Drive unit for training device and training device having such drive unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive unit (4) for driving a training device (3a; 3a ') by means of a pedaling force of a user (P) of the training device. The invention relates to a wheel (31) having a drive unit (3a, 3b), said drive unit being designed such that it transforms a trajectory described by a foot of a person during walking or running into an elliptical trajectory (55) for the foot, said drive unit having: an L-or V-shaped left drive arm (9) and an L-or V-shaped right drive arm (10); a left roller system and a right roller system, each comprising at least one roller (12), the roller systems being rotatably connected to the drive arm, the rollers being received in a guide rail (2a) of the drive unit or in a guide rail of a frame (2) of the training device in a linearly movable back and forth manner; a coupling portion (50) for transmitting a pedaling force of a user to the wheels; and a left foot pedal (17) and a right foot pedal (18) for inputting a pedaling force into the drive unit. The invention also relates to a training device (3a, 3b) which is designed as an elliptical training machine and has a drive unit (4) according to the invention.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive unit for driving a wheel of a training device by means of a user's stepping force according to the corresponding independent claims and to a training device having such a drive unit. Background Art

[0002] Exercise devices for physical training are generally known and have a large number of variants depending on the body part to be trained. Among them, one type of training device is designed to train leg muscles and the like. For example, there are training devices that train physical fitness at the same time. Such training devices can be further subdivided, some of which are similar to bicycles and have only one rear wheel when used as a stationary device, which is driven in place by leg muscle strength, and two wheels when used as a movable device. The latter subtype is the so-called elliptical trainer, which is designed as a movable device. They generally have a rear wheel, a front wheel, a frame, a steering unit and a drive unit. They differ from traditional bicycle-like training devices mainly in the changed trajectory described by the pedals during the entire rotation. While the pedals of traditional bicycle-like devices describe a circular trajectory, the elliptical trainer is characterized by a changed trajectory, which is mainly due to the changed drive unit.

[0003] It has been found that the elliptical trajectory is gentler on the joints because the movement of the feet and legs is smoother and allows a smoother transition between the highest and lowest positions of the pedals.

[0004] The drive unit of an elliptical trainer with an elliptical trajectory known from W02008063499 includes two elongated pedal platforms as drive arms, which are connected to a crank unit at the rear and attached to a guide rail provided in the frame of the elliptical trainer by means of rollers at the front. The circular movement of the crank unit at the rear and the linear movement of the rollers in the guide rail at the front cause an elliptical pedal trajectory during use. During use, a person stands on these pedal platforms and transfers the force of the legs to the crank unit, which transfers the force to the rear wheel for movement.

[0005] In the solution known from W02013120126, an attempt is made to reproduce the natural trajectory of the foot when walking or jogging, which does not correspond to an ellipse but has a kind of teardrop shape, where the teardrop bends upwards. This solution explicitly avoids the elliptical trajectory. The teardrop-shaped trajectory used here stems from the special design of a U-shaped drive arm. The aim here is also to protect the joints, but the typical trajectory of the foot when walking is reproduced.

[0006] The following uses a movable elliptical trainer with an elliptical trajectory as an example to illustrate some disadvantages of this solution. In such a movable elliptical trainer, these pedal platforms are usually relatively long and bulky because the connection to the crank drive is usually located behind or above the rear wheel. This results in a relatively high height for stepping down for users with a relatively high center of gravity, which makes slow-speed riding and starting / stopping more difficult. The long pedal platforms also require long guide rails, which in turn results in a long wheelbase. A long wheelbase also means using only small wheels with a diameter of 20 inches and is therefore not suitable for off-road use. Due to the high and long structure, it is impossible to design a traditional type of elliptical trainer for a sitting position. Therefore, this type of device is large in size, heavy in weight and difficult to transport. In addition, the high position of the user on the elliptical trainer also increases the difficulty of maintaining balance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a compact, versatile and joint-friendly training device.

[0008] This object is achieved in a first aspect of the present invention by a drive unit for driving the wheels of a training device by means of the stepping force of a user of the training device. The drive unit is designed such that it transforms the trajectory described by a person's foot during walking or running into an elliptical trajectory for the foot. The drive unit comprises:

[0009] - an L-shaped or V-shaped left drive arm and an L-shaped or V-shaped right drive arm,

[0010] - a left roller system and a right roller system, each roller system comprising at least one roller, wherein in the region of the front end portion of the respective drive arm, the left roller system is rotatably connected to the left drive arm, and the right roller system is rotatably connected to the right drive arm, wherein at least one roller of each drive arm is accommodated in at least one guide rail of the drive unit or in at least one guide rail of the frame of the training device in a linearly displaceable back-and-forth manner,

[0011] - a coupling part having a left crank and a right crank for transmitting the stepping force of the user to the wheels, the coupling part being rigidly connected to the left crank and the right crank at the respective crank points, wherein in the region of the rear end portion of the respective drive arm, the left crank is rotatably connected to the left drive arm, and the right crank is rotatably connected to the right drive arm,

[0012] - a left foot pedal and a right foot pedal for applying the stepping force to the drive unit, wherein the left foot pedal and the right foot pedal are respectively rotatably attached to the left drive arm and the right drive arm.

[0013] This object is achieved in a second aspect of the present invention by a training device. The training device comprises

[0014] A frame having frame segments and at least one chain stay, wherein a front end of the chain stay is attached to a lower end of the frame segment,

[0015] A rear wheel attached to a rear end of the chain stay,

[0016] A steering unit or a holding unit attached to an upper end of the frame segment, and

[0017] A drive unit according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0018] The frame segment has at least one lateral guide rail on the left and right sides, and at least one guide roller of a left drive arm and a right drive arm of the drive unit is received in each guide rail in a manner capable of linearly shifting back and forth parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lower tube. A coupling part of the drive unit is rotatably attached to the frame between the frame segment and the rear wheel. In addition, the training device includes a force transmission element, and the pedaling force of a user of the training device is transmitted to the rear wheel by means of the force transmission element to rotate the rear wheel. In an embodiment, the force transmission element is preferably a chain or a belt.

[0019] Due to the combination of the L-shaped or V-shaped design of the drive arm and a pedal (the pedal is not integrated into the drive arm but is arranged on the side of the drive arm), a drive unit can be provided, which allows a compact design of the training device and thus can improve the use at rest as well as the use on roads and off-road. Due to the shorter wheelbase, the training device is easy to transport, and can be made not only in an embodiment where the user has to stand (as in the case of an elliptical trainer with a pedal integrated into the arm), but also in a sitting version.

[0020] In an embodiment, the left roller system and the right roller system of the drive unit according to the present invention each include a lowering arm. The lowering arm is rotatably attached to the at least one roller at an upper end and is rigidly attached in a region of a front end portion of the corresponding drive arm at a lower end, such that the front end portion of the corresponding drive arm is always lowered relative to the at least one roller. This advantageously extends the horizontal elliptical trajectory of the pedal without having to change the length of the crank. The elliptical trajectory lengthened in this way generally brings a smoother pedal movement for the user, thus helping to protect joints. Preferably, the attachment between each lowering arm and the corresponding drive arm can be adjusted in such a way that the distance between the front end portion of the drive arm and the at least one roller can be changed by the user. This longer horizontal travel of the elliptical track enables a better force flow of the user on the device. This also allows the user to adjust the height of the pedal from the ground according to their body type and preference.

[0021] Alternatively, the roller-side leg of the drive arm as described below itself can be used as the lowering arm. This means that there is no separate lowering arm, which simplifies the design. However, the attachment is the same as described above.

[0022] In an embodiment, the attachment between each crank and the corresponding drive arm can be adjusted such that the distance between the rear end portion of the drive arm, i.e., the corresponding connection point and the corresponding crank point, can be changed by the user. In addition to the elongation of the horizontal elliptical trajectory achieved by the lowering of the front end portion of the drive arm described above, the elongation of the drive arm (a greater distance between the rear end portion of the drive arm and the crank point) also contributes to a longer horizontal elliptical trajectory for the pedal. In other words, changing the length of the drive arm has the following effect: when the drive arm is lowered and shortened, the elliptical trajectory is lengthened, and vice versa. Shortening the drive arm (a smaller distance between the rear end portion of the drive arm and the crank point) can bring the following advantage to the movable training device, namely the possibility of using a front wheel with off-road equipment (such as off-road tires and corresponding suspension forks), because this shortening increases the distance between the drive arm and the front wheel.

[0023] Preferably, the connection part is designed as a gear for chain drive or a pulley for belt drive, and can be mounted on the frame of the training device. Therefore, the drive unit according to the present invention can be easily adapted to an existing frame and the rear wheel. Preferably, the connection part is mounted in front of the wheel of the training device to be driven.

[0024] In an embodiment, the left drive arm and the right drive arm respectively include a leg on the connection part side and a leg on the roller side. The corresponding left crank or right crank is rotatably attached to the leg on the connection part side, and the corresponding left roller system or right roller system is rotatably attached to the leg on the roller side. Thus, the above-mentioned L-shaped or V-shaped of the drive arm is produced. Preferably, the leg on the roller side is longer than the leg on the connection part side. This contributes to the compactness of the training device, because the guide rail can be made shorter, thereby shortening the total length of the training device. For example, the leg on the connection part side and the leg on the roller side can be rigidly connected or integral. In order to form an L-shape or a V-shape, the legs are angled with respect to each other according to their respective shapes. This embodiment has the advantage that the two legs can be manufactured independently of each other, and by correspondingly changing the connection angle, the drive arm can be adapted to different frames for different training devices and user requirements. Alternatively, the leg on the connection part side and the leg on the roller side can be bent and transition into each other and become integral. This has the advantage that the drive arm is more rigid and thus more stable. It also reduces the assembly workload and the number of connections such as welding points.

[0025] In an embodiment, the left and right drive arms each have a reinforcing leg that additionally rigidly connects the leg on the coupling side to the leg on the roller side. Thus, the reinforcing leg forms a triangle with the leg on the coupling side and the leg on the roller side and increases the stability of the drive arm. It can be straight or curved. It can be attached to the respective free ends of the leg on the coupling side and the leg on the roller side, or it can be attached at any point along one or the other or both legs. It can also be made integrally with the two legs. Alternatively, no reinforcing leg is provided, which simplifies the design.

[0026] The pedals are preferably rotatably attached to the legs on the coupling side of the associated drive arms respectively. This has the advantage that their position closer to the rear wheel also allows the use of a seat for the training device, since the pressure surface of the pedals is substantially below the center of body gravity, which is particularly advantageous for a movable training device, as the seat also provides the opportunity to rest over longer distances. This is not possible, for example, in the elliptical trainer mentioned at the beginning with pedals integrated into the drive arms, since the pedal surface is oriented towards the front wheel and thus the device has no seat. The rotatability of the pedals on the drive arms also enables better ergonomics during pedaling. Finally, the design is more compact since the pedals are mounted closer to the connection point. Alternatively, the pedals are mounted at the intersection of the leg on the roller side and the leg on the coupling side.

[0027] In an embodiment, the position of the pedals is horizontally and vertically adjustable, which provides the user with an additional degree of freedom to adjust according to their body size and preferences:

[0028] - This is achieved horizontally by adjusting the attachment point of the pedal along the longitudinal axis of the respective leg on the coupling side.

[0029] - This is achieved vertically by the drive unit further including additional connecting members between the leg on the coupling side and the associated pedal. With the aid of these connecting members, the user can adjust the distance between the pedal and the leg on the coupling side. To achieve this function, it is particularly preferred that the connecting member is a bracket attached to the leg on the coupling side and extending substantially parallel thereto, having a fastening mechanism for the pedal. The bracket is preferably fastened at both ends of the leg on the coupling side, but it can also be fastened at other points along the leg on the coupling side. However, it can also be integrally formed as part of the reinforcing leg on the coupling side. Alternatively, a vertical connecting member can be used, which can be attached to the leg on the coupling side at only one point. Although this solution is simpler, it only provides reduced stability compared to the bracket. Alternatively, no adjustment of the attachment point of the pedal is provided, which simplifies the design. It has been shown that the above adjustment options at the ends of the drive arm (the leg on the roller side and the leg on the coupling side) are sufficient to achieve good adjustment according to the user's body size.

[0030] In an embodiment, the roller system has at least one guide roller and at least one counter roller, which are offset relative to each other such that each roller is received in a separate guide rail of the frame of the training device in a manner that enables linear reciprocating sliding. The guide roller on the drive arm bears the main weight of the user and slides back and forth on the guide rail. The counter roller absorbs the counter force and is used to stabilize the drive arm and prevent the drive arm from slipping off the guide rail. Preferably, the guide roller and the counter roller of the roller system have different diameters, where the diameter of the guide roller is preferably larger than the diameter of the counter roller because the guide roller bears the main weight. This saves material and the guide rail can be made smaller. Particularly preferably, two guide rollers are provided, and the left roller system and the right roller system further each include at least one safety roller, which is received in a manner that enables reciprocating displacement, and its position relative to the guide roller is configured to prevent the roller system from jumping out of the guide rail or being accidentally removed. Particularly preferably, the safety roller is provided on the opposite side of the guide rail relative to the guide roller.

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the training device according to the invention are explained in the context of the description of the figures, the training device having a drive unit according to one or more of the above features. Description of the Drawings

[0032] Other embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims and the following description based on the figures. In the figures:

[0033] Figure 1 shows the typical trajectory of a person's foot when walking,

[0034] Figure 2 shows the typical trajectory of a foot when cycling,

[0035] Figure 3 shows the trajectory of the foot in the present invention,

[0036] Figure 4 shows a side view of the movable training device according to the invention in the first position of the pedal,

[0037] Figure 5 shows according to Figure 4 a side view of the movable training device in the second position of the pedal,

[0038] Figure 6 shows a side view of the stationary training device according to the invention,

[0039] Figure 7 shows a side view of the drive unit according to the invention,

[0040] Figures 8 to 11 shows Figure 7Three embodiments of the drive arm of the drive unit, and

[0041] Figure 12 show the connection part with the crank of the drive unit according to Figure 7 the drive unit,

[0042] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the drive unit according to the present invention on a guide rail,

[0043] Figure 14 shows Figure 13 a side view of the embodiment of

[0044] Figure 15 shows on the guide rail Figure 13 a cross-sectional view of the roller system of the drive unit in

[0045] Figure 16 shows the perspective view of the roller system in Figure 15 without the guide rail. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] Position terms such as left and right or up and down refer to the usual meanings related to a bicycle.

[0047] Terms related to an elliptical locus refer to the mathematical definition of an ellipse.

[0048] The term "locus" refers to the locus actually described by the pedal, such as the contour of an ellipse. On the other hand, the term "path" refers to the horizontal or vertical projection of the locus, or generally refers to a linear locus.

[0049] In this article, the connection part is only defined as the part on the drive side of the drive unit, for example, defined as a rack / chain link, in order to distinguish the drive unit assembly from the rest of the training device, and the rest of the parts include corresponding parts (sprocket / hub) configured on the rear wheel.

[0050] In the context of the present invention, "shiftable" with respect to the rollers means that these rollers roll back and forth in the guide groove, thereby causing the bearings of each roller to experience a linear displacement.

[0051] Figure 1Schematic diagram showing the typical trajectory described by a person's foot when walking. Here, x represents the walking direction, and y represents the height of the foot's lift relative to the reference heel. The leg position of the right leg of person P is schematically shown, and it is intended to roughly show this position, especially with reference to the ground center line b between the feet. The movement or trajectory starts with the so-called initial swing IS, where the leg is lifted to take a step. Next is the so-called mid-swing MS, where the leg moves forward until the so-called terminal swing TS. Immediately following is the heel strike HS, where the foot is on the ground during the duration of the above movement of the other foot. Next is the so-called toe-off TO, while the other foot is now in contact with the ground, and then the so-called forward swing PS, while the other foot is fully on the ground. During the forward swing, the foot is lifted until it reaches the initial swing position, and then the process repeats. Figure 1 The trajectory shown is referred to herein as an upwardly curved drop-shaped trajectory and has been mentioned in the context of the prior art documents at the beginning.

[0052] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the typical trajectory described by a person's foot when cycling. The trajectory is a simple circular trajectory defined by the gear of the bicycle, which is also called a chainring.

[0053] Figure 3 Shows the elliptical trajectory described by a person's foot when using the training device according to the invention. The training device is also referred to hereinafter as an elliptical trainer. Thus, it is characterized in that the pedals describe an elliptical trajectory during a complete pedal rotation, where, in the case of the present invention (see Figure 5 ), the front vertex of the ellipse is higher than the rear vertex of the ellipse (the black dots in the figure). This is generally preferred and the dimensions of the elements of the drive arm and the guide rail are selected such that the major axis of the ellipse connecting the two marked vertices is longer than twice the length of the crank and / or longer than the leg on the coupling side of the drive arm. The major axis of the ellipse corresponds to the linear trajectory covered by the drive arm on the guide rail during a complete pedal rotation. This enables an ergonomic elliptical motion sequence to be achieved even in a space as small as possible.

[0054] By overview Figures 1 to 3 It can be easily inferred that, due to the different trajectories, the loads on the feet or foot joints and leg joints are different. In Figure 1 the walking mode, it is generally known that this trajectory is the natural trajectory for the feet, but it is also known that the load can vary significantly due to different misalignments of the feet, etc., and thus it is not always the gentlest option for the joints during exercise. For Figure 2 the circular track, the "drop height" between the apex and the bottom point of the track is very high, and it causes a correspondingly high braking force during the transition between the top position and the bottom position, which may result in a high load on the knees.Figure 3 The elliptical trajectory in causes a smoother transition between the top and bottom positions and thus a smaller force gradient, which has a gentle effect on the joint. This aspect is particularly important during exercise.

[0055] Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows a side view of the movable training device, wherein Figure 4 shows a first position of the pedal, and Figure 5 shows a second position of the pedal. The first position corresponds to the position in the foremost position of the right pedal 18, and the second position corresponds to the middle position of the pedal. In addition, Figure 4 shows the saddle 53, thus illustrating this option by way of example. The saddle can also be provided for a stationary training device.

[0056] The training device 3a includes a frame 1, the frame 1 having a frame section 2 and two chain stays 2b on the left and right sides of the rear wheel 31 attached to two chain stays. The front ends of the chain stays 2b are attached to the lower end of the frame section 2. According to the design of the movable training device 3a, for example, the frame section 2 can correspond to the lower tube or the upper tube of the frame, where the name corresponds to the technical terms of a bicycle. In this case, the chain stays are attached to the lower end of the frame section via a cross brace. If the frame is designed, for example, in the form of a monolithic frame, direct attachment is of course also possible.

[0057] In addition, a steering unit or a holding unit is provided attached to the upper end of the frame section 2, the steering unit or the holding unit including a steering rod 40 and a handlebar 41, the steering rod and the handlebar being connected to the front wheel 30.

[0058] The training device further includes a drive unit 4 ( Figure 7 ). The drive unit 4 includes a coupling part 50, to which the left crank 20 and the right crank 21 are attached at a crank point Z ( Figure 7 ). The left drive arm 9 and the right drive arm 10 are attached to the cranks 20, 21 at connection points 16, 19 respectively. Each drive arm has at its front end a guide roller 12 attached via a lowering arm 8 at a lowering arm attachment point 11, and an opposing roller 13. Each roller is held in its respective associated guide rail 2a and can move linearly back and forth along the longitudinal axis of the frame section, which extends obliquely upwards forwards. It is substantially suitable for all embodiments of the present invention that all existing rollers move back and forth in the associated guide grooves, which are formed by Figures 13 to 16Description of an example in the embodiment. The drive arms each have a leg 22 on the coupling part side and a leg 23 on the roller side, which are integral in this embodiment and are L-shaped. The pedals 17, 18 are provided on the left and right sides, and they are respectively attached to the associated drive arms at the pedal attachment points 14 or 15. The elliptical trajectory 55 described by the pedals is shown as a dashed ellipse in Figure 5 and is shown in dashed ellipse in Figures 7 to 11 The details of the individual elements of the drive unit 4 for the specific embodiment shown in the figure are described in the context of

[0059] Therefore, the frame section 2 has two guide rails 2a on the left and right sides, and in each guide rail, the guide rollers 12 and the opposing rollers 13 of the left and right drive arms 3b of the drive unit are accommodated in a manner that can linearly shift back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame section 2. However, it is also possible to provide only one guide rail for the guide rollers on each side of the frame section, and the specific embodiment of Figures 13 to 16 will be described in detail in combination with it. In a variant of the present invention, the at least one guide rail 2a is part of the drive unit 4. In this case, the frame section 2 of the training device is designed such that the guide rail 2a can be attached to the frame section 2, so that the frame section 2 and the guide rail 2a form a fixed structural unit. A suitable fastening mechanism is provided for this purpose. Advantageously, the drive unit can thus be adapted to the conventional frame section 2 with little effort. In another variant of the present invention, the at least one guide rail 2a is part of the training device rather than part of the drive unit 4. In this case, the guide rail can either be permanently installed on the frame section 2 or formed in the frame itself, for example, a guide groove for the rollers of the drive unit is formed in the frame section itself. The advantage is that no connecting device is required and the structure of the frame 1 and the guide rail is more stable.

[0060] The coupling part 50 designed as a gear of the drive unit 4 is rotatably attached to the frame 1 between the frame section 2 and the rear wheel 31, and is connected to the sprocket 51 and the hub of the rear wheel via a chain 52 as a power transmission element, so as to drive the rear wheel 31. Instead of a chain drive, a belt drive can also be provided. With this design, the pedaling force of the user of the training device is transmitted to the rear wheel and makes it rotate.

[0061] Figure 6 A side view of the stationary training device 3b is shown. This figure shows a further third position of the pedals, where the right pedal 18 is in the rearmost position, and it is also applicable to the movable training device. In other words, the rollers 12, 13 describe at the uppermost end of the guide rail ( Figure 4 ) and the lowermost end of the guide rail ( Figure 6) linear movement between. The stationary training device 3b differs from the movable training device in that it does not have a front wheel. Instead, a support device for the floor is provided. In addition, a steering unit is not provided, and only a holding unit having a support bar and a holding bar (not shown) for supporting the user's hand is provided. Finally, a holding device 6 is provided for the rear wheel, which supports the rear wheel lifted off the ground so that the rear wheel can rotate in place without contacting the ground.

[0062] Figure 7 A side view of the drive unit 4 showing the elements already described. In this figure, it can be clearly seen that the drive unit has multiple adjustment options. They are advantageously designed to provide the best settings for the user's specific preferences and body size. The drive unit shown here is a version without its own guide rail. In this case, the guide rail is part of the training device.

[0063] The first possibility is to adjust the connection points 16, 19 to fit the step length. Throughout the text, the holes in the drive arm are marked with 16, and the holes in the crank are marked with 19, where 16 / 19 in the figure is used to illustrate that one hole in each of the two elements contributes to the connection. The second option is to adjust the pedal height by choosing the pedal attachment point 15 on the leg on the connection side of the drive arm or the pedal attachment point 14 on the reinforcement arm 5 (bracket). Additionally, the pedal position can be adjusted horizontally by choosing one of the multiple attachment points on the corresponding leg. Finally, the lowering height of the drive arm 8 can be adjusted by choosing one of the lowering arm attachment points 11. It should be noted that the lowering arm 8 is optional, and in particular, it is supplied but can be attached and removed again at any time. The different levels of lowering the drive arm by the lowering arm 8 are used to adjust the height for different body sizes and also to adjust for greater ground clearance on steep terrain. In addition, the elliptical trajectory of the foot pedal is extended, as shown by way of example Figure 12 as shown by way of example.

[0064] As already mentioned, the legs 22, 23 of the drive arm in the shown embodiment have an L-shape, which is shown at a 90° angle in Figure 7 However, other angles at which the legs form a V-shape are also possible.

[0065] Figures 8 to 10 Shown Figure 7Examples of three different embodiments of the right drive arm of the drive unit 4 in []. As described above, the guide roller 12 and the opposing roller 13 can be used. As can be seen from the figure, the opposing roller is offset inwardly towards the frame section. It can be offset inwardly on the same axis as the guide roller or, as shown, offset inwardly on its own axis. Thus, the frame section has two left guide rails and two right guide rails, wherein at least one guide roller of the left or right drive arm of the drive unit is accommodated in one of the guide rails in a manner that can linearly shift back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame section, and at least one opposing roller of the left or right drive arm of the drive unit is accommodated in the other guide rail in a manner that can linearly shift back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame section, and the opposing roller is axially offset relative to the guide roller. Figure 8 and Figure 10 shows such a configuration, while Figure 9 shows another variant, in which two guide rollers and one opposing roller are provided. In this case, the two guide rollers 12 travel in the same guide rail.

[0066] However, of course, only one or more guide rollers can also be used without using opposing rollers. In order to prevent the guide roller from slipping off the guide rail in this case, the guide rail can be designed as a U-shaped profile, for example, so that the outer U-shaped legs prevent this. However, preferably, a safety roller is provided, which is described by way of example in combination with the embodiment according to Figures 13 to 16 and is intended to be applied to all embodiments. The roller is preferably made of polyoxymethylene (POM), rubber or polyurethane, with or without a nylon core, whereby different Shore hardnesses can be used depending on the weight of the user to be carried. The rubber hardness is known and will not be further described here. Polyoxymethylene is particularly preferred because it has high mechanical strength and rigidity, but is easy to process because the roller can be ground to a suitable size. In contrast, PU rollers, nylon rollers, etc. have to be manufactured by complex processes.

[0067] Figures 8 to 10 Various exemplary embodiments of the reinforcing leg 7 are also shown, which can be straight ( Figure 10 ) or curved ( Figure 8 , Figure 9 ). Figure 8 , Figure 10 A drive arm with legs 22 on the coupling part side and legs 23 on the roller side forming an L-shape is also shown, while in Figure 9 they form a V-shape. In addition, in the embodiment of Figure 8 , a lowering arm 8 is provided, while in the embodiments of Figure 9 and Figure 10 , such an arm is not provided.

[0068] Figure 11Another variant of the roller configuration is shown. Here, two opposing rollers 13 are provided, and a guide roller 12 is centered above the two opposing rollers and is configured to be offset inwardly and vertically upward. These three rollers are attached to the lowering arm 8. This distributes the resulting torsional force over two planes.

[0069] Of course, Figures 8 to 11 the features of the embodiments can be combined within a technically reasonable range.

[0070] Figure 12 Shows the connection part with cranks 20, 21 of the drive unit according to Figure 7 . The cranks are attached to the link at the crank points Z. The connection parts of the cranks to the drive arms on the respective connection part sides can vary at the connection points 16, 19, and of course the number thereof can also be greater than the number shown. In the embodiment shown in this figure, adjustment can also be made at the crank by providing multiple holes 19 in the crank, which is different from Figure 7 the embodiment shown, where only one hole is provided in the crank. For example, the distance between the connection points 16, 19 and the crank point Z can vary within the range of 20 cm and 25 cm. The legs on the connection part side are attached closer to the crank point Z, and the shorter they become, that is, the shorter the lever until point Z becomes. This has the effect of making the distance between the legs on the roller side and the front wheel larger (in the version of the movable training device). Conversely, if the legs on the connection part side are attached farther from point Z, they will be longer. This has the effect of making the distance between the legs on the roller side and the front wheel smaller (in the version of the movable training device). Therefore, an extension of about 5 - 10% can be achieved. For example, if the length of the legs on the connection part side is 46 cm and the crank length is 25 cm, shortening the legs on the connection part side from 46 cm by 6 cm to 40 cm and lowering the front end of the legs on the roller side by 10 cm will increase the path of the pedal on the elliptical track by 5% to 10%. This shortening is advantageous for taller users.

[0071] In the previous embodiment, the legs 22 on the connection part side are longer than the legs 23 on the roller side. However, as mentioned at the beginning, it is preferred that the legs on the roller side are longer than the legs on the connection part side, which is achieved in the following embodiment. However, this preferred length ratio can also be used in the previous embodiment, and vice versa. For this purpose, only the preferred angle of 90° between the two legs needs to be changed.

[0072] Figure 13 Shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the drive unit according to the present invention on the guide rail, and Figure 14 shows Figure 13 a side view of the embodiment in

[0073] In the present embodiment, the left roller system and the right roller system each have two guide rollers 12, both of which are accommodated in a common first guide groove 12a of the guide rail in a linearly displaceable back-and-forth manner. The opposed rollers 13 are accommodated in a second guide groove 13a in a linearly displaceable back-and-forth manner. In addition, a safety roller 60 is provided for each roller system, which is accommodated in a third guide groove 60a of the guide rail in a displaceable back-and-forth manner. Its position relative to the guide rollers is configured such that it prevents the roller system from jumping out of the guide rail or being accidentally displaced. This is particularly advantageous in a movable version of the training device having a drive unit to ensure that, for example, in the case of a road pothole, the roller system does not jump out of the guide rail.

[0074] Another difference compared to, for example Figure 7 is that the drive arm is simplified here. For example, only a single pedal attachment point 15 is provided and there is no reinforcing leg. It is noted that lowering the arm attachment point 11 and the connection points 16, 19 is completely sufficient to adapt to different users. Referring to Figure 3 , the adjustment of the lowering arm attachment point 11 causes a change in the elliptical height, where the point 11 at the free end of the leg closest to the roller side corresponds to the lowest lowering of the drive arm and the maximum elliptical height H. Thus, this adjustment option allows adaptation to the user's height. This adjustment mainly changes the "thickness" of the ellipse, i.e., the height H relative to the y-axis. Lowering also causes the ellipse to rotate slightly forward, while the connection points 16 / 19 remain unchanged. Lowering is particularly advantageous for taller users. The adjustment of the connection points 16 / 19 causes an adjustment of the elliptical length L ( Figure 3 ) and thus an adjustment of the step length, where the attachment point closest to the crank point Z corresponds to the shortest step length. It should be noted that for all embodiments of the drive unit according to the present invention, it is feasible to provide exactly one hole 19 / 16 only in the crank 20 and / or the leg 22 on the connection side. In particular, only a single connection point 16 / 19 can be provided without an adjustment option. In this case, for example, cranks of different lengths can be provided according to the height or height ratio of different users.

[0075] Further simplified is that in this embodiment, no separate lowering arm is provided, but the leg 23 on the roller side of the drive arm is simultaneously the lowering arm and includes the lowering arm attachment point.

[0076] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the roller system of the drive unit on the guide rail is shown, and Figure 13 a perspective view of the roller system without the guide rail is shown in Figure 16 shown Figure 15 in

[0077] In Figure 15Among them, the preferred position of the above-mentioned safety roller relative to the guide roller is the most obvious. It is arranged on the opposite side of the guide rail relative to the guide roller. In this case, the guide roller is arranged on the upper side of the guide rail, and the safety roller is arranged on the bottom side of the guide rail. However, other configurations are also conceivable.

[0078] All the rollers are preferably supported by a common carrier 61. Figure 16 The preferred design of the carrier is shown, which includes a roller bearing 61c with a bolt 61a. The bolt is used to fasten the leg on the roller side of the lowering arm or the drive arm at point 11. As described above, the leg on the roller side of the lowering arm or the drive arm has a plurality of holes, which can be selected by the user as desired to fasten the roller system. Preferably, the counter roller 13 is directly mounted in the carrier 61, which reduces the size of the carrier 61. On the other hand, the guide roller and the safety roller are each supported by an arm 61b (double arm) of the roller bearing. Different from Figure 11 the configuration of the guide roller 12 shown on the lowering arm and the counter roller 13 attached thereto in cross-section, in this embodiment, the carrier is integrally formed, preferably integrally cast, which improves stability and durability. The roller bearing that bears all the loads is arranged in the carrier.

[0079] As Figure 15 best shown, the guide roller 12 is preferably inclined relative to the horizontal plane towards the guide rail. Preferably, the roller axis xl of the guide roller forms a first angle a1 with the horizontal plane, as shown in the figure. This angle is preferably between 25° and 55° and most preferably 40°. Generally, it can be stipulated herein that the roller size, the shape of the guide rail and the angle al are selected such that the forces on the guide rail are distributed as evenly as possible. For example, simulations have shown that the vertical configuration of the guide roller on the guide rail results in increased wear of the guide roller. Therefore, an angle al of 0° is preferably excluded. The above-mentioned angle range of a1 has proven to be advantageous in this regard. Arranging two guide rollers not only helps to improve stability but also helps to reduce the wear on each guide roller. On the other hand, preferably only one counter roller and one safety roller are arranged because these rollers do not bear the main load of the user. However, multiple safety rollers and / or counter rollers can also be arranged.

[0080] In this embodiment, it is further preferred (as Figure 15 shown) that the roller axis x2 of the safety roller forms a second angle a2 between 25° and 55° with the horizontal plane, where the second angle is most preferably 40°. In principle, the term "roller axis" herein should be understood as the axis of rotation of the roller.

[0081] For each carrier, the respective second angle a2 of the safety roller is preferably equal in magnitude to the respective first angle a1 of the guide roller and, with regard to orientation, is a mirror image of the angle a1 in the horizontal plane.

[0082] The guide rollers bear the main load, which is transferred to the roller bearings. If the force from the pedal is applied directly below the guide rollers, there is no moment to support and the ideal alignment would be vertical. The more outward the force from the pedal is applied, the greater the moment and the flatter the angle a1 of the guide rollers. The guide rollers still bear the full vertical force from the pedal. However, there is an additional horizontal force for moment support and it must be balanced with the opposing rollers. This makes: pedal force more outward -> the angle of the guide rollers becomes flatter (roller axis becomes steeper, angle a1 becomes larger). Pedal force more inward -> the angle of the guide rollers becomes steeper (roller axis becomes flatter, angle a1 becomes smaller). Furthermore, the relative position of the opposing rollers with respect to the guide rollers also affects this angle. In short, if the distance between the rollers is greater, the horizontal force on the guide rollers will be smaller and the angle will be steeper. This is a compromise between the compactness of the roller system and the size of the load on the rollers. The opposing roller can only absorb horizontal forces. For vertical forces, it will slide on the surface. With guide rollers and safety rollers, lateral forces are possible.

[0083] The geometry and alignment of the rails in the frame, the crank drive and the positioning of the flexible drive arm (which is designed so that the depth of the lowering, the length of the drive arm and the pedal attachment are flexible) enables the installation of shorter rails, drive arms and cranks. Nevertheless, an optimal long horizontal elliptical trajectory of the foot pedal is achieved, thereby achieving an optimal power flow for the user.

[0084] The advantages of installing the drive unit in a mobile elliptical trainer are that it is more compact, easier to transport, can be adjusted individually for different body sizes and can be used both on and off-road. The concept can also be used in a standing or sit-down version.

[0085] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in this application, it should be clearly pointed out that the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be implemented in other ways within the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, terms such as "preferably", "particularly", "advantageously", etc. used in the description refer only to optional and exemplary embodiments.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 = Framework

[0088] 2 = Framework segment

[0089] 2a=Guide rail

[0090] 3a = Movable training device

[0091] 3b = Stationary training device

[0092] 4 = Driving unit

[0093] 5 = Bracket

[0094] 6 = Holding device for rear wheel

[0095] 7 = Reinforcing leg

[0096] 8 = Lowering arm

[0097] 9 = Left driving arm

[0098] 10 = Right driving arm

[0099] 11 = Lowering arm attachment point

[0100] 12 = Guide roller

[0101] 12a = First guide groove

[0102] 13 = Opposing roller

[0103] 13a = Second guide groove

[0104] 14 = Pedal attachment point on reinforcing leg

[0105] 15 = Pedal attachment point on driving arm

[0106] 16 / 19 = Connection point

[0107] 17 / 18 = Left / right pedal

[0108] 20 / 21 = Left / right crank

[0109] 22 = Leg on the connection part side of the driving arm

[0110] 23 = Leg on the roller side of the driving arm

[0111] 30 = Front wheel

[0112] 31 = Rear wheel

[0113] 40 = Steering rod / support rod

[0114] 41 = Handgrip / handle

[0115] 50 = Connection part

[0116] 51 = Conversion part

[0117] 52 = Chain or toothed belt

[0118] 55 = Ellipse of pedal track

[0119] 60 = Safety roller

[0120] 60a = Third guide groove

[0121] 61 = Carrier

[0122] 61a = Bolt

[0123] 61b = Arm of the carrier

[0124] 61c = Roller bearing

[0125] IS = Initial swing

[0126] MS = Intermediate swing

[0127] TS = Final swing

[0128] HS = Heel strike

[0129] TO = Toe off

[0130] PS = Forward swing

[0131] b = Center line of the ground

[0132] P = Person / User

[0133] Z = Crank point

[0134] 53 = Saddle

[0135] al = First angle

[0136] a2 = Second angle

[0137] L = Ellipse length

[0138] H = Ellipse height

Claims

1. A drive unit (4) for driving a wheel (31) of a training device (3a; 3b) by means of the stepping force of a user (P) of the training device, wherein the drive unit is designed such that it transforms the trajectory described by a human foot during walking or running into an elliptical trajectory (55) for the foot, and wherein the drive unit comprises: - an L-shaped or V-shaped left drive arm (9) and an L-shaped or V-shaped right drive arm (10), - a left roller system and a right roller system, each comprising at least one roller (12), wherein in the region of the front end portion of the respective drive arm, the left roller system is rotatably connected to the left drive arm, and the right roller system is rotatably connected to the right drive arm, and wherein the at least one roller of each drive arm is received in at least one guide rail (2a) of the drive unit or in at least one guide rail of the frame (2) of the training device in a linearly reciprocating manner, - a coupling part (50) having a left crank (20) and a right crank (21) for transmitting the stepping force of the user to the wheel, wherein the coupling part is rigidly connected to the left crank and the right crank at the respective crank points (Z), and wherein in the region of the rear end portion of the respective drive arm, the left crank is rotatably connected to the left drive arm, and the right crank is rotatably connected to the right drive arm, - a left foot pedal (17) and a right foot pedal (18) for applying the stepping force to the drive unit, wherein the left foot pedal and the right foot pedal are rotatably attached to the left drive arm and the right drive arm, respectively.

2. The drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the left roller system and the right roller system each comprise a lowering arm (8), wherein the lowering arm is rotatably attached to the at least one roller at its upper end and is rigidly attached to the respective drive arm in the region of its front end, or wherein, The lowering arm is formed by the front end portion of the respective drive arm itself and is rotatably attached to the at least one roller at the upper end such that the front end portion of the respective drive arm is always lowered relative to the at least one roller.

3. The drive unit according to claim 2, wherein the attachment between each lowering arm and the respective drive arm can be adjusted in such a way that the distance between the front end portion of the drive arm and the at least one roller can be changed by the user.

4. The drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment between each crank and the respective drive arm can be adjusted in such a way that the distance between the crank point (Z) and the respective connection point (16; 19) can be changed by the user.

5. The drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling part is designed as a gear for a chain drive or a pulley for a belt drive and can be mounted on the frame of the training device, in particular in front of the wheel of the training device to be driven.

6. The drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the left drive arm and the right drive arm each comprise a leg (22) on the coupling part side and a leg (23) on the roller side, the corresponding left crank or right crank being rotatably fastened to the leg on the coupling part side, and the corresponding left roller system or right roller system being rotatably fastened to the leg on the roller side, in particular, wherein the leg on the roller side is longer than the leg on the coupling part side, wherein the leg on the coupling part side and the leg on the roller side are rigidly connected to each other or are integral and are angled towards each other, or the leg on the coupling part side and the leg on the roller side are integral and transition into each other in a curved shape.

7. The drive unit according to claim 6, wherein the pedals are each rotatably attached to the leg on the coupling part side of the associated drive arm, in particular, wherein the position of the pedal can be adjusted by the user along the longitudinal axis of the corresponding leg on the coupling part side.

8. The drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the left roller system and the right roller system each have at least one guide roller (12) and at least one opposing roller (13), the guide roller and the opposing roller being offset relative to each other such that the guide roller (12) is received in a first guide groove (12a) of the guide rail in a linearly displaceable back-and-forth manner, and the opposing roller (13) is received in a second guide groove (13a) in a linearly displaceable back-and-forth manner, in particular, wherein the guide roller and the opposing roller of the roller system have different diameters, in particular, wherein the diameter of the guide roller is greater than the diameter of the opposing roller.

9. The drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the left roller system and the right roller system each comprise at least one safety roller (60), the safety roller being received in a third guide groove (60a) of the guide rail in a displaceable back-and-forth manner, and the position of the safety roller relative to the guide roller being configured such that it prevents the roller system from jumping out of the guide rail or being inadvertently removed, in particular, wherein the safety roller is arranged on the opposite side of the guide rail relative to the guide roller.

10. The drive unit according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the guide roller is inclined relative to the horizontal plane towards the guide rail, wherein, Preferably, the roller axis (xl) of the guide roller forms a first angle (al) between 25° and 55° relative to the horizontal plane, most preferably forming a first angle of 40°, wherein the roller axis (x2) of the safety roller forms a second angle (a2) between 25° and 55° relative to the horizontal plane, most preferably forming a second angle of 40°, in particular, wherein the first angle and the second angle are numerically equal and are mirror images relative to the horizontal plane.

11. A training device (3a, 3b), comprising a frame (1), having frame segments (2) and at least one chain stay, wherein the front end of the chain stay (2a, 2b) is attached to the lower end of the frame segment, a rear wheel (31), attached to the rear end of the chain stay, A steering unit (40, 41) or a holding unit, which is attached to the upper end of the frame section, and The drive unit (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame section has at least one lateral guide rail (2a) on the left and right sides, and in each of the guide rails, at least one guide roller (12) of the left drive arm or the right drive arm of the drive unit is accommodated in a manner that can linearly shift back and forth parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame section, wherein the coupling part (50) of the drive unit is rotatably attached to the frame between the frame section and the rear wheel, further comprising a force transmission element, in particular a chain (52) or a belt, by means of which the pedaling force of the user of the training device is transmitted to the rear wheel and causes the rear wheel to rotate.

12. The training device according to claim 11, wherein the training device (3a) is movable and further comprises a front wheel (30), and the front wheel can be steered by means of the steering unit, or wherein the training device (3b) is stationary and comprises the holding unit for supporting the user's hands, and further comprises a holding device (6) for the rear wheel, such that the rear wheel can rotate without contacting the ground.

13. The training device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the length of the leg on the coupling part side is less than the length of the at least one guide rail.

14. The training device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the coupling part of the drive unit is arranged on the frame of the training device in front of the rear wheel of the training device to be driven and above the rotation axis of the rear wheel.

15. The training device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, In the case where the at least one guide rail is part of the drive unit, the frame section is designed such that the guide rail can be attached to the frame section, so that the frame section and the guide rail form a fixed structural unit.

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