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 utility model relates to an indoor fitness machine with a slope visual indication, in particular to a flywheel vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Indoor fitness equipment, unaffected by the weather, offers benefits including muscle training, improved mood, calorie burning, and enhanced fitness. Flywheel racing bikes, in particular, can help improve cardiovascular fitness and core strength.

[0003] Most flywheel racing cars on the market only have the function of adjusting resistance and cannot change the simulated slope. Some flywheel racing cars have the function of adjusting the slope. For example, U.S. Patent US, 10561,877B2 (equivalent to Taiwan Patent TW637770B) discloses a fitness machine, comprising a frame, which includes a base portion, an upright portion, and a pivot joint. The upright portion is coupled to the base portion at a single fulcrum. The pivot joint connects the upright portion to the base portion at the single fulcrum. 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, which connects the base portion of the frame to the upright portion of the frame, and the tilt actuator determines an angle formed by the upright portion relative to the base portion.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,833,661B2 discloses an exercise bicycle that improves training control through an enhanced information display. The exercise bicycle includes a first display device for displaying one or more pieces of information specific to the exerciser, and a second display device located on an opposite side of the exercise bicycle for outputting at least one piece of information. The displayed information includes all training data captured by the device (cadence / speed, power, resistance, etc.), as well as user-related data such as heart rate and maximum heart rate.

[0005] Conventional flywheels all feature a stable base structure pivotally connected to an upright structure above it. A tilt actuator or extension mechanism between the two structures changes the angle between the upright structure and the base structure, thereby varying the simulated slope of the flywheel. While the slope changes, the resistance of the flywheel remains constant. Resistance is typically adjusted through separate controls and mechanisms. Furthermore, the user or instructor can only determine the slope of the flywheel via a control panel. Utility Model Content

[0006] The utility model relates to an indoor fitness machine with a slope visual indication, such as a flywheel vehicle.

[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 indicators. The main frame is connected to the lifting mechanism. The resistance device is mounted on the main frame and includes an axle and a flywheel. The magnetic resistance mechanism is adjacent to the flywheel and pivotally connected to the main frame, and includes a plurality of magnets. The linkage mechanism includes a first linkage seat, which is pivotally connected to the magnetic resistance mechanism. A first linkage cable is connected to the first linkage seat and the lifting mechanism at its ends. A linear mechanism is connected between the main frame and the second lifting arm. The linear mechanism can adjust its 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 resistance mechanism to pivot toward or away from the flywheel, thereby changing the resistance applied to the flywheel. The first visual indicator displays different colors based on a first parameter of the flywheel vehicle, which includes the slope of the flywheel vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first visual indicator light is further displayed at different frequencies according to a second parameter of the flywheel, and the second parameter can be selected from one of a user's heart rate and a user's pedaling speed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flywheel further includes a second visual indicator light. When a third parameter of the flywheel reaches a predetermined value, the second visual indicator light will illuminate and / or flash. The third parameter includes exercise time or calories burned.

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the first parameter is the slope increase ratio of the flywheel vehicle, and the slope increase ratio is 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 the second parameter, the second parameter being selected from one of the user's heart rate ratio, the pedaling speed ratio, and the flywheel's resistance ratio, the heart rate ratio being the user's current heart rate divided by the user's maximum heart rate, 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, and the fifth parameter is 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 light is provided in a plurality of locations around the chronograph screen of the flywheel. The plurality of first visual indicator lights may be displayed one by one to reflect the change in slope, such as climbing (a positive change in slope) or descending (a negative change in slope).

[0015] In some embodiments, the flywheel further comprises a knob for adjusting the initial distance between the magnetic resistance mechanism and the flywheel, so that the user can define a resistance range that suits him or her.

[0016] The flywheel provided by the present invention has a synchronous change in slope and resistance. Therefore, the synchronous visual indication of slope combined with other parameters allows users and instructors to intuitively understand whether the current training intensity matches the user's physical condition and make real-time adjustments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosed technology, including preferred embodiments, will be described below with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components or parts throughout the several views unless otherwise specified.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of a flywheel vehicle according to one embodiment of the present utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the flywheel vehicle shown with some components removed.

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a first visual indicator light according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 A perspective view showing first and second visual indicator lights according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 1 Flywheel

[0024] 10 Main Frame

[0025] 11 Ascension Mechanism

[0026] 12 Magnetic resistance mechanism

[0027] 13 Linear Mechanism

[0028] 14 First Link Cable

[0029] 15 Linkage mechanism

[0030] 16 Resistance device

[0031] 20 pedals

[0032] 31 First Vision Indicator

[0033] 32 Second Vision Indicator

[0034] 40 stopwatch

[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

[0047] 402 Right

[0048] 403 upper side

[0049] 1620 outer cover

[0050] P pivot point DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a flywheel 1 with a visual slope indicator. The structure of the flywheel 1 may be the same as that disclosed in Taiwan Patent Application No. 113122555, filed on June 18, 2024, entitled "Flywheel with Synchronous Adjustment of Resistance and Slope." The contents of the aforementioned patent are incorporated herein and deemed part of this specification.

[0053] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a flywheel vehicle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The flywheel vehicle 1 is shown in a side view with some components removed. Figures 1 to 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 second end 111b suspended in the air. The first lifting arm 111 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 second end 112b suspended in the air. The second lifting arm 112 swings with its first end 112a as a fulcrum. The second end 111b of the first lifting arm 111 and the second end 112b of the second lifting arm 112 are pivotally connected at a pivot point P. The main frame 10 is connected to the first lifting arm 111. The resistance device 16 is disposed on the main frame 10 and includes an axle 163 and a flywheel 162 (or an idler 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 a plurality of magnets (not shown). The linkage mechanism 15 includes a first linkage seat 151, which is pivotally connected to the magnetic resistance mechanism 12. The ends of the first linkage cable 14 are respectively connected to the first linkage seat 151 and the second lift arm 112 (or the first lift arm 111 in another embodiment). The linear mechanism 13 is connected between the main frame 10 and the second lift arm 112. The length of the linear mechanism 13 is adjustable to change the angle between the first lift arm 111 and the ground, and the angle between the second lift 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 toward or away from the flywheel 162, thereby changing the resistance applied to the flywheel 162.

[0054] See also Figures 1 to 3 The flywheel 1 also has a plurality of first visual indicator lights 31. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of first visual indicator lights 31 are arranged around the stopwatch 40 in front of the flywheel 1, preferably on the left side 401 and right side 402 of the stopwatch 40, or on the left side 401, right side 402, and top side 403 of the stopwatch 40. The latter configuration is more suitable for an instructor to simultaneously observe the practice of multiple students on their respective flywheels 1 from the front of the flywheel 1. The appearance of the plurality of first visual indicator lights 31 can also be a whole strip shape. See Figures 1 to 3In some embodiments, the first visual indicator light 31 may further include virtual light keys disposed on the screen of the stopwatch 40, such as an uphill indicator light 311 and a downhill indicator light 312. In some embodiments, the flywheel 162 has an outer cover 1620, and the first visual indicator light 31 may further be disposed on the outer cover 1620 and may further include an uphill indicator light 311 and a downhill indicator light 312.

[0055] See also Figures 1 to 3 When the linear mechanism 13 changes its length, causing the slope of the flywheel 1 to change, the first visual indicator light 31 will display a different color. In this embodiment, the slope and resistance of the flywheel 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 slope variation range of the flywheel vehicle 1, for example, -5° (downhill) to 12° (uphill), a total variation of 17° is divided into multiple slope intervals (or slope increments, defined as the difference between the current slope and the minimum slope), and the first visual indicator light 31 will display the corresponding color according to the slope interval (or slope increment) in which the current slope is located, as shown in Table 1. For example, if the current slope is 3°, the first visual indicator light 31 emits a yellow light. In a preferred embodiment, when the user adjusts the slope of the flywheel vehicle 1, the multiple first visual indicator lights 31 arranged around the stopwatch 40 can also be displayed one by one to reflect the change in slope as climbing or descending. For example, 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 are displayed one by one from the bottom to the top of both sides of the stopwatch 40, forming a visual sense 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 are displayed one by one from the top to the bottom of both sides of the stopwatch 40, forming a visual sense 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—slope (or slope increment)—one or more of the first visual indicator lights 31 may also display at varying frequencies (number of flashes per second) based on a second parameter. The second parameter may include one of the user's current heart rate and the user's pedaling speed (the speed of the pedals 20 around the axis 163). Sensors are provided on the user and on the flywheel 1 to measure the user's heart rate and pedaling speed, respectively, and continuously transmit the measured values 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 stopwatch 40, not only display different colors according to the current slope, but also display the corresponding frequency (number of flashes / second) according to the heart rate zone in which the user's current heart rate is located, as shown in Table 2.

[0061] Table 2

[0062]

[0063] For example, in the embodiments of Tables 1 and 2, if the current slope is 3° and the user's current heart rate is 110 bpm, the first visual indicator light 31 installed around the stopwatch 40 will not only emit a yellow light, but will also flash every 0.7 seconds to prompt and allow the user and / or instructor to intuitively understand the current slope range of the flywheel 1 and the user's heart rate status.

[0064] 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 light 31 will also be displayed according to the speed range in which the current pedaling speed is located, with its corresponding frequency (number of flashes / second), as shown in Table 3.

[0065] Table 3

[0066] Speed range (rpm) Below 80 81-90 91-100 101-110 111-120 121-130 131 and above Flashing speed / second 1 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3

[0067] For example, in the embodiments of Tables 1 and 3, if the current slope is 3° and the user's current pedaling speed is 95 rpm, the second visual indicator light 32 will not only emit a yellow light, but will also flash every 0.7 seconds to prompt and allow the user and / or instructor to intuitively understand the current slope range of the flywheel 1 and the user's current pedaling speed.

[0068] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the flywheel 1 further includes one or more second visual indicator lights 32. When the third parameter reaches a predetermined value, the second visual indicator lights 32 will light up and / or flash. The third parameter selection includes exercise time or calories burned. When the exercise time reaches the system default time (e.g., half an hour) or the calories burned reach the preset calories (e.g., 200 kcal), the second visual indicator lights 32 will light up and / or flash to remind the user to take a proper rest. Figure 4 As shown, the second visual indicator light 32 can be a virtual reminder light on the stopwatch screen.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first parameter is a slope increase ratio, which is defined as slope increase / maximum slope increase. For example, the slope adjustment range of the flywheel 1 is from -5 degrees to 7 degrees, with a total increase of 12 degrees within this range, and the slope increase ratio is illustrated in Table 4. The slope increase ratio is divided into a plurality of slope increase ratio intervals, and the first visual indicator light 31 will display its corresponding default color according to the slope increase ratio interval in which the current slope is located, as illustrated in Table 5. For example, when the slope increase ratio is less than or equal to 0.14, the first visual indicator light 31 will emit blue light. This design allows the user and / or instructor to intuitively understand the current training intensity.

[0070] Table 4

[0071] 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

[0072] Table 5

[0073]

[0074] In some embodiments, the fourth parameter is the first parameter plus the second parameter, where the first parameter is the slope increase ratio, and the second parameter selection includes one of the user's heart rate ratio, the pedaling speed ratio, and the flywheel resistance ratio, and the first visual indicator light 31 will display different colors according to different fourth parameter intervals.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second parameter is a heart rate ratio, defined as current heart rate / maximum heart rate, with a value between 0 and 1. For example, in the embodiment shown in Table 6, the user's heart rate range is 80 to 210 bpm. If the current heart rate is 150 bpm, the heart rate ratio is 150 / 210 = 0.71. In a preferred embodiment, the user can enter a minimum and maximum heart rate in the user interface to define a heart rate range that suits them.

[0076] Table 6

[0077] 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

[0078] 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, which is defined as the current resistance (level) / maximum resistance (level), and its value ranges from 0 to 1, as shown in Table 7. For example, if the resistance is 4, 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 that suits them. 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.

[0079] Table 7

[0080] Resistance (level) 0 2 4 6 8 10 13 Drag ratio 0.00 0.15 0.31 0.46 0.62 0.77 1.00

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user's pedaling speed is at least 0 rpm and at most 140 rpm. The speed ratio is defined as current pedaling speed (rpm) / maximum pedaling speed (rpm). The speed ratio is between 0 and 1, as shown in Table 8.

[0082] Table 8

[0083]

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth parameter is the "slope increase ratio" plus the "heart rate ratio", and its minimum value is 0 and the maximum value is 2, as shown in Table 9.

[0085] Table 9

[0086]

[0087] In one embodiment, the fourth parameter, such as listed in Table 9, is divided into a plurality of fourth parameter intervals, and the first visual indicator 31 displays a default color corresponding to the fourth parameter interval in which the fourth parameter is located, as shown in Table 10. For example, if the fourth parameter is 1.32, the first visual indicator 31 displays orange.

[0088] Table 10

[0089]

[0090] In other embodiments, the fourth parameter is "slope increase ratio" + "resistance ratio". In other embodiments, the fourth parameter is "slope increase ratio" + "speed ratio".

[0091] In other embodiments, the fifth parameter is the first parameter plus two (different) second parameters, where the first parameter is the slope increase ratio, and the second parameter selection includes one of the heart rate ratio, the pedaling speed ratio, and the flywheel resistance ratio, and the first visual indicator light 31 will display different colors according to different fifth parameter intervals.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fifth parameter is the slope gain 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 light 31 displays a default color corresponding to the fifth parameter interval in which the fifth parameter is located, as shown in Table 11. In a more preferred embodiment, the fifth parameter is the slope gain ratio plus the resistance ratio and the heart rate ratio, with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 3.

[0093] Table 11

[0094]

[0095] In some embodiments, the user may select the light color and / or display frequency corresponding to the individual intervals of the aforementioned parameters (the first to the fifth) through a control panel (not shown).

[0096] The flywheel provided by the present invention has a visual indication of slope and other parameters, which allows the user and / or instructor to quickly and easily understand the current training intensity and physical condition of the user and make adjustments in real time.

[0097] Although the above embodiment is a flywheel vehicle that can synchronously adjust the simulated slope and resistance, it is understood that the principles described in this specification can be applied to any appropriate fitness machine, such as but not limited to, elliptical trainers, steppers, rowing machines, etc.

[0098] It will be appreciated that, for illustrative purposes, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited except as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flywheel vehicle, characterized in that: include: Ascension Mechanism; Main frame, connected to the lifting mechanism: a resistance device, disposed on the main frame and comprising an axle and a flywheel; A magnetic resistance mechanism, adjacent to the flywheel and pivotally connected to the main frame, the magnetic resistance mechanism comprising a plurality of magnets; The linkage mechanism includes a first linkage seat pivotally connected to the magnetic resistance mechanism; A first linkage steel cable, with two ends thereof respectively connected to the first linkage seat and the lifting mechanism; a linear mechanism connected between the main frame and the lifting mechanism, wherein the length of the linear mechanism can be adjusted to change the angle between the lifting mechanism and the ground; and, at the same time, the first linkage cable drives the first linkage seat to cause the magnetic resistance mechanism to pivot toward or away from the flywheel, thereby changing the resistance applied to the flywheel; and A first visual indicator light displays different colors according to a first parameter of the flywheel vehicle, wherein the first parameter includes the slope of the flywheel vehicle.

2. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more first visual indicator lights are displayed at different frequencies according to a second parameter of the flywheel, wherein the second parameter is selected from one of a user's heart rate and a user's pedaling speed.

3. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The flywheel vehicle further includes a second visual indicator light. When a third parameter of the flywheel vehicle reaches a predetermined value, the second visual indicator light will illuminate and / or flash. The third parameter may be selected from one of exercise time and calories burned.

4. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The second visual indicator light is a virtual reminder light on the screen of the chronograph of the flywheel vehicle.

5. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The first parameter is the slope increase ratio of the flywheel vehicle, and the slope increase ratio is the slope increase divided by the maximum slope increase.

6. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The first visual indicator light displays different colors according to a fourth parameter of the flywheel vehicle. The fourth parameter is the first parameter plus the second parameter. The second parameter includes one of the user's heart rate ratio, the pedaling speed ratio, and the resistance ratio of the flywheel. 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 current resistance of the flywheel divided by the maximum resistance of the flywheel.

7. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The first visual indicator light displays different colors according to a fifth parameter of the flywheel, wherein the fifth parameter includes two of the slope increase ratio plus the heart rate ratio, the pedaling speed ratio, and the resistance ratio.

8. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first visual indicator light comprises a plurality of first visual indicator lights, and the plurality of first visual indicator lights are arranged around the screen of the chronograph of the flywheel vehicle.

9. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of first visual indicator lights are displayed one by one to reflect the change in slope as a positive value or a negative value.

10. The flywheel vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The lifting mechanism includes: A first lifting arm, comprising a first end in contact with the ground and a second end suspended in the air, the first lifting arm swinging with the 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 the 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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