Training device with progress indicator and unified base for different types of equipment

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a training device, also called a fitness device, such as an ergometer, a speed bike, a recumbent bike, a stationary bike or ergometer without watt functionality, a rowing machine, an elliptical trainer, a cross trainer, or even a treadmill. Such training or fitness devices of various types are particularly suitable for use at home as an exercise bike or in a gym.

[0002] Growing interest in physical activity for health and the increasing urbanization of societies are leading to more and more people training indoors on fitness equipment, whether in gyms or at home. At the same time, the range and variety of training equipment available for use in the gym or at home has increased. This includes various types of equipment, such as ergometers, speed bikes, recumbent bikes, stationary bikes, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, cross trainers, and treadmills. Despite the wide range of options, it has been shown that users find training at home, perhaps even in the basement, or even in a more elaborately designed gym, quite monotonous over time.

[0003] Attempts have been made to combat the monotony by setting up television screens or similar entertainment devices. However, this is not always successful, as this essentially only serves as a distraction. This can even pose risks, as it reduces concentration on the actual sporting activity. Depending on the sport being practiced, this reduced attention can also represent a safety risk (EP 3 327 597 A1). It is also known to display a virtual competitor on the screen of the training device in order to give the user a benchmark for their performance and thus create a kind of artificial competitive atmosphere. The virtual competitor can be computer-generated or can display the actual performance of other users, for example.train in an indoor cycling group in the same room and thus compete with each other or train remotely somewhere else and with whom contact is made via an internet data connection (US 8,409,057 B2).

[0004] Another type of training device, which has a stand for holding a regular bicycle on its rear axle, is known to be placed on a platform-like substructure (US 10,434,394 B2). The platform is tiltable and, in addition, longitudinally displaceable on the substructure by means of a curved roller track. The curvature of the roller track results in a stable central position around which the platform can perform a passive oscillating longitudinal movement; the same applies to a back-and-forth movement as a lateral inclination. This gives the user a certain illusion of movement, and the user's balancing ability is promoted. KR 2019 0029151 A discloses an ergometer with an actuator designed to move the frame with the seat and pedal unit longitudinally using a motor.

[0005] Overall, however, the problem remains that simply training on the training device is relatively monotonous and offers the user little feedback on their training performance.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved training device or fitness device with which the said disadvantages can be reduced.

[0007] It is particularly advantageous if a design-technical solution can be found which, on the one hand, enables simple implementation for training or fitness equipment of different types and, on the other hand, is both safer for the user of the device, e.g. by reducing the risk of crushing, and less maintenance-intensive.

[0008] The inventive solution lies in the features of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, a training or fitness device comprises a drive device for receiving a training power provided by a user and a power transmission device for transmitting the power provided by the user during training to the drive device.

[0010] According to the present invention, different types of fitness equipment are provided, such as ergometers, speed bikes, recumbent bikes, exercise bikes, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, cross trainers, or treadmills, wherein the fitness equipment is designed as a device of one of these different equipment types. The design concept according to the invention functions for a fitness equipment of each of the aforementioned equipment types. In other words, the design structure or platform is standardized for all equipment types, i.e., a design basis is created on which externally different equipment types can be built. This, in turn, is made possible by the design features of such a structure or base, described below.

[0011] Furthermore, the fitness device comprises a frame on which the drive device and a power transmission device are arranged, wherein the frame is further designed to support the user of the fitness device during the performance of fitness exercises, as well as a stand supporting the frame for resting on a surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the fitness device is equipped with at least one sensor for recording the user's training performance and with a control device, wherein the control device is designed to receive data from at least one sensor. The control device interacts with a computing unit, wherein the computing unit is designed to determine a so-called success measure from the user's training performance. As explained in more detail below, a success measure is understood to be a quantifiable measure that provides a representation of the user's training performance.

[0013] The fitness device also includes a signaling unit configured to generate a signal for a so-called progress indicator based on the determined success measure. As explained in more detail below, a progress indicator is understood to be a measure calculated from the aforementioned success measure relative to a selectable reference.

[0014] The aforementioned advantage of being able to manufacture any type of fitness equipment on a single, technically unified structure or base for different types of fitness equipment is due to the special features of this structure. The frame or stand of the fitness equipment has rollers arranged on the frame or stand in such a way that the frame can be positioned in a tilt-resistant manner relative to the ground, as well as allowing the frame, or the frame and stand, to be moved longitudinally relative to the ground.

[0015] In addition, the fitness device has at least one actuator which is designed to move the frame relative to the stand or the frame together with the stand relative to the ground in the longitudinal direction by means of the rollers in dependence on the signal produced by the signal unit based on the success measure.

[0016] As already explained, the fitness device according to the invention can be designed as an ergometer, a speed bike, a recumbent bike, an exercise bike, a rowing machine, an elliptical trainer, a cross trainer, or a treadmill. Such fitness devices, which belong to different types of equipment, often have different dimensions. For example, a treadmill will normally have a wider frame than, for example, an ergometer, speed bike, or exercise bike, and a rowing machine or a recumbent bike will normally have a longer frame than an ergometer, speed bike, or treadmill. Therefore, the dimensions of the respective stands for fitness devices of different types are also adapted accordingly. For example, the stand intended to support the frame of a rowing machine can be designed accordingly longer, and the stand for a treadmill can be designed accordingly wider; nevertheless, the structural design and / orThe design is the same for different types of training or fitness equipment. The dimensions of the respective equipment stand can be compensated for by a telescopic design. For example, the stand can be extended longer for a rowing machine, and the stand can be extended wider for a treadmill.

[0017] In contrast, fitness equipment such as an ergometer, a speed bike, and an exercise bike (i.e., an ergometer without a wattage function) have approximately the same dimensions. Therefore, the same stand can be used for these types of equipment. Due to a unified structure or base, the equipment can be easily swapped out by the user—for example, replacing an ergometer with a speed bike. The same applies to an elliptical trainer and a cross trainer.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a fitness device has at least one roller which is driven by a servomotor of the actuator, so that a longitudinal displacement of the frame or the frame together with the stand relative to the ground can be generated.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, a fitness device has at least one sensor for detecting the user's training performance. The sensor can be arranged on the drive device and / or on the power transmission device.

[0020] One or more of the above-mentioned rollers can preferably be designed as a friction roller, a toothed roller, a toothed roller, a sliding roller and / or a running roller.

[0021] It is particularly preferred according to the present invention that a fitness device is designed as an ergometer, a speed bike, a recumbent bike or a bicycle exercise bike.

[0022] The stand of such a fitness device, namely an ergometer, a speed bike, a recumbent bike or an exercise bike, can be formed by two crossbeams, at each end of which a roller is arranged, wherein the rollers rest on the ground, and wherein at least two rollers are driven by a servomotor.

[0023] Alternatively, the stand can be formed by two crossbeams, at the ends of which sliders and / or rollers are arranged, which rest on the ground, wherein the at least one roller driven by the servomotor is arranged either as a steerable central roller or as a set of driven rollers on a boom between the crossbeams.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the rollers of a fitness device, namely an ergometer, a speed bike, a recumbent bike, or an exercise bike, can be arranged on the frame and run in or on guide rails of the stand. The at least one driven roller is designed to move the frame relative to the stationary stand and thus also relative to the ground.

[0025] It is preferred that the computing unit of the fitness device is designed to control the actuator reversibly.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferred that the signal unit of the fitness device interacts with an amplifier module which is designed to take into account an acceleration provided by the training performance for the progress indicator.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred that the actuator of the fitness device be equipped with an end-position detection device designed to deactivate and / or reverse the actuator upon reaching an end position. The actuator can be designed with a positive fit.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the actuator of the fitness device is designed as a crawling drive which drives the at least one roller at a speed which is lower than walking speed and at most 1 m / s.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferred that the actuator of the fitness device has a traction control for the at least one driven roller, wherein a detected slip of the at least one driven roller is fed back to the computing unit.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the actuator of the fitness device has a position detection device which is designed to output a signal to the computing unit.

[0031] Preferably, the position detection device comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect ground track markings. The ground track markings can be implemented as track markings with distance markings.

[0032] The ground track markings can be implemented as marking tape. The marking tape can be applied to the ground.

[0033] Furthermore, the fitness device can have an alignment module, wherein the alignment module is designed to detect and display directional deviations based on the floor track markings.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the alignment module is designed to indicate a correction direction.

[0035] The preferred features of the training or fitness device according to the invention described above contribute to the user of the fitness device experiencing an enhanced illusion of training success, which leads to increased training performance and thus also to better actual fitness of the user.

[0036] In addition, the rollers of the fitness equipment can be arranged on the frame or stand in such a way that, for example, a longitudinal displacement of the frame or the frame together with the stand relative to the ground is possible, minimizing the risk of crushing. The frame of the fitness equipment is arranged in relation to the stand with the help of rollers in such a way that the user's extremities, e.g. their feet, cannot normally be trapped or crushed between the frame and the stand - in contrast to a device known from the publication KR 20190029151 A. This safety aspect is particularly important if the fitness equipment is used by the user without the supervision of another person, for example without the supervision of medical personnel in hospitals or doctor's offices, which is usually the case in gyms or at home.

[0037] Additional advantages of the fitness device according to the invention become apparent using the example of an ergometer described below.

[0038] In an ergometer, in particular a bicycle ergometer, with a tilt-resistant frame on which a seat for a user and a pedal unit to be operated by the user are arranged, and a stand supporting the frame with feet for resting on a surface, wherein the pedal unit acts on a braking device, and a control device is provided which controls the braking device and to which at least one sensor is connected for detecting a training performance provided by the user, the invention provides that the control device interacts with a computing unit which is designed to determine a measure of success from the training performance provided by the user in relation to a training reference, and with a signal unit which generates a signal for a progress indicator based on the measure of success, and an actuator is provided,which moves the frame with seat and pedal unit in the longitudinal direction by motor (so that its relative position to the ground changes), whereby the actuator is automatically controlled by the computing unit depending on the signal for the progress indicator.

[0039] Below, we'll first explain some of the terms used: An ergometer is typically understood as a training device designed for indoor use (a gym, a room in the user's home). Of course, an ergometer can also be set up outdoors.

[0040] A pedal unit is the device with which the user primarily exerts their training force. This typically occurs with the lower extremities, such as the legs or feet, for example, on a stationary bike or exercise bike, indoor cycling bike (especially without a freewheel), treadmill, or cross trainer. However, this term should be understood in a broader sense and also refer to the upper extremities, as used, in particular, on rowing machines or similar training equipment to exert training force.

[0041] A stand is the component of the supporting structure of the ergometer with which the ergometer stands on a surface, in particular the floor of the room or the gym.

[0042] The longitudinal direction is a direction that is predominantly oriented parallel to the surface (horizontally), approximately along a longitudinal axis of the ergometer.

[0043] Depending on the type of ergometer, the training force applied by the user results in a certain training work, the quotient of which by time gives the training performance.

[0044] The training force exerted by the user and the resulting training performance cannot be easily dissipated on an indoor ergometer, unlike, for example, on a bicycle ridden outdoors in nature, where the training performance is used to increase speed and overcome air resistance. In an ergometer, these natural resistances are replaced by a braking device. This can be designed in various, conventional ways, for example, as a friction brake, a magnetic brake, a generator for generating electrical energy, or a braking device acting against a fluid (e.g., a fan or elements rotating in a water container).

[0045] A success measure is a quantifiable measure that provides a representation of the user's training performance. For example, on a stationary bike, this could be the speed and / or distance traveled; on a treadmill, it could be the speed and / or the incline achieved; on a rowing machine, it could be the distance rowed or the boat speed achieved; etc. It can be an absolute measure or a relative measure to a selectable and / or predetermined training reference.The training reference can be artificially created, for example calculated by a computer of the ergometer, it can result from stored courses (for example previous training performance achieved by the user), and / or it can also result from training performances of other users who have previously used the same device or who use or have used another similar device which is connected to the ergometer, for example, via a (remote) data connection, in particular the Internet.

[0046] The progress indicator is a measure calculated from the success measure relative to a selectable reference. For example, with a bicycle ergometer or a treadmill (treadmill) training device, it can be the ratio of the distance covered to a predetermined target distance as a reference, e.g., which part of a 10,000-meter run has already been completed or which part of a 50 km cycling workout. However, it can also be a relative measure, for example, the progress achieved relative to another training session, e.g., a previous training session (racing against oneself) or compared to the training performance of another user on another training device.

[0047] The motorized displacement of the frame with seat and pedal unit in the longitudinal direction means that the relative position of the frame with seat and pedal unit to the surface on which the ergometer training device is arranged changes in the longitudinal direction of the training unit.

[0048] An actuator is a servo drive with a control unit that changes the position of a component of the ergometer training device (or the entire device, if applicable) by a predetermined amount in a direction predetermined by the design of the ergometer in a controlled or regulated manner. Typically, this involves position feedback, in which the position change caused by the servo drive is detected and fed back to a control unit of the servo drive. The energy required for the servo drive can preferably be taken from the ergometer training device's own energy storage unit or generated by a generator (e.g., an auxiliary generator on the braking device or a generator as the braking device); however, an external power supply via a power cable or similar should not be ruled out.

[0049] The invention ensures that the user on the ergometer moves slowly but noticeably depending on their training performance. In this way, the result of their effort is directly demonstrated to the user, which has a motivating effect. This creates an incentive to continue training because the user can intuitively determine what and how much they have achieved based on the movement caused by the actuator. This applies both to an individual user, for whom the completed part of a previously determined training spectrum is made clear and tangible in this way. In particular, however, this also applies to increasing comparability between multiple users, e.g. in a fitness studio, where the user with the highest training performance slowly moves ahead of other users with lower training performance.However, if this user slacks off, losing their lead and slipping to the back of the field, this can be made clear to them by stopping the actuator (while the other, now faster users, are moved forward) or even moving it backward. This can create a competitive atmosphere both in the gym and at home, effectively counteracting the risk of monotony that otherwise occurs with prolonged use or training.

[0050] Thanks to the invention, the user can immediately and physically perceive how he is doing in relation to a training task and / or what his position is in relation to other participants, whereby the improvement (or deterioration) of his training performance is made clear to him by adjusting the actuator.

[0051] This improves the user experience and also creates a physically tangible comparison with the training performance of other users (or one's own, for example, based on a previous exercise by the same user). This increases motivation and maintains the enjoyment of the exercise.

[0052] It is advantageous if the actuator is reversibly controlled, especially by the computing unit. This allows the user to move not only forward, but also in the opposite direction, i.e., backward, depending on their training performance. This makes it clear to the user that their training performance has decreased. The reference can be the user's previous performance, a predefined written reference, or the training performance of other users.

[0053] The signal unit expediently interacts with an amplifier module designed to consider additional parameters for the progress indicator, in particular acceleration and / or speed achieved through training performance. For example, by evaluating the acceleration, i.e., the increase in a user's training performance, in addition to the achieved position, the amplifier module can magnify the user's most recent performance improvement by increasing the movement of the actuator. This creates a kind of magnifying glass effect, clearly highlighting the position battles between two users, and making even small improvements clear through the magnification provided by the amplifier module, resulting in a particularly motivating effect.For example, if one user is 1 m behind another over a distance of 10 km, this essentially has a barely noticeable effect on the actuator (the position difference is only 0.1 b). However, if this user increases their pace significantly and manages to get 1 m ahead of the others, this performance can be emphasized by the amplifier module by adjusting the actuator more strongly (e.g., by amplifying it 10 or even 50 times). If the other user catches up, the same applies, or the first user is moved back. This makes position battles or other small changes clearly visible, even when large distances are involved.

[0054] The amplifier module is preferably further configured to perform compression in the time domain. In this case, the adjustment can be performed not only continuously, but possibly even discontinuously. With discontinuous adjustment, for example, the adjustment is made forward in a pulse-like manner when the user's training performance is appropriate. The resulting acceleration enhances the effect experience for the user. With a constant training performance of the user, the adjustment can then be slowly (imperceptibly) reversed, allowing for a subsequent forward adjustment with a pulse if necessary. If performance drops, the adjustment can also be made quickly back again.

[0055] The actuator is advantageously equipped with an end-position detection system designed to deactivate and / or reverse the actuator when an end position is reached. This prevents the actuator from exceeding its maximum deflection, which benefits the operational and / or stability of the ergometer.

[0056] It is advisable for the actuator to be designed with a positive fit. While it is possible that it could also function with a force fit, a positive fit actuator makes it easier to precisely reach a predefined position. This virtually eliminates mispositioning due to slippage, which can occur with friction-based actuators.

[0057] Preferably, the actuator is arranged between the frame and the column, allowing the frame to be moved relative to the column. This allows for the actuator to be integrated into the column in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, it results in a low center of gravity. However, it should not be ruled out that the actuator is mounted on the movable frame. This design can be useful when relatively large adjustment ranges are provided for the actuator and / or the actuator includes long guides, particularly telescopic guides.

[0058] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the stand is provided with castors and the actuator is arranged on the stand, with the actuator driving at least one of the castors. A castor base is understood here to be a foot with which the stand rests on the floor, whereby the foot is not a rigid body but is provided with a roller. Thus, by driving at least one of the castors, the ergometer as a whole, including the entire frame, can be moved by the actuator. Advantageously, the actuator is designed as a creep drive which drives at least one of the castors at a low speed which is lower than walking speed, preferably at most 1 m / s or at most at a safe speed as defined in the relevant Machinery Directive.This counteracts the danger caused by an ergometer moving too quickly in the confined environment of a room or a space within a building.

[0059] Conveniently, all feet of the stand are designed as casters, of which at least one, preferably two, are driven by the actuator. With two driven casters, one is preferably arranged on the left and one on the right of the stand, viewed longitudinally.

[0060] The actuator advantageously has a traction control device for the roller base, wherein preferably any detected slippage of the at least one driven roller base is fed back to the computing unit. Especially on the smooth floor often found in fitness studios, there is a risk that actuating the actuator will lead to slippage on the roller base, whereby the desired displacement in the longitudinal direction is not achieved or is only partially achieved. The risk of slippage is further exacerbated by the fact that when the user exerts themselves greatly, sweat accumulations or puddles of sweat typically form on the floor in the area of ​​the ergometer, making the floor slippery and increasing the risk of slippage. In order to achieve the desired displacement despite slippage, the slippage is expediently detected and fed back to the computing unit, which is expediently designed to be able to compensate for the slippage.It is advisable to detect slippage by comparing the displacement distance resulting from slip-free operation of the actuator with the actual displacement distance. Preferably, several casters are driven, and any detected slippage is compensated. For this purpose, it is specifically intended that the caster on which slippage has occurred is additionally driven, thus achieving the desired slippage compensation.

[0061] The casters are advantageously spring-loaded. This ensures that even on uneven surfaces, as is often the case in homes, the casters rest firmly on the floor, thus enabling low-slip or slip-free operation of the actuator.

[0062] The actuator is expediently equipped with a position detection device whose signal is fed back to the processing unit. With such feedback, a precisely defined displacement distance can be reliably set and achieved by the actuator. For this purpose, it can be provided, in particular, that the position detection device is equipped with a sensor designed to detect floor markings. This allows the floor of the room or gym to be expediently used for position detection.

[0063] The floor markings are preferably designed as a marking tape, which is furthermore preferably adhesively bonded to the base. This allows the required floor marking to be easily created in any room or space by simply rolling out the tape on the floor and, if necessary, gluing it in place.

[0064] It is particularly advantageous if the floor markings are designed as lane markings with distance markings. In this way, the achieved displacement distance can be recorded using the distance markings, and the straightness of the displacement distance can be ensured using the lane markings. Ensuring the straightness of the displacement distance is particularly important in cases where several ergometers are arranged relatively close to one another, as is typically the case in fitness studios. By aligning the ergometers in parallel, overlapping of the displacement distances can be avoided, but only if the displacement distance of the respective ergometer is straight and there are no deviations from this. This can be achieved by designing the floor markings as lane markings for the respective ergometer.

[0065] Advantageously, an alignment module can be provided which is designed to detect and display directional deviations based on the floor markings, wherein a correction direction is preferably also displayed. By means of such an alignment module, it can thus be detected if the actually resulting displacement does not exactly follow the intended trajectory according to the floor markings. This can be displayed to the user. The user can then manually correct the position and / or alignment of the ergometer if necessary, or this can be done automatically, in particular by driving the casters on one side. This can be done by monitoring the displacement along a straight line caused by the actuator and correcting it automatically if necessary. For this purpose, the correction device preferably acts on at least two casters and controls them with a differential speed that is dependent on a desired correction effect.In this way, the desired straight course of the displacement path can be achieved automatically.

[0066] It is advantageous to provide the actuator with its own power source on the ergometer, particularly a storage device and / or (auxiliary) generator. This makes the ergometer independent of an external power supply. This is a significant advantage, especially for models with casters, as otherwise there would be a risk that power supply cables would be too short depending on the distance traveled or would pose a tripping hazard for users. A wireless power supply is also advantageous when several ergometers are installed next to each other to avoid mutual interference.

[0067] It is advisable to provide the stand with transport wheels, preferably non-driven. These wheels allow the user to easily move the ergometer after training, for example, to store it away. The transport wheels are preferably positioned so that they only reach the floor when the stand is raised on one side, thus allowing it to roll away. When the stand is fully on the floor, they are spaced from the floor so that the stand cannot roll away but remains immovably in place.

[0068] An ergometer can be, in particular, a bicycle, a rowing machine, or a treadmill. In the first two, the user's position is defined by a seat, whereas the treadmill naturally does not have a seat. Instead, the seat is replaced by the user's position, which is defined by the location on the treadmill where, according to its design, the user is positioned during exercise. In a rowing machine or treadmill, the pedal unit refers to the corresponding actuators (the rowing handles or the moving treadmill).

[0069] The invention further extends to a corresponding method for operating the ergometer, in particular controlling the actuator. It also relates to a method for operating an ergometer, in particular a bicycle ergometer, with a tilt-stable frame on which a seat for a user and a pedal unit are arranged, and a stand supporting the frame with feet for resting on a surface, wherein the pedal unit acts on a braking device, comprising actuating the pedal unit by the user, detecting a training performance provided by the user by means of a sensor, and controlling the braking device by means of a control device to which the sensor is connected. The invention further provides for determining a measure of success from the training performance provided by the user in relation to a training reference.Generating a signal for a progress indicator based on the success measure and automatically controlling an actuator depending on the signal for the progress indicator, whereby the actuator moves the frame with the seat and the pedal unit in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] The method further comprises exchanging data, in particular comprising training data and / or data for the success measure, with other ergometers via a networking unit. Preferably, provision can also be made for generating the training reference based on users on the other ergometers. The other ergometers can be located locally, e.g. in the same fitness studio when networked in particular via LAN, WLAN or Bluetooth, or remotely, when networked in particular via a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet. Further preferably, the actuator of the respective ergometers is adjusted such that the ergometers are positioned according to a relative placement of the users. By comparing the respective success measure and / or progress indicator of the participating users, a relative placement can be determined, if necessary optionally including the amplifier module as described above.In this way, virtual competitions can be conducted with other users on other ergometers. Depending on their performance, the actuator can move the user forward if they are performing better (showing a higher degree of success) than the other users, or they can move them back if they are performing worse, i.e., falling behind relative to the other users. This process makes this experience very tangible for the user, increasing motivation and thus training performance.

[0071] Furthermore, with regard to the further explanation of the method, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description of the device, which also applies mutatis mutandis to the method.

[0072] Preferably, the device and method can further be provided with the other ergometers as substations, and communication signals, such as receiving training instructions and sending corresponding feedback, are exchanged via the networking unit. This offers particular advantages when one of the ergometers acts as the master, e.g., it is a trainer or instructor station from which one or more substations with training users are controlled.

[0073] The term "exchange" refers to both unidirectional and bidirectional data traffic.

[0074] The invention is explained below with reference to advantageous embodiments, using examples from the drawings. They show: Fig. 1a, b: Perspective overall views of a structurally unified base according to the invention for fitness equipment of different types with concealed and open rollers; Fig. 1c-h: Perspective overall views of embodiments corresponding to the elliptical trainer, the rowing machine, the cross trainer, the speed bike, the ergometer, and the treadmill; Fig. 1i: A perspective overall view of another embodiment for the ergometer; Fig. 2a, b: Perspective illustration and sectional illustration for guiding a frame on a stand of the ergometer; Fig. 3a: B: A variant for guiding the frame on the stand; Fig. 4a-c: Views of a rear, middle, and front position of an actuator of the ergometer; Fig. 5a, b: Detailed views of a displacement of the frame relative to the stand; Fig. 6: A schematic block diagram for the ergometer with actuator;7 an ergometer according to a second embodiment with a separate track marking; Fig. 8a-c representations of the second embodiment with an actuator acting on roller feet in position gain and position loss phases; Fig. 9 a front view of the second embodiment showing a lateral oscillation; Fig. 10 a variant of the second embodiment; Fig. 11a, b further variants of the second embodiment; Fig. 12 a variant of. Fig. 7with a form-fitting track marking; and Fig. 13a-c representations of a plurality of ergometers in a fitness studio; Fig. 14a - e perspective views of different actuators; Fig. 15a-c representations of further actuators; Fig. 16a-c schematic representations for a possible positioning of rollers of a frame and a stand made of round tubes; Fig. 17a-c schematic representations for a possible positioning of rollers of a frame and a stand made of C-profiles; Fig. 18a, b schematic representations for a possible positioning of rollers of a frame and a stand made of rectangular profiles; Fig. 19a-e representations of different types of rollers; Fig. 20a-d representations of different designs of the stand of a fitness device.

[0075] Figures 1a and 1bshow perspective overall views of examples of a construction-technically unified base or structure for fitness equipment 1 of different equipment types 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, namely structures with hidden ( Fig. 1a ) and open ( Fig. 1b ) Rolls 48, 49, 48', 49'.

[0076] The fitness device 1 comprises a drive device 27 for receiving a training performance provided by a user and a power transmission device 21 for transmitting the power provided by the user during training to the drive device 27.

[0077] The present invention provides for different types of fitness equipment 1, e.g., ergometers 1a, speed bikes 1a', recumbent bikes, exercise bikes, rowing machines 1b, elliptical trainers 1c, cross trainers 1d, or treadmills 1e. The fitness equipment 1 is designed as one of these different equipment types 1a, 1a', 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. However, the structural design or basis for all equipment types 1a, 1a', 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e is uniform, i.e., unified, in terms of its design concept.

[0078] Figures 1c to 1h show detailed views of the structure of the fitness equipment 1 of different equipment types 1a, 1a', 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e.

[0079] The fitness device 1 also comprises a frame 2, 2a, 2b on which the drive device 27 and a power transmission device 21 are arranged, wherein the frame 2, 2a, 2b is further designed to support the user of the fitness device 1 during the performance of fitness exercises, as well as a stand 3, 3' supporting the frame 2 for resting on a surface.

[0080] The drive device 27 generally has a controllable braking device so that the user of the fitness device 1 can either adjust his training load himself during the exercises or so that the fitness device 1 can specify a training load to the user that is optimized for training success.

[0081] The power transmission device 21 can be designed differently for devices 1 of different device types, e.g. as a pedal unit 21, 21a in an ergometer 1a or a speed bike 1a', a pull rope 21b in a rowing machine 1b, as running arms, including movable arms 21c, 21d and pedal arms 21c', 21d', in an elliptical trainer 1c and a cross trainer 1d or as a running belt 21e in a treadmill 1e.

[0082] The frame 2 or the stand 3' of the fitness device 1 formed by two cross members 32, 33 has rollers 48, 49, 48', 49' which are arranged on the frame 2, 2b or on the stand 3, 3' in such a way that a tilt-stable positioning of the frame 2 relative to the ground and a longitudinal displacement X, X' of the frame 2 or of the frame 2 together with the stand 3, 3' relative to the ground is possible.

[0083] Such a longitudinal displacement X, X' of the frame 2 relative to the stand 3 or of the frame 2 together with the stand 3' relative to the ground is ensured by means of at least one actuator 9 depending on a measure of success of the user training.

[0084] In addition, the fitness device 1 has at least one sensor 26 for detecting the training performance provided by the user and a control device 6, wherein the control device 6 is designed to receive data from at least one sensor 26. The control device 6 interacts with a computing unit 7, wherein the computing unit 7 is designed to determine a so-called success measure from the training performance provided by the user. The fitness device 1 also comprises a signal unit 8, which is designed to generate a signal 80 for a so-called progress indicator based on the determined success measure, whereby the aforementioned longitudinal displacement X, X' of the frame 2 relative to the stand 3 or of the frame 2 together with the stand 3' relative to the ground is controlled.

[0085] In the Figures 1i to 13The illustrated embodiments of the ergometers according to the invention are bicycle ergometers. However, the invention is not limited thereto and can also be provided for other types of fitness equipment or other types of ergometers, in particular recumbent ergometers, treadmill ergometers, cross trainers, and / or rowing machine ergometers.

[0086] A bicycle ergometer according to a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1ishown, comprises as main components a frame 2, on which a seat 20 for a user and a handlebar-type handlebar-type handlebar 22 are arranged, as well as a stand 3, which supports the frame 2 and on which the frame 2 is arranged in a tilt-resistant manner. The stand 3 is provided with feet 4, by means of which it stands firmly on a floor or other suitable surface. Furthermore, a pedal unit 21 is assigned to the seat 20 and arranged such that a user sitting on the seat 20 can operate the pedal unit 21 with their legs and can support themselves on the handlebar 22. The user applies the training power to the pedal unit 21, which is then absorbed via the pedal unit 21 and fed into the bicycle ergometer and typically absorbed by a braking device 27.In the illustrated embodiment, the braking device 27 is designed as a magnetic brake wheel, but other alternative types of braking device known to those skilled in the art are also possible, examples of which may be mentioned here are brake bands or regenerative braking devices.

[0087] The frame 2 is actuated by means of an actuator 9, which is largely concealed in the illustrated embodiment (in Figure 1 not shown), longitudinally movable relative to the stand 3. Starting from a central position, as shown in Figure 1 As shown, the position of the frame 2 with the user on the seat saddle 20 can thus be adjusted on the stand 3 in the longitudinal direction forward (in Figure 1 to the right) and preferably also in the opposite direction, i.e. lengthwise backwards (in Figure 1 to the left), using actuator 9.

[0088] In Figure 2a and bDetails of a guide for the actuator 9 are shown. The guide comprises a pair of U-shaped guide rails 90, which are arranged in opposite directions on the long sides of the stand 3. Opposite direction is understood here that the open side of the "U" of the guide rails 90 points inwards (see Figure 2a ) or both are arranged outwards (see Figure 2b ). In the guide rails 90, two rollers run on each side, of which one roller 48 (in Figure 2 not shown) is not driven and the other roller 49 is driven by means of an actuator 94 of the actuator 9. As the actuator 9 drives the roller 49 by means of the actuator 94, the roller 49 and thus also the non-driven roller 48 moves along the guide rails 90, whereby the frame 2 moves accordingly relative to the stand 3, which is stationary.

[0089] The design variants according to Figures 2a and 2bdiffer only in the orientation of the guide rails 90 and whether the servomotors 94 run inside or outside. The rollers 48, 49 can be designed with a smooth outer surface, whereby the force connection between the driven roller 49 and the inside of the guide rails 90 is based on friction; alternatively, at least the driven roller 49 can optionally be designed as a toothed roller with a correspondingly complementary design of the inside of the guide rails 90, whereby the drive effect is based on positive locking.

[0090] Another variant for the actuator 9 and its guide is in Figure 3a, bshown. Instead of the guide rails 90, a guide spindle 90' ​​is provided, which is rotated by a servomotor 94. A frame-fixed sliding block 95 is arranged on the spindle 90', which has a through-opening with an internal thread 95'. The spindle is guided through this, wherein the internal thread 95' engages the spindle 90'. Thus, by rotating the spindle 90' ​​using the servomotor 94, the sliding block 95 and thus the frame 2 can be precisely adjusted in the longitudinal direction. By rotating in one direction, the frame can be moved forward, and correspondingly, by rotating the spindle 90' ​​in the other direction, the frame 3 can be moved back relative to the stand 3. The spindle 90' ​​can also be installed concealed, for example, in the interior of a U-profile with an inward-facing opening, as in Figure 2a shown.

[0091] Examples of the positions of the frame 2 relative to the stand 3 that can be achieved by means of the actuator 9 are shown in the Figures 4a to c They show views of frame 2 with a rear ( Figure 4a ), middle ( Figure 4b ) and front position ( Figure 4c ) of the actuator 9 of the ergometer. It is clearly visible how the relative position of the frame 2 with the user's seat 20 can be moved forwards or backwards in relation to the stand 3 standing on the base (floor). In this case, the middle position ( Figure 4b ) is the starting point. Starting from the in accordance with Figure 4b Thus, the user can be shown a positive fulfillment of his training goal, in particular an overfulfillment, directly and vividly by adjusting the actuator 9 in the direction that the frame 2 and thus also the user is moved further forward, as in Figure 5bsymbolized by the arrow pointing to the right. To achieve maximum performance or to achieve a leading position in a competitive event, frame 2 can be moved all the way forward, as shown in Figure 4c is shown. In this way, the user can be positively confirmed and encouraged for the achievement of his training performance. - If, however, the training performance of the user falls short of the intended training performance or his training goal, this can be illustrated to the user just as directly and vividly by a backward movement of the frame 2 with the user sitting there, as shown in Figure 5b symbolized by the arrow pointing to the left. If the training performance is not achieved or if the user remains in last place in a competitive event, frame 2 will be moved to the rear, as shown in Figure 4a This allows the user to be encouraged to increase their training performance in a silent, yet tangible and intuitive way.

[0092] If the user’s performance is within the average or expected range, frame 2 can again take the middle position, as in Figure 5a This creates the basis for allowing the user to subsequently experience their training performance in terms of over- / under-fulfillment by adjusting the position of frame 2 (and thus also the user on it).

[0093] The schematic structure and the functional relationships of the essential components are shown below using the block diagram according to Figure 6explained. The central unit for the basic function of the ergometer is the control device 6. Connected to this via a user interface 25 are an input device 23 and a display device 24 as an operator display. Furthermore, a sensor 26 is arranged on the pedal unit 21, which is connected to the control device 6 and by means of which the control device 6 determines the training performance achieved by the user. The control device 6 is preferably further designed to determine signals using the data determined by the sensor 26 in order to generate a measure of a distance s covered by the user, the speed v achieved in the process and possibly also of any acceleration / deceleration a from the training performance achieved by the user.

[0094] The control device 6 further interacts with a computing unit 7. The signals from the control device 6 are applied to the computing unit, in particular those for the training performance achieved by the user, the distance covered, speed, and acceleration. A signal for a training reference, as set by the user via the input device 23, is also applied to the computing unit 7. From the training performance achieved by the user in relation to the training reference, the computing unit 7 determines a success measure, which can be absolute and / or relative. For this purpose, the computing unit 7 interacts with a signal unit 8, which is designed to generate a signal 80 for a progress indicator 81 based on the success measure.Signal 80 is output and applied as an input signal to an actuator 9, which, depending on this signal 80, motor-drivenly displaces frame 2 with seat 20 and pedal unit 21 in the longitudinal direction, depending on the training performance, as explained below. Computing unit 7 and actuator 9 form the actual core of the invention.

[0095] The actuator 9 has a servomotor 94, which acts on the frame 3 for displacement by means of a driven roller 49. Also shown is a non-driven roller 48, which is provided with a rotation detection device (encoder or resolver) 96. The signal generated by it is a measure of the distance traveled by the roller 48, thus a signal for the displacement of the frame 2, and is fed back to the actuator 9. Preferably, the speed of the servomotor 94 is also monitored, from which a signal for the speed of the driven roller 49 can be generated. This signal is also fed back to the positioning drive 9. This comprises a traction control device 93, to which both the speed signals of the driven roller 49 and the speed signals of the non-driven roller 48 are applied.From this, it can be determined whether and to what extent slippage occurs on the driven roller 49; furthermore, if slippage is detected, appropriate compensation can be carried out, in particular by additionally actuating the roller 49 subject to slippage by means of the actuator 9 and / or - in the case of two or more driven rollers - by complementary control of the actuator on the opposite side of the frame 2 in order to thus establish symmetry.

[0096] Furthermore, the actuator 9 comprises limit switches 92, 92', which are located in the area of ​​the ends of the guide rails 90 (in Figure 6not shown). They are connected to the actuator 9 via a stop switch 91. The stop switch 91 is designed to detect the approach of the rollers 48, 49 to the respective limit switch 92, 92' and then to deactivate or reverse the actuator 9. This prevents the frame 2 from being displaced too far and thus minimizes the risk of it jumping out of the guide rail 90.

[0097] The signal unit 8 further interacts with an amplifier module 82. In particular, signals for speed and / or acceleration, as determined by the control device 6 from the training performance achieved by the user, are additionally applied to this module. These signals can be considered as further parameters for the progress indicator. For example, a user catching up with a training reference or exceeding the training reference can be amplified, so that even small progress is amplified by the amplifier module 82 and thus made clearer to the user. This applies accordingly if the training reference is formed by other users on other ergometers 1', in particular if two users are battling for position.If a user catches up with another user, even small gains in catching up are made more visible by the amplifier module 82. The actuator 9 shifts the frame 2 of their ergometer forward, increasing the forward movement to approximately the middle position when the other user is tied. Finally, the amplifier module 82 shifts the frame 2 significantly forward again when the other user is overtaken. In a corresponding manner, accelerations achieved by the user through their training performance can be amplified by the amplifier module 82. Overall, the faster user is thus given the impression of a "real overtaking maneuver." The same applies in reverse if the user is overtaken by another user and the overtaken user is then moved backward by the actuator 9.

[0098] In all of this, the actuator 9 always takes into account, by means of a limiter 98, that the adjustment speed of the frame 3 achieved by the actuator 94 is a safe speed permitted by the Machinery Directive, thus avoiding the risk of injury to the user. The limiter 98 is expediently designed such that, together with the actuator 94, it forms a creep drive whose adjustment speed is limited to a maximum of 1 m / s.

[0099] In order to ensure sufficient energy is available for the actuator 9 as well as the control device 6 or the computing unit 7 even when the power supply is independent of the mains, a separate energy storage device 99 is provided on the frame 2 or on the stand 3, which is connected to the actuator 9, the control device 6, or the computing unit 7 via supply lines (not shown). The energy storage device 99 is designed as an accumulator and stores electrical energy required for the inventive displacement of the frame 2.

[0100] For the versions according to Figure 7 the stand 3' is not designed as a rectangular frame as in the Figure 1illustrated first embodiment, but is formed by means of two crossbeams 32, 33. At the ends of these feet 4 are arranged, by means of which the crossbeams 32, 33 stand on a surface, in particular the floor of a fitness studio. Two of the feet 4 are designed as rolling feet 42, 43, each having a roller 49, 49' arranged at the end of the front crossbeam 33. The rollers 49, 49' are driven by the actuator 9, as already described above. The stand 3 is thus rollable. This ensures that the entire ergometer moves depending on the signal 80 for the progress indicator calculated by the computing unit 7. This results in a greater adjustment range, so that the user is given a more impressive experience when achieving a training performance in accordance with the training reference.It is understood that, as already described above, the training reference can be an absolute one related to a set training unit or a relative one related to other users on other ergometers 1`.

[0101] A networking unit 5 is provided for communication with other users on other ergometers 1'. It is designed to establish a connection to a data network (in particular the internet) 50 in order to communicate with the other users and their ergometers 1'. The other users can be located anywhere, be it in the same or another room in the gym, at home, or at a completely different location in the world. Training data is exchanged with these other users, enabling virtual competitions.

[0102] A non-driven roller 48, which is expediently arranged on the other crossbeam 32, can function as a position detection device. In this way, as already described above in connection with an encoder 96, signals for the actual displacement distance traveled can be obtained and fed back to the actuator 9.

[0103] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the actuator 9 is equipped with a track following device 97. As in Figure 7As shown, it is designed to follow a floor track marking 100 on the floor, which is preferably designed as a linear element and extends transversely through the room in which the ergometer is arranged. If there are several ergometers in a room, as is typically the case in fitness studios, several floor track markings 100 can be arranged next to one another without crossing, in particular parallel. The track following device 97 is provided with an image sensor 97' for detecting the floor track marking 100. If the image sensor 97' detects a deviation to the left (or to the right), a corresponding signal is transmitted to the track following device 97. This is designed to detect a directional error based on the deviation and to determine a correction direction and, if necessary, display it on the display device 24. Furthermore, it expediently interacts with the traction control 93 in such a way that it functions as a correction device.In this case, the driven roller 49' opposite the side to which a deviation has occurred (i.e. the right roller a deviation to the left) is driven at a reduced speed by the servo motor 5 in order to return the deviation of the ergometer 1 back to the floor track marking 100.

[0104] The floor marking 100 is preferably designed to be adhesive, for example, as a single-sided adhesive tape. Distance markings 102 are expediently printed on the upper surface, which can additionally be provided with intermediate markings 103. Furthermore, a marking for the starting point 105 and a target marking 106 are expediently provided on the upper surface of the floor marking 100. The floor marking 100 is expediently shorter, so that it can also be used in a shortened version in homes with the smaller room dimensions typically found there. The edges 101 of the floor marking 100 function as longitudinal guides for the tracking device 97.

[0105] Furthermore, the driven roller 49, 49' is actuated by means of the actuator 9 in a manner corresponding to that described above for the displacement of the frame 3 relative to the stand 2 of the first embodiment.

[0106] If the user exceeds the training reference (absolutely or relatively in relation to virtual competitors on other ergometers 1'), the frame 3 is moved forward by the actuator 9 by means of the driven rollers 49, 49' along the floor track marking 100 (see Figure 8a ). In the case of continuous overcrowding or overcrowding with particularly high speed or acceleration, and / or by means of a position gain compared to another user as a competitor on another ergometer 1', the ergometer 1 with its frame 3 is shifted more strongly forward by means of the amplifier module 82 in order to make the position gain immediately tangible for the user (see Figure 8b). In return, if the user's performance decreases compared to the reference or if a virtual competitor overtakes the user, the position drive 9 will reverse accordingly and the ergometer 1 with its frame 2 will be moved backwards by means of the driven rollers 49, 49' in order to make the user aware of his or her underperformance and the resulting loss of position (see Figure 8c ).

[0107] A special feature of the second embodiment with driven rollers 49, 49' is that the effect of the user's oscillating pedal force on the pedals arranged on both sides of the ergometer 1 can lead to different contact forces on the feet arranged on the left side relative to the feet arranged on the right side. An example of this is shown in Figure 9visualized, where due to the driving force of the user acting on the pedal, the contact force is increased on the right side compared to the static normal case (black arrow) (see the light shaded additional arrow). Accordingly, on the left side, the dynamic contact force caused by the pedal force is reduced compared to the static normal case (black arrow) (see shaded arrow). The different contact forces on the left and right lead to different contact pressures of the rollers 49, 49'. As a result, even with the same driving force from the servo motor 94, different slippage can occur on the left and right sides, whereby the ergometer is deflected to the side with the lower contact force (in Figure 9This is the left side.) The traction module 82 is expediently designed to detect such an imbalance resulting from the effect of the user's driving force on the pedal drive and the resulting slip difference, and to compensate for it by activating the traction control.

[0108] In Figure 10 and Figure 11a, b Variants of the second design with a driven roller foot are shown. For example, in the design variant according to Figure 10A driven central roller 47 is provided, which is arranged on a boom between the crossbeams 32, 33. The crossbeams 32, 33 themselves are provided with sliders 45 on their underside, which are dimensioned such that the central driven roller 47 absorbs a large part of the contact force of at least the rear crossbeam 32. If necessary, this central driven roller 47 can be designed to be steerable in order to compensate for a directional deviation, for example from the lane marking 100, by pivoting the driven central roller 47.

[0109] Optionally, transport rollers 41 can be provided on both sides of the rear of the cross member 32. They are arranged in such a way that they Figure 10In the position shown, the ergometer 1 does not rest on the floor, but is positioned somewhat higher. If the ergometer 1 is tilted backward over the rear cross member 32, for example, for storage, the transport rollers 41 come into contact with the floor and the ergometer 1 can be easily rolled away.

[0110] In the version according to Figure 11a Instead of the centrally driven roller 47, a second set of driven rollers 49, 49' is arranged on an axle carrier that is also attached to the boom. The function largely corresponds to that according to Figure 9 , whereby additionally, by selectively driving the driven roller at 49, 49' on one side, a compensation of directional deviations can be achieved (as described above). The same applies to the design variant according to Figure 11b, where the driven rollers 49, 49' are provided on a front cross member and non-driven rollers 48, 48' are provided on a rear cross member.

[0111] In Figure 12 is a variant of Figure 7 It differs from the one shown in Figure 7The second embodiment shown is characterized in that a form-fitting lane marking 100' is provided. It is provided on its upper side with teeth in the manner of a rack. The teeth are preferably rectangular in profile in order to create a surface that is easy to walk on, even in the area of ​​the teeth. The rollers 48, 48' on the cross members are not driven. Instead, the servo motor 94 of the actuator 9 acts on a toothed wheel 46. It has teeth on its outer circumference that are designed to be complementary to the teeth of the lane marking 100'. The toothed wheel 46 is mounted in the lower region of the frame 3 in such a way that its teeth on the outer circumference engage positively with the teeth of the lane marking 100'.In this way, a positive drive is formed, which ensures reliable and precisely positioned displacement of frame 3 even in the event of contamination with liquids (sweat). This is particularly suitable for use in fitness studios or other sports performance centers where users achieve maximum physical performance.

[0112] Such use in fitness studios is Figure 13 visualized with different views. Figure 13a shows several bicycle ergometers 1, 1' according to the invention, which are positioned next to each other in a fitness studio with their floor markings 100 parallel to each other. At the start, they are positioned next to each other, and during training, they are moved by the actuator 9 depending on the training performance of the respective user.

[0113] The relative positioning is also depicted here. If two users are competing for a position (e.g. the lead), the amplifier module 82 can be used to highlight which user is currently in the lead, even if the lead is only a few centimeters. This means that the competition for places can be clearly experienced, even if the simulated competition distance of 10 or 100 km is shortened to a typically short 5 to 15 m shift along the floor track marking 100. The invention also makes use of the fact that the loss of position by one user compared to another user can then possibly also result in the actuator 9 being reversed, i.e. the user who falls behind in the position sequence then moves backwards not only relative to the others, but also absolutely. This is the case, for example.This is shown in Figure 13b, where the user of ergometer 1 falls back and is overtaken by the user of the other ergometer 1'. This change in relative positioning is converted by the respective actuator 9 into a forward movement of ergometer 1' and a backward movement of ergometer 1. This occurs regardless of whether the ergometers 1, 1' are located in the same location (in the indoor cycling room of a fitness studio) or remote from each other (and only connected via the Internet 50). This can create a significantly more intense competitive atmosphere and increase the experience for the users, which subsequently serves as an incentive for further training performance.

[0114] In Figure 13cAn example of aligning the bicycle ergometers 1, 1' on the floor track markings 100 is shown. This is particularly important when several bicycle ergometers 1, 1' are to be operated side by side, thus ensuring parallel operation and avoiding collisions with the neighboring device. For this purpose, the track following module expediently interacts with an alignment module, which displays deviations detected by the track following device 97 on the display device 24, thus supporting rapid and correct alignment.

[0115] Figures 14a-e show perspective views of different actuators 9. This is, for example, an actuator 9 with a rack 61 and a toothed roller 62 ( Fig. 14a ), an actuator 9 with one or more friction rollers 63 ( Fig. 14b and 14c ), an actuator 9 with a cable pull 64 ( Fig. 14d ) and an actuator 9 with a chain 65 ( Fig. 14e). Such actuators 9 can be easily accommodated under the cover of the frame (2, 2a, 2b) of a training device 1, so that they are less prone to soiling and thus require little maintenance. Furthermore, such actuators 9 are cost-effective and reliable.

[0116] Figures 15a-c show schematic representations of other possible actuators 9, e.g. an alternative chain drive ( Fig. 15a ), an axle drive with two rollers 48, 48' ( Fig. 15b ) and a drive for individual rollers 49, 49' ( Fig. 15c ). These actuators 9 are also cost-effective, reliable, and low-maintenance.

[0117] A possible positioning of rollers 48, 49, 48', 49` of a frame 2 and a stand 3 consisting of round tubes 71 is shown in Figures 16a to 16c shown. Figures 17a to 17cschematic representations for a possible positioning of rollers 48, 49, 48', 49` of a frame 2 and a stand 3 consisting of C-profiles 72 or guide rails 90. Finally, Figures 18a and 18b a possible positioning of rollers 48, 49, 48', 49` of a frame 2 and a stand 3 consisting of rectangular profiles 73. The rollers 48, 49, 48', 49` of the frame 2 can be positioned vertically, horizontally, or diagonally on or correspondingly in the tubes 71 or profiles 72, 73. What all of these embodiments have in common is that the user can easily exchange different types of fitness equipment, e.g., by sliding the fitness equipment 1 into the stand 3 or by placing the fitness equipment 1 on the stand 3.

[0118] Figures 19a to 19e show different types of rollers 48, 49, 48', 49', e.g. right-angled ( Fig. 19a ), convex ( Fig. 19b ), concave ( Fig. 19c ) rollers or so-called H-rolls ( Fig. 19d ) and so-called L-rollers (19). Each type of roller 48, 49, 48', 49' is particularly well suited for a specific construction of the stand 3, such as concave rollers for stand 3 made of round tubes 71 or H- and L-rollers for stand 3 made of rectangular profiles 73.

[0119] Figures 20a-d show different designs of the stand 3 of a fitness device 1, for example a large stand 74, a telescopic stand 75, whereby the telescoping is possible not only in the stand length but also in the stand width, a foldable stand 76 and a plug-in stand 77 formed from assembled parts.

[0120] Thus, the stands 3 can be adapted by the user to the specific features of the respective device types 1a, 1a', 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, e.g. extended for a rowing machine 1b or widened for a treadmill 1e. List of reference symbols

[0121] Fitness equipment (1) of a different type, e.g. ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a'), rowing machine (1b), elliptical trainer (1c), cross trainer (1d) or treadmill (1e) Frame (2), e.g. two-part frame (2a, 2b) Stand (3, 3'), e.g. telescopic stand (3a, 3b) Networking unit (5) Control device (6) Computing unit (7) Signal unit (8) Actuator (9) Seat (20) or seat saddle (20) Power transmission device (21), e.g. pedal unit (21a) of an ergometer (1a), pull cable (21b) of a rowing machine (1b), running arms of an elliptical trainer (1c) or cross trainer (1d), including movable arms (21c, 21d) and pedal arms (21c', 21d'), running belt (21e) of a treadmill (1e) Handle (22) Input device (23) Display device (24) User interface (25) Sensor (26) Drive device (27), e.g.Braking device (27) Crossbeam (32, 33) Transport rollers (41) Slider (45) Toothed wheel (46) Rollers (47, 48, 49, 48', 49') Central roller (47) Internet (50) Rack (61) Toothed roller (62) Friction roller (63) Cable pull (64) Chain (65) Round tube (71) C-profile (72) Rectangular profile (73) Large stand (74) Telescopic stand (75) Foldable stand (76) Plug-in parts stand (77) Signal (80) Traction module (82) or amplifier module (82) Guide rails (90) Spindle (90') End position detection (92, 92') Traction control device (93) Actuator (94) Sliding block (95) Internal thread (95') Position detection device (96, 97) Lane following device (97) Energy source (99) Lane marking (100, 100') or marking tape Lane markings with distance markings (102, 103).

Claims

1. A fitness apparatus (1) comprising: a drive device (27) for receiving a training performance generated by a user; a force transmission device (21) for transmitting the performance generated by the user during the training to the drive device (27); a frame (2, 2a, 2b), on which the drive device (27) and the force transmission device (21) are arranged, wherein the frame (2, 2a, 2b) is further designed to support the user of the fitness apparatus (1) while performing fitness exercises; a pedestal (3, 3') supporting the frame (2, 2a, 2b) for resting on a subsurface; at least one sensor (26) for detecting the training performance generated by the user; a control device (6), which is formed to receive data from the at least one sensor (26), wherein the control device (6) cooperates with: a processing unit (7), which is formed to determine a measure of success from the training performance generated by the user, and a signal unit (8), which is formed to generate a signal (80) for a progress indicator, based on the determined measure of success, characterized in that - the frame (2, 2a, 2b) or the pedestal (3') of the fitness apparatus (1) has rollers (47, 48, 49, 48', 49'), which are arranged on the frame (2, 2a, 2b) or on the pedestal (3') in such a way that a tilt-stable positioning of the frame (2) with respect to the subsurface as well as a longitudinal displacement of the frame (2) or of the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3') relative to the subsurface is made possible, and wherein the fitness apparatus (1) further has at least one actuating drive (9), which is formed - to displace the frame (2) relative to the pedestal (3) or - the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3') relative to the subsurface in the longitudinal direction as a function of the signal (80) by means of the rollers (47, 48, 49, 48', 49') in a motorized manner.

2. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fitness apparatus (1) is formed as an apparatus of one of the below-mentioned different apparatus types, namely as an ergometer (1a), a speed bike (la'), a recumbent bike, a home training bike, a rowing apparatus (1b), an elliptical trainer (1c), a cross trainer (1d), or a treadmill (1e).

3. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one roller (47, 48, 49, 48', 49') is driven by an actuator (94) of the actuating drive (9), so that a longitudinal displacement of the frame (2, 2a, 2b) or of the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3') relative to the subsurface can be created.

4. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (26) for detecting the training performance generated by the user is arranged on the drive device (27) and / or on the force transmission device (21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e).

5. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller (47, 48, 49, 48', 49') is embodied as a friction roller, a serrated roller, a toothed roller, a sliding roller and / or a running roller.

6. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fitness apparatus (1) is embodied as ergometer (1a), speed bike (la'), recumbent bike or home training bike.

7. A fitness apparatus (1), namely ergometer (1a), speed bike (la'), recumbent bike or home training bike, according to claim 6, wherein the pedestal (3) is formed by two cross members (32, 33), on the ends of which a roller (48, 49, 48', 49') is arranged in each case, wherein the rollers (48, 49, 48', 49') rest on the subsurface, and wherein at least two rollers (49, 49') are driven by the actuator (94).

8. The fitness apparatus (1), namely ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a'), recumbent bike or home training bike, according to claim 6, wherein: the pedestal (3) is formed by two cross members (32, 33), on the ends of which sliders (45) and / or rollers (48, 49, 48', 49') are arranged in each case, which rest on the subsurface, and the at least one roller (47, 49) driven by the actuator (94) is arranged either as steerable central roller (47) or as set of driven rollers (49, 49') on a beam.

9. The fitness apparatus (1), namely ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a'), recumbent bike or home training bike, according to claim 6, wherein: the rollers (48, 49, 48', 49') are arranged on the frame (2, 2b) and run in or on guide rails (90) of the pedestal (3, 3a, 3b); and the at least one driven roller (49) is formed to displace the frame (2, 2a, 2b) relative to the stationary pedestal (3) and thus also relative to the subsurface.

10. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (7) is formed to control the actuating drive (9) in a reversible manner.

11. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal unit (8) cooperates with an amplifier module (82), which is formed to consider an acceleration generated by the training performance for the progress indicator.

12. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the actuating drive (9) is provided with an end position detection (92, 92'), which is formed to turn off and / or to reverse the actuating drive (9) when reaching an end position; and / or the actuating drive (9) is embodied in a form-fit manner.

13. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating drive (9) is a creep drive, which drives the at least one roller (49, 49') at a speed, which is lower than walking speed and maximally 1 m / s.

14. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating drive (9) has a traction control (93) for the at least one driven roller (49, 49'), wherein a detected slip of the at least one driven roller (49, 49') is guided back to the processing unit (7).

15. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating drive (9) has a device for position detection (96, 97), which is formed to output a signal to the processing unit (7).

16. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 15, wherein the device for position detection has a sensor (97'), which is formed to detect floor track markings (100), wherein the floor track markings (100) are embodied as track markings with distance markings (102, 103).

17. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein the floor track markings (100) are formed as marking tape, which is arranged on the subsurface.

18. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising an alignment module, which is formed to detect and display directional deviations by means of the floor track markings (100).

19. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 18, wherein the alignment module is formed to display a correction direction.

20. The fitness apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rollers (47, 48, 49, 48', 49') are arranged on the frame (2) or on the pedestal (3') in such a way that a crushing danger-minimizing longitudinal displacement of the frame (2) or of the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3') relative to the subsurface is made possible.

21. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fitness apparatus (1) of each apparatus type of the different apparatus types (1a, 1a', 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) is based on a base, which is unified in terms of technical design, for fitness apparatuses of different apparatus types (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e).