Exercise bicycle and control method thereof

Abstract

A fitness bicycle and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The fitness bicycle according to the present invention includes an operation lever configured to restrict a clutch gear unit to a freewheel to allow the freewheel to operate in a non-freehub mode, and release the restriction between the clutch gear unit and the freewheel to allow the freewheel to operate in a freehub mode; a position detection unit installed on the freewheel to detect a rotational position of the operation lever; and a controller configured to brake the freewheel by adjusting a magnitude of a magnetic force of a stator, such that the operation lever stops at a preset exposure position when a pedal stops.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0032477, filed on March 16, 2022, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to an exercise bike and its control method that can automatically position the control lever in an exposed position during flywheel braking and operate the control lever without manually rotating the flywheel. Background Technology

[0003] Exercise bikes are typically used as indoor workout equipment to enhance muscle strength. The wheels of an exercise bike rotate by pedaling. Exercise bikes can be categorized into spin bikes (for spinning exercises) and indoor bikes (where the wheels rotate by pedaling in a forward direction, similar to a bicycle).

[0004] Due to the nature of exercise through pedaling, non-freewheel designs are used in stationary bikes, while freewheel designs are used in indoor bikes.

[0005] In the non-freewheel structure applied to indoor bicycles, power is transmitted to the wheel in any situation where the pedals rotate in both the forward and reverse directions to rotate the wheel.

[0006] Furthermore, in the freewheel structure used in indoor bicycles, when the pedal rotates in the forward direction, power is transmitted to the wheel to make the wheel rotate. However, when the pedal stops or rotates in the reverse direction, power is not transmitted to the wheel, and the wheel does not rotate.

[0007] Korean Patent No. 2304923 (registered September 24, 2021) discloses an indoor exercise bike including an electronic brake. When the indoor exercise bike is driven by a brake motor, a lead screw and brake shoes move to brake the wheels. However, the indoor exercise bike cannot switch between a non-freewheel mode and a freewheel mode.

[0008] Furthermore, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2007-0038634 (published on April 11, 2007) discloses a bicycle-type fitness mechanism. This configuration discloses a braking unit of the bicycle-type fitness mechanism that adjusts the load applied to the wheel member and brakes the wheel member when an electromagnetic field is generated in a disturbing fluid contained within a housing. However, the bicycle-type fitness mechanism cannot switch the wheel member between a non-freewheel mode and a freewheel mode.

[0009] [Technical Issues]

[0010] The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an exercise bike and a control method thereof, which can automatically position the control lever in an exposed position during the braking of the flywheel.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide an exercise bike and its control method, which can operate the control lever without manually rotating the flywheel.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide an exercise bicycle and its control method, which can brake the flywheel by gradually increasing the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide an exercise bike and its control method, which enables the flywheel to rotate in either non-freewheel mode or freewheel mode. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues

[0015] The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an exercise bike and a control method thereof, which can automatically position the control lever in an exposed position during the braking of the flywheel.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide an exercise bike and its control method, which can operate the control lever without manually rotating the flywheel.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide an exercise bicycle and its control method, which can brake the flywheel by gradually increasing the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide an exercise bike and its control method, which enables the flywheel to rotate in either non-freewheel mode or freewheel mode.

[0019] Technical solution

[0020] The exercise bike according to the invention includes a control lever configured to restrict a clutch gear unit to a flywheel to allow the flywheel to operate in a non-freewheel mode, and to release the restriction between the clutch gear unit and the flywheel to allow the flywheel to operate in a freewheel mode.

[0021] The exercise bike includes a position detection unit and a controller. The position detection unit is mounted on the flywheel to detect the rotational position of the control lever, and the controller is configured to brake the flywheel by adjusting the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator, so that when the pedals stop, the control lever stops at a preset exposed position.

[0022] The clutch gear unit may include a rotary gear unit and a latching gear unit, the rotary gear unit being rotatably and axially coupled to the center of rotation of the flywheel, and the latching gear unit being configured to allow the flywheel to operate in a non-freewheel mode when the latching gear unit is engaged with the rotary gear unit, and to allow the flywheel to operate in a freewheel mode when the latching gear unit is disengaged from the rotary gear unit.

[0023] The clutch gear unit may also include a one-way bearing unit connected between the rotating gear unit and the flywheel.

[0024] The one-way bearing unit can restrict the flywheel and the rotary gear unit to rotate together when the rotary gear unit rotates in the forward direction, and release the restriction of the flywheel and the rotary gear unit to allow only the rotary gear unit to rotate when the rotary gear unit rotates in the reverse direction.

[0025] The preset exposure position can be the position where the control lever can be visually recognized on the front side of the frame unit.

[0026] The position detection unit may include two or more Hall sensors mounted on the flywheel.

[0027] The exercise bike may also include a pedal detection unit mounted on the pedal drive shaft unit to detect whether the pedal is rotating.

[0028] After the pedal stops, when the speed of the flywheel detected by the speed measurement unit is lower than or equal to the preset speed, the controller can brake the flywheel by increasing the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator.

[0029] The controller can gradually slow down the flywheel by gradually increasing the magnetic force of the stator, thereby braking the flywheel.

[0030] Exercise bikes may also include a speed measurement unit mounted on the flywheel to measure the flywheel's rotational speed.

[0031] In non-freewheel mode, when the pulley rotates in both the forward and reverse directions, the rotating gear unit, latching gear unit, wheel cover, and wheel body unit can all rotate.

[0032] In freewheel mode, when the pulley rotates in the forward direction, the rotary gear unit, latch gear unit, wheel cover, and wheel body unit can all rotate, and when the pulley rotates in the reverse direction, the rotary gear unit can rotate.

[0033] The stator can be fixed to the frame unit.

[0034] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0035] According to the present invention, when the pedal stops, the controller adjusts the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator to stop the operating lever at a preset exposed position, and thus the user can operate the operating lever immediately when starting the next exercise.

[0036] According to the present invention, since the operating lever is positioned in the exposed position during the braking of the flywheel, the user does not need to manually rotate the flywheel to locate the operating lever.

[0037] According to the present invention, when the pedal stops, the flywheel can be stopped by gradually increasing the magnetic force of the stator, causing the operating lever to stop at a preset exposed position. Therefore, sudden braking of the flywheel can be prevented, and the load from sudden braking can be prevented from being applied to the clutch gear unit, etc.

[0038] According to the present invention, when the latching gear unit is engaged with the rotating gear unit, the flywheel can operate in a non-freewheel mode. Furthermore, when the latching gear unit is disengaged from the rotating gear unit, the flywheel can operate in a freewheel mode.

[0039] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the invention will also be described in conjunction with the description of specific items used to implement the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the exercise bike according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 It schematically shows the flywheel from Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the disassembled exercise bike.

[0042] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A 3D diagram of the flywheel in an exercise bike.

[0043] Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flywheel in an exercise bike.

[0044] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 4 An exploded 3D view of the flywheel.

[0045] Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the connection structure between the rotating gear unit and the pulley in the clutch gear unit of the flywheel.

[0046] Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the connection structure between the latch gear unit in the clutch gear unit of the flywheel and the wheel cover.

[0047] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the connection structure of the wheel cover, rotating gear unit, and one-way bearing unit in the clutch gear unit.

[0048] Figure 9 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A perspective view of the connection structure of the wheel cover, rotating gear unit, and pulley in the clutch gear unit.

[0049] Figure 10 It is shown schematically. Figure 9 A perspective view of the connection structure between the latch gear unit and the rotary gear unit in the clutch gear unit.

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic illustration of the latch gear unit and Figure 10 A front view of the flywheel rotating in non-freewheel mode when the rotating gear unit in the clutch gear unit is engaged.

[0051] Figure 12 It is shown schematically in Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the state in which the transmitted power is transferred to the pulley in the non-freewheel mode.

[0052] Figure 13 This is a schematic illustration of the latch gear unit and Figure 10 A front view of the flywheel rotating in freewheel mode when the rotating gear unit in the clutch gear unit is disengaged.

[0053] Figure 14 It is shown schematically in Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the state in which the transmitted power is transferred to the pulley in the freewheel mode.

[0054] Figure 15 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration for controlling the exercise bike according to the invention.

[0055] Figure 16 This is a schematic front view showing the state in which the control lever stops in the exposed position during braking of the flywheel in the exercise bike according to the invention.

[0056] Figure 17 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for controlling an exercise bike according to the present invention.

[0057] <Description of reference numerals in the attached figures>

[0058] 1: Exercise bike, 110: Base unit

[0059] 111: Support leg unit, 112: Roller

[0060] 120: Frame unit, 121: Forklift unit

[0061] 123: Spacer; 124: Seat shell

[0062] 125: Handle, 126: Grip

[0063] 127: Display unit; 128: Seat pillar

[0064] 129: Seat; 130: Pedal

[0065] 132: Drive shaft unit; 140: Protective cover

[0066] 200: Flywheel, 210: Wheel body unit

[0067] 211: Flange unit, 212: Rim unit

[0068] 213: Mounting unit; 215: Fixed panel unit

[0069] 216: Panel mounting groove; 217: Rotation hole

[0070] 220: Wheel cover; 221: Mounting slot section

[0071] 222: Internal keyway, 223: Guide groove

[0072] 224: Connecting hole; 225: Gear fixing unit

[0073] 225a: Fastening component; 225b: Washer

[0074] 227: Guide hole; 230: Clutch gear unit

[0075] 240: Rotary gear unit, 241: Rotary shaft unit

[0076] 242: Inner hole, 243: External keyway

[0077] 244: Outer plane portion, 245: Shaft

[0078] 246: Shaft bearing; 247: Pulley

[0079] 248: Circular gear unit; 250: One-way bearing unit

[0080] 251: External keyway, 252: Second key component

[0081] 253: Internal keyway, 254: First key component

[0082] 260: Latch gear unit, 261: Connecting slot

[0083] 262: Restricting member; 263: Latch through hole

[0084] 264: Sliding pin unit, 264a: Restricting ring

[0085] 265: Elastic component; 270: Stator

[0086] 271: Iron core, 272: Coil

[0087] 274: Inner panel, 275: Outer panel

[0088] 280: Operating lever, 281: Operating rib

[0089] 282: Boss unit, 283: Boss latch unit

[0090] 310: Controller; 320: Position detection unit

[0091] 330: Pedal detection unit; 340: Speed ​​measurement unit Detailed Implementation

[0092] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] This invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can have various modifications and can be implemented in various different forms. Embodiments are provided only to complete the disclosure of this invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of its scope. Therefore, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but includes not only substitutions or additions to the configurations of one embodiment and another, but also all changes, equivalents, and substitutions contained within the technical spirit and scope of this invention.

[0094] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical spirit disclosed in this specification is not limited by the drawings, and the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions contained within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the drawings, the dimensions or thicknesses of components may be exaggerated to be larger or smaller for ease of understanding, etc., but therefore, the scope of the invention should not be construed as limited.

[0095] The terminology used herein is used only to describe specific implementations or methods and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” and “consisting of” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, components, units, or combinations thereof described herein. That is, it should be understood in this specification that terms such as “comprising” and “consisting of” do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, units, or combinations thereof.

[0096] Terms including serial numbers (e.g., first and second) can be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0097] It should be understood that when a component is described as "connected" or "linked" to another component, that component may be directly connected or linked to the other component, but other components may exist between them. On the other hand, it should be understood that when a component is described as "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, there are no other components between them.

[0098] It should be understood that when a component is described as being "above" or "below" another component, not only can that component be positioned directly above the other component, but other components can also exist between them.

[0099] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant technical context, and shall not be construed as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0100] The exercise bike according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0101] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the exercise bike according to the present invention, and Figure 2 It schematically shows the flywheel from Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the disassembled exercise bike.

[0102] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2According to an embodiment of the exercise bike 1, the brake flywheel 200 is designed such that when exercise stops, the control lever 280 stops at a preset exposed position. Therefore, when the user resumes exercise, the user can easily operate the control lever 280 without manually rotating the flywheel 200.

[0103] The exercise bike 1 includes a frame unit 120. A base unit 110 is mounted on the underside of the frame unit 120 to support the frame unit 120. The base unit 110 may include a plurality of leg units 111 extending outward from both sides of the underside of the frame unit 120. Furthermore, the base unit 110 may include a substrate (not shown) connected to the underside of the frame unit 120. The base unit 110 may be formed in any of a variety of shapes.

[0104] The rollers 112 can be mounted on the base unit 110 to move the exercise bike 1. The rollers 112 can be mounted on either the front or rear side of the base unit 110. Alternatively, the rollers 112 can be mounted on both the front and rear sides of the base unit 110.

[0105] Spacer 123 extends upward from the front of frame unit 120. Handlebar 125 is connected to spacer 123, which has an adjustable height. Handlebar 126 is mounted on spacer 123, allowing the user to exercise by gripping the handlebar 126. Furthermore, display unit 127 can be mounted above spacer 123 to output exercise information, such as the speed and rotational load of the exercise bike 1. Display unit 127 can be mounted above handlebar 125 in an angle-adjustable or fixed configuration.

[0106] The seat housing 124 extends upward from the rear side of the frame unit 120. The seat pillar 128 is connected to the seat housing 124 for height adjustment. The seat 129 is mounted above the seat pillar 128, allowing a user to sit on it.

[0107] Since the handle 125 and seat post 128 are mounted with adjustable height, the handle 126 and seat 129 can be adjusted according to the user's physical condition or exercise method.

[0108] The pedal 130 is rotatably mounted on the underside of the frame unit 120. The pedal 130 is connected to both sides of the drive shaft unit 132. Furthermore, a pulley 247 is rotatably mounted below the frame unit 120. The drive shaft unit 132 and the pulley 247 are connected via a power transmission unit (not shown), such as a belt or chain. Therefore, when the user presses the pedal 130, the flywheel 200 can be rotated as the driving force of the pedal 130 is transmitted to the clutch gear unit 230 via the power transmission unit.

[0109] Protective covers 140 are installed on both sides of the frame unit 120 to shield the drive shaft unit 132, clutch gear unit 230, and power transmission unit from external influences. Protective covers 140 are attached to both sides of the frame unit 120. Protective covers 140 are located on the underside of the frame unit 120 and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0110] The exercise bicycle 1 according to the present invention may have a pedal 130 disposed at the lower rear side of a frame unit 120 and a flywheel 200 disposed at the lower front side of a frame unit 120. Furthermore, the pedal 130 may be disposed at the lower front side of the frame unit 120, and the flywheel 200 may be disposed at the lower rear side of the frame unit 120. The shape and structure of the frame unit 120 can be changed as the fore-and-aft positions of the pedal 130 and the flywheel 200 change. An example in which the flywheel 200 is disposed at the front side of the frame unit 120 will be described below.

[0111] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A 3D diagram of the flywheel in an exercise bike. Figure 4 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the flywheel in an exercise bike. Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 4 An exploded 3D view of the flywheel in the image. Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the connection structure between the rotating gear unit and the pulley in the clutch gear unit of the flywheel. Figure 7 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the connection structure between the latch gear unit in the clutch gear unit of the flywheel and the wheel cover. Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the connection structure of the wheel cover, rotating gear unit, and one-way bearing unit in the clutch gear unit, and... Figure 9 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 A perspective view of the connection structure of the wheel cover, rotating gear unit, and pulley in the clutch gear unit.

[0112] Reference Figures 3 to 9 The flywheel 200 is rotatably mounted on the frame unit 120. The flywheel 200 can be formed into a completely circular shape.

[0113] The clutch gear unit 230 is rotatably and axially connected to the flywheel 200. The clutch gear unit 230 is mounted concentrically with the flywheel 200. The clutch gear unit 230 is mounted through the center of rotation of the flywheel 200. A shaft 245 is fitted into the clutch gear unit 230. Both sides of the shaft 245 are connected to the fork units 121 of the frame unit 120 to prevent rotation. The clutch gear unit 230 is mounted concentrically with the shaft 245. A pulley 247 is connected to the clutch gear unit 230, such that a power transmission unit, such as a belt or chain, is connected to the clutch gear unit 230. Therefore, when the clutch gear unit 230 rotates via the power transmission unit, the shaft 245 does not rotate.

[0114] The stator 270 regulates the rotational load of the flywheel 200 by applying magnetic force to the flywheel 200. The stator 270 can be an electromagnet, wherein a coil 272 is wound around an iron core 271. When electricity is applied to the coil 272, a magnetic force is generated in the stator 270. The magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator 270 can be adjusted by regulating the current applied to the coil 272 of the stator 270. As the rotational load of the flywheel 200 (the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator 270) increases, the pedal force applied to the pedal 130 increases, and as the rotational load of the flywheel 200 (the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator 270) decreases, the pedal force applied to the pedal 130 decreases. As described above, the user's pedal force can be regulated by adjusting the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator 270 to regulate the rotational load of the flywheel 200.

[0115] Inner plate 274 can be stacked on the inner surface of stator 270, and outer plate 275 can be stacked on the outer surface of stator 270. A recess (not shown) having a shape corresponding to the mounting groove portion 221 can be formed at the center of inner plate 274, such that mounting groove portion 221 of wheel cover 220 is fitted. This recess is rotatably fitted into rotating shaft unit 241 of clutch gear unit 230. Outer plate 275 can be formed in a disc shape, thereby completely covering the outer surface of stator 270.

[0116] An operating lever 280 is rotatably mounted on the flywheel 200 and connected to the clutch gear unit 230. The operating lever 280 is mounted on the outer surface of the flywheel 200 to rotate within a predetermined angular range. The operating lever 280 is mounted to expose the outer surface of the flywheel 200. The operating lever 280 restricts the clutch gear unit 230 to the flywheel 200 to allow the flywheel 200 to operate in a non-freewheel mode, and releases the clutch gear unit 230 from the flywheel 200 to allow the flywheel 200 to operate in a freewheel mode.

[0117] The non-freewheel mode is an operating mode in which the flywheel 200 rotates when the pulley 247 and the clutch gear unit 230 rotate in the forward or reverse direction. In the non-freewheel mode, the clutch gear unit 230 and the flywheel 200 are interlocked and rotate together.

[0118] The freewheel mode is an operating mode in which the flywheel 200 rotates when the clutch gear unit 230 rotates in the forward direction and then stops, and does not rotate when the clutch gear unit 230 rotates in the reverse direction. In freewheel mode, when the clutch gear unit 230 rotates in the reverse direction, the flywheel 200 does not rotate because the clutch gear unit 230 idles within the flywheel 200.

[0119] A position detection unit 320 is mounted on the flywheel 200 to detect the rotational position of the operating lever 280. The position detection unit 320 detects the position signal of the operating lever 280 and is electrically connected to the controller 310 to transmit the position signal to the controller 310.

[0120] When pedal 130 stops, controller 310 brakes flywheel 200 by adjusting the magnetic force of stator 270, causing operating lever 280 to stop at a preset exposed position. In other words, when the speed of flywheel 200 decreases to a preset speed or lower when no user pedal force is applied to pedal 130, controller 310 brakes flywheel 200 by increasing the magnetic force of stator 270.

[0121] At this time, in the controller 310, the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator 270 is preset to respond to the preset rotational speed of the flywheel 200. Therefore, when the flywheel 200 reaches the preset rotational speed after the pedal 130 stops, the stator 270 brakes the flywheel 200 by applying a preset magnitude of magnetic force, and the operating lever 280 stops at the preset exposed position.

[0122] The preset rotational speed of the flywheel 200 and the preset magnetic strength of the stator 270 can be varied depending on the weight, diameter, and capacity of the flywheel 200. For example, when the load and diameter of the flywheel 200 are large, the preset rotational speed of the flywheel 200 can be set to a relatively low speed. Furthermore, the preset magnetic strength of the stator 270 can be set to a relatively large value. Conversely, when the load and diameter of the flywheel 200 are small, the preset rotational speed of the flywheel 200 can be set to a relatively high speed. Furthermore, the preset magnetic strength of the stator 270 can be set to a relatively small value.

[0123] As described above, since the controller 310 adjusts the magnetic force of the stator 270 to stop the operating lever 280 in a preset exposed position when the pedal 130 stops, the user can operate the operating lever 280 immediately when starting the next workout. Furthermore, the user does not need to manually rotate the flywheel 200 to locate the operating lever 280. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly operate the exercise bike 1 in both non-freewheel and freewheel modes.

[0124] Furthermore, when the pedal 130 stops, the controller 310 can brake the flywheel 200 by gradually increasing the magnetic force of the stator 270, causing the operating lever 280 to stop at a preset exposed position. Therefore, since the flywheel 200 is braked while gradually decelerating, sudden braking of the flywheel 200 can be prevented, and the load of sudden braking can be prevented from being applied to the clutch gear unit 230, etc.

[0125] The flywheel 200 includes a wheel body unit 210 and a wheel cover 220.

[0126] Wheel cover 220 is installed inside wheel body unit 210. Circular gear unit 248 of clutch gear unit 230 is disposed inside wheel body unit 210 and wheel cover 220. Clutch gear unit 230 is mounted to pass through the center of wheel body unit 210 and wheel cover 220.

[0127] A flange element 211 is formed on the circumferential portion of the wheel body unit 210 along the circumferential direction. The flange element 211 is formed parallel to the axial direction of the clutch gear unit 230. The flange element 211 is formed in an annular shape to surround the outer periphery of the wheel body unit 210. A rim element 212 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flange element 211 perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the flange element 211. The rim element 212 may be formed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the flange element 211.

[0128] Wheel cover 220 is disposed inside flange unit 211. Wheel cover 220 may be formed entirely in a disc shape. Mounting groove portion 221 protruding to the opposite side of wheel body unit 210 is formed at the center of wheel cover 220. Mounting groove portion 221 is formed in an annular shape.

[0129] The clutch gear unit 230 includes a rotary gear unit 240, a one-way bearing unit 250, and a latching gear unit 260.

[0130] A rotary gear unit 240 is rotatably and axially connected to the rotation center of the flywheel 200. The rotary gear unit 240 includes a rotary shaft unit 241 and a circular gear unit 248 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft unit 241. The rotary shaft unit 241 is mounted through the wheel body unit 210 and the wheel cover 220. A shaft 245 is rotatably mounted at the center of the rotary shaft unit 241. A shaft bearing 246 is mounted between the rotary shaft unit 241 and the shaft 245. A pulley 247 is connected to one side of the rotary shaft unit 241. The pulley 247 is connected to the rotary shaft unit 241 concentrically and connected to the power transmission unit. The pulley 247 rotates together with the rotary shaft unit 241, and the shaft 245 is fastened to the fork unit 121 of the frame unit 120 to prevent rotation. The circular gear unit 248 is disposed between the wheel body unit 210 and the wheel cover 220. The circular gear unit 248 is formed in the form of an external gear. The circular gear unit 248 is formed concentrically with the rotating shaft unit 241.

[0131] A one-way bearing unit 250 is connected between the rotary gear unit 240 and the flywheel 200. The one-way bearing unit 250 restricts the flywheel 200 and the rotary gear unit 240 such that when the rotary gear unit 240 rotates in the forward direction, the flywheel 200 and the rotary gear unit 240 rotate together, and releases the restriction between the flywheel 200 and the rotary gear unit 240 such that when the rotary gear unit 240 rotates in the reverse direction, only the rotary gear unit 240 rotates.

[0132] The one-way bearing unit 250 is configured such that a bearing (not shown) is inserted between an inner ring (not shown) and an outer ring (not shown). In the one-way bearing unit 250, the bearing restricts the inner and outer rings when rotating in one direction and releases the restriction between the inner and outer rings when rotating in another direction. The bearing can be used in any of a variety of shapes (e.g., spherical and bar-shaped). The one-way bearing unit 250 can be used in any of a variety of shapes as long as it causes the flywheel 200 to rotate when the rotating shaft unit 241 rotates in the positive direction.

[0133] A latching gear unit 260 is connected to an operating lever 280 for rotation via the lever 280. The latching gear unit 260 is rotatably mounted at a position radially spaced from the axis of the rotating gear unit 240 by a predetermined distance. The latching gear unit 260 is mounted to rotate within a predetermined angular range via the operating lever 280. When the latching gear unit 260 is engaged with the rotating gear unit 240, the latching gear unit 260 allows the flywheel 200 to operate in a non-freewheel mode, and when the latching gear unit 260 is disengaged from the rotating gear unit 240, the flywheel 200 allows operation in a freewheel mode.

[0134] Figure 11This is a schematic illustration of the latch gear unit and Figure 10 A front view of the flywheel rotating in non-freewheel mode when the rotating gear unit in the clutch gear unit is engaged. Figure 12 It is shown schematically in Figure 11 A cross-sectional view showing the state of power transmission to the pulley in the non-freewheel mode. Figure 13 This is a schematic illustration of the latch gear unit and Figure 10 A front view of the flywheel rotating in freewheel mode when the rotating gear unit in the clutch gear unit is disengaged. Figure 14 It is shown schematically in Figure 13 A cross-sectional diagram showing the state of power transmission to the pulley in the freewheel mode. Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration for controlling the exercise bike according to the invention, and Figure 16 This is a schematic front view showing the state in which the control lever stops in the exposed position during braking of the flywheel in the exercise bike according to the invention.

[0135] Reference Figures 11 to 14 In the non-freewheel mode, the latching gear unit 260 rotates to engage with the rotating gear unit 240. Therefore, when the pulley 247 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions, the rotating gear unit 240, the latching gear unit 260, the wheel cover 220, and the wheel body unit 210 all rotate (see...). Figure 11 and Figure 12 ).

[0136] In freewheel mode, the latching gear unit 260 rotates to separate from the rotating gear unit 240. Therefore, since the one-way bearing unit 250 restricts the rotating gear unit 240 and wheel cover 220 when the pulley 247 rotates in the forward direction, the rotating gear unit 240, latching gear unit 260, wheel cover 220, and wheel body unit 210 all rotate in the forward direction. On the other hand, since the one-way bearing unit 250 releases the restriction between the rotating gear unit 240 and wheel cover 220 when the pulley 247 rotates in the reverse direction or stops, the rotating gear unit 240 rotates in the reverse direction. Conversely, when the pulley 247 rotates in the reverse direction, the latching gear unit 260, wheel cover 220, and wheel body unit 210 remain stationary (see [link to original text]). Figure 13 and Figure 14 ).

[0137] Furthermore, since the stator 270 is fixed to the frame unit 120, the stator 270 never rotates in either the non-freewheel mode or the freewheel mode.

[0138] A rotating shaft bearing 241a is installed between the rotating shaft unit 241 and the wheel body unit 210. A one-way bearing unit 250 is installed between the rotating shaft unit 241 and the wheel cover 220. The one-way bearing unit 250 is installed in the mounting groove portion 221 of the wheel cover 220. A stator bearing 277 is installed between the rotating shaft unit 241 and the stator 270.

[0139] Mounting unit 213 is installed at a predetermined distance radially spaced from the rotation center of wheel body unit 210, and fixing panel unit 215 is installed at mounting unit 213 (see [reference]). Figure 7 A panel mounting groove 216 is formed in the fixed panel unit 215, on which the operating lever 280 is mounted, and a rotating hole 217 is formed at the center of the panel mounting groove.

[0140] The operating rib 281 is formed to protrude outward from the operating lever 280. The boss unit 282 may be formed to protrude from the center of the operating lever 280, and the boss latch unit 283 may be formed on the boss unit 282. The boss latch unit 283 may be formed in a planar shape.

[0141] A connecting groove 261 is formed on one side of the latch gear unit 260, allowing the boss unit 282 to be inserted into and constrained by the latch gear unit 260. A guide groove 223 is formed in the wheel cover 220, allowing the fixing panel unit 215 to be mounted thereon. A connecting hole 224 is formed in the guide groove 223, allowing the boss unit 282 to pass through the guide groove 223. Furthermore, a guide hole 227 is formed in the guide groove 223, allowing the sliding pin unit 264 of the latch gear unit 260 to be movably inserted into the guide groove 223. The guide hole 227 may be formed in an arc shape. The guide hole 227 limits the movement distance of the sliding pin unit 264. In addition, a gear fixing unit 225 is formed in the connecting hole 224 to fasten to the boss unit 282 of the operating lever 280. The gear fixing unit 225 may include a fastening member 225a and a washer 225b fastened to the boss unit 282.

[0142] The limiting member 262 can be mounted on the other side (upper side) of the latch gear unit 260 to engage with the latch gear unit 260, thereby limiting the sliding pin unit 264 (see above). Figure 7 A latching through-hole 263 is formed in the limiting member 262 and the latching gear unit 260, such that the sliding pin unit 264 passes through the limiting member 262 and the latching gear unit 260, and stepped portions (not shown) are formed on both sides of the latching through-hole 263 to restrict the elastic member 265 that is fitted into the sliding pin unit 264 in the longitudinal direction. A limiting ring 264a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding pin unit 264.

[0143] An inner bore 242 is formed in the rotating shaft unit 241 of the rotating gear unit 240, and an external keyway 243 is formed in the outer peripheral surface of one side of the rotating shaft unit 241. Furthermore, an outer planar portion 244 is formed on the other side of the rotating shaft unit 241, and an inner planar portion 247a is formed on the inner side of the pulley 247 opposite to the outer planar portion 244. Since the inner planar portion 247a and the outer planar portion 244 are in surface contact with each other when the pulley 247 is assembled into the rotating shaft unit 241, the pulley 247 is restricted by the rotating shaft unit 241 to not rotate independently.

[0144] An inner keyway 222 is formed in the mounting groove portion 221 of the wheel cover 220, and an outer keyway 251 of the one-way bearing unit 250 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one-way bearing unit 250 to correspond to the inner keyway 222 of the mounting groove portion 221 (see [link]). Figure 8 After the one-way bearing unit 250 is placed in the mounting groove portion 221, when the second key member 252 is inserted into the inner keyway 253 and outer keyway 251 of the one-way bearing unit 250, the outer ring of the one-way bearing unit 250 is restricted to non-rotation by the mounting groove portion 221. Furthermore, the outer keyway 251 may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft unit 241 of the rotating gear unit 240, and the inner keyway 253 may be formed in the inner peripheral surface of the one-way bearing unit 250. After the one-way bearing unit 250 is inserted into the rotating shaft unit 241, when the first key member 254 is inserted into the inner keyway 253 and outer keyway 251, the inner ring of the one-way bearing unit 250 is restricted to non-rotation by the rotating shaft unit 241.

[0145] The preset exposure position of the operating lever 280 can be a position where the operating lever 280 can be visually recognized at the front side of the frame unit 120 (see [reference]). Figure 16 The preset exposure position can be an area on the front side of the frame unit 120 that avoids the frame unit 120 and the protective cover 140. For example, the preset exposure position can be located within each 45° angle range upward and downward relative to the horizontal line segment drawn at the center of the rotation axis unit 241, that is, within a total 90° angle range θ (see...). Figure 16 ).

[0146] Therefore, since the control lever 280 is positioned in a visually visible location on the flywheel 200, the user can more easily locate and operate the control lever 280.

[0147] Position detection unit 320 may include at least two Hall sensors mounted on flywheel 200 (see Figure 15The Hall sensor may include an optical sensor (not shown) mounted on the flywheel 200 and a magnet (not shown) mounted on the rotational path of the optical sensor. Since the position detection unit 320 is formed by two or more Hall sensors, the rotation angle of the flywheel 200 can be accurately detected as it rotates. Therefore, the position detection unit 320 can accurately detect the position of the operating lever 280 by detecting the rotation angle of the flywheel 200. By calculating the position of the operating lever 280 detected by the position detection unit 320 and controlling the current applied to the stator 270, the controller 310 can precisely brake the flywheel 200, positioning the operating lever 280 at a preset exposure position.

[0148] The exercise bike 1 also includes a pedal detection unit 330 mounted on the drive shaft unit 132 of the pedal 130 to measure whether the pedal 130 is rotating. The pedal detection unit 330 may be a pressure sensor mounted on the drive shaft unit 132 to measure the pressure applied to the pedal 130. Alternatively, the pedal detection unit 330 may be an encoder mounted on the drive shaft unit 132 to detect the rotation of the drive unit. The pedal detection unit 330 is electrically connected to a controller 310. The pedal detection unit 330 detects the pressure or rotation of the pedal 130 and transmits the detected signal to the controller 310. The controller 310 can detect whether the pedal 130 is rotating by the signal received from the pedal detection unit 330.

[0149] The exercise bike 1 may also include a speed measuring unit 340 mounted on the flywheel 200 to detect the rotational speed of the flywheel 200. The speed measuring unit 340 is electrically connected to the controller 310. As the speed measuring unit 340, an infrared sensor for measuring speed by irradiating the flywheel 200 with infrared light can be applied. Alternatively, the speed measuring unit 340 may be an encoder mounted on the shaft 245 or the rotating gear unit 240 to measure the rotational speed of the flywheel 200. Various types of sensors, such as non-contact and contact sensors, can be applied to the speed measuring unit 340.

[0150] The speed measurement unit 340 transmits a signal regarding the rotational speed of the flywheel 200 to the controller 310. When it is determined that the rotational speed of the flywheel 200 is less than a preset speed after the pedal 130 stops, the controller 310 can brake the flywheel 200 by applying current to the stator 270. In this braking mode, by maximizing the current applied to the stator 270, the controller 310 can brake the flywheel 200, causing the operating lever 280 to be positioned at a preset exposed position.

[0151] A method for controlling the exercise bike according to the invention, configured as described above, will be described.

[0152] Figure 16This is a schematic front view showing the state in which the control lever stops in the exposed position during braking of the flywheel in the exercise bike according to the invention, and Figure 17 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for controlling an exercise bike according to the present invention.

[0153] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 When the user presses the power button, the exercise bike 1 is turned on (S11). At this time, current is applied to the controller 310, the position detection unit 320, the speed measurement unit 340, and the stator 270.

[0154] The user rotates the lever 280 in either non-freewheel mode or freewheel mode (S12). At this time, when the lever 280 rotates in one direction, the non-freewheel mode is selected, and when the lever 280 rotates in the other direction, the freewheel mode is selected.

[0155] The controller 310 and the position detection unit 320 are initialized (S13). At this time, the position of the joystick 280 in the current state is initialized.

[0156] When the user presses pedal 130, flywheel 200 rotates in non-freewheel mode or freewheel mode (S14).

[0157] In the non-freewheel mode, the latching gear unit 260 engages with the rotating gear unit 240. Therefore, when the pulley 247 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions, the rotating gear unit 240, the latching gear unit 260, the wheel cover 220, and the wheel body unit 210 all rotate.

[0158] In freewheel mode, the latching gear unit 260 separates from the rotating gear unit 240. Therefore, since the one-way bearing unit 250 restricts the rotating gear unit 240 and wheel cover 220 when the pulley 247 rotates in the forward direction, the rotating gear unit 240, latching gear unit 260, wheel cover 220, and wheel body unit 210 all rotate. On the other hand, since the one-way bearing unit 250 releases the restriction between the rotating gear unit 240 and wheel cover 220 when the pulley 247 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotating gear unit 240 rotates. Simultaneously, the latching gear unit 260, wheel cover 220, and wheel body unit 210 remain stationary.

[0159] The pedal detection unit 330 detects the rotation of the pedal 130 (S15). At this time, the pedal detection unit 330 can measure the pressure applied to the drive shaft unit 132 by the pedal force applied to the pedal 130 or the number of rotations of the pedal 130. The pedal detection unit 330 transmits the rotation signal of the pedal 130 to the controller 310. When the controller 310 receives the rotation signal of the pedal 130, it determines that the user is exercising while stepping on the pedal 130.

[0160] The speed measurement unit 340 measures the rotational speed of the flywheel 200 and transmits the signal to the controller 310 (S16). After receiving the rotational signal transmitted from the speed measurement unit 340, the controller 310 determines that the flywheel 200 is rotating.

[0161] The rotational load on the flywheel 200 is adjusted by regulating the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator 270 (S17). At this time, when the rotational speed of the flywheel 200 is determined to be a preset speed (e.g., 20 RPM to 30 RPM) or higher, the controller 310 adjusts the rotational load on the flywheel 200 to increase or decrease the pedal force applied to the pedal 130. Therefore, the user can experience the same exercise sensation as when riding uphill or downhill.

[0162] The pedal detection unit 330 continuously detects the operating state of the pedal 130 (S18). At this time, when the pedal detection unit 330 does not detect the pressure of the pedal 130 or the number of rotations of the pedal 130, the controller 310 can determine that the pedal 130 has stopped.

[0163] The controller 310 determines whether the pedal 130 has stopped (S19). At this time, the speed measuring unit 340 can continuously measure the rotational speed of the flywheel 200. In addition, the position detection unit 320 can continuously detect the position of the operating lever 280. Furthermore, when the pedal 130 stops, the controller 310 can gradually increase the current applied to the stator 270 to gradually reduce the rotational speed of the flywheel 200.

[0164] The controller 310 determines whether the rotational speed of the flywheel 200 is lower than or equal to a preset speed based on the signal received from the speed measurement unit 340 (S20). For example, the controller 310 can determine whether the flywheel 200 is rotating at a preset speed of approximately 10 RPM. Here, taking into account the weight of the flywheel 200, the diameter of the flywheel 200, etc., the preset speed can be preset in the range of 5 RPM to 15 RPM.

[0165] The flywheel 200 is braked by increasing the magnetic force of the stator 270 (S21). At this time, the controller 310 can brake the flywheel 200 by maximizing the magnetic force of the stator 270 and maximizing the current applied to the stator 270. The maximum value of the magnetic force of the stator 270 can be preset in the controller 310 according to the capacity of the stator 270 and the weight and diameter of the flywheel 200.

[0166] Furthermore, when pedal 130 stops, controller 310 can brake flywheel 200 by gradually increasing the magnetic force of stator 270, causing operating lever 280 to stop at a preset exposed position. Therefore, since flywheel 200 is braked while gradually decelerating, sudden braking of flywheel 200 can be prevented, and the load of sudden braking can be prevented from being applied to clutch gear unit 230, etc.

[0167] Position detection unit 320 detects the position of operating lever 280 (S22). Position detection unit 320 detects a specific position of operating lever 280 at a specific rotation time point of flywheel 200. Position detection unit 320 transmits a signal regarding the detected position of operating lever 280 to controller 310. Controller 310 can finely adjust the magnitude of the current applied to stator 270 to correspond to the received position signal of operating lever 280.

[0168] The position detection unit 320 continuously detects the position of the operating lever 280 to determine whether the operating lever 280 has reached the preset exposure position (S23). The controller 310 calculates the rotation angle of the flywheel 200 to determine whether the operating lever 280 has been positioned at the exposure position.

[0169] The controller 310 determines whether the braking of the flywheel 200 has been completed (S24). At this time, the controller 310 determines whether the flywheel 200 has stopped by the signal received from the speed measurement unit 340.

[0170] The controller 310 cuts off the current applied to the stator 270 (S25). That is, when it is determined that the braking of the flywheel 200 has been completed with the operating lever 280 positioned in the exposed position, the controller 310 cuts off the current supply to the stator 270. Therefore, the operating lever 280 can remain exposed to the outside from the flywheel 200.

[0171] As described above, when the pedal 130 stops, the controller 310 adjusts the magnetic force of the stator 270 to stop the operating lever 280 in a preset exposed position, allowing the user to operate the operating lever 280 immediately when starting the next workout. Furthermore, the user does not need to manually rotate the flywheel 200 to locate the operating lever 280. Therefore, the user can easily and quickly operate the exercise bike 1 in both non-freewheel and freewheel modes.

[0172] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary drawings, it is apparent that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the specification, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, although the operation and effects of the configurations according to the invention are not explicitly described and explained in the description of embodiments of the invention, it is self-evident and should be recognized that the effects predictable by the corresponding configurations are appropriate.

Claims

1. An exercise bike, said exercise bike comprising: A flywheel, which is rotatably mounted on the frame unit; A clutch gear unit, which is rotatably and axially connected to the flywheel; A stator configured to apply magnetic force to the flywheel to regulate the rotational load of the flywheel; An operating lever is rotatably mounted on the flywheel, connected to the clutch gear unit to operate the clutch gear unit, and configured to restrict the clutch gear unit to the flywheel to allow the flywheel to operate in a non-freewheel mode, and to release the restriction between the clutch gear unit and the flywheel to allow the flywheel to operate in a freewheel mode; A position detection unit is mounted on the flywheel to detect the rotational position of the control lever; as well as A controller configured to brake the flywheel by adjusting the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator, such that when the pedal stops, the operating lever stops at a preset exposed position.

2. An exercise bicycle according to claim 1 wherein, The clutch gear unit includes: A rotary gear unit, which is rotatably and axially connected to the rotation center of the flywheel; A one-way bearing unit, connected between the rotating gear unit and the flywheel, is configured to restrict the flywheel and the rotating gear unit to rotate together when the rotating gear unit rotates in the forward direction, and to release the restriction on the flywheel and the rotating gear unit to rotate only the rotating gear unit when the rotating gear unit rotates in the reverse direction; and A latching gear unit is connected to the operating lever for rotation via the operating lever and is configured to allow the flywheel to operate in the non-freewheel mode when the latching gear unit is engaged with the rotating gear unit, and to allow the flywheel to operate in the freewheel mode when the latching gear unit is disengaged from the rotating gear unit.

3. The exercise bike according to claim 1, wherein, The preset exposure position is the position where the operating lever can be visually identified on the front side of the frame unit.

4. The exercise bike according to claim 1, wherein, The position detection unit includes two or more Hall sensors mounted on the flywheel.

5. The exercise bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising a pedal detection unit, the pedal detection unit being mounted on the drive shaft unit of the pedal to detect whether the pedal is rotating.

6. The exercise bike according to claim 5, wherein, After the pedal stops, when the rotational speed of the flywheel detected by the speed measurement unit is lower than or equal to a preset speed, the controller brakes the flywheel by increasing the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator.

7. The exercise bike according to claim 6, wherein, The controller gradually increases the magnetic force of the stator to slow down the flywheel and brake it.

8. The exercise bike according to claim 1, further comprising a speed measuring unit mounted on the flywheel to measure the rotational speed of the flywheel.

9. The exercise bike according to claim 1, wherein, In the non-freewheel mode, when the pulley rotates in both the forward and reverse directions, the rotating gear unit, latching gear unit, wheel cover, and wheel body unit all rotate.

10. The exercise bike according to claim 1, wherein, In the freewheel mode, when the pulley rotates in the forward direction, the rotary gear unit, latch gear unit, wheel cover, and wheel body unit all rotate, and when the pulley rotates in the reverse direction, the rotary gear unit rotates.

11. The exercise bike according to claim 1, wherein, The stator is fixed to the frame unit.

12. A method for controlling an exercise bike, the method comprising the following steps: The operation allows the flywheel to operate in either non-freewheel or freewheel mode. The position detection operation involves the position detection unit detecting the position of the operating lever mounted on the flywheel. as well as The braking operation is performed by the controller adjusting the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator to brake the flywheel so that the operating lever stops at a preset exposed position when the pedal stops.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The preset exposure position is the position where the operating lever can be visually identified on the front side of the frame unit.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The position detection unit includes two or more Hall sensors mounted on the flywheel.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, After the pedal stops, when the rotational speed of the flywheel detected by the speed measurement unit is lower than or equal to a preset speed, the controller brakes the flywheel by increasing the magnitude of the magnetic force of the stator.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The controller gradually increases the magnetic force of the stator to slow down the flywheel and brake it.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein, In the non-freewheel mode, when the pulley rotates in both the forward and reverse directions, the rotating gear unit, latching gear unit, wheel cover, and wheel body unit all rotate.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein, In the freewheel mode, when the pulley rotates in the forward direction, the rotary gear unit, latch gear unit, wheel cover, and wheel body unit all rotate, and when the pulley rotates in the reverse direction, the rotary gear unit rotates.

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