Fitness equipment and methods

Abstract

A fitness device includes: a generator (110) configured to be driven by user effort, an electrical output port (155) configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device (170) or an inverter, and a resistive load (160). An electric energy conversion unit (120) includes an input connected to the generator (110) and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator. The electric energy conversion unit (120) includes a first output (126) connected to the electrical output port (155) and a second output (126) connected to the electrical load (160). A controller is configured to: receive an input selection of a desired fitness resistance, determine a first output voltage / current of the first output (126) of the electric energy conversion unit and a second output voltage / current of the second output (124) of the electric energy conversion unit to provide the desired fitness resistance.

Description

[0001] background

[0002] Fitness equipment is widely used in gyms and homes and can take the form of bicycles, multi-functional fitness machines, rowing machines or other types of equipment. The user exerts manual effort to resist a certain amount of resistance. The resistance level can be selected by the user, for example, by a hand-operated controller on a stationary fitness bike or rowing machine. Alternatively, the resistance level can be selected by a computer as part of a computer-controlled training program. For example, a fitness bike can provide a program that simulates riding in hilly terrain. During the program, the computer can apply variable levels of resistance to simulate multiple different slopes.

[0003] Many exercise bikes use some form of brake to provide variable levels of resistance to counteract the human effort applied by the user. Some known forms of brakes are magnetic induction brakes based on the eddy current principle (e.g., eddy currents are generated in the flywheel of the bicycle) and friction brakes (e.g., pressure plates pressed against the outside of the flywheel).

[0004] There is interest in harvesting the useful human effort exerted by the user during training as electrical energy.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to address at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a fitness device, comprising:

[0007] a generator configured to be driven by user effort;

[0008] an electrical output port configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device or an inverter;

[0009] Resistive load;

[0010] The electric energy conversion unit comprises

[0011] an input connected to the generator and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator;

[0012] a first output connected to the electrical output port; and

[0013] a second output connected to an electrical load;

[0014] Controller, configured as

[0015] receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance;

[0016] Determining a first output voltage / current of a first output of the electric energy conversion unit and a second output voltage / current of a second output of the electric energy conversion unit to provide a desired fitness resistance; and

[0017] The operation of the power conversion unit is controlled to output a first output voltage / current and a second output voltage / current.

[0018] One way to express fitness resistance is to express it as a gradient or slope measured in %. It should be understood that the required fitness resistance can be expressed in a variety of other different ways. The required fitness resistance can be used to determine other parameters, such as power and / or torque.

[0019] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate in three operating modes:

[0020] (i) a first operating mode in which input energy from the generator is output only to the first output;

[0021] (ii) a second operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator is output to the first output and the second output;

[0022] (iii) A third operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator is output only to the second output.

[0023] Optionally, an electrical storage device is selectively connectable to the electrical output port, and the controller is configured to:

[0024] determining when an electrical storage device is connected to the electrical output port; and

[0025] When the electricity storage device is not connected to the electricity output port, the system operates in a third operation mode.

[0026] Optionally, the electrical storage device may be selectively connected to the electrical output port while the exercise machine is in use.

[0027] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine a state of charge of the electrical storage device and to vary the first output voltage / current and the second output voltage / current over time based on the state of charge of the electrical storage device.

[0028] Optionally, the controller is configured to selectively control the first output voltage / current according to one of: a constant current charging scheme and a constant voltage charging scheme based on a state of charge of the electrical storage device.

[0029] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine the state of charge of the electrical storage device by monitoring the battery voltage.

[0030] Optionally, an inverter is selectively connectable to the electrical output port, and the controller is configured to:

[0031] determining when the inverter is connected to the electrical output port; and

[0032] When the inverter is not connected to the electrical output port, it operates in the third operation mode.

[0033] Optionally, the inverter may be selectively connected to the electrical output port while the exercise machine is in use.

[0034] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine an amount of power required by the inverter and to vary the first output voltage / current and the second output voltage / current over time based on the amount of power required by the inverter.

[0035] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine the electrical power corresponding to the exercise resistance.

[0036] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine the electrical power corresponding to the fitness resistance based on the torque.

[0037] Optionally, the controller is configured to preferentially pass input energy from the generator to the first output.

[0038] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine the electrical power corresponding to the exercise resistance based on an input indicative of actual operation of the generator.

[0039] Optionally, the input indicative of actual operation of the generator is at least one of the following:

[0040] Generator output voltage;

[0041] The voltage within the power conversion unit that is related to the output voltage of the generator;

[0042] The speed of the generator.

[0043] Optionally, the electric energy conversion unit comprises:

[0044] a first converter configured to rectify the AC output of the generator into a DC output of a higher output voltage;

[0045] a second converter configured to obtain a first output voltage from the DC output voltage of the first converter;

[0046] The third converter is configured to obtain a second output voltage from the DC output voltage of the first converter.

[0047] Optionally, the generator is a brushless DC motor providing three-phase AC power.

[0048] Optionally, the fitness machine includes a user interface, and the controller is configured to receive an exercise resistance input selection from the user interface, or the controller is configured to determine the desired exercise resistance from one or more inputs from the user interface.

[0049] Optionally, in addition or as an alternative, the fitness device includes a wireless communication interface, wherein the controller is configured to receive an exercise resistance input selection from the wireless communication interface, or the controller is configured to determine the desired exercise resistance from data from the wireless communication interface.

[0050] Optionally, in addition or as an alternative, the fitness device includes a wired communication interface such as an Ethernet interface, a CAN bus interface or any other suitable interface. The controller can be configured to receive a fitness resistance input selection from the communication interface, or the controller can be configured to determine the required fitness resistance from data from the communication interface.

[0051] Optionally, the controller may be configured to receive energy burned information indicating the amount of energy consumed by the user during a given time period, optionally during the day, and the controller may be further configured to receive target energy burn information indicating a target amount of energy to be consumed by the user during the corresponding time period, and the controller may be configured to calculate the target amount of energy to be burned during exercise using the fitness device. The energy burned information may be received from a user interface of the fitness device (if present), or from a remote device, optionally via a wireless communication interface. The remote device may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, or any other suitable computing device.

[0052] Thus, the controller may calculate the amount of energy (which may be measured in calories or kilojoules, for example) that the user must burn in order to "top up" the user's energy burn.

[0053] Optionally, the controller is configured to receive information indicating an amount of time available for the user to burn a target amount of energy and generate fitness profile information corresponding to a change in desired fitness resistance provided by the generator as a function of at least one selected from time or an effective distance traveled.

[0054] The effective distance traveled may be calculated based on the amount of power generated by the user and may simulate walking, for example, by means of a bicycle, a rowing boat, or a pedagogical approach such as walking, jogging, or running.

[0055] Optionally, to receive the energy burned information and / or information indicative of the amount of time available, the controller is configured to communicate with a remote device, such as the user's smartphone as mentioned above.

[0056] The fitness machine may be in the form of a bicycle, a rowing machine, a cross trainer, a weight machine, a treadmill, a ski aerobic machine (e.g., a machine including a pair of levers arranged to drive a generator and moved by the user, optionally in a manner that simulates the experience of skiing), a stair climber, an elliptical machine, or an elliptical arm ergometer. It should be understood that the fitness machine may be any suitable form of aerobic or strength training machine in which the user's movements are used to drive the generator.

[0057] In one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided, comprising:

[0058] At least one fitness device according to one aspect of the present invention; and

[0059] A system controller is configured to communicate with at least one fitness device.

[0060] Optionally, the system controller is configured to communicate with at least one exercise machine to provide input selection of a desired exercise resistance.

[0061] The system may include a plurality of exercise machines, the system being configured to provide an input selection of substantially the same exercise resistance to at least two of the plurality of exercise machines.

[0062] The system may include a plurality of exercise machines, the system being configured to provide input selections of different exercise resistances to at least two of the plurality of exercise machines, respectively.

[0063] The system may include a common energy storage device or inverter to which at least one fitness machine is connected.

[0064] In one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided comprising a plurality of fitness machines according to an aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the plurality of fitness machines is connected to a common energy storage device or inverter.

[0065] One aspect provides a control method for a fitness device, the fitness device comprising a generator configured to be driven by a user's effort, an electrical output port for electrically connecting to an electrical storage device or an inverter, a resistive load, and an electrical energy conversion unit, the method comprising:

[0066] receiving an input selection of a fitness resistance;

[0067] Determining a first output voltage / current of a first output of an electric energy conversion unit connected to an electric output port and a second output voltage / current of a resistive load to provide a desired fitness resistance; and

[0068] The operation of the power conversion unit is controlled to output a first output voltage / current and a second output voltage / current.

[0069] In one aspect, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method described above or defined in the claims, and a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored. The functions described in this specification may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processing device, or a combination of hardware and software. The processing device may include a computer, a processor, a state machine, a logic array, or any other suitable processing device. The processing device may be a general-purpose processor that runs software to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks; or the processing device may be dedicated to performing the required functions. Another aspect of the invention provides machine-readable instructions (software) that, when executed by a processor, perform any of the described methods. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on an electronic storage device, a hard disk, an optical disk, or other machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may be a non-transient machine-readable medium. The term "non-transient machine-readable medium" includes all machine-readable media except transient propagation signals. The machine-readable instructions may be downloaded to a storage medium via a network connection.

[0070] In one aspect, an electric energy conversion unit is provided for use with a fitness machine having a generator and an electric load, the electric energy conversion unit comprising:

[0071] an input configured to be connected to a generator and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator;

[0072] a first output connected to the electrical output port configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device or an inverter;

[0073] a second output configured to be electrically connected to an electrical load;

[0074] Controller, configured as

[0075] receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance;

[0076] Determining a first output voltage / current of a first output of the electric energy conversion unit and a second output voltage / current of a second output of the electric energy conversion unit to provide a desired fitness resistance; and

[0077] The operation of the power conversion unit is controlled to output a first output voltage / current and a second output voltage / current.

[0078] An advantage of at least one example or embodiment is that the user experiences a fitness resistance (or torque) level that more consistently matches the desired fitness resistance. This improves the user experience during fitness while the fitness machine performs useful recycling or collection of user effort as electrical energy.

[0079] An advantage of at least one example or embodiment is that the fitness machine is able to recover energy from a user's effort without the need for a braking device.

[0080] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fitness device, comprising:

[0081] a generator configured to be driven by user effort; and

[0082] A controller configured to

[0083] receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance; and

[0084] Operation of the generator is controlled to provide a resistance to be driven by a user effort corresponding to the selected input of desired fitness resistance.

[0085] The exercise machine may include a user interface, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input selection of an exercise resistance from the user interface, or the controller is configured to determine a desired exercise resistance from one or more inputs from the user interface.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, the fitness machine may include a communication interface, optionally a wireless communication interface, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input selection of an exercise resistance from the communication interface, or the controller is configured to determine the desired exercise resistance from data received from the communication interface.

[0087] The controller may receive input indicating the amount of energy that the user has consumed during a specific time period, such as a day, and the target amount of energy that the user wishes to consume. The controller may determine the difference between the two as the target amount of energy that the user needs to consume during fitness. The controller may request the user (e.g., via a user interface (if present), or via a communication interface from a remote device such as a smart phone or tablet) to input information indicating the amount of time within which the target amount of energy that the user needs to consume during fitness should be consumed, i.e., the fitness duration. The controller may then generate a torque resistance configuration, which includes information indicating the torque resistance as a function of time or effective distance traveled during the fitness time period. The effective distance traveled may correspond to the distance that the user can travel to consume a given amount of energy. In the case where the fitness device is set to simulate riding, the effective distance may be the distance that the user can travel with a similar level of effort (energy consumed in a given amount of time) when the fitness device is a bicycle. It should be understood that the controller may be configured to request the user to input their weight to more accurately determine the effective distance traveled under a given level of effort. It will be appreciated that the exercise machine may be configured wherein different levels of exercise resistance correspond to different effective gear ratios of the bicycle, ie, the ratio between rotation of the bicycle's pedals to rotation of a bicycle wheel of a given diameter.

[0088] The torque-resistance profile may correspond to one of one or more stored, predetermined torque-resistance profiles that provide varying levels of torque resistance to a user during a fitness session.

[0089] Providing a varying torque resistance configuration has the advantage of enhancing the user's enjoyment of the exercise machine as compared to a substantially constant level or torque resistance.

[0090] Providing a varying torque resistance configuration has the advantage of providing a more immersive fitness experience to the user compared to a substantially constant level or torque resistance.

[0091] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric energy conversion unit for use with a fitness machine having a generator and an electric load, the electric energy conversion unit comprising:

[0092] an input configured to be connected to a generator and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator;

[0093] a first output connectable to the electrical output port configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device or an inverter;

[0094] a second output configured to be electrically connected to an electrical load;

[0095] Controller, configured as

[0096] receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance;

[0097] Determining a first output voltage / current of a first output of the electric energy conversion unit and a second output voltage / current of a second output of the electric energy conversion unit to provide a desired fitness resistance; and

[0098] The operation of the power conversion unit is controlled to output a first output voltage / current and a second output voltage / current.

[0099] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric energy conversion unit for use with a fitness machine having a generator and an electric load, the electric energy conversion unit comprising:

[0100] an input configured to be connected to a generator and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator;

[0101] configured to be electrically connected to a first output of an electrical storage device and / or an inverter, which;

[0102] a second output configured to be electrically connected to an electrical load;

[0103] Controller, configured as

[0104] receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance;

[0105] Determining a first output voltage / current of a first output of the electric energy conversion unit and a second output voltage / current of a second output of the electric energy conversion unit to provide a desired fitness resistance; and

[0106] The operation of the power conversion unit is controlled to output a first output voltage / current and a second output voltage / current.

[0107] Some embodiments of the present invention may be understood with reference to the claims.

[0108] Within the scope of the present application, it is foreseeable that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives proposed above and below, especially their individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. For example, a feature described in conjunction with one embodiment can be applied to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0109] For the avoidance of doubt, it should be understood that features described in relation to one aspect of the present application may be included in any other aspect of the present application, either alone or in appropriate combination with one or more other features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] One or more embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0111] Figure 1 An exercise machine in the form of an exercise bike is shown;

[0112] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 Electrical systems in fitness equipment;

[0113] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The operating mode of the electrical system;

[0114] Figure 4 shows a charging curve for an energy storage device in the form of a lithium-ion battery pack;

[0115] Figure 5 showing a diagram relating to user input power, resistive load power, and a charging state of an energy storage device;

[0116] Figure 6 The method of operation is shown;

[0117] Figure 7 and 8 An electrical system having an inverter is shown;

[0118] Fig. 9 Shown is a method for implementing Figure 6 a processing device for the method;

[0119] Fig.10 A plurality of fitness devices according to embodiments of the present invention are shown connected to a common energy storage device and an external controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] Figure 1An exercise machine in the form of an exercise bike 10 is shown. The exercise bike 10 has a frame 12 having a support 14 that rests on the floor. The frame 12 supports a seat 16 and handlebars 18 for a user. A pair of cranks 20 and pedals 22 are connected to a hub 24. In use, the user applies force to the pedals to rotate the cranks 20 about the axis of rotation of the hub 24. The exercise bike 10 also includes a flywheel (within a housing 26) that may be connected to the hub 24 by a drive belt or other form of connection. The flywheel provides a degree of inertia and helps simulate the experience of riding an actual bicycle. The exercise bike 10 includes a generator 110 (see Figure 2 ). The generator is configured to be driven by user effort. For example, there may be a direct or geared mechanical connection between the hub 24 and the generator 110. When the user applies force to the pedal to rotate the crank 20 about the axis of rotation of the hub 24, energy is transferred to the flywheel via the mechanical connection. The generator 110 is driven by the flywheel. The generator 110 may be mounted concentrically with the axis of rotation of the flywheel. As the flywheel rotates, it rotates the rotor within the generator 110 to generate power.

[0121] A user interface may be provided on the exercise bike 10. The user interface may include a display and user input controls such as physical levers or buttons 19 ( Figure 1 ) or a virtual button displayed on a touch-sensitive display. The lever or button 19 is shown in FIG. 19 with a dotted outline because they are optional features. In some embodiments, the user interface can provide information to the user, such as the number of calories burned, the progress during fitness, the resistance during fitness, and the charging state of the power storage device. The user interface can enable the user to turn on / off the fitness bike and adjust the operating settings, such as the level (torque) of fitness resistance. Another possible type of user input control is a manually adjustable control knob to set the resistance level (torque). A sensor can sense the rotation of the control knob to provide a control signal to the controller. Another way to control fitness resistance (torque) is through an external device that can communicate with the communication interface on the fitness bike 10, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer or other computing device 50. A bracket or support can be provided on the frame 12 to support the external device 50. In some embodiments, the user interface on the fitness bike 10 can be omitted, and the user interface function is only provided by the external device 50.

[0122] Figure 2 An overview of an electrical system 100 of a fitness machine is shown. The electrical system 100 may be used in Figure 1 The electrical system 100 includes a generator 110 configured to be driven by a user's effort. The electrical output port 155 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device 170 such as Figure 1170 is a battery pack shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the electrical storage device 170 is detachable from the fitness device. This enables the electrical storage device 170 to be moved to another location and connected to an electrical load elsewhere. The electrical storage device 170 may have a management unit 172, which may perform functions such as balancing the charge between the individual batteries (or multiple groups of batteries) 174 and protecting the energy storage device. The electrical system 100 also includes an electrical load 160. The electrical load 160 may be a resistive load, such as a wound resistor.

[0123] The electrical system includes an electrical energy conversion unit 120, which in the illustrated embodiment is provided in the unit 40. The electrical energy conversion unit 120 has an input 122 connected to the generator 110 and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator 110. The electrical energy conversion unit 120 has a first output 124 connected to the electrical output port 155 and a second output 126 connected to the electrical load 160. The controller 190 controls the operation of the electrical system 100. The controller 190 can be enabled wirelessly. Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the controller 190 is provided in the unit 40 .

[0124] The generator 110 includes a brushless DC (BLDC) motor, which outputs a 3-phase alternating current (AC) power supply 112. The power conversion unit 120 includes a rectifier and a power increase (amplification) unit 130. This unit converts the 3-phase power supply 112 into a higher voltage direct current (DC) output. For example, a 3-phase (maximum) 30VAC peak power supply can be converted to an 85VDC output.

[0125] The output of the rectifier / power boost unit 130 provides DC power on a power bus 132 to a resistive load regulator 140 and an energy storage regulator 150. The resistive load regulator 140 provides a regulated output voltage and current to a resistive load 160. In use, the current through the resistive load 160 is dissipated as heat according to the following relationship:

[0126] Power = I 2 .R

[0127] Where I is the current flowing through the resistive load and R is the resistance of the resistive load.

[0128] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the generator 110 outputs 3-phase power at a potential of up to about 30 VAC to the rectifier / power boost unit 130. The rectifier / power boost unit 130 in turn outputs electrical power to the power bus 132 at a DC potential of up to about 85 V. It should be understood that in some embodiments, other potential values ​​from the generator 110 and the power bus 132 may be used.

[0129] The resistive load regulator 140 is configured to convert the DC power received via the bus 132 to a desired output voltage and current to achieve the desired power dissipation. The resistive load regulator 140 may be a buck converter or some other form of DC-DC power converter. The duty ratio (i.e., the ratio of "on" time to "off" time) of the power switching device in the regulator 140 may be varied to control the output voltage and current. This controls the amount of power dissipated in the resistive load 160.

[0130] The energy storage regulator 150 provides a regulated output voltage and current for charging the electrical storage device 170. The energy storage regulator 150 is configured to convert the DC power received via the bus 132 into the required output voltage and current to charge the energy storage device 170. The energy storage regulator 150 may be a buck converter or some other form of DC-DC power converter. The operating ratio of the power switching device in the regulator 150 may be changed to control the output voltage and current. The output voltage / current of the regulator 150 is limited by the charging cycle of the energy storage device 170. During the charging cycle, there are constraints on the voltage and current that can be applied to the energy storage device 170. This in turn limits the amount of power that can be dissipated by the energy storage device 170, i.e., absorbed by the energy storage device, at a specific point in time when the energy storage device 170 is charged. This also affects the load impedance presented by the energy storage regulator 150 and the energy storage device 170, thereby affecting the load torque seen by the generator.

[0131] The electrical system 100 has two electrical loads: (a) an electrical storage device 170 and (b) a resistive load 160. In use, the controller 190 controls: (i) the amount of input electrical energy / power from the generator that is output to charge the electrical storage device 170; and (ii) the amount of input electrical energy / power from the generator that is output to be dissipated as heat in the resistive load 160. The controller 190 controls the operation of the electrical energy conversion unit 120 to control a first output voltage / current at the output 124 and a second output voltage / current at the output 126. Figure 3 Three operating modes of the electrical system 100 are shown. The controller 190 can operate in the following modes:

[0132] (i) a first mode (Mode 1), in which input energy from the generator 110 is output only to charge the electrical storage device 170;

[0133] (ii) a second mode (Mode 2) in which input energy from the generator 110 is output to charge the electrical storage device 170 and to the resistive load 160;

[0134] (iii) A third mode (Mode 3) in which the input energy from the generator 110 is output to the resistive load 160 only.

[0135] The controller 190 may vary the division or sharing of the input energy from the generator between outputting energy to charge the electrical storage device 170 and outputting energy to the resistive load 160. The controller may be operable to prioritize charging the electrical storage device 170.

[0136] Figure 2 Some inputs to controller 190 are shown. These inputs include: voltage and current of the energy storage device (e.g., measured at output 124); voltage and current of the resistive load (e.g., measured at output 126); an indication of generator speed, e.g., voltage at input 122 (voltage 122 is directly related to the speed of the generator); output voltage of unit 130; actual speed of generator 110 (e.g., measured by a sensor of generator 110 that measures the rotation of the generator rotor).

[0137] Another input to the controller 190 is an indication of the desired fitness resistance. This input can be received in a variety of different ways, such as: user input from a user interface of the fitness device; a value received from an application running from a communication device such as a mobile phone, tablet or other computing device; a value received from a controller running a fitness program. The fitness resistance input indicates the amount of fitness resistance required at a point in time. This indication of fitness resistance can be mapped to actual power. For example, a user input of resistance level 5 (selected from a scale of 1-10) can correspond to a power of 500 Watts (W). The controller 190 is configured to determine the operating settings of the regulators 140, 150 to adjust the load impedance to provide the desired level of fitness resistance (torque).

[0138] The controller 190 determines the operating settings periodically. For example, the controller 190 may determine the settings at a frequency between 10 and 40 times per second. When the desired fitness resistance value changes, such as when the user enters a new fitness resistance value on the user interface, the operating settings need to be changed. When the degree of effort applied by the user to the fitness device changes, the operating settings need to be changed. For example, when the user pedals faster, the input power from the generator increases and when the user pedals slower, the input power from the generator decreases. The change in input power sets a new output power to achieve the desired level of fitness resistance. Another reason for changing the operating settings is to adjust the voltage / current of the energy storage device. Lithium batteries require specific charging conditions due to their chemical composition and properties. Generally, as their state of charge increases, they accept slower charging rates. Therefore, as the battery is filled, it is necessary to change the voltage and current provided by the energy storage device to charge the battery.

[0139] Figure 41 shows a schematic diagram of a charging cycle for a lithium-ion battery. The figure shows the battery / charging current 201 (i.e., the charging current flowing into the battery) and the battery voltage 202 (i.e., the voltage across the battery terminals) over a charging cycle time period. The first time period of the charging cycle is a constant current control time period. The second time period of the charging cycle is a constant voltage control time period. During the constant current control time period, the charging current 201 is limited to a maximum constant value and the battery voltage 202 rises over time. At time 205, the charging voltage 202 is maintained at a constant value. As the charging cycle continues, the charging current gradually drops until the battery is at time t cutoff Until full.

[0140] from Figure 4 It can be seen that the amount of energy received by the battery varies over time. This affects the amount of input energy from the generator that can be delivered to the energy storage device 170. This affects the division of the input energy between the outputs 124 and 126 to achieve the desired level of fitness resistance.

[0141] Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of user input power (axis 301), resistive load power (axis 302), and battery state of charge (axis 303) is shown. The figure shows one possible way in which the controller allocates the input energy / power from the generator between: (i) outputting energy / power to charge the battery; and (ii) outputting energy / power to the resistive load to be dissipated as heat. In the example shown, when the battery is empty (state of charge = 0%), all input energy is output to the battery charging until about 30% user input power, and no input energy / power is output to the resistive load. Above 30% user input power (point 305), the input energy / power is distributed between the battery charging and the resistive load. As can be seen from the shape of the schematic, the portion of the input energy output to the battery charging gradually decreases as the state of charge increases. When the battery is full (state of charge = 100%), the input energy is output to the resistive load, following line 308. At point 307, the user input power = 100% and all input energy is output to the resistive load. It should be understood that Figure 5 The schematic diagram is illustrative, and the controller 190 may be configured to distribute the input energy in a manner different from that shown in the schematic diagram.

[0142] Return to Figure 2, the electrical system can operate with the energy storage device 170 connected to the electrical system or removed from the electrical system. When the energy storage device 170 is removed from the electrical system, all input energy from the generator is transferred to the resistive load regulator 140 and the resistive load 160. The resistive load 160 and the resistive load regulator 140 are configured to absorb the entire power demand of the fitness equipment. The expected maximum power may be in the region of up to about 2kW, such as during a high-intensity fitness burst. Voltage detection at the output 124 can determine whether the energy storage device 170 is present or removed. In some embodiments, when the energy storage device 170 is present, during a high-intensity fitness session, the energy storage device 170 may receive approximately 0.5kW of power for charging while the resistor receives the remaining 1.5kW.

[0143] If voltage is detected, controller 190 determines that energy storage device 170 is present. Other methods of detecting the presence of energy storage device 170 include: communicating with a management system on energy storage device 170; sensors that determine the physical presence of energy storage device 170.

[0144] The electrical system 100 may be configured to allow the energy storage device 170 to be removed or connected during a workout. This would be referred to as hot swapping.

[0145] The electrical system 100 has a variety of different safety measures. The controller 190 can be configured to stop charging the energy storage device 170 when a specific state of charge value is reached. Certain battery types, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), perform better and retain a greater capacity per charging cycle when they are not charged to 100% state of charge. The user may wish to select a specific level of charge that they wish to obtain. A user interface on the fitness machine (when present) or a user interface on the external device 50 can be used to select a maximum charge level. The controller 190 is configured to receive the maximum state of charge level and stop charging the energy storage device 170 when the maximum charge level is reached.

[0146] The controller 190 is configured to check the energy storage device 170 when it is first connected to the connector 155. The voltage level of the energy storage device 170 will determine its state of charge. The controller 190 may additionally perform a "health check" on the energy storage device by performing an internal resistance check of the energy storage device 170 to demonstrate / record its degradation and estimated lifespan. This is done in the following manner:

[0147] - connecting the energy storage device 170 to the resistive load 160;

[0148] - measuring the battery voltage before and after current loading by shorting the battery to a resistive load 160 for a short time;

[0149] The current measurement at -124 is used to calculate the current during this loading period;

[0150] -Measured battery voltage values ​​are compared with stored data to determine battery health.

[0151] Each energy storage device 170 may include a memory that stores an identification code. When an energy storage device 170 is connected to the connector 155 of the electrical system 100, the controller 190 may interrogate the energy storage device 170 and retrieve the identification code. This may enable the controller 190 to determine whether that particular energy storage device 170 has been previously connected to the electrical system 100. An internal resistance check is performed on new or unknown batteries. This "health check" is performed to see how degraded the battery is and to set limits on how much charging it can take. By limiting the maximum charging voltage, the system can preemptively extend the battery capacity.

[0152] Figure 6 1 shows an operation method of the controller 190. At module 501, the method receives an input selection of a fitness resistance. At module 503, the method determines a first output voltage / current of a first output of the electric energy conversion unit and a second output voltage / current of a second output of the electric energy conversion unit to provide a desired fitness resistance. Optionally, at module 502, the method determines an electric power for the desired fitness resistance. The method may determine a torque for the desired fitness resistance. At module 504, the method controls the operation of the electric energy conversion unit to output the first output voltage / current and the second output voltage / current.

[0153] Now we will provide some running examples.

[0154] - Consider that a user interface provided on the exercise bike (or an application on the mobile device 50 ) provides the user with a range of exercise resistance levels from 1 to 10. The user selects level 5.

[0155] - The controller determines that the exercise resistance level corresponds to a generator power of 500W at a typical exercise rate. The actual generator power will depend on the user's effort. The controller may use data representing typical / expected effort. The controller may also use one or more other factors such as the user's height / weight / age to adjust the generator power.

[0156] - The controller determines the first output voltage / current of the first output 124 of the electric energy conversion unit and the second output voltage / current of the second output 126 of the electric energy conversion unit to provide the determined electric power of 500W. For example, the controller may operate in a mode in which the input energy / power from the generator is shared between the first output 124 and the second output 126. The controller determines the duty ratio of the converter 150 to provide the required first output voltage and first output current to achieve the required power dissipation when charging the energy storage device 170. The controller determines the duty ratio of the converter 140 to provide the required second output voltage and second output current to achieve the required power dissipation at the resistive load 160. The voltage / current values ​​may be selected based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device 170. For example, if the state of charge is low, a larger share of the input energy may be output to the energy storage device 170. The controller may select which mode to operate in and how much energy / power to transfer to the resistive load based on the current state of charge of the energy storage device. Initially, when the fitness device is in a resting state, it is only possible to estimate the expected input energy / power of the generator. Once the generator is running, it is possible to determine the input energy / power and determine the required output power.

[0157] - The controller controls the energy storage regulator 150 and the resistive load regulator 140 to operate with voltages and currents of these values.

[0158] - The controller receives input from the power conversion unit 120, including an indication of the amount of energy / power received from the generator, and again determines the operating values.

[0159] - Repeat the control cycle for the duration of the fitness.

[0160] When in use, the resistive load 160 dissipates a significant amount of energy as heat. Return to Figure 1 , the resistive load 160 may be enclosed in the unit 40. The unit 40 has a housing that can dissipate heat energy from the resistive load 160. The housing of the unit 40 can act as a heat sink for the resistive load 160. The unit 40 may include an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, which allow air to flow through the unit 40 to dissipate heat from the resistive load 160.

[0161] Figure 1 The fitness machine shown in is an exercise bike having a flywheel and a generator connected to the flywheel. The fitness machine may take other forms. For example:

[0162] - Rowing machines: Rowing machines typically use a fan to provide air resistance. A generator (and flywheel) can replace the fan, and the user's effort is transferred to the generator (and flywheel).

[0163] -Weight lifting machine: The generator can be connected to the moving parts of the weight lifting machine (e.g. pulleys, cables).

[0164] -Treadmill, ski aerobic machine, stair climber or cross trainer, elliptical machine, elliptical arm ergometer.

[0165] As mentioned above, it will be appreciated that the fitness machine may be any suitable form of aerobic or strength training machine in which user movement is utilized to drive a generator.

[0166] exist Figure 2 In the electrical system 100 , the electrical storage device 170 may be connected to the connector 155 . Figure 7 Another electrical system 700 that can be used in fitness equipment 100 is shown. Electrical system 700 has an energy conversion unit 720 having an output port 755 for connecting to an inverter unit 770. The inverter can be enclosed in a housing having a Figure 2 The inverter unit 770 includes an inverter that can convert the DC power received via the connector 775 into an AC output power such as a mains voltage AC power. The inverter unit 770 can be removed from the electrical system 700 by disconnecting the connector 775 from the port 755. The inverter unit 770 can be placed in place of the energy storage device 170. The regulator 750 converts the bus voltage into an output voltage for output to the inverter unit 770. The regulator 750 can be the same as the energy storage regulator 150, or can be modified to provide an appropriate power supply to the inverter unit 770. The inverter unit 770 has an output port 785, which can be connected to an electrical load such as an electrical device.

[0167] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the inverter unit 770 can automatically operate to electrically disconnect the inverter unit 770 from the fitness device 100, such as when a fault is detected. For example, if the inverter unit 770 detects that it has failed, such as a fault that prevents the inverter unit 770 from operating properly, the inverter unit 770 can automatically disconnect from the fitness device 100 so that the electrical power used to be converted by the inverter unit 770 to output electrical power to power an external load via the output port 785 can no longer be received by the inverter unit 770. In some embodiments, the inverter unit 770 can similarly disconnect from the fitness device 100 when a fault is detected in the fitness device 100. It should be understood that in the event that the inverter unit 770 is not connected to the fitness device 100, either due to the lack of a physical connection or because the inverter unit 770 automatically disconnects its electrical connection with the fitness device 100 so that electrical power for conversion by the inverter can no longer be received by the inverter unit 770, the fitness device 100 can operate in the third mode (Mode 3), if it has not already done so.

[0168] In some embodiments, the fitness machine 100 may be configured to operate in a third mode (Mode 3) when the inverter unit 770 is connected to the fitness machine 100 but the inverter unit 770 is not drawing power from the fitness machine 100. In some embodiments, the inverter unit 770 may be configured to not draw power from the fitness machine 100 when the output port 785 of the inverter unit 770 is not connected to an external load. In some embodiments, the inverter unit 770 may be configured to not draw power from the fitness machine 100 when the inverter unit 770 is connected to an external load but the external load is not drawing power from the inverter unit 770. In some embodiments, other configurations may be used.

[0169] The inverter unit 770 can be configured to be connected to a mains power supply of a building, such as a ring network of the building. Thus, the inverter unit 770 can be configured to be grid-connected to output electrical energy at a frequency and phase synchronized with the building power supply.

[0170] Figure 8 Another electrical system 800 that can be used in fitness equipment 100 is shown. The electrical system 800 also has an inverter 880. In this system, the inverter 880 is provided as part of the energy conversion unit 820. The inverter has an output port 885 for connecting to an electrical load such as an electrical device. The output port 885 can be a conventional mains voltage socket. The inverter 885 can convert the DC power received from the rectifier / power boost unit 130 into an AC output power. The regulator 850 can be the same as the energy storage regulator 150 and provide appropriate DC power to the inverter 880. The electrical system 800 has the following capabilities: (i) charging the energy storage device 170 and outputting energy / power to the inverter 880; (ii) only charging the energy storage device 170; (iii) only outputting energy / power to the inverter 880.

[0171] Press and Figure 7 Inverter unit 880 may be configured to be connected to a building's mains power source, such as a building's ring network, in a similar manner to inverter unit 770. Thus, inverter 880 may be configured to be grid-connected to output electrical energy at a frequency and phase synchronized with the building's power source. In some embodiments, electrical system 800 may automatically operate to disconnect inverter 880 from system energy conversion unit 820, such as when inverter 880 or a device or system to which inverter 880 may be connected via output port 885 fails.

[0172] Fig. 9 Shows that it can be implemented Figure 2 The controller 600 is an example of the controller 190. The controller 600 may implement Figure 6The controller 600 includes one or more processors 601, which can be any type of processor for executing instructions for controlling the operation of the device. The processor 601 is connected to other elements of the device via one or more buses 606. The instructions 603 executable by the processor can be provided using any data storage device or computer-readable medium such as memory 602. The instructions 603 executable by the processor include instructions for implementing the functions of the described method. The memory 602 belongs to any appropriate type, such as non-volatile memory, magnetic or optical storage device. Data 605 can be stored in the memory / storage device 604 or in the memory / storage device 602. The processing device 600 includes an input / output (I / O) interface 607. The I / O interface 607 can receive signals from the electrical system 100, such as the measured voltage and current of the energy conversion unit 120. When the user interface 608 is provided on the fitness bike, the processing device 600 is connected to the user interface. The processing device 600 is connected to a wireless interface 609 to interact wirelessly with other devices. The wireless interface 609 may implement short-range wireless technology such as Bluetooth TM , wireless local area network technology such as IEEE 802.11 (WiFi TM ), or some other wireless technology. In some embodiments, the interface 609 may be a non-wireless interface, such as a CAN bus interface or an Ethernet interface.

[0173] The exercise bike 10 may also have an emergency brake. The emergency brake may be a friction brake that can quickly stop the flywheel. The emergency brake is not a device that an exercise bike typically uses to provide resistance to the user's efforts.

[0174] A possible option is to replace or supplement the resistive load 160 with an inverter or an output port for connection to an inverter. The inverter may be connected to an electrical load (eg an electrical device) or to a ring network.

[0175] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the fitness machine can enable the user to set the torque resistance of the generator via a user interface. The fitness machine can enable the user to set the torque resistance via a remote device such as a smart phone, optionally in wireless communication with the controller. By maintaining a given torque resistance to the rotation of the generator, the fitness machine can provide the user with a consistent feel of the fitness machine, i.e., the user experiences the expected fitness resistance regardless of the charge state of the energy storage device 170 and whether the energy storage device 170 is connected, e.g. Figure 1 In the case of the exercise bicycle 10, the pedal 22 is rotated.

[0176] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to vary the amount of torque resistance according to a predetermined or stored torque resistance fitness configuration that defines the torque resistance to be produced by the fitness device as a function of time or an "effective" or "virtual" distance traveled. The effective distance traveled may be calculated based at least in part on the speed at which the generator is being turned by the user. The effective distance traveled may be calculated based on the generator speed, the elapsed time, and the ratio between the generator speed and the "effective" or "virtual" walking speed of the user. This ratio may be considered an effective gear ratio.

[0177] Optionally, the configuration may be arranged to simulate walking on the ground with an upward and / or downward sloping ramp. This may provide an immersive fitness experience to the user, thereby enhancing the user's enjoyment of the fitness device. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive information indicating a configuration selected by the user from a plurality of predetermined configurations stored by the controller, for example, the user selects via a touch screen associated with a user interface or from a remote device such as the user's smart phone. Alternatively or in addition, the controller may be configured to receive information defining a torque resistance fitness configuration and including torque resistance information as a function of time or effective distance traveled. This information may be received from a user interface (in the case where the fitness bike provides a user interface), or from a remote device.

[0178] Optionally, the fitness machine 10 may be configured to enable the user to set a desired power level that the user wishes to generate. The fitness machine 10 may then vary the amount of torque resistance applied by the generator 110 to enable the user to generate the desired power for a given rotational speed of the generator 110. This may be referred to as an "ergo mode". Thus, the user may set a power level of, for example, 100W, 200W, 500W, or any other appropriate power level.

[0179] In some embodiments, a remote device, such as a user's smart phone, can monitor the user's fitness burn during a given time period, such as a day, and output the amount of energy burned so far in the time period to the controller. The user can input a target burn energy for the time period into the controller, such as via a remote device, such as a daily target burn energy. This can be a one-time input when recorded with software associated with the controller. The target burn energy, such as a target daily burn energy, can be updated by the user as needed. The controller can calculate the target burn energy for a given fitness time period using the fitness equipment based on the target burn energy for the day and the amount of energy already burned on the day (e.g., based on information received from the user's smart phone), such as by subtracting the amount of energy already burned from the target amount to be burned.

[0180] The controller may select or define a torque-resistance fitness profile or "fitness resistance profile" configured to ensure that the user burns a target amount of energy. The controller may also require the user to input the amount of time available for a fitness session and adjust the fitness profile to ensure the desired amount of energy is burned within the available time.

[0181] As mentioned above, the remote device can be a smart phone or other device carried by the user. It can be configured and arranged to estimate the amount of energy burned by the user at a given moment during the day, such as during walking, running and / or resting. It can receive input from an external biometric monitor such as a heart monitor. The remote device may include a motion sensor configured to estimate energy based at least in part on the motion of the remote device, which can be carried or worn by the user. As mentioned above, the remote device can use the estimate of the amount of energy burned to determine a target amount of energy to be burned during a workout.

[0182] It will be appreciated that remotely controlling torque resistance via a remote device such as a user's phone may enable the fitness machine to be integrated with third party software applications such as multi-player games, where torque resistance may be controlled by the third party software in communication with the controller.

[0183] In some embodiments, the fitness machine may be configured to directly power an electrical device, such as a fan. The fitness machine may be configured to control the electrical device based on the amount of power the user is generating. Thus, in some embodiments, when the user generates a higher amount of electrical power, the fitness machine may cause the fan to blow air at a higher rate. This may help provide enhanced cooling to the user. The blowing rate may be configured to correspond to the user's virtual walking speed, which is, for example, an effective speed based on the amount of power generated by the user.

[0184] In some embodiments, the fitness machine can be configured to obtain power to power a generator as a motor, such as simulating downhill riding. In some embodiments, power can be obtained from battery 170. In some embodiments, power can be obtained from an external power source such as mains.

[0185] In some embodiments, the fitness machine is operable to enable charging of a battery such as battery 170 that may be connected to the fitness machine as well as an additional battery such as a user's tablet or smartphone battery.

[0186] In some embodiments, if the amount of power generated by the user reaches a threshold level, the fitness machine may attempt to prevent the user from exceeding the threshold power level by reducing the amount of resistance provided by the generator, which may be referred to as "resistance droop" and effectively provides a "power ceiling" for the fitness machine. In some embodiments, the user may set the value of the power ceiling. This feature may, for example, enable the user to avoid muscle overexertion and / or achieve a constant level of effort during a fitness session.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fitness device may provide an output indicating the amount of power generated by the user at a given moment. Thus, in some embodiments, the fitness device may provide a real-time "power meter." The power indication may be provided in the form of a digital readout, such as a numerical display, a bar graph display, a color of the output indication, or any other suitable means.

[0188] In some embodiments, a variable heat sink or other appendage may be connected to a flywheel or other rotating component to direct airflow to cool the circuitry and / or user of the exercise machine.

[0189] In some embodiments, the heat generated by the exercise machine may be used to generate electricity, such as with a Peltier device, to charge battery 170 or to power one or more other components or devices.

[0190] In some embodiments, the removable battery pack 170 has a power storage capacity of about 100Wh (watt-hours). In some embodiments, other capacities may be used. In the example shown, the battery pack has 10 18650-type cells, each with a capacity of 8800mAh and an output potential of about 3.7V. In some examples, the cells may have an output potential ranging from about 2.5V to about 4.2V. The cells can be charged at a potential of up to about 4.2V. Thus, if the cells are connected in series within the housing of the battery pack 170, the cells can be charged at a potential of up to about 42V.

[0191] Fig.10 Shows two Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fitness devices 100, 100' of the type shown in the figure are connected in parallel to the common energy storage device 870 instead of being connected to the portable energy storage device 170. In some embodiments, one or more of the fitness devices 100 connected to the common energy storage device 870 may also be provided with a connector for connecting to the portable energy storage device 170, and optionally, they may be provided with a bracket such as a bracket 170C for holding the portable energy storage device 170, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 . The fitness device 100 may be configured to supply the electric power generated by the user to the common energy storage device 870. In the event that the portable energy storage device 170 is additionally connected to each fitness device 100, 100', the fitness device 100, 100' may be configured to give priority to charging the portable energy storage device 170 over charging the common energy storage device 870. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the common energy storage device 870 may be charged first.

[0192] In the illustrated embodiment, the common energy storage device 870 is a storage device of greater capacity than the removable portable storage device 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy storage device 870 has an electrical charging port 875 that is connected to the electrical output port 155 of each of the fitness devices 100, 100'. The energy storage device 870 has a battery management unit or system (BMS) 872 that manages the charging of the individual cells 874 of the energy storage device 870. In the illustrated embodiment, the output ports 155 of the fitness devices 100, 100' are connected in parallel to the common energy storage device 870.

[0193] In an embodiment, the common energy storage device 870 has a storage capacity of about 10,000 Wh (watt hours). In some embodiments, the storage capacity may be 25,000 Wh (watt hours) or more. Depending on the number of fitness devices 100, 100' connected to the energy storage device 870, the storage capacity may be lower or higher.

[0194] In some embodiments, the common energy storage device 870 may be a portable energy storage device 870. Alternatively, it may be a non-portable storage device 870, such as Fig.10 As in the embodiments of. The public energy storage device 870 can be configured to provide power to a working environment in which the fitness equipment 100, 100' operates, such as a gym or other environment. For example, it can power lighting and / or other electrical loads associated with the environment, such as a ventilation system. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the public energy storage device 870 can be configured to provide power to a building's mains power supply, such as a building's ring network, via a grid-connected power inverter. Thus, the storage device 870 serves as a power buffer. Optionally, the grid-connected power inverter can be configured to transmit power to the building at certain times, such as when the electricity charges charged by the utility provider are high. In some embodiments, the grid-connected power inverter can be connected to the building's mains power distribution board.

[0195] It should be understood that the energy storage device 870 may be configured to automatically disconnect its electrical connection with the connected fitness machine 100, 100' in the event of a fault. When the energy storage device 870 is disconnected and the removable portable storage device 170 is not connected to the fitness machine 100, 100', the fitness machine 100, 100' is configured to operate in a third mode (Mode 3) in the manner described above, wherein the power generated by the fitness machine 100, 100' is dissipated in the resistive load 160 associated with the respective fitness machine 100, 100'. Thus, in the event of a fault while one or both of the fitness machines 100, 100' are generating power, one or more fitness machines 100, 100' operate in the third mode (Mode 3) depending on whether the removable portable storage device 170 is connected to the given fitness machine 100, 100' and whether it needs to receive electrical energy. If removable portable storage device 170 is connected to a given fitness machine 100, 100' and is in need of receiving electrical power, fitness machine 100, 100' operates in the second mode (Mode 2) as described above.

[0196] It should be understood that if it is determined that the common energy storage device 870 can no longer receive a charge, the fitness device 100, 100' can also operate in the third mode (mode 3) when the removable portable storage device 170 is not connected or when the removable portable storage device 170 is connected but it can no longer receive a charge, for example because its charging state has reached the maximum allowed level.

[0197] Thus, implementations of the present invention enable users of respective fitness devices 100, 100' to enjoy a consistent feel of fitness devices 100, 100' based on the fitness resistance for which fitness devices 100, 100' have been set, regardless of whether fitness devices 100, 100' are connected to a common energy storage device 870 or one, both, or neither of the respective portable storage devices 170, and regardless of the charge status of these one or more devices 870, 170.

[0198] exist Fig.10In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the fitness machines 100, 100' is connected to a central or common controller 890 external to the fitness machine 100, 100' that communicates with the corresponding onboard controller 190 of the fitness machine 100, 100'. The common controller 890 is provided in the form of a computing device, in the present embodiment, a laptop computing device 890. It should be understood that in some alternative embodiments, other forms of computing devices 890 may be used, such as desktop computing devices, tablet devices, cloud-based devices / devices, or any other suitable form of computing devices. It should be understood that the central or common controller 890 means a controller 890 that is configured to communicate (via a wired connection or a wireless connection) with each fitness machine 100, 100' to which it is connected, so as to maintain control of one or more operating aspects of the fitness machine 100, 100', such as fitness resistance, and contrary to the physical location of the controller 890, it does not need to be physically centered.

[0199] In some embodiments, the common controller 890 may be configured to communicate with the controller 190 associated with each of the fitness machines 100, 100' and instruct one or more of the fitness machines 100, 100' to operate in a third mode (Mode 3) in which the electrical power generated by one or more of the fitness machines 100, 100' is dissipated in the load 160 associated with the fitness machine 100, 100' and is not output to the common energy storage device 870 or the portable battery (if they are connected to the fitness machine 100, 100'). This may be useful, for example, in the event that the controller 890 determines that the common energy storage device 870 has reached a desired charge level or the controller 890 detects a fault associated with the system 100S, such as the common energy storage device 870. By instructing operation in Mode 3, in addition to the functions of the controller 190 and the energy conversion unit 120 of each of the fitness machines 100, 100', the controller 890 may also provide an additional degree of protection to the system 100S in causing the fitness machines 100, 100' to operate in Mode 3, as described above, for example, in conjunction with Figure 3 Said and shown.

[0200] exist Fig.10 In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 890 can be operated by an operator to communicate with the controller 190 associated with each of the fitness machines 100, 100' and provide instructions to the controller 190 to set the fitness resistance of each fitness machine 100, 100' to a desired value. It should be understood that the operator of the central controller 890 can be a fitness trainer, instructor, or other operator. The controller can be configured to allow the operator to individually set the fitness resistance of each fitness machine 100, 100' to a corresponding value, so that one fitness machine 100 can have a different resistance value set by the operator compared to another fitness machine 100'.

[0201] The controller 890 may allow the operator to run a preset routine in which the computing device 890 causes the exercise resistance of each exercise machine 100, 100' to vary as a function of time to provide a desired exercise profile for the user of the exercise machine 100, 100' under the control of the computing device 890. In some embodiments, the controller 890 may be configured so that different exercise profiles are provided to the respective exercise machines 100, 100'. In some embodiments, the controller 890 may be configured so that substantially the same exercise profile is provided to multiple exercise machines 100, 100' substantially simultaneously.

[0202] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller 890 may be configured to provide substantially the same command to each user in terms of the desired fitness resistance, so that they experience substantially the same fitness resistance as other users. The command may be provided in the form of a command to the controller 190 to increase or decrease the fitness resistance determination by an amount such as 5%, 10%, or any appropriate amount. The increase may be a proportion of the currently set amount, or a proportion of the maximum fitness resistance amount that can be set. Alternatively, the central computing device 890 may send a command indicating the fitness resistance value to be set, rather than the size or proportion of the increase or decrease amount.

[0203] In some embodiments, users of a given fitness machine 100, 100' may be allowed to change the exercise resistance set on their fitness machine 100, 100' by introducing a resistance offset relative to the resistance value that central controller 890 has indicated should be set.

[0204] The fitness resistance deviation can be implemented by the controller 190 of each fitness device 100, 100' by applying the deviation (increase or decrease in resistance) to the desired fitness resistance value received from the central controller 890. Alternatively, the controller 190 can transmit the desired deviation value that the user has requested to the central controller 890. The central controller 890 can then send the modified desired fitness resistance value to the controller 190 of the fitness device to take into account the deviation requested by the user. Thus, if the user requests to reduce the fitness resistance by a given amount, the central controller 890 can send the value of the desired fitness resistance to the controller 190 of the fitness device 100, 100' of the user so that the fitness device 100, 100' reduces the fitness resistance accordingly. In some embodiments, the operator of the central controller 890 may be allowed to overrule the user's request and ignore the user's request to change the fitness resistance value that he is experiencing.

[0205] It should be understood that the central controller 890 may be configured to control any desired number of individual units of the fitness device 100, such as Figure 1It should be understood that one set of multiple units of fitness machine 100 under the control of controller 890 may be connected to one common energy storage device 870, while another set of multiple units of fitness machine 100 under the control of controller 890 may be connected to a different common energy storage device 870.

[0206] In some embodiments, up to 10 or more fitness devices 100 may be connected to a common energy storage device 870 .

[0207] In some embodiments, up to 20 or more fitness devices 100 may be connected to a common energy storage device 870 .

[0208] In some embodiments where multiple fitness devices 100 are connected to a common energy storage device 870, controller 890 may be omitted.

[0209] In some embodiments, other arrangements may be used.

[0210] In the present application, the words “comprise”, “include” and their variations mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additions, components, integers or steps.

[0211] In this application, the singular includes the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the corresponding specification is to be understood as referring to the plural as well as the singular unless the context requires otherwise.

[0212] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the present application are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. A fitness device (100, 700, 800), comprising: a generator (110) configured to be driven by a user; an electrical output port (155) configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device (170, 870) or an inverter (770, 880); Resistive load (160); An electric energy conversion unit (120) comprising an input (122) connected to the generator (110) and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator (110); a first output (124) connected to an electrical output port (155); and a second output (126) connected to an electrical load (160); A controller (190) configured to receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance; Determining a first output voltage and / or current of a first output (124) of an electric energy conversion unit (120) and a second output voltage and / or current of a second output (126) of an electric energy conversion unit (120) to provide a desired fitness resistance; and Controlling the operation of the electric energy conversion unit (120) to output a first output voltage and / or current and a second output voltage and / or current; Among them, the controller is configured to operate in three operating modes: (i) a first operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output only to the first output (124); (ii) a second operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output to the first output (124) and the second output (126); and (iii) a third operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output only to the second output (126); Wherein, the electrical storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) can be selectively connected to the electrical output port, and the controller is configured to: determining when an electrical storage device (170, 870) or an inverter (770, 880) is connected to an electrical output port (124); and When the electric storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) is not connected to the electric output port (124), the system operates in a third operation mode.

2. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical storage device (170, 870) or inverter (770, 880) may be selectively connected to the electrical output port (124) while the exercise machine (100, 700, 800) is in use.

3. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical output port is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device, and the controller (190) is configured to determine a charge state of the electrical storage device and to vary the first output voltage and / or current and the second output voltage and / or current over time based on the charge state of the electrical storage device.

4. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 3, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to control the first output voltage according to a constant current charging scheme, wherein the constant current charging scheme means that the voltage of the electrical storage device increases over time while maintaining a fixed charging current; or, the controller (190) is configured to control the first output current according to a constant voltage charging scheme, wherein the constant voltage charging scheme means that the charging current gradually decreases until the electrical storage device is fully charged while maintaining a fixed charging voltage.

5. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 3, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to determine the state of charge of the electrical storage device (170, 870) by monitoring the battery voltage.

6. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to determine the electrical power corresponding to the desired fitness resistance.

7. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to determine a desired torque based on a desired exercise resistance.

8. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to preferentially direct input energy from the generator (110) to the first output (124).

9. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to determine the electrical power corresponding to the exercise resistance based on the input indicative of the actual operation of the generator (110).

10. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 9, wherein: The input indicative of actual operation of the generator (110) is at least one of the following: an output voltage of the generator (110); a voltage in the electric energy conversion unit (120) related to the output voltage of the generator (110); The rotation speed of the generator (110).

11. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The electric energy conversion unit (120) comprises: A first converter (120) configured to rectify the AC output of the generator into a DC output of a higher output voltage; a second converter (150) configured to obtain a first output voltage from the DC output voltage of the first converter (120); and The third converter (140) is configured to obtain a second output voltage from the DC output voltage of the first converter (120).

12. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein: The generator (110) is a brushless DC motor that provides a three-phase AC power supply.

13. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) of claim 1 further comprising a user interface (18, 50), wherein the controller is configured to receive a fitness resistance input selection from the user interface (19, 50), or the controller (190) is configured to determine a desired fitness resistance from one or more inputs from the user interface (19, 50).

14. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 1 further includes a wireless communication interface (609), wherein the controller is configured to receive a fitness resistance input selection from the wireless communication interface (609), or the controller (190) is configured to determine the required fitness resistance from data from the wireless communication interface (609).

15. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 14, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to receive burned energy information indicating the amount of energy consumed by a user in a given time period, and the controller (190) is further configured to receive target energy burn information indicating a target amount of energy to be consumed by the user in a corresponding time period, and the controller (190) is configured to calculate the target amount of energy to be burned during fitness using the fitness equipment (100, 700, 800).

16. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 15, wherein: The controller (190) is configured to receive information indicating an amount of time available for a user to burn a target amount of energy and to generate fitness profile information corresponding to a change in a desired fitness resistance provided by the generator (110) as a function of at least one selected from time or an effective distance traveled.

17. The fitness device (100, 700, 800) according to claim 16, wherein: To receive the burned energy information, the controller (190) is configured to communicate with the remote device (50).

18. The fitness apparatus (100, 700, 800) of claim 1, wherein: The fitness equipment is in the form of a bicycle (10), a rowing machine, a cross trainer, a weightlifting machine, a ski aerobic machine, a treadmill, a stair climbing machine, an elliptical machine, or an elliptical arm ergometer.

19. A control method for a fitness device (100), the fitness device comprising a generator (110) configured to be driven by a user, an electrical output port (155) for electrically connecting to an electrical storage device (170) or an inverter (770, 870), a resistive load (160), and an electrical energy conversion unit (120), the method comprising: receiving an input selection of a fitness resistance; Determining a first output voltage and / or current of a first output of an electric energy conversion unit (120) connected to an electric output port (155) and a second output voltage and / or current of a resistive load (160) to provide a desired fitness resistance; and Controlling the operation of the electric energy conversion unit (120) to output a first output voltage and / or current and a second output voltage and / or current; The fitness equipment operates in three operating modes: (i) a first operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output only to the first output (124); (ii) a second operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output to the first output (124) and the second output (126); and (iii) a third operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output only to the second output (126); The electric storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) is selectively connectable to an electric output port, and the method comprises: determining when the electric storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) is connected to the electric output port (124); and operating in a third operating mode when the electric storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) is not connected to the electric output port (124).

20. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 19.

21. An electric energy conversion unit (120) for use with a fitness machine (100, 700, 800) having a generator (110) and an electric load (160), the electric energy conversion unit comprising: an input (122) configured to be connected to the generator (110) and configured to receive electrical energy from the generator (110); a first output (124) connected to the electrical output port configured to be electrically connected to an electrical storage device (170, 870) or an inverter (770, 880); a second output (126) configured to be electrically connected to an electrical load (160); A controller (190) configured to receiving an input selection of a desired fitness resistance; Determining a first output voltage and / or current of a first output (124) of an electric energy conversion unit (120) and a second output voltage and / or current of a second output (126) of an electric energy conversion unit (120) to provide a desired fitness resistance; and Controlling the operation of the electric energy conversion unit (120) to output a first output voltage and / or current and a second output voltage and / or current; Among them, the controller is configured to operate in three operating modes: (i) a first operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output only to the first output (124); (ii) a second operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output to the first output (124) and the second output (126); and (iii) a third operating mode, wherein input energy from the generator (110) is output only to the second output (126); Wherein, the electrical storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) can be selectively connected to the electrical output port, and the controller is configured to: determining when an electrical storage device (170, 870) or an inverter (770, 880) is connected to an electrical output port (124); and When the electric storage device (170, 870) or the inverter (770, 880) is not connected to the electric output port (124), the system operates in a third operation mode.

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