Force transmitting frames and motion assistance apparatuses including the same

A force transmitting frame, comprising:

• a first plate;
• a second plate configured to face the first plate;
• a connecting portion configured to connect a first end of the first plate to a first end of the second plate;
• and
• an applying portion configured to connect a second end of the first plate to a second end of the second plate, wherein
• the first end and the second end of the second plate are fixed to the first end and the second end of the first plate, respectively,
• a central portion of the second plate is not fixed to a central portion of the first plate, and
• the central portion of the second plate is configured to slide with respect to the central portion of the first plate.

A motion assistance apparatus, comprising:

• a fixing member to be attached to a user;
• a driving source provided on one side of the fixing member;
• a joint assembly configured to assist rotary motion of a joint portion of the user;
• and
• a force transmitting frame of which a first end portion is connected to the joint assembly, and of which a second end portion is configured to transmit a force to a portion of the user, wherein
• a stiffness of the second end portion of the force transmitting frame is greater than a stiffness of a central portion of the force transmitting frame,
• the force transmitting frame includes first and second plates,
• first and second end portions of the first plate are fixed to first and second end portions of the second plate, respectively,
• a central portion of the first plate is not fixed to a central portion of the second plate, and
• the central portion of the first plate is configured to slide with respect to the central portion of the second plate.