Wearable exercise device
The wearable exercise device addresses the challenge of cable guidance and friction in wearable devices by employing a cable guide system with flexible materials and magnetic support, ensuring smooth and flexible movement.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2024/015951
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-04
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing wearable exercise devices lack efficient mechanisms for providing targeted muscle strengthening and flexibility in guiding cables to ensure smooth movement and reduce friction, leading to potential wear and tear.
A wearable exercise device with a cable guide system featuring a cable tube, connector, and end cover made of flexible materials, along with a magnetic force mechanism using tube magnets and a cable holder to guide and support the cable, reducing friction and enhancing flexibility.
The device effectively guides and supports the cable, minimizing friction and wear, allowing for multiple directional movements and uniform cable winding, thereby improving user experience and device longevity.
Smart Images

Figure KR2024015951_10072025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
wearable exercise devices
[0001] The present invention relates to a wearable exercise device.
[0002] Users can perform various exercises while wearing a wearable exercise device. The user can strengthen their body's muscles by utilizing the tension applied to the wearable exercise device's cables.
[0003] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and configured to generate power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body directly or indirectly connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least part of which is wound around the spool and transmits power generated from the actuator to the distal wearing member, a cable guide directly or indirectly connected to the actuator, the cable guide guiding a path of the cable, and including a plurality of tube magnets having a ring shape, a cable magnet directly or indirectly connected to the cable and capable of passing through the plurality of tube magnets, and a cable holder directly or indirectly connected to the distal wearing member, supporting the cable magnet, and applying a magnetic force to the cable magnet. In one embodiment, the position of the cable wound around the spool changes in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, and the cable can be arranged to be bendable in multiple different directions.
[0004] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body directly or indirectly connected to the level guide shaft, a spool provided parallel to the level guide shaft, and an actuator including a level guide groove sunken into a surface of the level guide shaft, and a cable at least partially wound around the spool and transmitting power generated by the actuator to the distal wearing member. A position of the cable wound around the spool may change in a direction parallel to a direction of a rotational axis of the spool, and the level guide body may move in a direction of a rotational axis of the level guide shaft along the level guide groove.
[0005] In one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator disposed on the proximal wearing member and including a motor for generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, and a level guide body directly or indirectly connected to the level guide shaft, a cable at least partially wound around the level guide body and transmitting power generated by the actuator to the distal wearing member, a cable guide directly or indirectly connected to the proximal wearing member and guiding a path of the cable, a plurality of tube magnets having a ring shape, a cable guide including a cable tube wrapping at least a portion of the cable and having the plurality of tube magnets disposed therein, and a cable magnet directly or indirectly connected to the cable and capable of passing through the plurality of tube magnets. In one embodiment, a distance between adjacent tube magnets among the plurality of tube magnets may decrease as the cable gets closer to the distal wearing member in a traveling direction of the cable.
[0006] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body directly or indirectly connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least partly wound around the spool and transmitting power generated by the actuator to the distal wearing member, a cable magnet directly or indirectly connected to the cable, and a holder body supporting the cable magnet and directly or indirectly connected to the distal wearing member, a holder head extending from the holder body and having the cable magnet seated thereon, a holder groove recessed in the holder head and allowing the cable to pass therethrough, and a holder magnet disposed on the holder head and applying a magnetic force to the cable magnet.
[0007] In one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least a portion of which is wound around the spool and transmits power generated from the actuator to the distal wearing member, and a cable guide including a cable tube connected to the proximal wearing member and guiding a path of the cable and wrapping at least a portion of the cable, and a cable chain forming a path of the cable tube. In one embodiment, the cable chain may include a pair of rotating links and a link bearing connecting the pair of rotating links, the pair of rotating links being rotatable relative to each other, and the cable being bendable in a plurality of different directions.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cable guide according to one embodiment.
[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector according to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an extension link according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a rotary link according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a side view of an end cover according to one embodiment.
[0015] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating a ring part according to one embodiment.
[0016] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a friction reduction member cut along the cut line Ⅸ-Ⅸ of Fig. 8.
[0017] Fig. 10 is a side view illustrating the interior of an actuator according to one embodiment.
[0018] Fig. 11 is a side view illustrating the interior of an actuator according to one embodiment.
[0019] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a screw according to one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically illustrating a plurality of tube magnets and cable magnets according to one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a cable holder and a cable magnet according to one embodiment.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] When a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be at least other components in between.
[0025] 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.
[0026] The terms “on” and “to” as used in this specification include both “on” and “to” directly and indirectly.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating a user wearing a wearable exercise device according to one embodiment.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a wearable exercise device (1) according to one embodiment can assist a user (H) in movement or walking by utilizing the tension of a cable (12). The user (H) may be a human. It should be noted that the user (H) may also be an animal. A wearable exercise device (1) may include a proximal wearing member (91) including a support worn on a part of a body of a user (H), an actuator (11) that is easily attachable and detachable to the proximal wearing member (91), at least one cable (12) that receives power from the actuator (11) and transmits it to another part of the body of the user (H), a first distal wearing member (92) worn on a first part of the user (H), a second distal wearing member (93) worn on a second part of the user (H), and a cable guide (13) that is directly or indirectly connected to the actuator (11) and guides the path of the cable (12). Each of the distal wearing members (92) may include a support that directly or indirectly supports the cable (12).
[0032] In one embodiment, the proximal wearing member (91) may be worn on the proximal part of the user (H). It should be noted that the location where the proximal wearing member (91) is worn is not limited thereto. For example, the proximal wearing member (91) may be placed on the lower body, upper arm, lower arm, or foot of the user (H). The proximal wearing member (91) may be manufactured to have a shape suitable for the body part on which it is worn.
[0033] In one embodiment, the proximal wearing member (91) may include a support for supporting a plurality of wearing stations (94). The wearing station (94) refers to an area where the actuator (11) is mounted. For example, the wearing station (94) may be recessed into the inner side of the proximal wearing member (91). Here, the inner side of the proximal wearing member (91) is a side facing the body of the user (H). A fixing member (not shown) for fixing the actuator (11) may be provided in the wearing station (94). For example, the actuator (11) may be screw-connected to the wearing station (94). As another example, the actuator (11) may be attached to the wearing station (94). A Velcro structure may be provided in the wearing station (94). In one embodiment, the actuator (11) may be a modular actuator (11) that is directly or indirectly removably connected to the wearing station (94). The plurality of wearing stations (94) are illustrated as having four on the back, but it should be noted that the number and locations thereof are not limited thereto.
[0034] In one embodiment, the first and second parts on which the distal wearing member (92) is worn may be different parts from the parts on which the proximal wearing member (91) is worn. The first and second parts may be distal parts. For example, the first part of the user (H) may be the wrist of the user (H). For example, the second part of the user (H) may be the thigh of the user (H). It should be noted that the positions of the first and second parts are not limited thereto.
[0035] In one embodiment, the wearable exercise device (1) may include only one of the first distal wearing member (92) and the second distal wearing member (93). For example, the wearable exercise device (1) may include only the first distal wearing member (92) worn on the wrist to assist upper body movement of the user (H). In this case, the proximal wearing member (91) may have a shape like a vest worn on the upper body of the user (H) and wrapping around the chest. In another example, the wearable exercise device (1) may include only the second distal wearing member (93) worn on the thigh to assist lower body movement of the user (H). In this case, the proximal wearing member (91) may have a shape like a belt worn on the waist of the user (H). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a wearable exercise device (1) including a distal wearing member (93) worn on the thigh of a user (H) and a cable (12) directly or indirectly connected to the distal wearing member (93) will be described.
[0036] In one embodiment, the cable (12) can transmit power generated from the actuator (11) to the distal wearable member (93). For example, the cable (12) may not be elastic. In this case, the cable (12) can transmit most of the power output from the actuator (11) to the body of the user (H). In another example, the cable (12) may be elastic. In this case, the cable (12) can absorb some of the power output from the actuator (11).
[0037] In one embodiment, a plurality of cables (12) can receive power from one actuator (11) and transmit power to one distal wearing member (93). One actuator (11) can control the tension of the plurality of cables (12). For example, two cables (12) may be provided, which may be referred to as a front cable (12a) and a rear cable (12b), respectively. The front cable (12a) may extend from the actuator (11), pass through a cable guide (13a), and then be directly or indirectly connected to the front of the distal wearing member (93), and the rear cable (12b) may extend from the actuator (11), pass through a cable guide (13b), and then be directly or indirectly connected to the rear of the distal wearing member (93).
[0038] In one embodiment, the path of the cable (12) can be guided by a cable guide (13). One cable (12) can pass through one cable guide (13). The cable (12) extending from the actuator (11) can enter the interior of the cable guide (13) and then pass through the cable guide (13) to be directly or indirectly connected to the distal wearing member (93). The cable guide (13) can protect the cable (12) from external impact. In one embodiment, for appearance reasons, the cable guide (13) can be at least partially covered by the proximal wearing member (91).
[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cable guide according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an extension link according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a rotation link according to one embodiment.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a cable guide (13) according to one embodiment may include a cable tube (131), a connector (132), a cable chain (133), and an end cover (134). A connector (132) may be directly or indirectly connected to one end of the cable tube (131), and an end cover (134) may be directly or indirectly connected to the other end of the cable tube (131).
[0041] In one embodiment, the cable tube (131) may cover the cable (12). The cable (12) may move relative to the cable tube (131) inside the cable tube (131). To reduce friction between the cable (12) and the cable tube (131), the cable tube (131) may be formed of a material that is relatively flexible and has a smooth surface. For example, the cable tube (131) may be formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. Damage and wear of the cable (12) due to friction between the cable (12) and the cable tube (131) may be reduced.
[0042] In one embodiment, the cable tube (131) may be directly or indirectly connected to an actuator (e.g., actuator (11) of FIG. 1) via a connector (132). The interior of the cable tube (131) may be in communication with the interior of the actuator. The connector (132) may include a fixed part (1321), a rotating part (1322), an inner bearing (1323), and an outer bearing (1324).
[0043] In one embodiment, the fixed part (1321) may be directly or indirectly connected to the actuator. For example, the fixed part (1321) may be directly connected to the actuator via a threaded fixed body (1321a). However, it should be noted that the connection means between the fixed part (1321) and the actuator is not limited. The fixed part (1321) may include a fixed body (1321a) connected to the actuator, a base plate (1321b) having a central opening and a circular shape, and an inner wall (1321c) and an outer wall (1321d) extending from the base plate (1321b). The inner wall (1321c) may extend vertically from the inner edge of the base plate (1321b), and the outer wall (1321d) may extend vertically from the outer edge of the base plate (1321b). The cable (12) may pass through the perforated center of the base plate (1321b) and then reach the rotating part (1322).
[0044] In one embodiment, the rotating part (1322) can connect one end of the cable tube (131) to the fixed part (1321). The rotating part (1322) can include a rotating body (1322a) that is rotatably directly or indirectly connected to the fixed part (1321), and a rotating head (1322b) that is directly or indirectly connected to the rotating body (1322a). By inserting one end of the rotating body (1322a) into the inside of one end of the cable tube (131), arranging a packing (1325) on the outside of one end of the cable tube (131), and then directly or indirectly connecting the rotating body (1322a) and the rotating head (1322b), the cable tube (131) can be fixed to the rotating part (1322). For example, the rotating head (1322b) can be screw-connected to a screw thread formed on the surface of the rotating body (1322a). Here, the packing (1325) can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber.
[0045] In one embodiment, the rotating part (1322) can be rotatably connected directly or indirectly to the fixed part (1321). The other end of the rotating body (1322a) can be directly or indirectly connected to the fixed part (1321) via an inner bearing (1323) and an outer bearing (1324). The inner bearing (1323) can be supported by an inner wall (1321c), and the outer bearing (1324) can be supported by an outer wall (1321d). The diameter of the outer bearing (1324) can be larger than the diameter of the inner bearing (1323). The rotating part (1322) is supported by the inner bearing (1323) and the outer bearing (1324), and can rotate relative to the fixed part (1321). The rotation axis of the rotating part (1322) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rotating part (1322). From this structure, the degree of freedom of the cable tube (131) for the proximal wearing member may increase.
[0046] In one embodiment, a TPU coating layer (C) may be placed on the surfaces of the fixed body (1321a), the inner wall (1321c), and the rotating body (1322a) exposed to the passage through which the cable (12) travels, to reduce friction between the cable (12) and the connector (1322).
[0047] A cable chain (133) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of chain links (1331a, 1331b) that are connected to each other. A cable tube (131) may extend from the inside of the chain links (1331a, 1331b). Any one of the chain links (1331a, 1331b) may be rotatably connected to an adjacent chain link (1331a, 1331b). From this structure, the cable chain (133) may form a path of the cable tube (131). The chain links (1331a, 1331b) may be provided in a plurality of types having different structures to guide the direction of travel of the cable tube (131). Here, the direction of travel of the cable (12) refers to the direction of movement of the cable (12) toward the distal wearing member inside the cable tube (131).
[0048] In one embodiment, the chain link (1331a) may guide the path of the cable tube (131) so that it proceeds only on the same plane. At this time, the chain link (1331a) may be referred to as an extension link. Referring to FIG. 5 , the extension link (1331a) may be connected to the previously arranged extension link (1331a) so as to be rotatable (pitch rotated) about the y-axis. Referring to FIG. 5 , the direction of travel of the cable tube (131) may be guided by the extension link (1331a) in a direction of rotation about the y-axis.
[0049] In one embodiment, a pair of rollers (1332) may be arranged on the inside of the extension link (1331a). For example, the pair of rollers (1332) may be arranged at a point where two adjacent extension links (1331a) are connected. The rotational axis of the pair of rollers (1332) may be parallel to the rotational axis of the extension link (1331a). The cable tube (131) may pass between the pair of rollers (1332) and be supported by each roller (1332). With this structure, friction between the cable tube (131) and the cable chain (133) may be reduced. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the position at which the pair of rollers (1332) are arranged within the extension link (1331a) is not necessarily limited.
[0050] In one embodiment, a chain link (1331b) can change the path of a cable tube (131) that extends only on the same plane to another plane. In this case, the chain link (1331) may be referred to as a rotation link (1331b). As illustrated in FIG. 3, a pair of interconnected rotation links (1331b) may be positioned between a plurality of interconnected extension links (1331a).
[0051] In one embodiment, one end of the rotation link (1331b) may have the same structure as one end of the extension link (1331a) and may be connected to the extension link (1331a). The faces of the rotation links (1331b) facing each other may be connected to each other through a link bearing (1333). The diameter of the link bearing (1333) may be larger than the diameter of the cable tube (131) so that the cable tube (131) passes through the link bearing (1333). Referring to FIG. 6, a pair of rotation links (1331b) may rotate (roll) about the x-axis with respect to each other through the link bearing (1333). A plurality of extension links (1331a) each connected to a pair of rotation links (1331b) may rotate with respect to each other about the link bearing (1333). By arranging a pair of rotation links (1331b), the cable tube (131) and the cable (12) can be arranged to be foldable in multiple different directions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the front cable (12a), which extends from the user's back and wraps around the waist, can be folded downward from the user's abdomen and extended along the user's thigh.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a side view of an end cover according to one embodiment, FIG. 8 is a front view showing a ring part according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a friction reduction member cut along the cutting line Ⅸ-Ⅸ of FIG. 8.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, an end cover (134) according to one embodiment may cover at least a portion of a cable (12) exiting a cable tube (e.g., cable tube (131) of FIG. 3). The end cover (134) may include a cover body (1341) and at least one ring part (1343).
[0054] In one embodiment, a cover body (1341) may be connected to an end of a cable tube. The cover body (1341) may be formed of, for example, a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. The cover body (1341) may have a tapered structure in which the cross-sectional area increases as it moves away from the cable tube along the direction in which the cable (12) is traveling. With this structure, a sufficient range in which the cable (12) exiting the cable tube can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cable is traveling can be secured.
[0055] In one embodiment, the ring part (1343) is disposed on the inside of the cover body (1341) and can reduce friction between the cable (12) and the cover body (1341). In one embodiment, the ring part (1343) may be provided in multiple pieces and arranged parallel to each other. The ring part (1343) may include a ring base (1343a), a ring protrusion (1343b), and multiple friction reducing members (1343c).
[0056] In one embodiment, the ring base (1343a) may have a ring shape. The ring protrusion (1343b) may extend radially from the ring base (1343a). The ring protrusion (1343b) may be accommodated in a cover groove (1342) formed on the inside of the cover body (1341). For example, a plurality of ring protrusions (1343b) may be provided and spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the ring base (1343a). When the ring protrusions (1343b) of the ring part (1343) are accommodated in the cover groove (1342), the ring part (1343) may be fixed to the cover body (1341).
[0057] In one embodiment, a plurality of friction reducing members (1343c) may be directly or indirectly connected to the ring base (1343a) by penetrating through the ring base (1343a). The friction reducing members (1343c) may be spaced apart from the cover body (1341). The ring base (1343a) may penetrate the friction reducing members (1343c) in a curved shape rather than a straight line. In cross-section, a diameter (d1) of a hole in the friction reducing members (1343c) through which the ring base (1343a) penetrates may be larger than a thickness (d2) of the ring base (1343a) to the extent that the friction reducing members (1343c) can rotate relative to the ring base (1343a). When the cable (12) comes into contact with the friction reducing member (1343c), the friction reducing member (1343c) rotates relative to the ring base (1343a) while being swept by the cable (12), and the friction between the cover body (1341) and the cable (12) can be reduced.
[0058] In one embodiment, the size of the friction reduction member (1343c) may be smaller than the diameter of the cable (12), based on a cross-section viewed in the direction of travel of the cable (12). With this structure, the cable (12) can pass through the ring part (1343) without being caught between two adjacent friction reduction members (1343c). Meanwhile, it should be noted that the shape of the friction reduction member (1343c) may vary. For example, the friction reduction member (1343c) may have a roller shape rather than a ball shape.
[0059] FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views illustrating the interior of an actuator according to one embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a screw according to one embodiment.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, an actuator (11) according to one embodiment can uniformly wind a cable (12) and maintain the cable (12) extending from the inside to the outside of the actuator (11) at a uniform height. Here, the height of the cable (12) is the distance to the cable (12) measured based on the bottom surface of the housing (111). The actuator (11) may include a housing (111), a level guide shaft (112), a level guide body (114), a spool (116), and a screw (118).
[0061] In one embodiment, the housing (111) can surround a motor (not shown), a reducer (not shown), a level guide shaft (112), a level guide body (114), a spool (116), and a screw (118). One end of the cable (12) can be fixed to the spool (116). As the spool (116) rotates in one direction and in the other direction opposite to the one direction, at least a portion of the cable (12) can be wound around or unwound from the spool (116). The position of the cable (12) wound around the spool (116) can be changed in a direction parallel to the rotational axis direction of the spool (116) by the level guide shaft (112) and the level guide body (114).
[0062] In one embodiment, the level guide shaft (112) may be arranged parallel to the spool (116). The level guide shaft (112) is connected to the spool (116) via a first pulley belt (117) and may receive power from a motor to rotate together with the spool (116). The rotation axis of the level guide shaft (112) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the level guide shaft (112) and parallel to the rotation axis of the spool (116).
[0063] In one embodiment, the level guide body (114) can be directly or indirectly connected to the level guide shaft (112). The center of the level guide body (114) can be penetrated by the level guide shaft (112). The level guide body (114) can support the upper and lower sides of the cable (12), respectively. From this structure, when the level guide body (114) moves up and down on the level guide shaft (112), the portion of the cable (12) supported by the level guide body (114) can move up and down. Here, the up and down direction is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the level guide shaft (112).
[0064] In one embodiment, a portion of the level guide body (114) may be movably connected, directly or indirectly, to a support bar (115) fixed within the housing (111). For example, the support bar (115) may penetrate the level guide body (114). By constraining the level guide body (114) to the support bar (115), the level guide shaft (112) may rotate relative to the level guide body (114). When the level guide shaft (112) rotates, the level guide body (114) may move up and down along a level guide groove (113) formed in a surface of the level guide shaft (112).
[0065] In one embodiment, the level guide body (114) can be connected to the level guide shaft (112) at least through a guide protrusion (not shown). The guide protrusion can be provided on the inner side of the level guide body (114) facing the level guide shaft (112). The guide protrusion can be accommodated in a level guide groove (113) formed on the surface of the level guide shaft (112). The guide protrusion can rotate about the rotation axis in the direction in which it protrudes from the level guide body (114).
[0066] In one embodiment, the level guide groove (113) may have a diamond pattern shape. When the level guide shaft (112) rotates, the diagonal direction (e.g., upward right) of the level guide groove (113) that guides the level guide body (114) upward and the diagonal direction (e.g., downward right) of the level guide groove (113) that guides the level guide body (114) downward may be different. For example, when the guide protrusion is accommodated in the level guide groove (113) that is formed upward right and the level guide shaft (112) rotates in one direction, the level guide body (114) can reach the upper end of the level guide shaft (112). Thereafter, the guide protrusion can rotate relative to the level guide body (114) so as to be accommodated in the level guide groove (113) that is formed downward right along the upper boundary of the level guide groove (113) that extends from upward right to downward right. The level guide body (114) can reach the lower end of the level guide shaft (112) by receiving the guide protrusion in the level guide groove (113) formed downwardly and rotating the level guide shaft (112) in one direction. Then, the guide protrusion can be received in the level guide groove (113) formed upwardly along the lower boundary of the level guide groove (113) extending from downwardly to upwardly.
[0067] From this mechanism, when the level guide shaft (112) continues to rotate in one direction or the opposite direction, the level guide body (114) can reciprocate in a direction parallel to the rotational axis direction of the level guide shaft (112). As the level guide body (114) moves along the level guide groove (113), the height of the cable (12) wound around the spool (116) changes, and the cable (12) can be uniformly wound around the spool (116). Twisting and wear of the cable (12) can be reduced.
[0068] In one embodiment, at least a portion of a cable (12) extending from the level guide body (114) to the exterior of the housing (111) may contact a screw (118). The screw (118) may maintain the cable (12) exiting the exterior of the housing (111) at a uniform height. The screw (118) may include a screw shaft (1181), a clutch (1182), a screw body (1183), an upper thread (1184), a lower thread (1185), and a core groove (1186).
[0069] In one embodiment, the screw shaft (1181) may be arranged parallel to the level guide shaft (112). The screw shaft (1181) may rotate by receiving power from the level guide shaft (112). For example, the screw shaft (1181) and the level guide shaft (112) may be connected to each other via a second pulley belt (119). The rotation axis of the screw shaft / shaft (1181) may be parallel to the rotation axis of the level guide shaft / shaft (112).
[0070] In one embodiment, the clutch (1182) surrounds the screw shaft (1181) and can transmit power in only one direction about the screw shaft (1181). The clutch (1182) may be a one-way clutch. In one embodiment, the clutch (1182) may include an inner race (1182a), an outer race (1182b), and a rolling element (1182c). The inner race (1182a) may have a structure having a plurality of protrusions that protrude in height as they get farther away from the rotational axis along a circumference centered on the rotational axis. When the inner ring (1182a) rotates relative to the outer ring (1182b) in one direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 12), the rolling element (1182c) may roll relative to the outer ring (1182b), thereby causing the inner ring (1182a) to rotate relative to the outer ring (1182b). In this case, power may not be transmitted from the inner ring (1182a) to the outer ring (1182b). Conversely, when the inner ring (1182a) rotates relative to the outer ring (1182b) in one direction opposite to the direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 12), the distance between the inner ring (1182a) and the outer ring (1182b) facing one rolling element (1182c) decreases, and the rolling element (1182c) may be caught between the inner ring (1182a) and the outer ring (1182b). In this case, the outer ring (1182b) rotates together with the inner ring (1182a), and power can be transmitted from the inner ring (1182a) to the outer ring (1182b). It should be noted in advance that the rolling element (1182c) can have various shapes, such as a ball, a roller, or a sprag.
[0071] In one embodiment, the screw body (1183) can surround the clutch (1182). The screw body (1183) can rotate in only one direction by receiving power from the outer ring (1182b) of the clutch (1182).
[0072] In one embodiment, the upper thread (1184), the lower thread (1185), and the core groove (1186) may be formed on the surface of the screw body (1183). The core groove (1186) may be formed by being recessed into the surface of the screw body (1183) and may be formed between the upper thread (1184) and the lower thread (1185). For example, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the screw body (1183), the height at which the lower thread (1185) is formed may be the same as the height at which the upper thread (1184) is formed. The cable (12) secured to the core groove (1186) may move in a direction intersecting the rotational axis of the screw body (1183). For example, a cable (12) secured in a core groove (1186) can move in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the screw body (1183), and the entire cable (12) can proceed in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the housing (111).
[0073] In one embodiment, the upper thread (1184) and the lower thread (1185) can guide the cable (12) to be seated in the core groove (1186). The directions in which the upper thread (1184) and the lower thread (1185) are formed can be opposite to each other. For example, when power is transmitted to the outer ring (1182b) by the inner ring (1182a) rotating counterclockwise with respect to the outer ring (1182b) as shown in FIG. 12, the upper thread (1184) can be formed as a right-hand thread and the lower thread (1185) can be formed as a left-hand thread. From this structure, the screw body (1183) receives power from the clutch (1182) and rotates only counterclockwise, and the upper screw thread (1184) and the lower screw thread (1185) can always guide the cable (12) to the core groove (1186). For example, when the cable (12) is seated on the upper screw thread (1184), the screw body (1183) rotates counterclockwise, so that the cable (12) can be seated on the core groove (1186) along the upper screw thread (1184). As another example, when the cable (12) is seated on the lower screw thread (1185), the screw body (1183) rotates counterclockwise, so that the cable (12) can be seated on the core groove (1186) along the lower screw thread (1185). Even if the cable (12) is temporarily detached from the screw (118), the cable (12) can be brought back into contact with the screw (118) and remain seated in the core groove (1186). Friction acting on the cable (12) entering the fixed body of the cable guide (e.g., the fixed body (1321a) of FIG. 4) from the actuator (11) can be reduced.
[0074] FIG. 13 is a side view schematically illustrating a plurality of tube magnets and cable magnets according to one embodiment.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 13, a plurality of tube magnets (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e) having a ring shape are arranged on the inside of a cable tube (131) according to one embodiment, and a cable magnet (14) may be connected to the other end of the cable (12). For example, the cable magnet (14) may have a ring shape that penetrates the cable (12). By a knot formed at the end of the cable (12), the cable magnet (14) may not be separated from the cable (12). The other end of the cable (12) enters the inside of the cable tube (131) through a connector (e.g., connector (132) of FIG. 3), passes through the cable tube (131) through the magnetic force between a plurality of tube magnets (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e) and the cable magnet (14), and can then be connected to a distal wearing member (e.g., distal wearing member (93) of FIG. 1).
[0076] In one embodiment, a plurality of tube magnets (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e) may be provided. Inside the cable tube (131), the distance between adjacent tube magnets among the plurality of tube magnets (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e) may decrease as they get closer to the distal wearing member in the direction of travel of the cable (12). For example, five tube magnets (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e) are illustrated in FIG. 13, and may be referred to as a first tube magnet (135a), a second tube magnet (135b), a third tube magnet (135c), a fourth tube magnet (135d), and a fifth tube magnet (135e) in that order based on the direction of travel of the cable (12).
[0077] In one embodiment, when the cable (12) approaches the cable tube (131), the first tube magnet (135a) applies a magnetic force to the cable magnet (14), and the cable magnet (14) and the cable (12) can move in the forward direction inside the cable tube (131). As the cable (12) moves in the forward direction, the cable magnet (14) can reach between the first tube magnet (135a) and the second tube magnet (135b). At this time, the magnetic force that the second to fifth tube magnets (135b) to the fifth tube magnets (135e) apply to the cable magnet (14) may be greater than the magnetic force that the first tube magnet (135a) applies to the cable magnet (14). By the magnetic force, the cable magnet (14) moves toward the second tube magnet (135b), and the cable (12) can move in the forward direction. As the cable (12) moves in the forward direction, the cable magnet (14) can reach between the second tube magnet (135b) and the third tube magnet (135c). At this time, the magnetic force that the third to fifth tube magnets (135c) to the fifth tube magnets (135e) apply to the cable magnet (14) may be greater than the magnetic force that the first to second tube magnets (135a) and the second to third tube magnets (135b) apply to the cable magnet (14). By the magnetic force, the cable magnet (14) moves toward the third tube magnet (135c), and the cable (12) can move in the forward direction. Through this process, the cable magnet (14) that has passed through the first tube magnet (135a) can pass through the fifth tube magnet (135e) by magnetic force alone and exit the cable tube (131). The process of the cable (12) passing through the cable tube (131) can be simplified.
[0078] Up to now, the number of tube magnets (135a, 135b, 135c, 135d, 135e) has been described as five, but it should be noted that the number of multiple tube magnets arranged within the cable tube (131) may be more or less than five.
[0079] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a cable holder and a cable magnet according to one embodiment.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 14, a cable (12) according to one embodiment can be connected to a distal wearing member (e.g., a distal wearing member (93) of FIG. 1) through a cable holder (15). The cable holder (15) can support a cable magnet (14) and apply a magnetic force to the cable magnet (14). The distal wearing member and the cable (12) can be connected through a hooking structure and a magnetic force. The connection structure and connection process between the distal wearing member and the cable (12) can be simplified. The cable holder (15) can include a holder body (151), a holder head (152), a holder groove (153), and a holder magnet (154).
[0081] In one embodiment, the holder body (151) may be connected to a distal wearing member. For example, the lower portion of the holder body (151) may extend further downward to form a ring (not shown), and the distal wearing member may be connected to the ring of the holder body. With reference to FIG. 14, the downward direction refers to the -z direction.
[0082] In one embodiment, the holder head (152) may extend from the holder body (151) and cover at least a portion of the cable magnet (14). The holder head (152) may have a cup shape having a seating space therein.
[0083] In one embodiment, the holder groove (153) may be formed recessed in the holder head (152). The holder groove (153) may be formed recessed from the outside toward the center of the holder head (152) and may be connected to a seating space of the holder head (152). When the cable (12) passes through the holder groove (153) and is aligned with the center of the holder head (152), and the cable (12) is pulled away from the distal wearing member, the cable magnet (14) may be brought closer to the holder head (152). When the cable magnet (14) reaches a specific position, the magnetic force of the holder magnet (154) arranged inside the holder head (152) may act on the cable magnet (14). The cable magnet (14) may be seated in the seating space by the magnetic force and may remain supported by the holder head (152). Meanwhile, it is to be noted that the holder magnet (154) may be placed on the surface of the holder head (152) facing the cable magnet (14).
[0084] In one embodiment, a cap (16) may be additionally connected to the cable (12). The cap (16) may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber, for example. The cap (16) may be positioned between the holder head (152) and the cable magnet (14). The cap (16) may directly contact the holder head (152) instead of the cable magnet (14). When a large force is applied to the cable (12) due to a sudden movement of the user, etc., the degree to which the cable magnet (14) is pressed by the holder head (152) is reduced, and damage and breakage of the cable magnet (14) may be reduced.
[0085] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least partly wound around the spool and transmitting power generated from the actuator to the distal wearing member, a cable guide connected to the proximal wearing member and guiding a path of the cable, the cable guide including a plurality of tube magnets having a ring shape, a cable magnet connected to the cable and capable of passing through the plurality of tube magnets, and a cable holder connected to the distal wearing member, supporting the cable magnet, and applying a magnetic force to the cable magnet. In one embodiment, the position of the cable wound around the spool changes in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, and the cable can be arranged to be bendable in multiple different directions.
[0086] In one embodiment, the actuator further includes a level guide groove formed recessed in a surface of the level guide shaft, and the level guide body can move in the direction of the rotational axis of the level guide shaft along the level guide groove.
[0087] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a screw that contacts at least a portion of a cable extending from the level guide body.
[0088] In one embodiment, the screw may include a screw shaft that rotates by receiving power from the level guide shaft, a clutch that surrounds the screw shaft and transmits power in only one direction about the screw shaft, a screw body that surrounds the clutch, upper screw threads and lower screw threads formed on a surface of the screw body, and a core groove formed between the upper screw threads and the lower screw threads.
[0089] In one embodiment, the cable secured in the core groove can move in a direction intersecting the rotational axis of the screw body.
[0090] In one embodiment, when the screw body rotates, the upper thread and the lower thread can guide the cable to be seated in the core groove.
[0091] In one embodiment, the spacing between adjacent tube magnets among the plurality of tube magnets may decrease as the distance between adjacent tube magnets approaches the distal wearing member, based on the direction of travel of the cable.
[0092] In one embodiment, when the cable magnet is positioned between the plurality of tube magnets, a magnetic force applied to the cable magnet by the tube magnet disposed between the cable magnet and the distal wearing member may be greater than a magnetic force applied to the cable magnet by the tube magnet disposed between the cable magnet and the proximal wearing member, based on the direction of travel of the cable.
[0093] In one embodiment, the cable holder may include a holder body connected to the distal wearing member, a holder head extending from the holder body and having the cable magnet mounted thereon, a holder groove formed in the holder head and through which the cable can pass, and a holder magnet disposed in the holder head and applying a magnetic force to the cable magnet.
[0094] In one embodiment, the holder head may further include a cap supported by the holder head and positioned between the holder magnet and the cable magnet.
[0095] In one embodiment, the cap may be formed of an elastic material.
[0096] In one embodiment, the cable guide may further include a cable tube that surrounds at least a portion of the cable and has the plurality of tube magnets disposed therein, a connector that connects one end of the cable tube to the actuator, and a cable chain that forms a path of the cable tube.
[0097] In one embodiment, the cable chain includes a pair of rotary links and a link bearing connecting the pair of rotary links, wherein the pair of rotary links can be arranged to be rotatable relative to each other.
[0098] In one embodiment, the cable chain may further include an end cover connected to the other end of the cable tube and covering at least a portion of the cable exiting the cable tube.
[0099] In one embodiment, the end cover may include a cover body having a structure in which a cross-sectional area increases as it moves away from the cable tube, and a ring part that reduces friction between the cable and the cover body.
[0100] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body connected to the level guide shaft, a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, and a level guide groove formed in a recess on a surface of the level guide shaft, and a cable at least part of which is wound around the spool and transmits power generated by the actuator to the distal wearing member. A position of the cable wound around the spool may change in a direction parallel to a rotational axis direction of the spool, and the level guide body may move in a rotational axis direction of the level guide shaft along the level guide groove.
[0101] In one embodiment, the actuator may further include a screw that contacts at least a portion of a cable extending from the level guide body.
[0102] In one embodiment, the screw may include a screw shaft that rotates by receiving power from the level guide shaft, a clutch that surrounds the screw shaft and transmits power in only one direction about the screw shaft, a screw body that surrounds the clutch, upper screw threads and lower screw threads formed on a surface of the screw body, and a core groove formed between the upper screw threads and the lower screw threads.
[0103] In one embodiment, when the screw body rotates, the upper thread and the lower thread can guide the cable to be seated in the core groove.
[0104] In one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator disposed on the proximal wearing member and including a motor that generates power, a level guide shaft that rotates by the motor, a level guide body connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least partly wound around the spool and transmitting power generated by the actuator to the distal wearing member, a cable guide connected to the proximal wearing member and guiding a path of the cable, a plurality of tube magnets having a ring shape, a cable tube that surrounds at least a portion of the cable and has the plurality of tube magnets disposed therein, and a cable magnet connected to the cable and capable of passing through the plurality of tube magnets. In one embodiment, a distance between adjacent tube magnets among the plurality of tube magnets may decrease as the cable gets closer to the distal wearing member, based on a direction of travel of the cable.
[0105] According to one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least partly wound around the spool and transmitting power generated by the actuator to the distal wearing member, a cable magnet connected to the cable, and a holder body supporting the cable magnet and connected to the distal wearing member, a holder head extending from the holder body and having the cable magnet seated thereon, a holder groove recessed in the holder head and allowing the cable to pass therethrough, and a holder magnet disposed on the holder head and applying a magnetic force to the cable magnet.
[0106] In one embodiment, a wearable exercise device may include a proximal wearing member worn on a proximal portion of a user, a distal wearing member worn on a distal portion of the user, an actuator including a motor disposed on the proximal wearing member and generating power, a level guide shaft rotated by the motor, a level guide body connected to the level guide shaft, and a spool provided in parallel with the level guide shaft, a cable at least a portion of which is wound around the spool and transmits power generated from the actuator to the distal wearing member, and a cable guide including a cable tube connected to the proximal wearing member and guiding a path of the cable and wrapping at least a portion of the cable, and a cable chain forming a path of the cable tube. In one embodiment, the cable chain may include a pair of rotating links and a link bearing connecting the pair of rotating links, the pair of rotating links being rotatable relative to each other, and the cable being bendable in a plurality of different directions.
[0107] Each embodiment described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment(s) described herein.
[0108] In one embodiment, features of the embodiments described above may be combined unless it is technically clearly impossible.
[0109] 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.
[0110] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.
Claims
1. In wearable exercise devices, The above wearable exercise device, A proximal wearing member comprising a support and configured to be worn on the proximal portion of a user; A distal wearing member comprising a support and configured to be worn on a distal portion of said user; An actuator comprising a motor disposed at least partially on said proximal wearing member, said motor generating power, a level guide shaft configured to be rotated by said motor, a level guide body connected to said level guide shaft, and a spool provided substantially parallel to said level guide shaft; A cable, at least part of which is wound around said spool and which transmits power generated from said actuator to said distal wearing member; A cable guide connected to the actuator and guiding the path of the cable, the cable guide comprising a plurality of tube magnets having a substantially ring shape; A cable magnet connected to the above cable and capable of passing through the plurality of tube magnets; and A cable holder connected to the above-mentioned distal wearing member, supporting the above-mentioned cable magnet, and applying magnetic force to the above-mentioned cable magnet; Including, The above device is configured so that the position of the cable wound around the spool changes in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the spool, The above cable is configured to be bendable in multiple different directions. Wearable exercise devices.
2. In paragraph 1, The above actuator, Further comprising a level guide groove formed sunken into the surface of the above level guide axis, A wearable exercise device, wherein the level guide body is configured to be movable in the direction of the rotation axis of the level guide axis along the level guide groove.
3. In paragraph 1, The above actuator, A wearable exercise device further comprising a screw with which at least a portion of a cable extending from the level guide body is in contact.
4. In paragraph 3, The above screw, A screw shaft configured to rotate by receiving power from the above level guide shaft; A clutch that surrounds the screw shaft and transmits power in only one direction around the screw shaft; A screw body at least partially enclosing said clutch; Upper threads and lower threads on the surface of the screw body; and A wearable exercise device comprising a core groove formed between at least the upper screw thread and the lower screw thread.
5. In paragraph 4, A wearable exercise device, wherein the cable secured in the core groove is configured to move in a direction intersecting the rotational axis of the screw body.
6. In paragraph 4, The above device, When the above screw body rotates, A wearable exercise device, wherein the upper screw thread and the lower screw thread are configured to guide the cable to be seated in the core groove.
7. In paragraph 1, A wearable exercise device, wherein the spacing between adjacent tube magnets among the plurality of tube magnets decreases as it gets closer to the distal wearing member based on the direction of travel of the cable.
8. In paragraph 1, The above device, When the above cable magnet is located between the above multiple tube magnets, A wearable exercise device, wherein, based on the direction of travel of the cable, a magnetic force applied to the cable magnet by a tube magnet disposed between the cable magnet and the distal wearing member is configured to be greater than a magnetic force applied to the cable magnet by a tube magnet disposed between the cable magnet and the proximal wearing member.
9. In paragraph 1, The above cable holder, A holder body connected to the above distal wearing member; A holder head extending from the holder body and on which the cable magnet is mounted; A holder groove formed in the holder head and through which the cable can pass; and A wearable exercise device comprising a holder magnet disposed on the holder head and applying magnetic force to the cable magnet.
10. In paragraph 9, A wearable exercise device further comprising a cap supported by the holder head and disposed between at least the holder magnet and the cable magnet.
11. In Article 10, A wearable exercise device, wherein the cap comprises an elastic material.
12. In paragraph 1, The above cable guide, A cable tube wrapping at least a portion of said cable, said plurality of tube magnets being arranged inside; a connector connecting one end of the above cable tube to the above actuator; and A wearable exercise device further comprising a cable chain forming a path of the cable tube.
13. In paragraph 12, The above cable chain, a pair of rotating links; and Including a link bearing connecting the above pair of rotating links, A wearable exercise device, wherein the pair of rotary links are configured to be rotatable relative to each other.
14. In paragraph 13, The above cable chain, A wearable exercise device further comprising an end cover connected to the other end of the cable tube and covering at least a portion of a cable coming out of the cable tube.
15. In paragraph 14, The above end cover, A cover body including a portion having an increasing cross-sectional area as it moves away from the cable tube; and A wearable exercise device comprising a ring part configured to reduce friction between the cable and the cover body.
Citation Information
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