Load-type training device

Abstract

A load-type training device (1) according to the present invention comprises a main wire (14), end portion transmission mechanisms (13) and free-end intermediate transmission mechanisms (15) that are provided at a plurality of locations along the main wire (14) and that serve as pulling force transmission mechanisms capable of transmitting a pulling force of a user to the main wire (14), and actuators (11) capable of imparting a load that acts against the pulling force of the user to one end portion of the main wire (14), the load-type training device (1) being characterized in that the number of actuators (11) is less than the number of pulling force transmission mechanisms.

Description

resistance training equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a resistance-type training device for training a user's body by applying resistance. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-204599, filed on December 4, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In recent years, as health consciousness has increased, various training devices have been proposed for training various parts of the body. One type of training device is a load-type training device, which allows the user to exercise against a load, thereby efficiently training muscles, etc.

[0003] This load-type training device includes a wire, a traction force transmission mechanism capable of transmitting a user's traction force to the wire, and an actuator capable of applying a load to the wire against the user's traction force. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fitness training device 100 (corresponding to a load-type training device) including a cable 21 (corresponding to the wire), a line 20 (corresponding to the traction force transmission mechanism), and an electric motor 31 (corresponding to the actuator).

[0004] Japan Special Table No. 2022-547237

[0005] However, in conventional load-type training devices, one or more actuators are provided for each traction force transmission mechanism, so when multiple traction force transmission mechanisms are provided, the number of actuators also increases. For example, in the load-type training device of Patent Document 1, two traction force transmission mechanisms are provided for the user's left and right hands, so a total of four actuators are provided, two on each side. As such, in conventional load-type training devices, the number of actuators also increases as the number of traction force transmission mechanisms increases, leading to problems such as a complex structure, an increase in the size of the entire device, and increased manufacturing costs.

[0006] The present invention was devised in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a load-type training device that allows for the installation of multiple traction force transmission mechanisms without increasing the number of actuators, and that allows for a simplified structure, a smaller overall device, and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0007] A load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention is a load-type training device for training a user's body by applying a load, and is characterized in that it comprises a main wire, traction force transmission mechanisms provided at multiple locations on the main wire and capable of transmitting the user's traction force to the main wire, and an actuator capable of applying a load to one end of the main wire against the user's traction force, and the number of the actuators is less than the number of the traction force transmission mechanisms.

[0008] In addition, in a load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the other end of the main wire may be a free end, and the traction force transmission mechanism may have an end transmission mechanism provided at the other end of the main wire, and an intermediate transmission mechanism for a free end provided at an intermediate portion of the main wire.

[0009] Furthermore, in a load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the free end intermediate transmission mechanism may include a movable pulley unit including a first movable pulley around which the intermediate portion of the main wire is wound and a second movable pulley connected to the first movable pulley, a sub-wire whose intermediate portion is wound around the second movable pulley and whose one end is a free end and whose other end is a fixed end, and an action part provided at one end of the sub-wire to allow the user to apply a traction force.

[0010] In addition, a load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a frame that houses the main wire and the sub-wire and allows the other end of the main wire and the other end of the sub-wire to be pulled out to the outside, and a movable pulley guide that is attached to the frame and extends from the other end of the main wire toward the other end of the sub-wire, guiding the movement of the movable pulley unit.

[0011] In addition, in the load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the movable pulley guide portion may be provided as a gap capable of accommodating the movable pulley unit therein.

[0012] In addition, in a load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the other end of the main wire may be a fixed end, and the traction force transmission mechanism may have a plurality of intermediate transmission mechanisms for fixed ends provided in the intermediate portion of the main wire.

[0013] Furthermore, in a load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms may have a third movable pulley around which the intermediate portion of the main wire is wound, and an action part connected to the third movable pulley and through which the user applies a traction force.

[0014] In addition, in the load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the actuator may have a pulley capable of winding up one end of the main wire, and a motor that drives and rotates the pulley.

[0015] In addition, in a load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the motor may drive one axial end of the rotating shaft of the pulley, and the pulley may be formed so that its outer diameter decreases from one axial end side to the other axial end side of the rotating shaft.

[0016] In addition, in the load-type training device according to one aspect of the present invention, the number of the traction force transmission mechanisms may be two, and the number of the actuator may be one.

[0017] According to one aspect of the load-type training device of the present invention, even if multiple traction force transmission mechanisms are provided, the number of actuators does not increase accordingly, making it possible to simplify the structure, reduce the size of the entire device, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0018] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a load-type training apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one longitudinal end side of the main frame 5 with the main frame 5 and the side frame 6 removed. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire guide unit 10 in an exploded state. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the movable pulley unit 36 ​​in an exploded state. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the other longitudinal end side of the main frame 5 with the main frame 5 removed. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a load-type training apparatus 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the load-type training apparatus 50 with the frame 2 removed. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the first wire guide unit 52 in an exploded state. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the second wire guide unit 53 in an exploded state.

[0019] Hereinafter, a load-type training device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (Configuration of Load-Type Training Apparatus According to First Embodiment) First, the configuration of the load-type training apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 1 to 5 are diagrams showing the configuration of a load-type training apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing its appearance. The load-type training apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2, a training mechanism 3, and wheels 4 for transportation.

[0021] (Frame) The frame 2 is a frame body formed from a resin or the like. As shown in FIG. 1 , the frame 2 has a main frame 5 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and a side frame 6 provided at one longitudinal end of the main frame 5. The main frame 5 serves to receive a reaction force from a user when the user stands on it. The main frame 5 is formed in a housing shape, and a pair of wire-passing holes 7 are formed at both longitudinal ends thereof, penetrating the upper surface in the thickness direction. Meanwhile, the side frame 6 serves to house an actuator, which will be described later, and the like. The side frame 6 is also formed in a housing shape and is fixed to one longitudinal end of the main frame 5.

[0022] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing one longitudinal end of the main frame 5 with the main frame 5 and side frame 6 removed. The frame 2 further has a pair of inner frames 8 provided inside the main frame 5. The pair of inner frames 8 have a generally rectangular cylindrical shape with a length approximately the same as that of the main frame 5 and a width narrower than that of the main frame 5. The pair of inner frames 8 configured in this manner are respectively disposed at the bottom of the main frame 5 so as to be parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction with a predetermined gap in the width direction. The material and shape of the frame 2 are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0023] (Training Mechanism) The training mechanism 3 is used to train the user by applying a load to the user's body. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the training mechanism 3 has a movable pulley guide 9, a wire guide unit 10, an actuator 11, a relay pulley 12, an end transmission mechanism 13, a main wire 14, a free end intermediate transmission mechanism 15, a tension sensor 16, and a main control device 17.

[0024] The movable pulley guide 9 accommodates a movable pulley unit 36 ​​(described later) therein and serves to guide its movement. As shown in Fig. 2, the movable pulley guide 9 is formed by a gap of a predetermined width provided between a pair of inner frames 8, and is provided so as to extend over the entire length of the main frame 5 in the longitudinal direction. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, instead of this embodiment, the movable pulley guide 9 can also be formed by, for example, forming a groove in the surface of the frame 2 or attaching a rail to the frame 2.

[0025] The wire guide unit 10 serves to guide a main wire 14 and a sub-wire (described later) so that they can be pulled out from the wire passage hole 7. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the wire guide unit 10. The wire guide unit 10 has a support member 18, a pipe member 19, a fixed pulley 20, and a shaft member 21.

[0026] The support member 18 serves to support both ends of the shaft member 21. As shown in Figure 3, the support member 18 is a box-shaped member made of metal or the like, with the top and back open. The support member 18 has a pipe insertion hole 22 formed through the front surface thereof and a pair of shaft insertion holes 23 formed through the left and right side surfaces thereof.

[0027] The pipe member 19 serves to guide and protect the main wire 14 and the sub-wire 38 (described later) that pass through it. As shown in Fig. 3, the pipe member 19 is a tubular member made of metal or the like, with an inner diameter larger than those of the main wire 14 and the sub-wire 38 and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pipe insertion hole 22 of the support member 18. The pipe member 19 also has an elongated hole 24 formed by partially cutting out the circumferential surface of a middle portion in the axial direction of the pipe member 19. The pipe member 19 configured in this manner is inserted into the pipe insertion hole 22 of the support member 18 and fixed to the support member 18 by welding or the like, with the elongated hole 24 positioned inside the support member 18 and facing upward.

[0028] The fixed pulley 20 changes the direction in which the main wire 14 and the sub-wire extend and also serves to reduce frictional forces generated by sliding between them. As shown in FIG. 3 , the fixed pulley 20 is a cylindrical member made of resin or the like. The fixed pulley 20 has a concave groove 25 formed on its circumferential surface and a shaft insertion hole 26 formed axially through its center. The inner diameter of the shaft insertion hole 26 is set to be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the shaft insertion hole 23 of the support member 18. The fixed pulley 20 configured in this manner is housed inside the support member 18 and is arranged so that the position of the shaft insertion hole 26 coincides with the position of the shaft insertion hole 23 of the support member 18.

[0029] The shaft member 21 serves as the rotation axis of the fixed pulley 20. As shown in Figure 3, the shaft member 21 is a cylindrical member made of metal or the like. The length of the shaft member 21 is set to be approximately equal to the distance between the left and right side surfaces of the support member 18. The shaft member 21 configured in this manner is inserted through the shaft insertion hole 26 of the fixed pulley 20, and both ends thereof are inserted into the shaft insertion holes 23 of the support member 18 and fixed by welding or the like. In this way, the shaft member 21 is arranged to span between the left and right side surfaces of the support member 18 while rotatably supporting the fixed pulley 20.

[0030] 1 and 2, the wire guide units 10 configured as described above are disposed inside the movable pulley guide section 9, at positions corresponding to the pair of wire passage holes 7 in the main frame 5. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, the pair of left and right wire guide units 10 are rotatably supported by the main frame 5 at the portions of the pipe members 19 that protrude outside the support member 18, sandwiching the pipe insertion hole 22 therebetween. This allows the entire wire guide unit 10 to swing around the pipe members 19.

[0031] The actuator 11 serves to apply a load to one end of the main wire 14 against the pulling force of the user. As shown in Fig. 2, the actuator 11 has a motor 27, a drive gear 28, a driven gear 29, a take-up pulley 30, and a motor driver 31. The actuator 11 configured in this manner is housed inside the side frame 6 shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] The motor 27 serves to generate a load to be applied to the main wire 14 as a rotational driving force. As shown in FIG. 2 , the motor 27 has a motor main body 32 fixedly installed inside the side frame 6, and a motor shaft 33 rotatably supported by the motor main body 32. The drive gear 28 and the driven gear 29 serve to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor 27 to the take-up pulley 30. The drive gear 28 is fixedly provided on the circumferential surface of the motor shaft 33. On the other hand, the driven gear 29 has a larger diameter and a larger number of teeth than the drive gear 28, and is arranged to mesh with the drive gear 28.

[0033] The take-up pulley 30 plays a role in transmitting the rotational driving force of the motor 27 to the main wire 14 as a pulling force by winding up one end of the main wire 14. As shown in FIG. 2 , the take-up pulley 30 has a pulley shaft 34 (the "rotating shaft" according to the present invention) and a pulley body 35. The pulley shaft 34 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and although not shown in detail in the figure, one end thereof is fixed to the driven gear 29, and the other end thereof is supported by the side frame 6 so as to be rotatable forward and backward. The pulley body 35 has a so-called tapered shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases from its base end (the side of the driven gear 29) to its tip end (the side of the side frame 6), and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the pulley shaft 34. Note that in this specification, the rotation of the take-up pulley 30 that winds up the main wire 14 is defined as forward rotation, and the rotation of the take-up pulley 30 that unwinds the main wire 14 is defined as reverse rotation.

[0034] The motor driver 31 controls the amount, direction, timing, etc. of current flowing through the motor 27 to control the operation of the motor 27 and also serves to protect the motor 27 in the event of an abnormality. As shown in Figure 2, the motor driver 31 is disposed adjacent to the motor 27. It is also possible to control the operation of the motor 27 using the main control device 17 without providing the motor driver 31.

[0035] The intermediate pulley 12 serves to guide one end of the main wire 14 to the take-up pulley 30 of the actuator 11 while avoiding contact with the frame 2. This intermediate pulley 12 is a cylindrical member made of resin or the like. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, a groove for winding the main wire 14 is formed on the circumferential surface of the intermediate pulley 12. The intermediate pulley 12 configured in this manner is rotatably supported inside the side frame 6 at a position close to the open end of the movable pulley guide portion 9 with its axial direction facing up and down.

[0036] The end transmission mechanism 13 corresponds to the traction force transmission mechanism according to the present invention, and serves to transmit the traction force of the user to the other end of the main wire 14. As shown in Fig. 2, the end transmission mechanism 13 is configured as a ring-shaped handle made of resin or the like. The user can apply a traction force to the other end of the main wire 14 by gripping and pulling the end transmission mechanism 13 with their hand, or by hooking their foot on the end transmission mechanism 13 and pulling it.

[0037] The main wire 14 serves to transmit the user's pulling force and the driving force of the actuator 11. The main wire 14 is a so-called resin wire, which is a linear member made of polyethylene or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the main wire 14 is housed in the movable pulley guide 9, i.e., the gap between the pair of inner frames 8. One end of the main wire 14 passes through the side frame 6 (see FIG. 1) and is connected to the actuator 11. More specifically, one end of the main wire 14 is fixed to the tip of the take-up pulley 30 via the intermediate pulley 12, thereby becoming a fixed end.

[0038] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the other end of the main wire 14 is guided by the wire guide unit 10 and drawn out to the outside of the main frame 5 through the wire passage hole 7. More specifically, the other end of the main wire 14 passes through the inside of the pipe member 19 (see FIG. 3 ), extends from the elongated hole 24 to the outside of the pipe member 19, and passes through the groove 25 of the fixed pulley 20, changing its extending direction from horizontal to vertical. The main wire 14 guided by the wire guide unit 10 in this manner is allowed to move in the axial direction of the pipe member 19 by the longitudinal opening width of the elongated hole 24, and is also allowed to move in the circumferential direction of the pipe member 19 by the amount that the entire wire guide unit 10 is able to swing. Therefore, the user can change the direction in which the traction force is applied to the main wire 14 within the range of allowed movement. The other end of the main wire 14 drawn out to the outside of the main frame 5 is connected to the end transmission mechanism 13, making it a free end. The material, length, etc. of the main wire 14 are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be changed as desired.

[0039] The free end intermediate transmission mechanism 15 corresponds to the traction force transmission mechanism according to the present invention, and serves to transmit the user's traction force to the longitudinal intermediate portion of the main wire 14. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this free end intermediate transmission mechanism 15 has a movable pulley unit 36, an operating portion 37, and a sub-wire 38.

[0040] The movable pulley unit 36 ​​serves to transmit the tension of the main wire 14 to the sub-wire 38, or transmit the tension of the sub-wire 38 to the main wire 14. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the movable pulley unit 36 ​​in an exploded state. The movable pulley unit 36 ​​has a casing 39, a first movable pulley 40, and a second movable pulley 41.

[0041] The casing 39 rotatably supports the first movable pulley 40 and the second movable pulley 41 and connects them together. As shown in FIG. 4 , the casing 39 includes a first casing 42 and a second casing 43. The first casing 42 is a flat-plate member made of resin or the like and has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The first casing 42 has a pair of left and right cylindrical shaft portions 44 protruding from one surface of the first casing 42. The second casing 43 is a flat-plate member made of resin or the like and has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The second casing 43 has a pair of left and right cylindrical shaft portions 45 protruding from one surface of the second casing 43. The spacing between the left and right cylindrical shaft portions 45 is set to be approximately equal to the spacing between the left and right cylindrical shaft portions 44. The inner diameter and length of the cylindrical shaft portions 45 are each set to a size that allows the cylindrical shaft portions 44 to be inserted therethrough. Furthermore, the lateral widths (widths in the short direction) of the first casing 42 and the second casing 43 are set to a size that can be accommodated in the movable pulley guide 9, and preferably to a degree slightly smaller than the gap width of the movable pulley guide 9. The material, shape, and configuration of the casing 39 can be arbitrarily changed in design as long as it can fulfill the above-mentioned role. For example, although not shown in detail in the drawings, if the movable pulley guide 9 is configured as a rail rather than a gap or groove, the casing 39 can also be configured as a slider that fits into the rail and is movable.

[0042] The first movable pulley 40 serves to change the direction in which the main wire 14 extends. The first movable pulley 40 is a cylindrical member made of resin or the like. The first movable pulley 40 has a concave groove 46 formed on its circumferential surface and a shaft insertion hole 47 formed axially through the center of the first movable pulley 40. The inner diameter of the shaft insertion hole 47 is set to a size large enough to allow the cylindrical shaft 45 of the second casing 43 to be inserted therethrough.

[0043] The second movable pulley 41 serves to change the direction in which the sub-wire 38 extends. The second movable pulley 41 is a cylindrical member made of resin or the like. The second movable pulley 41 has a recessed groove 48 formed on its circumferential surface and a shaft insertion hole 49 formed axially through the center of the second movable pulley 41. The inner diameter of the shaft insertion hole 49 is set to a size large enough to allow the cylindrical shaft 45 of the second casing 43 to pass through.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4 , the movable pulley unit 36 ​​configured in this manner has one of the cylindrical shaft portions 45 of the second casing 43 inserted into the shaft portion insertion hole 47 of the first movable pulley 40, and the other of the cylindrical shaft portions 45 of the second casing 43 inserted into the shaft portion insertion hole 49 of the second movable pulley 41. As a result, the first movable pulley 40 and the second movable pulley 41 are arranged at a predetermined distance on one surface of the second casing 43. In this state, the pair of cylindrical shaft portions 44 of the first casing 42 are inserted into and fixed to the pair of cylindrical shaft portions 45 of the second casing 43. As a result, the first movable pulley 40 and the second movable pulley 41 are each rotatably supported by the casing 39 and are connected to each other by the casing 39. The movable pulley unit 36 ​​integrated in this manner is housed in the movable pulley guide 9, as shown in FIG. 2 . As a result, the movable pulley unit 36 ​​is guided by the movable pulley guide portion 9, and is thereby able to reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the main frame 5. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, the longitudinal middle portion of the main wire 14 is wound around a groove portion 46 of a first movable pulley 40 (see FIG. 4) that constitutes the movable pulley unit 36.

[0045] The action portion 37 serves to apply the user's pulling force to the sub-wire 38. Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the other longitudinal end of the main frame 5 with the main frame 5 removed. Note that in FIG. 5, one of the pair of inner frames 8 is shown by a dashed line for ease of explanation. The action portion 37 is configured as a ring-shaped handle made of resin or the like. The user can apply a pulling force to one end of the sub-wire 38 by gripping and pulling the action portion 37 with their hand, or by hooking their foot on the action portion 37 and pulling it.

[0046] The sub-wire 38 serves to transmit the user's pulling force and the driving force of the actuator 11. The sub-wire 38 is a so-called resin wire, a linear member made of polyethylene or the like. As shown in FIG. 5 , the sub-wire 38 is housed in the movable pulley guide unit 9, i.e., the gap between the pair of inner frames 8. Although not shown in detail in the figure, a longitudinally intermediate portion of the sub-wire 38 is wound around the groove 48 of the second movable pulley 41 that constitutes the movable pulley unit 36 ​​(see FIG. 4 ). As shown in FIG. 1 , one end of the sub-wire 38 is guided by the wire guide unit 10 and drawn out of the main frame 5 through the wire passage hole 7. More specifically, the one end of the sub-wire 38 passes through the inside of the pipe member 19 (see FIG. 3 ), extends from the elongated hole 24 to the outside of the pipe member 19, and passes through the groove 25 of the fixed pulley 20, thereby changing the extending direction from horizontal to vertical. The sub-wire 38 guided by the wire guide unit 10 in this manner is permitted to move in the axial direction of the pipe member 19 by the longitudinal opening width of the elongated hole 24, and is permitted to move in the circumferential direction of the pipe member 19 by the amount that the entire wire guide unit 10 is able to swing. Therefore, the user can change the direction in which the traction force is applied to the sub-wire 38 within the range of permitted movement. As shown in FIG. 5 , one end of the sub-wire 38 pulled out to the outside of the main frame 5 is connected to the operating portion 37 and is therefore a free end. Meanwhile, the other end of the sub-wire 38 is connected to the tension sensor 16, which will be described later, and is therefore a fixed end. The material, length, etc. of the sub-wire 38 are not limited to those described in this embodiment and can be changed as desired.

[0047] The tension sensor 16 serves to detect the tension of the sub-wire 38, and therefore the equivalent tension of the main wire 14. The tension sensor 16 is a load cell capable of detecting tension using a conventionally known method, such as a piezoelectric, strain gauge, magnetostrictive, capacitance, or gyro type. As shown in FIG. 5 , the tension sensor 16 is disposed adjacent to the wire guide unit 10 at the end of the movable pulley guide section 9 opposite the side frame 6, and is fixed to the main frame 5. The other end of the sub-wire 38 is connected to the tension sensor 16. The installation position of the tension sensor 16 is not limited to this embodiment and can be changed as desired within a range in which the tension of the sub-wire 38 can be detected. The tension sensor 16 may also detect the tension of the main wire 14.

[0048] The main control device 17 plays a role in controlling the operation of each part of the resistance-type training apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 2, this main control device 17 is fixedly mounted on the motor main body 32. Although not shown in detail in the figure, the main control device 17 receives the detection results of the tension sensor 16 and outputs signals that control the operation of the motor driver 31 and other components based on the detection results. The installation position of the main control device 17 is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as needed.

[0049] (Transportation Wheels) The transportation wheels 4 serve to move the resistance-type training apparatus 1 to any desired position of use. As shown in FIG. 1 , a predetermined number of transportation wheels 4 are rotatably supported on the bottom of the side frame 6. When the main frame 5 and the side frame 6 are placed on a horizontal floor surface F as shown in FIG. 1 during use of the resistance-type training apparatus 1, the transportation wheels 4 do not come into contact with the floor surface F, allowing for stable installation of the resistance-type training apparatus 1. On the other hand, although not shown in detail in the figure, when the end of the main frame 5 opposite the side frame 6 is lifted upward during movement of the resistance-type training apparatus 1, the transportation wheels 4 come into contact with the floor surface F and rotate, allowing for smooth movement of the resistance-type training apparatus 1. Note that the number and arrangement of the transportation wheels 4 are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0050] (Operations and Effects of First Embodiment) Next, operations and effects of the load-type training device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the load-type training device 1 according to this embodiment, in the initial state in which neither the main wire 14 nor the sub-wire 38 is receiving a pulling force from the user, one end of the main wire 14 is wound around the take-up pulley 30 over the entire axial length, and the movable pulley unit 36 ​​is located in its initial position in the movable pulley guide 9, i.e., at the end on the side of the side frame 6. At this time, most of the main wire 14 and the sub-wire 38 are retracted into the main frame 5.

[0051] In this initial state, when the user grips the handle serving as the end transmission mechanism 13 with one hand and applies a pulling force to the other end of the main wire 14, the take-up pulley 30 rotates in the reverse direction, unwinding one end of the main wire 14. This allows the user to pull the other end of the main wire 14, guided by the wire guide unit 10, out of the main frame 5. At this time, the movable pulley unit 36 ​​remains in its initial position. At this time, the motor driver 31 drives the motor 27 to rotate, and the take-up pulley 30 rotates forward via the drive gear 28 and the driven gear 29. This applies a load to the one end of the main wire 14 in the opposite direction to the pulling force applied by the user. The user can train the muscles of one arm by pulling the other end of the main wire 14 against this load. Furthermore, when the user releases the pulling force on the other end of the main wire 14, the applied load causes the one end of the main wire 14 to be wound around the take-up pulley 30. Accordingly, the other end of the main wire 14 is pulled into the main frame 5 .

[0052] Meanwhile, in the initial state, when the user grips the handle serving as the free-end intermediate transmission mechanism 15 with the other hand and applies a pulling force to one end of the sub-wire 38, this pulling force is transmitted to the main wire 14 via the movable pulley unit 36. Then, the take-up pulley 30 rotates in the reverse direction to unwind one end of the main wire 14, causing the movable pulley unit 36 ​​to move along the movable pulley guide 9 in a direction away from the side frame 6. Accordingly, the user can pull out one end of the sub-wire 38, guided by the wire guide unit 10, to the outside of the main frame 5. At this time, the tension sensor 16 connected to the other end of the sub-wire 38 detects the magnitude of the tension in the sub-wire 38 and outputs the detection result to the main control device 17. Based on the detection result, the main control device 17 controls the operation of the motor driver 31, which then drives the motor 27 to rotate. As a result, the take-up pulley 30 rotates forward and takes up the main wire 14, applying a load in the opposite direction to the pulling force applied by the user to the main wire 14 and also to the sub-wire 38 via the movable pulley unit 36. The user can train the muscles in their other arm by pulling one end of the sub-wire 38 while resisting this load. Furthermore, when the user releases the pulling force applied to one end of the sub-wire 38, the applied load causes one end of the main wire 14 to be taken up by the take-up pulley 30, and the movable pulley unit 36 ​​moves along the movable pulley guide 9 in a direction approaching the side frame 6. Accordingly, one end of the sub-wire 38 is pulled into the main frame 5.

[0053] As described above, the load-type training apparatus 1 according to this embodiment transmits the user's traction force to the main wire 14 by two traction force transmission mechanisms, the end transmission mechanism 13 and the free-end intermediate transmission mechanism 15. Meanwhile, one actuator 11 provided at one end of the main wire 14 applies a load to the end transmission mechanism 13 via the main wire 14 and to the free-end intermediate transmission mechanism 15 via the sub-wire 38. Therefore, compared to a case in which the actuator 11 that applies a load to the end transmission mechanism 13 and the actuator 11 that applies a load to the free-end intermediate transmission mechanism 15 are provided separately and independently, the load-type training apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has the advantage of having a simpler configuration, a smaller and lighter device overall, and reduced manufacturing costs due to the fewer actuators 11.

[0054] Furthermore, in the load-type training device 1 according to this embodiment, the movable pulley unit 36 ​​and the main wire 14 and sub-wire 38 wound around it are housed inside the movable pulley guide 9. Preferably, the width of the movable pulley unit 36 ​​is set to be slightly smaller than the gap width of the movable pulley guide 9. Therefore, even if the tension on the main wire 14 or sub-wire 38 is relaxed, the position of the movable pulley unit 36 ​​is maintained to some extent by the movable pulley guide 9, which has the advantage that the main wire 14 or sub-wire 38 is less likely to fall off the movable pulley unit 36.

[0055] Furthermore, in the load-type training device 1 according to this embodiment, the take-up pulley 30 constituting the actuator 11 is tapered, i.e., the outer diameter of the pulley body 35 gradually decreases from the base end toward the tip end. Therefore, as the take-up pulley 30 rotates, the main wire 14 fixed to its tip end is evenly wound from the tip end to the base end of the pulley body 35. This has the advantage that the main wire 14 is less likely to become tangled or otherwise malfunction when being wound or unwound.

[0056] (Modifications of the First Embodiment) The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, the first embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

[0057] In this embodiment, a load is applied to two traction force transmission mechanisms by only one actuator 11, thereby simplifying the structure. However, the number of actuators 11 is sufficient as long as it is less than the number of traction force transmission mechanisms, and is not limited to this embodiment and can be changed appropriately depending on the number of traction force transmission mechanisms. In other words, it is sufficient to apply a load to N traction force transmission mechanisms by (N-1) or fewer actuators 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, resin wires made of polyethylene or the like are used as the main wire 14 and the sub-wire 38 according to the present invention. However, the main wire 14 and the sub-wire 38 according to the present invention refer to long members capable of transmitting the driving force of the actuator 11 and the pulling force of the user, and are not limited to resin wires, but also include strings, ropes, cords, cables, belts, chains, and the like.

[0059] In this embodiment, the end transmission mechanism 13, which is one of the traction force transmission mechanisms according to the present invention, is configured as a ring-shaped handle made of resin, etc. However, the material and shape of the end transmission mechanism 13 are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be appropriately modified in design as long as it allows the user to apply traction force to the other end of the main wire 14. For example, the end transmission mechanism 13 can be made bar-shaped instead of ring-shaped.

[0060] In this embodiment, the free-end intermediate transmission mechanism 15, which is one of the traction force transmission mechanisms according to the present invention, is composed of a movable pulley unit 36, a sub-wire 38, and an acting portion 37, with the acting portion 37 being configured as a ring-shaped handle made of resin or the like. However, as long as the user can apply a traction force to one end of the sub-wire 38, the material and shape of the acting portion 37 are not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate; for example, a bar shape can be used instead of a ring shape. Furthermore, the overall configuration of the free-end intermediate transmission mechanism 15 is also not limited to this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate as long as the user can apply a traction force to the intermediate portion of the main wire 14.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first and second moving pulleys according to the present invention are configured as first moving pulley 40 and second moving pulley 41, respectively, which are rotatably supported with the main wire 14 and sub-wire 38 wound around their peripheries. However, the first and second moving pulleys according to the present invention are not limited to the pulley form of this embodiment, as long as they are members that can cause slippage between them and the main wire 14 and sub-wire 38. For example, although not shown in detail in the drawings, it is also possible to configure the first and second moving pulleys as pins that are supported non-rotatably, and to wind the main wire 14 and sub-wire 38 around them to allow them to slide.

[0062] In this embodiment, the actuator 11 according to the present invention is configured by the motor 27 that converts electrical energy into power. However, the actuator 11 can be configured by any conventionally known driving device that generates power using any method, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric, as long as it is possible to apply a load to one end of the main wire 14.

[0063] (Configuration of Load-Type Training Apparatus According to Second Embodiment) Next, the configuration of a load-type training apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 6 to 9 are diagrams showing the configuration of a load-type training apparatus 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing its appearance. The load-type training apparatus 50 comprises a frame 2, a training mechanism 51, and travel wheels 4. Note that the frame 2 and travel wheels 4 that constitute the load-type training apparatus 50 of this embodiment have the same configuration as those of the first embodiment, and therefore are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted here. Below, the training mechanism 51, which has a different configuration from that of the first embodiment, will be described.

[0064] (Training Mechanism) The training mechanism 51 is used to train the user by applying a load to their body. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the load-type training device 50 with the frame 2 removed. The training mechanism 51 includes a wire housing 63, a first wire guide unit 52, a second wire guide unit 53, an actuator 11, a relay pulley 12, two fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54, a main wire 55, and a main control device 17. The actuator 11, relay pulley 12, and main control device 17 of this embodiment have the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and therefore are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. For ease of explanation, FIG. 7 omits the longitudinal intermediate portions of the inner frame 8 and the main wire 55, and one of the pair of inner frames 8 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0065] The wire housing 63 serves to house the main wire 55. As shown in Fig. 7, the wire housing 63 is formed by a gap of a predetermined width provided between a pair of inner frames 8, and is provided so as to extend over the entire length of the main frame 5 (see Fig. 6) in the longitudinal direction. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, instead of this embodiment, the wire housing 63 can also be formed by, for example, forming a groove in the surface of the frame 2.

[0066] The first wire guide unit 52 serves to guide the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 in a direction that allows it to be pulled out from the wire passage hole 7. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the first wire guide unit 52 in an exploded state. Since the first wire guide unit 52 has basically the same configuration as the wire guide unit 10 of the first embodiment, it is denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3 and will not be described again. However, the first wire guide unit 52 differs from the wire guide unit 10 of the first embodiment in that it has a wire connecting piece 56 that protrudes outward from one side surface of the support member 18. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first wire guide unit 52 configured as described above is disposed inside the wire accommodating portion 63 at a position corresponding to the wire passage hole 7 at one longitudinal end of the main frame 5 (the side of the side frame 6). Note that, like the wire guide unit 10 of the first embodiment, the first wire guide unit 52 is also capable of swinging in its entirety around the pipe member 19.

[0067] The second wire guide unit 53 also serves to guide the middle portion of the main wire 55 in a direction that allows it to be pulled out from the wire passage hole 7. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the second wire guide unit 53 in an exploded state. The second wire guide unit 53 has a support member 57, a pipe member 19, two fixed pulleys 20, and a shaft member 58. Of these, the pipe member 19 and the two fixed pulleys 20 have the same configuration as the wire guide unit 10 of the first embodiment, so they are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3 and will not be described here.

[0068] The support member 57 serves to support the shaft member 58 at both ends. As shown in FIG. 9 , the support member 57 is a box-shaped member made of metal or the like, with an open top and front. The support member 57 has a pipe insertion hole 59 formed through the front surface and a pair of shaft insertion holes 60 formed through both left and right side surfaces. The support member 57 of this embodiment has a longer separation between the left and right side surfaces than the support member 18 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3 ). Specifically, the separation is set to a length sufficient to accommodate two fixed pulleys 20 inside the support member 57. The pipe insertion hole 59 is formed at a position closer to one side surface than the center of the front surface.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the two fixed pulleys 20 are both housed inside the support member 57 and are arranged so that they are adjacent to each other in the axial direction and so that the positions of the shaft insertion holes 26 match the positions of the shaft insertion holes 60 of the support member 57.

[0070] The shaft member 58 serves as a rotation axis for the two fixed pulleys 20. As shown in FIG. 9 , the shaft member 58 is a cylindrical member made of metal or the like. The length of the shaft member 58 is set to be approximately equal to the distance between the left and right side surfaces of the support member 57. The shaft member 58 configured in this manner is inserted through the shaft insertion holes 26 of the two fixed pulleys 20, and both axial ends thereof are inserted into the shaft insertion holes 60 of the support member 57 and fixed by welding or the like. As a result, the shaft member 58 is arranged to span between the left and right side surfaces of the support member 57 while rotatably supporting the two fixed pulleys 20.

[0071] 6 and 7 , the second wire guide unit 53 configured in this manner is disposed inside the wire accommodating section 63 at a position corresponding to the wire passage hole 7 on the other longitudinal end side of the main frame 5 (the opposite side to the side frame 6). Note that, like the wire guide unit 10 of the first embodiment, the second wire guide unit 53 is also entirely swingable around the pipe member 19.

[0072] (Fixed-End Intermediate Transmission Mechanism) The two fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54 correspond to traction force transmission mechanisms according to the present invention and serve to transmit the user's traction force to a longitudinal intermediate portion of the main wire 55. As shown in FIG. 7 , each of the fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54 has a ring-shaped operating portion 61 made of resin or the like, and a pulley portion 62 (a third movable pulley according to the present invention) rotatably supported by the operating portion 61. The operating portion 61 is used by the user to pull by gripping it with their hand or hooking their foot on it. The pulley portion 62 changes the extension direction of the main wire 55 and serves to reduce frictional force by sliding against the main wire 55. The material and shape of the operating portion 61 are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0073] The main wire 55 has the same role and is made of the same material as the main wire 14 of the first embodiment, but is longer than the main wire 14 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7 , the main wire 55 is housed in a wire housing portion 63, and one end thereof passes through the side frame 6 and is connected to the actuator 11.

[0074] 6 and 7 , a portion of the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 close to the center is guided by the second wire guide unit 53 and pulled out to the outside of the main frame 5 through the wire passing hole 7, passes through the fixed end intermediate transmission mechanism 54, and is then guided by the second wire guide unit 53 again, so that it is pulled into the main frame 5 through the wire passing hole 7. More specifically, the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 passes through the inside of the pipe member 19 of the second wire guide unit 53 (see FIG. 9 ), extends from the elongated hole 24 to the outside of the pipe member 19, and passes through the groove 48 of one of the two fixed pulleys 20, thereby changing the extending direction from horizontal to vertical. The intermediate portion of the main wire 55 pulled out to the outside of the main frame 5 is then wound around the pulley portion 62 of the fixed end intermediate transmission mechanism 54, thereby changing the extending direction from upward to downward. Furthermore, the middle portion of the main wire 55 passes through the other groove 48 of the two fixed pulleys 20 of the second wire guide unit 53 (see FIG. 9), whereby it is pulled into the inside of the main frame 5 and its extending direction is changed from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. Note that, like the first embodiment, the middle portion of the main wire 55 guided by the second wire guide unit 53 is allowed to move slightly in the axial and circumferential directions of the pipe member 19.

[0075] 6 and 7 , a portion of the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 close to the other end is guided by the first wire guide unit 52 and pulled out to the outside of the main frame 5 through the wire passing hole 7, passes through the fixed end intermediate transmission mechanism 54, and is then guided by the first wire guide unit 52 again, so that it is pulled into the main frame 5 through the wire passing hole 7. More specifically, the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 passes through the inside of the pipe member 19 of the first wire guide unit 52 (see FIG. 8 ), extends from the elongated hole 24 to the outside of the pipe member 19, and passes through the groove 48 of the fixed pulley 20, thereby changing the extending direction from horizontal to vertical. The intermediate portion of the main wire 55 pulled out to the outside of the main frame 5 is then wound around the pulley portion 62 of the fixed end intermediate transmission mechanism 54, thereby changing the extending direction from upward to downward. The other end of the main wire 55 extends into the main frame 5 through the wire passage hole 7 and is connected to the wire connection piece 56 of the first wire guide unit 52 (see Figure 8), thereby becoming a fixed end.

[0076] (Operational Effects of Second Embodiment) Next, operational effects of the load-type training device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the load-type training device 50 according to this embodiment, in the initial state in which the main wire 55 is not receiving any traction force from the user, one end of the main wire 55 is wound over the entire axial length of the winding pulley 30. At this time, most of the middle portion of the main wire 55 is retracted inside the main frame 5.

[0077] In this initial state, when the user applies a tractive force to the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 by, for example, gripping the operating portion 61 of the fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanism 54 with one hand, the take-up pulley 30 rotates in the reverse direction, unwinding one end of the main wire 55. This allows the user to pull out the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 guided by the first wire guide unit 52 or the second wire guide unit 53 to the outside of the main frame 5. At this time, the motor driver 31 drives the motor 27 to rotate, and the take-up pulley 30 rotates forward via the drive gear 28 and the driven gear 29. This applies a load to the one end of the main wire 55 in the opposite direction to the pulling force applied by the user. The user can train their arm muscles by pulling the intermediate portion of the main wire 55 against this load. Furthermore, when the user releases the tractive force on the intermediate portion of the main wire 55, the applied load causes one end of the main wire 55 to be wound around the take-up pulley 30. Accordingly, the middle portion of the main wire 55 is guided by the first wire guide unit 52 and the second wire guide unit 53 and pulled into the main frame 5 .

[0078] In this way, the load-type training apparatus 50 according to this embodiment transmits the traction force of the user to each of the main wires 55 via two fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54, which are traction force transmission mechanisms. Meanwhile, one actuator 11 provided at one end of the main wire 55 applies a load to each of the two fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54. Therefore, compared to a case in which an actuator 11 that applies a load to one fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanism 54 and an actuator 11 that applies a load to the other fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanism 54 are provided separately and independently, the load-type training apparatus 50 according to this embodiment has the advantage of having a simpler configuration, a smaller and lighter device overall, and reduced manufacturing costs due to the fewer number of actuators 11.

[0079] (Modification of the Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the two fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54, which are traction force transmission mechanisms according to the present invention, are each configured with a ring-shaped acting portion 61 and a pulley portion 62 rotatably supported by the acting portion 61. However, the material, shape, and constituent members of the fixed-end intermediate transmission mechanisms 54 are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be modified in design as appropriate, as long as the user can apply traction force to the intermediate portion of the main wire 55.

[0080] In addition, the above-described modified example of the first embodiment can also be applied as a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0081] The manner of use of the load-type training device of the present invention is not limited to placing the frame on the floor and having the user stand on it to train; for example, it is also possible to fix the frame to a wall and have the user stand next to it to train.

[0082] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Load-type training device 9 Moving pulley guide section 11 Actuator 13 End transmission mechanism (traction force transmission mechanism) 14 Main wire 15 Free end intermediate transmission mechanism (traction force transmission mechanism) 27 Motor 30 Winding pulley 36 Moving pulley unit 37 Action section 38 Sub-wire 40 First moving pulley 41 Second moving pulley 50 Load-type training device 54 Fixed end intermediate transmission mechanism (traction force transmission mechanism) 55 Main wire 61 Action section 62 Pulley section (third moving pulley)

Claims

1. A load-type training device for training a user's body by applying a load, comprising: a main wire; traction force transmission mechanisms provided at multiple locations on the main wire and capable of transmitting the user's traction force to the main wire; and an actuator capable of applying a load to one end of the main wire against the user's traction force, wherein the number of actuators is less than the number of traction force transmission mechanisms.

2. A load-type training device as described in claim 1, wherein the other end of the main wire is a free end, and the traction force transmission mechanism comprises: an end transmission mechanism provided at the other end of the main wire; and an intermediate transmission mechanism for a free end provided at an intermediate portion of the main wire.

3. The load-type training device as described in claim 2, wherein the free end intermediate transmission mechanism comprises: a movable pulley unit including a first movable pulley around which the intermediate portion of the main wire is wound, and a second movable pulley connected to the first movable pulley; a sub-wire having an intermediate portion wound around the second movable pulley, one end of which is a free end and the other end of which is a fixed end; and an action portion provided at one end of the sub-wire to allow the user to apply a traction force.

4. A load-type training device as described in claim 3, further comprising: a frame that houses the main wire and the sub-wire therein and allows the other end of the main wire and the other end of the sub-wire to be pulled out to the outside, respectively; and a movable pulley guide section that is attached to the frame so as to extend from the other end of the main wire toward the other end of the sub-wire and that guides the movement of the movable pulley unit.

5. The load-type training device according to claim 4, wherein the movable pulley guide portion is provided as a gap capable of housing the movable pulley unit therein.

6. The load-type training device according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the main wire is a fixed end, and the traction force transmission mechanism has a plurality of intermediate transmission mechanisms for fixed ends provided in the intermediate portion of the main wire.

7. The load-type training device according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of fixed end intermediate transmission mechanisms comprises: a third moving pulley around which the intermediate portion of the main wire is wound; and an action portion connected to the third moving pulley and through which the user applies a traction force.

8. A load-type training device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuator comprises: a pulley capable of winding up one end of the main wire; and a motor for driving the pulley to rotate.

9. The load-type training device according to claim 8, wherein the motor drives one axial end of the rotating shaft of the pulley, and the pulley is formed so that its outer diameter decreases from one axial end side to the other axial end side of the rotating shaft.

10. A load-type training device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the number of the traction force transmission mechanisms is two and the number of the actuator is one.

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