Patent Description:
The description in this section merely provides background information of the present disclosure and does not necessarily constitute prior art.

A wearable robot and a wearable suit (hereinafter collectively a "wearable suit") refer to a type of robot that is worn on a human body. A user is directly in charge of posture control, context-awareness, and motion signal generation, which artificial intelligence of the robot is responsible for, and the wearable suit responds to various situations to assist muscular strength and mobility of the user or the like.

With the development of sensors, control, and software technologies, the wearable suits are being used in various fields such as military use, disaster relief, industrial work, rehabilitation treatment, and daily life assistance. The wearable suit can increase a work performance time and a work range of the user by assisting physical ability of the user in environments such as disaster sites and mountainous terrain. The wearable suit may be used for work and rehabilitation treatment by assisting the muscular strength and physical defects of the user in daily life.

The wearable suit may be divided into a passive type suit and an active type suit according to a power implementation method. Here, the passive type means a method using a preset force such as a spring and an elastic band, and the active type means a method using a variable force such as a motor and hydraulic pressure.

<CIT> discloses a method of controlling a wearable suit according to the preamble of claim <NUM> and a wearable suit according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM> for assisting muscular power, comprising an intention recognition unit configured to determine a movement intention of a wearer; a control unit configured to generate an actuation control signal to an actuation unit by the signal from the intention recognition unit; and a flexible actuation unit configured to generate actuation force for assisting muscular power by the actuation control signal from the control unit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling a wearable suit including a muscular strength assistance unit, at least a portion of which is made of a shape memory alloy material, according to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a wearable suit configured to assist muscular strength of a user to move a heavy load according to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to an embodiment, a user of a wearable suit, by operating the wearable suit using a switch disposed on a forearm (e.g., wrist), can use both hands freely.

According to an embodiment, by being operated by a switch disposed on a user's forearm (e.g., wrist), a wearable suit can be operated according to a user's intention.

An operation of a wearable suit according to an embodiment can be cancelled based on a preset operating time of a user, and thus, be cancelled according to a user's intention even when the user is holding an object in both hands.

An operation of a wearable suit according to an embodiment can be cancelled based on information on a load acting on a connecting unit, and thus, be cancelled according to a user's intention without a switch, a sensor installed in a workspace, or the like.

The aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and other aspects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following descriptions.

Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, like reference numerals preferably designate like elements, although the elements are shown in different drawings. Further, in the following description of some embodiments, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated therein will be omitted for the purpose of clarity and for brevity.

Additionally, various terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., are used solely to differentiate one component from the other but not to imply or suggest the substances, order, or sequence of the components.

When it is mentioned that any component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it is to be understood that any component may be directly connected or coupled to another component or is connected or coupled to another component with the other component interposed therebetween.

Throughout the present specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, "including" or "comprising" any components will be understood to imply the inclusion of other elements rather than the exclusion of any other elements.

A term "~unit," "module," or the like, described in the specification means a unit of processing at least one function or operation and may be implemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

Unless otherwise stated, it should be noted that a description of any one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments as well.

The description of the present disclosure to be disclosed below with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wearable suit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a user wearing the wearable suit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a fixing unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a block configuration diagram of the wearable suit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a wearable suit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body unit <NUM>, a fixing unit <NUM>, a coupling unit <NUM>, a connecting unit <NUM>, a control unit, <NUM>, and a power supply unit <NUM>.

The body unit <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and a muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may include a muscular strength assistance spring 112a, a terminal 112b, and a support member 112c.

The fixing unit <NUM> may include a shoulder belt <NUM>, a chest belt <NUM> and a waist belt <NUM>.

The coupling unit <NUM> may include an arms coupling unit <NUM> and a legs coupling unit <NUM>.

The connecting unit <NUM> may include an arms connecting unit <NUM> and a legs connecting unit <NUM>.

The body unit <NUM> is disposed on at least a portion of an upper body of a user <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> may be disposed at a rear of the upper body of the user <NUM>. At least a portion of the body unit <NUM> is made of a shape memory alloy material. The body unit <NUM> may be connected to at least a portion of the fixing unit <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> may be connected to the shoulder belt <NUM> and the waist belt <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> is connected to the connecting unit <NUM>. The body unit <NUM> is connected to the coupling unit <NUM> using the connecting unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the body unit <NUM> so that the body unit <NUM> may be operated and the operation of the body unit <NUM> may be cancelled.

The housing <NUM> is disposed on at least a portion of the upper body of the user <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include an accommodating space therein. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM>, the power supply unit <NUM>, guiding units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (see <FIG>) and at least a part of the connecting unit <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodation space inside the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> and the shoulder belt <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a backpack.

The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is configured to assist the muscular strength of the user <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is made of a shape memory alloy material. At least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may contract and expand. Power may be applied to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by the power supply unit <NUM>. At least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is connected to the connecting unit <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be connected to the coupling unit <NUM> using the connecting unit <NUM>. There may be a plurality of muscular strength assistance units <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> may be controlled by the control unit <NUM>.

The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is made of a shape memory alloy material. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a is formed to be contractible and expandable. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a may be electrically connected to the terminal 112b. The muscular strength assistance spring 112a may be connected to a support member 112c. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands, the terminal 112b and the support member 112c may move.

The muscular strength assistance spring 112a may contract and expand using power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM>. Heat is generated by the power applied to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and the electrical resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. As the temperature of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a increases, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts. As the power supplied to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is cut off, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a may be cooled.

There may be a plurality of muscular strength assistance springs 112a. A plurality of muscular strength assistance springs 112a may be disposed in series and/or parallel to each other. In this case, the plurality of muscular strength assistance springs 112a may be disposed in an appropriate shape in consideration of the resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and/or the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM>.

In this way, when the muscular strength assistance spring 112a, which can be made of a shape memory alloy material, is used as a driving source for the wearable suit <NUM>, compared to the case where a motor is used as the driving source, the muscular strength of the user <NUM> may be assisted with a simple configuration, weight of the wearable suit <NUM> may be reduced, it may be advantageous in terms of cost, and noise caused by the driving of the motor, etc. may be reduced.

Specifically, when the motor is used as the driving source, a reducer for changing a rotation of the motor into a linear motion or a slow angular motion is additionally required. When the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is used as the driving source for the wearable suit <NUM>, since an additional configuration such as the reducer is not required, the muscular strength of the user <NUM> may be assisted with a relatively simple configuration.

A typical motor that produces an output of about 150W has a weight of about <NUM>, and as described above, a separate reducer is required. On the other hand, when the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is used as the driving source for the wearable suit <NUM>, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a can be configured with a weight of about <NUM> to produce a similar output, and additional configurations such as the reducer are unnecessary. Accordingly, it is possible to significantly reduce the weight of the wearable suit <NUM>.

In order to produce the motor, core processes such as winding, fusion bonding, and inspection are required and cannot be done manually, so process development and specialized production lines are required. In addition, the price of the shape memory alloy is lower than that of a magnetic material (e.g., neodymium), copper, and the like, which are core parts of the motor. Accordingly, when the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is used as the driving source of the wearable suit <NUM>, the need for process development and a professional production line is eliminated, manufacturing cost is reduced, and economic feasibility can be improved.

AC, DC motors, etc. require a brush that supplies electricity to a rotor, and due to such configurations the lifespan of the AC, DC motors, etc. is limited and the size of the AC, DC motors, etc. is increased. To compensate for the above problem, even if a brushless motor is considered, it is necessary to develop a dedicated brushless motor for application to a specific field (e.g., wearable suit, etc.). To this end, cost and professional manpower (e.g., doctoral level manpower, etc.) are required. In addition, a separate controller is essential for the brushless motor, and even if the development of a dedicated motor is successful, a demand of <NUM>,<NUM> units or more per year of 100W to 500W class motors for application to wearable suit <NUM>, etc. is needed to minimize cost. On the other hand, when the muscular strength assistance spring 112a is used as the driving source for the wearable suit <NUM>, since additional components such as brushes are not required, the lifespan is not limited and the size of the driving source may be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to separately develop a dedicated driving source, the cost and manpower are reduced.

The terminal 112b may be formed on the support member 112c. The terminal 112b may be electrically connected to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The terminal 112b may be electrically connected to the power supply unit <NUM>. The terminal 112b may transmit the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The terminal 112b may be connected to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and the support member 112c. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands, the terminal 112b may move along with the support member 112c. The terminal 112b may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>.

The support member 112c may be connected to the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and the terminal 112b to support the muscular strength assistance spring 112a and the terminal 112b. The support member 112c may be disposed on both sides of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. The support member 112c may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. A terminal 112b may be formed on the support member 112c. There may be a plurality of support members 112c. Some of the plurality of support members 112c may be connected to the connecting unit <NUM>. The support member 112c connected to the connecting unit <NUM> may move as the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands and assist the muscular strength of the user <NUM>. Another portion of the plurality of support members 112c may be fixed to the inside of the housing <NUM>. For example, at least some of the plurality of support members 112c to be connected to the connecting unit <NUM> are movably installed with respect to the housing <NUM>, and at least a portion not connected to the connecting unit <NUM> may be installed to be fixed to the housing <NUM>.

The fixing unit <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. At least a portion of the fixing unit <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. The fixing unit <NUM> may include one or more of a shoulder belt <NUM>, a chest belt <NUM>, a waist belt <NUM>, and a legs belt.

The shoulder belt <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the shoulder belt <NUM> may be configured to cover the shoulder of the user <NUM>. Both sides of the shoulder belt <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the chest belt <NUM> may be connected to the shoulder belt <NUM>.

The chest belt <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the chest belt <NUM> may be configured to cover the chest of the user <NUM>. At least a portion of the chest belt <NUM> may be connected to the shoulder belt <NUM>. A middle portion of the chest belt <NUM> may be formed in a structure that can be coupled and decoupled.

The waist belt <NUM> fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the waist belt <NUM> may be configured to cover the waist of the user <NUM>. Both sides of the waist belt <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. A middle portion of the waist belt <NUM> may be formed in a structure that can be coupled and decoupled. According to the waist belt <NUM>, the body unit <NUM> may be stably maintained in a state positioned on the upper body of the user <NUM>. Meanwhile, it should be noted that, even when the waist belt <NUM> is not provided, the body unit <NUM> may be positioned on the upper body of the user <NUM> by the fixing force of the legs belt, which will be described later, or by the weight of the body unit <NUM>, and the shoulder belt <NUM>.

The legs belt may fix the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. When the wearable suit <NUM> assists the muscular strength of the arms of the user <NUM>, the legs belt fixes the body unit <NUM> to the upper body of the user <NUM>. In this case, the legs coupling unit <NUM> and the legs connecting unit <NUM> may serve as the legs belt. Meanwhile, when the wearable suit <NUM> assists only the arms of the user <NUM>, the legs belt may be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the fixing unit <NUM> may be provided in the form of a vest. It may be understood that the fixing unit <NUM> in the form of the vest is formed integrally with two or more of the shoulder belt <NUM>, the chest belt <NUM>, and the waist belt <NUM>. For example, the fixing unit <NUM> may also be formed in a shape in which the left and right shoulder belts <NUM> are interconnected by a fastening means, for example, a zipper or a button.

The coupling unit <NUM> is coupled to at least a portion of the body of the user <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the arms and/or legs of the user <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the body unit <NUM> by a connecting unit <NUM>. The coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to assist the muscular strength of the user <NUM>. The number of coupling units <NUM> may be plural. The coupling unit <NUM> may be formed in a band shape.

The arms coupling unit <NUM> is coupled to at least a portion of the arms of the user <NUM>. The arms coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by the arms connecting unit <NUM> and assist the muscular strength of the arms of the user <NUM>.

The legs coupling unit <NUM> is coupled to at least a portion of the legs of the user <NUM>. The legs coupling unit <NUM> may be connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by the legs connecting unit <NUM> and assist the muscular strength of the legs and/or waist of the user <NUM>. When the wearable suit <NUM> assists the muscular strength of the arms of the user <NUM>, the legs coupling unit <NUM> may constitute a portion of the legs belt.

The connecting unit <NUM> connects the body unit <NUM> and the coupling unit <NUM>. The connecting unit <NUM> connects the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and the coupling unit <NUM>. At least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM> may move as the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands. The connecting unit <NUM> may be made of a non-stretchable material. For example, at least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM> may be made of a polyester material. A thickness of the connecting unit <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>. By inserting at least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM> into the inside of the guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (see <FIG>), the position of the connecting unit <NUM> may be guided and/or fixed.

The arms connecting unit <NUM> connects the body unit <NUM> and the arms coupling unit <NUM>. The arms connecting unit <NUM> connects the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and the arms coupling unit <NUM>. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands, at least a portion of the arms connecting unit <NUM> may move to assist the muscular strength of the arms of the user <NUM>.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that when the wearable suit <NUM> is provided to assist the muscular strength of the legs and/or the waist of the user <NUM>, the arms coupling unit <NUM> and the arms connecting unit <NUM> may be omitted.

The legs connecting unit <NUM> connects the body unit <NUM> and the legs coupling unit <NUM>. The legs connecting unit <NUM> connects the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and the legs coupling unit <NUM>. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands, at least a portion of the legs connecting unit <NUM> may move to assist the muscular strength of the legs and/or waist of the user <NUM>. When the wearable suit <NUM> assists the muscular strength of the arms of the user <NUM>, the legs connecting unit <NUM> may constitute a portion of the legs belt. The legs connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in a "Y" shape, an "H" shape, etc. The legs connecting unit <NUM> may be formed integrally, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be formed in a shape in which a plurality of components are combined according to the purpose and use.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that, when the wearable suit <NUM> is provided to assist the muscular strength of the arms of the user <NUM>, the legs coupling unit <NUM> and the legs connecting unit <NUM> may be omitted.

The control unit <NUM> may control each configuration of the wearable suit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may receive information obtained by a sensing unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may receive a signal related to the operation or the operation cancellation from a timer and/or a switch <NUM>, etc. The control unit <NUM> may control the power supply unit <NUM> based on the information obtained by the sensing unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the body unit <NUM> using the power supply unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may receive an operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> from the switch <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may operate the wearable suit <NUM> based on a signal transmitted from the switch <NUM>. In this case, the control unit <NUM> may operate the wearable suit <NUM> by controlling the power supply unit <NUM> to supply power from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from the timer and/or the sensing unit <NUM>. In this case, the control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> by controlling the power supply unit <NUM> to cut off the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from the timer, etc. The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on information on a load (i.e., a load of an object to be moved by the user) acting on the wearable suit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on whether the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> decreases and/or whether the load reduction time is equal to or longer than a preset time, etc..

The power supply unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to at least a portion of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to supply power to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. The power supply unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the terminal 112b. The power supply unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. Heat is generated by the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> and the electrical resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a, and the temperature of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a increases. Accordingly, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts to provide tension to the connecting unit <NUM>, thereby assisting the muscular strength of the body part of the user equipped with the coupling unit <NUM>, for example, the arms, waist, and/or legs. The power supply unit <NUM> may be controlled by the control unit <NUM> to supply or cut off power to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a wearable suit provided with a first guiding member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a wearable suit provided with a second guiding member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a wearable suit provided with a third guiding member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A guiding unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The wearable suit <NUM> according to the present disclosure may further include a guiding unit configured to guide the location of the connecting unit <NUM>. According to the guiding unit, by moving the connecting unit <NUM> along a set path, it is possible to further improve the control accuracy.

The guiding unit may include one or more guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> configured to insert at least a portion of the connecting unit <NUM>.

The guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first guiding member <NUM>, a second guiding member <NUM>, and a third guiding member <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate each of the guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> by way of example, but those skilled in the art will understand that the wearable suit <NUM> may include two or more guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> together.

The first guiding member <NUM> may guide and/or fix the position of the arms connecting unit <NUM>. The first guiding member <NUM> is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the arms connecting unit <NUM>. By preventing the arms connecting unit <NUM> from coming into direct contact with the body of the user <NUM>, the first guiding member <NUM> may prevent the user <NUM> from being injured while the arms connecting unit <NUM> moves. One side of the first guiding member <NUM> toward the upper side and/or the front of the user <NUM> from the housing <NUM> may be connected to the housing <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, based on the state in which the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, the first guiding member <NUM> may have a shape extending from the housing <NUM> toward the upper side and/or the front of the user <NUM>. Based on the state in which the user <NUM> wears the wearable suit <NUM>, a portion of the first guiding member <NUM> extends from the housing <NUM> toward the upper side of the user <NUM>, and the remaining portion of the first guiding member <NUM> may extend from one portion in a direction toward the front of the user <NUM>. According to the first guiding member <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the problem that the load due to the tension applied to the arms connecting unit <NUM> is concentrated on the shoulder of the user <NUM>.

The first guiding member <NUM> may be formed in a pipe shape having a hollow into which at least a portion of the arms connecting unit <NUM> can be inserted. According to such a shape, it is possible to guide the position of the arms connecting unit <NUM> more stably. On the other hand, alternatively, the first guiding member <NUM> may have a groove shape with an opened upper side. At least a portion of the first guiding member <NUM> may be curved so that the load acting on the first guiding member <NUM> and/or the arms connecting unit <NUM> is distributed. For example, an end of the first guiding member <NUM> may have a downwardly curved shape. According to such a shape, it is possible to reduce the problem that the arms connecting unit <NUM> is damaged by friction with the end of the first guiding member <NUM>. The number of first guiding members <NUM> may be plural.

The second guiding member <NUM> may guide and/or fix the position of the arms connecting unit <NUM>. The second guiding member <NUM> is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the arms connecting unit <NUM>. The second guiding member <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the fixing unit <NUM>. The second guiding member <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the shoulder belt <NUM>. For example, the second guiding member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the fixing unit <NUM> (e.g., shoulder belt <NUM>) in the form of a passage formed to pass through the fixing unit <NUM> (e.g., the shoulder belt <NUM>). The second guiding member <NUM> may be formed in a pipe or ring shape. On the other hand, the second guiding member <NUM> may have a groove shape with an opened upper side. At least a portion of the second guiding member <NUM> may be curved so that the load acting on the second guiding member <NUM> is distributed. The number of second guiding members <NUM> may be plural.

The third guiding member <NUM> may guide and/or fix the position of the legs connecting unit <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> is configured so that at least a portion of the legs connecting unit <NUM> is inserted therein. The third guiding member <NUM> may be disposed inside the housing <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> may be fixed inside the housing <NUM>. The third guiding member <NUM> may be formed in a pipe or ring shape. The number of third guiding members <NUM> may be plural.

<FIG> illustrate various embodiments of a legs connecting unit according to the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the legs connecting unit <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first legs connecting unit <NUM>, a second legs connecting unit <NUM>, and a third legs connecting unit <NUM>.

One side of the first legs connecting unit <NUM> is connected to the body unit <NUM>. One side of the first legs connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the support member 112c of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. As the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts or expands, at least a portion of the first legs connecting unit <NUM> may move together with the support member 112c. The other side of the first legs connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the third legs connecting unit <NUM>. The first legs connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the second legs connecting unit <NUM> by the third legs connecting unit <NUM>. A cross section of the first legs connecting unit <NUM> may have a circular shape. The first legs connecting unit <NUM> may be made of a polyester material. The number of first legs connecting units <NUM> may be plural. According to the purpose and use, the first legs connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in various lengths.

One side of the second legs connecting unit <NUM> is connected to the legs coupling unit <NUM>. The other side of the second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the third legs connecting unit <NUM>. The second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be connected to the first legs connecting unit <NUM> by the third legs connecting unit <NUM>. The second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be made of a polyester material. The second legs connecting unit <NUM> may have a shape wider than the thickness. According to such a shape, based on the state in which the user <NUM> is seated in a chair to rest, by reducing a thickness of a portion of the legs connecting unit <NUM> that is in contact with the body (e.g., waist, buttocks, and/or thigh) of the user <NUM>, it is possible to sufficiently secure the rigidity of the second legs connecting unit <NUM> while reducing discomfort during seating. For example, the second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in a thin and flat shape (e.g., webbing belt shape) similar to a seat belt of a vehicle. The number of second legs connecting units <NUM> may be plural. , the second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in various lengths according to the purpose and use.

The third legs connecting unit <NUM> is disposed between the first legs connecting unit <NUM> and the second legs connecting unit <NUM>. The third legs connecting unit <NUM> connects the other side of the first legs connecting unit <NUM> and the other side of the second legs connecting unit <NUM>. The third legs connecting unit <NUM> may support and/or fix the first legs connecting unit <NUM> and the second legs connecting unit <NUM>. The third legs connecting unit <NUM> may be formed in a ring or bar shape.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the third legs connecting unit <NUM> is formed in a ring shape, according to such a structure, the structure is simple, and the left-right balance of a pair of second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be improved. For example, the second legs connecting unit <NUM> may be installed in the third legs connecting unit <NUM> to be movable along the circumference of the third legs connecting unit <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the third legs connecting unit <NUM> is formed in a bar shape, by separating a pair of second legs connecting unit <NUM> by a sufficient enough distance, the second legs connecting unit <NUM> may reduce the portion in contact with the user's buttocks. In addition, by reducing the angle formed by the second legs connecting unit <NUM> with respect to the transmission direction of the force from the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to the legs coupling unit <NUM>, the efficiency of transmitting the force may be improved.

<FIG> illustrate an operating principle of the wearable suit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate an operating principle of a muscular strength assistance unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An operating principle of the wearable suit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The user <NUM> wearing the wearable suit <NUM> approaches an object, for example, a heavy load <NUM> to move the heavy load <NUM> to a moving location such as a worktable <NUM>. The user <NUM> may extend the user's arms or bend the user's waist to lift the heavy load <NUM>. Accordingly, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a made of a shape memory alloy material expands. The user <NUM> may transmit an operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM> using the switch <NUM> or the like. The control unit <NUM> controls the power supply unit <NUM> so that power is supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. Heat is generated by the power supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> and the electrical resistance of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a. As the temperature of the muscular strength assistance spring 112a increases, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts. As the muscular strength assistance spring (112a) contracts, it is possible to assist the muscular strength of the user's body connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. As a result, the user <NUM> may move the heavy load <NUM> to a moving location such as the worktable <NUM> with a small force.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a switch and a signal transmission unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrate a display unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wearable suit <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the switch <NUM>, a signal transmission unit <NUM>, and a display unit <NUM>.

The switch <NUM> may generate an electrical signal by detecting contact with an external object (or another switch <NUM>). For example, the switch <NUM> may include a conductive exposed portion. When the conductive exposed portions of the two switches <NUM> come into contact with each other, the two switches <NUM> are electrically connected, so the control unit <NUM> may detect the contact. The switch <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of the arms of the user <NUM>.

As an example, the switch <NUM> may include a wearing member that may be worn on at least a portion of the arms of the user <NUM>. For example, the wearing member may be worn on the forearm of the user <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the wearing member is provided in the shape of a wrist band, so that at least two switches <NUM> may be disposed on the inside of both wrists of the user <NUM>.

As another example, it should be noted that the switch <NUM> may be disposed in the arms coupling unit <NUM>, instead of having a separate wearing member. In other words, when the wearable suit <NUM> includes the arms coupling unit <NUM>, the arms coupling unit <NUM> may also function as the wearing member of the switch <NUM>. In other words, according to the embodiment, the "wearing member" may be understood to refer to the arms coupling unit <NUM>.

The user <NUM> may input an operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> using the switch <NUM>.

For example, the user <NUM> may input the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> by bringing the two switches <NUM> disposed on both forearms (e.g., wrist) into contact with each other. Since both forearms (e.g., wrist), in particular, the inner sides of both forearms, are portions that are unlikely to come into contact with each other in a daily work environment, using such a structure, it is possible to effectively prevent the problems due to the malfunction of the switch <NUM>.

As another example, the user <NUM> may input the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> by bringing the switch <NUM> into contact with the heavy load <NUM> (refer to <FIG>).

The user <NUM> may input the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> by combining the methods according to the abovementioned two examples. That is, the user <NUM> may input the operation signal by bringing the two switches <NUM> disposed on both forearms into contact with each other or bringing the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> into contact with each other.

In this way, the user <NUM> may input the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> using the switch <NUM> disposed on the wrist, so the user can use both hands freely and operate the wearable suit <NUM> according to the user's intention. In addition, unlike the case of using the motor, etc., since standby power is unnecessary, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

The operation signal may be transmitted from the switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may operate the wearable suit <NUM> or cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the signal transmitted from the switch <NUM>.

The switch <NUM> may transmit a signal to the control unit <NUM> using a wireless and/or wired method. For example, the switch <NUM> may transmit a signal to the control unit <NUM> using a wireless communication method. Here, the wireless communication method may be a Bluetooth method, but is not limited thereto, and other methods may be used according to the purpose and use. As another example, the switch <NUM> may transmit a signal to the control unit <NUM> using the signal transmission unit <NUM>.

The signal transmission unit <NUM> connects the switch <NUM> and the control unit <NUM>. The signal transmission unit <NUM> transmits a signal input to the switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. The signal transmission unit <NUM> may be arranged such that at least a portion winds the connecting unit <NUM>, in particular, the arms connecting unit <NUM>, for example, in a spring shape. With such a disposition structure, even if the connecting unit <NUM> moves or the length of the connecting unit <NUM> changes, the signal transmission unit <NUM> itself contracts and expands to accommodate the change, thereby stably transmitting a signal.

The control unit <NUM> may receive the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> from the switch <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may receive a signal from the switch <NUM> using a wireless and/or wired method.

The control unit <NUM> may determine whether at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with each other based on the signal transmitted from the switch <NUM>. When at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with each other, the control unit <NUM> may determine that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input.

The control unit <NUM> may determine whether the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) come into contact with each other based on the signal transmitted from the switch <NUM>. For example, the control unit <NUM> may determine whether the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input according to whether the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> come into contact with each other a set number of times within a set amount of time.

As an example, the control unit <NUM>, when each signal generated from the at least two switches <NUM> is transmitted to the control unit <NUM> (i) simultaneously, or (ii) sequentially within a set time, it may be detected that two switches <NUM> come into contact with both sides of the heavy load <NUM> at the same time, and it may be determined that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input.

As another example, when the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> come into contact with each other plural times by a set number of times within a set time, the control unit <NUM> may determine whether the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input. By setting the set time to a sufficiently short time, it is possible to prevent the wearable suit <NUM> from malfunctioning when the switch <NUM> touches an object other than the heavy load <NUM>, for example, the thigh of the user <NUM>, and the like. For example, the set time may be <NUM> second, and the set number of times may be twice, but is not limited thereto and may be set to a different value according to the purpose and use. When at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with both sides of the heavy load <NUM> at the same time, the control unit <NUM> may determine that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input.

When it is determined that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input, the control unit <NUM> controls the power supply unit <NUM> so that power is supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, thereby operating the wearable suit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may heat the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> so that the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts to provide an auxiliary force to the user <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may heat the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by controlling the power supply unit <NUM> to supply power from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may cool the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to reduce the auxiliary force. The control unit <NUM> may cool the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by controlling the power supply unit <NUM> to cut off power from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may receive information on whether the user <NUM> approaches a moving location of the heavy load <NUM> from a proximity sensor <NUM> (see <FIG>) installed in the moving location of the heavy load <NUM> (see <FIG>). Here, the proximity sensor <NUM> may be installed in the moving location, such as the worktable <NUM> (see <FIG>) to which the heavy load <NUM> moves. The proximity sensors <NUM> may be a plurality of proximity sensors, and the proximity sensor <NUM> may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensor. The control unit <NUM> may control the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from the proximity sensor <NUM>. For example, when it is determined based on the signal received through the proximity sensor <NUM> that the user <NUM> approaches the moving location of the heavy load <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> that the user <NUM> wears.

The control unit <NUM> cancels the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the operating time of the user <NUM>. More specifically, according to the present invention, the control unit <NUM> cools the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> so that the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is cancelled based on the operating time of the user <NUM>, wherein the operating time is a preset operating time. Here, the operating time means the time it takes for the user <NUM> to move the heavy load <NUM>. The user <NUM> may set the operating time in advance using a dial, a button, or the like. By cancelling the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on a preset operating time of the user <NUM>, it is possible to cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> according to the intention of the user <NUM> even when it is difficult to use the switch <NUM> because the user <NUM> is holding a heavy load <NUM> or the like in both hands, or when it is difficult to install the proximity sensor (<NUM>, see <FIG>) etc. due to the continuous change in the moving location of the heavy load <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may receive information on the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> from a temperature sensor. The control unit <NUM> may cool the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from the temperature sensor. For example, when the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is higher than the set temperature because the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is not sufficiently cooled due to the high ambient temperature, the control unit <NUM> may operate a fan or the like provided to cool the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to rapidly cool the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. In this way, the control unit <NUM> may adjust a cooling rate of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> based on the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, thereby effectively assisting the operation of the user <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> may display operation information (i.e., the operation state) of the wearable suit <NUM>. Here, the operation information/state includes information as to whether the wearable suit <NUM> is operating, information as to whether the wearable suit <NUM> fails, the remaining time until the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is cancelled, the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, and the like.

For example, the display unit <NUM> may include the wearing member (e.g., wrist band) to be disposed on the body (e.g., wrist, etc.) of the user <NUM>. As another example, it should be noted that the display unit <NUM> may be disposed on a portion of the wearable suit <NUM> (e.g., the arms coupling unit <NUM> or the switch <NUM>) instead of having a separate wearing member.

The display unit <NUM> may include one or more light emitting diode (LED) lamps. The one or more LED lamps may be configured to emit light of a plurality of colors. By causing the display unit <NUM> to display the operation state of the wearable suit <NUM> using one or more LED lamps, the user <NUM> may easily understand the operation state while operating.

The display unit <NUM> may display different operation states of the wearable suit <NUM> using light of different colors, for example, red, blue, white, yellow, and green. For example, when the wearable suit <NUM> is operating normally, the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state using light of a first color (e.g., blue). When the wearable suit <NUM> is turned on but is in a stopped state (i.e., in a standby state), the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state using light of a second color (e.g., green). When the wearable suit <NUM> is in a turned-off state, the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state using light of a third color (e.g., white). When the wearable suit <NUM> fails, etc., the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state using light of a fourth color (e.g., yellow). When the cancellation of operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is imminent, the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state using light of a fifth color (e.g., red).

The display unit <NUM> may display the operation state of the wearable suit <NUM> by adjusting a light emitting area. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> may display the operation state of the wearable suit <NUM> by adjusting the number of light-emitting light sources (e.g., LED lamps). For example, when the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is heated and contracted to provide an auxiliary force to the user <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> turns on all of the plurality of light sources as illustrated in <FIG> to display the operation state. When the auxiliary force is decreasing as the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is cooled, the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state by turning on some of the plurality of light sources as illustrated in <FIG>. The display unit <NUM> may display the operation state by adjusting the number of light sources lit according to the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and/or the remaining time until the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is cancelled. When the cancellation of the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is imminent as the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> is cooled, the display unit <NUM> may display an operation state by turning on one light source as illustrated in <FIG>. When the cancellation of the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is imminent, the display unit <NUM> flickers one light source emitting a red light to display the operation state, so the user <NUM> clearly recognizes that the cancellation of the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is imminent, thereby efficiently performing the operation. Meanwhile, unlike the above description, the display unit <NUM> may display the operation state of the wearable suit <NUM> by increasing or decreasing an area of a light-emitting region on the same display according to the remaining time until the operation is cancelled.

Meanwhile, the display unit <NUM> may combine the above-described display methods, that is, simultaneously use the color, the light emitting area, and the like to display all or some of whether the wearable suit <NUM> is operating, whether the wearable suit <NUM> fails, the remaining time until the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is cancelled, the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, and the like. A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating characteristics of a shape memory alloy.

In <FIG>, an x-axis represents the temperature of the shape memory alloy, and a y-axis represents the position of the shape memory alloy. Hereinafter, the position of the shape memory alloy will be described assuming that it means the position of the other side of the shape memory alloy that moves as the shape memory alloy contracts or expands while one side of the shape memory alloy is fixed. A case in which the shape memory alloy contracts by heating and expands by cooling will be described. In the y-axis of <FIG>, point ② is displayed above point ①, but this simply shows the absolute position of the other side of the shape memory alloy, and it does not mean that the length of the shape memory alloy is longer at point ② than point ①.

The shape memory alloy is heated or cooled in section C, and contracts or expands accordingly. Specifically, as the shape memory alloy is heated by power and electrical resistance, the temperature increases rapidly, and the shape memory alloy contracts rapidly in section A, so the position of the other side of the shape memory alloy moves from point ① to point ②. As the shape memory alloy cools naturally, the temperature gradually decreases, and the shape memory alloy gradually expands in section B, so the position of the other side of the shape memory alloy moves from point ② to point ①. Here, the temperature of section A may be <NUM> to <NUM>, and the temperature of section B may be <NUM> to <NUM>, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be a different value depending on the type and ratio of metals constituting the shape memory alloy.

As described above, by rapidly heating the shape memory alloy using the power, the electrical resistance, and the like, the shape memory alloy may rapidly contract. On the other hand, by cutting off the power supplied to the shape memory alloy and cooling the shape memory alloy naturally, the shape memory alloy may gradually expand. The principle of the expansion and contraction according to the temperature of this shape memory alloy is the same as the working principle of the user <NUM> of quickly lifting the heavy load <NUM> (see <FIG>), and slowly putting down the heavy load <NUM> on the worktable <NUM> (see <FIG>), etc. As a result, it is possible to effectively assist the work of the user <NUM> using the wearable suit <NUM> made of the shape memory alloy material.

<FIG> illustrate an operating principle of a sensing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the wearable suit <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a sensing unit <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> detects a load of an object acting on the wearable suit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may transmit the acquired information to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information obtained by the sensing unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may include one or more load sensors. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the connecting unit <NUM> to detect load acting on the connecting unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may detect tension acting on the connecting unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed in the middle of the connecting unit <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the connecting unit <NUM> to detect loads acting on each of the two sides of the connecting units <NUM>. As the user <NUM> stretches the user's arms or bends the user's waist to move the heavy load <NUM>, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a expands, and the connecting unit <NUM> on both sides of the sensing unit <NUM> is in a loose state. As the user <NUM> operates the wearable suit <NUM> to lift the heavy load <NUM>, the muscular strength assistance spring 112a contracts and all the connecting units <NUM> on both sides of the sensing unit <NUM> are in a tense state. When the user <NUM> puts down the heavy load <NUM> from his/her hand, the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> between the sensing unit <NUM> and the coupling unit <NUM> is reduced. The sensing unit <NUM> transmits the information on the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> cancels the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information. When the user <NUM> is holding an object in both hands, there is a problem in that it is difficult to use the switch. According to the above-described structure, the user <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> according to the intention of the user <NUM> without a separately installed switch, etc..

Also, the control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> by considering both the operating time of the user <NUM> and the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM>. For example, even if the operating time of the user <NUM> is set to <NUM> second, but <NUM> second has not passed, when it is clearly detected that the load acting on the connecting unit <NUM> decreases as the user <NUM> puts the heavy load <NUM> down from the hand, the control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> to facilitate the work of the user <NUM>. Conversely, even if the operating time of the user <NUM> is set to <NUM> second and <NUM> second has elapsed, when the user <NUM> is still holding the heavy load <NUM> and the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> is detected, the control unit <NUM> may not cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> for the safety of the user <NUM>. The method in which the control unit <NUM> cancels the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> by considering the operating time of the user <NUM> and the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> is not limited to the above-described example, and the operating time and the load may be considered in various ways according to the purpose, use, and situation.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method of controlling a wearable suit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A method of controlling a wearable suit <NUM> according to the embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The user of the wearable suit inputs an operation signal using a switch (S15 <NUM>). The user <NUM> of the wearable suit <NUM> may input the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> using at least two switches <NUM> disposed on a wrist. The operation signal is transmitted from the switch <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may control the wearable suit <NUM> based on the operation signal.

The control unit determines whether at least two switches come into contact with each other (S1520). The control unit <NUM> determines whether at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with each other based on the signal transmitted from the switch <NUM>. When at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with each other, the control unit <NUM> determines that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input.

The control unit determines whether the switch and the heavy load come into contact with each other a set number of times within a set amount of time (S1530). The control unit <NUM> may determine whether the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> come into contact with each other. When the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> come into contact with each other for a number of times equivalent to the set number of times within a set time, the control unit <NUM> may determine whether the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input. In this way, it is possible to prevent the wearable suit <NUM> from malfunctioning when the switch <NUM> touches an object other than the heavy load <NUM>, for example, the thigh of the user <NUM>, and the like. Here, the set time may be <NUM> second, and the set number of times may be twice, but is not limited thereto and may be set to a different value according to the purpose and use. When at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with both sides of the heavy load <NUM> at the same time, the control unit <NUM> may determine that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input. Alternatively, control unit <NUM> may determine that the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> is input when at least one of switches <NUM> contacts the heavy load <NUM>.

The control unit operates the wearable suit (S1540). When it is determined that at least two switches <NUM> come into contact with each other, the control unit <NUM> operates the wearable suit <NUM>. When it is determined that the switch <NUM> and the heavy load <NUM> come into contact with each other a number of times equivalent to the set number of times within a set time, the control unit <NUM> operates the wearable suit <NUM>.

The control unit determines whether the user approaches the moving location of the heavy load (S1550). The control unit <NUM> may receive information on whether the user <NUM> approaches the moving location of the heavy load <NUM> from the proximity sensor <NUM> or the like installed in the moving location of the heavy load <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls the wearable suit <NUM> based on the information received from the proximity sensor <NUM> and the like.

The control unit cancels the operation of the wearable suit (S <NUM>). The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> when it is determined that the user <NUM> approaches the moving location of the heavy load <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method of controlling a wearable suit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The method of controlling a wearable suit <NUM> according to another embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The user of the wearable suit sets the operating time in advance (S1610). The user <NUM> may set the operating time by considering the time required to move the heavy load <NUM> to the moving location such as the worktable <NUM>. The user <NUM> may set the operating time using a dial, a button, or the like.

The control unit heats the muscular strength assistance unit (S1620). The control unit <NUM> may heat the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to provide an auxiliary force to the user <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may heat the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> by controlling the power supply unit <NUM> to supply power from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>. The muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> made of the shape memory alloy material contracts as it is heated, and the auxiliary force may be provided to the body part of the user <NUM> connected to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, for example, arms, legs, and/or waist.

The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit (S1630). The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> and transmits information on the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may adjust the cooling rate of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from the temperature sensor.

The display unit displays the operation state of the wearable suit (S1640). The display unit <NUM> may display the operation state of the wearable suit <NUM>. Here, the operation state may mean whether the wearable suit <NUM> is operating, whether the wearable suit <NUM> fails, the remaining time until the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> is cancelled, the temperature of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM>, and the like. The display unit <NUM> may display the operation state of the wearable suit <NUM> using one or more LED lamps.

The control unit cools the muscular strength assistance unit (S1650). The control unit <NUM> cools the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> so that the auxiliary force provided to the user <NUM> is reduced. According to the present invention, the control unit <NUM> cools the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> based on the preset operating time of the user <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the user <NUM> is holding the heavy load <NUM> in both hands, it is possible to cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> according to the intention of the user <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may adjust the cooling rate of the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> based on the information transmitted from the temperature sensor.

The user operates the wearable suit (S1710). The user <NUM> may operate the wearable suit <NUM> using a separately provided switch <NUM> or the like. The user <NUM> transmits the operation signal of the wearable suit <NUM> to the control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls the power supply unit <NUM> so that power is supplied from the power supply unit <NUM> to the muscular strength assistance unit <NUM> to operate the wearable suit <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> detects the load acting on the wearable suit (S1720). The sensing unit <NUM> may detect the load acting on the wearable suit, and transmit the acquired information to the control unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may include one or more load sensors. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the connecting unit <NUM> to detect load acting on the connecting unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> determines whether the load acting on the wearable suit is reduced (S1730). The control unit <NUM> may determine whether the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> is reduced based on the information transmitted from the sensing unit <NUM>.

When the load acting on the wearable suit decreases, the control unit <NUM> compares a load reduction time with a preset time (S <NUM>). Here, the load reduction time means a time during which the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> is maintained in a reduced state. When it is determined that the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> is reduced, the control unit <NUM> may compare the load reduction time with a preset time to determine whether the load reduction time is equal to or longer than a preset time.

When the load reduction time is equal to or longer than the preset time, the control unit cancels the operation of the wearable suit (S <NUM>). The control unit <NUM> may cancel the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> when it is determined that the load reduction time is equal to or longer than a preset time.

By cancelling the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> based on whether the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> is reduced, the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> may be cancelled according to the intention of the user <NUM> without the switch <NUM> or the like.

Meanwhile, the load acting on the wearable suit <NUM> may be reduced in the case when the user <NUM> lifts the heavy load <NUM> instantaneously to correctly hold the heavy load <NUM>. In this case, it is possible to prevent the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> from being erroneously cancelled by determining whether the load reduction time is equal to or longer than a preset time.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that as soon as it is determined that the process S <NUM> is omitted and the load is reduced in the process S1730, the operation of the wearable suit <NUM> may be cancelled.

It should be noted that the above-described methods for controlling a wearable suit <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be applied to the control of the wearable suit <NUM> according to purposes and uses within a compatible range.

Although operations are illustrated in the flowcharts/timing charts in this specification as being sequentially performed, this is merely an exemplary description of the technical idea of one embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, those skilled in the art to which one embodiment of the present disclosure belongs may appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from essential features of an embodiment of the present disclosure, that is, the sequence illustrated in the flowcharts/timing charts can be changed and one or more operations of the operations can be performed in parallel. Thus, flowcharts/timing charts are not limited to the temporal order.

Various embodiments of systems and techniques described herein can be realized with digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. The various embodiments can include implementation with one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system. The programmable system includes at least one programmable processor, which may be a special purpose processor or a general purpose processor, coupled to receive and transmit data and instructions from and to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) include instructions for a programmable processor and are stored in a "computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium may include all types of storage devices on which computer-readable data can be stored. The computer-readable recording medium may be a non-volatile or non-transitory medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, a floppy disk, a memory card, a hard disk, or an optical data storage device. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may further include a transitory medium such as a data transmission medium. Furthermore, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed over computer systems connected through a network, and computer-readable program code can be stored and executed in a distributive manner.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented by a programmable computer. Here, the computer includes a programmable processor, a data storage system (including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or other types of storage systems or combinations thereof) and at least one communication interface. For example, a programmable computer may be one of a server, a network appliance, a set-top box, an embedded device, a computer expansion module, a personal computer, a laptop, a Personal Data Assistant (PDA), a cloud computing system, or a mobile device.

According to an embodiment, a user of a wearable suit can operate the wearable suit using a switch disposed on a forearm (e.g., wrist), and thus, use both hands freely.

According to an embodiment, a wearable suit can be operated by a switch disposed on a user's forearm (e.g., wrist), and thus, operated according to a user's intention.

According to an embodiment, an operation of a wearable suit can be cancelled based on an operating time of a user, so the user can cancel the operation according to a user's intention even when the user is holding an object in both hands.

Claim 1:
A method of controlling a wearable suit (<NUM>) comprising a muscular strength assistance unit including a shape memory alloy material, the method comprising:
heating (S1620) the muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>) to provide an auxiliary force to a user of the wearable suit (<NUM>); and
after heating the muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>), cooling (S1650) the muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>)to reduce the auxiliary force,
wherein cooling the muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>) comprises cooling the muscular strength assistance unit (<NUM>) based on the user's operating time of the wearable suit (<NUM>) the method being characterized in that the user's operating time is a preset operating time.