KR20210013399A - Leg caring apparatus and controlling method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A leg management device according to the present invention comprises: a main body for providing an action space for legs to be received therein; an action space adjustment module for adjusting the size of an entrance of the action space; a first proximity sensor for detecting that a user approaches from the outside of the action space; a second proximity sensor for detecting that the user is correctly positioned inside the action space; and a control unit for controlling the action space adjustment module in response to a detection signal of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. According to the present invention, the action space adjustment module is automatically opened and closed, and thus a user does not require a separate operation to insert his/her legs into the action space. Accordingly, a user can conveniently use the leg management device.

Description

Leg management apparatus, and control method of the leg management apparatus {Leg caring apparatus and controlling method for the same}

The present invention relates to a leg management device and a control method of the leg management device.

Footbath is the act of soaking your feet in hot water for a certain period of time to relieve fatigue.

The foot bath is an act of applying heat to the feet, using heat transmitted indirectly to the human body through the feet, improving blood circulation, raising body temperature, improving coldness, improving sleep disorders, discharging waste products, preventing ingrown toenails, improving foot limb fasciitis, It is known to be effective in relieving stress and improving various diseases such as skin care.

A foot bath device capable of performing a foot bath is widely known as a device that allows a user to soak a foot by providing hot water to a height near the ankle. The foot bath apparatus using water has a problem of high heat loss, difficult handling, and cumbersome because the foot needs to be conductively heated by indirectly heating water.

In order to improve this problem, a foot bath apparatus has been introduced which provides a heating element inside a control space and performs a foot bath using radiant heating using the heating element. Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1145430 Footbath device introduces a foot bath device using radiation heating.

The device has the following problems. First, there are inconveniences such as complicated manipulation of the user control panel. Second, there is a problem that threatens the safety of users because the heating element is used. Third, there is a problem that it is difficult to store and move. Fourth, there is a problem that it is not robust and is often damaged. Fifth, there is a problem of cumbersome use, such as having to block the control space with a plate. Sixth, there is a problem in that a user must directly manipulate a heavy panel to shield a hot space.

Korean registered patent 10-1145430 Foot bath device

The present invention is proposed under the above-described background, and proposes a leg management device that a user can conveniently operate and use.

The present invention proposes a leg management device in which the temperature control state is safely applied to the user's leg.

The present invention proposes a leg management device that facilitates movement and storage.

The present invention proposes a leg management device that is robust and prevents damage and is easy to handle by a user.

The present invention proposes a leg management device that the user can use conveniently and safely.

In the leg management apparatus according to the present invention, the main body provides an operating space in which the legs are accommodated; A working space control module for adjusting the size of the entrance of the working space; A first proximity sensor sensing that a user approaches from outside the working space; A second proximity sensor that detects that the user is correctly positioned inside the working space; And a control unit for controlling the working space control module in response to detection signals of the first and second proximity sensors. According to the present invention, since the operation space control module is automatically opened and closed so that the user does not need a separate operation to put a leg into the working space, the user can conveniently use it.

The working space control module includes: an upper module forming at least a part of an upper surface of the working space and opening or closing the inlet; And at least one of side modules that form at least a portion of the front surface of the working space and open or close the inlet. Since a method of opening and closing the entrance of the working space in various ways is applied, a user's desired method can be selected and used.

According to the detection signal of the first proximity sensor, at least one of the upper module and the side module is controlled to open the inlet. Accordingly, the device can be operated stably by accurately detecting a user approaching from the outside.

According to the detection signal of the second proximity sensor, at least one of the upper module and the side module is controlled to close the inlet. According to this, it is possible to accurately detect a user who has put a leg into the working space, so that the device can be operated stably.

A timer for detecting that the detection signal of at least one of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor continues for a predetermined time is further included. According to this, even an elderly person with a slow nervous system reaction can safely use the device.

In the control method of the leg management apparatus according to the present invention, the entrance is automatically opened by detecting the user's approach; Sensing that the user is located in the working space and the entrance is automatically closed; And a module for opening and closing the inlet is finely adjusted. According to the present invention, a user can safely use an automatically operated leg management device.

In the module for opening and closing the entrance, an upper module forming at least a part of an upper surface of an operating space in which a user's legs are at least accommodated; And at least one of side modules forming at least a part of the front surface of the working space. Since the entrance of the working space can be opened and closed in various ways, the user can use the device more conveniently and safely.

According to the present invention, the user can adjust the size, etc. to suit his or her body, and conveniently operate the leg management device.

According to the present invention, it can be safely used even in a high humidity environment, so that the risk of burns and electric shock can be reduced.

According to the present invention, a user can conveniently move, and because of the compactly provided device, it can be conveniently placed and used in a narrow indoor space.

According to the present invention, by being provided with a rigid frame, it is resistant to breakage and can be used for a long period of time.

According to the present invention, since the thermal atmosphere of the heating element can be transmitted to the feet in various ways such as conduction, convection, and radiation methods, there is an advantage in that the foot bath effect is enhanced and the user's satisfaction is increased.

According to the present invention, since it is possible to directly deliver hot and cold air to a portion requiring the delivery of hot and cold air, a greater foot bath effect can be obtained, and energy waste is reduced.

According to the present invention, since the door of the leg management device is automatically operated, there is an advantage that the elderly can also conveniently use it.

1 and 2 are front perspective views of the leg management device according to the embodiment, Figure 1 is a state in which the leg management device is stored, Figure 2 is a view showing a state in which the leg management device is operated.
Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of A-A' of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an overall exploded side view of the leg management device according to the embodiment
5 is an exploded side view of the main body.
6 is an exploded side view of the upper module.
7 is an exploded side view of the side module.
8 is an exploded side view of the floor module.
9 and 10 are views showing a proximity sensor for detecting a user in a leg management apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a front view, and FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view.
11 is a block diagram of a leg management device for explaining an automatic opening and closing operation for opening and closing the entrance.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the leg management apparatus.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention can easily add, change, delete, and add components to other embodiments included within the scope of the same idea. It will be possible to suggest that, but it will be said that this is also included within the scope of the inventive concept.

1 and 2 are front perspective views of a leg management device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1 is a state in which the leg management device is stored, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the leg management device is operated. Here, the storage state may mean a state in which the leg management device is reduced to the smallest or is not in use. The operating state may mean a state in which the leg management device is enlarged or moved for use in order for the user to retract the leg.

In the description of the drawings, the direction is the direction the user approaches. Based on each axis shown in the drawing, the front and rear direction is indicated by ①, and the direction the user approaches is the front. The left and right direction is indicated by ② and is the left and right direction of the front as viewed by the user. The vertical direction is indicated by ③ and is the vertical direction of the front as viewed by the user.

In the leg management apparatus of the embodiment, in order to allow the user to put the leg when in use, the entrance may be enlarged and the working space inside may be enlarged. After the user puts the leg, the entrance may be reduced to fit the user's body size and the working space may be reduced to fit the leg. Since the working space and the entrance are adjusted to fit the user's body size, particularly the size and length of the leg, the thermal effect applied to the leg can be made large and quickly, and the waste of energy can be reduced.

In the embodiment, in addition to the function of the foot bath, it is possible to care for the leg by applying heat, cold air, and pressure to the leg portion including the knee, the calf, and a portion of the thigh.

In the following description, the meaning of the foot bath is not only that the foot bath is applied using the water pressure and heat applied in the water, but also heat for each part of the leg including the part of the foot, knee, calf, and thigh. It may mean applying cold air and pressure to care.

1 and 2, the leg management apparatus of the embodiment includes a main body 100, an upper module 200 connected to an upper portion of the main body 100 to open an upper space of the leg management apparatus to a greater extent. ), the side module 300 that is connected to the front of the main body to open the inner space of the leg management device to a greater extent, and is connected to the lower side of the main body 100 to accommodate parts necessary for the operation of the leg management device The bottom module 400 is included.

A working space 500 is provided in the inner space of each inner surface of the main body 100, the upper module 200, the side module 300, and the bottom module 400. The working space 500 is a space in which heat or cold air is applied to the user's leg by at least one of conduction, convection, and radiation. An inlet 510 through which the user's leg is lifted is provided in front of the working space 500. Since at least one of heat and cold air can be applied to the user's leg in at least one of conduction, convection, and radiation, the user can take a footbath in a manner that is selected from a variety of ways he desires.

The upper module 200 may perform an up-and-down operation.

When the upper module 200 moves upward, the inlet 510 is wide open so that the user can conveniently put the leg into the working space 500. After the user inserts the leg into the working space 500, the upper module 200 may move downward. The upper module 200 may move downward until a part of the user's leg touches or the working space 500 is constructed in a shape desired by the user. The upper module 200 may form at least a part of the upper surface of the working space.

The upper module 200 is suggested to slide up and down in the embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, the upper module 200 may be opened through a rotational motion or may be moved to a position desired by the user.

Each of the knee care units 240a and 240b may be provided on both left and right sides as a concave shape in the front of the upper module 200. On the inner surface of the knee care unit, knee placement units 243a and 243b may be provided. The knee resting part is a part that can contact the user's knee. The kneeling portion may have a light emitting device and a pad. The light-emitting device and the pad may care for the knee by applying at least one of heat and pressure to improve blood flow, stimulate muscle, and improve pain.

The knee care unit 240 cares the knee by applying at least one of heat and pressure. The working space 500 cares for the user's legs by conduction, convection, and radiation of hot or cold air. Accordingly, the leg management apparatus according to the embodiment may improve user satisfaction by performing an appropriate action for each location of the leg. Specifically, the working space 500 may perform the function of a foot bath, and the knee care unit 240 may perform the function of a knee massager. The leg management apparatus of the embodiment may perform at least the functions of a foot bath and a knee massager.

The side module 300 may perform a rotational action back and forth.

When the side module 300 is rotated forward, the inlet 510 is opened so that the user can conveniently put the leg into the working space 500. After the user inserts the leg into the working space, the side module 300 may rotate backward. The side module 300 may be rotated backward until a part of the user's leg touches or the working space 500 is constructed in a shape desired by the user. The side module 300 may provide at least a part of the front surface of the working space.

The side module 300 is shown to rotate forward and backward, but is not limited thereto. For example, the side module 300 may be opened by a slide or the like, or may be adjusted to a position desired by the user.

As described above, in the leg management apparatus of the embodiment, when not in use, the upper module and the side module are contracted. Accordingly, there is an advantage of convenient storage, movement, and handling when the volume of the leg management device is reduced.

The upper module and the side module can operate with respect to the main body, and through the operation, the size of the working space can be increased or decreased. Accordingly, it is possible to perform functions such as handling convenience, foot bath suitable for the user, and leg contact. The upper module and the side module function to adjust the size and shape of the working space, and the upper module and the side module may be referred to as a working space control module.

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of A-A' of FIG. 2.

A schematic configuration and operation of the leg management apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The main body 100 extends upward from a rear portion of the bottom module 400, and an angle extending upward is inclined by a predetermined angle β forward. Here, the angle of inclination may be less than 90 degrees as an acute angle. Since the main body 100 is inclined forward and extended, the user does not need to bend the knee excessively while putting the leg in the working space 500 or using the leg management device.

Patients who need to take care of the leg care device may suffer from orthopedic diseases such as arthritis. In order for these patients not to bend the knee excessively and the working space 500 to correspond to the large bending angle of the user's leg, the main body 100 may be provided to be inclined forward. For example, the user can use the leg management device even if the knee is not bent more than 90 degrees.

Since the main vertical extensions (see 111 in FIG. 5) of the main body 100 are provided to be inclined forward, other components related thereto may be provided to be inclined.

An upper module 200 is provided above the main body 100. The upper and lower opening devices 260 may be intervened in a contact portion between the upper module 200 and the main body 100. The upper and lower opening device 260 includes a drive motor and a gear train, and may move the upper module 200 upward or downward based on the main body 100.

When the upper module 200 moves upward, it may be a time when the inlet 510 is opened and the user puts the leg into the working space 500. Of course, even when the user removes the leg from the working space 500, the upper module can move upward. When the upper module 200 moves downward, it may be a time when the inlet 510 is reduced or the working space 500 is reduced after the user inserts a leg.

A knee care unit 240 is provided at the front portion of the upper module 200 to care for the user's knee.

A blowing device 101 may be provided under the main body 100. The blowing device 101 may provide hot air into the working space 500. The hot air of the blowing device 101 may be heated by a hot wire provided in the blowing device 101. The blowing device 101 may perform an action of forced convection of air heated by an external separate heating device.

The floor module 400 may be provided on the bottom of the leg management device to support the entire device from the lower side. A foot contact pad 421 may be provided on an upper surface of the floor module 400. The sole of the foot may be in contact with the foot contact pad 421. The foot contact pad 421 may perform a foot bath function by allowing a temperature atmosphere adjusted by an external force to be conducted to the user's feet.

Front and rear opening devices 460 may be provided at a front portion of the bottom module 400. The front and rear opening device 460 may include a motor and a gear train, and may be intervened in a contact portion between the bottom module 400 and the side module 300. The front and rear opening device 460 may move the side module 300 forward or rearward based on the main body 100.

A calf contact pad 331 may be provided on the inner surface of the side module 300. The user's calf may be in contact with the calf contact pad 331. The calf contact pad 331 may perform a foot bath function by allowing a temperature atmosphere adjusted by an external force to be conducted to the user's calf.

When the side module 300 rotates forward, it may be a time when the inlet 510 is opened and the user inserts the leg into the working space 500. Of course, the side module may move forward even when the user removes the leg from the working space 500. When the side module 300 moves to the rear, when the user puts the leg and then the inlet 510 is reduced, the working space 500 is reduced, or the calf contact pad 331 is in contact with the calf I can.

When the upper module 200 and the side module 300 open the inlet 510, the upper module 200 first starts to open, and then the side module 300 may be opened. This is because the upper module 200 has a sliding action, whereas the side module 300 has a rotational action, so when the side module 300 is rotated forward, the side module 300 is moved by the upper module 200. Because it can be interfered with.

When the upper module 200 and the side module 300 close the inlet 510, they may operate in reverse. For example, the side module 300 may start to close first and then close at a certain angle or more, and then the side module 300 may be closed. By operating each module in this order, it is possible to prevent interference of each module.

4 is an overall exploded side view of the leg management apparatus according to the embodiment. The configuration of each module of the leg management apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

First, the main body 100 is provided with a main frame 110 and a main body outer cover 120 provided on the rear surface of the main frame 110. A predetermined empty space is provided between the main frame 110 and the outer cover 120 of the main body, and parts necessary for operation of the leg management apparatus may be accommodated in the empty space.

The main body 100 may include a blowing device 101, a fragrance case 102 accommodating the fragrance kit 103, and an atomizing device 130. In addition, a heating device, a radiant heating device, and a cooling device may be further provided.

The blowing device 101 is a device that forms a forced airflow in the working space 500. The scent kit 103 may be provided as a device for applying a scent inside the working space 500 or removing odors.

The atomization device 130 may supply water to the inside of the working space 500 in at least one method selected from ultrasonic spraying and heating spraying. A case in which all of the two-gag-type mist providing methods are installed may also be included in the embodiment.

The upper module 200 includes an upper frame 210 in which some movable members of the vertical opening device 260 are fixed to move up and down with respect to the main frame 100. An upper inner cover 230 and an upper outer cover 220 are provided on the inner and outer sides of the upper frame 210, respectively, to form the appearance of the upper module 200.

In front of the upper inner cover 230, a knee care unit 240 and a knee care seating panel 232 for mounting the knee care unit 240 may be provided.

The side module 300 may include a side frame 310 and a side outer cover 320 provided in front of the side frame 310.

A calf thermoelectric module 330 and a calf contact pad 331 may be provided on the inner surface of the side module 300. The calf thermoelectric module 330 is provided with a thermoelectric element, so that cold air or heat can be supplied as desired by the user.

The floor module 400 includes a floor frame 410, a floor housing 430 for accommodating an outer edge of the floor frame 410, and a floor plate 440 for opening and closing the lower part of the floor frame 410 do.

A floor support 441 exemplified by a wheel or the like is provided on the lower surface of the floor plate 440, so that the user can easily move the leg management device.

Inside the floor housing 430, a heat generating module 420 and a foot contact pad 421 for transferring cold air and heat from the heat generating module 420 to the user's feet may be provided. The thermoelectric module 420 and the foot contact pad 421 may contact each other to transfer heat. As a configuration for discharging hot or cold air discarded from the thermoelectric module 420 to the outside, a heat exchange fan 423, a grill 424, and a filter 425 may be further provided.

The front and rear opening devices 460 are accommodated in the floor housing 430 to rotate the side module 430. The front-rear opening device 460 may be provided with a rotation driving unit 461 including at least a motor, and a linking driving unit 462 having a power transmission unit such as a gear.

The floor housing 430 is provided with a light emitting device 450 exposed upward, so that heat can be irradiated with the user's feet. In this case, the light emitting device may irradiate infrared rays. The light-emitting device 450 is provided as an ultraviolet lamp, and sterilization and disinfection of the inside of the working space 500 may be performed.

At one side of the floor housing 430, a drip tray 431 may be further provided to receive and store the discarded water, and to discard the stored water when necessary. In the drip tray 431, water that is condensed after performing a predetermined function after being atomized in the atomizing device 130 may be stored by falling by gravity.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the leg management device will be described in more detail.

5 is an exploded side view of the main body. The configuration and operation of the main body will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

4 and 5, the main body 100 is largely divided, and the main frame 110 supporting the overall shape and load of the leg management device, and the accommodation of parts between the main frame 110 To form a predetermined space for the main frame 110, it may be separated by a main body outer cover 120 provided on the rear side of the main frame 110.

At least a part of the upper module 200 is inserted into the gap between the main frame 110 and the outer cover 120 of the main body, so that the upper module 200 is guided to the main body 100. Can move up and down. To this end, the upper and lower opening device 260 may be accommodated in a gap between the main frame 110 and the outer cover 120 of the main body.

The main frame 110 may include a main front and rear extension part 112 extending from the bottom in a front-rear direction, and a main vertical extension part 111 extending upward from a rear portion of the main front and rear extension part 112. The main vertical extension part 111 may extend forward in a state inclined at a predetermined angle β with respect to the main front and rear extension part 112. The predetermined angle is preferably an acute angle. According to this, the user can put the leg in the working space 500 in a more comfortable posture and use the leg management device.

The main front and rear extension parts 112 may be provided in a configuration that is blocked so as to close both sides of the lower portion of the working space 500. The forced airflow inside the working space 500 may not be lost through both sides of the working space 500.

A guide slot 115 for guiding the rotation of the side module 300 may be provided in the main front and rear extension part 112. The guide slot 115 may be provided by opening the main front and rear extension portions 112 in a curved shape, or may be provided by forming a groove in the main front and rear extension portions 112 in a curved shape. A protrusion (refer to 313 in FIG. 7) of the side module 300 may be placed inside the guide slot 115 to be guided.

In order to guide the protrusion 313, the guide slot 115 may be provided in a curve having a predetermined rotation center point C as a geometric center. The guide slot 115 may be provided in a curved shape having a predetermined length L as a radius of curvature at the rotation center point C. The rotation center point (C) may be a point of the motion support portion (see 321 in FIG. 7) of the side module.

All of the main front and rear extension parts 112 are closed except for the area of the guide slot 115. The guide slot 115 may be entirely covered by the side frame 310 of the side module 300. The same may be the case when the side module 330 is completely rotated forward and opened. Accordingly, both spaces of the working space 500 may be completely shielded, and the artificially manipulated forced air flow of the working space 500 may not escape to the outside.

To this end, the side frame 310 may accommodate the main front and rear extension parts 112 therein. In addition, a flow blocking film 1121 that blocks air leakage from the working space may extend to an upper end of the main front and rear extension part 112. The flow blocking film 1121 may block the working space even when the side module 300 is opened, thereby shielding the inside of the working space from the outside.

The action of the flow blocking film 1121 can be seen in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, when the side module 300 is open, it can be seen that the flow blocking film 1121 is exposed to the outside of the side side part 311 to shield the working space 500.

A main rear portion 113 having a rear opening 114 may be provided at a rear portion of the main front and rear extension portion 112. Components providing various atmospheres required for the operation of the working space 500 may be mounted behind the main rear part 113. Through the rear opening 114, an operating medium providing an atmosphere of the working space 500, such as air, light, and mist, may pass.

As a part that can be placed behind the main rear part 113, a blowing device 101 for performing a blowing action, a fragrance kit 103 for maintaining the working space clean, and the fragrance kit 103 are accommodated. A fragrance case 102, and an atomizing device 130 for providing a mist may be included. Of course, other parts may be further provided for smooth operation of the working space.

The blowing device 101 may suck air from at least one of the inside and outside of the working space and supply it to the working space. At this time, the temperature of the air supplied into the working space may be artificially controlled. In order to control the temperature, the blowing device may include a separate temperature control device exemplified as a heating device and a cooling device.

The blower 101 may suck air in the working space and apply a predetermined artificial action to the suctioned air to supply air into the working space. This can be understood as air circulation inside the working space. Accordingly, it is possible to increase energy efficiency by reducing the working medium to be disposed of to the outside.

The fragrance kit 103 may illustrate a perfume and photocatalytic odor decomposition device. Fragrances can be components that artificially provide a good odor. The photocatalytic odor decomposition device is a member exemplified by titanium oxide, and may be a device that decomposes odor particles by a catalytic action using acting light such as ultraviolet rays.

The atomization device 130 is a device that supplies mist. When the atomization device 130 is operated by the ultrasonic spraying method, the mist is supplied to the inside of the working space 500 in a non-hot state, it is possible to cool the legs, and the inside of the working space 500 It can be cooled by latent heat. When the atomization device 130 is operated by the heating spray method, the mist is supplied to the inside of the working space 500 in a hot state, and the foot can be heated by heating the legs, and the inside of the working space 500 is heated. can do.

The atomization device 130 may be provided with an ultrasonic spray device and a heated spray device together. In this case, since the leg management apparatus can be used in more various modes, the user's satisfaction can be increased.

The mist supplied from the atomization device 130 may perform a predetermined function within the working space.

For example, a high-temperature mist that touches the user's leg may transfer heat to the user's leg in a conductive manner. After the high-temperature mist is condensed on the user's leg surface and heated by external hot air, the foot bath can be performed by continuously transferring heat to the user's leg in a conduction manner. As another example, the user's leg may be cold packed by evaporating mist condensed on the user's leg.

The rear opening 114 may be closed by the main rear cover 116. The main rear cover 116 may be provided in a form in which a hole is machined in order to allow the working medium to pass therethrough.

The main body outer cover 120 may be provided in a shape inclined forward as it goes upward, like the main vertical extension part 111.

6 is an exploded side view of the upper module. The configuration and operation of the upper module will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6.

4 and 6, the upper module 200 may be moved upward or downward based on the main body 100 by the vertical opening device 260. In this case, the upper frame 210 is a component constituting the skeleton of the upper module 200 and may extend obliquely and obliquely forward like the main frame.

The up/down opening device 260 includes at least a lifting drive part 261 including a motor, an upper rail 262 extending upward from the lifting drive part 261, and a lower part extending downward from the lifting drive part 261. Rail 263 may be included. The upper rail 262 may be directly or indirectly fastened to the upper frame 210. The lower rail 263 may be directly or indirectly fastened to the main frame 110. When at least one of the upper rail 262 and the lower rail 263 moves upward and downward, the upper module may rise or fall.

The upper inner cover 230 and the upper outer cover 220 are fastened to the front and rear sides of the upper frame 210, respectively, to form the appearance of the leg management device. When the upper frame 210 is moved, the upper inner cover 230 and the upper outer cover 220 may move together.

The upper inner cover 230 has an upper side surface portion 233 extending vertically and inclined forward, and an upper upper surface portion extending rearward from the upper end of the upper side surface portion 233 and providing an upper end surface of the leg management device. (234) may be included.

The upper upper surface portion 234 is a surface mainly observed when the user uses the leg management device, and may be used in various ways. For example, a water supply device 250 for supplying water used for the atomization device 130 and a display 270 for a user to control the leg management device may be provided on the upper upper surface portion 234. have.

In the water supply device 250, a water supply frame 254 in which water to be supplied is primarily stored, a water supply support 253 for injecting water into the water supply frame 254, and a water supply mounting panel in which a water supply cover 251 is supported. (252) may be included. A user can conveniently supply water by using the water supply device 250.

Information necessary for the operation of the leg management apparatus may be displayed on the display 270. Using the display 270, it is possible to input operation information necessary for controlling the leg management apparatus. The display 270 may be provided as a touch panel.

A knee care unit 240 is provided at the front portion of the upper module 200 to care for the user's knee. The knee care unit 240 may be provided on the knee care frame 231. In order to fasten the knee care frame 231 to the upper inner cover 230, a knee care seating panel 232 may be further provided.

In the knee care unit 240, at least one light emitting device 241 for reducing infrared rays to the knee, at least one massage pad 242 for pressing the spaced periphery of the kneecap, and the massage pad 242 It may include a pump (P) to control the air pressure. The massage pad 242 may be applied by other methods such as spring pressure control, not pressure control by pneumatic pressure.

The knee care unit 240 may include a knee placement unit 243. The at least one light emitting device 241 and at least one massage pad 242 are placed at each position of the inner region of the knee-placement part 243. The knee resting part 243 is a structure filled with a material such as a soft cushion, and can comfortably manage the knee by applying overall pressure to the user's knee. According to the knee placing portion 243, the action by the massage pad 242 may be further enhanced.

The knee care unit 240, unlike the action space, performs an action such as alleviating pain in the knee by applying pressure and heat, as described above.

7 is an exploded side view of the side module. The configuration and operation of the side module will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the side module 300 performs a rotational action back and forth, so that the user can conveniently use the leg management device.

The side module 300 may include a side frame 310 connected to the main frame 110 and a side outer cover 320 provided in front of the side frame 310.

The side frame 310 may include a side front portion 312 and side side side portions 311 extending rearward from both sides of the side front portion 312. The side surface portion 311 may be provided as two left and right walls, and the main front and rear extension portions 112 may be inserted into the inner space of the two walls.

A protrusion 313 is provided inside the side surface portion 311, and the protrusion 313 may be guided by the guide slot 115. The positions where the protrusion and the guide slot are provided may be reversed. However, for stable operation, it is preferable that the protrusion is provided on the side module and the guide slot is provided on the main body.

A motion support part 321 for supporting the rotational motion of the side module 300 may be provided under the front end of the side outer cover 320. The movement support part 321 may be supported by being caught at any point of the bottom module or the main body. The motion support 321 may serve as a center point of a relative rotation of the side module 300 with respect to the main body 100.

A motion contact portion 322 is provided at a position adjacent to the motion support portion 321, and the driving force of the linkage driving portion 462 may be transmitted. For example, the linkage driving unit 462 and the motion contact unit 322 are engaged to each other, so that the driving force of the rotation driving unit 461 may be transmitted.

The interaction between the main body 100 and the side module 300 is caused by a rotational operation by transmitting a driving force of the front and rear opening device 460 and a guiding action of the protrusion 313 and the guide slot 115. Can be done by

The rotational driving force may be transmitted from the bottom module 400 to the side module 300 by the action of being connected to the rotational driving part 461, the linking driving part 462, and the motion contact part 322 in time series. . In this case, the side module 300 may rotate while being supported by the motion support part 321.

When the side module 300 is rotated by the rotation driving force, the protrusion 313 of the side module 300 may be placed inside the guide slot 115 to be guided. By the mutual guiding action of the guide slot 115 and the protrusion 313, the rotational motion of the side module 300 can be rotated to a radius of curvature by an accurate rotation center.

A calf thermoelectric module 330 and a calf contact pad 331 may be provided on the inner surface of the side module 300. The calf thermoelectric module 330 is provided with a thermoelectric element, so that cold air or heat can be supplied as desired by the user. Accordingly, a foot bath function for the user's calf may be performed.

When the heat load of the calf thermoelectric module 330 is large, a separate heat exchange fan may be installed similarly to the thermoelectric module 420.

8 is an exploded side view of the floor module. The configuration and operation of the floor module will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8.

4 and 8, a plurality of components for a foot bath may be provided in the floor module 400. The floor module 400 includes a floor frame 410, a floor housing 430 for accommodating an outer edge of the floor frame 410, and a floor plate 440 for opening and closing the lower part of the floor frame 410 do.

Inside the floor housing 430, a heat generating module 420 and a foot contact pad 421 for transferring cold air and heat from the heat generating module 420 to the user's feet may be provided. The thermoelectric module 420 and the foot contact pad 421 may contact each other to transfer heat. The sole of the user's foot is in contact with the foot contact pad 421, and heat or cold air is transmitted to the sole of the foot, so that a foot bath function may be performed.

The foot contact pad 421 may be made of a metal having high thermal conductivity, for example, copper or stainless steel, in order to transfer heat evenly to the entire sole. The same is true for the calf contact pad 331.

When a certain level of water is accumulated inside the floor housing 430, the foot contact pad 421 may heat the accumulated water to perform a foot bath function for the foot.

As a configuration for discharging hot or cold air discarded from the thermoelectric module 420 to the outside, a heat exchange fan 423, a grill 424, and a filter 425 may be further provided. Compared to the calf thermoelectric module 330, the heat generating module 420 is supplied with higher energy to supply hot or cold air. Heat generated and discarded by the thermoelectric module 420 may be smoothly discarded to the outside by the heat exchange fan 423.

A grill 424 and a filter 425 may be provided in order to cool the air circulated to the heat exchange fan 423 without a problem. The air from which the foreign matter is filtered by the filter 425 may be supplied to the blowing device 101 and supplied to the working space 500. In this case, cleaner air may be supplied to the working space 500 to improve user satisfaction.

It has already been described that the front and rear opening devices 460 are accommodated in the floor housing 430 to rotate the side module 430. The front-rear opening device 460 is accommodated in the bottom module 400 in many parts, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in the main body 100.

The floor housing 430 is provided with a light emitting device 450 exposed upward, so that heat can be irradiated with the user's feet. The light-emitting device 450 may perform various functions such as sterilization, ultraviolet rays for photocatalytic decomposition, and infrared rays according to the irradiated light.

At one side of the floor housing 430, a drip tray 431 capable of receiving and storing discarded water and discarding it when necessary may be further provided. Water that is condensed after being atomized in the atomizing device 130 may be dropped and stored in the drip tray 431. The drip tray 431 is provided as a component that can slide to the outside. A valve may be provided in the flow path through which water is introduced into the drip tray 431 so that water does not drain during the foot bath.

A floor support 441 exemplified by a wheel or the like is provided on the lower surface of the floor plate 440, so that the user can easily move the leg management device. Since the floor support 441 is provided with a rotatable wheel, the user can conveniently move and use the leg management device in various directions. In the case of the elderly, the advantages of such a moving device can be greatly utilized.

The leg management device according to the embodiment may allow the entrance to be automatically opened and closed. According to this, the entrance is opened by the user accessing the leg management device, so that the user can conveniently put the leg into the working space. After the user puts the leg into the working space, the entrance is automatically closed, and the positions of the upper module and the side module can be adjusted to fit the user's leg.

9 and 10 are views showing a proximity sensor for detecting a user in a leg management apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a front view and FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view.

9 and 10, a first proximity sensor 323 may be provided in the side module 300. The first proximity sensor 323 may detect that a user approaches from the front of the leg management device. The first proximity sensor 323 may sense a user by transmitting and receiving a detection signal forward. By the first proximity sensor 323, the detection state of the user continues for a certain period of time, or immediately after the user is detected, at least one of the side module 300 and the upper module 200 is the inlet 510 Can be operated to open.

According to the first proximity sensor 323, the user only approaches to use the leg management device, and the entrance 510 is opened so that the user can enter the leg into the working space 500. The user himself does not need to lift or move any part of the leg management device, and only by accessing the leg management device, the preparation for use of the leg management device can be completed.

A second proximity sensor 2321 may be provided in the upper module 200. The second proximity sensor 2321 may detect that the user's leg is inserted into the working space 500. The second proximity sensor 2321 may detect a user's leg by transmitting a detection signal downward facing the working space 500. The second proximity sensor 2321 may transmit a detection signal to the front facing the user to detect the abdomen of the user in the state where the leg is put in the working space 500. Preferably, it is possible to transmit the detection signal to the forward inclined downward.

When the user's monitoring state continues for a predetermined period of time by the second proximity sensor 2321, the side module 300 and the upper module 200 may operate to close the inlet 510. When the user's monitoring state is maintained in the second proximity sensor 2321 for a predetermined period of time, the user is in a state in which the leg is correctly inserted into the working space and is waiting, and the preparation of the leg management device may be completed.

The upper and lower opening device 260 and the front and rear opening device 460 may be operated by using the detection signal of the second proximity sensor 2321 as a trigger signal that continues for a predetermined time. After the upper and lower opening devices 260 and the front and rear opening devices 460 move a certain distance in the direction of closing the inlet 510, a part of the user's body is transferred to the side module 300 and the upper module 200 You can reach either. In this case, the movement of the side module 300 or the upper module 200 may be stopped.

When a part of the user's body touches at least one of the side module 300 and the upper module 200, it is detected that a back electromotive force is generated in the driving motor of the upper and lower opening device 260 and the front and rear opening device 460 It can be done by doing. Alternatively, it may be performed by installing an encoder to detect that the side module or the upper module does not move for a predetermined time. In order not to apply excessive force to the user's leg, it is preferable that the driving motors of the upper and lower opening devices 260 and the front and rear opening devices 460 have relatively weak driving force.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a separate electrostatic sensing means or mechanical sensing means for sensing contact between a separate user's body and each module. As another method, a representative value for the user's body may be stored, and the side module and the upper module may be closed to a position corresponding to the representative value by using the detection signal of the second proximity sensor 2321 as a start signal. .

Thereafter, fine adjustment may be performed to move the side module 300 and the upper module 200 to a state suitable for the user's body. The fine adjustment may be performed by a user manipulating the display 270. For example, the user may manipulate the display 270 provided as a touch panel to further move the upper module 200 downward. At this time, the user may move his/her knee until it contacts with the knee resting part 243, and accordingly, the user's satisfaction may be increased.

The fine adjustment may be similarly performed for the side module 300. For example, the side module 300 may be rotated rearward until the calf contact pad 331 has a wide interview on the user's calf.

11 is a block diagram of a leg management apparatus for explaining an automatic opening and closing operation of opening and closing the entrance. For convenience of understanding, reference numbers in FIG. 11 may be numbers different from those used in previous drawings. For example, in the previous description, the upper and lower opening device is indicated as 260, but in FIG. 11, it is indicated as 631. However, for the same or similar configuration, use the same name.

Referring to FIG. 11, the leg management apparatus may be operated under the control of a controller 600 that controls the operation as a whole.

The control unit 600 includes a first proximity sensor 621 that detects the user's approach to use the leg management device from the outside of the leg management device, the inside of the leg management device, that is, the user's leg inside the working space. A signal is received from the second proximity sensor 622 that detects that the is normally inserted, and accordingly, a predetermined control signal is generated.

The control unit 600 operates the vertical opening device 631 and the front and rear opening devices 632 for opening the inlet 510 according to a detection signal from the first proximity sensor 621. The upper and lower opening devices 631 and the front and rear opening devices 632 can be opened in different directions to widen the entrance. Accordingly, the inlet 510 is opened so that the user can conveniently put his or her leg into the working space.

At this time, the timer 610 acts, and not immediately after the first proximity sensor 621 detects the user, but after a certain period of time has passed, and the opening devices 631 and 632 may be opened. After the first proximity sensor 621 detects the user, the opening devices 631 and 632 are operated after a certain period of time elapses, thereby preventing unnecessary operation of the opening device. However, it is not excluded that the opening devices 631 and 632 are opened immediately after the first proximity sensor 621 detects a user.

The user's proper position of the leg in the working space 500 may be detected by the second proximity sensor 622. In detail, based on the fact that the user stops moving for a certain period of time by the second proximity sensor 622, it may be determined that the user is in the correct position. A certain amount of time at which the user stops may be counted by the timer 510.

When it is determined that the user is located in the correct position, the controller 600 may automatically close the inlet 510 by operating the opening devices 631 and 632. When the opening devices 631 and 632 are closed to a certain degree, the automatic closing operation may be stopped. It has already been described that the operation stop of the opening devices 631 and 632 can be performed by a back electromotive force of a motor, a preset representative value, and a user's detection by a sensor.

Thereafter, the user can manipulate the fine adjustment unit 612 of the manipulation unit 611 to fit his leg, and adjust the upper module 300 and the side module 300 to fit his leg. By adjusting the upper module and the side module 300, it is possible to adjust the position of each module to suit the user's preference to the position that is optimal for their legs. According to this, injuries to the user due to excessive automatic adjustment can be prevented, and each module can be positioned in a position suitable for the user's body to perform a foot bath suitable for the user.

Various information necessary for the operation of the leg management device may be stored in the memory 623 in advance. In the memory 623, a user's selection may be stored in a nonvolatile memory.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the leg management apparatus. In FIG. 12, configurations and actions that can be applied as they are among the previously described contents are assumed to be applied as they are, and only the contents of the control method of the leg management apparatus will be described.

First, when the fact that the user is approaching is detected by the first proximity sensor 621, the entrance 510 through which the user can put a leg into the working space is opened (S1).

Thereafter, the second proximity sensor 622 may detect that the user is positioned at the correct position by putting a leg through the entrance. The positioning of the user detected by the second proximity sensor 622 may be determined by reading the same detection signal for a certain period of time. During this time, the user can move around and settle in a location that is convenient for them. After the user is positioned in a comfortable position through the above process, at least one of the upper and lower opening devices 631 and the front and rear opening devices 632 may operate in the direction of closing the entrance (S2).

During the closing of the opening devices 631 and 632, when it is determined that it is not desirable to automatically close the opening device any more due to factors such as generation of motor back electromotive force above a certain level, the automatic closing of the opening device is stopped. It becomes (S3).

After that, through fine adjustment, each module of the leg management device can be positioned in an optimal state (S4). Fine adjustment can be performed by the user himself. Of course, it may be possible to propose a suitable location to the user by using a plurality of sensors.

Finally, by performing the foot bath, the control method of the embodiment can be terminated.

Other embodiments included in the spirit of the present invention will be further described.

Any one of the upper module and the side module may not be provided. According to this, only one of the upper module and the side module is opened so that the user can insert the leg into the working space. In this case, there is a problem that the user's discomfort is slightly increased, but the operation and operation of the leg management apparatus are not impossible. Nevertheless, an embodiment in which both the upper module and the side module are provided is most preferable for user convenience.

Any one of the foot contact pad and the calf contact pad may not be provided. According to this, even if only one of the contact pads is used, heat and cold air may be transferred to the leg by other heat transfer means. In this case, there is a problem that the user's discomfort is slightly increased, but the operation and operation of the leg management apparatus are not impossible. Nevertheless, an embodiment in which both the foot contact pad and the calf contact pad are provided is most preferable for the user's convenience.

According to the present invention, even an elderly person can conveniently manage a leg including a foot bath. In particular, since the difficulty in handling that occurs when using a lot of water is eliminated, even a person with limited mobility can conveniently use it. In particular, since the elderly can conveniently and automatically operate each module to suit themselves, the leg management device can be used more conveniently.

100: main body
200: upper module
300: side module
400: bottom module
621: first proximity sensor
622: second proximity sensor
631: upper and lower opening device
632: front and rear opening device

Claims (7)

A main body providing an action space in which the legs are accommodated;
A working space control module for adjusting the size of the entrance of the working space;
A first proximity sensor sensing that a user approaches from outside the working space;
A second proximity sensor that detects that the user is correctly positioned inside the working space; And
Leg management apparatus comprising a control unit for controlling the working space control module in response to the detection signal of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor. The method of claim 1,
In the action space control module,
An upper module forming at least a part of an upper surface of the working space and opening or closing the inlet; And
Leg management apparatus comprising at least one of side modules that form at least a part of the front surface of the working space and open or close the inlet. The method of claim 2,
According to the detection signal of the first proximity sensor,
At least one of the upper module and the side module is controlled to open the inlet. The method of claim 2,
According to the detection signal of the second proximity sensor,
At least one of the upper module and the side module is controlled to close the inlet. The method of claim 4,
Leg management apparatus further comprising a timer for detecting that the detection signal of at least one of the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor lasts for a predetermined time. The entrance is automatically opened by detecting the user's approach;
Sensing that the user is located in the working space and the entrance is automatically closed; And
Control method of a leg management device comprising finely adjusting the module for opening and closing the inlet. The method of claim 6,
In the module for opening and closing the inlet,
An upper module forming at least a part of an upper surface of the working space in which the user's legs are at least accommodated; And
Control method of a leg management device comprising at least one of side modules forming at least a part of the front surface of the working space.

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