Exercise equipment that promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercise device that helps growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint. The present invention applies a stretching effect to the knee joint by moving the thigh and calf in a direction away from each other or contracting while fixedly supporting them using air pressure, and also applies muscle relaxation and a warming effect by using a far-infrared LED together with vibration stimulation using a vibration motor arranged to be in close contact with the popliteal fossa behind the knee, electrical stimulation using a low-frequency pad, or a solenoid actuator that applies a tapping stimulation by repeatedly hitting the popliteal fossa, thereby helping the growth of children and adolescents in the growth stage and alleviating knee joint diseases.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise device that promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint area, which applies a stretching effect by traction to the thighs, calves, and areas around the knee joint of the human body, while simultaneously applying a thermal effect to the popliteal fossa as well as vibration stimulation, low-frequency stimulation, or tapping stimulation to stimulate the muscles, ligaments, and growth plates connected to the knee joint of growing adolescents.

[0002] In addition, this invention relates to an exercise device that relaxes the muscles around the knee joint to help with growth, and in particular, to an exercise device that stretches and stimulates the knee joint area by applying a traction force while being in close contact with a wide area according to the shape of the thigh and calf. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, due to lack of exercise and increased time spent sitting, problems such as abnormal development and growth retardation of the musculoskeletal system are becoming serious even in growing children and adolescents. The best way to prevent this is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints and musculoskeletal system through appropriate exercise and stretching, and to treat it with the body's own healing powers.

[0004] Growth plates are the areas where long bones (bones of the arms, legs, etc.) grow in length, and are located at both ends of the bones, with cartilage tissue sandwiched between the bones. In the fetus, all long bones are made of cartilage, and as the baby grows, the center of the cartilage is replaced by bone, and ossification gradually spreads to both ends; this area is called the primary ossification center.

[0005] As the cartilage cells located in the growth plates actively divide, cartilage is gradually replaced by bone from the center and both ends of the bone, and the remaining cartilage becomes the growth plate. After puberty, the growth plate is completely replaced by bone and length growth comes to an end.

[0006] Factors that affect the cell division of cartilage cells located in such growth plates include genetic predisposition, nutrients, hormones, exercise, mechanical stimulation, etc., and it has been found that the degree of growth is determined by acquired factors by more than 70%. Therefore, as the fetus grows into adolescence, it is important to provide it with sufficient nutrition, moderate exercise, and mechanical stimulation.

[0007] For this reason, various exercise methods have been proposed to stimulate the growth plates of the leg bones, which are deeply involved in lengthening and growth, as well as finger pressure and massage methods that can provide a stretching effect.

[0008] However, traditional exercise methods require a regular amount of exercise and time, which is difficult for children and adolescents who are busy with schoolwork to carry out. In the case of shiatsu massage, it is usually impossible for the person receiving the treatment to perform it by themselves, and not only is it inconvenient to ask others for help, but it also relies on human strength, which means that the effects are not consistent.

[0009] In order to solve these problems, various types of massage machines have been developed and used so that people can give themselves a massage. The most common types are vibration massage machines that use a driving source to vibrate the acupressure balls, and air pressure massage machines that use air pressure.

[0010] Conventional vibration massagers use a driving source such as a vibration motor or solenoid to vibrate acupressure balls, and most of these vibration-type acupressure devices repeatedly strike (hit) a part of the body, which not only reduces the acupressure effect but also causes secondary pain due to the strikes.

[0011] Furthermore, in order for the vibrations from the acupressure balls to be properly transmitted to the body, the balls must be pressed against the body parts with a certain amount of force. This not only makes it difficult to use, but also makes sustained use difficult because of the force required.

[0012] On the other hand, the pneumatic massage machine uses compressed air generated by a pump to repeatedly apply air pressure to a cuff configured to encase a part of the user's body. In most cases, the cuff is configured to encase a body part such as an arm, leg, or waist, and then air is pumped in and out of the cuff, which applies repeated pressure to the part of the body. This has the drawback that the effect of stretching cannot be expected except for localized pressure on a part of the human body.

[0013] As a prior art, a "growth plate stimulating massage device for promoting growth and development" has been proposed, as disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1950148. However, the structure of the device is complex and bulky, which means that there are limitations on the installation and usage space.

[0014] In particular, the leg massage section consisting of the upper air cell, the middle air cell, and the lower leg air cell simply massages the calf, and has the disadvantage that it cannot provide an effective stretching effect around the knee joint for growth and elongation.

[0015] As another prior art, a "massage device capable of stimulating and stretching the growth plates of growing adolescents" was proposed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2178061. However, since the user had to be seated while using the device, the structure was complex and bulky, resulting in space limitations for installation, as well as difficulty in economically manufacturing the device and high cost.

[0016] In particular, the air cells that encase the user's legs are provided in the form of a pouch that is simply expanded by supplying air, and therefore do not fit closely to the curved shape of the human body, which not only causes pain or even injury due to the application of excessively high pressure locally, but also makes it difficult to effectively stimulate the growth plates distributed around the knee joints, as the structure is simply to measure the length of the legs by the stimulation caused by the expansion and contraction of the air cells and to extend the lower leg module by measuring the length of the legs using a sensing means.

[0017] For example, the human leg gradually becomes thinner from the thigh to the ankle, and the calf area is partially convex due to muscles. However, air cells in conventional technology are provided in the form of a straight tube into which the leg can be inserted, or in a "U" shape on which part of the leg can be placed. As a result, the air cells are not able to fit closely to the shape of the human leg. As a result, when the air cells are inflated, a relatively high inflation pressure acts on the upper parts of the thigh and calf, and a low pressure acts on the lower parts, making it difficult to achieve a normal massage function.

[0018] Furthermore, since the upper leg module and the lower leg module do not exert uniform pressure on the body parts where they are located, there is a problem in that it causes inconvenience and dissatisfaction due to pain during use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] The present invention was discovered to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the object of the present invention is to massage the area around the knee joint using air pressure, and at the same time pull the thigh and calf apart from each other based on the knee, thereby stretching and relaxing the muscles and ligaments.

[0020] At the same time, by applying one or more of the following stimuli to the popliteal fossa located behind the knee: local vibration stimulation using a vibration motor, local electrical stimulation using a low-frequency massager, or tapping stimulation by repeated blows using a solenoid actuator, the device effectively stimulates and relaxes the muscles and growth points around the user's knee joint, thereby providing an exercise device for stimulating the growth plates, which is helpful for growth.

[0021] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an exercise device that promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint area, or that can improve knee diseases, in which upper and lower leg air cells that restrain and support the user's thighs and calves are inflated when the user places his or her legs on the upper and lower leg holders, and the upper and lower leg contact pads filled with a fluid material provided inside the upper and lower leg air cells appropriately deform along the bending surface of the body while in contact with the body, maintaining a stable contact state.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint, with a simplified structure that can be used at any time regardless of space or location, and that can increase convenience of use and consumer satisfaction with the product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] In order to achieve the above object, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an exercise device for helping growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint is provided with a base plate in the form of a board placed on the floor, an upper limb holder with an open upper surface for receiving the thighs of the body, which is provided on the upper part of the base plate so as to be slidable back and forth, and a lower limb holder with an open upper surface for receiving the calves, which is disposed at a distance from one side of the upper limb holder and has a relative displacement, and is provided inside each of the upper and lower limb holders to encase the thighs and calves, respectively. The cuff is made up of upper and lower limb air cells which are inflated by receiving air pressure from a first air pump, a first solenoid valve which is connected to the upper and lower limb air cells by a pipe and selectively exhausts air, and an upper and lower limb contact pad which is provided on the outer surface of each of the upper and lower limb air cells and flows according to the shape of the body to come into close contact with the body, and is filled with a fluid material in a liquid, gel or granular state at 30 to 90%. The cuff is placed between the upper and lower limb holders, and both ends are connected to the upper and lower limb holders, respectively, and is inflated by receiving air pressure from a second air pump connected by a pipe. The stretch module is made up of an expandable air cell for moving the upper and lower leg holders apart from each other, a second solenoid valve connected to the expandable air cell by a duct and selectively discharging air, and a return spring disposed between the upper and lower leg holders and acting on the upper and lower leg holders in close proximity to each other, a lift spring for acting on an elastic support force in a vertical direction, a popliteal fossa contact pad filled with a fluid material, and a popliteal fossa contact pad provided on one side of the upper surface of the popliteal fossa contact pad and contacting the popliteal fossa of the body. a popliteal fossa stimulation module comprising a stimulation generating unit for applying a stimulation of vibration, electricity, or tapping to the skin, a capacitive touch sensor provided on one side of the stimulation generating unit and detecting the touch when the popliteal fossa stimulation module is in contact with the skin; a first and second air pressure sensor provided on the pipeline of the first and second solenoid valves and measuring the internal air pressure of the upper and lower limb air cells and the expandable air cells; and a controller connected to the capacitive touch sensor and the first and second air pressure sensor, receiving sensing information and applying a signal to the first and second air pressure pumps and the first and second solenoid valves to control their operation.It is characterized by the following:

[0024] A preferred feature of the present invention is that the stimulation generating unit is composed of one or more of a vibration motor that applies vibration stimulation, a low-frequency electrode that applies low-frequency electrical stimulation, or a solenoid actuator that applies tapping stimulation by repeated strikes.

[0025] Another preferred feature of the present invention is that the controller includes a control element that receives a detection signal from the electrostatic touch sensor, inflates the upper and lower limb air cells, and restrains and fixes the user's thighs and calves, the control element applying a control signal to the first solenoid valve to fill the upper and lower limb air cells with air and controlling the supply of air until the air pressure value detected through the first air pressure sensor reaches a preset value; a traction control unit that applies a control signal to the second air pump to inflate the expandable air cell, separate the upper and lower limb holders from each other, and apply a traction force when the expansion of the upper and lower limb air cells by the fixation control unit is completed, the traction control unit that applies a control signal to the second air pump to fill the expandable air cell with air and controls the supply of air until the air pressure value detected through the second air pressure sensor reaches a preset value; and a popliteal fossa stimulation control unit that applies power to the stimulation generation unit and controls the stimulation to be applied to the popliteal fossa when the traction operation by the traction control unit is completed.

[0026] As another preferred feature of the present invention, the controller is provided with a timer for measuring time, and is connected to the second air pressure sensor. When the air supply to the telescopic air cell is completed, the controller exhausts 50 to 90% of the air in the telescopic air cell, applies a control signal to the second solenoid valve so that the upper and lower leg holders are spaced apart from each other, and then reinjects air into the telescopic air cell until the air reaches a preset value, and applies a control signal to the second air pump so that the upper and lower leg holders are displaced in a direction away from each other, and is configured with a repeat traction control unit that controls the expansion and contraction of the telescopic air cell to be repeated a preset number of times.

[0027] As another preferred feature of the present invention, a body temperature sensor for detecting a body temperature of a user is provided on one side of the body, and the body temperature measured by the body temperature sensor is connected to a circuit so as to be applied to a controller.

[0028] As another preferred feature of the present invention, a blood pressure detection sensor for detecting a blood pressure of a user is provided on one side of the main body, and the blood pressure measured by the blood pressure detection sensor is connected to a circuit so as to be applied to a controller. Effect of the Invention

[0029] The exercise device according to the present invention, which promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint, has upper and lower leg contact pads filled with a fluid material that move appropriately along the bending surface of the body and maintain a stable contact state with the user's thighs and calves. In this state, the upper and lower leg holders move in a direction away from each other or in a direction toward each other, thereby providing a stretching effect to the knee joint. In addition, the device has a stimulation generating unit consisting of at least one of vibration stimulation using a vibration motor arranged to be in soft and close contact with the popliteal fossa behind the knee, electrical stimulation using a low-frequency electrode, or tapping stimulation by repeated impacts using a solenoid actuator, and a thermal effect using far-infrared LEDs, thereby providing muscle relaxation and a thermal effect, which is advantageous for the growth of children and adolescents.

[0030] In particular, the present invention is configured to include a close-fitting pad that fluidly deforms in accordance with the bending of the human body, thereby enabling the device to maintain a uniform and stable state of contact even with the thighs and calves, which have different sizes and bending surfaces, and is therefore expected to have a useful effect of increasing satisfaction in use.

[0031] In other words, the thighs and calves of the body form a curved surface and have a shape in which the thickness of the legs decreases overall from the top to the bottom, but since air cells do not expand to match the shape of such legs (thighs and calves) when inflated, as a result, local pressure is applied to a part of the body, and if a traction force is applied in this state, extreme pain and discomfort is induced in the user. However, the present invention configures a contact pad made of a silicone pouch filled with a gel, liquid, or granular fluid material on the outside of the air cell, and since the internal fluid material moves along the curved surface of the body as this contact pad comes into contact with the body, it ultimately takes on a shape that corresponds to the curved surface of the body while maintaining a close contact state, so that no local pain or discomfort is induced during the traction operation.

[0032] In addition, since it is possible to provide a stable degree of contact with the vibration motor, vibration stimulation can be performed at a precise position, and since the overall structure is simple and compact, it is easy to move and can be placed wherever the user desires and used at any time, which has the advantage of being convenient to use and increasing consumer satisfaction with the product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating a knee joint according to the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of an exercise device that helps growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint region shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of an exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating a knee joint according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of an exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating a knee joint according to the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the present invention is used. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint according to the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of a controller in an exercise device according to the present invention that helps growth by stretching and stimulating a knee joint. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, repeated explanations, known functions that unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, and detailed explanations of the configuration will be omitted so as not to obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those having average knowledge in the art. Therefore, the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The figure shows an exercise device that helps growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint area, which is composed of a base plate 11 placed on the floor, an upper limb holder 13 and a lower limb holder 15 that are provided on the upper part of the base plate 11 at a distance from each other and can slide back and forth, with the upper surface open and the upper side provided to accommodate the thighs and thighs of the body, cuffs 30 that are provided on the inside of the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 that constitute the main body 10 and that restrain and fix the thighs and calves of the user with air pressure, a stretch module 50 that is provided between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 and that performs a traction action of pulling the thighs and calves in opposite directions by moving them away from or toward each other in corresponding directions, and a popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 that is provided between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 and that applies physical and electrical stimulation to the popliteal fossa area behind the knee of the user's body part.

[0038] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of FIG.

[0039] The figure shows a main body 10 consisting of a base plate 11 which forms an outer body and has a plurality of rail grooves (not numbered) formed in the longitudinal direction on its upper surface, an upper limb holder 13 which is provided on the upper part of this base plate 11 and is capable of sliding back and forth along the rail grooves (not numbered) and has an open upper surface, front and rear surfaces so as to accommodate the thighs of a user, and a lower limb holder 15 which has a relative displacement on one side of the upper limb holder 13 and has an open upper surface, front and rear surfaces so as to accommodate the calf part of a user.

[0040] In addition, the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 are provided with cuffs 30 for applying a restraining and fixing force to the thigh and calf of the user, the upper limb holder 13 is provided with the upper limb air cell 33 and the upper limb contact pad 37, and the lower limb holder 15 is provided with the lower limb air cell 35 and the lower limb contact pad 39. The upper limb air cells 33 and 35 are connected to a first air pump (not shown) and a first solenoid valve (not shown) by tubes, respectively, so as to supply air pressure or exhaust the supplied air. The upper limb contact pads 37 and 39 are provided as soft and elastic pouch-shaped members such as silicone or urethane, filled with 30 to 90% of a fluid material such as liquid, granules, or gel.

[0041] In addition, on both sides of the base plate 11, there are configured a stretch module 50, which includes an expandable air cell 53 arranged to push the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 in a direction to move them apart from each other or to return them to a direction to approach each other, a second air pump 51 for supplying air to the expandable air cell 53, a second solenoid valve 52 for discharging the air filled in the expandable air cell 53, and a return spring 55 that acts with an elastic support force to return the expandable air cell 53 to its original position when the air in the expandable air cell 53 is discharged. The stretch module 50 is configured to operate after the thighs and calves, which are the body parts of the user, are completely restrained and fixed by the cuffs 30.

[0042] In addition, a popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 is fixedly installed on the upper part of the base plate 11 between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, for applying vibration stimulation, electrical stimulation, or tapping stimulation to the popliteal fossa region of the user. The popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 at this time is configured to include a lifting spring 71 that exerts an elastic supporting force in the vertical direction, and a popliteal fossa contact pad 73 that is provided on the upper part of the lifting spring 71 and is filled with a gel, liquid, or granular fluid material. The upper surface of the popliteal fossa contact pad 73 is provided with one or more stimulation generating units 75 and a touch sensor 77 that detects whether or not it is in contact with the body.

[0043] Here, the stimulation generating unit 75 is an element that stimulates the popliteal fossa of the user, and in the present invention, a vibration stimulation motor that generates vibrations when supplied with power, a low-frequency electrode that generates electrical stimulation when supplied with power, or a solenoid actuator that receives power and applies physical repetitive hitting stimulation to the popliteal fossa can be used.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows the initial state in which the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 have moved close to each other, and FIG. 4 shows the state in which the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 have been opened in the direction of moving away from each other, i.e., the traction state.

[0045] The figure shows an exercise device that helps growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint, which includes a main body 10 consisting of an upper limb holder 13 and a lower limb holder 15 that are provided to be slidable in the vertical direction based on the drawing, a cuff 30 provided inside the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, each having an upper limb air cell 33 and a lower limb air cell 35 for restraining and fixing the thigh and calf, which are body parts of the user, respectively, a stretch module 50 arranged between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, and consisting of an expandable air cell 53 and a return spring 55 for pushing the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 outwardly and sliding them in opposite directions or returning them to their original positions, and a popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 having a stimulation generating unit 75 and a touch sensor 77 for applying vibration stimulation, electrical stimulation, or tapping stimulation to the popliteal fossa, which is the part behind the user's knee.

[0046] Here, the stimulation generating unit 75 may be of various known technologies as long as it is an element that applies stimulation to the popliteal fossa of the user.

[0047] In the present invention, as a preferred embodiment, one or more of the following may be used: a vibration stimulation generating motor that applies vibration stimulation by generating vibrations when supplied with power; a low-frequency electrode that applies electrical stimulation to stimulate muscles with a very low current when supplied with power, which smoothly induces muscle contraction and relaxation; or a solenoid actuator that applies a repetitive impact action using a plunger that is driven around a coil when supplied with power, thereby tapping the popliteal fossa.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the present invention is used.

[0049] The figure shows a cuff 30 which is designed to ensure uniform adhesion to the thigh and calf areas of the user, and which is made up of upper and lower leg air cells 33, 35 which are inflated by receiving air from a first air pump 31, and upper and lower leg contact pads 37, 39 which are integrally formed on one side of the upper and lower leg air cells 33, 35 and which consist of a pouch or bag made of silicone or urethane material filled at 30 to 90% with a fluid substance consisting of gel, liquid, granules, etc.

[0050] In the present invention, the fluid material filled inside the upper and lower leg contact pads 37, 39 causes the upper and lower leg contact pads 37, 39 to deform along the curved surface shapes of the thighs and calves of the body as shown in the figure, and as a result, the inflation pressure of the upper and lower leg air cells 33, 35 creates a uniform and stable contact state over the entire contact area of ​​the body through the upper and lower leg contact pads 37, 39.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of a controller in the present invention.

[0052] The figure shows a first air pressure sensor 91 and a second air pressure sensor 92 that are provided in the pipelines of the first solenoid valve 32 and the second solenoid valve 52 and measure the internal air pressure of the upper and lower limb air cells 33, 35 and the expandable air cell 53, as well as the control configuration of a controller 90 that is circuit-connected to the first air pressure sensor 91 and the second air pressure sensor 92, receives sensory information, and applies signals to control the operation of the first air pump 31, the second air pump 51, and the first solenoid valve 32 and the second solenoid valve 52.

[0053] The controller 90 in the present invention is configured to include a fixed control unit 95 for controlling the supply of air to the upper and lower limb air cells 33, 35 based on the detection signal of the touch sensor 77, a traction control unit 96 for controlling the stretch module 50 which generates a stretching effect by widening the gap between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 to apply a traction force which pulls the user's thigh and calf in opposite directions, a popliteal fossa stimulation control unit 97 for applying a control signal to a vibration motor, a low-frequency electrode, or a solenoid actuator to apply vibration stimulation or electrical stimulation to the popliteal fossa area behind the knee of the user's body, and a traction control unit 96 for repeatedly injecting and discharging air into and from the expandable air cells 53 to provide stretching and massage effects.

[0054] The configuration of an exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint according to the present invention will be described with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

[0055] The present invention forms a large external body and provides space for mounting various components and electrical equipment. It is composed of a main body 10 equipped with upper and lower leg holders 13, 15 having a shape with open front, back and top to accommodate the thigh t and calf c of the user's body, a cuff 30 attached to the main body 10 and using air pressure to temporarily restrain and fix the thigh t, also known as the thigh, and the calf c, which are part of the user's body, a stretch module 50 that adjusts the distance between the upper leg holder 13 and the lower leg holder 15 using air pressure and a return spring 55, and a popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 that applies vibration stimulation or electrical stimulation to the popliteal fossa part behind the knee, which is part of the user's body, and finally a controller 90 which is a control element for controlling the operation.

[0056] The main body 10 is composed of a base plate 11 having the shape of a floor-standing board, and an upper limb holder 13 and a lower limb holder 15 which are provided on the upper part of the base plate 11 and assembled so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0057] The base plate 11 is provided in the form of a plate material by injection molding of a synthetic resin material, and has anti-slip pads and protrusions made of a friction material on the underside to prevent slipping, and has a plurality of rail grooves (without reference numerals) formed in the longitudinal direction on the upper side to guide the upper and lower limb holders 13 and 15 described later in the front-rear direction.

[0058] The upper limb holder 13 is seated on the top of the base plate 11, fitted into a rail groove, and has a corresponding rail protrusion (not indicated) formed thereon to enable sliding movement. The upper limb holder 13 is provided with an open top, front, and rear surfaces so as to accommodate the thigh t of the user's body.

[0059] The lower limb holder 15 is slidably fitted into the rail groove of the base plate 11, similar to the upper limb holder 13, arranged at a distance from one side thereof, and is provided so as to be displaceable in the front-to-rear direction, with its upper, front and rear surfaces open so as to accommodate the calf c of the user among other body parts.

[0060] In this manner, the upper and lower leg holders 13, 15 are moved toward each other or away from each other in opposite directions by the stretch module 50 described later, thereby exerting a traction force on the thighs t and calves c of the user.

[0061] The cuff 30 is provided inside each of the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, and is an element that uses air pressure to pressurize and restrain the thigh t and calf c, respectively. An upper limb air cell 33 and an upper limb contact pad 37 are provided on the inside of the upper limb holder 13, and a lower limb air cell 35 and a lower limb contact pad 39 are provided on the inside of the lower limb holder 15.

[0062] The upper limb air cell 33 is a kind of airbag that is connected to the first air pump 31 through a pipe and inflates when air pressure is supplied, and can be fixed to the inner surface of the upper limb holder 13. When air pressure is supplied, the air cell 33 inflates to surround the back and both sides of the thighs t of the body.

[0063] The upper limb air cell 33 is connected to the first solenoid valve 32 through a pipe and configured to exhaust the filled air pressure to the outside. At this time, the first solenoid valve 32 is configured to operate upon receiving a control signal from a controller 90, which will be described later, and is implemented using known technology, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0064] The upper limb contact pad 37 is a sealed, flexible and elastic pouch-shaped member that is integrally provided on the inner surface of the upper limb air cell 33, and is filled with 30 to 90% of a fluid material in liquid, gel or granular state.

[0065] When an external force is applied to such an upper limb contact pad 37, the internal fluid material easily moves and is easily distorted in shape. When the upper limb air cell 33 is inflated with the user's thigh t accommodated in the pad, the internal fluid material flows along the curved surface of the thigh t and is deformed to allow for close contact.

[0066] That is, the upper limb air cell 33 is provided in a tubular shape made of synthetic resin material, and therefore has a drawback in that it is not possible to generate a uniform pressure according to the bending surface of the body when inflated by air pressure.

[0067] As an example, the thigh of the human body gradually becomes thicker from just above the knee toward the buttocks, but with a normal air cell, when it is inflated by air pressure, the relatively higher air pressure acts on the part closer to the buttocks, which is thicker than the part just above the knee, resulting in localized pain and discomfort, and this means that when traction is applied, the entire thigh t is not restrained and fixed in a uniform, tight fit.

[0068] Therefore, in order to eliminate such disadvantages, the present invention provides an upper limb contact pad 37 on the inside of the upper limb air cell 33, and such upper limb contact pad 37 can freely change shape due to the fluid material inside.

[0069] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to compensate for bending parts of the body.

[0070] The lower leg air cell 35, like the upper leg air cell 33, is connected to a first air pump 31 and a first solenoid valve 32 through a pipeline, and is configured to be inflated by receiving air pressure and to exhaust the air inside to the outside. The lower leg air cell 35 is joined and fixed to the inner surface of the lower leg holder 15, and is inflated in a manner that wraps around the back and both sides of the calf c of the body when air pressure is supplied.

[0071] The lower leg contact pad 39 is provided in the form of a sealed bag integrally provided on the inner surface of the lower leg air cell 35, and preferably, a pouch made of silicone or urethane can be used.

[0072] The lower limb air cells 35 are filled with 30 to 90% of a fluid material in a liquid, gel, or granular state, and the fluid material allows the air cells 35 to easily deform in response to an external force.

[0073] That is, the thickness gradually increases from the ankle area to the calf area, and when air pressure is supplied to the lower leg air cells 35, the lower leg contact pad 39 is uniformly contacted to the entire calf area, and the fluid material inside moves along the curved surface of the body, thereby compensating for the curved area and providing uniform contact overall, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0074] The stretch module 50 is disposed between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, and is an element for pushing them apart or returning them to their original position.

[0075] The expandable air cells 53 are provided in multiple locations so as not to interfere with the space and position on which the user's thighs t and calves c are placed, and are traction elements that expand when supplied with air pressure from a second air pump 51 connected by a pipeline, causing the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 to slide away from each other.

[0076] The expandable air cell 53 is connected to the second solenoid valve 52 through a pipe so that the air filled inside can be exhausted to the outside. In this case, the second solenoid valve 52 receives a control signal from a controller 90 (described later) to open and close the valve. This may be performed by a known technique, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0077] The return spring 55 is disposed at a position where it does not interfere with the expandable air cell 53, and when the expandable air cell 53 is inflated and the internal air pressure is exhausted by the second solenoid valve 52, it is an element that allows the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 to move closer to each other by exerting an elastic contraction force.

[0078] Such a return spring 55 can be made of various known technologies as long as it has the characteristic of providing elastic contraction force, and the present invention proposes a coil spring as a preferred embodiment.

[0079] The popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 is provided in the space between the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, and is disposed on the upper part of the base plate 11 where the popliteal fossa is positioned when the user places his / her legs on the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15. The popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 is composed of a lifting spring 71 which exerts an elastic supporting force in the vertical direction, a popliteal fossa contact pad 73 provided on the upper part of the lifting spring 71, a vibration generating unit 75 provided on the upper part of the popliteal fossa contact pad 73, and a touch sensor 77.

[0080] As shown in the figure, the lower part of the lifting spring 71 is fixed to the base plate 11 and the upper part is provided in a vertically upward direction. When a user places his / her leg on the main body 10, the lifting spring 71 serves to elastically support the touch sensor 77 so that one of the vibration motor, low-frequency electrode, or solenoid actuator provided by the stimulation generating unit 75 at the popliteal fossa comes into contact with the touch sensor 77.

[0081] The popliteal fossa contact pad 73 has an expanded volume above the lifting spring 71 and is filled with a fluid material such as granules, liquid, or gel, and the outer skin is made of a soft and elastic material such as silicone or urethane.

[0082] It would also be possible to provide a heating element such as a heater or LED that receives power from an external source and generates heat inside such a popliteal fossa contact pad 73.

[0083] The stimulation generating unit 75 is for applying stimulation to the popliteal fossa, which is the area behind the user's knee, and in the present invention, any one or a combination of a vibration motor, a low-frequency electrode, and a solenoid actuator can be used.

[0084] Meanwhile, among the elements that can be provided by the stimulus generating unit 75, the vibration motor is an element that is supplied with power from an external source and applies physical vibration stimuli, and is configured to operate upon receiving a control signal from the controller 90 described later.

[0085] Such vibration motors are provided in one or more on one side of the upper surface of the popliteal fossa contact pad 73 and are configured to contact the popliteal fossa area of ​​the body. Since they may be implemented using known technology, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0086] The low-frequency electrodes are elements that receive an external power supply and apply electrical stimulation, and are configured to operate upon receiving a control signal from a controller 90, which will be described later.

[0087] Such low-frequency electrodes are provided in one or more on one side of the upper surface of the popliteal fossa contact pad 73 and are configured to contact the popliteal fossa area of ​​the body. Since they may be implemented using known technology, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0088] In addition, the solenoid actuator is provided with an axially symmetrical structure and is composed of a plunger that moves around a coil to which current is applied, a case that surrounds the outside of the plunger, and a core inside the coil, and the plunger appears and disappears due to the magnetic force generated in the gap between the plunger and the core. An impact body provided at the tip of the plunger is configured to apply a physical tapping stimulus to the popliteal fossa, and is configured to operate in response to application of a control signal from a controller 90 described later.

[0089] Such solenoid actuators are provided on one or more sides of the upper surface of the contact pad 73, and are configured to form a striking acupressure ball so that the edge of the plunger rod contacts the popliteal fossa of the body. This may be implemented using known technology, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0090] The touch sensor 77 is provided by an electrostatic sensor that detects contact with the skin of the human body, and is provided on one side of the upper surface of the popliteal fossa contact pad 73 so as not to interfere with the position of the vibration motor, low-frequency electrode, and solenoid actuator that constitute the stimulation generating unit 75.

[0091] The touch sensor 77 is connected to a circuit so as to apply a sensing signal to a controller 90 (to be described later), and may be implemented using known techniques, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The controller 90 is provided on the pipeline of the first solenoid valve 32 and the second solenoid valve 52, and is connected to a first air pressure sensor 91 for measuring the internal air pressure of the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35, the expandable air cell 53, a second air pressure sensor 92, and a timer 93 for measuring time, and is a control element that applies signals to control the operation of the first air pump 31, the second air pump 51, the first solenoid valve 32, the second solenoid valve 52, and the stimulation generating unit 75 consisting of one or more of a vibration motor, a low-frequency electrode, and a solenoid actuator.

[0093] Such a controller 90 is broadly composed of a fixation control unit 95, a traction control unit 96, a popliteal stimulation control unit 97, and a repetitive traction control unit 98.

[0094] The fixation control unit 95 is an element that receives a sensing signal from the electrostatic touch sensor 77, expands the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35, and restrains and fixes the user's thigh t and calf c, which are in contact with the upper limb contact pad 37 and the lower limb contact pad 39.

[0095] That is, when the fixed control unit 95 detects the user's physical contact through the electrostatic touch sensor 77, it applies a control signal to the first solenoid valve 32 to generate air pressure and supply it to the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35.

[0096] In addition, the fixed control unit 95 is circuit-connected to a first air pressure sensor 91 that measures the internal air pressure of the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35, and is provided with real-time pressure values, and controls the operation of the first air pump 31 until the air pressures in the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35 reach a preset value.

[0097] The fixing control unit 95 configured in this manner inflates the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35 when the user places the leg on the main body 10 and contacts the popliteal fossa area behind the knee with the touch sensor 77, thereby restraining and fixing the user's thigh t and calf c.

[0098] When the inflation of the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35 is completed by the fixed control unit 95, the traction control unit 96 applies a control signal to the second air pump 51 so that air pressure is supplied to the expandable air cell 53.

[0099] At this time, the internal air pressure of the expandable air cell 53 is measured in real time by the second air pressure sensor 92, so the traction control unit 96 of the present invention performs a comparison process until the air pressure value measured via the second air pressure sensor 92 reaches a preset value, and controls the operation of the second air pump 51.

[0100] The traction control unit 96 configured in this manner inflates a plurality of expandable air cells 53, thereby causing the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 to move and displace away from each other, thereby pulling the user's thigh t and calf c in opposite directions, thereby providing a stretching effect through traction force.

[0101] The popliteal fossa stimulation control unit 97 is a control element that applies power to the stimulation generation unit 75 when the traction operation by the traction control unit 96 is completed, thereby stimulating the popliteal fossa area. In the present invention, a configuration in which the popliteal fossa stimulation control unit 97 operates after the operation by the traction control unit 96 is completed is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the vibration motor is operated after the operation of the fixed control unit 95 is completed is also possible.

[0102] In other words, in the case where the stimulation generating unit 75 is a vibration motor, for example, the popliteal fossa stimulation control unit 97 is an element that applies power to the vibration motor and outputs a control signal to perform physical vibration stimulation to the popliteal fossa area.

[0103] When the stimulation generating unit 75 is a low-frequency electrode, power is applied to the low-frequency electrode and a control signal is output so that electrical stimulation is performed on the popliteal fossa.

[0104] In addition, in the case where the stimulation generating unit 75 is a solenoid actuator, the popliteal fossa stimulation control unit 97 applies power to the solenoid actuator and outputs a control signal to perform a tapping stimulation by repeatedly extending and retracting a plunger and a rod in and out of the popliteal fossa.

[0105] The repeated traction control unit 98 is connected to the second air pressure sensor 92, and when air filling of the expandable air cell 53 is completed, it applies a control signal to the second solenoid valve 52 to exhaust 50 to 90% of the air in the expandable air cell 53, so that the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 are moved in a direction toward each other, and then after a certain time has passed, air is re-injected into the expandable air cell 53 until it reaches a preset value, so that the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15 are moved away from each other again. This operation is repeated to enhance the stretching effect.

[0106] That is, the repeat traction control unit 98 is connected to the timer 93 and applies a control signal to the second air pump 51 and the second solenoid valve 52 to inject or evacuate air into the expansion air cell 53 for a set time.

[0107] On the other hand, the present invention may further include a body temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the user's calf or thigh. Such a body temperature sensor measures the user's body temperature at regular intervals, and if a sudden change in body temperature occurs, the controller 90 may be programmed and controlled to open the first and second solenoid valves 32, 52 to stop the operation of the device, exhaust the air in the upper limb air cell 33 and the lower limb air cell 35, and stop the operation of the popliteal fossa stimulation electrode module 70.

[0108] In addition to the body temperature detection sensor, a blood pressure measurement sensor (not shown) can also be configured. This blood pressure measurement sensor can also be configured to measure the user's blood pressure at regular intervals in the same way as the body temperature detection sensor, and if a sudden change in blood pressure occurs, stop the operation of the device, output an alarm sound, and turn on an LED lamp, etc., to ensure stability in use.

[0109] In the exercise device according to the present invention configured as described above, which promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint, the user positions his / her leg on the main body 10 so that the thigh part t is placed in the upper limb holder 13 and the calf part c is placed in the lower limb holder 15, and then positions the popliteal fossa part so that it can come into contact with the popliteal fossa stimulation module 70.

[0110] Next, when the leg is lowered, the touch sensor 77 constituting the popliteal stimulation module 70 comes into contact with the popliteal region and senses this.

[0111] Next, the controller 90 circuit-connected to the touch sensor 77 supplies air to the upper limb air cells 33 and the lower limb air cells 35 provided inside the upper limb holder 13 and the lower limb holder 15, thereby restraining and fixing the thighs t and calves c.

[0112] When the restraint and fixation of the user's thigh t and calf c is completed in this manner, the controller 90 applies a control signal to the stretch module 50 to supply air pressure to the expandable air cell 53, and moves the upper leg holder 13 and the lower leg holder 15 in opposite directions, thereby pulling the thigh t and calf c areas in opposite directions based on the knee of the user's body, providing a stretching stimulus.

[0113] In addition to the stretching action, the controller 90 applies a control signal to the popliteal fossa stimulation module 70 and drives the stimulation generating unit 75 (vibration motor, low-frequency electrode, solenoid actuator), thereby applying heat along with vibration and electrical stimulation to the popliteal area of ​​the knee joint, thereby making it possible to provide complex and appropriate stimulation to the knee joint and surrounding muscles and growth plates.

[0114] In particular, the present invention is safe to use because the operation is initiated after the touch sensor 77 is sensed, and the upper limb contact pad 37 and the lower limb contact pad 39 can maintain uniform contact and fixation to the bent thigh t and calf c. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10: Main unit 11: Base plate 13: Upper limb holder 15: Lower limb holder 30: Cuff 31: First air pump 32: First solenoid valve 33: Upper limb air cell 35: Lower limb air cell 50: Stretch module 51: Second air pump 52: Second solenoid valve 53: Stretchable air cell 55: Return spring 70: Popliteal stimulation module 71: Lifting spring 73:Popliteal pad 75: Stimulus generation section 77: Touch sensor 90: Controller 91: First air pressure sensor 92: Second air pressure sensor 93: Timer 95: Fixed control unit 96: Traction control unit 97: Popliteal fossa stimulation control unit 98: Repeated traction control unit C: Calf k: popliteal fossa (knee) t:Thigh

Claims

1. A base plate in the form of a floor-standing plate and a device provided on an upper portion of the base plate so as to be slidable forward and backward, a body including an upper limb holder having an open upper surface for receiving a thigh of a body and a lower limb holder arranged on one side of the upper limb holder at a distance therefrom and having a relative displacement, the lower limb holder having an open upper surface for receiving a calf; a cuff consisting of upper and lower limb air cells provided inside the upper and lower limb holders and enveloping the thighs and calves, the cuff being inflated by receiving air pressure from a first air pump, a first solenoid valve connected to the upper and lower limb air cells by a duct and selectively discharging air, and an upper and lower limb contact pad provided on the outer surface of each upper and lower limb air cell, the cuff flowing according to the shape of the body and being in close contact with the body, the cuff being filled with 30 to 90% of a fluid material in a liquid, gel or granular state; a stretch module comprising an expandable air cell provided between the upper and lower limb holders, both ends of which are connected to the upper and lower limb holders, the expandable air cell being inflated by receiving air pressure from a second air pump connected to the cuff by a duct and displacing the upper and lower limb holders apart from each other, a second solenoid valve connected to the expandable air cell by a duct and selectively discharging air, and a return spring provided between the upper and lower limb holders and close to each other to exert an elastic force; a popliteal fossa contact pad, which is provided between the upper and lower limb holders and has an elastic support force acting in a vertical direction, and is provided on the upper part of the popliteal fossa contact pad and is filled with a fluid material; a stimulation generating unit, which is provided on one side of the upper surface of the popliteal fossa contact pad and contacts the popliteal fossa of the body to apply a vibration, an electric current, or a tapping stimulation; and a popliteal fossa stimulation module, which is provided on one side of the stimulation generating unit and detects the skin when it contacts the skin; The present invention is characterized in that it comprises a first and second air pressure sensor, which is provided on the pipeline of the first and second solenoid valves and measures the internal air pressure of the upper and lower limb air cells and the expandable air cell, and a controller, which is circuit-connected to the electrostatic touch sensor and the first and second air pressure sensors and receives sensing information and applies a signal to the first and second air pressure pumps and the first and second solenoid valves to control their operation. An exercise device that promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint.

2. The stimulation generating unit is characterized in that it is composed of one or more of a vibration motor that applies vibration stimulation, a low-frequency electrode that applies low-frequency electrical stimulation, or a solenoid actuator that applies tapping stimulation by repeated hitting.

2. An exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint according to claim 1.

3. The controller is a control element that receives a sensing signal from the electrostatic touch sensor, expands upper and lower leg air cells, and restrains and fixes the user's thighs and calves, A fixed control unit applies a control signal to the first solenoid valve to fill the upper and lower limb air cells with air and controls the supply of air until the air pressure value detected through the first air pressure sensor reaches a preset value; and when the inflation of the upper and lower limb air cells by the fixed control unit is completed, a control element applies a control signal to the second air pump to inflate the expandable air cell, separate the upper and lower limb holders from each other, and apply a traction force, the traction control unit applies a control signal to the second air pump to fill the expandable air cell with air and controls the supply of air until the air pressure value detected through the second air pressure sensor reaches a preset value; and when the traction operation by the traction control unit is completed, a popliteal fossa stimulation control unit applies power to the stimulation generating unit and controls the stimulation to act on the popliteal fossa.

2. An exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint according to claim 1.

4. The controller includes a timer for measuring time, is connected to the second air pressure sensor, and when air supply to the expandable air cell is completed, exhausts 50 to 90% of the air in the expandable air cell, applies a control signal to the second solenoid valve so that the upper and lower leg holders are spaced apart from each other, reinjects air into the expandable air cell until the air reaches a preset value, applies a control signal to the second air pump so that the upper and lower leg holders are displaced in a direction away from each other, and includes a repeat traction control unit for controlling the expansion and contraction of the expandable air cell to be repeated a preset number of times.

3. The exercise device according to claim 2, which promotes growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint.

5. A body temperature sensor for detecting a body temperature of a user is provided on one side of the body, and the body temperature measured by the body temperature sensor is connected to a circuit so as to be applied to a controller.

2. An exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint according to claim 1.

6. A blood pressure sensor for detecting a user's blood pressure is provided on one side of the main body, and the blood pressure measured by the blood pressure sensor is connected to a controller via a circuit.

2. An exercise device for promoting growth by stretching and stimulating the knee joint according to claim 1.

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