Rotary folding mechanism for fitness equipment and elliptical machine

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of fitness equipment, and particularly relates to a rotary folding mechanism for fitness equipment and an elliptical machine. A rotary folding mechanism for fitness equipment comprises an inner sleeve part and an outer sleeve part which are used for being fixed to a folding frame body or a fixing frame body of the fitness equipment, the inner sleeve part is coaxially sleeved with the outer sleeve part, and the outer sleeve part and the inner sleeve part are rotationally connected to achieve folding of the fitness equipment; the damping bush is arranged between the inner sleeve piece and the outer sleeve piece, the damping bush is made of an elastic material, and a ratchet structure is arranged on the circumferential outer wall or the circumferential inner wall of the damping bush; when the folding frame body rotates to a preset folding locking angle, static friction force between the ratchet structure and the inner wall of the outer sleeve piece or between the ratchet structure and the outer wall of the inner sleeve piece is large enough to prevent the folding frame body from rotating in the unfolding rotation direction. The device has the advantages of being small in size and convenient to operate by a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of fitness equipment, and particularly relates to a rotating folding mechanism for fitness equipment and an elliptical machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, some fitness equipment occupies a large space, so a folding mechanism is usually designed to fold the fitness equipment when it is not used. Taking an elliptical machine as an example, the movable components of the elliptical machine on the market are relatively many, and each of the left and right has a corresponding crank assembly, connecting rod assembly and hand crank assembly. Some elliptical machines also have a step magnification mechanism. These movable components make it difficult to fold the elliptical machine, which causes the problem of large space occupation of the elliptical machine.

[0003] At present, several folding elliptical machines on the market use air support rods and other components to realize the folding function. However, the air support rod must be connected to two movable components under corresponding geometric conditions, which brings many limitations to the size arrangement of the product, and the air support rod is also exposed, affecting the appearance of the product.

[0004] Some elliptical machines also use a pin to fold and lock. For example, a foldable storage front-drive elliptical machine disclosed in application No. CN202020055059.1. When the elliptical machine is stored, the guide rail is raised, and the plug-in positioning unit is plugged into the limiting unit. Although the folding and locking mechanism of the patent is small, the limiting unit of the linkage sliding pipe and the plug-in positioning unit at the tail end of the guide rail need to be aligned each time the folding and locking is performed. When the elliptical machine is unfolded each time, the user needs to pull the limiting unit out of the plug-in positioning unit. Since there are two linkage sliding pipes, the user may feel inconvenient when operating alone. SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the problems in the prior art, a folding mechanism for fitness equipment with small volume and convenient user operation is provided.

[0006] The present application is implemented by adopting the following technical solutions: a rotating folding mechanism for fitness equipment, comprising:

[0007] An inner sleeve for fixing with a fixed frame or a folding frame of the fitness equipment;

[0008] An outer sleeve for fixing with the folding frame or the fixed frame of the fitness equipment, the outer sleeve is coaxially sleeved on the outer side of the inner sleeve and rotationally connected with the inner sleeve to realize folding of the fitness equipment;

[0009] A damping bushing provided between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the damping bushing is made of an elastic material, and a ratchet structure is arranged on the circumferential outer wall or the circumferential inner wall of the damping bushing;

[0010] When the folding frame body is rotated to a predetermined folding locking angle, the static friction between the ratchet structure and the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve is sufficient to prevent the folding frame body from rotating in the unfolding rotation direction, thereby maintaining the folding locking state of the folding frame body.

[0011] In use, the user only needs to lift the folding frame body and rotate it in the folding rotation direction. When the folding frame body is rotated to a predetermined folding locking angle, the static friction between the ratchet structure and the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve is sufficient to prevent the folding frame body from rotating in the unfolding rotation direction, so the folding locking of the folding frame body is automatically completed at this time. When the user needs to unfold the folding frame body, the user can slightly press down the folding frame body, so that the folding frame body rotates in the unfolding rotation direction. At this time, the outer sleeve or the inner sleeve and the ratchet structure are in dynamic friction, and the folding frame body slowly descends to the unfolded state, and the user can use the fitness equipment for exercise.

[0012] And due to the characteristics of the ratchet structure, the resistance generated between the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve and the ratchet structure when the folding frame body rotates in the folding rotation direction is recorded as the first resistance, and the resistance generated between the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve and the ratchet structure when the folding frame body rotates in the unfolding rotation direction is recorded as the second resistance. The second resistance is much larger than the first resistance. Therefore, the user can easily rotate in the folding rotation direction, and the folding frame body slowly descends when the user unfolds the folding frame body due to the large second resistance, which is safe.

[0013] The one-way function of the ratchet structure of the damping bushing and the elastic function of the material are used to make the user rotate more easily in the folding rotation direction. At the same time, in the unfolding rotation direction, the static friction generated by the structural characteristics overcomes the falling trend, and the folding frame body can be automatically locked. The user only needs to lift or press the folding frame body to complete the folding or unfolding of the fitness equipment, which is very convenient.

[0014] Preferably, the outer sleeve comprises a first outer sleeve and a second outer sleeve arranged separately, and the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve are threadedly connected by a locking member.

[0015] By rotating the locking member to change the depth of rotation, the radial compression degree of the damping bushing sleeved in the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve is adjusted, so that the friction resistance between the damping bushing and the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve is controlled.

[0016] The size of the static friction when the folding frame body is rotated to a predetermined folding locking angle is determined in the above manner.

[0017] As preferred, the damping bushing is sleeved and fixed on the circumferential outer wall of the inner sleeve; or

[0018] The damping bushing is fixed with the circumferential inner wall of the outer sleeve.

[0019] Through the above setting, relative rotation between the damping bushing and the inner sleeve or the outer sleeve can be avoided, and the fixing mode can be screw locking, glue fixing, etc.

[0020] As preferred, the inner sleeve is fixed with the damping bushing, and a radial concave-convex plug-in fitting structure is arranged between the circumferential outer wall of the inner sleeve and the damping bushing; or

[0021] The outer sleeve is fixed with the damping bushing, and a radial concave-convex plug-in fitting structure is arranged between the circumferential inner wall of the outer sleeve and the damping bushing.

[0022] Through the above setting, further circumferential rotation of the damping bushing itself can be avoided when the outer sleeve or the inner sleeve rotates, thereby ensuring the safety of the entire rotary folding mechanism.

[0023] As preferred, the ratchets of the ratchet structure are continuously arranged in the circumferential direction of the damping bushing; or

[0024] The ratchets of the ratchet structure are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the damping bushing.

[0025] As preferred, the inner sleeve, the damping bushing and the outer sleeve are matched with a locking member, and the inner sleeve, the damping bushing and the outer sleeve are provided with locking holes through which the locking member passes.

[0026] When the folding frame body and the fixed frame body are in the unfolded state, the locking holes of the inner sleeve, the damping bushing and the outer sleeve are aligned with each other to allow the locking member to pass through.

[0027] Through the arrangement of the locking member, the stability of the fixed frame body and the folding frame body in the unfolded state can be ensured.

[0028] As preferred, the locking member is a bolt, and the bolt is threadedly matched with the inner sleeve or / and the outer sleeve.

[0029] Through the above mode, the locking strength of the folding frame body and the fixed frame body in the unfolded state can be improved.

[0030] An elliptical machine having the above rotary folding mechanism for fitness equipment, comprising a frame body, the frame body being composed of a fixed frame body and a folding frame body, and the folding mechanism being arranged between the fixed frame body and the folding frame body.

[0031] Preferably, the elliptical machine is a front-drive elliptical machine, the fixed frame is provided with a wheel disc, a rocker arm, a crank, a connecting rod and a pedal assembly, the folding frame includes a slide rail, and the pulley supporting the pedal assembly is slidably mounted on the slide rail.

[0032] With the above arrangement, when the elliptical machine is folded, the folding frame is lifted, rotated and folded, which is lighter in weight and can reduce the space occupied by the entire elliptical machine in its length direction.

[0033] Preferably, when the folding frame is rotated to an angle of 50°-90° with the horizontal plane, the angle is the folding locking angle of the elliptical machine.

[0034] Compared to existing technologies, the present invention offers the following advantages: By leveraging the one-way function of the damping bushing's ratchet structure and the elasticity of the material, this solution allows for easier rotation in the folding direction. Furthermore, in the unfolding direction, the static friction generated by the structural features overcomes the downward tendency, allowing the folding frame to automatically lock. The user simply lifts or presses the folding frame to fold or unfold the elliptical trainer, making it extremely convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 An elliptical machine is used as fitness equipment, and a schematic diagram of the structure of the elliptical machine when it is unfolded and used;

[0036] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the elliptical machine in the folded state;

[0037] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the rotating and folding mechanism;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating and folding mechanism after removing the fixed connecting sleeve;

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the rotary folding mechanism;

[0040] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the rotating folding mechanism;

[0041] Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the rotary folding mechanism.

[0042] Figure numbers: 11. Fixed frame; 12. Folding frame; 2. Rotating folding mechanism; 3. Fixed connecting sleeve; 31. Vertical block; 41. Inner kit; 411. Flat position; 42. Outer kit; 421. First outer kit; 422. Second outer kit; 423. Threaded sleeve; 43. Damping bushing; 5. Locking piece; 6. Connecting plate; 61. Extension; 7. Positioning column; 71. Positioning hole; 8. Locking hole; 100. Wheel; 101. Rocker arm; 102. Foot pedal assembly; 103. Connecting rod; 104. Pulley; 105. Slide rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0044] The fitness equipment in the present embodiment is an elliptical machine as an example. Wherein, the rotating folding mechanism can also be used on other fitness equipment for use when folding.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses an elliptical machine with a rotating and folding mechanism, which includes a frame. The frame is composed of a fixed frame 11 and a folding frame 12, with a rotating and folding mechanism 2 disposed between the fixed frame 11 and the folding frame 12. The fixed frame 11 is the front frame of the elliptical machine, and the folding frame 12 is the rear frame of the elliptical machine. The elliptical machine is a front-drive elliptical machine. The fixed frame 11 is mainly provided with a wheel disc 100, a rocker arm 101, a crank, a connecting rod 103, and a pedal assembly 102. These components are interconnected using the connection method of existing elliptical machines. A slide rail 105 is provided on the folding frame 12. The lower end of the pedal assembly 102 is connected to the connecting rod 103. The end of the connecting rod 103 is provided with a pulley 104. The pulley 104 supports the pedal assembly 102 and is slidably mounted on the slide rail 105.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the rotating and folding mechanism 2 includes an inner sleeve 41 fixed to the fixed frame 11 and an outer sleeve 42 fixed to the folding frame 12. The outer sleeve 42 is coaxially sleeved outside the inner sleeve 41 and rotatably connected to each other to enable the elliptical machine to fold or unfold. The inner sleeve 41 has a greater axial length than the outer sleeve 42, so the axial ends of the inner sleeve 41 are exposed axially outside the outer sleeve 42. Flattened portions 411 are provided at the axial ends of the inner sleeve 41, preventing them from forming a completely circular shape. A fixed connecting sleeve 3 is welded to the fixed frame 11. The fixed connecting sleeve 3 has a U-shaped slot. The axial ends of the inner sleeve 41 engage in the U-shaped slot, so that the flattened portions 411 abut against the walls of the U-shaped slot, preventing the inner sleeve 41 from rotating. The fixed connecting sleeve 3 also has vertically extending vertical blocks 31, which also limit the horizontal position of the inner sleeve 41, thereby completing the fixed connection between the inner sleeve 41 and the fixed frame 11.

[0047] A damping bushing 43 is arranged between the inner sleeve 41 and the outer sleeve 42. The damping bushing 43 is sleeved and fixed on the circumferential outer wall of the inner sleeve 41. A radial concave-convex plug-in fit structure (not shown in the figure) is arranged between the circumferential outer wall of the inner sleeve 41 and the circumferential inner wall of the damping bushing 43. The radial concave-convex plug-in fit structure can be a radially extending protrusion and a radially open groove. The protrusion and the groove are plug-in fit, thereby realizing the circumferential positioning between the inner sleeve 41 and the damping bushing 43, so that the damping bushing 43 cannot rotate circumferentially compared with the inner sleeve 41.

[0048] The damping bushing 43 is made of elastic material. The circumferential outer wall of the damping bushing 43 is provided with a ratchet structure. The inclination direction of the ratchet structure is consistent with the folding rotation direction of the folding frame body of the elliptical machine and opposite to the unfolding rotation direction. The ratchet teeth of the ratchet structure are continuously arranged along the circumferential direction of the damping bushing, or can also be arranged at intervals.

[0049] When the outer sleeve 42 rotates in the folding rotation direction, the resistance generated between the inner wall of the outer sleeve 42 and the ratchet structure is recorded as the first resistance. When the outer sleeve 42 rotates in the unfolding rotation direction, the resistance generated between the inner wall of the outer sleeve 42 and the ratchet structure is recorded as the second resistance. The second resistance is much larger than the first resistance.

[0050] When the folding frame body 12 rotates to a predetermined folding locking angle, at this time, the static friction between the ratchet structure and the inner wall of the outer sleeve 42 is sufficient to prevent the outer sleeve 42 from rotating in the unfolding rotation direction, thereby maintaining the folding locking state of the folding frame body 12. The included angle between the folding frame body 12 and the ground is α. When α is 60°-65°, it is the folding locking angle of the folding frame body 12.

[0051] The outer sleeve 42 includes a first outer sleeve 421 and a second outer sleeve 422 arranged separately. The first outer sleeve 421 and the second outer sleeve 422 are provided with plug-in fit positioning columns 7 and positioning holes 71, thereby realizing the positioning of the two. Four threaded sleeves 423 are arranged on the outer walls of the first outer sleeve 421 and the second outer sleeve 422. A locking member (not shown in the figure) passes through the threaded sleeves 423, thereby realizing the fixed connection of the first outer sleeve 421 and the second outer sleeve 422. The locking member is a bolt. By screwing the locking member and changing the screwing depth, the radial compression degree of the damping bushing 43 sleeved in the first outer sleeve 421 and the second outer sleeve 422 is adjusted, thereby controlling the friction resistance between the damping bushing 43 and the inner wall of the outer sleeve 42.

[0052] The first outer sleeve 421 is located above the second outer sleeve 422, and the first outer sleeve 421 is provided with a connecting plate 6 extending in the horizontal direction, which is welded and fixed with the folding frame body 12. The first outer sleeve 421 is also provided with an extension 61 extending upwardly, and the first outer sleeve 421, the damping bushing 43 and the inner sleeve 41 are all provided with locking holes 8, and the locking holes 8 of the first outer sleeve 421 extend through the extension 61. The locking holes 8 are matched with locking pieces 5. When the folding frame body 12 and the fixed frame body 11 are in the flat state, the locking holes 8 of the inner sleeve 41, the damping bushing 43 and the outer sleeve 42 are aligned with each other for the locking pieces 5 to pass through. The locking holes 8 of the extension 61 are provided with a threaded structure, and the locking pieces 5 are bolts which are screwed with the locking holes 8 of the extension 61.

[0053] When the elliptical machine needs to be folded, the locking pieces 5 are screwed to make the locking pieces 5 exit the locking holes 8 of the inner sleeve 41 and the damping bushing 43. Then the folding frame body 12 is lifted and rotated in the folding rotation direction, and when the folding frame body 12 is rotated to a predetermined folding locking angle of 65°, the static friction force between the ratchet structure and the inner wall of the outer sleeve 42 is sufficient to prevent the outer sleeve 42 from rotating in the unfolding rotation direction, so the folding locking of the folding frame body 12 is automatically completed at this time. When the folding frame body 12 needs to be unfolded, the user can press the folding frame body 12 slightly with force, so that the folding frame body 12 rotates in the unfolding rotation direction, at this time the outer sleeve 42 and the ratchet structure are in dynamic friction, and the folding frame body 12 slowly descends to the unfolded state, and then the locking pieces 5 are screwed again, so that the inner sleeve 41, the damping bushing 43 and the outer sleeve 42 are fixed. Then the user can use the elliptical machine for exercise.

[0054] In other embodiments, the inner sleeve 41 is fixed with the folding frame body 12, and the outer sleeve 43 is fixed with the fixed frame body 11. The damping bushing 43 is fixed with the outer sleeve 42, and the inner wall of the damping bushing 43 is provided with a ratchet structure. The inner sleeve 41 is rotated by rotating the folding frame body 12, so as to complete the folding of the elliptical machine.

[0055] Or in other embodiments, the outer sleeve 42 is fixed with the damping bushing 43, and the inner wall of the damping bushing 43 is provided with a ratchet structure. The inclination direction of the ratchet structure is opposite to the folding rotation direction of the folding frame body 12, and is consistent with the unfolding rotation direction of the folding frame body 12. When the folding frame body 12 is rotated to the folding locking angle, the ratchet structure of the damping bushing 43 and the outer wall of the inner sleeve 41 generate sufficient static friction resistance therebetween, so as to maintain the folding state of the elliptical machine.

Claims

1. A rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment, characterized in that: include: An inner kit, which is used to be fixed to a fixed frame or a folding frame of the fitness equipment; An outer set, which is used to be fixed to the folding frame or fixed frame of the fitness equipment, the outer set is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the inner set and the two are rotatably connected to achieve folding of the fitness equipment; a damping bushing, which is provided between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, the damping bushing is made of elastic material, and a ratchet structure is provided on the circumferential outer wall or the circumferential inner wall of the damping bushing; When the folding frame rotates to a predetermined folding locking angle, the static friction between the ratchet structure and the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve is sufficient to prevent the folding frame from rotating in the unfolding direction, thereby maintaining the folding locking state of the folding frame.

2. The rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer sleeve comprises a first outer sleeve and a second outer sleeve which are separately provided, and the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve are threadedly connected by a locking member; By screwing the locking piece to change its screw-in depth, the radial compression degree of the first outer sleeve and the second outer sleeve on the damping bushing arranged therein is adjusted; thereby controlling the magnitude of the friction resistance between the damping bushing and the inner wall of the outer sleeve or the outer wall of the inner sleeve.

3. The rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The damping bushing is sleeved and fixed on the circumferential outer wall of the inner sleeve; or The damping bushing is fixed to the circumferential inner wall of the outer sleeve.

4. The rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner sleeve is fixed to the damping bushing, and a radial concave-convex plug-in fitting structure is provided between the circumferential outer wall of the inner sleeve and the damping bushing; or The outer sleeve is fixed to the damping bushing, and a radial concave-convex plug-in matching structure is provided between the circumferential inner wall of the outer sleeve and the damping bushing.

5. The rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratchet teeth of the ratchet structure are arranged continuously along the circumferential direction of the damping bushing; or The ratchet teeth of the ratchet structure are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the damping bushing.

6. The rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sleeve, the damping bushing and the outer sleeve are equipped with a locking piece, and the inner sleeve, the damping bushing and the outer sleeve are provided with a locking hole for the locking piece to pass through; When the folding frame and the fixed frame are in a flattened state, the locking holes of the inner sleeve, the damping bushing and the outer sleeve are aligned with each other to allow the locking member to pass through.

7. The rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking member is a bolt, and the bolt is threadably matched with the inner sleeve and / or the outer sleeve.

8. An elliptical machine having the rotating and folding mechanism for fitness equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a frame, the frame consisting of a fixed frame and a folding frame, the folding mechanism being arranged between the fixed frame and the folding frame.

9. The elliptical machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The elliptical machine is a front-drive elliptical machine. The fixed frame is provided with a wheel disc, a rocker arm, a crank, a connecting rod and a pedal assembly. The folding frame includes a slide rail, and a pulley supporting the pedal assembly is slidably mounted on the slide rail.

10. The elliptical machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the folding frame is rotated to an angle of 50°-90° with the horizontal plane, the angle is the folding locking angle of the elliptical machine.

Images