Curve simulation apparatus for a bicycle ergometer

Abstract

The invention relates to a curve simulation apparatus (11) for a bicycle ergometer (1), comprising: a base part (12) having a curved contact area (13) for laterally tiltable placement on a floor, wherein the contact area (13) of the base part (12) has a curved center portion (14), which has a first curvature radius (R1), and a curved tilting portion (15), which has a second curvature radius (R2) and laterally adjoins the curved center portion (14), the second curvature radius (R2) of the curved tilting portion (15) being smaller than the first curvature radius (R1) of the curved center portion (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a curve simulation device for a bicycle ergometer according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a bicycle ergometer with such a curve simulation device.

[0003] EP 0 925 809 B1 describes an ergometer with a base consisting of a front cross member and a rear cross member. Curved elements are attached to the underside of the cross members, allowing the ergometer to tilt sideways to simulate cornering. This allows muscle groups that cannot be trained with conventional bicycle ergometers to be targeted. However, the curved elements of the state-of-the-art are hardly practical. Due to the comparatively small radius of curvature of the curved elements in the central area, a stable central position cannot be maintained. The ergometer would constantly tilt to one side or the other. This would make training difficult or even impossible.

[0004] US 10 702 739 B1 discloses a training device designed to simulate the movements involved in cycling.

[0005] EP 2 558 170 B1 discloses a swing base construction for supporting a reformer device.

[0006] US 3 361 427 A discloses a training device in the form of a four-way seesaw.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to alleviate or eliminate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention preferably aims to create a cornering simulation device for bicycle ergometers that enables the user to effectively switch between an upright riding position and a cornering position.

[0008] This object is achieved by a curve simulation device according to claim 1 and a bicycle ergometer according to claim 14. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the invention, the contact surface of the base part has a curved tilting section with a second radius of curvature, which adjoins the curved central section laterally. The second radius of curvature of the curved tilting section is smaller than the first radius of curvature of the curved central section.

[0010] The large radius of curvature in the middle section allows for training in an upright riding position like on conventional ergometers, but with additional small pivoting and compensating movements to the side without hitting an end stop. Thus, the large radius of curvature in the middle section enables a more lifelike riding experience than conventional ergometers. Preferably, the middle section extends symmetrically around a center plane of the base part (vertical with respect to a neutral center position), which, when in use, preferably corresponds to the vertical plane of symmetry of the basic body of the bicycle ergometer. The small radius of curvature in the tilting section interrupts the large radius of curvature in the middle section, with the effect that the lean position can be maintained during simulated cornering. Preferably, the tilting section adjoins the middle section directly to the outside at the sides.If the large radius of curvature extended to the side, the bicycle ergometer would always tend towards the neutral central position. This is prevented by the tilting section with the second radius of curvature, which is smaller than the central section. This allows cornering to be simulated for any desired length of time. By slightly shifting your weight towards the center, the bicycle ergometer is pivoted back over the tilting section towards the neutral central position, which simulates straight-ahead travel with slight lateral fluctuations. The invention therefore enables a smooth, intuitive transition between two training modes: dynamic normal travel with slight fluctuations when the bicycle ergometer is in an upright position, and cornering with no tendency to return to the neutral central position when the bicycle ergometer is tilted.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the central section and / or the tilting section is curved in a circular arc in cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bicycle ergometer).

[0012] Preferably, the curved contact surface of the base part is essentially shape-invariant (with respect to the service loads). Thus, the desired effect is achieved by the different curvatures of the central and tilting sections of the contact surface and not by spring and / or damping elements.

[0013] To achieve this advantageous effect, in a preferred embodiment, the first radius of curvature is several times larger than the second radius of curvature, preferably more than three times, particularly preferably more than five times, in particular more than ten times, for example more than fifteen times. Thus, the first radius of curvature can be more than seventeen times larger than the second radius of curvature.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first radius of curvature is between 1100 mm and 1900 mm, in particular substantially 1500 mm, and / or the second radius of curvature is between 50 mm and 120 mm, in particular substantially 85 mm.

[0015] In order to enable the change between normal travel with the bicycle ergometer in an upright position and simulated cornering with the bicycle ergometer inclined smoothly and quickly, the curved middle section in a preferred embodiment has an arc length that is preferably several times, for example more than 3 times, in particular more than 5 times, longer than the curved tilting section, wherein the arc length of the curved middle section is preferably from 130 mm to 250 mm and / or the arc length of the curved tilting section is from 15 mm to 40 mm.

[0016] To simulate cornering in both directions, in a preferred embodiment, the contact surface of the base part has two curved tilting sections, each with a second radius of curvature. The two curved tilting sections adjoin the curved central section on opposite sides. The two curved tilting sections are preferably identical and arranged in a mirror image with respect to the vertical central plane of the base part. The central section preferably extends symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of the base body of the bicycle ergometer.

[0017] To limit the maximum tilt of the bicycle ergometer during simulated cornering, the contact surface of the base part, in a preferred embodiment, has an end stop on each of the opposite side edges. Depending on the design, the end stop can be formed by a curved edge section of the contact surface with such a small radius of curvature that the bicycle ergometer cannot tip beyond this limit under normal usage forces.

[0018] For stable arrangement during simulated cornering, in a preferred embodiment the contact surface has a substantially straight section laterally towards the respective side edge adjoining the tipping section.

[0019] In a first preferred embodiment of the curve simulation device as a retrofit unit for a conventional bicycle ergometer, a fastening element is provided for detachably mounting the base part on the base body of the bicycle ergometer. A fastening strap, in particular a Velcro fastener, is preferably provided as the fastening element. A base of the bicycle ergometer is preferably fixed to the top of the base part using the fastening element.

[0020] With regard to a simple and stable arrangement of the bicycle ergometer on the curve simulation device, in a preferred embodiment the base part has a fastening opening for attaching the fastening element, in particular the fastening strap, wherein preferably two fastening openings spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction are provided on either side of the center plane of the base part.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the base part has an anti-slip coating on its upper side for the non-slip arrangement of the base body of the bicycle ergometer on the base part. The anti-slip coating preferably has markings for the symmetrical arrangement of the base body of the bicycle ergometer on the base part.

[0022] In an alternative design, the base part is formed as a single piece with the base body of the bicycle ergometer. Thus, the curve simulation device can also be formed integrally with the base body of the bicycle ergometer.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the base part has a handle for lifting and stowing the curve simulation device.

[0024] To enable training evaluation, the curve simulation device, in a preferred embodiment, has a sensor for detecting the inclination of the base part relative to the horizontal. Furthermore, a memory for recording the inclination as a function of time can be provided. The training data can be displayed on a screen.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the bicycle ergometer, two curve simulation devices are provided, each of which is connected to a foot part of the base body.

[0026] The invention is further explained below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a bicycle ergometer equipped with a curve simulation device. Fig. 2 shows a top view of the bicycle ergometer according to Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 shows a front view of the bicycle ergometer of the Fig. 1, 2 . Fig. 4 shows a side view of the bicycle ergometer of the Fig. 1 to 3 . Fig. 5 shows the bicycle ergometer of the Fig. 1 to 4 in the neutral middle position as well as in the two tilted positions to the side to simulate cornering. Fig. 6 shows a side view of the curve simulation device according to Fig. 1 to 5 . Fig. 7 shows a top view of the curve simulation device according to Fig. 1 to 6 . Fig. 8 shows an enlarged detailed view of the curve simulation device according to Fig. 1 to 7 . Fig. 9 to 12 show an alternative embodiment of a bicycle ergometer with a curve simulation device.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 to 3 a bicycle ergometer 1 is shown, which has a horizontal longitudinal axis 2 (cf. Fig. 2 and 4) in the direction of the (simulated) ride. As usual, the bicycle ergometer 1 has a base body 3 with a vertical plane of symmetry, on which two pedals 4 are rotatably mounted via cranks 5. By transmitting power to the pedals 4, a flywheel 6 is rotated about an axis of rotation 7 (cf. Fig. 3 ) is set in rotation. Furthermore, the bicycle ergometer 1, also as usual, has a handle 8, a saddle 9, and a footrest 10 on the front and rear sides, each extending horizontally transversely to the longitudinal axis 2. When the bicycle ergometer 1 is placed on a horizontal floor via the footrests 10, the rotational axis 7 of the flywheel 6 is arranged in a horizontal plane.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the bicycle ergometer 1 further comprises a curve simulation device 11. The curve simulation device 11 comprises a one-piece base part 12 with a curved contact surface 13, which rests on the ground. In the embodiment shown, two base parts 12 are provided, which are arranged below the foot parts 10. With the help of the curved contact surface 13 of the base part 12, the bicycle ergometer can be Fig. 1 shown neutral central position with horizontal arrangement of the rotation axis 7 into an inclined position in which the rotation axis 7 is arranged at an angle of 5 to 12 ° (degrees), in particular of 9 to 11 °, for example substantially 10 ° (to the horizontal).

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the contact surface 13 of the base part has a convexly curved central section 14 (cf. Fig. 8) with a first radius of curvature R1 and convexly curved tilting sections 15 with a second radius of curvature R2 adjoining the curved central section 13 laterally (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2). The central section 14 and both tilting sections 15 are preferably designed as circular arcs in cross-section. The second radius of curvature R2 of the curved tilting section 15 is smaller than the first radius of curvature R1 of the curved central section 14. In the embodiment shown, the first radius of curvature R1 is several times greater than the second radius of curvature R2, preferably more than 15 times greater, for example approximately 17.5 times greater. For example, the first radius of curvature R1 can be between 1100 mm and 1900 mm, in particular substantially 1500 mm, and the second radius of curvature can be between 50 mm and 120 mm, in particular substantially 85 mm.The curved central section 14 has a longer arc length than the curved tilting section 15. The arc length of the curved central section 14 is preferably from 130 mm to 250 mm. The arc length of the curved tilting section 15 is preferably from 15 mm to 40 mm.

[0030] In the embodiment shown, the support surface 13 of the base part 12 has an end stop 16A on each of the two opposite side edges, which defines the maximum tilt angle. The end stop 16A is formed by an end section of the support surface 13. In addition, the support surface 13 has essentially flat, i.e., straight in cross-section (perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the base body 3), sections 16B between the tilting sections 15 and the end stops 16A.

[0031] The Fig. 1 to 8show an embodiment of the curve simulation device 11 as an attachment, which can be reversibly and detachably connected to the foot section 10 of the bicycle ergometer 1. For the detachable arrangement of the base section 12 on the bicycle ergometer 1, a fastening element 17 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a hook-and-loop fastener. The base section 12 has two fastening openings 18 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the base section 12 on either side of the center plane of the base section 12. The fastening element 17 is guided through one of the two fastening openings 18, folded over the foot section 10 of the bicycle ergometer 1, and secured.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the base part 12 has an anti-slip coating 19 on the upper side (cf. Fig. 2 and Fig. 7 ), which prevents the foot part 10 from slipping relative to the base part 12.

[0033] In addition, the base part 12 in the embodiment shown has a handle 20 which is formed by two handle openings 21 on a taper 22 of the base part 12.

[0034] Furthermore, the curve simulation device 1 can have a sensor 23 for detecting an inclination of the base part 12 relative to the horizontal. Information about the training, in particular the inclination of the base part 12, and preferably also the duration of the simulated curve, can be displayed on a display 24 of the bicycle ergometer 1.

[0035] Fig. 9 to 12 show an alternative embodiment in which the base part 12 is formed integrally with the foot part 10 of the bicycle ergometer 1. Regarding the contact surface 13, reference can be made to the preceding explanations.

Claims

1. Curve simulation device (11) for a bicycle ergometer (1), comprising: a base part (12) with a curved contact surface (13) for laterally tiltable placement on a floor, wherein the contact surface (13) of the base part (12) comprises a curved central section (14) with a first radius of curvature (R1), characterised in that the contact surface (13) of the base part (12) comprises a curved tilting section (15) laterally adjoining the curved centre section (14) and having a second radius of curvature (R2), wherein the second radius of curvature (R2) of the curved tilting section (15) is smaller than the first radius of curvature (R1) of the curved centre section (14).

2. Curve simulation device (11) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first radius of curvature (R1) is greater than the second radius of curvature (R2) by a multiple, preferably by more than 3 times, particularly preferably by more than 5 times, in particular by more than 10 times, for example by more than 15 times.

3. Curve simulation device (11) according to claim 2, characterised in that the first radius of curvature (R1) is between 1100 mm and 1900 mm, in particular substantially 1500 mm, and / or the second radius of curvature (R2) is between 50 mm and 120 mm, in particular substantially 85 mm.

4. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the curved central section (14) comprises a longer arc length than the curved tilting section (15), wherein the arc length of the curved central section (14) is preferably from 130 mm to 250 mm and / or the arc length of the curved tilting section (15) is from 15 mm to 40 mm.

5. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the contact surface (13) of the base part (12) comprises two curved tilting sections (15), each with the second radius of curvature, the two curved tilting sections (15) adjoining the curved central section (14) on opposite sides.

6. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the contact surface (13) of the base part (12) comprises an end stop (16A) on opposite side edges in each case.

7. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the contact surface (13) comprises a substantially straight section (16B) laterally towards the respective side edge adjacent to the tilting section (15).

8. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised by a fastening element (17) for the detachable arrangement of the base part (12) on the base body of the bicycle ergometer (1), the fastening element (17) preferably being a fastening strap, in particular a Velcro strap.

9. Curve simulation device (11) according to claim 8, characterised in that the base part (12) comprises a fastening opening (18) for attaching the fastening element (17), in particular the fastening tape, wherein preferably two fastening openings (18) spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction are provided on either side of the centre plane of the base part (12).

10. Curve simulation device (11) according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the base part (12) comprises an anti-slip coating (19) on the upper side for non-slip arrangement of the base body of the bicycle ergometer (1) on the base part (12).

11. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the base part (12) is formed in one piece with the base body of the bicycle ergometer (1).

12. Curve simulation device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the base part (12) comprises a handle (20).

13. Curve simulation device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised by a sensor (23) for detecting an inclination of the base part (12) with respect to the horizontal.

14. Bicycle ergometer (1), comprising: a base body (3) on which two pedals (4) are rotatably mounted, and a curve simulation device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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