Exercise apparatus with resistance and braking means

Abstract

A kind of sports equipment includes flywheel, drive wheel, electromagnet and control module, it includes input interface, drive circuit, control unit.Input interface is used to supply user to input instruction including resistance level.The control unit is electrically connected with drive circuit and input interface.User exerts force to make drive wheel rotate, and drive wheel is connected with flywheel by linkage to drive flywheel to rotate.Electromagnet is adjacent to flywheel and is electrically connected with drive circuit, wherein, control unit makes drive circuit output corresponding resistance level current to electromagnet, to generate first corresponding resistance to flywheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a sports equipment, and more particularly to a sports equipment with a resistance and braking device. Background Technology

[0002] A flywheel is a rotating device used to store rotational energy. In sports devices with a flywheel, applying torque to the flywheel increases its rotational speed. Due to inertia, the flywheel continues to rotate even after the user stops pedaling. This can potentially cause injury to the user's knees.

[0003] Taiwan Patent Publication No. TWI 650156B discloses a resistance device for a rotating wheel (flywheel) in fitness equipment, comprising a fixing mechanism, a rotating mechanism, a base, a motor, a screw, and a nut. The fixing mechanism is fixed to the fitness equipment. The rotating mechanism is pivotally mounted to the fixing mechanism and includes multiple magnets to provide resistance to the rotating wheel. A first end of the rotating mechanism is pivotally connected to the base, which is connected to the motor. A first end of the screw is connected to the motor and can be rotated by the motor. The nut is pivotally connected to the fixing mechanism, and a second end of the screw engages with the internal thread of the nut. Thus, the motor drives the screw to rotate, causing the rotating mechanism to rotate about the pivot, thereby changing the distance between the magnets and the rotating wheel, increasing or decreasing the resistance. Furthermore, the resistance adjustment device also has an emergency braking mechanism for stopping the rotating wheel. The emergency braking mechanism includes a lever, a steel cable, a control block, a spring, a retaining plate, and a friction block. When the user pulls the lever, the friction block, such as felt, contacts the rotating wheel (flywheel), stopping the wheel's rotation.

[0004] Taiwan Patent Publication No. TWI537030B discloses an automatic braking motion device comprising a flywheel, a drive assembly, and a control module. The drive assembly drives the flywheel. The control module includes an angle sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the flywheel. Based on the measured rotation angle of the flywheel within a fixed period, the control module calculates the angular velocity or angular acceleration of the flywheel and then determines whether to stop the rotation of the flywheel according to at least one criterion.

[0005] Taiwan Patent Publication No. M327238U discloses a flywheel braking device for sports equipment, comprising: a bracket with a pair of bearings; a flywheel with a groove; an electromagnetic device disposed on the bracket and concealed within the groove of the flywheel, which is controlled by a controller to generate magnetic resistance; and a drive shaft including a drive wheel and a rotating shaft, on which the flywheel is mounted. When an athlete steps on the sports equipment, the flywheel rotates via a belt connected to the drive wheel, generating inertia. To stop the flywheel, the controller uses the electromagnetic device to generate magnetic resistance, thus stopping the rotating flywheel. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model content is provided to introduce selected utility model concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This utility model content and the prior art content are not intended to identify key or essential aspects of the claimed object. Furthermore, this utility model content is not intended to be used to help confirm the scope of the claimed object.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a sports equipment with resistance and braking devices to solve the problem that existing flywheels may cause injury to the user's knees.

[0008] In one aspect of this invention, a sports device with resistance and braking mechanisms includes a control module, a flywheel, a drive wheel, and at least one electromagnet. The control module includes an input interface, a drive circuit, and a control unit. The input interface allows a user to input commands, including a resistance level. The control unit is electrically connected to the drive circuit and the input interface. The user applies force to rotate the drive wheel, which is connected to the flywheel via a linkage to drive the flywheel's rotation. The electromagnet is adjacent to the flywheel and electrically connected to the drive circuit. The control unit, based on the resistance level, directs the drive circuit to output a current corresponding to that resistance level to the electromagnet, thereby generating a first corresponding resistance applied to the flywheel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the exercise equipment further includes a brake lever electrically connected to the control unit. The brake lever includes a switch; when a user operates the brake lever, causing the switch to output an electrical signal, the control unit detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit to output a braking current to the electromagnet, causing the electromagnet to generate a first braking resistance to the flywheel, thereby stopping the flywheel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electromagnet is disposed between the flywheel and the drive wheel. The electromagnet includes a first coil portion near the flywheel and a second coil portion near the drive wheel. The control unit, according to the resistance level, causes the drive circuit to output a current corresponding to the resistance level to the electromagnet, so that the first coil portion generates the first corresponding resistance to the flywheel and the second coil portion generates the second corresponding resistance to the drive wheel.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the user operates the brake lever to cause the switch to output an electrical signal, the control unit detects the electrical signal and causes the drive circuit to output the braking current to the electromagnet, so that the first coil part generates the first braking resistance to the flywheel and the second coil part generates the second braking resistance to the drive wheel, thereby stopping the flywheel and the drive wheel simultaneously.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first coil portion includes an arc surface that is spaced apart from the flywheel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electromagnet is disposed between the flywheel and the drive wheel. The electromagnet includes coil portions at both ends that are close to the flywheel and the drive wheel, respectively. The control unit, according to the resistance level, causes the drive circuit to output the current corresponding to the resistance level to the electromagnet, so that the coil portion simultaneously generates the first corresponding resistance to the flywheel and the second corresponding resistance to the drive wheel.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the user operates the brake lever to cause the switch to output an electrical signal, the control unit detects the electrical signal and causes the drive circuit to output the braking current to the electromagnet, so that the coil generates the first braking resistance to the flywheel and the second braking resistance to the drive wheel, thereby stopping the flywheel and the drive wheel simultaneously.

[0015] In one embodiment, the coil portion includes an arcuate surface that is spaced apart from the flywheel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first braking resistance is greater than the second braking resistance.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive wheel contains a magnetically conductive material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the switch includes an infrared detection switch.

[0019] In one embodiment, the switch comprises a ball tilt switch.

[0020] In one embodiment, the exercise equipment further includes a speed sensor to sense the rotational speed of the flywheel, the speed sensor being electrically connected to the control unit, and the drive circuit outputting the braking current until the rotational speed of the flywheel reaches 0 rpm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the exercise equipment further includes two cranks and two pedals. The two pedals correspond to the two cranks. The drive wheel has a shaft, a first end of each crank is connected to the shaft, and a second end of each crank is connected to a corresponding pedal.

[0022] The sports equipment disclosed in this invention can replace traditional friction blocks (such as wool felt) and their drive mechanisms through its resistance and braking devices, thus avoiding the potential injury to the user's knees that existing flywheels may cause. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, outlines non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosed technology, including preferred embodiments, wherein, unless otherwise stated, the same symbols denote the same components or parts in all views.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a sports equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a sports equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3A The brake handle of the sports equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in the default first position.

[0027] Figure 3B show Figure 3A The brake lever is operated in the second position.

[0028] Figure 4A The brake handle of the sports equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in the default first position.

[0029] Figure 4B show Figure 4A The brake lever is operated in the second position.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a sports equipment according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6A for Figure 5 Enlarged view of a section of the sports equipment shown.

[0032] Figure 6B for Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the sports equipment shown.

[0033] Figure 6C for Figure 5 A partial 3D view of the sports equipment shown.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of a sports equipment according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of icon numbers

[0036] 1: Sports equipment

[0037] 10: Flywheel

[0038] 11: Main Frame

[0039] 12: Drive wheels

[0040] 13: Brake lever

[0041] 14: Control Module

[0042] 15: Speed ​​sensor

[0043] 16: Electromagnet

[0044] 161: Coil section

[0045] 161A: First coil section

[0046] 161B: Second coil section

[0047] 17: Linkage components

[0048] 18: Crank

[0049] 19: Pedal

[0050] 110: Stamped parts

[0051] 120: Axis

[0052] 130: Spring

[0053] 131: Torsion Spring

[0054] 132: Switch

[0055] 141: Input Interface

[0056] 142: Control Unit

[0057] 143: Drive Circuit

[0058] 162: Curved surface

[0059] D: Spacing Detailed Implementation

[0060] 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 present 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.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a sports equipment 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a block diagram of exercise equipment 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exercise equipment 1 mainly includes a flywheel 10, a drive wheel 12, a control module 14, and at least one electromagnet 16. In a preferred embodiment, the exercise equipment 1 may also include a brake handle 13 and a speed sensor 15, the brake handle 13 having a switch 132.

[0062] See Figure 1 and Figure 2The control module 14 includes an input interface 141, a control unit 142, and a drive circuit 143. The input interface 141 is used for user input of commands or information and may have buttons and a screen. The input commands include resistance levels. The control unit 142, such as a microcontroller or processor combined with memory, is electrically connected to the input interface 141, drive circuit 143, switch 132, and speed sensor 15, and receives and processes commands or information from the input interface 141, switch 132, and speed sensor 15, as well as controlling the drive circuit 143, etc.

[0063] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The user applies force to rotate the drive wheel 12, which is connected to the flywheel 10 via a linkage 17 (e.g., a belt) to drive the flywheel 10 to rotate. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise equipment 1 also has two cranks 18 and two pedals 19. The drive wheel 12 has a shaft 120, with a first end of each crank 18 connected to the shaft 120 and a second end of each crank 18 connected to a corresponding pedal 19.

[0064] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 An electromagnet 16 is located adjacent to a flywheel 10 and electrically connected to a drive circuit 143. The flywheel 10 contains a magnetically conductive material. The electromagnet 16 includes a coil and an electromagnet plate. The coil surrounds the electromagnet plate, which is a steel plate containing a ferromagnetic material, typically silicon. The coil is connected to the drive circuit 143 via wires. The control unit 142, based on a user-inputted resistance level, instructs the drive circuit 143 to output a current corresponding to that resistance level to the electromagnet 16, thereby generating a first corresponding resistance to the flywheel 10.

[0065] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The brake lever 13 includes a switch 132. When the user operates the brake lever, the switch 132 outputs an electrical signal. The control unit 142 detects the electrical signal and causes the drive circuit 143 to output a braking current to the electromagnet 16, so as to generate a first braking resistance to the flywheel 10 and thus stop the rotation of the flywheel 10.

[0066] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This invention illustrates a brake handle 13 of a sports equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, switch 132 is an infrared detection switch, which includes an infrared light emitter and an infrared light receiver. The brake handle 13 has a spring 130, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the brake handle 13 and the main frame 11 of the sports equipment 1, so that the brake handle 13 is maintained in a default first position. When the user presses down on the brake handle 13, causing the brake handle 13 to be operated in a second position, the signal of the infrared light receiver changes, which is then detected by the control unit 142.

[0067] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This illustration shows a brake handle 13 of a sports device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 132 is a ball-load tilt switch, which has a ball (not shown) inside. The brake handle 13 has a torsion spring 131, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the brake handle 13 and the main frame 11 of the sports device 1, so that the brake handle 13 is maintained in a default first position. When the user presses down on the brake handle 13, causing the brake handle 13 to be operated in a second position, the switch 132 also tilts to a certain angle. At this time, the ball rolls and contacts two or more conductive terminals, forming a circuit connection and generating an electrical signal that is detected by the control unit 142.

[0068] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exercise equipment 1 may include a speed sensor 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the speed sensor 15 is an infrared speed sensor, which includes a light interrupter (not shown) and a slotted disk (not shown). The slotted disk is disposed on the shaft of the flywheel 10. The light interrupter emits a continuous infrared beam, and the rotational speed (rpm) of the flywheel 10 can be determined by the rate at which the infrared beam is cut by the slotted disk. In the illustrated embodiment, when the user presses down the brake lever 13, the drive circuit 143 continuously outputs a braking current until the rotational speed of the flywheel 10 reaches 0 rpm. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of sports equipment 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6A for Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of sports equipment 1 shown. Figure 6B for Figure 5 A partial sectional view of the sports equipment 1 shown. Figure 6C for Figure 5 A partial perspective view of the sports equipment 1 shown. (See also...) Figure 5 , 6A Up to 6C, in this embodiment, the electromagnet 16 is disposed between the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12. The drive wheel 12 contains a magnetically conductive material. The electromagnet 16 includes a first coil portion 161A near the flywheel 10 and a second coil portion 161B near the drive wheel 12. The first coil portion 161A and the second coil portion 161B may each contain a coil surrounding an electromagnet plate and are connected to the drive circuit 143 via a common wire, such that the coils of the first coil portion 161A and the second coil portion 161B can simultaneously receive the current supplied by the drive circuit 143. See also Figure 5 , 6AIn step 6C, the control unit 142, based on the resistance level input by the user, instructs the drive circuit 143 to output a current corresponding to that resistance level to the first coil section 161A and the second coil section 161B of the electromagnet 16, causing the electromagnet 16 to simultaneously generate a first corresponding resistance to the flywheel 10 and a second corresponding resistance to the drive wheel 12. The first corresponding resistance is generated by the first coil section 161A, while the second corresponding resistance is generated by the second coil section 161B.

[0069] See Figure 5 , 6A In step 6C, when the user operates the brake lever 13, causing the switch 132 to output an electrical signal, the control unit 142 detects the signal and instructs the drive circuit 143 to output the braking current to the electromagnet 16. The electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first braking resistance to the flywheel 10 and a second braking resistance to the drive wheel 12, thereby simultaneously stopping the rotation of both the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12. The first braking resistance is generated by the first coil section 161A, and the second braking resistance is generated by the second coil section 161B. In the illustrated embodiment, when the user presses down the brake lever 13, the drive circuit 143 continuously outputs the braking current until the speed of the flywheel 10 reaches 0 rpm.

[0070] See Figure 5 , 6A Up to 6C, in the illustrated embodiment, the first braking resistance is greater than the second braking resistance. For example, the ratio of the first braking resistance to the second braking resistance is 7:3. In another embodiment, the ratio of the first braking resistance to the second braking resistance is 8:2.

[0071] See Figure 6A and Figure 6B Two punches 110 are fixed to the main frame 11, and the electromagnet 16 is fixed between the two punches 110 by means of, for example, screws. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coil portion 161A is located outside the flywheel 10, while the second coil portion 161B is located outside and inside the drive wheel 12. The first coil portion 161A may have an arc surface 162, which has a distance D between it and the flywheel 10. Adjusting the appropriate distance D is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the electromagnet 16. The first coil portion 161A of the electromagnet 16 is located outside the flywheel 10, which facilitates setting the distance D between the first coil portion 161A and the flywheel 10 for subsequent assembly. If the distance D is too small, it may cause the first coil portion 161A to contact the flywheel 10 and produce abnormal noise. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance D is maintained at 0.55 mm.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a partial perspective view of sports equipment 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The sports equipment of this embodiment is similar to... Figure 5 , 6A The sports equipment shown up to 6C is similar, differing only in the following description. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnet 16 of the exercise equipment 1 has only one coil portion 161, with its two ends close to the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the coil portion 161 is located outside the flywheel 10 and outside and inside the drive wheel 12. The coil portion 161 may have an arc surface 162, which has a distance D from the flywheel 10. The coil portion 161 includes a coil surrounding an electromagnet plate and is connected to the drive circuit 143 via wires. The control unit 142, based on the resistance level input by the user, causes the drive circuit 143 to output a current corresponding to the resistance level to the coil portion 161 of the electromagnet 16, so that the electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first corresponding resistance to the flywheel 10 and a second corresponding resistance to the drive wheel 12. The first and second corresponding resistances are generated simultaneously by the coil portion 161.

[0073] See Figure 7 When the user operates the brake lever 13, causing the switch 132 to output an electrical signal, the control unit 142 detects the signal and instructs the drive circuit 143 to output the braking current to the electromagnet 16. The electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first braking resistance to the flywheel 10 and a second braking resistance to the drive wheel 12, thereby simultaneously stopping the rotation of both the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12. The first and second braking resistances are simultaneously generated by the coil section 161. In the illustrated embodiment, when the user presses down the brake lever 13, the drive circuit 143 continuously outputs the braking current until the speed of the flywheel 10 reaches 0 rpm. The first braking resistance is greater than the second braking resistance. For example, the ratio of the first braking resistance to the second braking resistance is 7:3 or 8:2.

[0074] The sports equipment disclosed in this invention has a resistance and braking device that can replace traditional friction blocks (such as wool felt) and their drive mechanisms. Furthermore, in Figure 5 , 6A In the preferred embodiment shown in 6C, whether for resistance adjustment or emergency braking, the electromagnet 16 provides resistance to the drive wheel 12 and the flywheel 10 respectively. This mechanism is closer to the actual operating conditions and provides a better user experience.

[0075] The resistance and braking device disclosed in this utility model can also be applied to other sports equipment, such as elliptical trainers, rowing machines, or flywheels, for example, the flywheel that can simultaneously adjust resistance and incline disclosed in Taiwan Patent Publication No. TWI884813B.

[0076] As can be understood from the foregoing, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes; however, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited except as provided in the appended patent claims.

[0077] Although the technology in this case has been described using terms specific to certain structures and materials, it should be understood that the utility model as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and materials described herein. Rather, specific embodiments are described as forms for implementing the claimed utility model. Because many embodiments of this utility model can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model, it falls within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sports equipment with resistance and braking devices, comprising: Control module, including: An input interface for users to input commands, including resistance levels; Drive circuit; as well as The control unit is electrically connected to the drive circuit and the input interface; flywheel; The drive wheel is rotated by the user applying force. The drive wheel is connected to the flywheel via a linkage to drive the flywheel to rotate. as well as At least one electromagnet is located near the flywheel and electrically connected to the drive circuit; The control unit, based on the resistance level, causes the drive circuit to output a current corresponding to the resistance level to the electromagnet, thereby generating a first corresponding resistance to the flywheel.

2. The sports equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The brake lever is electrically connected to the control unit; The brake lever includes a switch. When the user operates the brake lever, the switch outputs an electrical signal. After the control unit detects the electrical signal, it causes the drive circuit to output a braking current to the electromagnet, which in turn generates a first braking resistance to the flywheel, thereby stopping the flywheel.

3. The sports equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnet is disposed between the flywheel and the drive wheel. The electromagnet includes a first coil portion near the flywheel and a second coil portion near the drive wheel. The control unit, according to the resistance level, causes the drive circuit to output the current corresponding to the resistance level to the electromagnet, so that the first coil portion generates the first corresponding resistance to the flywheel and the second coil portion generates the second corresponding resistance to the drive wheel.

4. The sports equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the user operates the brake lever to cause the switch to output an electrical signal, the control unit detects the electrical signal and causes the drive circuit to output the braking current to the electromagnet, so that the first coil part generates the first braking resistance to the flywheel and the second coil part generates the second braking resistance to the drive wheel, thereby stopping the flywheel and the drive wheel at the same time.

5. The sports equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first coil portion includes an arc surface that is spaced apart from the flywheel.

6. The sports equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnet is disposed between the flywheel and the drive wheel. The electromagnet includes coil portions at both ends that are close to the flywheel and the drive wheel, respectively. The control unit causes the drive circuit to output a current corresponding to the resistance level to the electromagnet according to the resistance level, so that the coil portion simultaneously generates the first corresponding resistance to the flywheel and the second corresponding resistance to the drive wheel.

7. The sports equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the user operates the brake lever to cause the switch to output an electrical signal, the control unit detects the electrical signal and causes the drive circuit to output the braking current to the electromagnet, so that the coil generates the first braking resistance to the flywheel and the second braking resistance to the drive wheel, thereby stopping the flywheel and the drive wheel at the same time.

8. The sports equipment according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that, The first braking resistance is greater than the second braking resistance.

9. The sports equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive wheel contains magnetic material.

10. The sports equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch includes an infrared detection switch.

11. The sports equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, This switch includes a ball tilt switch.

12. The sports equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a speed sensor to sense the rotational speed of the flywheel, the speed sensor being electrically connected to the control unit, and the drive circuit outputting the braking current until the rotational speed of the flywheel reaches 0 rpm.

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