Training device with resistance and braking mechanism

Abstract

Training equipment that includes: a control module (14) which features: an input interface (141) that allows the user to input a command with a resistance value; a drive circuit (143); and a control unit (142) which is electrically connected to the input interface (141) and the drive circuit (143); a flywheel (10); a drive wheel (12) that can be rotated by a force exerted by the user, the drive wheel being connected to the flywheel via a connecting element to drive the flywheel to rotate; and an electromagnet (16) which is located close to the flywheel (10) and is electrically connected to the drive circuit (143); wherein the control unit (142) instructs the drive circuit (143), based on the resistance value, to supply a current corresponding to the electromagnet to the electromagnet (16), whereby the electromagnet generates a first corresponding resistance for the flywheel (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a training device with resistance and braking device. State of the art

[0002] Flywheels are typical rotating devices for storing rotational energy. They are used in many exercise machines. The rotational speed of the flywheel can be increased by applying torque. Due to inertia, the flywheel continues to rotate even when the user no longer applies torque to it through leg movement. Therefore, there is a risk of knee injuries if the flywheel does not stop.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10639512B2 discloses a resistance adjustment device for the wheel of an exercise machine. The resistance adjustment device comprises a stationary mechanism, a rotary mechanism, a connecting element, a motor, a screw, and a nut. The stationary mechanism is connected to the exercise machine. The rotary mechanism is rotatably connected to the stationary mechanism via an axle and has several magnets that generate resistance for the wheel. The connecting element is pivotally connected to a first end of the rotary mechanism. The motor is connected to the connecting element. The screw has a first end that is connected to the motor and can be rotated by the motor. The nut is connected to the stationary mechanism. A second end of the screw passes through the nut and is screwed into its internal thread.The motor drives the screw, causing the rotating mechanism to turn around its axis. This changes the distance between the magnets and the wheel, increasing or decreasing the resistance. The resistance adjustment device also includes an emergency braking mechanism to stop the wheel. The emergency braking mechanism comprises a trigger, a cable, a control block, a mounting bracket, a spring, and a friction pad. When the user activates the trigger, the friction pad, for example, made of wool felt, contacts the wheel (flywheel) to stop the wheel.

[0004] US Patent No. 09782621B2 discloses an exercise device with an automatic braking function. The exercise device comprises a flywheel, a drive unit, and a control unit. The drive unit powers the flywheel to rotate. The control unit contains an angle sensor for measuring the change in angle of the flywheel during a specific period. The control unit calculates the angular velocity or angular acceleration of the flywheel based on the measured change in angle during the specified period. The control unit determines, based on at least one criterion, whether the flywheel should be stopped.

[0005] Taiwanese patent no. M327238U discloses a flywheel braking device for an exercise machine, comprising: a bracket with a pair of bearings, a flywheel with a chamber, an electromagnetic device mounted on the bracket and housed within the flywheel's chamber, the electromagnetic device being controlled by a controller to generate magnetic resistance, and a transmission shaft having a drive pulley and a rotating shaft for attaching the flywheel to the bracket. The user applies force to the drive pulley to cause the flywheel, which is connected to the drive pulley by a belt, to rotate and generate inertia. To stop the flywheel, the controller activates the electromagnetic device to generate magnetic resistance, thus halting the flywheel. Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a training device with resistance and braking device.

[0007] This objective is achieved by the training device of the invention, which comprises a control module, a flywheel, a drive wheel, and an electromagnet. The control module has an input interface that allows the user to input a command with a resistance value, a drive circuit, and a control unit that is electrically connected to the input interface and the drive circuit. The drive wheel can be rotated by a force exerted by the user, the drive wheel being connected to the flywheel via a connecting element to drive the flywheel into rotation. The electromagnet is arranged close to the flywheel and electrically connected to the drive circuit. The control unit instructs the drive circuit to supply a current corresponding to the electromagnet to the electromagnet based on the resistance value, thereby generating a first corresponding resistance for the flywheel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the training device further comprises a brake handle which is electrically connected to the control unit, wherein the brake handle has a switch which outputs an electrical signal when the brake handle is actuated, and wherein the control unit detects the electrical signal and then instructs the drive circuit to supply a braking current to the electromagnet, whereby the electromagnet generates a first braking resistance on the flywheel in order to stop the flywheel.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electromagnet is arranged between the flywheel and the drive wheel, wherein the electromagnet has a first coil section close to the flywheel and a second coil section close to the drive wheel, wherein the control unit instructs the drive circuit to supply a current corresponding to the resistance to the electromagnet, whereby the first coil section generates the first corresponding resistance on the flywheel and the second coil section generates a second corresponding resistance on the drive wheel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the switch outputs an electrical signal by actuating the brake lever, wherein the control unit detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit to supply the braking current to the electromagnet, whereby the first coil section generates the first braking resistance on the flywheel and stops it, and the second coil section generates a second braking resistance on the drive wheel and stops it.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first coil section has a concave curved surface that is spaced away from the flywheel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electromagnet is arranged between the flywheel and the drive wheel, wherein the electromagnet has a coil section that is located close to the flywheel and the drive wheel, wherein the control unit instructs the drive circuit to supply a current corresponding to the resistance to the electromagnet, whereby the coil section simultaneously generates the first corresponding resistance on the flywheel and a second corresponding resistance on the drive wheel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the switch outputs an electrical signal when the brake lever is actuated. The control unit detects this signal and instructs the drive circuit to supply braking current to the electromagnet, causing the coil section to generate a first braking resistance on the flywheel to stop it and a second braking resistance on the drive wheel to stop it. In one embodiment, the first braking resistance is greater than the second braking resistance. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 a perspective view of the training device of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a block diagram of the training device of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3A a representation of the brake handle in the first predetermined position of the training device of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3B a representation of the brake lever according to Fig. 3A in the second predetermined position, Fig. 4A a representation of the brake handle in the first predetermined position of the training device in a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4B a representation of the brake lever according to Fig. 4A in the second predetermined position, Fig. 5 a perspective view of the training device of a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6A an enlarged representation of the training device according to Fig. 5, Fig. 6B a cross-sectional view of the training device according to Fig. 5, Fig. 6C a perspective view of the training device according to Fig. 5. Ways to implement the invention

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the training device 1 of the embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the training device 1 of the embodiment of the invention. Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The training device 1 mainly comprises a flywheel 10, a drive wheel 12, a control module 14 and at least one electromagnet 16. In a preferred embodiment, the training device 1 may also include a brake handle 13 and a speed sensor 15, wherein the brake handle 13 has a switch 132.

[0015] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. The control module 14 comprises an input interface 141, a control unit 142, and a drive circuit 143. The input interface 141 allows the user to input commands / instructions or information and can be configured via buttons and / or a screen. The input commands include a resistance value. The control unit 142, e.g., a microcontroller or a processor with memory, is electrically connected to the input interface 141, the drive circuit 143, the switch 132, and the speed sensor 15 in order to receive and process instructions or information from the input interface 141, the switch 132, and the speed sensor 15 and to control the drive circuit 143.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. A user exerts force to rotate the drive wheel 12, which drives the flywheel 10 to rotate. The flywheel 10 is connected to the drive wheel 12 via a connecting element 17 (e.g., a belt). In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device 1 also includes two cranks 18 and two pedals 19. The drive wheel 12 has an axle 120. Each crank 18 has a first end 18 connected to the axle 120 and a second end 18 connected to the corresponding pedal 19.

[0017] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. In section 2, the electromagnet 16 is located near the flywheel 10 and is electrically connected to the drive circuit 143. The flywheel 10 is made of magnetically conductive material. The electromagnet 16 comprises a coil and an electromagnetic plate. The coil surrounds the electromagnetic plate, which is a steel plate made of ferromagnetic material, typically silicon steel. The coil is connected to the drive circuit 143 via a cable (not shown). Based on the resistance value entered by the user, the control unit 142 instructs the drive circuit 143 to supply a current corresponding to the resistance value to the electromagnet 16, thus generating a corresponding initial resistance for the flywheel 10.

[0018] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The brake lever 13 has a switch 132. The switch 132 outputs an electrical signal when the brake lever is actuated. The control unit 142 detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit 143 to supply a braking current to the electromagnet 16, thereby generating an initial braking resistance on the flywheel 10 to stop the flywheel 10. Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows the brake handle 13 of the training device of an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 132 is an infrared photoswitch comprising an infrared light transmitter and an infrared light receiver. The brake handle 13 is provided with a spring 130, the two ends of which are connected to the brake handle 13 and the main frame 11 of the training device 1 to hold the brake handle 13 in a predetermined first position. When the user pulls the brake handle 13 into a second position, the signal received by the infrared light receiver is changed and detected by the control unit 142.

[0019] The Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows the brake handle 13 of the training device of a further embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 132 is a roller ball switch with a small ball inside (not shown). The brake handle 13 has a torsion spring 131, the two ends of which are connected to the brake handle 13 and the main frame 11 of the training device 1 to hold the brake handle 13 in a predetermined first position. When the user pulls the brake handle 13 into its second position, the switch 132 is tilted by a certain angle and the small ball inside the switch rolls, bringing two metal contacts into contact and generating a signal that is received by the infrared light receiver and detected by the control unit 142.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The training device 1 can include a speed sensor 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the speed sensor 15 is an infrared speed sensor with a photointerrupter (not shown) and a grooved encoder disk (not shown). The grooved encoder disk is arranged on a rotating shaft of the flywheel 10. The photointerrupter emits a continuous infrared beam. The rotational speed (rpm) of the flywheel 10 is determined by the frequency with which the infrared beam is interrupted by the grooved encoder disk. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive circuit 143 supplies the braking current continuously until the rotational speed of the flywheel 10 reaches 0 rpm when the user pulls the brake handle 13 to its second position.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the training device 1 of a further embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6A shows an enlarged representation of the training device 1 according to Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the training device 1 according to Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6C shows a perspective view of training device 1 according to Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnet 16 is arranged between the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12. The drive wheel 12 is made of a magnetically conductive material, e.g., iron, cobalt, and nickel, or an alloy such as steel and Permalloy. The electromagnet 16 has a first coil section 161A close to the flywheel 10 and a second coil section 161B close to the drive wheel 12. The first and second coil sections 161A, 161B can each contain a winding wound around an electromagnetic steel sheet and be connected to the drive circuit 143 via a common wire, so that the windings of the first and second coil sections 161A, 161B can be simultaneously energized by the drive circuit 143. Fig. Based on the resistance value entered by the user, the control unit 142 instructs the drive circuit 143 to supply a current corresponding to the resistance value to the first and second coil sections 161A, 161B of the electromagnet 16, whereby the electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first corresponding resistance on the flywheel 10 and a second corresponding resistance at 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.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 5 and 6A-6C, the switch 132 outputs an electrical signal when the user pulls the brake lever 13. The control unit 142 detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit 143 to supply a braking current to the electromagnet 16. The electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first braking resistance on the flywheel 10 and a second braking resistance on the drive wheel 12 to stop the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12 simultaneously. The first braking resistance is generated by the first coil section 161A and the second braking resistance by the second coil section 161B. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive circuit 143 supplies the braking current continuously when the brake lever 13 is pulled until the speed of the flywheel 10 is reduced to 0 rpm.

[0023] Referring to Fig. In the illustrated embodiments 5 and 6A-6C, the first braking resistor is larger than the second braking resistor. For example, the ratio of the first to the second braking resistor is 7:3. In another embodiment, the ratio of the first to the second braking resistor is 8:2.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 6A and Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, two stamped parts 110 are attached to the main frame 11, and the electromagnet 16 is fastened between the two stamped parts 110, for example, by screws. The first coil section 161A is located outside the flywheel 10, and the second coil section 161B is located outside the drive wheel 12. The first coil section 161A can have a concavely curved surface 162 that is spaced D away from the flywheel 10. The electromagnet 16 can be maximized by adjusting the appropriate space D. The first coil section 161A being located outside the flywheel 10 facilitates adjusting the space D between the first coil section 161A and the flywheel 10 during subsequent assembly. If the space D is too small, the first coil section 161A may touch the flywheel 10 and produce an unusual noise. In the illustrated embodiment, the space D is 0.55 mm.

[0025] Fig. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the training device 1 of a further embodiment of the invention. The NDIR training device 1 in Fig. 7 is similar to the one in Fig. The training equipment shown in figures 5 and 6A-6C is as follows: Referring to Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the electromagnet 16 of the training device 1 has only one coil section 161, both ends of which are located close to the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12. The coil section 161 is located outside the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12. The coil section 161 may have a concavely curved surface 162, which is located at a distance D from the flywheel 10. The coil section 161 consists of a winding wound around an electromagnetic steel sheet and is connected to the drive circuit 143 via a wire. Based on the resistance value entered by the user, the control unit 142 instructs the drive circuit 143 to supply a current corresponding to the resistance value to the coil section 161 of the electromagnet 16, whereby the electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first corresponding resistance on the flywheel 10 and a second corresponding resistance on the drive wheel 12.The first and second corresponding resistances are generated simultaneously by coil section 161.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 7. Switch 132 outputs an electrical signal when the user pulls the brake lever 13. The control unit 142 detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit 143 to supply a braking current to the electromagnet 16.

[0027] The electromagnet 16 simultaneously generates a first braking resistance on the flywheel 10 and a second braking resistance on the drive wheel 12 to stop both the flywheel 10 and the drive wheel 12 at the same time. The first and second braking resistances are generated simultaneously by the coil section 161. In the illustrated embodiment, when the user pulls the brake handle 13, the drive circuit 143 continuously supplies the braking current until the speed of the flywheel 10 is reduced to 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.

[0028] The disclosed resistance and braking device of the training device can replace conventional brake pads (e.g., wool felt pads) and their drive mechanisms. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the electromagnet 16 generates the following: Fig. Figures 5 and 6A-6C show a corresponding resistance for the drive wheel 12 and the flywheel 10, both during resistance adjustment and emergency braking. This mechanism more accurately reflects actual operating conditions and offers a better user experience.

[0029] The resistance and braking device disclosed in the present invention can also be applied to other training equipment, for example elliptical trainers, rowing machines or exercise bikes, such as the exercise bike disclosed in Taiwanese patent no. TWI884813B with simultaneous adjustment of resistance and incline. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10639512B2

[0003] US 09782621B2

[0004] TW 327238U

[0005] TWI884813B

[0029]

Claims

[1] Training equipment that includes: a control module (14) which features: an input interface (141) that allows the user to input a command with a resistance value; a drive circuit (143); and a control unit (142) which is electrically connected to the input interface (141) and the drive circuit (143); a flywheel (10); a drive wheel (12) that can be rotated by a force exerted by the user, the drive wheel being connected to the flywheel via a connecting element to drive the flywheel to rotate; and an electromagnet (16) which is located close to the flywheel (10) and is electrically connected to the drive circuit (143); wherein the control unit (142) instructs the drive circuit (143), based on the resistance value, to supply a current corresponding to the electromagnet to the electromagnet (16), whereby the electromagnet generates a first corresponding resistance for the flywheel (10). [2] Training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a brake lever (13) which is electrically connected to the control unit (142), wherein the brake lever has a switch (132) which outputs an electrical signal when the brake lever is actuated, and wherein the control unit (142) detects the electrical signal and then instructs the drive circuit (143) to supply a braking current to the electromagnet (16), causing the electromagnet to generate a first braking resistance on the flywheel (10) to stop the flywheel. [3] Training device according to claim 2, characterized by, that the electromagnet (16) is arranged between the flywheel (10) and the drive wheel (12), wherein the electromagnet (16) has a first coil section (161A) close to the flywheel and a second coil section (161B) close to the drive wheel, wherein the control unit (142) instructs the drive circuit to supply a current corresponding to the resistance to the electromagnet, whereby the first coil section (161A) generates the first corresponding resistance on the flywheel and the second coil section (161B) generates a second corresponding resistance on the drive wheel. [4] Training device according to claim 3, characterized by, that the switch (132) outputs an electrical signal by actuating the brake lever (13), wherein the control unit (142) detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit (143) to supply the braking current to the electromagnet, whereby the first coil section (161A) generates the first braking resistance on the flywheel (10) and stops it, and the second coil section (161B) generates a second braking resistance on the drive wheel (12) and stops it. [5] Training device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the first coil section (161A) has a concave curved surface that is spaced away from the flywheel. [6] Training device according to claim 2, characterized by, that the electromagnet (16) is arranged between the flywheel (10) and the drive wheel (12), wherein the electromagnet has a coil section (161) that is arranged close to the flywheel (10) and the drive wheel (12), wherein the control unit (142) instructs the drive circuit (143) to supply a current corresponding to the resistance to the electromagnet, whereby the coil section (161) simultaneously generates the first corresponding resistance on the flywheel (10) and a second corresponding resistance on the drive wheel (12). [7] Training device according to claim 6, characterized by, that the switch (132) outputs an electrical signal by actuating the brake lever (16), wherein the control unit (142) detects the electrical signal and instructs the drive circuit (143) to supply the braking current to the electromagnet (16), whereby the coil section (161) generates a first braking resistance on the flywheel (10) to stop it, and generates a second braking resistance on the drive wheel (12) to stop it. [8] Training device according to claim 4 or 7, characterized by , that the first braking resistance is greater than the second braking resistance. [9] Training device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the drive wheel (12) is made of magnetically conductive material. [10] Training device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the switch (132) is an infrared photoswitch. [11] Training device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the switch (132) is a roller ball switch. [12] Training device according to claim 2, characterized by a speed sensor (15) which is electrically connected to the control unit (142) and detects the rotational speed of the flywheel (10), wherein the drive circuit (143) supplies the braking current until the rotational speed of the flywheel (10) reaches 0 rpm.

Images