Abstract: An occupant transfer apparatus includes: guide rails arranged substantially along an up-down direction between a seat and a door; a slide unit raisable and lowerable along the guide rails; and a transfer board foldably supported by the slide unit. A long elastic member connects a floor panel and the slide unit, and elastic force of the elastic member biases the slide unit upward. By balancing the elastic force of the elastic member with the weight of an assisted person, the assisted person sitting on the transfer board can be raised and lowered with very small force. Moreover, because there is no need for a special drive source, the structure can be realized at low cost, and also be made compact. This prevents the structure from narrowing a vehicle-compartment space and obstructing an able-bodied person getting in and out of a vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant transfer apparatus includes: guide rails arranged substantially along an up-down direction between a seat and a door; a slide unit raisable and lowerable along the guide rails; and a transfer board foldably supported by the slide unit. A long elastic member connects a floor panel and the slide unit, and elastic force of the elastic member biases the slide unit upward. By balancing the elastic force of the elastic member with the weight of an assisted person, the assisted person sitting on the transfer board can be raised and lowered with very small force. Moreover, because there is no need for a special drive source, the structure can be realized at low cost, and also be made compact. This prevents the structure from narrowing a vehicle-compartment space and obstructing an able-bodied person getting in and out of a vehicle.