Exercise assistance device

Abstract

An exercise assistance device according to one embodiment comprises: a waist frame worn on the waist of a user; a first waist belt, which is connected to one side of the waist frame and covers the front of the waist of the user; a second waist belt, which is connected to the other side of the waist frame and covers the front of the waist of the user; a force transmission frame for covering the front of the thigh of the user; a thigh belt, which is connected to the force transmission frame and wraps around the thigh of the user; an actuator, which is connected to the waist frame and generates power; a driving frame, which is connected to the actuator and transmits the power to the force transmission frame; a buckle plug connected to the first waist belt; and a buckle socket connected to the second waist belt, wherein the buckle plug can move in a first direction, which is the direction in which the buckle plug is inserted into the buckle socket, and can be switched between an intermediate fastening state in which the buckle plug can be locked at the first position of the buckle socket and a complete fastening state in which the buckle plug can be locked at a second position spaced in the first direction from the first position of the buckle socket.

Description

Exercise assist devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a motion assistance device.

[0002] As the aging population intensifies, the number of people complaining of pain and discomfort due to joint problems is increasing. Interest in assistive devices that can help elderly people and patients with joint problems walk more smoothly is growing. Exercise assistive devices can also be worn to strengthen specific muscles.

[0003]

[0004] According to one embodiment, an exercise assistance device includes a waist frame worn on a user's waist, a first waist belt connected to one side of the waist frame and covering the front of the user's waist, a second waist belt connected to the other side of the waist frame and covering the front of the user's waist, a force transmission frame covering the front of the user's thigh, a thigh belt connected to the force transmission frame and surrounding the user's thigh, an actuator connected to the waist frame and generating power, a drive frame connected to the actuator and transmitting the power to the force transmission frame, a buckle plug connected to the first waist belt, and a buckle socket connected to the second waist belt, wherein the buckle plug is movable in a first direction in which it is inserted into the buckle socket, and can be configured to be state-changeable between an intermediate fastening state in which it can be hooked to a first position of the buckle socket, and a fully fastening state in which it can be hooked to a second position provided at a position spaced from the first position of the buckle socket in the first direction.

[0005] A buckle assembly according to one embodiment includes a buckle plug and a buckle socket attachable to the buckle plug, wherein the buckle plug is movable in a first direction in which the buckle plug is inserted into the buckle socket, and is configured to be capable of switching between an intermediate fastening state in which the buckle plug can be hooked at a first position of the buckle socket, and a fully fastened state in which the buckle plug can be hooked at a second position provided at a position spaced apart from the first position of the buckle socket in the first direction.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an exercise assistance device includes a waist frame worn on a user's waist, a first waist belt connected to one side of the waist frame and covering a front of the user's waist, a second waist belt connected to the other side of the waist frame and covering a front of the user's waist, a buckle plug connected to the first waist belt, and a pair of guides connected to the second waist belt and guiding the buckle plug to move in one direction, a pair of intermediate fastening parts each extending from the pair of guides and capable of hooking the buckle plug, and a buckle socket including a pair of complete fastening parts each extending from the pair of intermediate fastening parts and capable of hooking the buckle plug, wherein the buckle plug is configured to be state-switchable between an intermediate fastening state capable of hooking to the pair of intermediate fastening parts, and a complete fastening state capable of hooking to the pair of complete fastening parts, and wherein the length of the first waist belt is adjustable in the intermediate fastening state, and the first waist belt can be pressed by the buckle socket and the buckle plug in the complete fastening state.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a user wearing an exercise assistance device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a buckle plug, a buckle socket, a first waist belt, and a second waist belt according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a base frame, a cover frame, and a buckle plug according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a base frame and a buckle plug in an intermediate fastening state according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a base frame and a buckle plug in a fully engaged state according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a buckle socket, a buckle plug in an intermediate fastening state, and a first waist belt according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a buckle socket, a buckle plug in a fully engaged state, and a first waist belt according to one embodiment.

[0014] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Therefore, the actual implementation is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the technical concepts described in the embodiments.

[0015] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0016] When it is said that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0017] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "has" should be understood to indicate the presence of a described feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but not to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0018] Components included in one embodiment and components that share common functions will be described using the same designations in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a user wearing an exercise assistance device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a buckle plug, a buckle socket, a first waist belt, and a second waist belt according to one embodiment.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a motion assistance device (1) according to one embodiment can be worn by a user to assist the user's motion. The user may be a human body, a robot, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The motion assistance device (1) can assist the motion of some joints of the lower body or the upper body. For example, the motion assistance device (1) can assist the motion of the lower body by assisting at least one joint among the hip joint, the knee joint, and the ankle joint. The motion assistance device (1) may include a waist frame (91), a first waist belt (92), a second waist belt (93), a force transmission frame (94), a thigh belt (95), an actuator (96), a driving frame (97), a buckle plug (11), and a buckle socket (12).

[0023] Here, the waist frame (91), the first waist belt (92), and the second waist belt (93) can constitute a waist wear part. In addition, the force transmission frame (94) and the thigh belt (95) can constitute a thigh wear part.

[0024] In one embodiment, the waist-worn part and the thigh-worn part may be positioned opposite each other with respect to a part of the user, and may be worn on the proximal part and the distal part, respectively. For example, the waist-worn part may wrap around the waist and / or pelvis, and the thigh-worn part may wrap around the thigh, knee, calf, and / or foot.

[0025] In one embodiment, the waist frame (91) may be worn on the user's waist. The first waist belt (92) and the second waist belt (93) may be connected to the waist frame (91) and may wrap around the remaining portion of the user's waist. For example, the waist frame (91) may wrap around the back of the waist, and the first waist belt (92) and the second waist belt (93) may wrap around the front of the waist.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first waist belt (92) may be connected to one side of the waist frame (91), and the second waist belt (93) may be connected to the other side of the waist frame (91). The first waist belt (92) and the second waist belt (93) may be connected via a buckle assembly. The buckle assembly may be composed of a buckle plug (11) and a buckle socket (12).

[0027] In one embodiment, a buckle plug (11), also referred to as a male buckle, may be connected to a first waist belt (92), and a buckle socket (12), also referred to as a female buckle, may be connected to a second waist belt (93). From this structure, a user may adjust the length of the first waist belt (92) that wraps around the user's waist by pulling one end of the first waist belt (92) engaged with the buckle plug (11) toward one side of the waist frame (91). For example, when the user pulls one end of the first waist belt (92), the length of the first waist belt (92) that wraps around the user's waist may be shortened. When the length of the first waist belt (92) that wraps around the user's waist is shortened, the degree to which the first waist belt (92) and the second waist belt (93) tighten around the user's waist may increase. The exercise assist device (1) can be worn tightly to fit the waist circumference of various users. The first waist belt (92) can be made longer than the second waist belt (93) to allow for loose length adjustment.

[0028] In one embodiment, the force transmission frame (94) may cover the front of the user's thigh. A thigh belt (95) is connected to the force transmission frame (94) and may surround the user's thigh.

[0029] In one embodiment, the waist-worn part and the thigh-worn part are capable of relative movement in the sagittal plane. For example, when a user wears the exercise assistance device (1) and flexes or extends the hip joint, the thigh-worn part can rotate relative to the waist-worn part in the sagittal plane.

[0030] In one embodiment, the waist-worn part and the thigh-worn part are capable of relative movement in the frontal plane. For example, when a user wears the exercise assistance device (1) and performs hip adduction or abduction, the thigh-worn part can rotate relative to the waist-worn part in the frontal plane.

[0031] In one embodiment, the drive frame (97) and the thigh-worn part are capable of relative movement in a transverse plane. For example, when a user rotates their thigh while wearing the exercise assistance device (1), the thigh-worn part can rotate along with the thigh while remaining in close contact with the thigh. The thigh-worn part is capable of relative rotation with respect to the drive frame (97). With this structure, the wearing comfort of the exercise assistance device (1) can be improved.

[0032] In one embodiment, an actuator (96) is connected to the waist frame (91) and can generate power. The actuator (96) may include, for example, a motor and a reducer. The motor may include at least one of a brush motor, a brushless motor, and a stepping motor. The motor may include at least one of an induction motor and a synchronous motor. The reducer may include, for example, a gear train.

[0033] In one embodiment, the drive frame (97) can transmit the power generated by the actuator (96) to the force transmission frame (94). For example, the drive frame (97) can assist the movement of the user's hip joint. When the output end of the actuator (96) rotates in one direction, the drive frame (97) can receive power from the actuator (96) to assist the bending movement of the hip joint. When the output end of the actuator (96) rotates in the opposite direction of the one direction, the drive frame (97) can receive power from the actuator (96) to assist the extension movement of the hip joint.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a base frame, a cover frame, and a buckle plug according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a base frame and a buckle plug in an intermediate fastening state according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a base frame and a buckle plug in a fully fastened state according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a buckle plug (11) according to one embodiment may be configured to be switchable between an intermediate fastening state that can be hooked to a first position of the buckle socket (12) and a fully fastening state that can be hooked to a second position provided at a position spaced apart from the first position of the buckle socket (12) in a first direction. Here, the first direction is the direction in which the buckle plug (11) is inserted into the buckle socket (12), i.e., the -y-axis direction.

[0036] In one embodiment, when the buckle plug (11) is in an intermediate fastening state, the user can adjust the length of the first waist belt that wraps around the user's waist by pulling or releasing one end of the first waist belt connected to the buckle plug (11). When the buckle plug (11) is in a fully fastened state, the first waist belt can be pressed by the buckle plug (11) and the buckle socket (12). After describing the structure of the buckle plug (11) in detail, the structure of the buckle socket (12) will be described. The buckle plug (11) may include a plug base (111), a pair of plug arms (112), a holder (113), a pair of hooks (114), a pair of fastening protrusions (115), a support rib (116), and a center bar (117).

[0037] In one embodiment, the plug base (111) may cover a portion of the first waist belt along the width direction of the first waist belt. Here, the width direction of the first waist belt is the z-axis direction. A pair of plug arms (112) may extend parallel from each end of the plug base (111).

[0038] In one embodiment, a pair of hooks (114) may extend from a pair of plug arms (112) and be caught in a buckle socket (12). For example, a fastening protrusion (115) may be provided on a pair of hooks (114) so ​​as to protrude in at least one of the up-down directions. Here, the up-down direction is a direction parallel to the x-axis. When the buckle plug (11) is in the first position and the second position, the fastening protrusion (115) may be caught in a groove provided inside the buckle socket (12). By the fastening protrusion (115) being caught in the groove, the buckle plug (11) may be fixed to the buckle socket (12).

[0039] In one embodiment, a user can press a pair of plug arms (112) in a direction facing each other, and then separate the buckle plug (11) from the buckle socket (12). The pair of fastening projections (115) are respectively released from grooves formed inside the buckle socket (12), and the movement of the buckle plug (11) relative to the buckle socket (12) in the first direction and the second direction may not be restricted. Here, the second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction, that is, the +y-axis direction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the support rib (116) may be connected to a pair of plug arms (112). The support rib (116) may support the pair of plug arms (112). When a user applies excessive force to the pair of plug arms (112) to separate the buckle plug (11) from the buckle socket (12), the pair of plug arms (112) may be prevented from being damaged.

[0041] In one embodiment, a center bar (117) may be formed to extend from a support rib (116). The center bar (117) may be provided parallel to a pair of plug arms (112) and between a pair of hooks (114). The center bar (117) may guide the first and second direction movements of the buckle plug (11) within the buckle socket (12). The center bar (117) may be inserted into, for example, a center groove (1212) formed within the buckle socket (12).

[0042] In one embodiment, after the center bar (117) is inserted into the center groove (1212), the range of movement of the buckle plug (11) in the left-right direction relative to the buckle socket (12) may be limited. Here, the left-right direction is a direction parallel to the z-axis. From this structure, when inserting the buckle plug (11) into the buckle socket (12), the user can first insert the center bar (117) into the center groove (1212) and then press the buckle plug (11) in the first direction.

[0043] In one embodiment, the holder (113) is arranged parallel to the plug base (111) and can support the first waist belt. The first waist belt can enter the space between the support rib (116) and the holder (113) and then exit the space between the holder (113) and the plug base (111). A portion of the holder (113) can be covered by the first waist belt.

[0044] In one embodiment, the buckle socket (12) may include a base frame (121) and a cover frame (122). The base frame (121) may face the user's body and support the buckle plug (11). The cover frame (122) may be positioned on the opposite side of the base frame (121) with respect to a pair of hooks (114) when the buckle plug (11) is in a fully fastened state. The base frame (121) may be connected to a support (1217) formed on the base frame (121). The base frame (121) and the cover frame (122) may restrict the vertical movement of the buckle plug (11) fastened to the buckle socket (12).

[0045] In one embodiment, the base frame (121) may have a bent shape that wraps around the user's body. The base frame (121) may be formed to protrude in the +x direction from the yz plane. With this shape, the gap between the base frame (121) and the user's body when the exercise assistance device is worn by the user may be reduced, and the wearing comfort of the exercise assistance device may be improved.

[0046] In one embodiment, the base frame (121) may include a base body (1211) connected to a cover frame (122), a center groove (1212) provided in the center of the base body (1211), and a pressure plate (1213) extending in a second direction from the base body (1211). When the buckle plug (11) is in a fully fastened state, the pressure plate (1213) may overlap the plug base (111) with respect to the x-axis direction.

[0047] From the above structure, the pressure plate (1213) can guide a portion of the first waist belt that passes between the plug base (111) and the pressure plate (1213) in the second direction when the buckle plug (11) is switched from an intermediate fastening state to a fully fastening state. The pressure plate (1213) will be described in detail later.

[0048] In one embodiment, a base frame (121) may be formed with a guide (1214), an intermediate fastening part (1215), a fully fastened part (1216), and a support (1217). When the buckle plug (11) is supported by the intermediate fastening part (1215), the buckle plug (11) may be in an intermediate fastening state. When the buckle plug (11) is supported by the fully fastening part (1216), the buckle plug (11) may be in a fully fastened state.

[0049] In one embodiment, the guide (1214) may be formed to protrude from the base frame (121) toward the cover frame (122). The guides (1214) may be provided as a pair facing each other and may guide the buckle plug (11) to move in a first direction inside the buckle socket (12). While the buckle plug (11) moves in the first direction, a pair of fastening protrusions (115) of the buckle plug (11) may slide along a pair of guides (1214), respectively.

[0050] In one embodiment, the distance between a pair of guides (1214) may decrease as it moves in the first direction. From this structure, as the buckle plug (11) moves in the first direction within the buckle socket (12), the distance between the pair of fastening protrusions (115) may become closer, and the degree to which the pair of hooks (114) are deformed may increase.

[0051] In one embodiment, a pair of intermediate fastening parts (1215) may be formed to extend in a first direction from a pair of guides (1214), respectively. The intermediate fastening parts (1215) may include a groove in which a fastening projection (115) may be caught. When the buckle plug (11) continues to move in the first direction along the guides (1214) and is placed at a first position, the fastening projection (115) may be caught in the groove formed in the intermediate fastening part (1215) by the restoring force of the deformed hook (114). In a state in which the fastening projection (115) is caught in the groove formed in the intermediate fastening part (1215), the hook (114) is still in a deformed state, and the fastening projection (115) may be supported by the intermediate fastening part (1215) by the restoring force of the hook (114). At this time, the buckle plug (11) may be in an intermediate fastening state. If an external force exceeding a certain size is not applied, the movement of the buckle plug (11) in the first direction and the second direction with respect to the buckle socket (12) can be restricted.

[0052] In one embodiment, a pair of fully engaged parts (1216) may be formed to extend in a first direction from a pair of intermediate engaged parts (1215), respectively. The fully engaged parts (1216) may include a groove in which a engaging projection (115) may be caught. In the intermediate engaged state, a user may press a pair of plug arms (112) in a direction facing each other to separate the engaging projection (115) from the intermediate engaged parts (1215), and then move the buckle plug (11) in the first direction. When the buckle plug (111) continues to move in the first direction and is placed at a second position, the engaging projection (115) may be caught in the groove formed in the fully engaged part (1216) by the restoring force of the deformed hook (114).

[0053] In one embodiment, the hook (114) is still in a deformed state while the fastening projection (115) is caught in the groove formed in the fully fastened part (1216), and the fastening projection (115) can be supported by the fully fastened part (1216) due to the restoring force of the hook (114). The second direction movement of the buckle plug (11) with respect to the buckle socket (12) can be restricted. At this time, the buckle plug (11) can be in a fully fastened state.

[0054] In one embodiment, in a fully fastened state, the first direction movement of the buckle plug (11) with respect to the buckle socket (12) may be limited by the support rib (116). In the fully fastened state, the distance between the base frame (121) and the cover frame (122) located in the first direction with respect to the support rib (116) may be smaller than the x-axis direction length of the support rib (116). From this structure, when the buckle plug (11) is pressed in the first direction in the fully fastened state, the support rib (116) may be caught between the base frame (121) and the cover frame (122). The support rib (116) maintains a state of being supported by the buckle socket (12), and the first direction movement of the buckle plug (11) with respect to the buckle socket (12) may be limited. The contact between the center bar (117) and the support (1217) may be reduced, and noise generated from the contact may also be reduced.

[0055] Up to now, the center groove (1212), the guide (1214), the intermediate fastening part (1215), the complete fastening part (1216), and the support (1217) have been described as being formed only in the base frame (121). However, it should be noted in advance that the center groove (1212), the guide (1214), the intermediate fastening part (1215), the complete fastening part (1216), and the support (1217) may be formed in at least one of the base frame (121) and the cover frame (122). For example, the guide (1214), the intermediate fastening part (1215), the complete fastening part (1216), and the support (1217) may be formed only in the cover frame (122). In this case, the fastening protrusion (115) may be formed to protrude from the hook (114) in the +z direction. When the guide (1214), intermediate fastening part (1215), complete fastening part (1216) and support (1217) are formed on both the base frame (121) and the cover frame (122), it can be understood that the fastening protrusion (115) is formed to protrude in the +z direction and the -z direction from the hook (114).

[0056] Up to now, the buckle socket (12) has been described as being separable into a base frame (121) and a cover frame (122), but it should be noted in advance that the buckle socket (12) may have an integral structure that is not separable into a base frame (121) and a cover frame (122).

[0057] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a buckle socket, a buckle plug in an intermediate fastening state, and a first waist belt according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a buckle socket, a buckle plug in a fully fastened state, and a first waist belt according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the buckle plug according to one embodiment is in an intermediate fastening state, the user can adjust the length of the first waist belt (92). Based on the point (S) at which the first waist belt (92) is supported by the holder (113), the first waist belt (92) can be divided into an inner belt (921) and an outer belt (922). The inner belt (921) can be a portion of the first waist belt (92) that passes through the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) and enters between the support rib (116) and the holder (113).

[0059] In one embodiment, the outer belt (922) may be a portion of the first waist belt (92) that extends from the inner belt (921), passes between the holder (113) and the plug base (111), and passes through the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111). For example, when the thickness of the first waist belt (92) is constant, the thickness of the inner belt (921) and the thickness of the outer belt (922) may be constant.

[0060] In one embodiment, when the fastening projection (115) is supported by the intermediate fastening part (1215), the distance between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) may be greater than the sum of the thicknesses of the inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922). Here, the thicknesses of the inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922) refer to the thicknesses in a state where no external force is applied. The inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922) may not be pressed by the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111). In the intermediate fastening state, the user can adjust the degree to which the first waist belt (92) tightens the waist by pulling or loosening the outer belt (922) with respect to the holder (113). The user can adjust the length of the first waist belt without completely detaching the buckle plug in the fully fastened state from the buckle socket (12).

[0061] In one embodiment, when the buckle plug is in a fully fastened state, the first waist belt (92) can be guided in a second direction by the pressure plate (1213). The pressure plate (1213) can guide the inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922) passing between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) in the second direction. In other words, in the fully fastened state, the holder (113) can support the first waist belt in the -y direction.

[0062] In contrast, when the pressure plate (1213) does not exist, the first waist belt (92) may rotate about the holder (113) as an axis of rotation due to the user's repetitive movements, etc., and may be supported by the holder (113) in the +x direction. In this case, since the movement of the first waist belt (92) in the +x direction with respect to the buckle plug is not restricted, when the first waist belt (92) moves in the +x direction, a gap may be created between the holder (113) and the first waist belt (92) wrapping the holder (113), and the first waist belt (92) may be released. The pressure plate (1213) may restrict the rotation angle of the first waist belt (92) that rotates about the holder (113) as an axis of rotation, and may reduce the release of the first waist belt (92).

[0063] In one embodiment, the distance between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) in the fully engaged state may be smaller than the distance between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) in the intermediate engaged state. In the fully engaged state, the distance between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) may be smaller than twice the thickness of the first waist belt (92). In other words, in the fully engaged state, the distance between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) may be smaller than the sum of the thicknesses of the inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922). Here, the thicknesses of the inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922) refer to the thicknesses in a state where no external force is applied.

[0064] In one embodiment, the distance between the cover frame (122) and the base frame (121) in the x-axis direction may be greater than the length of the center bar (117) and less than the length of the support rib (116). The support rib (116) may be caught between the cover frame (122) and the guide (1214) to limit movement in the first direction. The movement of the buckle plug relative to the buckle socket (12) in the second direction may be limited by the fully fastened part (1216). In the fully fastened state, the distance between the pressure plate (1213) and the plug base (111) may be maintained constant.

[0065] From the structure described above, in a fully fastened state, the inner belt (921) and the outer belt (922) can be maintained in a state of being pressed by the pressurized plate (1213) and the plug base (111). Even if the user wears the exercise assistance device for a long time or repeatedly performs the same movement, the first waist belt (92) can remain tightly wrapped around the user's waist without being released from the buckle plug. The wearing comfort of the exercise assistance device can be improved.

[0066] According to one embodiment, an exercise assistance device includes a waist frame worn on a user's waist, a first waist belt connected to one side of the waist frame and covering the front of the user's waist, a second waist belt connected to the other side of the waist frame and covering the front of the user's waist, a force transmission frame covering the front of the user's thigh, a thigh belt connected to the force transmission frame and surrounding the user's thigh, an actuator connected to the waist frame and generating power, a drive frame connected to the actuator and transmitting the power to the force transmission frame, a buckle plug connected to the first waist belt, and a buckle socket connected to the second waist belt, wherein the buckle plug is movable in a first direction in which it is inserted into the buckle socket, and can be configured to be state-changeable between an intermediate fastening state in which it can be hooked to a first position of the buckle socket, and a fully fastening state in which it can be hooked to a second position provided at a position spaced from the first position of the buckle socket in the first direction.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the buckle plug may include a plug base, a pair of plug arms extending parallel to each other from each end of the plug base, a holder provided parallel to the plug base and supporting the first waist belt, a pair of hooks extending parallel to each other from the pair of plug arms, and a pair of fastening projections protruding from each of the pair of hooks and fastened to the buckle socket.

[0068] In one embodiment, the first waist belt may pass between the plug base and the holder and surround the holder.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the buckle socket may include a pair of guides guiding the buckle plug to move in the first direction, a pair of intermediate fastening parts each extending from the pair of guides and each supporting the pair of fastening protrusions in the intermediate fastening state, and a pair of complete fastening parts each extending from the pair of intermediate fastening parts and each supporting the pair of fastening protrusions in the complete fastening state.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the distance between the pair of guides may decrease in the first direction.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the buckle socket may further include a cover frame disposed on the opposite side of the base frame relative to the pair of hooks when the base frame and the buckle plug are in a fully engaged state.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the pair of guides, the pair of intermediate fastening parts and the pair of complete fastening parts may be provided on at least one of the base frame and the cover frame.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the base frame may include a base body connected to the cover frame and a pressure plate extending from the base body in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0074] According to one embodiment, in the fully engaged state, the pressure plate can guide the first waist belt passing between the pressure plate and the plug base in the second direction.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base in the intermediate fastening state may be longer than the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base in the fully fastening state.

[0076] In one embodiment, in the fully engaged state, the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base may be less than twice the thickness of the first waist belt.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the buckle plug may include a support rib connected to the pair of plug arms and provided on an opposite side of the plug base with respect to the holder, and a center bar extending from the support rib in a direction parallel to the pair of plug arms.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first waist belt includes an inner belt passing between the support rib and the holder, and an outer belt passing between the holder and the plug base, based on a point supported by the holder, and in the fully fastened state, a distance between the pressure plate and the plug base may be smaller than the sum of the thickness of the inner belt and the thickness of the outer belt.

[0079] According to one embodiment, in the fully engaged state, the support rib can be supported by the buckle socket.

[0080] According to one embodiment, in the intermediate fastening state, the length of the first waist belt is adjustable, and in the fully fastening state, the first waist belt can be pressed by the buckle socket and the buckle plug.

[0081] A buckle assembly according to one embodiment includes a buckle plug and a buckle socket attachable to the buckle plug, wherein the buckle plug is movable in a first direction in which the buckle plug is inserted into the buckle socket, and is configured to be capable of switching between an intermediate fastening state in which the buckle plug can be hooked at a first position of the buckle socket, and a fully fastened state in which the buckle plug can be hooked at a second position provided at a position spaced apart from the first position of the buckle socket in the first direction.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the buckle plug may include a plug base, a pair of plug arms extending parallel to each other from each end of the plug base, a holder provided parallel to the plug base and capable of supporting a waist belt, a pair of hooks extending parallel to each other from the pair of plug arms, and a pair of fastening projections protruding from each of the pair of hooks and fastened to the buckle socket.

[0083] According to one embodiment, in the intermediate fastening state, the length of the waist belt is adjustable, and in the fully fastened state, the waist belt can be pressed by the buckle socket and the buckle plug.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the buckle socket may include a pair of guides guiding the buckle plug to move in the first direction, a pair of intermediate fastening parts each extending from the pair of guides and each supporting the pair of fastening protrusions in the intermediate fastening state, and a pair of complete fastening parts each extending from the pair of intermediate fastening parts and each supporting the pair of fastening protrusions in the complete fastening state.

[0085] According to one embodiment, an exercise assistance device includes a waist frame worn on a user's waist, a first waist belt connected to one side of the waist frame and covering a front of the user's waist, a second waist belt connected to the other side of the waist frame and covering a front of the user's waist, a buckle plug connected to the first waist belt, and a pair of guides connected to the second waist belt and guiding the buckle plug to move in one direction, a pair of intermediate fastening parts each extending from the pair of guides and capable of hooking the buckle plug, and a buckle socket including a pair of complete fastening parts each extending from the pair of intermediate fastening parts and capable of hooking the buckle plug, wherein the buckle plug is configured to be state-switchable between an intermediate fastening state capable of hooking to the pair of intermediate fastening parts, and a complete fastening state capable of hooking to the pair of complete fastening parts, and wherein the length of the first waist belt is adjustable in the intermediate fastening state, and the first waist belt can be pressed by the buckle socket and the buckle plug in the complete fastening state.

[0086] In one embodiment, features of the embodiments described above may be combined unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0087] Although the embodiments described above have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various technical modifications and variations can be applied based on the above. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0088] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. Waist frame worn around the user's waist; A first waist belt connected to one side of the above waist frame and covering the front of the user's waist; A second waist belt connected to the other side of the above waist frame and covering the front of the user's waist; A power transmission frame covering the front of the thigh of the user; A thigh belt connected to the above power transmission frame and surrounding the user's thigh; An actuator connected to the above waist frame and generating power; A driving frame connected to the actuator and transmitting the power to the force transmission frame; a buckle plug connected to the first waist belt; and Including a buckle socket connected to the second waist belt, An exercise assisting device, wherein the buckle plug is movable in a first direction in which it is inserted into the buckle socket, and is configured to be capable of switching between an intermediate fastening state in which it can be hooked at a first position of the buckle socket, and a fully fastening state in which it can be hooked at a second position provided at a position spaced from the first position of the buckle socket in the first direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above buckle plug, plug base; A pair of plug arms extending parallel from each end of the plug base; A holder provided parallel to the plug base and supporting the first waist belt; a pair of hooks each extending from said pair of plug arms; and An exercise assist device comprising a pair of fastening projections each protruding from the pair of hooks and fastened to the buckle socket.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first waist belt is an exercise assist device that passes between the plug base and the holder and surrounds the holder.

4. In paragraph 2, The above buckle socket is, A pair of guides for guiding the buckle plug to move in the first direction; A pair of intermediate fastening parts each extending from the pair of guides and each supporting the pair of fastening projections in the intermediate fastening state; and A motion assisting device, comprising a pair of fully engaging parts each extending from the pair of intermediate engaging parts and each supporting the pair of engaging projections in the fully engaged state.

5. In paragraph 4, A motion assist device, wherein the distance between the pair of guides decreases as it goes in the first direction.

6. In paragraph 4, The above buckle socket is, base frame; and An exercise assisting device further comprising a cover frame positioned on opposite sides of the base frame with respect to the pair of hooks when the buckle plug is in a fully fastened state.

7. In paragraph 6, A motion assistance device, wherein the pair of guides, the pair of intermediate fastening parts and the pair of complete fastening parts are provided on at least one of the base frame and the cover frame.

8. In paragraph 6, The above base frame, a base body connected to the above cover frame; and A motion assisting device comprising a pressure plate extending from the base body in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. In paragraph 8, An exercise assist device, wherein, in the fully fastened state, the pressure plate guides the first waist belt passing between the pressure plate and the plug base in the second direction.

10. In paragraph 8, A motion assistance device, wherein the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base in the intermediate fastening state is longer than the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base in the fully fastening state.

11. In paragraph 8, An exercise assist device, wherein, in the fully fastened state, the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base is less than twice the thickness of the first waist belt.

12. In paragraph 8, The above buckle plug, A support rib connected to the above pair of plug arms and provided on the opposite side of the plug base with respect to the holder; and An exercise assist device comprising a center bar extending in a direction parallel to the pair of plug arms from the support rib.

13. In paragraph 12, The above first waist belt includes an inner belt passing between the support rib and the holder, and an outer belt passing between the holder and the plug base, based on a point supported by the holder. A motion assist device, wherein, in the above fully fastened state, the distance between the pressure plate and the plug base is smaller than the sum of the thickness of the inner belt and the thickness of the outer belt.

14. In paragraph 12, An exercise assist device, wherein, in the above fully fastened state, the support rib is supported by the buckle socket.

15. In paragraph 1, An exercise assist device, wherein in the intermediate fastening state, the length of the first waist belt is adjustable, and in the fully fastening state, the first waist belt is pressurized by the buckle socket and the buckle plug.

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