Modular actuator and wearable exercise apparatus comprising same

Abstract

A wearable exercise apparatus according to an embodiment may comprise: a wearing member which is worn on a part of a user's body; a support frame which is disposed in the wearing member: an actuator which is detachably connected to the support frame, physically and electrically connected to the support frame, and provided to be rotatable with respect to the support frame; a cable which is connected to the actuator; a control unit which is disposed in the wearing member; and a connection line which electrically connects the control unit and the support frame to each other.

Description

Modular actuator and wearable exercise device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular actuator and a wearable exercise device including the same.

[0002] Users can perform a variety of exercises while wearing a wearable exercise device. To apply the appropriate load to the user, the actuators must be positioned appropriately to suit the exercise purpose.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a wearable member worn on a part of a user's body; a support frame disposed on the wearable member; an actuator detachably connected to the support frame, physically and electrically connected to the support frame, and rotatable relative to the support frame; a cable connected to the actuator; a control unit disposed on the wearable member; and a connection line electrically connecting the control unit and the support frame.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a modular actuator may include a support frame; and an actuator detachably connected to the support frame, physically and electrically connected to the support frame, and rotatable relative to the support frame, wherein the actuator may include an actuator body connected to the support frame; a motor disposed inside the actuator body and generating power; a printed circuit board disposed inside the actuator body and receiving a signal from the control unit; and a battery disposed inside the actuator body and provided at a location spaced apart from the motor and the reducer.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a rear view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically illustrating the internal appearance of a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a frame protrusion according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a user (H) may be a human. It should be noted that the user (H) may also be an animal. The wearable exercise device may include a wearable member (19) worn on a part of the user's (H's) body, a modular actuator (100) that is easily attachable and detachable to the wearable member (19), at least one cable (13, 14) that receives power from the modular actuator (100) and transmits it to another part of the user's body, a first wearable band (81) worn on a first part of the user, and a second wearable band (82) worn on a second part of the user.

[0027] The wearable member (19) can be worn on the user's upper body. It should be noted that the location where the wearable member (19) is worn is not limited thereto. For example, the wearable member (19) may be placed on the user's lower body, upper arm, lower arm, or foot.

[0028] The wearing member (19) may include a plurality of wearing stations (19a). The wearing station (19a) refers to an area where the modular actuator (100) is mounted. The wearing station (19a) may be provided with a fixing member (not shown) for fixing the modular actuator (100). For example, the modular actuator (100) may be screw-connected to the wearing station (19a). As another example, the modular actuator (100) may be attached to the wearing station (19a). The wearing station (19a) may be provided with a Velcro structure. The multiple wearing stations (19a) are illustrated as having four on the back, but it should be noted that the number and locations thereof are not limited thereto.

[0029] The first and second parts may be different from the part on which the wearable member (19) is worn. For example, the user's first part may be the user's wrist. For example, the user's second part may be the user's thigh. It should be noted that the positions of the first and second parts are not limited thereto.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a wearable member (19) can be worn on a user (H). The wearable member (19) can include a plurality of wearable stations (19a) provided at a front portion or a rear portion with respect to the user (H). A modular actuator (100) can be mounted on any one of the plurality of wearable stations (19a). FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the modular actuator (100) is mounted on a wearable station (19a) provided at a front portion with respect to the user (H). FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the modular actuator (100) is mounted on a wearable station (19a) provided at a rear portion with respect to the user (H). A cable (13) can transmit power generated in the modular actuator (100) to a first wearable band (81). For example, the cable (13) may not have elasticity. In this case, the cable (13) can transmit most of the power output from the modular actuator (100) to the user's body. As another example, the cable (13) may have elasticity. In this case, the cable (13) can absorb some of the power output from the modular actuator (100).

[0032] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically illustrating the internal appearance of a modular actuator according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, a wearable exercise device may include a modular actuator (100), a wearable member (see FIG. 1), a control unit (15), and a connection line (16). The modular actuator (100) may include a support frame (11) and an actuator (12). The modular actuator (100) may be mounted on the wearable member. The control unit (15) may transmit a signal to the actuator (12). The control unit (15) may transmit a signal to the actuator (12) via the connection line (16). As another example, the control unit (15) may wirelessly transmit a signal to the actuator (12) via Bluetooth.

[0034] The actuator (12) can be detachably connected to the support frame (11). The actuator (12) can rotate with respect to the support frame (11) while being connected to the support frame (11). The direction in which the actuator (12) is coupled to the support frame (11) and the direction of the rotation axis of the actuator (12) can be parallel to each other. The rotation axis of the actuator (12) can pass through the center of the actuator (12). The actuator (12) can have a shape that is radially symmetrical with respect to the center axis. For example, the actuator (12) can have an approximately cylindrical shape. Even if the actuator (12) rotates with respect to the support frame (11), the relative position of the actuator (12) with respect to the support frame (11) may not change.

[0035] The support frame (11) may include a frame base (111) disposed on a wearable member, a frame protrusion (112) formed to protrude from the frame base (111), a contact terminal (113) disposed on the frame base (111), and a frame hole (114) formed to penetrate the frame base (111). A screw (not shown) may be fastened to the frame hole (114).

[0036] The frame base (111) may have a plate shape.

[0037] The frame protrusion (112) may be fixed by being inserted at least partially into the actuator (12). The frame protrusion (112) may support a spring (not shown) provided in the actuator (12). The central axis of the frame protrusion (112) may be parallel to the rotation axis of the actuator (12). The frame protrusion (112) may have an approximately cylindrical shape.

[0038] A contact terminal (113) may be placed on the frame base (111). The contact terminal (113) may be physically and electrically connected to a pogo pin (124) of an actuator (12). The contact terminal (113) may have a ring shape. The contact terminal (113) may continuously maintain contact with a pogo pin (124) provided on the actuator even when the actuator (12) rotates.

[0039] The actuator (12) may include an actuator body (121), a protrusion receiving portion (122), a spring (123), a pogo pin (124), a cable hole (125), a battery (126), a motor (127), a reducer (128), and a printed circuit board (129).

[0040] The actuator body (121) may constitute the exterior of the actuator (12). The actuator body (121) may include a lower body (1211) and an upper body (1212) that are provided to be coupled to each other. The actuator body (121) may have a hollow interior.

[0041] A protrusion receiving portion (122) may be provided on one side of the actuator body (121). The protrusion receiving portion (122) may receive a frame protrusion (112). The protrusion receiving portion (122) may be formed in the central portion of the actuator body (121).

[0042] A spring (123) may be placed in the protrusion receiving portion (122). The spring (123) may support the support frame (11). The spring (123) may have a ring shape. The spring (123) may surround the frame protrusion (112). The inner diameter of the spring (123) may expand while the frame protrusion (112) is inserted. For example, the inner diameter of the spring (123) may expand from a first length (d1) to a second length (d2). Since the spring (123) is deformed, the restoring force of the spring (123) may strongly support the support frame (11).

[0043] The pogo pin (124) may be provided to transmit power and data signals. The data signals correspond to signal values ​​of various sensors. The pogo pin (124) may be provided to be movable with respect to the actuator body (121). The pogo pin (124) may be pressed by the support frame (11) while the support frame (11) and the actuator (12) are coupled. In this case, the pogo pin (124) may move inwardly of the actuator (12). The pogo pin (124) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple pogo pins (124) may be arranged in parallel in a direction from the center of the actuator body (121) toward the edge of the actuator body (121).

[0044] A cable hole (125) can be formed through the actuator body (121). The cable hole (125) can accommodate a cable (13, 14).

[0045] The battery (126) can be placed inside the actuator body (121). The battery (126) can supply power to the motor (127).

[0046] The motor (127) can be placed inside the actuator body (121). The motor (127) can generate power applied to the cables (13, 14).

[0047] A reducer (128) can be placed inside the actuator body (121). The reducer (128) can convert the intensity of power transmitted through the cables (13, 14). The reduction ratio of the reducer (128) can be controlled and adjusted by the control unit (15).

[0048] A printed circuit board (129) may be placed inside the actuator body (121). The printed circuit board (129) may receive a control signal from the control unit (15). A processor mounted on the printed circuit board (129) may output a signal for changing the reduction ratio of the reducer (128).

[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a frame protrusion according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 9, the frame protrusion (112) may include a protrusion base (1121), a protrusion body (1122) formed to protrude from the protrusion base (1121), and a protrusion groove (1123) formed to be recessed from a side surface of the protrusion body (1122). The protrusion body (1122) may include a body slope (1122a) at an upper end. The spring (123) may be linearly deformed while in contact with the body slope (1122a). The protrusion groove (1123a) may include a first groove slope (1123a), a groove bottom surface (1123b), and a second groove slope (1123b). The slope of the first groove slope (1123a) may be gentler than the slope of the second groove slope (1123b).

[0051] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the modular actuator may include a support frame (21) and an actuator (22). The support frame (21) may include a frame base (211) and a frame groove (212) formed recessed in a side surface of the frame base (211). The support frame (21) may include a contact terminal (113). The contact terminal (113) may have a ring shape.

[0053] The actuator (22) may include an actuator body (221) and an actuator arm (222) extending from a rim of the actuator body (221). The frame groove (212) may accommodate at least a portion of the actuator arm (222). The actuator (22) may include a pogo pin (224) that makes contact with the contact terminal (113).

[0054] Even if the actuator (22) rotates, the contact terminal (113) and the pogo pin (224) can maintain a contact state.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a modular actuator according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 12, a wearable exercise device may include a support frame (31), an actuator (32), a control unit (35), a connection line (36), and a wearing member (39). The support frame (31) may include a frame base (311), a frame protrusion (312), and a pogo pin (313). The pogo pin (313) is provided to be movable with respect to the frame protrusion (312). A plurality of pogo pins (313) may be provided. The actuator (32) may include an actuator body (321), a protrusion receiving portion (322), a spring (323), and a contact terminal (324). The contact terminal (324) may be provided on one side of the protrusion receiving portion (322).

[0057] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a wearable member worn on a part of a user's body; a support frame disposed on the wearable member; an actuator detachably connected to the support frame, physically and electrically connected to the support frame, and rotatable relative to the support frame; a cable connected to the actuator; a control unit disposed on the wearable member; and a connection line electrically connecting the control unit and the support frame.

[0058] In one embodiment, the actuator may include an actuator body connected to the support frame; a motor disposed inside the actuator body and generating power; a printed circuit board disposed inside the actuator body and receiving a signal from the control unit; and a battery disposed inside the actuator body and provided at a location spaced apart from the motor and the reducer.

[0059] In one embodiment, the actuator further includes a reducer that is disposed inside the actuator body, is connected to the motor, and converts the intensity of power transmitted through the cable, and a reduction ratio of the reducer can be adjusted by the control unit.

[0060] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a pogo pin that is arranged to be movable relative to the actuator body.

[0061] In one embodiment, the pogo pins are provided in a plurality, and the plurality of pogo pins can be arranged in a parallel direction from the center of the actuator body toward the edge of the actuator body.

[0062] In one embodiment, the support frame may include a frame base disposed on the wearable member; and a frame protrusion formed to protrude from the frame base, at least a portion of which is inserted into and fixed to the actuator.

[0063] In one embodiment, the support frame may further include a contact terminal formed on the frame base and contacting the pogo pin.

[0064] In one embodiment, the contact terminal may have a ring shape surrounding the frame protrusion with the frame protrusion as the center.

[0065] In one embodiment, the contact terminal and the pogo pin can always remain in contact while the actuator rotates 360 degrees with respect to the support frame.

[0066] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a protrusion receiving portion formed on the actuator body and receiving at least a portion of the frame protrusion; and a spring disposed on the protrusion receiving portion and supporting the protrusion receiving portion.

[0067] In one embodiment, the spring may have a ring shape and surround the frame protrusion.

[0068] In one embodiment, the frame protrusion may include a protrusion base that protrudes from the frame base and contacts the actuator body; a protrusion body that protrudes from the protrusion base and is inserted into the protrusion receiving portion; and a protrusion groove that is recessed into an outer surface of the protrusion body and receives at least a portion of the spring.

[0069] In one embodiment, the actuator may include an actuator body and an actuator arm extending from a periphery of the actuator body, and the support frame may include a frame base and a frame groove recessed into a side surface of the frame base and configured to receive at least a portion of the actuator arm.

[0070] In one embodiment, the actuator may include an actuator body, a protrusion receiving portion formed on the actuator body, and a plurality of contact terminals arranged on one side of the protrusion receiving portion, and the support frame may include a frame base, a frame protrusion formed to protrude from the frame base, and a pogo pin that is provided to be relatively movable with respect to the frame protrusion and to come into contact with the plurality of contact terminals.

[0071] In one embodiment, the rotational axis of the actuator may pass through the center of the actuator.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a modular actuator may include a support frame; and an actuator detachably connected to the support frame, physically and electrically connected to the support frame, and rotatable relative to the support frame, wherein the actuator may include an actuator body connected to the support frame; a motor disposed inside the actuator body and generating power; a printed circuit board disposed inside the actuator body and receiving a signal from the control unit; and a battery disposed inside the actuator body and provided at a location spaced apart from the motor and the reducer.

[0073] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a pogo pin that is arranged to be movable relative to the actuator body.

[0074] In one embodiment, the pogo pins are provided in a plurality, and the plurality of pogo pins can be arranged in a parallel direction from the center of the actuator body toward the edge of the actuator body.

[0075] In one embodiment, the support frame may include a frame base disposed on the wearable member; and a frame protrusion formed to protrude from the frame base, at least a portion of which is inserted into and fixed to the actuator.

[0076] In one embodiment, the support frame may further include a contact terminal formed on the frame base and contacting the pogo pin.

[0077] In one embodiment, features of the embodiments described above may be combined unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A wearable part worn on a part of the user's body; A support frame disposed on the above-mentioned wearing member; An actuator detachably connected to the support frame, physically and electrically connected to the support frame, and rotatable relative to the support frame; A cable connected to the above actuator; a control unit disposed on the above-mentioned wearable member; and A wearable exercise device comprising a connecting line electrically connecting the control unit and the support frame.

2. In paragraph 1, The above actuator, An actuator body connected to the above support frame; A motor disposed inside the actuator body and generating power; A printed circuit board arranged inside the actuator body and receiving a signal from the control unit; and A wearable exercise device comprising a battery disposed inside the actuator body and located at a position spaced from the motor and reducer.

3. In paragraph 2, The above actuator, Further comprising a reducer arranged inside the actuator body, connected to the motor, and converting the intensity of power transmitted through the cable; A wearable exercise device, wherein the reduction ratio of the above reducer can be controlled by the control unit.

4. In paragraph 2, The above actuator, A wearable exercise device further comprising a pogo pin that is arranged to be relatively movable with respect to the actuator body.

5. In paragraph 4, A wearable exercise device, wherein the pogo pins are provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple pogo pins are arranged in a parallel manner in a direction from the center of the actuator body toward the edge of the actuator body.

6. In paragraph 5, The above support frame, a frame base disposed on the above-mentioned wearable member; and A wearable exercise device comprising a frame protrusion formed by protruding from the frame base and at least a portion of which is inserted into and fixed to the actuator.

7. In paragraph 6, A wearable exercise device, wherein the support frame further includes a contact terminal formed on the frame base and contacting the pogo pin.

8. In paragraph 7, A wearable exercise device, wherein the above contact terminal has a ring shape surrounding the frame protrusion with the frame protrusion as the center.

9. In paragraph 8, A wearable exercise device, wherein the contact terminal and the pogo pin always maintain a contacted state while the actuator rotates 360 degrees with respect to the support frame.

10. In paragraph 6, The above actuator, A protrusion receiving portion formed on the actuator body and receiving at least a portion of the frame protrusion; and A wearable exercise device further comprising a spring disposed in the protrusion receiving portion and supporting the protrusion receiving portion.

11. In Article 10, A wearable exercise device wherein the spring has a ring shape and surrounds the frame protrusion.

12. In paragraph 10, The above frame protrusions are, A protrusion base formed by protruding from the frame base and in contact with the actuator body; A protrusion body formed by protruding from the protrusion base and inserted into the protrusion receiving portion; and A wearable exercise device comprising a protrusion groove formed in an outer surface of the protrusion body and accommodating at least a portion of the spring.

13. In paragraph 1, The above actuator includes an actuator body and an actuator arm extending from a periphery of the actuator body, A wearable exercise device, wherein the support frame comprises a frame base and a frame groove formed recessed into a side surface of the frame base and configured to receive at least a portion of the actuator arm.

14. In paragraph 1, The above actuator includes an actuator body, a projection receiving portion formed on the actuator body, and a plurality of contact terminals arranged on one side of the projection receiving portion. A wearable exercise device, wherein the support frame comprises a frame base, a frame protrusion formed to protrude from the frame base, and a pogo pin that is provided to be relatively movable with respect to the frame protrusion and comes into contact with the plurality of contact terminals.

15. In paragraph 1, A wearable exercise device, wherein the rotation axis of the actuator passes through the center of the actuator.

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