Flywheel vehicle with gradient visual indication function

Abstract

A flywheel vehicle comprises a lifting mechanism, a main frame, a resistance device, a magnetic resistance mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a linear mechanism and a first visual indicator lamp. The linear mechanism is connected between the main frame and the lifting mechanism, and the length of the linear mechanism can be adjusted so as to change the included angle between the lifting mechanism and the ground and change the resistance applied to the resistance device by the magnetic resistance mechanism. The first visual indicator lamp displays different colors according to a first parameter of the flywheel vehicle, and the first parameter comprises the gradient of the flywheel vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an indoor exercise machine with visual indication of slope, in particular a flywheel cycle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Indoor exercise equipment is not affected by weather, and its benefits include training muscles, improving mood, burning calories, and strengthening physical fitness. Among them, flywheel racing bikes are more helpful for improving cardiorespiratory function and exercising core muscle groups.

[0003] Most flywheel racing bikes on the market only have resistance adjustment functions and cannot change the simulated use of slope. Some flywheel racing bikes have adjustable slope functions. For example, US Patent US, 10561,877B2, a fitness machine, includes a frame including a base portion, an upright portion, and a pivot joint. The upright portion is coupled to the base portion at a single pivot point. The pivot joint connects the upright portion to the base portion at the single pivot point. The pivot joint includes a drop-in spindle and a drop-in socket. The drop-in spindle is connected to the upright portion. The drop-in socket is connected to the base portion. The fitness machine also includes a tilt actuator connected to the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame, which determines the angle formed by the upright portion relative to the base portion.

[0004] US Patent US9833661B2 discloses a fitness bicycle that improves training control through improved information display. The fitness bicycle has a first display device for displaying one or more information for the exerciser, and a second display device located on the opposite side of the fitness bicycle to output at least one information. The displayed information includes all training data captured by the device (pedaling frequency / rotation speed, power, resistance, etc.), as well as data related to the person, such as heart rate and maximum heart rate.

[0005] Known flywheel bikes have a stable base structure and an upright structure above it that is pivoted, and the angle between the two is changed by a tilt actuator or extension mechanism between them to change the simulated use of slope of the flywheel bike. While changing the slope, the resistance of the flywheel bike remains unchanged. Resistance is usually adjusted by another operation and mechanism. In addition, users or instructors can only know the slope of the flywheel bike through the control panel. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention relates to an indoor exercise machine with visual indication of slope, in particular a flywheel cycle.

[0007] In some embodiments, a flywheel vehicle includes a lifting mechanism, a main frame, a resistance device, a magnetic resistance mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a first linkage cable, a linear mechanism, and one or more first visual indicator lights. The main frame is connected to the lifting mechanism. The resistance device is disposed on the main frame and includes an axle and a flywheel. The magnetic resistance mechanism is adjacent to the flywheel and is pivotally connected to the main frame, the magnetic resistance mechanism including a plurality of magnets. The linkage mechanism includes a first linkage seat, the first linkage seat being pivotally connected to the magnetic resistance mechanism. The first linkage cable has two ends connected to the first linkage seat and the lifting mechanism, respectively. The linear mechanism is connected between the main frame and the second lifting arm, the linear mechanism being adjustable in length to change the angle between the lifting mechanism and the ground, while the first linkage cable drives the first linkage seat so that the magnetic resistance mechanism pivots to approach or move away from the flywheel to change the resistance applied to the flywheel. The first visual indicator light displays different colors according to a first parameter of the flywheel vehicle, the first parameter including the slope of the flywheel vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first visual indicator light also displays different colors according to a second parameter of the flywheel vehicle, the second parameter being selected from one of the user's heart rate and the user's pedaling speed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flywheel vehicle further includes a second visual indicator light, the second visual indicator light emitting light and / or flashing when a third parameter of the flywheel vehicle reaches a predetermined value, the third parameter including exercise time or calorie consumption.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second visual indicator light is a virtual indicator light on the screen of a watch of the flywheel vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first parameter is a slope increase ratio of the flywheel vehicle, the slope increase ratio being the slope increase divided by the maximum slope increase.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first visual indicator light displays different colors according to a fourth parameter of the flywheel vehicle, the fourth parameter being the first parameter plus a second parameter, the second parameter being selected from one of a heart rate ratio of the user, a pedaling speed ratio, and a resistance ratio of the flywheel, the heart rate ratio being the current heart rate of the user divided by the maximum heart rate of the user, the pedaling speed ratio being the current pedaling speed divided by the maximum pedaling speed, and the resistance ratio being the current resistance of the flywheel divided by the maximum resistance of the flywheel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first visual indicator light displays different colors according to a fifth parameter of the flywheel vehicle, the fifth parameter being selected from two of the slope increase ratio plus the heart rate ratio, the pedaling speed ratio, and the resistance ratio.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first visual indicator is a plurality of light bulbs arranged around the perimeter of the screen of the flywheel bike. The plurality of first visual indicators can be displayed one by one to reflect the change in slope as climbing or descending.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flywheel bike further comprises a knob to adjust the initial distance between the magnetic resistance mechanism and the flywheel, so that the user can define the resistance range suitable for himself.

[0016] The flywheel bike provided by the present application synchronously changes the slope and the resistance, so that the synchronization visual indication of the slope and other parameters can intuitively let the user and the instructor know whether the current training intensity matches the user's physical condition, and can make real-time adjustments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the following figures, which are provided for illustration purposes and are not limiting, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various figures.

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of a flywheel bike according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 A perspective view of a flywheel bike according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 A side view of the flywheel bike shown in FIG. 1 with some components removed.

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view of a first visual indicator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 4 A perspective view of a first and second visual indicator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] REFERENCE NUMERALS:

[0023] 1 flywheel bike

[0024] 10 main frame

[0025] 11 lifting mechanism

[0026] 12 magnetic resistance mechanism

[0027] 13 linear mechanism

[0028] 14 first connecting cable

[0029] 15 connecting mechanism

[0030] 16 resistance device

[0031] 20 pedal

[0032] 31 first visual indicator

[0033] 32 Second visual indicator lights

[0034] 40 Horse Watch

[0035] 111 First Lifting Arm

[0036] 111a First end

[0037] 111b Second End

[0038] 112 Second lifting arm

[0039] 112a First end

[0040] 112b Second End

[0041] 151 First Linkage Seat

[0042] 162 Flywheel

[0043] 163 axis

[0044] 311 Uphill Indicator Light

[0045] 312 Downhill indicator light

[0046] 401 Left side

[0047] 402 Right side

[0048] 403 upper side

[0049] 1620 outer cover

[0050] P pivot point Detailed Implementation

[0051] Embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document and illustrate specific exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. These embodiments have been disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, these embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the present invention has a flywheel vehicle 1 with a slope visual indication, wherein the structure of the flywheel vehicle 1 may be identical to that disclosed in the previously filed patent application dated June 18, 2024, application number 113122555, entitled "Flywheel Vehicle with Synchronously Adjustable Resistance and Slope". The contents of the aforementioned patent are incorporated herein by reference and are considered part of the specification of this case.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a flywheel vehicle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 forFigure 1 The flywheel car 1 shown is a side view after some components have been removed. See also Figures 1-2 The flywheel vehicle 1 mainly comprises a main frame 10, a lifting mechanism 11, a magnetic resistance mechanism 12, a linear mechanism 13, a first linkage cable 14, a linkage mechanism 15, and a resistance device 16. The lifting mechanism 11 includes a first lifting arm 111 and a second lifting arm 112. The first lifting arm includes a first end 111a in contact with the ground and a suspended second end 111b, which swings with its first end 111a as a fulcrum. The second lifting arm 112 includes a first end 112a in contact with the ground and a suspended second end 112b, which swings with its first end 112a as a fulcrum. The second ends 111b of the first lifting arm 111 and 112b of the second lifting arm 112 are pivotally connected at pivot point P. The main frame 10 is connected to the first lifting arm 111. The resistance device 16 is mounted on the main frame 10 and includes a shaft 163 and a flywheel 162 (or inertia wheel). The magnetic resistance mechanism 12 is adjacent to the flywheel 162 and pivotally connected to the main frame 10. The magnetic resistance mechanism 12 includes multiple magnets (not shown). The linkage mechanism 15 includes a first linkage seat 151, which is pivotally connected to the magnetic resistance mechanism 12. The two ends of the first linkage cable 14 are respectively connected to the first linkage seat 151 and the second lifting arm 112 (or the first lifting arm 111, in another embodiment). The linear mechanism 13 is connected between the main frame 10 and the second lifting arm 112. The length of the linear mechanism 13 can be adjusted to change the angle between the first lifting arm 111 and the ground and the angle between the second lifting arm 112 and the ground. At the same time, the first linkage cable 14 drives the first linkage seat 151, causing the magnetic resistance mechanism 12 to pivot and move closer to or away from the flywheel 162, thereby changing the resistance applied to the flywheel 162.

[0054] See Figures 1-3 The flywheel 1 also features multiple first-view indicator lights 31. In a preferred embodiment, the multiple first-view indicator lights 31 are arranged around the dynamometer 40 at the front of the flywheel 1, preferably on the left side 401 and right side 402 of the dynamometer 40, or on the left side 401, right side 402, and top side 403 of the dynamometer 40. The latter configuration is more suitable for an instructor to simultaneously observe multiple students practicing on their respective flywheels 1 from the front of the flywheel 1. The multiple first-view indicator lights 31 can also appear as a single strip. See [link to previous section] Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the first visual indicator 31 may also include virtual light keys on the screen of the watch 40, such as uphill indicator 311 and downhill indicator 312. In some embodiments, the flywheel 162 has an outer cover 1620, and the first visual indicator 31 may also be attached to the outer cover 1620, and may further include uphill indicator 311 and downhill indicator 312.

[0055] SeeFigures 1-3 When the linear mechanism 13 changes its length, causing a change in the slope of the flywheel vehicle 1, the first visual indicator 31 will display a different color. In this embodiment, the slope and resistance of the flywheel vehicle 1 change synchronously, so the slope can also be used to represent the user's training level.

[0056] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient variation range of the flywheel 1, for example -5° (downhill) to 12° (uphill), a total variation of 17°, is divided into multiple gradient intervals (or gradient increments, defined as the difference between the current gradient and the minimum gradient). The first visual indicator 31 displays a corresponding color according to the gradient interval (or gradient increment) in which the current gradient is located, as illustrated in Table 1. For example, if the current gradient is 3°, the first visual indicator 31 emits a yellow light. In a preferred embodiment, when the user adjusts the gradient of the flywheel 1, the multiple first visual indicator lights 31 arranged around the speedometer 40 can also display one by one to reflect the change in gradient as either ascending or descending. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the user adjusts the slope and the change in slope (current slope minus previous slope) is positive, multiple first visual indicator lights 31 illuminate sequentially from the bottom to the top on both sides of the speedometer 40, creating a visual effect of lighting up from bottom to top, and their brightness can be different from each other. Similarly, when the user adjusts the slope and the change in slope is negative, multiple first visual indicator lights 31 illuminate sequentially from the top to the bottom on both sides of the speedometer 40, creating a visual effect of lighting up from top to bottom, and their brightness can be different from each other. In other embodiments, when the user adjusts the slope and the change in slope is positive, the uphill indicator light 311 illuminates and / or flashes; when the change in slope is negative, the downhill indicator light 312 illuminates and / or flashes.

[0057] Table 1

[0058]

[0059] In some embodiments, in addition to the first parameter—incline (or incline increment), one or more of the first visual indicator lights 31 also display at different frequencies (flashes per second) according to a second parameter. The selection of the second parameter includes either the user's current heart rate or the user's pedaling speed (the speed of the pedal 20 around the axis 163). Sensors are installed on the user and on the flywheel 1 to measure the user's heart rate and pedaling speed respectively, and the measured values ​​are continuously transmitted to the control system of the flywheel 1.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the user's heart rate is divided into multiple heart rate zones, and one or more first visual indicator lights 31, such as the first visual indicator lights 31 installed around the horse gauge 40, in addition to displaying different colors according to the current slope, will also display according to the heart rate zone in which the user's current heart rate is located, with the corresponding frequency (number of flashes / second), as illustrated in Table 2.

[0061] Table 2

[0062]

[0063]

[0064] For example, in the embodiments of Tables 1 and 2, if the current incline is 3° and the user's current heart rate is 110 bpm, the first visual indicator 31 installed around the horse gauge 40 will not only emit a yellow light, but will also flash once every 0.7 seconds to prompt and allow the user and / or instructor to intuitively understand the current incline range of the flywheel 1 and the user's heart rate status.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the user's pedaling speed rpm is divided into multiple speed ranges, and the first visual indicator 31 will also display the speed range in which the current pedaling speed is located at its corresponding frequency (number of flashes / second), as illustrated in Table 3.

[0066] Table 3

[0067] Rpm Below 80 81-90 91-100 101-110 111-120 121-130 Above 131 Flashing light speed / sec 1 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3

[0068] For example, in the embodiments of Tables 1 and 3, if the current incline is 3° and the user's current pedaling speed is 95 rpm, the second visual indicator 32 will not only emit a yellow light, but will also flash once every 0.7 seconds to prompt and allow the user and / or instructor to intuitively understand the current incline range of the flywheel 1 and the user's current pedaling speed.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the flywheel scooter 1 further includes one or more second visual indicator lights 32, which illuminate and / or flash when a third parameter reaches a predetermined value. The third parameter can be selected from exercise time or calories burned. When the exercise time reaches the system default time (e.g., half an hour) or the calories burned reach a preset calorie limit (e.g., 200 kcal), the second visual indicator lights 32 illuminate and / or flash to remind the user to take a break. Figure 4 As shown, the second visual indicator 32 can be a virtual indicator light on the watch screen.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first parameter is the gradient increment ratio, which is defined as gradient increment / maximum gradient increment. For example, the gradient adjustment range of the flywheel 1 is from -5 degrees to 7 degrees, with a total increment of 12 degrees, as illustrated in Table 4. The gradient increment ratio is divided into multiple gradient increment ratio intervals, and the first visual indicator 31 displays its corresponding default color according to the gradient increment ratio interval in which the current gradient is located, as illustrated in Table 5. For example, when the gradient increment ratio is less than or equal to 0.14, the first visual indicator 31 will emit blue light. This design allows users and / or instructors to intuitively understand the current training intensity.

[0071] Table 4

[0072] Slope increase 0° 2° 4° 6° 8° 10° 12° Slope increase ratio 0.00 0.17 0.33 0.50 0.67 0.83 1.00

[0073] Table 5

[0074]

[0075] In some embodiments, the fourth parameter is the first parameter plus the second parameter, wherein the first parameter is the incline increase ratio, and the selection of the second parameter includes one of the user's heart rate ratio, pedal speed ratio, and flywheel resistance ratio, and the first visual indicator 31 will display different colors according to different fourth parameter ranges.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second parameter is a heart rate ratio, defined as the current heart rate divided by the maximum heart rate, with a value between 0 and 1. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Table 6, the user's heart rate range is 80 to 210 bpm. If the current heart rate is 150 bpm, then the heart rate ratio is 150 / 210 = 0.71. In a preferred embodiment, the user can input a minimum heart rate and a maximum heart rate through the user interface to define a suitable heart rate range.

[0077] Table 6

[0078] Current heart rate (bpm) 80 105 125 145 165 195 210 Heart rate / maximum heart rate 0.38 0.50 0.60 0.69 0.79 0.93 1.00

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the resistance adjustment range of the flywheel vehicle 1 is from level 0 to level 13, and the second parameter is the resistance ratio, defined as the current resistance (level) / maximum resistance (level), with a value between 0 and 1, as illustrated in Table 7. For example, if the resistance is 4, then the resistance ratio is 4 / 13 = 0.31. In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel vehicle 1 has a knob (not shown) to adjust the initial distance between the magnetic resistance mechanism 12 and the flywheel 162, allowing the user to adjust the resistance range to suit their needs. For example, the smaller the initial distance between the magnetic resistance mechanism 12 and the flywheel 162, the greater the initial resistance of the flywheel vehicle 1.

[0080] Table 7

[0081] Resistance (level) 0 2 4 6 8 10 13 Resistance ratio 0.00 0.15 0.31 0.46 0.62 0.77 1.00

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user's pedaling speed is a minimum of 0 rpm and a maximum of 140 rpm. The speed ratio is defined as the current pedaling speed (rpm) / the maximum pedaling speed (rpm), and the speed ratio is between 0 and 1, as illustrated in Table 8.

[0083] Table 8

[0084]

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth parameter is the sum of the "slope increase ratio" and the "heart rate ratio", with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 2, as illustrated in Table 9.

[0086] Table 9

[0087]

[0088]

[0089] In one embodiment, the fourth parameter, such as those listed in Table 9, is divided into multiple fourth parameter intervals, and the first visual indicator 31 displays its corresponding default color according to the fourth parameter interval in which the fourth parameter is located, as illustrated in Table 10. For example, if the fourth parameter is 1.32, the first visual indicator 31 displays orange.

[0090] Table 10

[0091]

[0092] In some embodiments, the fourth parameter is the sum of the gradient increase ratio and the drag ratio. In other embodiments, the fourth parameter is the sum of the gradient increase ratio and the rotational speed ratio.

[0093] In other embodiments, the fifth parameter is the first parameter plus two (different) second parameters, wherein the first parameter is the gradient increase ratio, and the selection of the second parameters includes one of the heart rate ratio, pedal speed ratio, and flywheel resistance ratio, and the first visual indicator 31 will display different colors according to different fifth parameter ranges.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fifth parameter is the gradient increase ratio plus the resistance ratio and the speed ratio, with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 3. The first visual indicator 31 displays its corresponding default color according to the range of the fifth parameter, as illustrated in Table 11. In a better embodiment, the fifth parameter is the gradient increase ratio plus the resistance ratio and the heart rate ratio, with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 3.

[0095] Table 11

[0096]

[0097] In some embodiments, users can select the light color and / or display frequency corresponding to individual ranges of the aforementioned (first to fifth) parameters via a control panel (not shown).

[0098] The flywheel bike provided by this invention, which has visual indicators of incline and other parameters, allows users and / or instructors to easily and quickly understand the current training intensity and physical condition of the user, and make adjustments in real time.

[0099] Although the above embodiment is a flywheel that can synchronously adjust the simulated incline and resistance, it is understood that the principles described in this specification can be applied to any suitable fitness machine, such as, but not limited to, elliptical trainers, steppers, rowing machines, etc.

[0100] As can be understood from the foregoing, specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited except for the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. A flywheel vehicle, characterized in that, include: Ascension mechanism; The main frame connects to the lifting mechanism: A resistance device is mounted on the main frame and includes a shaft and a flywheel; A magnetoresistive mechanism, located adjacent to the flywheel and pivotally connected to the main frame, includes a plurality of magnets; The linkage mechanism includes a first linkage seat, which is pivotally connected to the magnetoresistive mechanism; The first linkage cable has its two ends connected to the first linkage seat and the lifting mechanism, respectively. A linear mechanism, connected between the main frame and the lifting mechanism, is adjustable in length to change the angle between the lifting mechanism and the ground. Simultaneously, the first linkage cable drives the first linkage seat, causing the magnetic reluctance mechanism to pivot, thus moving closer to or further away from the flywheel to change the resistance applied to it. The first visual indicator light displays different colors based on a first parameter of the flywheel vehicle, which includes the flywheel vehicle's slope.

2. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more first visual indicator lights are displayed at different frequencies according to a second parameter of the flywheel, the selection of which includes one of the user's heart rate and the user's pedaling speed.

3. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flywheel also includes a second visual indicator light. When the flywheel's third parameter reaches a predetermined value, the second visual indicator light will light up and / or flash. The selection of the third parameter includes one of exercise time and calories burned.

4. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second visual indicator light is a virtual indicator light on the screen of the flywheel vehicle's odometer.

5. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first parameter is the gradient increase ratio of the flywheel vehicle, which is the gradient increase divided by the maximum gradient increase.

6. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first visual indicator light displays different colors based on the fourth parameter of the flywheel bike. The fourth parameter is the first parameter plus the second parameter. The selection of the second parameter includes one of the user's heart rate ratio, pedaling speed ratio, and flywheel resistance ratio. The heart rate ratio is the user's current heart rate divided by the user's maximum heart rate, the pedaling speed ratio is the current pedaling speed divided by the maximum pedaling speed, and the resistance ratio is the flywheel's current resistance divided by the flywheel's maximum resistance.

7. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first visual indicator light displays different colors based on the fifth parameter of the flywheel bike. The selection of the fifth parameter includes two of the following: the gradient increase ratio plus the heart rate ratio, the pedal speed ratio, and the resistance ratio.

8. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first visual indicator includes a plurality of first visual indicator lights arranged around the screen of the flywheel's clock.

9. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple first visual indicator lights display one by one the change in slope as a positive or negative value.

10. The flywheel vehicle as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ascension mechanism includes: A first lifting arm includes a first end in contact with the ground and a second end suspended in the air, the first lifting arm swinging with its first end as a fulcrum; and The second lifting arm includes a first end in contact with the ground and a second end suspended in the air. The second lifting arm swings with its first end as a fulcrum, and the second end of the first lifting arm is pivotally connected to the second end of the second lifting arm at a pivot point.

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