Resistance mechanism for an exercise machine

Abstract

A resistance mechanism for a fitness device, the resistance mechanism comprising: a drive interface adapted to transmit motion from a user-driven drive assembly of the fitness device to the resistance mechanism; a flywheel including a first disc operably connected to and configured to be rotated by the drive interface; a magnetic assembly having at least one magnet disposed on at least one side of the first disc; and a displacement assembly including a pivoting element configured to pivot about a rotation axis, the magnetic assembly being fastened to the pivoting element such that when the pivoting element pivots about the rotation axis, the magnetic assembly is displaced between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the magnetic assembly is positioned away from the first disc, or is configured to... The magnetic assembly is positioned to overlap at least a first region of the first disc body. In the second position, the magnetic assembly is positioned to overlap at least a second region of the first disc body, the second region being larger than the first region. The pivoting element further includes an arcuate tooth portion comprising a plurality of teeth extending radially outward relative to the arcuate tooth portion; a gear configured to mesh with the arcuate tooth portion and configured to pivot the pivoting element about the rotation axis to move the magnetic assembly between the first and second positions; and a handle operably connected to the gear and configured to rotate the gear to move and position the magnetic assembly between the first and second positions to adjust the resistance provided by the resistance mechanism to the movement of the drive interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a resistance mechanism for a fitness device (or exercise equipment) that allows a user to select the resistance provided by the fitness device to a desired level. In one aspect, the invention also discloses a fitness device including a resistance mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The selection of desired resistance settings for currently available fitness equipment (such as exercise bikes) is provided by many different types of mechanisms. Some mechanisms are based on friction, some on electrical dissipation, and some on magnetic braking principles, such as eddy current braking. Some resistance mechanisms include adjustment components that provide slow and inaccurate resistance settings. Therefore, alternative mechanisms are always a concern.

[0003] Different mechanisms have been previously proposed, providing systems that should be easier for users to operate. Some prior art examples of more advanced mechanisms for resistance selection are disclosed in WO2008051693, US2022176196, US11633647, and EP3278842. However, these mechanisms all have different advantages and disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a resistance mechanism for a fitness device that provides a plurality of manually selectable resistance settings to the user of the fitness device.

[0005] A second aspect of the invention is to provide a resistance mechanism for fitness equipment that has a more linear relationship between the position of the operating handle and the resistance level compared to prior art devices.

[0006] A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a resistance mechanism for fitness equipment, which has a simple construction.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the invention is to provide a resistance mechanism for fitness equipment that allows for flexible installation.

[0008] At least some of the above aspects are addressed by the resistance mechanism according to claim 1.

[0009] In this way, the magnetic component moves / displaces between a first position and a second position to change the strength of the magnetic field in which the first disc rotates, thereby changing (i.e. increasing or decreasing) the motion resistance of the flywheel and thus the drive interface due to the eddy currents generated in the first disc.

[0010] In some embodiments, the magnetic component includes at least two magnets, with at least one magnet disposed on either side of the first disk. This allows for a more concentrated magnetic field and a more balanced force.

[0011] In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly is disposed on one side of the plane containing the axis of rotation of the pivot element, and the arcuate teeth are disposed on the other side of the plane. In this way, a balanced mechanism is provided, wherein the forces on the mechanism are reduced because they are more balanced on either side of the axis of rotation. It can also be noted that reducing the distance between the magnetic assembly and the axis of rotation in this manner reduces the bending load on the pivot element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the magnetic component is configured to be positioned at multiple intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. In this way, the resistance of the resistance mechanism can be adjusted at multiple levels between the minimum resistance when the magnetic component is in the first position and the maximum resistance when the magnetic component is in the second position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes a holding mechanism to hold the magnetic component in a discrete number of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, and / or the first position or the second position. In this way, a user can place the resistance mechanism in multiple discrete positions. In some embodiments, there are more than 5, more than 7, or more than 9 discrete positions. In some embodiments, there are fewer than 20, fewer than 18, or fewer than 15 discrete positions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism is configured to increase resistance to gear rotation when the magnetic component is in one of the discrete number of intermediate positions, and / or the first or second position. In this way, the system will maintain a stable resistance level during use and will not switch resistance levels unless the user actively applies force to the handle to move the magnetic component.

[0015] In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism includes: a plurality of spaced-apart grooves formed on the outer surface of a rotating component of a resistance assembly connected to the handle, and arranged annularly on the outer surface; and a spring-loaded element biased to extend into one of the plurality of grooves to provide increased resistance to gear rotation when the spring-loaded element extends into the groove. In this way, a snap-fit ​​or indexing mechanism is provided that provides tactile feedback to a user rotating the handle when the mechanism is positioned in one of discrete positions. In some embodiments, the spring-loaded element is a spring-loaded pin.

[0016] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes a shaft on which a gear is mounted, wherein the retaining mechanism includes: a plurality of grooves formed on the outer surface of the shaft and arranged annularly on the outer surface of the shaft; and a spring-loaded element biased to extend into one of the plurality of grooves to provide increased resistance to rotation of the gear when the spring-loaded element extends into the groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes a wave-shaped portion on the handle having a series of high points and a series of low points; and a spring-loaded element biased to engage with the wave-shaped portion to provide increased resistance to gear rotation when the spring-loaded element is positioned at a low point of the wave-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the wave-shaped portion extends parallel to the rotation axis of the handle.

[0018] It should be noted that current resistance mechanisms provide a design with both inertial resistance and frictional resistance components. Inertial resistance provides resistance against changes in flywheel speed, while frictional resistance provides resistance against continuous flywheel rotation. The position of the magnets relative to the first disc increases or decreases frictional resistance, while the flywheel's inertia increases or decreases inertial resistance. Therefore, by changing the flywheel's inertia, the inertial resistance provided by the resistance mechanism can be altered. Similarly, by increasing the size and / or number of magnets, the maximum frictional resistance provided by the resistance mechanism can be changed. Furthermore, the characteristics of the resistance mechanism can be adjusted by changing the transmission ratio between the components of the drive interface. In this way, the same resistance mechanism can be used for different types of fitness equipment requiring different resistance levels, simply by changing the size / number of magnets and / or the inertial weight of the flywheel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flywheel includes an inertial element detachably attached to the first disc and configured to rotate with the first disc. In this way, the inertial drag of the drag mechanism can be varied by changing the size of the inertial element attached to the first disc.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first disk is made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the inertial element is made of a material having a higher mass per unit volume than the first disk. In some embodiments, the inertial element is made of iron, steel, or lead. In some embodiments, the inertial element is formed in the form of a disk.

[0021] In some embodiments, the drive interface includes: an active roller adapted for rotation by a user for exercise; a driven roller operatively connected to the active roller and configured as a rotating flywheel; and a drive belt connecting the active roller to the driven roller to rotate the driven roller in response to rotation of the active roller. The transmission ratio of the drive interface can be changed by altering the size ratio between the driven roller and the active roller to change the characteristics of the resistance mechanism.

[0022] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the drive interface includes a tensioner, for example, an idler pulley configured to contact the drive belt to maintain it at a desired tension. In some embodiments of the mechanism, the position of the idler pulley can be adjusted to regulate the tension in the drive belt to a desired level. In some embodiments, the position of the idler pulley is biased in one direction via a spring element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the position of the idler wheel depends on the direction of rotation in which the drive roller will be rotated to enable the user to exercise on the fitness equipment. The direction of rotation of the drive roller can be changed by positioning the idler wheel on the opposite side of the driven roller or the drive roller.

[0024] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism further includes a center plate, on which a flywheel and a displacement mechanism are mounted.

[0025] In some embodiments, the handle is disposed on one side of the center plate, and the flywheel is disposed on the other side of the center plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the drive interface is disposed on one side of the center plate, and the flywheel and the displacement mechanism are disposed on the other side of the center plate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism includes a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover is detachably attached to one side of the plate and the second cover is detachably attached to the other side of the plate. In some embodiments, the first cover covers the flywheel and the displacement mechanism, and the second cover covers the drive interface.

[0028] In this way, the moving parts of the resistance mechanism can be accessed by removing the first and / or second covers without affecting the function of the components. This contrasts with most prior art systems where the components of the resistance mechanism are attached to the covers themselves. For example, a drive belt can be replaced simply by removing one cover. Similarly, another cover can be removed to servicing the flywheel and / or displacement mechanism and / or magnetic components.

[0029] In one aspect of the invention, a fitness device is provided, which includes a resistance mechanism as described in one of the above embodiments.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fitness equipment is an elliptical machine.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fitness equipment is a recumbent exercise bike.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fitness equipment is an exercise bike.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fitness equipment is an upright exercise bike.

[0034] It should be emphasized that when the term "comprising / including / consisting of" is used in this specification, it is used to specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or combinations thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

[0036] Figure 1 A left perspective view of a resistance mechanism used in fitness equipment is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Right perspective view of the resistance mechanism.

[0038] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The right perspective view of the resistance mechanism, with the cover removed, depicts the components of the resistance mechanism.

[0039] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion of the resistance mechanism.

[0040] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The left perspective view of the resistance mechanism, with the cover removed, depicts the components of the drive interface of the resistance mechanism and the retaining mechanism of the resistance mechanism.

[0041] Figure 5 a shows Figure 5 A close-up view of the retaining mechanism of the resistance mechanism shown.

[0042] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the resistance mechanism.

[0043] Figure 7 It shows a similar Figure 1 Left perspective view of an elliptical trainer with resistance mechanism.

[0044] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The right perspective view of the elliptical machine.

[0045] Figure 9 It shows Figure 7 A close-up perspective view of the left side of the elliptical machine, with the cover and drive roller removed.

[0046] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 A close-up perspective view of the right side of the resistance mechanism of an elliptical machine, with the cover removed.

[0047] Figure 11 The left perspective view of a recumbent exercise bike is shown, which has a resistance mechanism with pedals configured to be rotated by the user.

[0048] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 Right perspective view of a recumbent exercise bike.

[0049] Figure 13 It shows Figure 11 The left perspective view of the resistance mechanism of a recumbent exercise bike, with the cover removed, depicting the magnetic components and flywheel of the resistance mechanism.

[0050] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12 The right perspective view of the resistance mechanism of a recumbent exercise bike, with the cover removed, and the location of the idler wheel of the resistance mechanism depicted.

[0051] Figure 15 The image shows a right perspective view of an exercise bike with a resistance mechanism having pedals configured to be driven by the user.

[0052] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 Left perspective view of the exercise bike.

[0053] Figure 17 It shows Figure 15 The right perspective view of the exercise bike shows the resistance mechanism's cover removed, and depicts the magnetic components and flywheel of the resistance mechanism.

[0054] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 The left perspective view of the exercise bike shows the resistance mechanism cover, pedals, and pedal arms removed, and depicts the location of the idler wheel of the resistance mechanism.

[0055] Figure 19 An alternative view of the retaining mechanism used in the resistance mechanism is shown.

[0056] Figure 20 It shows Figure 13 A detailed side view of the resistance mechanism, in which the first disc is hidden and the magnetic component is in the first position.

[0057] Figure 21 It shows Figure 13 A detailed side view of the resistance mechanism, in which the first disc is hidden and the magnetic component is in the second position. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different views of a resistance mechanism 100 for fitness equipment are shown. As shown, the mechanism 100 includes a frame 102 that supports the mechanism 100 on a surface and provides a structure for mounting various components of the mechanism 100. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the frame 102 includes a base structure 104 and a center plate 106. The base structure 104 is adapted to be connected to a surface and is configured to be supported on the surface (e.g., the ground). The center plate 106 is connected to the base structure 104 and provides a support structure. Various components of the mechanism 100 are mounted to the support structure.

[0059] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The mechanism 100 also includes a drive assembly 110 suitable for user operation, and a resistance assembly 112 (in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 (Best shown in the diagram) Resistance component 112 is operably connected to drive component 110 via drive interface 111 and provides adjustable resistance to user operation or movement of drive component 110. In the illustrated embodiment, drive component 110 includes a central shaft 114 and a pair of pedals 116, 118. The central shaft 114 is rotatably mounted to plate 106 with its ends positioned on opposite sides of plate 106. Pedals 116, 118 are attached to shaft 114 and configured to allow user rotation of shaft 114 about its central axis. Drive component 110 is connected to resistance component via drive interface 111, which includes a drive roller 120 fixedly mounted on shaft 114 and adapted to rotate about its central axis in response to rotation of shaft 114 by pressing pedals 116, 118.

[0060] Furthermore, the drive interface 111 includes a driven roller 122 adapted to be driven by the drive roller 120 and operably connected to the drive roller 120 via a transmission belt 124. To maintain the desired tension in the transmission belt 124, the drive interface 110 includes an idler pulley 126 configured to contact the transmission belt 124 and rotatably mounted to the plate 106. As shown, the drive roller 120 and driven roller 122 are also rotatably supported on the plate 106 and disposed on a first side of the plate 106. Thus, the drive interface 110 is disposed on the first side of the plate, while the various components of the resistance assembly 112 are mounted on a second side of the plate 106. It should also be noted that the transmission ratio of the drive interface can be changed by altering the dimensional ratio between the driven roller 122 and the drive roller 120.

[0061] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The resistance assembly 112 includes a flywheel 130 mounted on a driven shaft 132, and a driven roller 122 mounted on the driven shaft 132. The driven shaft 132 is rotatably supported on a plate 106, with one end positioned on a first side of the plate 106 and the other end on a second side of the plate 106. The flywheel 130 rotates in response to rotation of the driven roller 122. The flywheel 130 includes a disc structure 133 having a first disc body 134, preferably made of aluminum, and a second disc body 136 (or inertial element) made of a heavy material (e.g., cast iron or steel) detachably connected to the first disc body 134 by suitable fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the first disc body 134 may have a larger diameter than the second disc body 136 and is positioned between the plate 106 and the second disc body 136. Although the first disk 134 is considered to be made of aluminum, it should be understood that the first disk 134 can be made of a suitable material that generates eddy currents therein when the first disk 134 rotates within a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the first disk 134 and the second disk 136 can be integral with each other, in which case both the first disk 134 and the second disk 136 can be made of a material that generates eddy currents therein when moved / rotated within a magnetic field.

[0062] To generate a magnetic field, the drag assembly 112 includes a magnetic assembly 140 disposed adjacent to the periphery of the first disk 134 and comprising at least two magnets, wherein at least one first magnet 142 is disposed on one side of the first disk 134 and at least one second magnet 144 is disposed on the other side of the first disk 134, and a retainer 146 that holds the at least two magnets 142, 144. The retainer 146 is movably connected to the plate 106 and configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the retainer 146 is disposed adjacent to the first disk 134 such that the magnets 142, 144 are configured to overlap with the first disk 134, while in the first position, the magnets are configured to be relatively far from the first disk 134 such that there is less overlap between the magnets and the disk. It should be understood that the retainer 146 and, consequently, the magnetic assembly 140, may be disposed at one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions. It should be understood that when the magnetic component 140 is positioned in the second position, the resistance exerted by the resistance component 112 is at its maximum because the first disk 134 is located in the strong magnetic field of the magnets 142 and 144. Conversely, when the magnetic component 140 is positioned in the first position, the resistance exerted / provided by the resistance component 112 is at its minimum because the first disk 134 is located in the relatively weak magnetic field of the magnets 142 and 144. Therefore, by changing and positioning the magnetic component 140 and, consequently, the retainer 146, in any desired position, the user selects the desired resistance or resistance level of the mechanism 100.

[0063] Furthermore, to facilitate the movement of the magnetic assembly 140, the resistance assembly 112 includes a pivot element 150 having a toothed arcuate portion with a plurality of teeth 152 extending radially outward and disposed along a portion of the pivot element 150. Thus, the pivot element 150 functions as an external gear mounted on a shaft 154 rotatably connected to a plate 106. A retainer 156 is also connected / attached to the pivot element 150 such that the teeth 152 are disposed along the arcuate edge of the pivot element 150, while the retainer 156 is connected to the straight edge of the pivot element. Therefore, when the pivot element 150 rotates in a first direction, the retainer 146 and consequently the magnetic assembly 140 move away from the first disk 134; when the pivot element 150 rotates in a second direction, the retainer 146 and consequently the magnetic assembly 140 move towards the first disk 134.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown, in order to rotate the pivot element 150 and position the magnetic assembly 140 at any desired location, the resistance assembly 112 includes a selector mechanism 160 having a selector shaft 162 and a gear 164. The selector shaft 162 is rotatably mounted to the plate 106 and adapted to rotate about its central axis. The gear 164 is mounted on the selector shaft 162 and configured to mesh with the teeth 152 of the pivot element 152. Therefore, the pivot element 150 rotates in response to rotation of the gear 164. Furthermore, to enable the user to rotate the selector shaft 162 and, consequently, the gear 164, the resistance assembly 112 includes a handle 170 fixedly mounted on the selector shaft 162. Figure 1 and Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram). Due to the rotation of the handle 170, the selector shaft 162 rotates, causing the gear 164 to rotate, which in turn causes the pivot element 150 to rotate, thereby moving the magnetic assembly 140 between a first position and a second position, i.e., closer to or further away from the first disc 134, depending on the direction of rotation of the handle 170.

[0065] It should be understood that the resistance assembly 112 includes a retaining mechanism 172 (in Figure 5 and Figure 5 (best shown in a) to hold the handle 170 in multiple discrete positions corresponding to multiple positions of the magnetic assembly 1400, thereby holding the retainer 156 in any desired position and preventing any undesired rotation of the pivot element 150, gear 164 and magnetic assembly 140.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown in Figure a, the retaining mechanism 172 includes a plurality of recesses 174 disposed / formed on / formed on the outer surface of the selector shaft 162 and arranged annularly around the central axis of the selector shaft 162. These recesses correspond to multiple positions of the magnetic assembly 140, and consequently multiple stable positions of the handle 170. Furthermore, the retaining mechanism 172 includes a spring-biased pin 180 adapted to removably extend into one recess 174 at a time to lock rotation of the gear 164 and the selector shaft 162, thereby holding the magnetic assembly 140 in the position corresponding to the recess 174 by preventing any undesired rotation of the pivot element 150. Therefore, the user needs to apply a force overcoming the biasing force of the spring-biased pin to rotate the gear 164 and, consequently, the pivot element 150, and position the magnetic assembly 140 in any other desired position to obtain the desired resistance to rotation of the drive roller 120 and, consequently, to the user's pedaling of the pedals 116, 118. Once the user positions the handle 170 in the desired position, the pin 180 extends into the associated recess 174 and prevents any undesirable rotation of the gear 164. Thus, the retaining mechanism 172 serves as the indexing mechanism of the mechanism 100, allowing the user to select the desired position by correspondingly rotating and positioning the handle 170.

[0067] Furthermore, the mechanism 100 includes a pair of covers 182, 184, which are disposed on both sides of and detachably connected to the plate 106, covering components of the drive interface 111 and the resistance assembly 112. As shown, one of the covers 182, 184 includes an opening 186 to provide access to the handle 170 for the user to rotate the handle 170 to select the desired resistance provided by the resistance assembly 112. Because components of the resistance assembly 112 and the drive interface 111 are mounted to the frame 102 (i.e., the plate 106) rather than to the covers 182, 184, the covers 182, 184 can be easily removed, allowing for easy repair and maintenance of the mechanism 100, compared to prior art machines where at least some components of the resistance assembly are mounted to the covers. In particular, it can be noted that only the pedal and pedal arm need to be removed to remove the covers. The remaining components of the mechanism can remain connected to the plate and can still function without the covers. In this way, it is easy to repair parts and easy to check that everything is working properly before reassembling the cover.

[0068] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a fitness machine 700 with a resistance mechanism 100'. The fitness machine 700 is shown as an elliptical trainer 702, with the pedals of the resistance mechanism 100' connected to the foot pedal arms 704 of the elliptical trainer 702, causing the pedals 116 to rotate in a first direction for exercise. Figure 9 As shown, when viewed from the side with the handle, the pedal 116 and the drive roller 120 are configured to rotate counterclockwise. For this purpose, an idler pulley 126 is positioned on one side of the drive roller 120 to provide the desired tension to the drive belt 124. The idler pulley 126 is pressed against the drive belt via a biasing mechanism 200. The biasing mechanism includes a lever arm 202 configured to pivot about a pivot point 204. The idler pulley 126 is rotatably mounted on the lever arm 202. One end 206 of the lever arm is attached to a tension spring 208, which pulls the end of the lever arm to apply a force to the idler pulley, which in turn applies tension to the drive belt 124. However, it should be understood that the position of the idler pulley 126 depends on the direction of rotation of the drive roller 120 and, consequently, the pedal 116 during exercise. Therefore, the idler pulley 126 can be positioned relative to... Figure 9 The opposite side is shown so that the pedal 116 can rotate in a second direction (i.e., clockwise) opposite to the first direction for exercise (see, for example, see...). Figure 14 It shows the clockwise rotation of the pedal when viewed from the side of the handle.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 10As shown, although a flywheel with a large inertial element 130 is used in this embodiment to provide relatively large inertial resistance to the user's pedaling, it should be understood that the size of the flywheel or inertial element can vary depending on the type of fitness equipment into which the resistance mechanism will be integrated and, consequently, the desired inertial resistance. Furthermore, the number and size of the magnets in the magnetic component 140 can also be varied to increase or decrease the resistance to motion provided by the resistance component 112. For example, the number and / or size of the magnets can be increased to increase the resistance provided by the resistance component 112, while the number and / or size of the magnets can be decreased to decrease the resistance provided by the resistance component 112. In this embodiment, the magnetic component 140 of the resistance component 112 includes four magnets. In this way, the resistance mechanism 100 can be adapted by changing one or more of the position of the idler wheel, the size of the flywheel, and the number and / or size of the magnets in the magnetic component.

[0070] refer to Figures 11 to 14 Another embodiment of the fitness equipment 1100 is shown, which is in the form of a recumbent exercise bike 1102, having a resistance mechanism 100'' and a seat 1104 for allowing a person to exercise while seated. The resistance mechanism 100'' is similar to the resistance mechanism 100', except that the idler wheel 126' of the resistance mechanism 100'' is positioned on the opposite side to the position of the idler wheel 126 of the resistance mechanism 100''. This is to allow the pedal 116 of the resistance mechanism 100'' to rotate in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the elliptical machine. Furthermore, the magnetic component 140' of the resistance assembly 112' of the resistance mechanism 100'' of the recumbent exercise bike 1102 is similar to the magnetic component 140, except that the magnetic component 140' includes two magnets, while the magnetic component 140 of the elliptical machine 702 includes four magnets.

[0071] refer to Figures 15 to 18 Example fitness equipment 1500 is shown as an arm exercise bike 1502, which has a resistance mechanism 100''' and a seat 1504 for enabling a person to exercise while seated. The resistance mechanism 100''' is similar to the resistance mechanism 100'. The idler wheel 126'' of the resistance mechanism 100''' is positioned on the same side as the idler wheel 126 of the resistance mechanism 100'''. This is to allow the pedal 116 of the resistance mechanism 100''' to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the handlebar side, so that the user can exercise. Furthermore, the magnetic component 140'' of the resistance assembly 112'' of the resistance mechanism 100''' of the arm exercise bike 1502 is similar to the magnetic component 140, except that the magnetic component 140'' includes two magnets, while the magnetic component 140 of the elliptical machine 702 includes four magnets. Furthermore, the inertial element 130'' of the resistance component 112'' of the resistance mechanism 100''' is smaller than the inertial element 130 of the resistance mechanism 100' of the elliptical machine 702.

[0072] Figure 19 It shows the relationship with Figure 5 and Figure 5 The retaining mechanism shown in Figure a is an alternative retaining mechanism 2000. In this embodiment, instead of adding a groove and a spring-loaded pin to the shaft, the handle 2002 itself has a rearward-facing wave portion 2004, which engages with a spring-loaded pin 2006 disposed in the housing 2008. The wave portion defines a series of alternating, spaced-apart grooves 2010 and peaks 2012. The spring is concealed inside the housing, but it is conceivable that there is a compression spring inside the housing, biasing the pin 2006 out of the housing and against the wave portion of the handle. As the handle is turned, the spring-loaded pin is pushed into the housing as the height of the wave portion increases. This will require the user to apply force to turn the handle. Once the spring-loaded pin passes the peak 2012 of the wave portion, the pin will begin to extend out of the housing until it reaches the groove or recess 2010 of the wave portion. This will be the stable position of the handle. The user will feel this effect as a tactile indexing effect.

[0073] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The figures above illustrate this more clearly than the other figures mentioned above. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The magnetic component 140 of the resistance mechanism 100'' is shown in different positions. The first disc 134 of the flywheel 130 has been concealed, its outline in... Figure 20 and Figure 21 The middle part is indicated by a dashed circle. Figure 20 In the image, the magnetic component 140 is shown in its "first" position, i.e., the position where it exerts minimal resistance to the movement of the first disk. Figure 21 In the diagram, the magnetic component 140 is shown in its "second" position, which is the position where it exerts maximum resistance to the movement of the first disc. The magnetic component can be moved separately between the first and second positions via a handle.

[0074] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the above description illustrate exemplary embodiments in a simple and illustrative manner. Many specific mechanical details are not shown because those skilled in the art should be familiar with such details, and they would only unnecessarily complicate the description. For example, specific materials and manufacturing processes are not described in detail because it is believed that those skilled in the art will be able to find suitable materials and processes to manufacture the fitness equipment according to the invention.

[0075] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings illustrate additional features that will be understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these additional features are not described in detail herein.

Claims

1. A resistance mechanism for fitness equipment, characterized in that, The resistance mechanism includes: a. A drive interface adapted to transmit motion from a drive component driven by a user of the fitness equipment to the resistance mechanism; b. A flywheel, including a first disc body operably connected to the drive interface and configured to be driven to rotate by the drive interface; c. A magnetic component having at least one magnet disposed on at least one side of the first disk body; d. A displacement assembly, comprising a pivoting element configured to pivot about a rotation axis, wherein a magnetic assembly is fastened to the pivoting element such that, when the pivoting element pivots about the rotation axis, the magnetic assembly is displaced between a first position and a second position, wherein... i. In the first position, the magnetic component is disposed away from the first disk body, or disposed to overlap with at least a first region of the first disk body, and, ii. In the second position, the magnetic component is configured to overlap with at least a second region of the first disk body, the second region being larger than the first region; e. The pivoting element further includes an arcuate tooth portion, the arcuate tooth portion comprising a plurality of teeth, the plurality of teeth extending radially outward relative to the arcuate tooth portion; f. A gear, configured to mesh with the arcuate teeth and arranged to pivot the pivoting element about the axis of rotation, thereby moving the magnetic assembly between the first position and the second position; and g. A handle operably connected to the gear and configured to rotate the gear, thereby moving and positioning the magnetic component between the first position and the second position to adjust the resistance provided by the resistance mechanism to the movement of the drive interface.

2. The resistance mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic component is configured to be positioned at a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

3. The resistance mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resistance mechanism includes a holding mechanism to hold the magnetic component in a number of discrete intermediate positions between the first position and the second position, and / or either the first position or the second position.

4. The resistance mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are more than 5 discrete positions between the first position and the second position.

5. The resistance mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The retaining mechanism is configured to increase resistance to the rotation of the gear when the magnetic component is in one of the intermediate positions of the discrete number, and / or the first position or the second position.

6. The resistance mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retaining mechanism includes: a. A plurality of spaced-apart grooves formed on the outer surface of the rotating part of the resistance assembly connected to the handle, and arranged in a ring on the outer surface; and b. A spring-loaded element, biased to extend into one of the plurality of grooves, to provide increased resistance to the rotation of the gear when the spring-loaded element extends into the groove.

7. The resistance mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The resistance mechanism includes a shaft on which the gear is mounted, wherein the retaining mechanism includes: a plurality of grooves formed on the outer surface of the shaft and arranged annularly on the outer surface of the shaft; and a spring-loaded element biased to extend into one of the grooves to provide increased resistance to rotation of the gear when the spring-loaded element extends into the groove.

8. The resistance mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The resistance mechanism includes a wave-shaped portion located on the handle, the wave-shaped portion having a series of high points and a series of low points; and a spring-loaded element biased to engage with the wave-shaped portion to provide increased resistance to the rotation of the gear when the spring-loaded element is positioned at a low point of the wave-shaped portion.

9. The resistance mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flywheel includes an inertial element that is detachably attached to the first disc to rotate together with the first disc.

10. The resistance mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first disc is made of aluminum.

11. The resistance mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The drive interface includes: an active roller adapted for rotation by a user for exercise; a driven roller operatively connected to the active roller and configured to rotate the flywheel; and a drive belt connecting the active roller to the driven roller to rotate the driven roller in response to rotation of the active roller.

12. The resistance mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The resistance mechanism also includes a center plate, on which the flywheel and the displacement mechanism are mounted.

13. The resistance mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that, The handle is located on one side of the center plate, and the flywheel is located on the other side of the center plate.

14. The resistance mechanism according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The drive interface is located on one side of the center plate, and the flywheel and the displacement mechanism are located on the other side of the center plate.

15. The resistance mechanism according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The resistance mechanism includes a first cover and a second cover, the first cover being detachably attached to one side of the center plate and the second cover being detachably attached to the other side of the center plate.

16. The resistance mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The magnetic component is disposed on one side of the plane containing the rotation axis of the pivot element, and the arc-shaped teeth are disposed on the other side of the plane.

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