Foot-stepping exercise equipment

Abstract

This foot-stepping exercise device provides additional benefits beyond those obtained from the foot-stepping motion of the stepping section. [Solution] The foot-stepping exercise device 1 is characterized by comprising: a pair of EMS electrode sheets 16 made of conductive resin, each attached to the footrest surface 152 of each of the pair of step sections 15; a pair of conductive rings 17 that are electrically connected to each of the pair of EMS electrode sheets 16 and are rotatable together with each of the pair of step sections 15; a pair of EMS power disks 18, each electrically connected to a predetermined EMS power supply; and a pair of connecting wires 19, each having one end in sliding contact with the corresponding EMS power disk of the pair of EMS power disks 16 and the other end in sliding contact with the corresponding conductive ring of the pair of conductive rings 17.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stepping exercise device that obtains an exercise effect by a stepping motion of a pair of step portions by a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a stepping exercise device that obtains an exercise effect by a spontaneous stepping motion in which a user steps on a pair of step portions is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to such a stepping exercise device, when a user steps on a pair of step portions, an exercise effect similar to walking or climbing stairs can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in the above-described stepping exercise device, the obtained effect is only the exercise effect by the stepping motion of the step portion, but in recent years, the number of users expecting further effects is increasing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a stepping exercise device that can obtain a further effect in addition to the exercise effect by the stepping motion of the step portion in order to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A foot-stepping exercise device that solves the above-mentioned problems comprises: a pair of rotating frames rotatably mounted around a predetermined axis of rotation; a pair of shaft members extending along the axis of rotation from a pair of extension points on the pair of rotating frames that are separated from each other in opposite directions from the axis of rotation in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a pair of step sections mounted one-to-one on each of the pair of shaft members so as to be rotatable around each shaft member, on which the user places the soles of their feet, and which rotate the pair of rotating frames via the pair of shaft members in response to the user's stepping motion, or which automatically rotate the pair of rotating frames to prompt the user to perform the stepping motion via the pair of shaft members; a pair of EMS electrode sheets made of conductive resin attached to the foot-resting surface of each of the pair of step sections; and electrically connected to each of the pair of EMS electrode sheets. The invention is characterized by comprising: a pair of conductive rings attached one-to-one to a pair of shaft members in a state that allows them to rotate together with each of the pair of step portions; a pair of conductive, annular plate members arranged around the rotation axis, facing one-to-one with the rotation axis side portion of each of the pair of rotating frames, and each electrically connected to a predetermined EMS power supply; and a pair of connecting wire members provided so as to rotate together with the pair of rotating frames about the rotation axis, with one end of each wire sliding in contact with the corresponding EMS power disk of the pair of EMS power disks and the pair of conductive rings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With the above-mentioned stepping exercise device, in addition to the exercise effect from stepping on the stepping part, further benefits can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a stepping exercise device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is a front view of the foot-stepping exercise equipment, seen from the direction of arrow V11 in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the foot-stepping exercise equipment shown in Figure 1, viewed from the direction of arrow V12 in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a top view of the foot-stepping exercise equipment, seen from the direction of arrow V13 in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figures 1 to 4 show a cross-sectional view of the foot-stepping exercise equipment, specifically along the line V14-V14 in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Below, one embodiment of a foot-stepping exercise device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a stepping exercise device according to one embodiment, and Figure 2 is a front view of the stepping exercise device shown in Figure 1, viewed from the direction of arrow V11 in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the stepping exercise device shown in Figure 1, viewed from the direction of arrow V12 in Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a top view of the stepping exercise device shown in Figure 1, viewed from the direction of arrow V13 in Figure 1. Finally, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the stepping exercise device shown in Figures 1 to 4, showing a cross-section along the line V14-V14 in Figure 4.

[0011] The stepping exercise device 1 of this embodiment is a device that provides exercise benefits through the user's voluntary stepping motion by stepping on a pair of step sections 15, or by automatically moving the pair of step sections 15 to prompt the user to step. Furthermore, with this stepping exercise device 1, the muscles of the feet placed on the step sections 15 can be stimulated by EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation), as described later.

[0012] This foot-stepping exercise device 1 comprises a pair of step support plates 11 and a main frame 12. It also includes a pair of rotating frames 13, a pair of shaft members 14, a pair of step sections 15, a pair of EMS electrode sheets 16, and a pair of conductive rings 17. Furthermore, it includes a pair of EMS power disks 18, a pair of connecting wires 19, and a pair of elastic needle-holding rubbers 20. Finally, it includes a motor 21, a motor housing frame 22, and a pair of disk-holding plates 23.

[0013] The pair of step support plates 11 are integrated with the main frame 12 and are placed in a predetermined installation location, such as on the floor. Each step support plate 11 is located below each step section 15 and supports the tail end of each step section 15 on the side opposite to the rotation drive side.

[0014] The main frame 12 is a box-shaped frame positioned between a pair of step support plates 11 and a pair of step sections 15. A power switch 121 and several setting switches 122 for various settings are installed on its upper surface.

[0015] The pair of rotating frames 13 are a pair of disc-shaped members that are rotatably mounted around a predetermined rotation axis X11. These rotating frames 13 are provided with a pair of extension points 131 that extend in a one-to-one relationship from a pair of shaft members 14 at positions that are separated from each other in the radial direction, i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X11, and are in opposite directions from the rotation axis X11.

[0016] The pair of shaft members 14 are a pair of round iron rod members that extend from each of the pair of extension points 131 along the rotation axis X11.

[0017] The pair of step portions 15 are portions having a sandal-like shape that are respectively and rotatably installed one by one around each of the pair of shaft members 14 with each shaft member 14 as the center. Each step portion 15 is for the user to place the sole of the foot thereon, and receives the user's spontaneous stepping motion to rotate each rotation frame 13 around the rotation axis X11 via each shaft member 14. Further, the pair of step portions 15 prompt the user to perform a stepping motion via the pair of shaft members 14 when the pair of rotation frames 13 automatically rotate. Also, one roller 151 is pivotally supported at the tail portion of each step portion 15, and the tail portion of each step portion 15 is supported by the step support plate 11 via this roller 151. When the step portion 15 moves, the roller 151 at this tail portion rolls on the surface of the step support plate 11 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis X11.

[0018] The pair of EMS electrode sheets 16 are sheet members made of a conductive resin formed of, for example, conductive silicone or the like, and are respectively affixed to the foot placement surfaces 152 of the pair of step portions 15.

[0019] The pair of conductive rings 17 are metal rings that are electrically connected to the pair of EMS electrode sheets 16 respectively and are attached one by one to the pair of shaft members 14 in a rotatable state together with the pair of step portions 15 respectively. Each conductive ring 17 is fitted into the end portion of each shaft member 14 on the rotation frame 13 side. Also, each conductive ring 17 and each EMS electrode sheet 16 are electrically connected via an electric wire not shown. That is, the conductive ring 17 and the EMS electrode sheet 16 are electrically connected by connecting one end of this electric wire to the EMS electrode sheet 16 and welding the other end to the conductive ring 17.

[0020] The pair of EMS power supply disks 18 are a pair of conductive and annular plate members that face the portions on the rotation axis X11 side (i.e., the center side of the disk) of each of the pair of rotating frames 13 one by one and are arranged surrounding the rotation axis X11. Each EMS power supply disk 18 is electrically connected to an EMS power supply (not shown). Here, inside the installation parts of the power switch 121 and the plurality of setting switches 122 in the main body frame 12, a circuit board 123 that performs power-on and various setting processes in response to these switch operations is arranged. The pair of EMS power supply disks 18 are respectively connected to this circuit board 123 via wires (not shown) and are connected to the EMS power supply via this circuit board 123.

[0021] The pair of connection wires 19 are wire members provided in a pair so as to electrically connect the pair of EMS power supply disks 18 and the pair of conductive rings 17 one by one and rotate around the rotation axis X11 together with the pair of rotating frames 13. One end of each of these pair of connection wires 19 makes sliding contact with the corresponding-side EMS power supply disk among the pair of EMS power supply disks, and the other end of each makes sliding contact with the corresponding-side conductive ring among the pair of conductive rings. Here, each connection wire 19 includes a wire body 191, a first spring pin 192, and a second spring pin 193. The wire body 191 is a wire component installed on the rotating frame 13. The first spring pin 192 is attached to one end of the wire body 191 and is a terminal component whose tip is spring-biased toward the EMS power supply disk 18 and makes elastic contact with the EMS power supply disk 18. Also, the second spring pin 193 is attached to the other end of the wire body 191 and is a terminal component whose tip is spring-biased toward the conductive ring 17 and makes elastic contact with the conductive ring 17. The first spring pin 192 is held by the rotating frame 13 via a spring pin holding rubber 20 (described later), and the second spring pin 193 is embedded and held in a spring pin groove 141 provided in the shaft member 14. The conductive ring 17 is fitted into the shaft member 14 so as to cover the opening of this spring pin groove 141 with its inner peripheral surface, and the tip of the second spring pin 193 protrudes from the opening of the spring pin groove 141 and makes elastic contact with the inner peripheral surface of the conductive ring 17.

[0022] The pair of needle-holding rubbers 20 are fixed to the rotation axis X11 side (i.e., the center side of the disc) of each of the pair of rotating frames 13 and are rubber members that hold the first needle 192 of each of the pair of connecting wires 19. Each needle-holding rubber 20 has a portion of the wire body 191 on the side of the first needle 192 and the subsequent base portion of the first needle 192 passing through it, causing the tip of the first needle 192 to protrude toward the EMS power disk 18 on the opposite side. The tip of the first needle 192 that protrudes from the needle-holding rubber 20 is in elastic contact with the EMS power disk 18.

[0023] The motor 21 is a drive component that applies at least one of the following to a pair of rotating frames 13: an assist driving force and a load driving force. In this embodiment, both the assist driving force and the load driving force are switchably applied. Switching between the assist driving force and the load driving force is possible by operating the setting switch 122 on the main frame 12. The assist driving force is a rotational driving force that rotates the pair of rotating frames 13 to prompt the user to perform a foot-stepping motion. The load driving force is a rotational driving force that generates a load on the foot-stepping motion in the opposite direction to the rotation when the user performs a voluntary foot-stepping motion. In this embodiment, the magnitude of the assist driving force when applying the assist driving force and the magnitude of the load driving force when applying the load driving force can be set by operating the setting switch 122.

[0024] The motor housing frame 22 is a frame member that is housed in the main frame 12 and also houses the motor 21. This motor housing frame 22 has a pair of motor shafts 211 that transmit the rotational driving force from the motor 21 to a pair of rotating frames 13 in a one-to-one relationship, and these shafts protrude outward through the outer wall 221 along the rotation axis X11. The pair of rotating frames 13 are fixed to the ends of these pair of motor shafts 211 with screws.

[0025] The pair of disk holding plates 23 are annular plate members that are fixed to the outer wall 221 of the motor housing frame 22 so as to surround the point where the motor shaft 211 penetrates the outer wall 221 and hold a pair of EMS power disks 18 one to one.

[0026] In the stepping exercise device 1 of the embodiment described above, an EMS current is supplied from an EMS power source via a connecting wire 19 to the EMS electrode sheet 16, which moves together with the step section 15 when stepping. One end of this connecting wire 19 slides into contact with a conductive ring 17 connected to the EMS electrode sheet 16, and the other end slides into contact with an EMS power disk 18 that is stationary relative to the moving structure including the step section 15. Through these two sliding contacts, an EMS current is supplied from the stationary EMS power disk 18, i.e., the EMS power source, to the EMS electrode sheet 16, which moves when stepping. This supply of EMS current during stepping allows for stimulation of the leg muscles with the EMS current, in addition to the exercise effect from the stepping motion of the step section 15. In other words, the stepping exercise device 1 of this embodiment provides the additional effect of stimulating the leg muscles with the EMS current, in addition to the exercise effect from the stepping motion of the step section 15.

[0027] In this embodiment, each of the pair of connecting wires 19 comprises a wire body 191, a first elastic needle 192 that elastically contacts the EMS power disk 18, and a second elastic needle 193 that elastically contacts the conductive ring 17. With this configuration, the elastic contact between the tip of the first elastic needle 192 and the EMS power disk 18, and the elastic contact between the tip of the second elastic needle 193 and the conductive ring 17, allows each end of the connecting wire 19 to effectively slide into contact with the corresponding location.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a motor 21 is provided that applies at least one (both in this embodiment) of assist driving force and load driving force to a pair of rotating frames 13. With this configuration, by applying assist driving force and load driving force from the motor 21 to the rotating frames 13, it is possible to obtain passive motion effects from the automatically moving step section 15 and added motion effects from the user voluntarily stepping on the step section 15 against the load.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the assist driving force and the magnitude of the load driving force of the motor 21 can be set by operation. With this configuration, the level of the effect of passive motion and the level of the effect of load motion can be arbitrarily set according to the user's wishes.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a motor housing frame 22 is provided that houses the motor 21 and allows a pair of motor shafts 211 to protrude from it. The rotating frame 13 is fixed to the motor shafts 211, and the EMS power disk 18 is fixed to the outer wall 221 of the motor housing frame 22 via a disk holding plate 23. With this configuration, the rotating frame 13 can be effectively connected to the motor 21 via the motor shafts 211 that protrude from the motor housing frame 22. In addition, by fixing the motor housing frame 22 to the outer wall 221, the EMS power disk 18 can be effectively installed in a stationary state relative to the rotating frame 13.

[0031] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are merely examples of foot-stepping exercise equipment, and foot-stepping exercise equipment is not limited to these embodiments. In other words, foot-stepping exercise equipment can be used with appropriate modifications depending on the intended use.

[0032] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a foot-stepping exercise device 1 is shown as an example, with its specific external shape shown in Figures 1 to 4. However, the foot-stepping exercise device is not limited to this, and any external shape can be adopted.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a rotating frame 13 formed in the shape of a disc centered on a rotation axis X11 is exemplified as an example of a rotating frame. However, the rotating frame is not limited to this, and its specific shape is not restricted as long as it rotates around a rotation axis. For example, the rotating frame may be formed in the shape of a crank, having a first rod portion along the rotation axis and a second rod portion extending from its end in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis with the extended end as the extension point.

[0034] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a connecting wire 19 is exemplified as an example of a connecting wire, comprising a wire body 191, a first elastic needle 192 that elastically contacts the EMS power disk 18, and a second elastic needle 193 that elastically contacts the conductive ring 17. However, the connecting wire is not limited to this, and the specific manner of sliding contact of the wire ends with the EMS power disk and the conductive ring is not limited. However, as described above, the elastic contact of the first elastic needle 192 with the EMS power disk 18 and the elastic contact of the second elastic needle 193 with the conductive ring 17 allows each end of the connecting wire 19 to be effectively brought into sliding contact.

[0035] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a foot-stepping exercise device 1 is exemplified as an example of a foot-stepping exercise device, which is equipped with a motor 21 that applies both assist driving force and load driving force to the rotating frame 13. However, the foot-stepping exercise device is not limited to this, and may also be one in which the rotating frame is driven only by the user's voluntary foot-stepping motion without such a motor. However, as described above, by providing the motor 21, it is possible to obtain passive exercise effects from the automatically moving step section 15 and added exercise effects from stepping on the step section 15 against a load. Even when a motor is provided, the force applied to the rotating frame may be limited to either assist driving force or load driving force, or only one of them.

[0036] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a motor 21 is provided as an example of a motor in which the magnitude of the assist driving force and the magnitude of the load driving force can be set by operation. However, the motor is not limited to this, and the magnitude of the assist driving force and the magnitude of the load driving force may be set to a fixed, unchangeable size. However, as mentioned above, by making the above driving forces adjustable by operation, the level of the effect of passive motion and the level of the effect of added motion can be arbitrarily set according to the user's wishes.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of a foot-stepping exercise device, a foot-stepping exercise device 1 is provided in which a rotating frame 13 is fixed to a motor shaft 211 protruding from a motor housing frame 22, and an EMS power disk 18 is fixed to the outer wall 221 of the motor housing frame 22. However, the foot-stepping exercise device is not limited to this, and any configuration can be adopted for the specific connection method between the rotating frame and the motor, and the specific installation method of the EMS power disk. However, as mentioned above, the installation method using the motor shaft 211 and the outer wall 221 of the motor housing frame 22 allows the rotating frame 13 to be effectively connected to the motor 21, and the EMS power disk 18 to be effectively installed in a stationary state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Foot-operated exercise equipment 11 Step support plate 12 Main frame 13 rotation frames 14 Shaft member 15 Step section 16 EMS electrode sheets 17 Conductive ring 18 EMS Power Disk 19 Connecting wires 20 Needle retaining rubber 21 Motor 22 Motor housing frame 23 Disc retaining plate 121 Power switch 122 Setting Switch 123 Circuit board 131 Extending point 141 Bullet hole groove 151 Laura 152 Footrest surface 191 Electric wire body 192 First Needle 193 Second needle 211 Motor shaft 221 Exterior Wall X11 Rotation axis

Claims

1. A pair of rotating frames, which are mounted to be rotatable around a predetermined axis of rotation, In the pair of rotating frames, a pair of shaft members extend along the rotation axis from each of a pair of extension points that are separated from each other in opposite directions from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, Each of the pair of shaft members is provided with a pair of step sections, each rotatably mounted in a one-to-one configuration around the respective shaft member, on which the user places their soles, and which, in response to the user's foot-stepping motion, rotates the pair of rotating frames via the pair of shaft members, or which automatically rotates the pair of rotating frames to prompt the user to perform the foot-stepping motion via the pair of shaft members. A pair of EMS electrode sheets made of conductive resin are attached to the footrest surfaces of each of the pair of step sections, A pair of conductive rings are electrically connected to each of the pair of EMS electrode sheets and are attached one-to-one to the pair of shaft members in a manner that allows them to rotate together with each of the pair of step portions, A pair of conductive, annular plate members are arranged to face one-to-one with the portion on the rotation axis side of each of the pair of rotating frames and to surround the rotation axis, and each of the EMS power disks is electrically connected to a predetermined EMS power supply, A pair of wire members are provided to electrically connect the pair of EMS power disks and the pair of conductive rings in a one-to-one relationship and to rotate together with the pair of rotating frames around the axis of rotation, each of which has one end sliding in contact with the corresponding EMS power disk of the pair of EMS power disks and the other end sliding in contact with the corresponding conductive ring of the pair of conductive rings, A foot-stepping exercise device characterized by having the following features.

2. Each of the aforementioned pair of connecting wires The electric wire body installed on the rotating frame, A first elastic needle is attached to one end of the electric wire body, and its tip is spring-biased toward the corresponding EMS power disk so as to make elastic contact with the corresponding EMS power disk. A second elastic needle is attached to the other end of the aforementioned electric wire body, and its tip is spring-biased toward the corresponding conductive ring so as to make elastic contact with the corresponding conductive ring, The foot-stepping exercise device according to claim 1, characterized by being equipped with the following features.

3. The foot-stepping exercise device according to claim 1, further comprising a motor that applies to the pair of rotating frames at least one of the following to the pair of rotating frames: an assist driving force to rotate the pair of rotating frames to prompt the user to perform the foot-stepping motion, and a load driving force to rotate the pair of rotating frames in the opposite direction to the rotation when the foot-stepping motion is received, thereby creating a load on the foot-stepping motion.

4. The foot-stepping exercise device according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnitude of the assist driving force when the assist driving force is applied and the magnitude of the load driving force when the load driving force is applied can be set by operation.

5. The motor housing frame further comprises a motor housing frame that houses the motor and has a pair of motor shafts that transmit the rotational driving force from the motor to the pair of rotating frames in a one-to-one correspondence, with the motor shafts penetrating the outer wall and protruding to the outside along the rotational shafts, The pair of rotating frames are fixed one-to-one to the pair of motor shafts, The foot-stepping exercise device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pair of EMS power disks are fixed to the outer wall of the motor housing frame.

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