscle weakness, for example, the care recipient P can maintain his/her own posture by the support surface 11a without relying on balance ability by placing a part of his/her upper body on the support surface 11a, and the buttocks of the care recipient P can be easily and stably lifted by tilting the support surface 11a on which a part of the upper body of the care recipient P is placed forward and downward. Therefore, even when transferring a care recipient P with impaired balance ability, the care recipient P can be stably supported and transferred.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the upper body support section 10 is configured to be tiltable downward and forward by rotating about the first rotation axis 55 that is oriented approximately horizontally. This allows the upper body support section 10 to be tilted downward and forward by rotating it about the first rotation axis 55, so that the buttocks of the care recipient P can be reliably lifted in response to the upper body of the care recipient P being tilted downward and forward.

As described above, this embodiment further includes a first frame 51 on which the thigh support section 30 is provided, and a second frame 52 rotatably connected to the first frame 51 and on which the upper body support section 10 is provided. This allows the first rotation axis 55 for rotating the upper body support section 10 to be provided at the connection between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, away from the upper body support section 10, thereby increasing the rotation radius. This allows the upper body of the cared person P to be tilted further forward and downward, so that the buttocks of the cared person P can be lifted more reliably.

In addition, as described above, this embodiment further includes a base portion 60 to which the first frame 51 is attached, and the support surface 11a of the upper body support portion 10 is configured to be changeable between a parallel state that is approximately parallel to the base portion 60 and an inclined state that is inclined downward and forward with respect to the base portion 60. As a result, by changing the support surface 11a from the parallel state to the inclined state, the support surface 11a on which part of the upper body of the care recipient P is placed can be inclined downward and forward.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the upper body support section 10 includes a support section main body 11 having a support surface 11a and extending in the left-right direction, and a pair of side support sections 13 extending rearward from each of the left and right ends of the support section main body 11. As a result, when the support surface 11a on which part of the upper body of the cared person P is placed is tilted forward and downward, both the left and right sides of the cared person P can be supported by the pair of side support sections 13, so that the cared person P can be more stably supported and transferred.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, each of the pair of side support parts 13 includes a first side support part 13a provided on the support part main body 11 side, and a second side support part 13b provided on the opposite side of the first side support part 13a from the support part main body 11 and capable of tilting backward and upward with respect to the first side support part 13a. As a result, when the care recipient P places a part of his/her upper body on the support surface 11a, for example, the second side support part 13b inclined backward and upward is brought into contact with the armpits or the vicinity of the shoulder blades of the care recipient P, and the contacted armpits or the vicinity of the shoulder blades of the care recipient P can be moved toward the support surface 11a. As a result, it is possible to easily place a part of the upper body of the care recipient P on the support surface 11a.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the upper body support section 10 further includes a front support section 16 configured to be movable in the front-rear direction between the pair of side support sections 13, and is configured so that the second side support section 13b tilts rearward and upward relative to the first side support section 13a as the front support section 16 moves forward. This allows the second side support section 13b to tilt rearward and upward in response to the front support section 16 being pushed forward by the care recipient P, so that the second side support section 13b can reliably encourage the movement of a part of the upper body toward the support section.

In addition, as described above, this embodiment further includes a first drive unit 20 that tilts the support surface 11a downward and forward by rotating the upper body support unit 10 around the first rotation axis 55. As a result, by driving the first drive unit 20, the upper body support unit 10 can be rotated around the first rotation axis 55 to reliably tilt the support surface 11a downward and forward.

In addition, as described above, this embodiment further includes a control unit 71 that controls the driving of the first drive unit 20 and a notification unit 73 that issues an alarm. When the control unit 71 determines that the torque change amount of the first drive unit 20 is equal to or less than a threshold, the control unit 71 controls the notification unit 73 to issue an alarm. As a result, when it is determined that the torque change amount is smaller than a preset threshold, for example, it can be determined that a part of the upper body of the care recipient P is not properly placed on the support surface 11a, and the notification unit 73 can be caused to issue an alarm. Therefore, when a part of the upper body of the care recipient P is not properly placed on the support surface 11a, the upper body support unit 10 can be prevented from rotating.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the support surface 11a of the upper body support section 10 is a flat plate having elasticity. This allows the upper body of the care recipient P to be appropriately protected, and the support surface 11a can be used, for example, as a table.

As described above, this embodiment further includes a rotating unit 61 that rotates the thigh support unit 30 and the upper body support unit 10 together. For example, when transferring the care recipient P from the wheelchair 100 to a bed, a toilet, etc., the care recipient P sitting in the wheelchair 100 may change the direction of their body to transfer to the bed or the toilet seat. With the above configuration, the care recipient P can be transferred from one location to another by rotating them.

In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the thigh support section 30 is configured to be changeable between a folded closed state and an open state in which it opens substantially horizontally and can support the thighs of the care recipient P. This allows the thigh support section 30 to be maintained in the closed state when the care recipient P is not being transferred, thereby preventing the thigh support section 30 from coming into contact with the care recipient P when the care recipient P is not being transferred.

In addition, as described above, this embodiment further includes a second drive unit 40 that changes the thigh support unit 30 between the closed state and the open state and moves the thigh support unit 30 in the vertical direction. This eliminates the need to provide two drive units, one for changing the thigh support unit 30 between the closed state and the open state and one for moving the thigh support unit 30 in the vertical direction, thereby preventing an increase in the number of parts and a complicated structure.

[Modification]
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, the transfer assistance device 1 is attached to the wheelchair 100 for use, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transfer assistance device 1 may be used separately from the wheelchair 100 without being attached to the wheelchair 100.

In the above embodiment, the upper body support unit 10 is tilted downward and forward by rotating around a rotation axis that is oriented approximately horizontally, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as long as the upper body support unit 10 can be tilted downward and forward, a rotation axis does not need to be provided.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the first pivot shaft 55 is provided at the connection between the first frame 51 on which the thigh support section 30 is provided and the second frame 52 on which the upper body support section 10 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first pivot shaft 55 may be provided at a portion other than the connection between the first frame 51 and the second frame 52.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 may be provided, or a frame 50 other than the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the support surface 11a of the upper body support unit 10 is configured to be changeable between a parallel state and an inclined state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inclination state may be changed within a predetermined inclination angle range.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the upper body support unit 10 includes a pair of side support units 13 that extend rearward from each of the left and right ends of the support unit main body 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of side support units 13 may not be provided.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the side support portion 13 includes the second side support portion 13b that can be tilted rearward and upward, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second side support portion 13b does not have to be provided.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the upper body support section 10 includes the front support section 16, and the second side support section 13b is configured to tilt upward and rearward as the front support section 16 moves forward. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The front support section 16 may not be provided, and the second side support section 13b may be configured to tilt upward and rearward without being linked to the forward movement of the front support section 16.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the first drive unit 20 and the second drive unit 40 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the first drive unit 20 and the second drive unit 40 may be provided, or a drive unit other than the first drive unit 20 and the second drive unit 40 may be provided.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the notification unit 73 is provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the notification unit 73 does not have to be provided. In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the tilt sensor 72 is provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tilt sensor 72 does not have to be provided, and another detection unit that detects the tilt of the transfer assistance device 1 may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the thigh support section 30 and the upper body support section 10 are rotated integrally by the rotating section 61 to rotate the care recipient P for transfer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the care recipient P may be transferred without rotating the thigh support section 30 and the upper body support section 10 integrally.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the thigh support section 30 is configured to be able to change between a closed state and an open state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thigh support section 30 may remain in an open state without being in a closed state.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the thigh support section 30 is opened by moving one end of the pair of links 35 in a direction that opens outward, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the method of opening the thigh support section 30 is not particularly limited.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Transfer assistance device 10 Upper body support section 11 Support section main body 11a Support surface 13 Side support section 13a First side support section 13b Second side support section 16 Front support section 20 First drive section 30 Thigh support section 40 Second drive section 50 Frame 51 First frame 52 Second frame 55 First rotation shaft 60 Base section 61 Rotation section 71 Control section 73 Notification section P Care recipient

Claims (13)

A thigh support portion capable of supporting the thighs of a care recipient;
A transfer assistance device comprising: an upper body support portion provided above the thigh support portion, having a support surface on which part of the upper body of the care recipient is placed, and configured so that the support surface can be tilted forward and downward. The transfer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the upper body support section is configured to be tiltable forward and downward by rotating about a rotation axis that is oriented substantially horizontally. The transfer assistance device according to claim 2, further comprising a first frame on which the thigh support portion is provided, and a second frame rotatably connected to the first frame and on which the upper body support portion is provided. Further comprising a base portion to which the first frame is attached,
The transfer assistance device according to claim 3 , wherein the support surface of the upper body support portion is configured to be changeable between a parallel state that is approximately parallel to the base portion and an inclined state that is inclined forward and downward with respect to the base portion. The transfer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the upper body support includes a support body having the support surface and extending in the left-right direction, and a pair of side support parts extending rearward from each of the left-right ends of the support body. The transfer support device according to claim 5, wherein each of the pair of side support parts includes a first side support part provided on the support part main body side, and a second side support part provided on the opposite side of the first side support part from the support part main body and capable of tilting rearward and upward with respect to the first side support part. The upper body support portion further includes a front support portion configured to be movable in the front-rear direction between the pair of side support portions,
The transfer assistance device according to claim 6 , wherein the second side support portion is configured to incline rearward and upward relative to the first side support portion as the front support portion moves forward. The transfer assistance device according to claim 2, further comprising a first drive unit that tilts the support surface forward and downward by rotating the upper body support unit around the rotation axis. A control unit that controls driving of the first driving unit and an alarm unit that issues an alarm,
The transfer assistance device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit performs control to cause the notification unit to issue an alarm when it is determined that the torque change amount of the first drive unit is equal to or less than a threshold value. The transfer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the support surface of the upper body support section is a flat elastic plate. The transfer assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation unit that rotates the thigh support unit and the upper body support unit together. The transfer assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the thigh support section is configured to be changeable between a folded closed state and an open state in which it opens substantially horizontally to support the thighs of the care recipient. The transfer assistance device according to claim 12, further comprising a second drive unit that changes the thigh support between the closed state and the open state and moves the thigh support in the vertical direction.

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