Wearable device and electronic device having electric shock prevention means for electrode part, and charging control method

Abstract

Disclosed are a wearable device and an electronic device having an electric shock prevention means for an electrode part, and a charging control method. The electronic device comprises: a battery; a first charging terminal connected to a power cable to receive a charging current from an external power source; a second charging terminal that includes contact electrodes in contact with electrodes of a charging device and receives the charging current from the charging device; and a charging control circuit that is electrically connected to the first charging terminal and the second charging terminal and charges the battery on the basis of the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal or the second charging terminal. The charging control circuit includes a first circuit element that blocks at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal from flowing to the contact electrodes when the charging current is supplied through the first charging terminal.

Description

Wearable device and electronic device having electric shock prevention means for electrode portion, and charging control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wearable device and an electronic device having an electric shock prevention means for an electrode portion, and a charging control method.

[0002] In general, a walking assistance device is a device or apparatus that helps patients who are unable to walk independently due to various diseases or accidents to perform walking exercises for rehabilitation and / or to assist people in exercising. Recently, as the aging society deepens, the number of people who have difficulty walking normally or complain of discomfort when walking due to leg joint problems is increasing, and interest in walking assistance devices is also increasing. Walking assistance devices can be worn on the user's body to assist the necessary muscle strength and / or guide the user's walking so that the user can walk with a normal walking pattern, thereby assisting exercise and / or walking. These walking assistance devices can also perform functions that assist the user with various leg exercises (e.g., power walking, jogging, stair climbing, lunges, stretching).

[0003] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. None of the above is claimed to be prior art related to the present disclosure, nor can it be used to determine prior art.

[0004] The solution to this problem is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that are further explained in the detailed description below. It is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed composition, nor is it intended to assist in determining the scope of the claimed composition.

[0005] A wearable device according to an embodiment may include a motor that generates torque based on electric energy supplied from a battery, a torque transmission frame for transmitting the generated torque to a user's leg, a thigh fastening part for fixing the torque transmission frame to the user's leg, a processor for controlling the operation of the motor, and a battery charging circuit for controlling charging of the battery. The battery charging circuit may include a battery, a first charging terminal connected to a power cable for receiving charging current from an external power source, a second charging terminal for receiving charging current from a charging device, and a charging control circuit electrically connected to the first charging terminal and the second charging terminal and charging the battery based on the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal or the second charging terminal. The second charging terminal may include contact electrodes that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device. The charging control circuit may include a first circuit element that blocks at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal from flowing to the contact electrodes when the charging current is supplied to the wearable device through the first charging terminal.

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a battery, a first charging terminal connected to a power cable to receive charging current from an external power source, a second charging terminal to receive charging current from a charging device, and a charging control circuit electrically connected to the first charging terminal and the second charging terminal and charging the battery based on a charging current supplied through the first charging terminal or the second charging terminal, wherein the second charging terminal may include contact electrodes that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device. The charging control circuit may include a first circuit element that blocks at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal from flowing to the contact electrodes when the charging current is supplied to the electronic device through the first charging terminal.

[0007] A charging control method of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include an operation of receiving a charging current from an external power source through a first charging terminal when a first charging terminal of the electronic device is connected to an external power source through a power cable, an operation of receiving a charging current from a charging device through a second charging terminal when a second charging terminal of the electronic device is connected to a charging device, and an operation of charging a battery of the electronic device by a charging control circuit of the electronic device based on the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal or the second charging terminal. The second charging terminal may include contact electrodes that are in contact with electrodes of the charging device. When the charging current is received through the first charging terminal, at least a portion of the charging current received from the first charging terminal may be blocked from flowing to the contact electrodes by a first circuit element of the electronic device.

[0008] These and / or other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an overview of a wearable device worn on a user's body according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an exercise assistance system according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear schematic diagram of a wearable device according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of a wearable device worn on a user's body according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating configurations of an electronic system of a wearable device according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating charging of a battery of a wearable device according to various embodiments using a wired charging method.

[0015] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining that the battery of a wearable device according to various embodiments is charged by a wireless charging method.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining that the second charging terminal is implemented in a non-exposed form according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are drawings for explaining how the flow of charging current is controlled within a charging control circuit according to a battery charging method according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating configurations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operations of a charging control method according to various embodiments.

[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]

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an overview of a wearable device worn on a user's body according to various embodiments.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a wearable device (100) may be a device worn on a user's (110) body to assist the user's (110) walking, exercising, and / or working. The wearable device (100) may also be used to measure the user's (110) physical ability (e.g., walking ability, exercise ability, exercise posture). In a specific embodiment, the term 'wearable device' may be replaced with 'wearable robot', 'walking assistance device', or 'exercise assistance device'. The user (110) may be a person who wears the wearable device (100) and walks, exercises, or works.

[0024] A wearable device (100) may be worn on a user's (110) body (e.g., lower body (legs, ankles, knees, etc.) and / or upper body (torso, arms, wrists, etc.)) to apply external forces, such as assistance force and / or resistance force, to the body movements of the user (110). Assistance force refers to a force applied in the same direction as the body movement direction of the user (110), and represents a force that assists the body movements of the user (110). Resistance force refers to a force applied in the opposite direction to the body movement direction of the user (110), and represents a force that hinders the body movements of the user (110). The term 'resistance force' may also be referred to as 'exercise load'.

[0025] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may operate in a walking assistance mode to assist the walking of a user (110). In the walking assistance mode, the wearable device (100) may assist the walking of the user (110) by applying an assistive force generated from a driving module (including a motor) of the wearable device (100) to the body of the user (110). The wearable device (100) may enable the user (110) to walk independently or to walk for a long time by assisting the force required for walking of the user (110), thereby expanding the walking ability of the user (110). The wearable device (100) may also help improve the walking of a user with abnormal walking habits or walking posture.

[0026] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may operate in an exercise assistance mode to enhance the exercise effect of the user (110) or to provide various exercise experiences to the user (110). The exercise assistance mode may include a resistance mode and an assistance mode. The resistance mode of the exercise assistance mode refers to a mode that impedes the body movement of the user (110) or provides resistance to the body movement of the user (110) by applying a resistance force generated from a driving module to the body of the user (110). If the wearable device (100) is a hip-type wearable device worn on the waist (or pelvis) and legs (e.g., thighs) of the user (110), the wearable device (100) may provide an exercise load to the leg movement of the user (110) while being worn on the legs in the resistance mode, thereby further enhancing the exercise effect on the legs of the user (110). The assist mode of the exercise assistance mode refers to a mode in which an assistive force is applied to the body of the user (110) to assist the body movement of the user (110). In the assist mode, an assistive force, which is a force in the same direction as the body movement, is provided to the user (110). For example, when a disabled person or an elderly person wears a wearable device (100) and exercises, the wearable device (100) may provide an assistive force to assist the body movement. In the assistive mode, the wearable device (100) may provide a force in the same direction as the leg movement direction of the user (110), and the user (110) may perform an exercise with less force through the force provided from the wearable device (100). In an exercise program performed using the wearable device (100), the resistance mode and the assistive mode may be operated in combination. For example, the wearable device (100) may provide an assistive force and a resistance force in combination for each exercise section or time section, such as providing an assistive force in some exercise sections and a resistance force in other exercise sections.

[0027] In the exercise assistance mode, various exercise programs can be operated according to the exercise purpose and / or the physical ability of the user (110). The exercise program is exercise content performed by the user (110) using the wearable device (100), and may include, for example, aerobic exercise, strength training, postural balancing exercise, or any combination thereof. The type of exercise program is not limited thereto and may vary. Depending on the exercise program performed by the wearable device (100), the resistance mode and the assistance mode may be appropriately operated in an alternating manner, and a target exercise speed suitable for the physical condition (e.g., heart rate) of the user (110) while performing the exercise may be guided to the user.

[0028] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may operate in a physical ability measurement mode for measuring the physical ability of a user (110). The wearable device (100) may measure movement information of the user (110) using a sensor (e.g., an angle sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU)) provided in the wearable device (100) while the user (110) walks and / or exercises, and may evaluate the physical ability of the user (110) based on the measured movement information. For example, the gait index (e.g., number of steps, total walking distance, stride) or the exercise ability index (e.g., muscle strength, exercise endurance, postural balance) of the user (110) may be estimated through the movement information of the user (110) measured by the wearable device (100).

[0029] In a specific embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a hip-type wearable device (100) as illustrated in FIG. 1 is used as an example, but the scope of the embodiment is not limited thereto. As described above, the wearable device (100) may also be worn on other body parts (e.g., upper arms, lower arms, hands, calves, or feet) other than the waist and thighs. The shape and configuration of the wearable device (100) may vary depending on the body part on which it is worn.

[0030] The wearable device (100) includes a support frame (e.g., a waist support frame (20) of FIG. 3) for supporting the body of the user (110) when the wearable device (100) is worn on the body of the user (110), a drive module (e.g., a first drive module (45) and a second drive module (35) of FIG. 3) for generating a torque applied to the legs of the user (110), a torque transmission frame (e.g., a first torque transmission frame (55) and a second torque transmission frame (50) of FIG. 3) for transmitting the torque generated by the drive module to the legs of the user (110), a sensor circuit including one or more sensors for obtaining sensor data including movement information on the body movement of the user (110) (e.g., leg movement, upper body movement), a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (510) of FIG. 5) for controlling the operation of the wearable device (100), and a battery (e.g., It may include a battery (565) of FIG. 5.

[0031] In one embodiment, the sensor circuit of the wearable device (100) may include an angle sensor (e.g., the first angle sensor (524) and the second angle sensor (524-1) of FIG. 5) and an inertial sensor (e.g., the inertial sensor (522) of FIG. 5). The angle sensor may measure a rotational angle of the torque transmission frame of the wearable device (100) corresponding to the hip joint angle of the user (110). The angle sensor may include, for example, an encoder and / or a hall sensor. In one embodiment, the angle sensor may be positioned near a motor included in a driving module that is directly or indirectly connected to the torque transmission frame. The inertial sensor may include an acceleration sensor and / or an angular velocity sensor, and may measure changes in acceleration and / or angular velocity according to the movement of the user (110). The inertial sensor can measure, for example, a movement value of a waist support frame or base body (e.g., base body (80) of FIG. 3) of a wearable device (100). The movement value of the waist support frame or base body measured by the inertial sensor can correspond to a waist movement value (or upper body movement value) of a user (110).

[0032] In one embodiment, an inertial sensor, a control circuit, peripheral circuits (e.g., an audio output circuit, a communication circuit, a haptic circuit), and a battery may be disposed within a base body of a wearable device (100). The base body may be positioned at the waist area of ​​a user (110) while the user (110) is wearing the wearable device (100). The base body may be formed or attached to the outside of a waist support frame of the wearable device (100). The base body may support the lumbar region of the user (110).

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an exercise assistance system according to various embodiments.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the exercise assistance system (200) may include a wearable device (100), a user terminal (210), another wearable device (220), and a server (230). In the exercise assistance system (200), at least one of the devices other than the wearable device (100) (e.g., the user terminal (210), another wearable device (220), or the server (230)) may be omitted, or one or more other devices (e.g., a dedicated controller device for the wearable device (100)) may be added.

[0036] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may be worn on the user's body in a walking assistance mode to assist the user's movements. For example, the wearable device (100) may be worn on the user's leg to generate an assistive force to assist the user's leg movements, thereby assisting the user's walking.

[0037] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may generate and apply to the user's body a resistance force to hinder the user's body movement and / or an assistive force to assist the user's body movement in order to enhance the user's exercise effect in the exercise assistance mode. In the exercise assistance mode, the user may select an exercise program (e.g., aerobic exercise such as power walking and outdoor walking, strength training such as squats, split lunges, dumbbell squats, and lunge and knee ups, stretching, postural balancing exercise, or any combination thereof) and / or an exercise intensity to be applied to the exercise program via the user terminal (210) using the wearable device (100). The wearable device (100) may control a driving module of the wearable device (100) according to the exercise program and / or exercise intensity selected by the user. For example, the wearable device (100) can adjust the strength of the resistance and / or assist force generated by the drive module according to the exercise intensity selected by the user. The wearable device (100) can control the drive module to generate a resistance force corresponding to the exercise intensity selected by the user. As the exercise intensity increases, the magnitude of the resistance force applied to the user can also increase.

[0038] The wearable device (100) can transmit sensor data measured through an angle sensor and / or an inertial sensor and device information (e.g., charging status information, operation mode information, setting information) of the wearable device (100) to a user terminal (210) and / or a server (230), and can receive a control signal for controlling the operation of the wearable device (100) from the user terminal (210) and / or the server (230).

[0039] The user terminal (210) can communicate with the wearable device (100) via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) or wired communication, and can remotely control the wearable device (100) or provide the user with status information about the status of the wearable device (100) (e.g., booting status, charging status, exercise program operation status, error status). The user terminal (210) can recommend an exercise program using the wearable device (100) to the user, and analyze an exercise performed by the user. The user terminal (210) can receive sensor data acquired by a sensor (e.g., an angle sensor, an inertial sensor) of the wearable device (100) from the wearable device (100), and can estimate the user's current exercise status, exercise result, exercise posture, and / or physical ability based on the received sensor data. The user terminal (210) can provide the user with the user's estimated current exercise status, exercise results, exercise posture, and / or physical ability through a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0040] In one embodiment, a user may execute a program (e.g., an application) on a user terminal (210) to control a wearable device (100), and the user may adjust the operation or setting values ​​(e.g., the torque intensity output from the motor of the drive module, the volume of audio output from the audio output circuit (e.g., the audio output circuit (550) of FIG. 5), and the brightness of the lighting module (e.g., the lighting module (85) of FIG. 3)) of the wearable device (100) through the program. The program executed on the user terminal (210) may provide a graphical user interface for interaction with the user. The user terminal (210) may be a variety of devices. For example, the user terminal (210) may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, or a home appliance device (e.g., a television, an audio device, a projector device), but is not limited to the devices described above.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the user terminal (210) may be connected to the server (230) using short-range wireless communication or cellular communication. The server (230) may receive user profile information of a user using the wearable device (100) from the user terminal (210), and store and manage the received user profile information. The user profile information may include, for example, information on at least one of name, age, gender, height, weight, medical history, or body mass index (BMI). The server (230) may receive exercise history information regarding exercise performed by the user from the user terminal (210), and store and manage the received exercise history information. The server (230) may provide various exercise programs or physical ability measurement programs that may be provided to the user terminal (210). In one embodiment, the server (230) may be connected to the wearable device (100). The server (230) can receive sensor data measured by the wearable device (100) from the wearable device (100) and transmit control signals and / or exercise program-related data for controlling the operation of the wearable device (100) to the wearable device (100). In one embodiment, the server (230) can be a cloud server.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the wearable device (100) and / or the user terminal (210) may be directly or indirectly connected to another wearable device (220). The user's exercise result information, physical ability information, and / or exercise motion evaluation information determined by the user terminal (210) may be transmitted to the other wearable device (220) and provided to the user through the other wearable device (220). Status information of the wearable device (100) may also be transmitted to the other wearable device (220) and provided to the user through the other wearable device (220). In one embodiment, the wearable device (100), the user terminal (210), and the other wearable device (220) may be connected to each other through wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi communication). Other wearable devices (220) may be, for example, wireless earphones (222), a smartwatch (or a wearable device in the form of a watch) (224), or smartglasses (a wearable device in the form of glasses or goggles) (226), but are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wireless earphones (222) may be wirelessly connected to the user terminal (210) and / or the wearable device (100) to output guide voices, music, and / or sound effects related to an exercise program. The wireless earphones (222) may provide the user with information related to the exercise program (e.g., an introduction to the exercise program, remaining exercise time) or may inquire about the user's selection through the guide voice. The wireless earphones (222) may include a microphone, and the microphone may receive a user's voice input. The voice input received through the microphone may be transmitted to the user terminal (210), and voice recognition may be performed on the voice input in the user terminal (210).

[0044] In one embodiment, the smartwatch (224) may include a biosensor (e.g., a heart rate sensor, an electromyography sensor) that measures a biosignal including a user's heart rate information, and may transmit the biosignal measured through the biosensor to the user terminal (210) and / or the wearable device (100). The user terminal (210) may estimate the user's heart rate information (e.g., current heart rate, maximum heart rate, average heart rate) and / or electromyography information based on the biosignal received from the smartwatch (224), and may provide the estimated heart rate information and / or electromyography information to the user.

[0045] In one embodiment, the smartwatch (224) may include an inertial sensor for measuring user movement information and / or a position sensor for measuring user location information, and may transmit the user movement information and / or location information to the user terminal (210) and / or the wearable device (100). The smartwatch (224) may include a communication circuit (e.g., a short-range communication circuit) for communicating with another device (e.g., the user terminal (210), the wearable device (100)). In one embodiment, the smartwatch (224) may provide an exercise program related interface through a display. The exercise program related interface may be implemented through a separate application installed on the smartwatch (224). The user may also control the wearable device (100) through the smartwatch (224).

[0046] In one embodiment, the smart glasses (226) can provide information to the user through a glass-shaped display. For example, the smart glasses (226) can output information such as the current exercise speed, target exercise speed, current exercise volume achieved, exercise time, and / or biometric information through the display in exercise mode. Additionally, the smart glasses (226) can output a screen to guide the user on their exercise route.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear schematic diagram of a wearable device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of a wearable device worn on a user's body according to various embodiments.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a wearable device (100) according to one embodiment may include a base body (80), a waist support frame (20), a driving module (35, 45), a torque transmission frame (50, 55), a thigh fastening part (1, 2), and a waist fastening part (60). In one embodiment, at least one of these components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the wearable device (100).

[0050] The base body (80) can be positioned on the user's lower back while the user is wearing the wearable device (100). The base body (80) can be mounted on the user's lower back to provide a cushioning feeling to the user's lower back and support the user's lower back. The base body (80) can be hung over the user's buttocks (hip area) to prevent the wearable device (100) from falling downward due to gravity or to reduce the possibility of the wearable device (100) falling off while the user is wearing the wearable device. The base body (80) can distribute a portion of the weight of the wearable device (100) to the user's lower back while the user is wearing the wearable device (100). The base body (80) can be directly or indirectly connected to the lower back support frame (20). Lower back support frame connection elements (not shown) that can be directly or indirectly connected to the lower back support frame (20) can be provided at both ends of the base body (80).

[0051] In one embodiment, at least one of a processor (e.g., a processor (512) of FIG. 5), a battery (e.g., a battery (565) of FIG. 5), a battery charging circuit (e.g., a battery charging circuit (570) of FIG. 5), a memory (e.g., a memory (514) of FIG. 5), an inertial sensor (e.g., an inertial sensor (522) of FIG. 5), a communication circuit (e.g., a communication circuit (516) of FIG. 5), an audio output circuit (e.g., an audio output circuit (550) of FIG. 5), or a haptic circuit (e.g., a haptic circuit (560) of FIG. 5)) may be located inside the base body (80). The base body (80) may protect the components located therein.

[0052] In one embodiment, a display (not shown) may be provided on the outer surface of the base body (80). The display may provide a screen for various visual information related to the wearable device (100) (e.g., status information of the wearable device (100)) and a user interface.

[0053] The lumbar support frame (20) can support the user's body (e.g., waist) when the wearable device (100) is worn on the user's body. The lumbar support frame (20) can extend from both ends of the base body (80). The user's lumbar region can be accommodated on the inside of the lumbar support frame (20). The lumbar support frame (20) can include at least one rigid body beam. Each beam can have a curved shape having a predetermined curvature so as to surround the user's lumbar region. A lumbar fastening portion (60) can be directly or indirectly connected to an end of the lumbar support frame (20). A driving module (35, 45) can be directly or indirectly connected to the lumbar support frame (20).

[0054] In one embodiment, the wearable device (100) may include a sensor circuit including one or more sensors. The sensor circuit may include one or more sensors that acquire sensor data including movement information of the user and / or movement information of components of the wearable device (100). For example, the one or more sensors may include, but are not limited to, an inertial sensor (e.g., an inertial sensor (522) of FIG. 5) for measuring a movement value of the user's upper body or a movement value of the lumbar support frame (20)) and / or an angle sensor (e.g., a first angle sensor (524) and a second angle sensor (524-1) of FIG. 5) for measuring a hip joint angle of the user or an angle of a torque transmission frame (e.g., a first torque transmission frame (55) and a second torque transmission frame (50)). The angular velocity of the hip joint of the user or the angular velocity of the torque transmission frame may be determined by differentiating the hip joint angle of the user or the angle of the torque transmission frame measured by the angle sensor.

[0055] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors may further include at least one of a position sensor, a torque sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a biosignal sensor (e.g., a heart rate sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor), a distance sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[0056] The waist fastening member (60) can be directly or indirectly connected to the waist support frame (20) and can secure the waist support frame (20) to the user's waist. The waist fastening member (60) can include, for example, a pair of belts.

[0057] The first driving module (45) and the second driving module (35) can generate an external force (or torque) applied to the user's body based on a control signal generated by the processor. For example, the first driving module (45) and the second driving module (35) can generate an assistive force or a resistance force applied to the user's leg. In one embodiment, the first driving module (45) can be positioned corresponding to the user's right hip joint position, and the second driving module (35) can be positioned corresponding to the user's left hip joint position. The first driving module (45) can generate a torque to move (or rotate) the first torque transmission frame (55) in the forward or backward direction of the wearable device (100). The second driving module (35) can generate a torque to move (or rotate) the second torque transmission frame (50) in the forward or backward direction of the wearable device (100). The forward direction may be a direction corresponding to the user's front direction or flexion motion of the legs, and the backward direction may be a direction corresponding to the user's back direction or extension motion of the legs.

[0058] The first driving module (45) may include a first actuator and a first joint member, and the second driving module (35) may include a second actuator and a second joint member. The first actuator may provide power transmitted to the first joint member, and the second actuator may provide power transmitted to the second joint member. The first actuator and the second actuator may each include a motor that receives power from a battery and generates power (or torque). When the motor is supplied with power and driven, the motor may generate a force (assisting force) to assist the user's body movement or a force (resisting force) to impede the body movement. In one embodiment, the processor may control the intensity and direction of the force generated by the motor by controlling the voltage and / or current supplied to the motor.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first joint member and the second joint member can receive power from the first actuator and the second actuator, respectively, and apply an external force to the user's body based on the received power. In one embodiment, the first joint member and the second joint member can be disposed at positions corresponding to the user's joints, respectively. One side of the first joint member can be directly or indirectly connected to the first actuator, and the other side can be directly or indirectly connected to the first torque transmission frame (55). The first joint member can be rotated by the power received from the first actuator. An encoder or a hall sensor that can act as an angle sensor for measuring a rotation angle of the first joint member or the first torque transmission frame (55) (corresponding to the user's joint angle) can be disposed on one side of the first joint member. One side of the second joint member can be connected to the second actuator, and the other side can be connected to the second torque transmission frame (50). The second joint member can be rotated by power transmitted from the second actuator. An encoder or hall sensor that can function as an angle sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the second joint member or the second torque transmission frame (50) can also be arranged on one side of the second joint member.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first actuator may be disposed laterally of the first joint member, and the second actuator may be disposed laterally of the second joint member. The rotational axis of the first actuator and the rotational axis of the first joint member may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other, and the rotational axis of the second actuator and the rotational axis of the second joint member may also be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the actuator and the joint member may share a rotational axis. In one embodiment, each actuator may be disposed to be spaced apart from the joint member. In this case, each of the first drive module (45) and the second drive module (35) may further include a power transmission module (not shown) that transmits power from the actuator to the joint member. The power transmission module may be a rotating body such as a gear, or a longitudinal member such as a wire, a cable, a string, a spring, a belt, or a chain. However, the scope of the embodiment is not limited by the positional relationship between the actuator and joint member and the power transmission structure described above.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50) can transmit the torque generated by the first driving module (45) and the second driving module (35) to the user's body (e.g., the leg) when the wearable device (100) is worn on the user's leg. The transmitted torque can act as an external force applied to the movement of the user's leg. One end of each of the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50) can be directly or indirectly connected to a joint member and rotated. The other end of each of the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50) is directly or indirectly connected to the first thigh fastening portion (2) and the second thigh fastening portion (1), so that the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50) can support the user's thigh while transmitting the torque generated by the first driving module (45) and the second driving module (35) to the user's thigh. For example, the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50) can push or pull the user's thigh. The first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50) can extend along the length of the user's thigh and can be bent to wrap at least a portion of the user's thigh circumference. The first torque transmission frame (55) can be a torque transmission frame for transmitting torque to the user's right leg, and the second torque transmission frame (50) can be a torque transmission frame for transmitting torque to the user's left leg.

[0062] The first thigh fastening part (2) and the second thigh fastening part (1) are directly or indirectly connected to the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50), respectively, and can fasten the wearable device (100) to the user's leg (particularly, the thigh). The first thigh fastening part (2) may be a thigh fastening part for fastening the first torque transmission frame (55) to the user's leg (e.g., the right thigh), and the second thigh fastening part (1) may be a thigh fastening part for fastening the second torque transmission frame (50) to the user's leg (e.g., the left thigh).

[0063] In one embodiment, the first thigh fastening unit (2) may include a first cover, a first fastening frame, and a first strap, and the second thigh fastening unit (1) may include a second cover, a second fastening frame, and a second strap. The first cover and the second cover may apply torque generated from the first driving module (45) and the second driving module (35) to the user's thigh, respectively. The first cover and the second cover may be disposed on one side of the user's thigh, respectively, to push or pull the user's thigh. The first cover and the second cover may be disposed along the circumferential direction of the user's thigh. The first cover and the second cover may extend in both directions with respect to the other end of the first torque transmission frame (55) and the second torque transmission frame (50), respectively, and may include a curved surface corresponding to the user's thigh. One end of each of the first cover and the second cover may be directly or indirectly connected to the first fastening frame and the second fastening frame, respectively. The other end of each of the first cover and the second cover can be directly or indirectly connected to the first strap and the second strap.

[0064] The first fastening frame and the second fastening frame may be arranged to, for example, surround at least a portion of the user's thigh, thereby preventing the user's thigh from being detached from the wearable device (100) or reducing the possibility of detachment. The first fastening frame may have a fastening structure connecting the first cover and the first strap, and the second fastening frame may have a fastening structure connecting the second cover and the second strap.

[0065] The first strap may encircle the user's right thigh, the remaining portion not covered by the first cover and the first fastening frame, and the second strap may encircle the user's left thigh, the remaining portion not covered by the second cover and the second fastening frame. The first strap and the second strap may comprise, for example, an elastic material (e.g., a band).

[0066]

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating configurations of an electronic system of a wearable device according to various embodiments.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic system of the wearable device (100) may include a control circuit (510), a communication circuit (516), one or more sensors (e.g., an inertial sensor (522), a first angle sensor (524), a second angle sensor (524-1)), a drive module (530, 530-1), an input circuit (540), an audio output circuit (550), a haptic circuit (560), and a battery charging circuit (570). At least one of the described components (e.g., the input circuit (540), the audio output circuit (550), the haptic circuit (560)) may be omitted from the electronic system, or one or more other components (e.g., a display circuit) may be added.

[0069] The drive module (530) may include a motor (534) and a motor driver circuit (532) for driving the motor (534), and the drive module (530-1) may include a motor (534-1) and a motor driver circuit (532-1) for driving the motor (534-1). In the embodiment of FIG. 5, two drive modules are illustrated, but this is merely an example. In a specific embodiment, there may be one or three or more drive modules. The drive module (530) including the motor driver circuit (532) and the motor (534) may correspond to the first drive module (45) of FIG. 3, and the drive module (530-1) including the motor driver circuit (532-1) and the motor (534-1) may correspond to the second drive module (35) of FIG. 3.

[0070] One or more sensors may include sensors that acquire sensor data (or sensed values). One or more sensors may transmit acquired sensor data to a control circuit (510). The one or more sensors may include, for example, an inertial sensor (522), a first angle sensor (524), and / or a second angle sensor (524-1). Each of these sensors may be present in multiples, and some may be omitted.

[0071] The inertial sensor (522) can measure the movement value of the user's body. The inertial sensor (522) can sense the acceleration, angular velocity, and rotation angle (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis according to the user's movement. The inertial sensor (522) can measure, for example, the movement value of the user's upper body. The movement value of the user's upper body can correspond to the movement value of the waist support frame (e.g., the waist support frame (20) of FIG. 3) of the wearable device (100). In one embodiment, the inertial sensor (522) can be located on a printed circuit board present inside the base body (e.g., the base body (80) of FIG. 3) of the wearable device (100), and can measure the inclination indicating the degree of inclination of the wearable device (100) and / or the acceleration of the wearable device (100).

[0072] In one embodiment, the first angle sensor (524) and the second angle sensor (524-1) can measure the hip joint angle according to the movement of the user's leg. The first angle sensor (524) can sense the hip joint angle of the user's right leg, and the second angle sensor (524-1) can sense the hip joint angle of the user's left leg. Each of the first angle sensor (524) and the second angle sensor (524-1) can include, for example, an encoder and / or a hall sensor. The hip joint angle of the right leg sensed by the first angle sensor (524) may correspond to a movement value (e.g., angle) of the first torque transmission frame of the wearable device (e.g., the first torque transmission frame (55) of FIG. 3), and the hip joint angle of the left leg sensed by the second angle sensor (524-1) may correspond to a movement value (e.g., angle) of the second torque transmission frame of the wearable device (e.g., the second torque transmission frame (50) of FIG. 3).

[0073] In one embodiment, the first angle sensor (524) and the second angle sensor (524-1) may be angle sensors that sense the knee joint angle or the ankle joint angle according to the user's leg movement.

[0074] In one embodiment, the processor (512) can determine the angular velocity of the first torque transfer frame by differentiating the angular change over time of the first torque transfer frame sensed by the first angle sensor (524), and can determine the angular velocity of the second torque transfer frame by differentiating the angular change over time of the second torque transfer frame sensed by the second angle sensor (524-1).

[0075] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors may further include a torque sensor for sensing a torque value, a position sensor for obtaining a position value of the wearable device (100), a proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of an object, a biosignal sensor for detecting a biosignal of a user, a distance sensor for measuring a distance to an object, a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure value, and / or a temperature sensor for measuring an ambient temperature.

[0076] The input circuit (540) may receive instructions or data to be used in a component of the wearable device (100) (e.g., a processor (512)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the wearable device (100). The input circuit (540) may include, for example, a key (e.g., a button) and / or a touch screen.

[0077] The audio output circuit (550) can output audio signals to the outside of the wearable device (100). The audio output circuit (550) can include a speaker that outputs a guide audio signal (e.g., a driving start sound, an operation error notification sound), music content, and / or a guide voice.

[0078] The drive module (530, 530-1) can generate an external force applied to the user's leg under the control of the control circuit (510). The drive module (530, 530-1) is located at a location corresponding to the user's hip joint position and can generate a torque applied to the user's leg based on a control signal generated by the control circuit (510). The control circuit (510) can transmit the control signal to the motor driver circuit (532, 532-1), and the motor driver circuit (532, 532-1) can control the operation of the motor (534, 534-1) by generating a current signal (or voltage signal) corresponding to the control signal and supplying it to the motor (534, 534-1). Depending on the control signal, the current signal may not be supplied to the motor (534, 534-1). The motor driver circuit (532, 532-1) can convert the direct current (DC) voltage supplied from the battery (565) into an alternating current (AC) voltage and supply it to the motor (534, 534-1). When the motor (534, 534-1) is driven by supplying a current signal to the motor (534, 534-1), the motor can generate an assistive force that assists the user's leg movement or a resistive force that hinders the leg movement. The motor (534; 534-1) can generate torque based on the electric energy supplied from the battery (565). The motor (534; 534-1) can be, for example, a brushless DC (BLDC) motor or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM).

[0079] The control circuit (510) controls the overall operation of the wearable device (100) and can generate control signals for controlling each component of the wearable device (100). The control circuit (510) may include a processor (512) and a memory (514).

[0080] The processor (512) may execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the wearable device directly or indirectly connected to the processor (512), and may perform various data processing or calculations. For example, the processor (512) may control the operation of the motor (534, 534-1). As at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (512) may store instructions or data received from another component (e.g., communication circuit (516)) in the memory (514), process the instructions or data stored in the memory (514), and store the result data after the processing in the memory (514). The processor (512) may include one or more processors, and the operations of the wearable device (100) described in the present disclosure may be performed by one processor or by a combination of multiple processors.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the processor (512) may include at least one of a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) and / or an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or in conjunction therewith. The processor (512) may also be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) or an integrated circuit (IC) that performs processing. The auxiliary processor may be implemented separately from the main processor or as a part thereof.

[0082] Each "processor" in this disclosure may include a processing circuit or may include multiple processors. For example, as used in this disclosure, including in the claims, the term "processor" may encompass various processing circuits including at least one processor, wherein one or more processors may be configured to perform various functions described herein, individually and / or collectively, in a distributed manner. When "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described herein as being configured to perform multiple functions, these terms include, but are not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and another processor performs other of the recited functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the recited functions. Furthermore, the one or more processors may include a combination of processors that perform various recited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. The one or more processors may execute instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0083] The memory (514) may store data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (512)) of the wearable device (100). The data may include, for example, software, input data or output data for commands related thereto, and sensor data. The memory (514) may include at least one instruction executable by the processor (512). The memory (514) may include one or more memories, and instructions for controlling the processor (512) to perform operations of the wearable device (100) described in the present disclosure may be stored in one memory or may be stored in multiple memories. The memory (514) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0084] The communication circuit (516) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the control circuit (510) and other components of the wearable device (100) or an external user terminal (e.g., the user terminal (210) of FIG. 2 or another wearable device (220)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication circuit (516) may, for example, transmit sensor data acquired by a sensor to an external user terminal (e.g., the user terminal (210) of FIG. 2) and receive a control signal from the external user terminal. In one embodiment, the communication circuit (516) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently from the processor (512) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. In one embodiment, the communication circuit (516) may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a cellular communication circuit, a short-range wireless communication circuit, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication circuit) and / or a wired communication circuit. The wireless communication circuitry may communicate with other components of the wearable device (100) and / or external devices via, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity), IrDA (infrared data association), a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0085] The haptic circuit (560) can provide haptic feedback to a user under the control of the processor (512). The haptic circuit (560) can include one or more haptic actuators. The haptic actuators can include, for example, a piezo actuator, a bander type actuator, and / or a vibration motor-based actuator. The haptic actuators can be one or more. In one embodiment, the haptic actuators can be located in at least one of the base body of the wearable device (100), the torque transmission frame (e.g., the first torque transmission frame (75), the second torque transmission frame (70) of FIG. 3), and the thigh fastening portion (e.g., the first thigh fastening portion (2), the second thigh fastening portion (1) of FIG. 3).

[0086] The battery charging circuit (570) can control the charging of the battery (565). The battery charging circuit (570) can include a first charging terminal (582), a second charging terminal (584), and a charging control circuit (595).

[0087] The battery (565) can supply electrical energy to each component of the wearable device (100). The battery (565) may be a secondary battery (e.g., a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery) that can be used by charging or discharging electrical energy. The battery (565) may be placed outside the battery charging circuit (570) or may be included in the battery charging circuit (570) and operated.

[0088] The first charging terminal (582) may be a charging terminal connected to a power cable (e.g., the power cable (610) of FIG. 6A) to receive charging current from an external power source. For example, the first charging terminal (582) may include a DC jack. The second charging terminal (584) may be a charging terminal to receive charging current from a charging device (e.g., the charging device (630) of FIG. 6B). The charging device may be located, for example, on a holder on which the wearable device (100) may be placed. When the wearable device (100) is placed on the holder, the battery (565) may be charged through the charging device. The second charging terminal (584) may include contact electrodes (e.g., contact electrodes (622, 624) of FIGS. 6A and 7) that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device (e.g., electrodes (642, 644) of FIG. 6B). The contact electrodes have electrical conductivity and can receive electrical energy from the charging device when in contact with the electrodes of the charging device. In one embodiment, the contact electrodes may be arranged in a form that is exposed to the outside, or may be arranged in a groove area of ​​a base body of the wearable device (100) (e.g., base body (80) of FIG. 3) as in FIG. 7 so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0089] The charging control circuit (595) may be a circuit that controls the charging of the battery (565). The charging control circuit (595) may monitor the status of the battery (565) (e.g., charge amount, voltage, current, temperature) and control the power supply from the battery (565) and the charging of the battery (565). The charging control circuit (595) may convert the power supplied to the wearable device (00) into a voltage and current suitable for the battery (565) and control the battery (565) to be safely charged. For example, the charge control circuit (595) may charge the battery (565) with a high constant current (CC (constant current) charge mode) when the remaining battery capacity of the battery (565) is low (e.g., less than 70%), and may charge the battery (565) with a constant voltage (CV (constant voltage) charge mode) when the remaining battery capacity of the battery (565) is high (e.g., 70% to 80%). In addition, the charge control circuit (595) may stop or adjust charging to protect the battery (565) from risks of overcharging, overcurrent, or overtemperature of the battery (565). The charge control circuit (595) may be controlled by the processor (512).

[0090] In one embodiment, the charge control circuit (595) is electrically connected to the first charging terminal (582) and the second charging terminal (584) and can charge the battery (565) based on the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (582) or the second charging terminal (584). The charge control circuit (595) can include a first circuit element (e.g., the first circuit element (822) of FIG. 8A). The first circuit element may be a transistor element (e.g., a field effect transistor (FET). A first terminal of the first circuit element may be electrically connected to the contact electrodes, and a second terminal of the first circuit element may be electrically connected to a first charging terminal (582). When a charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (584), the supplied charging current may be transmitted to the battery (565) through the first circuit element. When a charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the first charging terminal (582), the first circuit element may block at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (582) from flowing to the contact electrodes.

[0091] In one embodiment, the charge control circuit (595) may further include a second circuit element (e.g., the second circuit element (824) of FIG. 8A) for controlling the flow of current of the first circuit element. The second circuit element may be a transistor element (e.g., a field effect transistor) electrically connected to the first circuit element and the second charging terminal (584). When a charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), the second circuit element may control the first circuit element so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (584) flows through the first circuit element to the battery (565). When the charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (584), an operating voltage may be applied to one terminal of the second circuit element to turn on (or activate) the second circuit element, and current may flow between terminals connected to the second circuit element. Current flowing through the second circuit element induces an operating voltage at one terminal of the first circuit element, and the first circuit element can be turned on. Turning the first circuit element (or the second circuit element) on means that a switch is connected and current flows between the terminals connected to the first circuit element (or the second circuit element).

[0092] The second circuit element may be turned off (or deactivated) when charging current is not supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), so that no current flows through the second circuit element. When current does not flow through the second circuit element, the first circuit element may also be turned off, so that no current flows through the first circuit element. The first circuit element (or the second circuit element) being turned off means that the switch is not connected, so that no current flows between the terminals connected to the first circuit element (or the second circuit element). If the current blocking by the first circuit element as described above does not occur, when charging current is supplied through the first charging terminal (582), the charging current may be transmitted to the contact electrodes, and there is a possibility that an electric shock accident may occur when the user's body comes into contact with the contact electrodes. According to the current flow control by the first circuit element and the second circuit element described above, the charging control circuit (595) can reduce the possibility of an electric shock accident by controlling the charging current not to flow to the contact electrodes when the charging current is supplied from the first charging terminal (582).

[0093] In one embodiment, the charging control circuit (595) may further include a third circuit element (e.g., the third circuit element (826) of FIG. 8B) for transmitting an electrical signal to the processor (512) indicating that charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (584) when charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584). The third circuit element may be a transistor element (e.g., a field effect transistor) electrically connected to the second charging terminal (584) and the processor (512) of the wearable device (100). The processor (512) may identify whether charging current is currently being supplied through the first charging terminal (582) or the second charging terminal (584) based on the electrical signal determined by the operation of the third circuit element and / or the charging state of the battery (565). For example, if the battery (565) is detected as being charged and an electrical signal is being transmitted from the third circuit element, the processor (512) may determine that charging current is being supplied through the second charging terminal (584). If the battery (565) is detected as being charged and an electrical signal is not being transmitted from the third circuit element, the processor (512) may determine that charging current is being supplied through the first charging terminal (582).

[0094] In one embodiment, the charge control circuit (595) may include components for managing or optimizing the charging process of the battery (565), although not shown in FIG. 5. For example, the charge control circuit (595) may include a charging control integrated circuit (IC) for managing the charging process of the battery (565), a current sensor, a voltage regulator, a temperature sensor, a protection circuit, or any combination thereof. The charge control integrated circuit may monitor the condition of the battery (565) and control the charging voltage and charging current of the battery (565). The functions of the charge control integrated circuit may be performed by the processor (512). The current sensor may measure the current flowing to the battery (565). The current sensor may detect overcurrent or insufficient current during charging of the battery (565) and provide feedback to the charge control integrated circuit. The voltage regulator can convert the voltage supplied from the power source to the charging voltage required by the battery (565) and maintain the charging voltage at a constant level. The temperature sensor can monitor the temperature within the battery (565) and / or the charging control circuit. The temperature sensor can provide overtemperature feedback to the charging control integrated circuit when the temperature of the battery (565) becomes too high. The protection circuit can provide a protection function to protect the battery (565) and the surrounding circuit from the risks of overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, and short circuit of the battery (565).

[0095] In one embodiment, the charging status of the battery (565) may be displayed through a lighting module of the wearable device (100) (e.g., the lighting module (85) of FIG. 3). For example, light of different colors or different patterns may be output through the lighting module depending on the status of the battery (565) during charging, charging completion, and charging error.

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating charging of a battery of a wearable device according to various embodiments using a wired charging method.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6A, an area (600) including a base body (80) of a wearable device (100) is illustrated in an enlarged manner. A first charging terminal (582) is illustrated in the area of ​​the base body (80), a second charging terminal (e.g., the second charging terminal (584) of FIG. 5) including contact electrodes (622, 624), and a circuit (605) including a battery (e.g., the battery (565) of FIG. 5) and a charging control circuit (e.g., the charging control circuit (595) of FIG. 5). The first charging terminal (582) and the circuit (605) may be located in an internal area of ​​the base body (80), and the contact electrodes (622, 624) may be exposed to the outside. In one embodiment, the first charging terminal (582) may be located at the bottom of the base body (80) to prevent rainwater from entering during rain, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] In one embodiment, the battery of the wearable device (100) may be charged by a wired charging method. One end of the power cable (610) may be connected to a power supply, such as an adapter (or charger), and the other end of the power cable (610) may be connected to a first charging terminal (582). The power supply may, for example, convert alternating current power into direct current power and supply power for charging the battery. When the power cable (610) is connected to the first charging terminal (582), power from the power supply may be transmitted to the first charging terminal (582) through the power cable (610). Power from the power supply transmitted through the first charging terminal (582) may be transmitted to the circuit (605), and a charging process of the battery may proceed based on the transmitted power. In this case, the circuit element included in the circuit (605) (e.g., the first circuit element (822) of FIG. 8A) can block the path between the first charging terminal (582) and the contact electrodes (622, 624) so ​​that the charging current flowing from the first charging terminal (582) is not transmitted to the contact electrodes (622, 624). By blocking the path between the first charging terminal (582) and the contact electrodes (622, 624), it is possible to prevent an electric shock accident from occurring when the user's body comes into contact with at least one of the contact electrodes (622, 624) exposed to the outside during wired charging through the first charging terminal (582).

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining that the battery of a wearable device according to various embodiments is charged by a wireless charging method.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 6B, the wearable device (100) can be placed (or mounted) on a holder for storing the wearable device (100). A charging device (630) can be positioned on the holder on which the wearable device (100) can be placed. The charging device (630) can wirelessly charge the battery of the wearable device (100) (e.g., the battery (565) of FIG. 5). The charging device (630) can automatically charge the battery of the wearable device (100) when the user places the wearable device (100) on the holder, thereby increasing user convenience. In addition, wireless charging using a contact method between the electrodes of the charging device (630) and the wearable device (100) can provide a fast charging speed like the wired charging method of FIG. 6A.

[0103] The charging device (630) can receive power from an external power source via a power cable (635). The charging device (630) can convert an electrical signal transmitted from the power cable (635) into an electrical signal suitable for charging the battery of the wearable device (100). For the conversion of the electrical signal, the charging device (630) can include a rectifier for converting an AC electrical signal into a DC electrical signal and / or a voltage regulator for generating a desired charging voltage.

[0104] When the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand and the contact electrodes (622, 624) of the wearable device (100) come into contact with the electrodes (642, 644) of the charging device (630), power can be supplied from the charging device (630) to the wearable device (100). The power of the charging device (630) transmitted through the contact electrodes (622, 624) is transmitted to the circuit (605), and the charging process of the battery can proceed based on the transmitted power. The charging control circuit of the circuit (605) can charge the battery by supplying a charging current to the battery. The lighting module (85) can output light of different colors or different patterns depending on the status of the battery during charging, charging completion, and charging error.

[0105] In one embodiment, when the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand, the first charging terminal (582) may be covered by the stand and not exposed to the outside. Due to the mechanical structure of the wearable device (100), wired charging and wireless charging via the charging device (630) cannot proceed simultaneously. When the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand, wireless charging via the second charging terminal including the contact electrodes (622, 624) is possible, but wired charging using the first charging terminal (582) may not be possible. Since only the wireless charging method is possible when the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand, a situation in which power is supplied simultaneously via the first charging terminal (582) and the second charging terminal can be prevented.

[0106] In one embodiment, the charging device (630) may provide a wireless charging function of magnetic induction or magnetic resonance in addition to a wireless charging function by contact between electrodes. The wearable device (100) may include a coil for wireless power reception, and the charging device (630) may include a coil for wireless power transmission. When the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand, magnetic field induction or magnetic field resonance occurs between the coil of the wearable device (100) and the coil of the charging device (630), and power may be transmitted from the charging device (630) to the wearable device (100) through the magnetic field induction or resonance.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining that the second charging terminal is implemented in an unexposed form according to various embodiments.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 7, the contact electrodes (622, 624) of the second charging terminal according to one embodiment may be designed in an unexposed form. The contact electrodes (622, 624) may be positioned in a groove area (or hole area) of the base body (80) of the wearable device (100). The contact electrodes (622, 624) may not be exposed to the outside of the base body (80). The electrodes of the charging device (e.g., the charging device (630) of FIG. 6B) may be designed in a protruding form so that they can come into contact with the contact electrodes (622, 624) when the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand where the charging device is located. By placing the contact electrodes (622, 624) in an unexposed form inside the base body (80), the risk of electric shock can be physically prevented.

[0110]

[0111] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating how the flow of charging current is controlled within a charging control circuit according to a battery charging method according to various embodiments. The wearable device (100) can support wired charging and wireless charging methods.

[0112] FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the operation of a first circuit element (822), a second circuit element (824), and a third circuit element (826) in a charging control circuit (e.g., a charging control circuit (595) of FIG. 5) when a charging current is supplied to a wearable device (100) through a second charging terminal (584) according to a wireless charging method according to one embodiment. When a charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (584), the charging current flows through lines (810) connected to the second charging terminal (584), and the charging current can reach the battery (565) through the charging main circuit (840).

[0113] In one embodiment, a charge control circuit (e.g., charge control circuit 595 of FIG. 5) of a wearable device (100) may include a first circuit element (822), a second circuit element (824), a third circuit element (826), and a charging main circuit (840). The charge control circuit may further include circuit elements (e.g., resistors, capacitors) directly or indirectly connected to each of the first circuit element (822), the second circuit element (824), and the third circuit element (826). The first circuit element (822) may be a P-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), and the second circuit element (824) and the third circuit element (826) may be N-type MOSFETs, but are not limited thereto. The first circuit element (822), the second circuit element (824), and the third circuit element (826) may also be implemented as other electronic elements capable of switching operations.

[0114] A first terminal (e.g., a source terminal) of a first circuit element (822) may be electrically connected to contact electrodes of a second charging terminal (584) (e.g., contact electrodes (622, 624) of FIG. 6B), and a second terminal (e.g., a drain terminal) of the first circuit element (822) may be electrically connected to the first charging terminal (582). A second circuit element (824) may be electrically connected to the first circuit element (822) and the second charging terminal (584). The second circuit element (824) may control the flow of current (or on / off) of the first circuit element (822) using power (or voltage) input to the second charging terminal (584). When a charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), the second circuit element (824) can control the first circuit element (822) so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (584) flows toward the battery (565) through the first circuit element (822). When the charging current is supplied to the node (834) through the second charging terminal (584), an operating voltage is applied to one terminal (e.g., a gate terminal) of the second circuit element (824), so that the second circuit element (824) is turned on (or activated), and the drain terminal and the source terminal of the second circuit element (824) become in a conduction state, so that current can flow between the terminals connected to the second circuit element (824) (e.g., terminals connected to each of the drain terminal and the source terminal of the second circuit element (824).

[0115] The current flowing through the second circuit element (824) induces an operating voltage at one terminal (e.g., a gate terminal) of the first circuit element (822), and the first circuit element (822) can be turned on (or activated). When the first circuit element (822) is turned on, the drain terminal and the source terminal of the first circuit element (822) are in a conductive state, and the charging current transmitted to the node (832) can flow between the terminals connected to the first circuit element (822) (or between the source terminal and the drain terminal of the first circuit element (822). The charging current passing through the first circuit element (822) can be transmitted to the battery (565) via the charging main circuit (840).

[0116] The charging main circuit (840) may include components for managing or optimizing the charging process of the battery (565). For example, the charging main circuit (840) may include a charge control integrated circuit, a current sensor, a voltage regulator, a temperature sensor, a protection circuit, or any combination thereof that manages the charging process for the battery (565). Both a wired charging method via the first charging terminal (582) and a wireless charging method via the second charging terminal (584) may commonly utilize the charging main circuit (840).

[0117] When charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), the charging current may also be transmitted to the node (836). An internal voltage signal of the system of the wearable device (100) may be input to the node (850). The third circuit element (826) may be electrically connected to the node (836) and the node (850). The processor (512) may identify which of the first charging terminal (582) and the second charging terminal (584) the charging current is transmitted from based on the electrical signal determined by the third circuit element (826). The third circuit element (826) may be electrically connected to the second charging terminal (584) and the processor (512).

[0118] In one embodiment, if no charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (584), the third circuit element (826) will be turned off (or deactivated), and the processor (512) will receive a first electrical signal according to the system internal voltage signal supplied from the node (850). When the processor (512) receives the first electrical signal, it can identify that no charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (584). In this situation, when it is detected that the battery (565) is being charged, the processor (512) can determine that the charging current is being supplied through the first charging terminal (582). When the charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (584), the charging current generates an operating voltage at the gate terminal of the third circuit element (826), and the third circuit element (826) can be turned on (or activated). When the third circuit element (826) is turned on, the drain terminal and the source terminal of the third circuit element (826) are in a conductive state, so that current can flow between the terminals connected to the third circuit element (826) (or between the source terminal and the drain terminal of the third circuit element (826). In this case, a second electrical signal having a lower intensity than the first electrical signal can be transmitted to the processor (512). If the first electrical signal has a high level value, the second electrical signal can have a low level value. The processor (512) can identify that the charging current is currently being supplied through the second charging terminal (584) by receiving the second electrical signal.

[0119] FIG. 8b is a drawing for explaining the operation of the first circuit element (822), the second circuit element (824), and the third circuit element (826) in the charging control circuit when charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the first charging terminal (582) according to a wired charging method according to one embodiment.

[0120] When the charging current is not supplied through the second charging terminal (584), the charging current is not supplied to the node (832), the node (834), and the node (836). In this case, the operating voltage is not applied to the gate terminal of the second circuit element (824), so that the second circuit element (824) can be turned off (or deactivated). When the second circuit element (824) is turned off, no current flows through the second circuit element, and depending on the connection relationship between the second circuit element (824) and the first circuit element (822), the operating voltage is not applied to the gate terminal of the first circuit element (822). Accordingly, the first circuit element (822) can also be turned off, so that the source terminal and the drain terminal of the first circuit element (822) can be cut off. When a charging current is supplied through the first charging terminal (582), the charging current can reach the battery (565) through the charging main circuit (840) along the line (805). The charging current can reach the drain terminal of the first circuit element (822), and since the source terminal and the drain terminal of the first circuit element (822) are in a cut-off state so that no current flows between them, the charging current transmitted from the first charging terminal (582) cannot be transmitted to the contact electrodes included in the second charging terminal (584). The first circuit element (822) can block at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (582) from flowing to the contact electrodes. Accordingly, an electric shock accident does not occur even if the user's body comes into contact with at least one of the contact electrodes during wired charging through the first charging terminal (582).

[0121] If the charging current is not supplied from the second charging terminal (584), the third circuit element (826) will be turned off (or deactivated) as described above, and the processor (512) will receive a first electrical signal according to the system internal voltage signal supplied from the node (850). If the processor (512) detects that the charging current is not supplied from the second charging terminal (584) based on the first electrical signal and that the battery (565) is being charged, the processor (512) may determine that the charging current is being supplied through the first charging terminal (582).

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating configurations of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (900) may be a device including a charge control circuit (940) that controls the charging of the battery (910). In one embodiment, the electronic device (900) may be, but is not limited to, a wearable device (100) described in the present disclosure that is worn on a user's body to assist the user's walking or exercise. The electronic device (900) disclosed in the present disclosure may be a variety of devices. The electronic device (900) may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a multimedia device, a medical device, a camera, a robot, or a home appliance device. The electronic device (900) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0125] The electronic device (900) may include a battery (910), a first charging terminal (920), a second charging terminal (930), a charging control circuit (940), and a processor (950). The charging control circuit (940) may include a first circuit element (942), a second circuit element (944), and a third circuit element (946). At least one of these components (e.g., the third circuit element (946)) may be omitted, and other components (e.g., a memory) may be added. The electronic device (900) may exist independently as a separate device or may be included and operated in another device. For example, the electronic device (900) may be included and operated in the wearable device (100) described in the present disclosure. When the electronic device (900) is included in the wearable device (100), each of the battery (910), the first charging terminal (920), the second charging terminal (930), the charging control circuit (940), and the processor (950) may correspond to the battery (565), the first charging terminal (582), the second charging terminal (584), the charging control circuit (595), and the processor (512) of FIG. 5.

[0126] The battery (910) can supply electrical energy to each component of the electronic device (900). The battery (910) can be a secondary battery that can be used by charging or discharging electrical energy.

[0127] The first charging terminal (920) may be a charging terminal connected to a power cable to receive charging current from an external power source. The second charging terminal (930) may be a charging terminal to receive charging current from a charging device (e.g., the charging device (630) of FIG. 6B). The charging device may be, for example, located on a stand on which the electronic device (900) may be placed. When the electronic device (900) is placed on the stand, the battery (910) may be charged through the charging device. The second charging terminal (930) may include contact electrodes that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device. When the contact electrodes come into contact with the electrodes, the electronic device (900) may receive electrical energy from the charging device.

[0128] The charge control circuit (940) may be a circuit that controls the charging of the battery (910). The charge control circuit (940) may monitor the state of the battery (910) (e.g., charge amount, voltage, current, temperature) and control the power supply from the battery (910) and the charging of the battery (910). The charge control circuit (940) may convert the power supplied to the electronic device (900) into a voltage and current suitable for the battery (910) and control the battery (910) to be safely charged. The charge control circuit (940) may also stop or adjust the charging to protect the battery (910) from the risk of overcharging, overcurrent, or overtemperature of the battery (910). The charge control circuit (940) may be controlled by the processor (950).

[0129] In one embodiment, the charge control circuit (940) is electrically connected to the first charging terminal (920) and the second charging terminal (930), and can charge the battery (910) based on the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (920) or the second charging terminal (930). The charge control circuit (940) can include a first circuit element (942). The first circuit element (942) can be a transistor element (e.g., a field effect transistor). A first terminal of the first circuit element (942) can be electrically connected to contact electrodes, and a second terminal of the first circuit element (942) can be electrically connected to the first charging terminal (920). When the charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (930), the supplied charging current can be transmitted to the battery (910) through the first circuit element (942). When a charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the first charging terminal (920), the first circuit element (942) can block at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (920) from flowing to the contact electrodes.

[0130] The second circuit element (944) can control the flow of current of the first circuit element (942). The second circuit element (944) can be a transistor element (e.g., a field effect transistor) electrically connected to the first circuit element (942) and the second charging terminal (930). When a charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), the second circuit element (944) can control the first circuit element (942) so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (930) flows to the battery (910) through the first circuit element (942). When the charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (930), an operating voltage is applied to one terminal of the second charging terminal (930), so that the second circuit element (944) is turned on (or activated), and current can flow between the terminals connected to the second circuit element (944). Current flowing through the second circuit element (944) induces an operating voltage at one terminal of the first circuit element (942), and the first circuit element (942) can be turned on.

[0131] The second circuit element (944) may be turned off (or deactivated) when charging current is not supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), so that no current flows through the second circuit element (944). When no current flows through the second circuit element (944), the first circuit element (942) may also be turned off, so that no current flows through the first circuit element (942). By controlling the current flow in this way, the possibility of an electric shock accident that may occur when the user's body comes into contact with the exposed electrode can be reduced.

[0132] The third circuit element (946) can transmit an electrical signal indicating that the charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (930) to the processor (950) when the charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930). The third circuit element (946) can be a transistor element (e.g., a field effect transistor) electrically connected to the second charging terminal (930) and the processor (950) of the electronic device (900). The processor (950) can identify whether the charging current is currently being supplied through the first charging terminal (920) or the second charging terminal (930) based on the electrical signal transmitted from the third circuit element (946) and / or the charging state of the battery (910). For example, if the battery (910) is detected as being charged and an electrical signal is being transmitted from the third circuit element (946), the processor (950) may determine that charging current is being supplied through the second charging terminal (930). If the battery (910) is detected as being charged and an electrical signal is not being transmitted from the third circuit element (946), the processor (950) may determine that charging current is being supplied through the first charging terminal (920).

[0133] In one embodiment, the charge control circuit (940) may include components for managing or optimizing the charging process of the battery (910), although not shown in FIG. 9. For example, the charge control circuit (940) may include a charge control integrated circuit, a current sensor, a voltage regulator, a temperature sensor, a protection circuit, or any combination thereof for managing the charging process for the battery (910).

[0134] The processor (950) may control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (900) that is directly or indirectly connected to the processor (950), and may perform various data processing or calculations. For example, the processor (950) may control the operation of the charging control circuit (940). The processor (950) may include one or more processors (950), and the operations of the electronic device (900) described in the present disclosure may be performed by one processor (950) or by a combination of multiple processors (950). The processor (950) may include at least one of a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) and / or an auxiliary processor that can operate independently or together therewith.

[0135]

[0136] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a charging control method according to various embodiments. The charging control method may be performed by a wearable device (100) or an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device of FIG. 9 ) described in the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the charging control method will be described as being performed by an electronic device.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation (1010), the electronic device may receive a charging current through a first charging terminal (e.g., the first charging terminal (920) of FIG. 9) or a second charging terminal (e.g., the second charging terminal (930) of FIG. 9). When the first charging terminal of the electronic device is connected to an external power source via a power cable, the electronic device may receive a charging current from the external power source through the first charging terminal. When the second charging terminal of the electronic device is connected to a charging device (e.g., the charging device (630) of FIG. 6), the electronic device may receive a charging current from the charging device through the second charging terminal. The second charging terminal may include contact electrodes that are in contact with electrodes of the charging device.

[0138] In operation (1020), a charge control circuit of the electronic device (e.g., charge control circuit (940) of FIG. 9) may charge a battery of the electronic device (e.g., battery (910) of FIG. 9) based on a charge current supplied through a first charging terminal or a second charging terminal. In one embodiment, the electronic device may include one or more circuit elements for controlling the flow of current to the contact electrodes to prevent an electric shock accident. When a charge current is received through the first charging terminal, at least a portion of the charge current received from the first charging terminal may be blocked from flowing to the contact electrodes by a first circuit element of the electronic device (e.g., first circuit element (942) of FIG. 9). The first circuit element may be electrically connected to each of the contact electrodes and the second circuit element. The second circuit element may be turned off when a charge current is not supplied to the electronic device through the second charging terminal, so that no current flows through the second circuit element. When no current flows through the second circuit element, the first circuit element may be turned off to block the current from flowing to the contact electrodes. The electronic device may further include a third circuit element (e.g., the third circuit element (946) of FIG. 9) for transmitting an electrical signal indicating that charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal to a processor of the electronic device (e.g., the processor (950) of FIG. 9) when charging current is supplied to the electronic device through the second charging terminal. The third circuit element may transmit an electrical signal, the value (or logic state) of which changes depending on whether charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal, to the processor, for example. The processor may identify whether charging current is currently being supplied through either the first charging terminal or the second charging terminal based on the electrical signal determined by the operation of the third circuit element and / or the state of charge of the battery.

[0139]

[0140] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following examples:

[0141] Example 1: A wearable device (100) according to one embodiment includes a motor (534, 534-1) for generating torque based on electric energy supplied from a battery (565), a torque transmission frame (50, 55) for transmitting the generated torque to a user's leg, a thigh fastening part (1, 2) for fixing the torque transmission frame (50, 55) to the user's leg, a processor (512) for controlling the operation of the motor (534, 534-1), and a battery charging circuit (570) for controlling charging of the battery (565), wherein the battery charging circuit (570) includes a first charging terminal (582) connected to a power cable (610) for supplying charging current from an external power source, and a second charging terminal (584) for supplying charging current from a charging device (630), wherein the second charging terminal (584) is connected to electrodes (642, 644) of the charging device (630). - including contact electrodes (622, 624) that are in contact with the first charging terminal (582) and the second charging terminal (584), and a charging control circuit (595) that is electrically connected to the first charging terminal (582) and the second charging terminal (584) and charges the battery (565) based on a charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (582) or the second charging terminal (584), wherein the charging control circuit (595) may include a first circuit element (822) that blocks at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (582) from flowing to the contact electrodes (622, 624) when the charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the first charging terminal (582).

[0142] Example 2: In Example 1, when charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (584), the supplied charging current can be transmitted to the battery (565) through the first circuit element (822).

[0143] Example 3: In Example 1 or Example 2, the charge control circuit (595) may further include a second circuit element (824) for controlling the flow of current of the first circuit element (822).

[0144] Example 4: In Example 3, when charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), the second circuit element (824) can control the first circuit element (822) so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (584) flows to the battery (565) through the first circuit element (822).

[0145] Example 5: In Example 3 or Example 4, the second circuit element (824) may be turned off when charging current is not supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), so that no current flows through the second circuit element (824), and when no current flows through the second circuit element (824), the first circuit element (822) may be turned off, so that no current flows through the first circuit element (822).

[0146] Example 6: In any of Examples 3 to 5, the second circuit element (824) may be a transistor element electrically connected to the first circuit element (822) and the second charging terminal (584).

[0147] Example 7: In any of Examples 1 to 6, the contact electrodes (622, 624) may be positioned in a groove area of ​​the base body of the wearable device (100) and may not be exposed to the outside of the base body.

[0148] Example 8: In any of Examples 1 to 7, the charging control circuit (595) may further include a third circuit element (826) for transmitting an electrical signal indicating that the charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (584) to the processor (512) when the charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584).

[0149] Example 9: In Example 8, the third circuit element (826) may be a transistor element electrically connected to the second charging terminal (584) and the processor (512).

[0150] Example 10: In any of Examples 1 to 9, the first circuit element (822) is a transistor element, a first terminal of the first circuit element (822) is electrically connected to the contact electrodes (622, 624), and a second terminal of the first circuit element (822) is electrically connected to the first charging terminal (582).

[0151] Example 11: In any of Examples 1 to 10, the wearable device (100) is a device worn on a user's body to assist the user's walking or movement, and the charging device (630) may be located on a holder on which the wearable device (100) can be placed.

[0152] Example 12: In Example 11, when the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand, the first charging terminal (582) may be covered by the stand and not exposed to the outside.

[0153] Example 13: An electronic device (900) according to one embodiment includes a battery (910), a first charging terminal (920) connected to a power cable to receive charging current from an external power source, a second charging terminal (930) connected to receive charging current from a charging device, wherein the second charging terminal (930) includes contact electrodes (622, 624) that contact electrodes of the charging device, and a charging control circuit (940) electrically connected to the first charging terminal (920) and the second charging terminal (930) and charging the battery (910) based on a charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (920) or the second charging terminal (930), wherein the charging control circuit (940) is configured to supply at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (920) to the electronic device (900) through the first charging terminal (920). It may include a first circuit element (942) that blocks flow to the contact electrodes.

[0154] Example 14: In Example 13, the charging control circuit (940) may further include a second circuit element (944) for controlling the flow of current of the first circuit element (942).

[0155] Example 15: In Example 14, when a charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), the second circuit element (944) can control the first circuit element (942) so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (930) flows to the battery (910) through the first circuit element (942).

[0156] Example 16: In Example 14 or Example 15, the second circuit element (944) may be turned off when charging current is not supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), so that no current flows through the second circuit element (944), and when no current flows through the second circuit element (944), the first circuit element (942) may be turned off, so that no current flows through the first circuit element (942).

[0157] Example 17: In any of Examples 13 to 16, the charging control circuit (940) may further include a third circuit element (946) for transmitting an electrical signal indicating that the charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (930) to the processor (950) of the electronic device (900) when the charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930).

[0158] Example 18: In any of Examples 13 to 17, the electronic device (900) is a wearable device (100) worn on a user's body to assist the user's walking or exercise, and the charging device may be located on a stand on which the wearable device (100) can be placed.

[0159] Example 19: A charging control method according to one embodiment may include an operation of receiving a charging current from an external power source through a first charging terminal (920) of an electronic device (900) when the first charging terminal (920) of the electronic device (900) is connected to an external power source through a power cable, an operation of receiving a charging current from a charging device through a second charging terminal (930) of the electronic device (900) when the second charging terminal (930) of the electronic device (900) is connected to the charging device, the second charging terminal (930) including contact electrodes that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device, and an operation of charging a battery (910) of the electronic device (900) based on a charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (920) or the second charging terminal (930).

[0160] When a charging current is received through the first charging terminal (920), at least a portion of the charging current received from the first charging terminal (920) can be blocked from flowing to the contact electrodes by the first circuit element (942) of the electronic device (900).

[0161] Example 20: In Example 19, the first circuit element (942) is electrically connected to each of the contact electrodes and the second circuit element (944), and the second circuit element (944) is turned off when charging current is not supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), so that current does not flow through the second circuit element (944), and when current does not flow through the second circuit element (944), the first circuit element (942) is turned off, so that current flow to the contact electrodes is blocked.

[0162]

[0163] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0164] The term "module" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrally formed component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0165] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a wearable device (100) of FIG. 1, a user terminal (210) of FIG. 2, a server (230) of FIG. 2, or an electronic device (900) of FIG. 9). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., a processor (512) of FIG. 5 or a processor (950) of FIG. 9) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0166] Software may include computer programs, codes, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, or computer storage medium or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0168] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0169] The embodiments described above may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and software applications running on the operating system. Furthermore, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0170] The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

[0171] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that the various embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it will be understood that any embodiment(s) described in this disclosure may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described in this disclosure.

Claims

1. In a wearable device (100), A motor (534; 534-1) that generates torque based on electric energy supplied from a battery (565); A torque transmission frame (50; 55) for transmitting the generated torque to the user's legs; A thigh fastening member (1; 2) for fixing the torque transmission frame (50; 55) to the user's leg; A processor (512) controlling the operation of the above motor (534; 534-1); and A battery charging circuit (570) that controls the charging of the above battery (565) Including, The above battery charging circuit (570) A first charging terminal (582) connected to a power cable (610) to supply charging current from an external power source; A second charging terminal (584) for receiving a charging current from a charging device (630), wherein the second charging terminal (584) includes contact electrodes (622, 624) that come into contact with electrodes (642, 644) of the charging device (630); and A charging control circuit (595) electrically connected to the first charging terminal (582) and the second charging terminal (584), and charging the battery (565) based on the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (582) or the second charging terminal (584). Including, The above charging control circuit (595) When a charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the first charging terminal (582), a first circuit element (822) is included that blocks at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (582) from flowing to the contact electrodes (622, 624). Wearable device (100).

2. In paragraph 1, When the charging current is supplied through the second charging terminal (584), the supplied charging current is transmitted to the battery (565) through the first circuit element (822). Wearable device (100).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above charging control circuit (595) Further comprising a second circuit element (824) for controlling the flow of current of the first circuit element (822), The above second circuit element (824) is When a charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), the first circuit element (822) is controlled so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (584) flows to the battery (565) through the first circuit element (822). Wearable device (100).

4. In paragraph 3, The above second circuit element (824) is When the charging current is not supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584), it is turned off and no current flows through the second circuit element (824). When no current flows through the second circuit element (824), the first circuit element (822) is turned off and no current flows through the first circuit element (822). Wearable device (100).

5. In either of paragraphs 3 or 4, The above second circuit element (824) is A transistor element electrically connected to the first circuit element (822) and the second charging terminal (584), Wearable device (100).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above contact electrodes (622, 624) are Located in the groove area of ​​the base body of the wearable device (100) and not exposed to the outside of the base body, Wearable device (100).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above charging control circuit (595) A third circuit element (826) for transmitting an electrical signal indicating that the charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (584) to the processor (512) when the charging current is supplied to the wearable device (100) through the second charging terminal (584). A wearable device (100) further comprising:

8. In paragraph 7, The above third circuit element (826) is A transistor element electrically connected to the second charging terminal (584) and the processor (512), Wearable device (100).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above first circuit element (822) is a transistor element, The first terminal of the first circuit element (822) is electrically connected to the contact electrodes (622, 624), The second terminal of the first circuit element (822) is electrically connected to the first charging terminal (582). Wearable device (100).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above wearable device (100) is It is a device worn on the user's body to assist the user's walking or movement. The above charging device (630) is, The above wearable device (100) is located on a holder on which it can be mounted, When the wearable device (100) is placed on the stand, the first charging terminal (582) is covered by the stand and is not exposed to the outside. Wearable device (100).

11. In the electronic device (900), Battery (910); A first charging terminal (920) connected to a power cable to receive charging current from an external power source; A second charging terminal (930) for receiving charging current from a charging device, wherein the second charging terminal (930) includes contact electrodes (622, 624) that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device; and A charging control circuit (940) electrically connected to the first charging terminal (920) and the second charging terminal (930), and charging the battery (910) based on a charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (920) or the second charging terminal (930). Including, The above charging control circuit (940) When a charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the first charging terminal (920), a first circuit element (942) is included that blocks at least a portion of the charging current supplied from the first charging terminal (920) from flowing to the contact electrodes. Electronic devices (900).

12. In paragraph 11, The above charging control circuit (940) Further comprising a second circuit element (944) for controlling the flow of current of the first circuit element (942), The above second circuit element (944) is, When a charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), the first circuit element (942) is controlled so that the charging current supplied from the second charging terminal (930) flows to the battery (910) through the first circuit element (942). Electronic devices (900).

13. In paragraph 12, The above second circuit element (944) is, When the charging current is not supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930), it is turned off and no current flows through the second circuit element (944). When no current flows through the second circuit element (944), the first circuit element (942) is turned off and no current flows through the first circuit element (942). Electronic devices (900).

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, The above charging control circuit (940) A third circuit element (946) for transmitting an electrical signal indicating that the charging current is supplied from the second charging terminal (930) to the processor (950) of the electronic device (900) when the charging current is supplied to the electronic device (900) through the second charging terminal (930). An electronic device (900) further comprising:

15. In the charging control method, When the first charging terminal (920) of the electronic device (900) is connected to an external power source via a power cable, an operation of receiving a charging current from the external power source via the first charging terminal (920); When the second charging terminal (930) of the electronic device (900) is connected to a charging device, an operation of receiving a charging current from the charging device through the second charging terminal (930), wherein the second charging terminal (930) includes contact electrodes that come into contact with electrodes of the charging device; and An operation in which the charging control circuit (940) of the electronic device (900) charges the battery (910) of the electronic device (900) based on the charging current supplied through the first charging terminal (920) or the second charging terminal (930). Including, When a charging current is received through the first charging terminal (920), at least a portion of the charging current received from the first charging terminal (920) is blocked from flowing to the contact electrodes by the first circuit element (942) of the electronic device (900). Charging control method.

Images