An elliptical machine

Abstract

The utility model discloses an elliptical machine, aims at solving the whole type footboard group track fixation of existing elliptical machine, causes knee joint, ankle joint to receive additional pressure and impact, and the problem of easy fatigue and increasing damage risk. It includes frame and be located in the flywheel drive mechanism of frame, cantilever, footboard subassembly, and cantilever is linked with flywheel drive mechanism. Footboard subassembly contains linkage rod and footboard lever, and linkage rod both ends are hinged with cantilever, footboard lever respectively, and footboard lever is transmission connection with flywheel drive mechanism. The limiting structure is arranged between the frame and the footboard lever. When the contact point of footboard lever and flywheel drive mechanism moves to the lowest position, the hinged point position of linkage rod and footboard lever is higher. The design breaks the fixed track bondage, reduces joint pressure, and the limiting structure ensures the track stability, and gives consideration to the natural degree and stability of movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fitness equipment technology, and in particular to a large stride elliptical machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the growing demand for home fitness, elliptical trainers, due to their low-impact and full-body workout characteristics, are gradually becoming an important choice for home exercise equipment.

[0003] However, existing elliptical trainer pedals typically use a one-piece rigid rod design, with one end fixedly connected to the cantilever and the other end directly fitted into the roller groove. The movement trajectory is completely limited by the movement path of the crank and roller, which forces the user's foot to slide along a fixed trajectory during exercise. Since the foot and ankle rotate slightly during actual movement, the existing structure puts extra pressure on the knee and ankle joints. With long-term use, this can easily lead to joint fatigue and may also increase the risk of sports injuries to the ankle and knee. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide an elliptical trainer that aims to reduce pressure on the knee and ankle joints through structural optimization, alleviate joint fatigue, and ensure stable movement trajectory.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes an elliptical machine, including a frame, and a flywheel transmission mechanism, a cantilever, and a foot pedal assembly mounted on the frame; the cantilever is linked to the flywheel transmission mechanism to transmit power between them; the foot pedal assembly includes a linkage rod and a foot pedal; one end of the linkage rod is hinged to the cantilever, and the other end is hinged to the foot pedal; the foot pedal is drively connected to the flywheel transmission mechanism to drive the flywheel transmission mechanism to operate through the reciprocating motion of the foot pedal.

[0006] It also includes a limiting structure disposed between the frame and the foot pedal, the limiting structure being used to limit the movement trajectory of the foot pedal when it moves on the frame.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the limiting structure includes a rail mounted on the frame and a pulley mounted on the foot pedal; the pulley slides in conjunction with the rail, and the pulley reciprocates linearly in a preset direction under the constraint of the rail, thereby helping to limit the movement trajectory of the foot pedal.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the track length is less than or equal to the length of the frame in the track extension direction.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the connection point between the linkage rod and the foot pedal is a hinge point, and the connection point between the foot pedal and the flywheel transmission mechanism is a contact point. When the contact point moves to its lowest position, the position of the hinge point is higher than that of the contact point.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the pulley is positioned directly below the foot pedal.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the pulley is located at the hinge point.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the flywheel transmission mechanism includes a crank mounted on a frame, one end of which is rotatably connected to the frame, and the other end of which is provided with a drive shaft. A roller connected to a foot pedal is mounted on the drive shaft, and the foot pedal slides reciprocally along the roller.

[0013] In one possible implementation, an annular fitting groove is provided on one side of the circumference of the roller, and the foot pedal is slidably disposed in the fitting groove.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the flywheel transmission mechanism further includes a transmission link, one end of which is sleeved on the drive shaft and the other end is hinged to the cantilever.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0016] This application presents a segmented structure for the foot pedal assembly, consisting of a linkage rod and a foot pedal. One end of the linkage rod is hinged to the cantilever, and the other end is hinged to the foot pedal. This breaks away from the trajectory constraints of existing integral rod components. When the user steps, the foot rotates with the ankle through dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The foot pedal can be finely adjusted around the hinge point with the linkage rod, and the linkage rod can also swing around the hinge point with the cantilever. This eliminates the limitation of existing foot pedal assemblies where the trajectory is completely restricted by cranks and rollers, preventing the foot from being forced to slide along a fixed path. This eliminates the need for the knee and ankle joints to passively adapt to a fixed movement trajectory, significantly reducing additional impact and pressure. Long-term use can alleviate joint fatigue, reduce the risk of sports injuries to the ankle and knee, and improve joint mobility.

[0017] Meanwhile, the limiting structure between the frame and the foot pedals precisely limits the reciprocating trajectory of the foot pedals, avoiding trajectory deviation caused by double hinges. This effectively prevents accidental impacts and component damage caused by excessive swinging of the foot pedals or deviating from the predetermined track; it also avoids uncontrollable swaying, which could put additional pressure on the joints and increase the risk of injury. It ensures a stable and smooth movement trajectory, reduces abnormal impact forces on the joints, and improves exercise safety; it also does not affect the fine adjustments to the gait, balancing movement stability and naturalness. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a connection structure diagram of the foot pedal assembly of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the flywheel transmission mechanism of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the track structure of this utility model;

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] 1. Frame; 2. Flywheel transmission mechanism; 20. Crank; 21. Drive shaft; 22. Roller; 23. Fitting groove; 24. Transmission link; 3. Cantilever; 4. Foot pedal assembly; 40. Linkage rod; 41. Foot pedal rod; 5. Limiting structure; 50. Track; 51. Pulley; 6. Hinge point; 7. Contact point.

[0026] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Reference Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model proposes an elliptical machine, which has a frame 1 as the main load-bearing structure, including a base and a frame on the base. A shell and a handrail are installed on the top of the frame 1. The handrail is for the user to hold and maintain body balance during exercise. The base is set below, which can enhance the grip of the whole machine on the ground, prevent displacement or shaking during exercise, and ensure stability during use.

[0030] The frame 1 is also equipped with a flywheel transmission mechanism 2, and cantilever 3 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the frame 1. The upper end of the cantilever 3 forms a gripping part for the user to provide auxiliary support. The cantilever 3 is connected to the frame 1 through a hinge or fixed structure to provide stable support for subsequent swinging movements.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the flywheel transmission mechanism 2 includes a crank 20 rotatably connected to the frame via bearings. One end of the crank 20 is rotatably engaged with the frame 1 to ensure smooth rotation around its own axis, while the other end is fixed with a laterally extending drive shaft 21. A roller 22 is fitted on the outer peripheral wall of the drive shaft 21. A ring-shaped fitting groove 23 is formed on one side of the circumference of the roller 22. The width of the fitting groove 23 is adapted to the thickness of the pedal rod 41 in the pedal assembly 4. The pedal rod 41 can be embedded in the fitting groove 23 to form a contact point 7 between the pedal rod 41 and the flywheel transmission mechanism 2. At the same time, the fitting groove 23 can restrict the pedal rod 41 from disengaging radially along the roller 22, ensuring transmission stability.

[0032] like Figure 3-4 As shown, the flywheel transmission mechanism 2 also includes a transmission link 24, which is irregularly shaped. One end of the link is rotatably sleeved on the middle position of the drive shaft 21 through a bushing, and the other end is hinged to the middle area of ​​the cantilever 3 through a hinge shaft. The lower end of the cantilever 3 is hinged to one end of the linkage rod 40 of the foot pedal assembly 4. The other end of the linkage rod 40 is hinged to one end of the foot pedal rod 41 through another set of hinge shafts, forming a complete power transmission chain of "drive shaft 21-transmission link 24-cantilever 3-linkage rod 40-foot pedal rod 41".

[0033] First, by using the transmission linkage, rollers, and the expected matching pedal structure, compared with the existing structure, it is possible to increase the step distance while keeping the flywheel size the same, thereby increasing the stride length and achieving large step distance movement.

[0034] When the user applies pedaling force by stepping on the pedal lever 41 with both feet, the pedal lever 41 slides back and forth along the fitting groove 23 of the roller 22, simultaneously causing the roller 22 to rotate synchronously and the crank 20 to rotate around the frame 1, providing power to the flywheel to maintain motion inertia. In addition, it also causes one end of the transmission link 24 to perform a circular motion. The other end of the transmission link 24 is hinged to the cantilever 3, converting the circular motion into the cantilever 3 swinging back and forth around its own implicit support point with the frame 1. When the cantilever 3 swings, its end away from the transmission link 24 will pull or push the linkage rod 40. Since the linkage rod 40 is hinged to the pedal lever 41, the movement of the linkage rod 40 not only causes the pedal lever 41 to perform a back-and-forth reciprocating motion as a whole, but also allows the pedal lever 41 to make fine angle adjustments around the hinge point 6.

[0035] When the user steps forward, the foot dorsiflexes with the ankle, tilting downward. The foot pedal 41 can be slightly adjusted downward around the hinge point 6 to match the natural posture of the foot. When the user steps backward, the foot plantarflexes with the ankle, lifting upward. The foot pedal 41 is then slightly adjusted upward around the hinge point 6. Since the hinge point 6 is always higher than the contact point 7, the slight adjustment of the foot pedal 41 will not collide with the roller 22, ensuring smooth and continuous movement.

[0036] This adaptive adjustment based on gait completely breaks the limitations of the traditional one-piece pedal 41, which is restricted to a fixed trajectory by the crank 20 and rollers. It avoids the foot being forced to slide along the mechanical path, so that the knee and ankle joints do not need to passively adapt to a fixed movement trajectory. This greatly reduces the extra pressure and impact on the joints. Long-term use can effectively relieve joint fatigue, reduce the risk of sports injuries to the ankles and knees, and improve sports safety.

[0037] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the hinge point 6 is formed at the hinge joint between the linkage rod 40 and the foot pedal rod 41. When the contact point 7 is in the lowest position, which corresponds to the key stage of the user stepping back and pushing off, the height of the hinge point 6 is higher than the contact point 7 between the foot pedal rod 41 and the fitting groove 23 of the roller 22.

[0038] During this process, when the contact point 7 moves to its lowest position, the hinge point 6 remains higher than the contact point 7. This positional design firstly avoids the vertical overlap between the hinge point 6 and the contact point 7, preventing them from colliding or getting stuck, which would prevent the pedal lever 41 from being able to make smooth fine adjustments. Secondly, this height relationship allows the pedal lever 41 to form a reasonable lever arm structure at this time, with the contact point 7 as the supporting end and the hinge point 6 as the force transmission end. The force exerted by the user's pedaling can be smoothly transmitted to the roller 22 through the contact point 7. At the same time, the high position of the hinge point 6 allows the pedal lever 41 to rotate slightly upward around the contact point 7, accurately adapting to the natural plantar flexion of the ankle when the human body pushes back, avoiding the ankle joint being forced to bear vertical pressure, and further reducing joint pressure.

[0039] At the same time, such as Figure 4-5As shown, a limiting structure 5 is provided between the frame 1 and the foot pedal 41. The limiting structure 5 includes a track 50 and a pulley 51. The track 50 is fixed to the frame 1 by bolts or welding, and its extension direction is consistent with the reciprocating motion direction of the foot pedal 41. The length of the track 50 is designed to be less than or equal to the length of the frame 1 in this extension direction, as long as sufficient sliding stroke is reserved. The pulley 51 is fixed directly below the foot pedal 41 by a small bracket, and is located exactly at the hinge point 6 between the linkage rod 40 and the foot pedal 41. The pulley 51 can roll against the top surface of the track 50, and can also engage with the track 50 to achieve smooth reciprocating linear sliding. The groove wall of the track 50 restricts the lateral displacement of the pulley 51, thereby stabilizing and limiting the movement trajectory of the foot pedal 41, preventing accidental impacts and component damage caused by excessive swing amplitude of the foot pedal or deviating from the predetermined track; it also avoids uncontrollable shaking, which may bring additional pressure and damage risk to the joint. It can ensure a stable and smooth movement trajectory and reduce abnormal impact forces on the joint.

[0040] Furthermore, the addition of pulley 51 and track 50 changes the force distribution of the original foot pedal assembly from "two points" to "three points". The three-point force distribution evenly distributes the user's weight, thereby reducing the load on the cantilever 3 connection point and roller groove, thus avoiding bolt loosening and groove wear, and improving the service life of structural components.

[0041] Work process:

[0042] When a user is ready to use the elliptical trainer, they should first grip the handles on the top of the frame 1 with both hands to maintain balance, and place both feet firmly on the upper surface of the foot pedals 41 on both sides. The foot pedals on the foot pedals 41 have an anti-slip structure to prevent the feet from slipping. Then, the user applies a forward and backward pedaling force to the foot pedals 41, officially starting the power transmission and motion linkage process of the elliptical trainer.

[0043] When the user pushes the right foot pedal 41 backward, the right foot pedal 41 slides backward along the fitting groove 23 of the roller 22. Because the foot pedal 41 and the roller 22 are tightly fitted, the roller 22 rotates synchronously during the sliding process. The roller 22 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 21, thereby driving the drive shaft 21 to rotate around its own axis. The rotation of the drive shaft 21 simultaneously drives the action of two key components: on the one hand, the drive shaft 21 drives the crank 20 at one end to rotate around the frame 1. The rotation of the crank 20 is directly transmitted to the flywheel, enabling the flywheel to gain kinetic energy and start rotating. The inertia stored in the flywheel during rotation can offset the force fluctuations during the pedaling process, making the overall movement smoother and avoiding jamming or interruption of force. On the other hand, the middle part of the drive shaft 21 drives one end of the transmission link 24 to perform a circular motion through the bushing. Since the other end of the transmission link 24 is hinged to the middle of the cantilever 3, the circular motion is converted into the cantilever 3 swinging backward around its connection point with the frame 1.

[0044] When the cantilever 3 swings backward, its lower end pulls the linkage rod 40 to move backward. The other end of the linkage rod 40 is hinged to the foot pedal 41. Therefore, the backward movement of the linkage rod 40 not only drives the foot pedal 41 to move backward as a whole, but also allows the foot pedal 41 to make fine angle adjustments around the hinge point 6. At this time, the user's right foot is in the back pedal position, and the foot flexes with the ankle. Under the action of the hinge point 6, the foot pedal 41 naturally makes a slight upward adjustment. Since the hinge point 6 is always higher than the contact point 7 between the foot pedal 41 and the roller 22, the foot pedal 41 will not collide with the roller 22 during the fine adjustment process, and the action is smooth and continuous. At the same time, the left foot pedal assembly 4 moves in the opposite direction: the user pushes the left foot pedal 41 forward and to the left, the left foot pedal 41 slides forward along the fitting groove 23 of the roller 22, driving the left roller 22 and drive shaft 21 to rotate synchronously, the left transmission link 24 drives the left cantilever 3 to swing forward, the cantilever 3 pushes the left linkage rod 40 to move forward, the left foot pedal 41 moves forward and back along with the linkage rod 40, and when the user's left foot extends forward, the foot dorsiflexes with the ankle, the left foot pedal 41 is slightly adjusted downward around the hinge point 6, which also adapts to the natural gait.

[0045] Throughout the entire pedaling cycle, the limiting structure 5 between the frame 1 and the foot pedal 41 always functions: the pulley 51 below the foot pedal 41 moves back and forth with the foot pedal 41, rolling or sliding against the top surface of the track 50. The groove wall of the track 50 strictly limits the pulley 51 from shifting to the left or right, ensuring that the foot pedal 41 always moves in the preset back and forth direction and will not laterally shift due to the user's center of gravity shift or uneven force, maintaining the accuracy of the elliptical motion trajectory. At the same time, the force on the foot pedal 41 is evenly transmitted to the frame 1 through the hinge point 6 between the cantilever 3 and the linkage rod 40, the contact point 7 between the foot pedal 41 and the roller 22, and the contact point 7 between the pulley 51 and the track 50: the user's weight and pedaling force are distributed to the three contact points 7, avoiding excessive load on a single part, effectively reducing the stress on the bolts at the connection point of the cantilever 3 and the frictional wear of the roller 22's fitting groove 23, ensuring the long-term stable operation of each component.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Based on Embodiment 1, in order to adjust the height of hinge point 6 to achieve slope changes, the track can be hinged to the frame 1. The rear end of the track is hinged to the frame 1, and the hinge uses a durable hinge with a built-in lubrication structure to ensure smooth rotation without jamming during adjustment, withstand the pressure during exercise, and prevent rust or jamming after long-term use. The front end is adjustable on the frame 1 using an existing ratchet and pawl structure. For example, the ratchet plate can be set with multiple ratchet positions, corresponding to different tilt angle adjustment ranges of the track. The low resistance is suitable for beginners, while the high resistance is suitable for advanced users, meeting the needs of users with different fitness requirements. Users can adjust the gear through a convenient handle on the side of the frame 1, which can be operated with one hand without tools, improving ease of use and allowing users to quickly identify and select the appropriate gear.

[0048] The angle adjustment structures of the track are all existing technologies, and therefore are not shown in this application. In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

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