Training device

Abstract

Training device which does not move in space when used as intended, comprising cranks, in particular a hand crank (1) and a foot crank (2), a braking system for braking the movement of the hand crank (1) and the foot crank (2), and a flywheel element (3) which is driven by one or both cranks, wherein the movements of the hand crank (1) and foot crank (2) are coupled together, so that the movement of one of the cranks also acts on the other crank, wherein the crank axes of both cranks are each connected to an electric motor, so that the shaft of the electric motor is rotated by the crankshaft, wherein the two electric motors are electrically connected to each other, so that a current induced in one of the electric motors by rotation of its shaft drives the other electric motor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a training device for training the muscles.

[0002] Exercise bikes, also known as stationary bikes, have long been used for medical examinations, muscle building, and fitness maintenance in gyms and at home. There are many different types of training equipment based on various technologies, such as rowing machines, cross trainers, and stationary bikes.

[0003] Most exercise bikes have in common that the user's movement is converted into heat. This is often achieved through friction. For example, a flywheel is set in motion and this rotation is then slowed down, e.g., by braking elements or by creating turbulence in a water tank using appropriately shaped flywheels.

[0004] A special type of ergometer, such as a stationary bike, is based on the principle that energy is transferred from a user to a flywheel via cranks. Similar to a bicycle, pedaling moves the cranks and pedals, and this movement drives the flywheel directly or via a power transmission system, such as a chain, belt, or gearbox.

[0005] A disadvantage of these devices is that only one muscle group can be trained at a time. Combined training of arm and leg muscles, as with a cross trainer, is not possible with crank-based ergometers. However, the typical movement on a crank-based ergometer allows for a type of training that is not possible on a cross trainer.

[0006] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a training device by means of which a user is able to perform a combined training of arm and leg muscles with cranks.

[0007] This task is solved by a training device in accordance with the claims.

[0008] The training device according to the invention comprises a hand crank, a foot crank and a braking system for braking the movement of the hand crank and the foot crank.

[0009] The training device according to the invention can also be called an "ergometer" or an "exercise bike". The hand crank is, of course, positioned so that it can be operated by hand, while the user operates the foot crank with their foot. The intended operation of a crank is rotation around its crank axis.

[0010] A training device according to the invention naturally does not move when one or both cranks are operated. That is to say, like all ergometers, it is theoretically movable or transportable, but it is designed in such a way that it does not move in space during intended use.

[0011] The movements of the hand and foot cranks are preferably coupled, so that the movement of one crank also affects the other. This ensures a synchronous movement sequence during training on the exercise machine.

[0012] In a preferred coupling configuration, the crank shafts of both cranks are each connected to an electric motor, so that the shaft of the electric motor is rotated by the crankshaft or drives it. The two electric motors are in turn electrically connected to each other, so that a current induced in one of the electric motors by the rotation of its shaft drives the other electric motor.

[0013] According to the invention, the braking system is designed to brake the movement of the hand crank and the foot crank. It preferably comprises a braking element for each crank, which brakes each crank independently of the other.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the braking system comprises a braking element that brakes both the hand crank and the foot crank together.

[0015] The strength of the resistance that the braking system offers to the rotation of the cranks is preferably adjustable. This has the advantage of allowing users to train with varying degrees of intensity.

[0016] Preferably, the training device comprises a flywheel element, in particular a flywheel, which is driven by one or both cranks. The power transmission can be effected in particular via chains, belts, axles, or a gearbox.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the flywheel is driven by an electric motor, which receives its energy from the movement of at least one of the cranks. For this purpose, a corresponding crank shaft is coupled to an electric generator, e.g., a dynamo or an electric motor, such that a current is generated by the generator when the respective crank is turned. The generator, in turn, is electrically connected to the electric motor of the flywheel, so that the generated current drives the electric motor. One of the cranks can drive the flywheel purely mechanically and the other purely electrically, or both cranks can drive the flywheel purely electrically. The advantage is that the force ratio of the two cranks can be easily controlled via an electrical control system, e.g., by means of an adjustable resistor between the generator and the electric motor.It is also preferred that a crank drives the flywheel both electrically and mechanically. The control system described above can then act on the electrical component of the drive energy.

[0018] A brake element can be a brake pad, a brake belt or a fluid brake, in which the flywheel element moves in a fluid environment and swirls the fluid through friction by means of friction elements.

[0019] A preferred braking element acts magnetically or electromagnetically. For this purpose, the training device preferably comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet whose magnetic or electromagnetic field acts on the momentum element, e.g., the flywheel, and induces eddy currents in it. In this preferred case, a flywheel would thus act as an eddy current brake.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the training device comprises a holding structure to which both cranks, in particular together with a flywheel element, and the braking system are attached.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the training device includes a seat on which a user can sit while operating the cranks. The seat is preferably adjustable, in particular with horizontal and / or vertical adjustment. A horizontal adjustment, which allows the horizontal distance to the foot crank to be set, is advantageous for optimally adjusting the device for multiple users with different leg lengths. A vertical adjustment, which allows the seat height above the ground and thus also the distance to the hand crank to be set, is advantageous for optimally adjusting the device for multiple users with different heights or arm lengths.

[0022] The seat and the support structure are preferably mounted on a common base structure, e.g., a base plate. The support structure is also preferably adjustable, in particular by allowing the angle of the support structure to be changed relative to the base structure. This allows a user, especially if an adjustable seat is present, to optimally position the two cranks relative to their body according to their needs.

[0023] The base structure preferably includes feet. The feet are preferably height-adjustable. This has the advantage that the height of the base structure, or its stability on an (uneven) floor surface, can be optimized.

[0024] Examples of preferred embodiments of the training device according to the invention are shown in the figures. The illustrations are schematic. Fig. Figure 1 shows a preferred training device. Fig. Figure 2 shows a detail of a preferred training device.

[0025] The in Fig. Figure 1 of the training device shown is a preferred embodiment of the invention. Training on this device is carried out using the hand crank. 1 , which is operated by the hands, and the foot crank 2 , which is operated with the feet.

[0026] In this illustration, both the hand crank and the hand crank are effective. 1 as well as the foot crank 2 on a flywheel 3 and set them in motion when the cranks are turned. Of course, it is possible that the hand crank 1 could also act on its own flywheel and make its movement independent of the movement of the foot crank. 2 were.

[0027] The cranks and the flywheel are attached to a common mounting structure. 4 mounted on a base plate 6is attached. Basically, the base plate 6 While not strictly necessary, it combines all the elements of the training device, allowing the device to be easily moved for a perfect arrangement in the room. The base plate rests on four feet. 7 stored, which may in particular be height-adjustable.

[0028] A user of the training device can be seated. 4 down and places this seat 4 preferably optimally adjusted to his body measurements. For this purpose, the seat 4 preferably height-adjustable and can also be adjusted horizontally on the base plate in terms of its distance to the cranks 6 adjust. It is particularly preferred that the inclination of the holding structure can also be adjusted. 4 can be modified to optimally adapt the device to all arm and leg lengths.

[0029] Now the user operates the foot crank. 2, to train his leg muscles and the hand crank 1 to train his arm muscles. Since this can be done simultaneously, the training device offers a combined training effect for both the lower and upper body.

[0030] To enable training of varying intensity, the resistance that the device provides via the braked flywheel can be adjusted. 3 Opposing the user, preferably adjustable.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows the arrangement of the cranks described above. 1 , 2 and the flywheel 3 in the support structure 4 Here's another view from the front without the seat and base. Reference symbol list 1 hand crank 2 foot cranks 3 Flywheel 4 Support structure 5 seats 6 Base plate 7 Stand

Claims

[1] Training device which does not move in space when used as intended, comprising a hand crank, a foot crank and a braking system for braking the movement of the hand crank and the foot crank. [2] Training device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the braking system includes a braking element for each of the cranks, which brakes each crank independently of the others. [3] Training device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the movements of the hand and foot cranks are coupled together, so that the movement of one of the cranks also acts on the other crank, wherein preferably the crank axes of both cranks are each connected to an electric motor, so that the shaft of the electric motor is rotated by the crankshaft, wherein the two electric motors are electrically connected to each other, so that a current induced in one of the electric motors by rotation of its shaft drives the other electric motor. [4] Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in a preferred embodiment the braking system comprises a braking element that brakes both the hand and foot cranks together. [5] Training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the strength of the resistance that the braking system opposes to the rotation of the cranks is adjustable. [6] Training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it includes a flywheel element, in particular a flywheel, which is driven by one or both cranks, wherein the power transmission is in particular via chains, belts, axles or a gearbox. [7] Training device according to claim 6, characterized by, that the flywheel element is moved by an electric motor which receives its energy from the movement of at least one of the cranks, wherein the crank axis of at least one of the cranks is coupled to an electric generator and this to the electric motor of the flywheel element in such a way that when the crank in question is rotated by means of the generator a current is generated which drives the electric motor. [8] Training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the braking element acts in a magnetic or electromagnetic manner, wherein the training device preferably comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet whose magnetic and / or electromagnetic field acts on the flywheel element and induces eddy currents in it. [9] Training device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it includes a holding structure to which both cranks, in particular together with a flywheel element, and the braking system are attached, and / or that it includes a seat which is adjustable, in particular with a horizontal adjustment and / or a vertical adjustment. [10] Training device according to claim 9, characterized by that the seat and the support structure are mounted on a common base structure, wherein the support structure is preferably designed to be adjustable relative to the seat, in particular by allowing the angle of the support structure to be changed to the base structure, and wherein the base structure is preferably equipped with height-adjustable feet.

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