Elliptical machine with automatic stride adjustment

Abstract

The utility model relates to an elliptical machine capable of automatically adjusting step distance, comprising a frame, a connecting rod set and a resistance transmission system, the frame top is equipped with a control screen, the frame both sides are equipped with fixed handle and connecting rod set, the connecting rod set comprises crank connecting rod, rocker and lower handrail, the crank connecting rod is hinged with the rocker, the rocker is hinged with swing arm, the swing arm is hinged with the lower handrail, the lower handrail is connected with the rocker through the crank connecting rod, the crank connecting rod, the rocker, the swing arm and the lower handrail constitute four connecting rod mechanisms, the crank connecting rod is connected with the resistance transmission system, the pedal is installed behind the swing arm, the trajectory adjusting system is equipped on the lower handrail, the trajectory adjusting system comprises screw rod and drive mechanism, the drive mechanism adjusts the effective length of the lower handrail through adjusting the position of the crank connecting rod on the screw rod, thereby adjusting the initial height of the front side of the swing arm to adjust the step distance; the utility model realizes the automatic adjustment of step distance, makes the size of step distance suitable for different height population, and improves the shortcoming that most elliptical machines on the market have fixed step distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fitness equipment technology, specifically an elliptical machine with automatically adjustable stride length. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, elliptical trainers have become a popular fitness tool. Their elliptical stepping path resembles the footwork of walking or running, effectively working both leg and arm muscles. Furthermore, their four-bar linkage reduces impact on the knee joints during pedaling, protecting them and contributing to their widespread popularity. The length of the major axis of this elliptical path is called the stride length, primarily determined by the effective operating length of the elliptical trainer's cranks. However, most elliptical trainers on the market have fixed pedal paths, requiring users to conform to a specific pattern, including stride length. This can be unfriendly to taller or shorter individuals, negatively impacting their experience.

[0003] In view of the above situation, it would be of great significance to provide an elliptical machine with an automatically adjustable stride length, controlled by a motor, so that the stride length can be suitable for people of different heights. This would overcome the shortcomings of most elliptical machines on the market that have a fixed stride length and cannot be adjusted. Moreover, the adjustment range is wide and the adjustment amount is precise, which can meet the needs of fine-tuning the stride length and adapt to all sports groups. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned shortcomings by providing an elliptical machine with an automatically adjustable step length. This allows for automatic adjustment of the step length, making it suitable for people of different heights and overcoming the drawback of most elliptical machines on the market having a fixed and non-adjustable step length.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, an elliptical trainer with automatically adjustable step length is designed, including a frame, a linkage assembly, and a resistance transmission system. A control panel 1 is located at the top of the frame, and fixed handlebars 22 and linkage assemblies are located on both sides of the frame. The linkage assembly includes a crank-connecting rod 7, a rocker arm 9, a lower handrail 12, a swing arm 13, and a pedal 20. The crank-connecting rod 7 is hinged to the rocker arm 9, the rocker arm 9 is hinged to the swing arm 13, and the swing arm 13 is hinged to the lower handrail 12. The lower handrail 12 is connected to the rocker arm 9 via the crank-connecting rod 7. The crank-connecting rod 7, rocker arm 9, swing arm 13, and lower handrail 12 constitute a movable four-bar linkage mechanism. The crank connecting rod 7 is connected to the resistance transmission system. The pedal 20 is installed on the rear side of the swing arm 13. The lower armrest 12 is provided with a trajectory adjustment system 11. The trajectory adjustment system 11 includes a lead screw 1101 and a drive mechanism 1102. The lead screw 1101 is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 1102. One end of the crank connecting rod 7 is screwed onto the lead screw 1101. The drive mechanism 1102 adjusts the effective working length of the lower armrest 12 by adjusting the position of the crank connecting rod 7 on the lead screw 1101, thereby adjusting the initial height of the front side of the swing arm 13, and then adjusting the position and height of the pedal 20 to adjust the step distance.

[0006] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 1102 is mounted on the motor bracket 1103, the drive mechanism 1102 is a lifting motor, the motor bracket 1103 is fixedly mounted on the lower front side of the lower handrail 12, and the other end of the lead screw 1101 is connected to the upper front side of the lower handrail 12.

[0007] Furthermore, the frame includes a screen support tube 2, a connecting horizontal tube 3, a front support tube 5, and a base 18 welded together from top to bottom. The control screen 1 is mounted on the upper end of the screen support tube 2. The fixed handles 22 are located on the left and right sides of the screen support tube 2. The bottom of the front and rear sides of the base 18 are respectively welded with a front base 17 and a rear base 19. A roller 15 is installed on the front side of the front base 17. Foot pads 16 are installed on the bottom of both the front base 17 and the rear base 19.

[0008] Furthermore, a connecting shaft 21 is installed and fixed on the connecting cross tube 3 of the frame. The left and right sides of the connecting shaft 21 are connected to the lower handrail 12 of the connecting rod assembly. The lower handrail 12 and the upper handrail 23 are connected by bushings to form a complete handrail.

[0009] Furthermore, the front support tube 5 of the frame is provided with two mounting holes for mounting the main shaft 28 and the drive shaft 27 of the resistance transmission system, respectively. A crank 6 is mounted on one side of the main shaft 28, and a large pulley 4 of the resistance transmission system is mounted on the other side of the main shaft 28. The crank 6 is connected to the crank connecting rod 7 of the connecting rod assembly for transmission.

[0010] Furthermore, the resistance transmission system includes a large pulley 4, a small pulley 10, a primary belt 24, a secondary belt 26, a resistance wheel 8, a transmission shaft 27, and a main shaft 28. The large pulley 4 is mounted on the main shaft 28, and the small pulley 10 is mounted on the transmission shaft 27. One side of the transmission shaft 27 is provided with teeth. The primary belt 24 is installed between the teeth of the large pulley 4 and the transmission shaft 27. The small pulley 10 and the resistance wheel 8 are driven by the secondary belt 26. The shaft surface of the resistance wheel 8 is also provided with teeth so that the secondary belt 26 can be installed there.

[0011] Furthermore, a pressure wheel 25 is provided between the large pulley 4 and the drive shaft 27. The outer edge of the pressure wheel 25 abuts against the outer edge of the primary belt 24, and the outer side of the primary belt 24 is squeezed by the pressure wheel 25 so that the primary belt 24 is not too loose.

[0012] Furthermore, the pedal 20 drives the crank connecting rod 7, rocker arm 9, lower armrest 12, and swing arm 13 to form a four-bar linkage by swinging back and forth. The crank connecting rod 7 drives the crank 6 to rotate around the main shaft 28. When the large pulley 4 on the main shaft 28 rotates, it transmits torque to the small pulley 10 through the first-stage belt 24. The small pulley 10 and the resistance wheel 8 transmit torque through the second-stage belt 26. Similarly, the resistance of the resistance wheel 8 is transmitted to the pedal 20 through the four-bar linkage, allowing the user to increase or decrease the pedaling force.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, this invention allows users to adjust the stride length and resistance during pedaling via a control panel. The resistance is controlled by a resistance wheel, while the stride length is actively adjusted via a four-bar linkage and a lifting motor. The lifting motor adjusts the position of the crank connecting rod on the lead screw, thereby adjusting the effective working length of the lower armrest, which in turn adjusts the initial height of the front of the swing arm. The position and height of the pedals are also finely adjusted, ultimately adjusting the stride length to the user's satisfaction. In other words, this invention automatically adjusts the stride length of the elliptical machine by adjusting the effective working length of the four-bar linkage using a lifting motor. The adjustment range is wider and the adjustment is more precise, making it suitable for users of different heights and improving upon the problem of fixed, non-adjustable stride length in traditional elliptical machines.

[0014] In summary, this utility model, through motor control, makes the stride length suitable for people of different heights, improving upon the shortcomings of most elliptical machines on the market that have a fixed and non-adjustable stride length. Moreover, it has a wide adjustment range and precise adjustment, which can meet the needs of fine-tuning the stride length and is suitable for all sports users, making it worthy of promotion and application. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle frame of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the resistance transmission system of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the four-bar linkage of this utility model; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial structural diagram; In the diagram: 1. Control panel; 2. Screen support tube; 3. Connecting horizontal tube; 4. Large pulley; 5. Front support tube; 6. Crank; 7. Crank connecting rod; 8. Resistance wheel; 9. Rocker arm; 10. Small pulley; 11. Track adjustment system; 1101. Lead screw; 1102. Drive mechanism; 1103. Motor bracket; 12. Lower handrail; 13. Swing arm; 14. Base tube; 15. Roller; 16. Foot pad; 17. Front base; 18. Base; 19. Rear base; 20. Pedal; 21. Connecting shaft; 22. Fixed handle; 23. Upper handrail; 24. Primary belt; 25. Pressure wheel; 26. Secondary belt; 27. Drive shaft; 28. Main shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0016] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown, this utility model provides an elliptical trainer with automatically adjustable step length, including a frame, a linkage assembly, and a resistance transmission system. A control panel 1 is located at the top of the frame, and fixed handlebars 22 and linkage assemblies are located on both sides of the frame. The linkage assembly includes a crank-connecting rod 7, a rocker arm 9, a lower handrail 12, a swing arm 13, and a pedal 20. The crank-connecting rod 7 is hinged to the rocker arm 9, the rocker arm 9 is hinged to the swing arm 13, and the swing arm 13 is hinged to the lower handrail 12. The lower handrail 12 is connected to the rocker arm 9 via the crank-connecting rod 7. The crank-connecting rod 7, rocker arm 9, swing arm 13, and lower handrail 12 constitute a movable four-bar linkage. The crank-connecting rod 7 is connected to the resistance transmission system. The pedal 20 is mounted on the rear side of the swing arm 13, and a trajectory adjustment system is provided on the lower handrail 12. 11. The trajectory adjustment system 11 includes a lead screw 1101 and a drive mechanism 1102. The lead screw 1101 is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 1102. One end of the crank connecting rod 7 is screwed onto the lead screw 1101. The drive mechanism 1102 is mounted on a motor bracket 1103. The drive mechanism 1102 is a lifting motor. The motor bracket 1103 is fixedly mounted on the lower front side of the lower handrail 12. The other end of the lead screw 1101 is connected to the upper front side of the lower handrail 12. The drive mechanism 1102 adjusts the effective working length of the lower handrail 12 by adjusting the position of the crank connecting rod 7 on the lead screw 1101, thereby adjusting the initial height of the front side of the swing arm 13, and then adjusting the position height of the pedal 20 to adjust the step distance.

[0017] The frame includes a screen support tube 2, a connecting horizontal tube 3, a front support tube 5, and a base 18, which are welded together from top to bottom. The control screen 1 is installed on the upper end of the screen support tube 2. The fixed handles 22 are located on the left and right sides of the screen support tube 2. The bottom of the front and rear sides of the base 18 are welded with a front base 17 and a rear base 19, respectively. A roller 15 is installed on the front side of the front base 17. Foot pads 16 are installed on the bottom of both the front base 17 and the rear base 19. A connecting shaft 21 is installed and fixed on the connecting horizontal tube 3. The left and right sides of the connecting shaft 21 are connected to the lower handlebar 12 of the connecting rod assembly. The lower handlebar 12 and the upper handlebar 23 are connected by bushings to form a complete handlebar. The front support tube 5 has two mounting holes for mounting the main shaft 28 and the drive shaft 27 of the resistance transmission system, respectively. A crank 6 is installed on one side of the main shaft 28, and a large pulley 4 of the resistance transmission system is installed on the other side of the main shaft 28. The crank 6 is connected to the crank connecting rod 7 of the connecting rod assembly for transmission.

[0018] The resistance transmission system includes a large pulley 4, a small pulley 10, a primary belt 24, a pressure wheel 25, a secondary belt 26, a resistance wheel 8, a drive shaft 27, and a main shaft 28. The large pulley 4 is mounted on the main shaft 28, and the small pulley 10 is mounted on the drive shaft 27. One side of the drive shaft 27 has teeth. The primary belt 24 is installed between the teeth of the large pulley 4 and the drive shaft 27. The small pulley 10 and the resistance wheel 8 are driven by the secondary belt 26. The shaft surface of the resistance wheel 8 also has teeth to allow the secondary belt 26 to be installed there. A pressure wheel 25 is provided between the large pulley 4 and the drive shaft 27. The outer edge of the pressure wheel 25 abuts against the outer edge of the primary belt 24, and the outer side of the primary belt 24 is squeezed by the pressure wheel 25 to prevent the primary belt 24 from becoming too loose.

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: This utility model of elliptical machine mainly consists of three parts: frame, connecting rod assembly, and resistance transmission system.

[0020] The frame includes a screen support tube 2, a connecting cross tube 3, a front support tube 5, a front base 17, a base 18, and a rear base 19, all connected by welding. The screen support tube 2 has a control screen 1 at its upper end and fixed handles 22 on both sides. A fixed connecting shaft 21 is installed on the connecting cross tube 3, and both sides of the connecting shaft 21 are connected to the lower handlebar 12 of the linkage assembly. The lower handlebar 12 and the upper handlebar 23 are connected by bushings to form a complete handlebar. A roller 15 is installed on the front side of the front base 17, and foot pads 16 are installed at the bottom of both the front base 17 and the rear base 19. The front support tube 5 has two mounting holes for the main shaft 28 and drive shaft 27 of the resistance transmission system, respectively. A crank 6 is installed on one side of the main shaft 28, and a large pulley 4 of the resistance transmission system is installed on the other side. The crank 6 is connected to the crank-connecting rod 7 of the linkage assembly for transmission.

[0021] The linkages are distributed on both sides of the frame. The crank-connecting rod 7, rocker arm 9, lower armrest 12, and swing arm 13 form a movable four-bar linkage. All of them are connected by hinges. The crank-connecting rod 7 is connected to the rocker arm 9, the rocker arm 9 is connected to the swing arm 13, and the swing arm 13 is connected to the lower armrest 12. The lower armrest 12 is connected to the rocker arm 9 through the crank-connecting rod 7. When adjusting the step distance, the position of the crank-connecting rod 7 on the lead screw is adjusted by the lifting motor, thereby adjusting the effective working length of the lower armrest 12, which in turn adjusts the initial height of the front side of the swing arm 13. The position and height of the pedal 20 are also adjusted. After adjustment, the step distance changes, and the connection points of the four links can move with the movement trajectory, resulting in greater overall flexibility and a wider range of users.

[0022] The resistance transmission system is a two-stage transmission mechanism, comprising a large pulley 4, a small pulley 10, a primary belt 24, a pressure wheel 25, a secondary belt 26, a resistance wheel 8, a drive shaft 27, and a main shaft 28. The large pulley 4 is mounted on the main shaft 28 of the frame, and the small pulley 10 is mounted on the drive shaft 27. One side of the drive shaft 27 has teeth, and the primary belt 24 is positioned between them. The outer side of the primary belt 24 is compressed by the pressure wheel 25 to prevent it from becoming too loose. The small pulley 10 and the resistance wheel 8 are driven by the secondary belt 26, and the shaft surface of the integral resistance wheel 8 also has teeth to mount the secondary belt 26. It should be noted that the resistance transmission system of this invention is not limited to a two-stage transmission mechanism; using a primary transmission mechanism or other transmission methods constitutes infringement.

[0023] In use, this invention requires the user to step on the pedal 20 and adjust the resistance and step distance on the control panel 1. When pedaling begins, the back-and-forth swing of the pedal 20 drives the crank connecting rod 7, rocker arm 9, lower armrest 12, and swing arm 13 to form a four-bar linkage. The crank connecting rod 7 drives the crank 6 to rotate around the main shaft 28. When the large pulley 4 on the main shaft 28 rotates, it transmits torque to the small pulley 10 through the primary belt 24. The small pulley 10 and the resistance wheel 8 transmit torque through the secondary belt 26. Similarly, the resistance of the resistance wheel 8 can be transmitted to the pedal 20 through this mechanism, allowing the user to increase or decrease the pedaling force.

[0024] If step length adjustment is required, the position of the crank connecting rod 7 on the lead screw can be adjusted via the lifting motor, thereby adjusting the effective working length of the lower armrest 12, which in turn adjusts the initial height of the front side of the swing arm 13. The position and height of the pedal 20 will also be slightly adjusted, thus changing the major axis of the pedal's closed trajectory, i.e., adjusting the step length to the user's satisfaction and improving the user's experience. Specifically, if the crank connecting rod 7 is on the lower side of the lead screw, the swing arm 13 will move forward and rise, resulting in a smaller step length when the pedal 20 moves; conversely, the step length will increase. It should be noted that this utility model is not limited to adjusting the step length via a lifting motor; using other mechanisms that can achieve linear motion, such as a lifting motor, constitutes infringement.

[0025] The contents not described in detail in this specification are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art. The standard parts used can be purchased from the market, and the irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the existing technology. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the existing technology, and the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the existing technology, which will not be described in detail here.

[0026] This utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of this utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An elliptical trainer with automatically adjustable step length, comprising a frame, a linkage assembly, and a resistance transmission system, characterized in that: The top of the frame is equipped with a control panel (1), and the sides of the frame are equipped with fixed handles (22) and linkage groups. The linkage group includes a crank connecting rod (7), a rocker arm (9), a lower armrest (12), a swing arm (13), and a pedal (20). The crank connecting rod (7) is hinged to the rocker arm (9), the rocker arm (9) is hinged to the swing arm (13), and the swing arm (13) is hinged to the lower armrest (12). The lower armrest (12) is connected to the rocker arm (9) through the crank connecting rod (7). The crank connecting rod (7), rocker arm (9), swing arm (13), and lower armrest (12) constitute a movable four-bar linkage. The crank connecting rod (7) is connected to the resistance transmission system. A pedal (20) is installed on the rear side of the swing arm (13). A trajectory adjustment system (11) is provided on the lower armrest (12). The trajectory adjustment system (11) includes a lead screw (1101) and a drive mechanism (1102). The lead screw (1101) is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism (1102). One end of the crank connecting rod (7) is screwed onto the lead screw (1101). The drive mechanism (1102) adjusts the effective working length of the lower armrest (12) by adjusting the position of the crank connecting rod (7) on the lead screw (1101), thereby adjusting the initial height of the front side of the swing arm (13) and then adjusting the position height of the pedal (20) to adjust the step distance.

2. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (1102) is mounted on the motor bracket (1103). The drive mechanism (1102) is a lifting motor. The motor bracket (1103) is fixedly mounted on the lower front side of the lower handrail (12). The other end of the lead screw (1101) is connected to the upper front side of the lower handrail (12).

3. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes a screen support tube (2), a connecting horizontal tube (3), a front support tube (5) and a base (18) welded together from top to bottom. The control screen (1) is installed on the upper end of the screen support tube (2). The fixed handle (22) is located on the left and right sides of the screen support tube (2). The bottom of the front and rear sides of the base (18) are respectively welded with a front base (17) and a rear base (19). A roller (15) is installed on the front side of the front base (17). Foot pads (16) are installed on the bottom of both the front base (17) and the rear base (19).

4. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 3, characterized in that: A connecting shaft (21) is fixedly installed on the connecting horizontal tube (3) of the frame. The left and right sides of the connecting shaft (21) are connected to the lower handrail (12) of the connecting rod assembly. The lower handrail (12) and the upper handrail (23) are connected by bushings to form a complete handrail.

5. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The front support tube (5) of the frame is provided with two mounting holes, which are respectively used to install the main shaft (28) and the drive shaft (27) of the resistance transmission system. A crank (6) is installed on one side of the main shaft (28), and a large pulley (4) of the resistance transmission system is installed on the other side of the main shaft (28). The crank (6) is connected to the crank connecting rod (7) of the connecting rod assembly for transmission.

6. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The resistance transmission system includes a large pulley (4), a small pulley (10), a primary belt (24), a secondary belt (26), a resistance wheel (8), a transmission shaft (27), and a main shaft (28). The large pulley (4) is mounted on the main shaft (28), and the small pulley (10) is mounted on the transmission shaft (27). One side of the transmission shaft (27) is provided with teeth. The primary belt (24) is installed between the teeth of the large pulley (4) and the transmission shaft (27). The small pulley (10) and the resistance wheel (8) are driven by the secondary belt (26). The shaft surface of the resistance wheel (8) is also provided with teeth so that the secondary belt (26) can be installed there.

7. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A pressure wheel (25) is provided between the large pulley (4) and the drive shaft (27). The outer edge of the pressure wheel (25) abuts against the outer edge of the primary belt (24). The outer side of the primary belt (24) is squeezed by the pressure wheel (25) so that the primary belt (24) is not too loose.

8. The elliptical machine with automatically adjustable step size as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The pedal (20) drives the crank connecting rod (7), rocker arm (9), lower armrest (12), and swing arm (13) to form a four-bar linkage by swinging back and forth. The crank connecting rod (7) drives the crank (6) to rotate around the main shaft (28). When the large pulley (4) on the main shaft (28) rotates, it transmits torque to the small pulley (10) through the first-level belt (24). The small pulley (10) and the resistance wheel (8) transmit torque through the second-level belt (26). Similarly, the resistance of the resistance wheel (8) is transmitted to the pedal (20) through the four-bar linkage to increase or decrease the pedaling force of the user.

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