Load transmission mechanism unit for training device, and training device employing same

Abstract

Provided are a load transmission mechanism unit for a training device and a training device that, in muscle strength training performed by applying a load to muscles, enable simultaneous execution of complex movements of a target region for muscle training. The load transmission mechanism unit for a training device comprises: a driving shaft portion that rotates together with an input portion into which a user inputs force; a first rotation transmission portion that is used to transmit rotation between the driving shaft portion and an intermediate shaft portion; the intermediate shaft portion; a second rotation transmission unit that is used to transmit rotation between the intermediate shaft portion and an orthogonal shaft portion; a sliding shaft portion that receives tension from the outside and moves back and forth; a connecting portion that connects the driving shaft portion, the intermediate shaft portion, and the orthogonal shaft portion; a slider portion that is attached to the connecting portion; a guiding portion for guiding the movement direction of the connecting portion via the slider portion; and a link mechanism portion that has one end side connected to the orthogonal shaft portion and the other end side connected to the sliding shaft portion, and that converts rotation and linear movement of the orthogonal shaft portion into the back-and-forth movement of the sliding shaft portion.

Description

Load transmission mechanism for training equipment and training equipment using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a load transmission mechanism for a training device and a training device using the same.

[0002] Strength training is effective not only for improving the physical abilities of athletes but also for preventing muscle weakness in the elderly, so strength training is recommended for not only athletes but also for the elderly as a way to lead a healthy everyday life. Strength training is commonly performed by applying external load to movements that utilize the specific muscles to be strengthened. There are various types of training equipment used for this type of strength training. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lower limb extension muscle strengthening device.

[0003] The training device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is said to be capable of strengthening the muscles of the lower limbs. Muscle training using the training device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is performed with the user's feet fixed to the bed body, and the user's buttocks placed on a mobile cart placed on the bed body, with the bed body tilted. In this state, the user's weight can be used as a load on the user's legs, and the user can strengthen the muscles around the knees by bending and straightening their knees on the tilted bed body.

[0004] Strength training is said to enable the development of flexible and resilient muscles by moving them through complex body movements. However, the movements performed in strength training using the training device disclosed in Patent Document 1 are monotonous movements in one direction, which can harden the muscles being trained and cause them to lose flexibility and resilience. Therefore, there has been a demand for a training device that can simultaneously perform complex movements of the muscles being trained in strength training that applies load to the muscles.

[0005] JP 2013-215547 A

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a load transmission mechanism for a training device that can simultaneously perform multiple movements of the target part of muscle training in muscle training that applies a load to the muscles, and a training device using the same.

[0007] That is, the load transmission mechanism for a training device according to the first aspect is characterized by comprising: a main shaft to which an input section through which a user inputs force is connected and which rotates together with the input section; an intermediate shaft which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the main shaft; a first rotation transmission section which links the main shaft and the intermediate shaft and is used to transmit rotation between the main shaft and the intermediate shaft; a second rotation transmission section which links the intermediate shaft and an orthogonal shaft section which is perpendicular to the intermediate shaft and is used to transmit rotation between the intermediate shaft and the orthogonal shaft section; a sliding shaft which receives tension from the outside and moves back and forth; a connecting section which connects the main shaft, the intermediate shaft, and the orthogonal shaft section; a slider section attached to the connecting section; a guide section which guides the movement direction of the connecting section via the slider section; and a link mechanism which has one end connected to the orthogonal shaft section and the other end connected to the sliding shaft section, and which converts rotation and linear movement of the orthogonal shaft section into reciprocating movement of the sliding shaft section.

[0008] A training apparatus according to a second aspect is characterized by including the load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to the first aspect.

[0009] The load transmission mechanism for a training device according to the present invention includes a main shaft connected to an input section through which a user inputs force and which rotates together with the input section, an intermediate shaft which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the main shaft, a first rotation transmission section which links the main shaft and the intermediate shaft and is used to transmit rotation between the main shaft and the intermediate shaft, a second rotation transmission section which links the intermediate shaft and an orthogonal shaft which is orthogonal to the intermediate shaft and is used to transmit rotation between the intermediate shaft and the orthogonal shaft, and a second rotation transmission section which receives tension from an external device and moves back and forth. the orthogonal shaft portion, a connecting portion connecting the main shaft portion, the intermediate shaft portion, and the orthogonal shaft portion, a slider portion attached to the connecting portion, a guide portion guiding the movement direction of the connecting portion via the slider portion, and a link mechanism portion having one end connected to the orthogonal shaft portion and the other end connected to the sliding shaft portion, which converts the rotational and linear movement of the orthogonal shaft portion into reciprocating movement of the sliding shaft portion, so that in strength training which applies load to the muscles, complex movements of the target parts of strength training can be performed simultaneously.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a load transmission mechanism 1A for a training apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1A for a training apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a link mechanism of the load transmission mechanism 1A for a training apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1A for a training apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a load transmission mechanism 1B for a training apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the training apparatus. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of a footrest of the training apparatus. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the direction of movement of the footrest of the training apparatus. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a first state of use of the training apparatus. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a second state of use of the training apparatus. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a third state of use of the training apparatus. FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a load transmission mechanism 1C for a training apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a load transmission mechanism 1C for a training apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the link mechanism of the load transmission mechanism for a training apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the sliding shaft of the load transmission mechanism for a training apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the sliding bearing of the load transmission mechanism for a training apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the configurations of the first small piece portion and the third small piece portion of the load transmission mechanism for a training apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the configurations of first and second modified examples of the sliding bearing of the load transmission mechanism for a training apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment.

[0011] <Regarding Load Transmission Mechanism 1A for Training Apparatus According to First Embodiment> A load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as load transmission mechanism 1A) will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a front view illustrating the configuration of load transmission mechanism 1A, Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of load transmission mechanism 1A, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a link mechanism 30 of load transmission mechanism 1A, and Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of load transmission mechanism 1A. The load transmission mechanism 1A is attached to a training apparatus 100 (described below) and receives input from the user's foot.

[0012] The load transmission mechanism 1A includes a housing 22. In order to make the internal configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1A easier to see, the housing 22 and the lower housing 22b are drawn in phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 2. The housing 22 incorporates a main driving shaft 4, an intermediate shaft 5, an orthogonal shaft 6, and a sliding shaft 13. The main driving shaft 4, the intermediate shaft 5, the orthogonal shaft 6, and the sliding shaft 13 are rod-shaped rotation shafts. The main driving shaft 4 and the orthogonal shaft 6 can transmit rotation in both directions via the intermediate shaft 5.

[0013] The drive shaft 4 is connected to an input unit through which the user inputs force and rotates together with the input unit. The input unit is a footrest 11 on which the user places their foot. The footrest 11 is connected to the distal end 4d of the drive shaft 4. For example, when performing strength training for the right leg, the user places their right foot on the footrest 11 and bends and straightens the right leg, rotates the right foot forward and backward, or moves the right foot laterally from the user's perspective. Because these exercises apply load to the user, the user can simultaneously combine these exercises to simultaneously exercise a wide range of muscles in the right leg, suppress muscle stiffness, and improve flexibility and resilience. Furthermore, the user can also perform strength training for the left leg in the same way as strength training for the right leg using the training device 100 described below.

[0014] The footrest 11 is connected to the tip 4d of the drive shaft 4, and the drive shaft 4 rotates together with the footrest 11 and moves linearly in the short direction of the housing 22, that is, in the left-right lateral direction as seen by the user (the direction perpendicular to the surface in FIG. 1 ). The first rotation transmission unit 1K links (links) the drive shaft 4 and the intermediate shaft 5 and is used to transmit rotation between them. The intermediate shaft 5 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft 4. Furthermore, the drive shaft 4, the intermediate shaft 5, and the orthogonal shaft 6 are each connected to the connecting unit 23 via bearings, and therefore the drive shaft 4, the intermediate shaft 5, and the orthogonal shaft 6 move linearly together inside the housing 22.

[0015] The housing 22 constitutes the outer wall of the load transmission mechanism 1A. The orthogonal shaft 6 is perpendicular to the intermediate shaft 5. The second rotation transmission unit 1M links (links) the intermediate shaft 5 and the orthogonal shaft 6 and is used to transmit rotation between the intermediate shaft 5 and the orthogonal shaft 6. The sliding shaft 13 receives tension 19 from the outside and moves back and forth.

[0016] The sliding shaft 13 is supported by a sliding bearing 13a attached to a side surface 22a of the housing 22 so as to allow the sliding shaft 13 to move linearly in the axial direction. A tension member 25 is connected to a first end 13b of the sliding shaft 13, and an external tension 19 is applied to the sliding shaft 13. The tension 19 is generated by a load application unit 130 (described below) that freely adjusts the magnitude of the load on the training device 100 (see FIG. 6 ). With the tension 19 applied, the sliding shaft 13 moves linearly in the axial direction.

[0017] The connecting portion 23 connects the driving shaft portion 4, the intermediate shaft portion 5, and the orthogonal shaft portion 6. The connecting portion 23 includes a first fixed piece 23a and a second fixed piece 23b. The first fixed piece 23a and the second fixed piece 23b are linear plate-like bodies connected perpendicular to each other, forming an L-shape of the connecting portion 23 (see FIG. 1). The driving bearing 4a and the intermediate bearing 5a are attached to the first fixed piece 23a. The orthogonal bearing 6a is attached to the second fixed piece 23b. The driving shaft portion 4 is supported by the driving bearing 4a, the intermediate shaft portion 5 is supported by the intermediate bearing 5a, and the orthogonal shaft portion 6 is supported by the orthogonal bearing 6a so that they can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. The driving shaft portion 4 and the intermediate shaft portion 5 are arranged parallel to each other. The orthogonal shaft portion 6 is arranged perpendicular to the driving shaft portion 4 and the intermediate shaft portion 5.

[0018] The link mechanism 30 has one end connected to the orthogonal shaft 6 and the other end connected to the sliding shaft 13, and converts the rotation and linear movement of the orthogonal shaft 6 into linear movement of the sliding shaft 13. The first rotation transmission unit 1K is a transmission chain 10. A main drive shaft sprocket 4c is provided on the main drive shaft 4, and an intermediate shaft sprocket 5c is provided on the intermediate shaft 5. A sprocket is a gear that transmits the rotation of a shaft to the transmission chain 10, or transmits the rotation of the transmission chain 10 to a shaft. The transmission chain 10 is one of the mechanical elements used in power transmission, transmitting the rotation of a shaft as tension. A transmission chain 10, which forms the first rotation transmission part 1K, is suspended between the main drive shaft sprocket 4c and the intermediate shaft sprocket 5c and linked (interlocked) with each other, so that the transmission chain 10 rotates the main drive shaft sprocket 4c and the intermediate shaft sprocket 5c in conjunction with each other, and therefore the intermediate shaft part 5 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the main drive shaft part 4.

[0019] The second rotation transmission unit 1M includes an intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and an orthogonal shaft bevel gear 6c. The intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d is provided on the intermediate shaft unit 5. The orthogonal shaft bevel gear 6c is provided on the orthogonal shaft unit 6 and meshes with the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d. The intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and the orthogonal shaft bevel gear 6c transmit rotation to each other by meshing their teeth with the teeth of the other gear.

[0020] The bevel gear is attached to each of two intersecting rotation axes, transmits rotational motion between the two axes, and has a conical toothed surface. The intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and the orthogonal shaft bevel gear 6c constitute the second rotation transmission unit 1M, and are used to transmit rotation between the intermediate shaft unit 5 and the orthogonal shaft unit 6 by linking them.

[0021] The slider portion 20c is attached to the connecting portion 23. The guide portion 20 guides the movement direction of the connecting portion 23 via the slider portion 20c. The guide portion 20 guides the slider portion 20c in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the orthogonal shaft portion 6 and the axial direction of the intermediate shaft portion 5 (a direction perpendicular to the surface in FIG. 1). The guide portion 20 includes a first guide 20a, a second guide 20b, the slider portion 20c, and a guide support base 20d, which serve as rails (railways). The guide portion 20 is one of the mechanical components that allows the slider portion 20c, which slides along the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b, to move smoothly and linearly with low friction. The connecting portion 23 is attached to the slider portion 20c, and moves the connecting portion 23 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first rotation transmission unit 1K.

[0022] The guide support base 20d is fixed inside the housing 22. The first guide 20a and the second guide 20b are linear rod-shaped bodies and are fixed to the guide support base 20d while maintaining the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b in a parallel state. The slider 20c is installed across the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b and moves linearly on the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b. The first guide 20a and the second guide 20b are installed inside the housing 22 so as to extend in the left-right and lateral directions as seen by the user. Specifically, the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b are arranged inside the housing 22 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the orthogonal shaft portion 6 and the axial direction of the intermediate shaft portion 5.

[0023] When the footrest 11, which serves as the input unit, is moved laterally by the user, the connecting unit 23 moves smoothly and linearly with low friction together with the slider 20c along the extension direction of the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b. The driving shaft 4, the intermediate shaft 5, and the orthogonal shaft 6 move linearly in the horizontal direction in response to the lateral linear movement of the connecting unit 23. Note that "two directions are parallel" refers to three-dimensional parallelism, meaning that the two directions are on the same plane and do not intersect.

[0024] A long hole 34 is provided through the side surface 22a of the housing 22. The long hole 34 is formed to extend in the direction of linear movement of the slider 20c. The drive shaft 4 is inserted into the long hole 34. The drive shaft 4 moves linearly within the long hole 34 as the user moves the footrest 11 linearly.

[0025] The link mechanism 30 has one end connected to the orthogonal shaft 6 and the other end connected to the sliding shaft 13, and converts the rotational and translatory movement of the orthogonal shaft 6 into the translatory movement of the sliding shaft 13. The configuration of the link mechanism 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . The link mechanism 30 includes a first link 30a and a second link 30b. A link generally has a long, thin rod shape, has joints at both ends, and is a component that transmits force and motion. One end of the first link 30a is fixed to the orthogonal shaft 6, and the other end of the first link 30a is connected to one end of the second link 30b to form a first joint 30c. The first joint 30c is a movable joint formed by the first link 30a and the second link 30b. The second link 30b can rotate approximately 360 degrees relative to the first link 30a around the first joint 30c.

[0026] The other end of the second link 30b is connected to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft 13 to form a second joint 30d. The second joint 30d is a movable joint formed by the second link 30b and the sliding shaft 13. The second link 30b can rotate approximately 360 degrees relative to the sliding shaft 13 around the second joint 30d.

[0027] The tension member 25 is connected to the first end 13b of the sliding shaft 13 and transmits the tension 19 generated by the load application unit 130 (described later). The tension member 25 is a flexible rope with little stretchability, and its material and thickness are determined according to the load conditions and durability requirements. Metal is mainly used as the material for the tension member 25. The tension member 25 may also be a metal chain. One end of the tension member 25 is connected to the lifting and swinging unit 150 (described later) and the other end is connected to the load transmission mechanism 1A, and the load from the load application unit 130 is applied to the lifting and swinging unit 150 and the load transmission mechanism 1A via the tension member 25.

[0028] The user places either the left or right foot on the footrest 11. The footrest 11 has an area slightly larger than the size of the user's foot. The footrest 11 includes a third pivot shaft 173, a side plate 174a, a side plate 174b, and a connecting plate 175 (see FIG. 1).

[0029] The drive shaft 4 is connected substantially perpendicularly to the center of the connecting plate 175. Flat side plates 174a and 174b are provided on both ends of the connecting plate 175 and connected perpendicularly to the connecting plate 175. A third rotating shaft 173, to which the footrest 11 is attached, is rotatably installed between the side plates 174a and 174b.

[0030] The third rotation shaft 173 is rotatably supported by a bearing 172 provided on the back surface of the footrest 11. This allows the footrest 11 to rotate around the third rotation shaft 173. Furthermore, the footrest 11 can rotate around the main drive shaft 4.

[0031] That is, the footrest 11 can rotate around two mutually perpendicular axes. This allows the user greater freedom in how they place their feet, including the direction and angle of their foot bending, and allows them to place the soles of their feet on the footrest 11 and push against the footrest 11 with the soles of their feet in a stress-free manner. Thus, the user can use the training device 100 in a posture (angle and force) of their choice to apply a load to the flexion and extension exercise of the foot placed on the footrest 11, and by changing the direction of the toes of the foot from upward to sideways during the flexion and extension exercise, they can apply a load to the twisting exercise of the entire foot.

[0032] The load transmission mechanism 1A is provided with connection portions 7a and 7b for connecting to the training apparatus 100. The load transmission mechanism 1A is provided with a lower housing portion 22b at the bottom of the housing portion 22. The lower housing portion 22b is connected and fixed to the bottom of the housing portion 22. The connection portions 7a and 7b are cylindrical and include connecting tube portions 8a and 8b, respectively, which are provided on the lower housing portion 22b. The training apparatus 100 is provided with slide rails 122a and 122b that serve as rails for the linear movement of the load transmission mechanism 1A. The slide rails 122a and 122b are arranged parallel to each other. The slide rail 122a is inserted into the connecting tube portion 8a, and the slide rail 122b is inserted into the connecting tube portion 8b, thereby connecting the load transmission mechanism 1A to the training apparatus 100. The configuration in which the load transmission mechanism 1A moves linearly along the slide rails 122a, 122b is not limited to the above-described configuration in which the slide rails 122a, 122b are inserted into the connecting tube portions 8a, 8b to connect them, and other configurations may be used. For example, the load transmission mechanism 1A may be guided in its linear movement using rollers (not shown) that roll on the slide rails 122a, 122b. Specifically, a Linear Roller Way (registered trademark) from Nippon Thompson Corporation, an LM Guide (registered trademark) from THK Corporation, or a Linear Guide (registered trademark) from NSK Corporation may be used. For example, a Linear Roller Way from Nippon Thompson Corporation includes a slide unit and a track rail, and the slide unit provided in the lower housing portion 22b moves linearly along the slide rails 122a, 122b, which correspond to the track rails.

[0033] <Explanation of Operation of Load Transmission Mechanism 1A According to First Embodiment> A user can perform leg exercises with a high degree of freedom of movement using the load transmission mechanism 1A implemented in the training device 100. Rotation of the footrest 11 induces linear movement of the footrest 11 in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2 ). Clockwise rotation of the footrest 11 from the user's perspective induces linear movement of the footrest 11 to the right, as seen from the user's perspective. On the other hand, counterclockwise rotation of the footrest 11 induces linear movement of the footrest 11 to the left, as seen from the user's perspective. Therefore, rotating the user's foot placed on the footrest 11 simultaneously causes linear movement in the left-right direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2 ), allowing the user's legs to perform leg exercises with movements in multiple directions. This is because the rotation of the footrest 11 causes the rotation of the drive shaft 4, and the rotation of the drive shaft 4 is transmitted as the rotation of the orthogonal shaft 6 via the first rotation transmission unit 1K and the second rotation transmission unit 1M, but the force attempting to rotate the orthogonal shaft 6 is pushed back by the tension 19 of the tension member 25 transmitted via the link mechanism 30, thereby inducing rectilinear movement of the slider 20c in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2 ). Specifically, clockwise rotation of the footrest 11 as viewed from the user induces rectilinear movement of the slider 20c in the lateral direction to the right as viewed from the user, and counterclockwise rotation of the footrest 11 as viewed from the user induces rectilinear movement of the slider 20c in the lateral direction to the left as viewed from the user.

[0034] Furthermore, translating the footrest 11 in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2 ) induces rotation of the footrest 11. translating the footrest 11 in the lateral direction to the right as seen from the user induces clockwise rotation of the footrest 11 as seen from the user. On the other hand, translating the footrest 11 in the lateral direction to the left as seen from the user induces counterclockwise rotation of the footrest 11 as seen from the user. This is because, under the condition that the orthogonal shaft 6 receives the tension 19 of the tension member 25 via the link mechanism 30, translating the footrest 11 in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2 ) causes translating lateral movement of the connecting portion 23, which induces rotation of the intermediate shaft 5, and the rotation of the intermediate shaft 5 is transmitted as rotation of the drive shaft 4 via the first rotation transmission portion 1K. Specifically, moving the slider portion 20c in a straight line to the right as viewed by the user induces a clockwise rotation of the footrest portion 11 as viewed by the user, and moving the slider portion 20c in a straight line to the left as viewed by the user induces a counterclockwise rotation of the footrest portion 11 as viewed by the user.

[0035] Furthermore, if the user attempts to move the footrest 11 in a straight line in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in Figure 2) while maintaining the direction of the footrest 11 constant, resisting the induced rotation of the footrest 11, the tension 19 of the tension member 25 applies a load to the straight line movement.

[0036] As a result, as the footrest 11 rotates, the user's legs move linearly in the same direction as the rotation, so that the user's legs simultaneously rotate and move linearly in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2), allowing for simultaneous complex movements involving leg movements in multiple directions. Furthermore, if the user moves the footrest 11 linearly in the lateral direction (arrow 4e in FIG. 2) while resisting the force attempting to rotate the footrest 11 and maintaining a constant foot orientation, a load is applied to the linear movement, allowing for exercise in which loads are applied in multiple directions simultaneously, thereby enabling exercise involving complex movements using a wide range of leg muscles. Furthermore, by adding flexion and extension of the leg placed on the footrest 11, the user's legs can simultaneously perform three-directional movements: rotation, lateral movement (arrow 4e in FIG. 2), and flexion and extension, allowing for three-directional complex exercise using a wider range of leg muscles.

[0037] <Regarding a load transmission mechanism 1B for a training apparatus according to a second embodiment> A load transmission mechanism 1B for a training apparatus according to a second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as load transmission mechanism 1B) will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a front view for explaining the configuration of load transmission mechanism 1B. In Fig. 5, the housing 22 is drawn with imaginary lines. Load transmission mechanism 1B is a modified example of load transmission mechanism 1A, and can be attached to training apparatus 100 (described below) and used as an elevation / oscillation unit 150, receiving input from the user's hand.

[0038] The load transmission mechanism 1A described above is a mechanical component that is primarily used for training the lower limbs by the user placing their feet on the footrest 11. In contrast, a load transmission mechanism 1B is proposed for use in muscle training for the upper limbs. The load transmission mechanism 1B is provided with a grip 160, and the user grips the grip 160 with their hand to perform muscle training for the upper limbs. The input unit for the load transmission mechanism 1B is the grip 160 that the user grips. A training device 100 described below can be used for muscle training for the upper and lower limbs by implementing the load transmission mechanism 1A including the footrest 11 and the load transmission mechanism 1B including the grip 160.

[0039] In the load transmission mechanism 1B, a grip portion 160, which serves as an input portion for the user's force, is connected to a tip end 151c of the drive shaft 151. Compared to the load transmission mechanism 1A, the load transmission mechanism 1B differs from the drive shaft 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1A (see FIG. 1) in the configuration of the drive shaft 151. The drive shaft 151 differs from the load transmission mechanism 1A in that the tip end 151c protrudes from a side different from the sliding shaft 13 and the grip portion 160 is connected to the tip end 151c. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1B, components common to the load transmission mechanism 1A will be assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the load transmission mechanism 1A in FIG. 5 and will not be described again, and only components different from the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described.

[0040] The load transmission mechanism 1B is used by rotating it 90 degrees from the state of the load transmission mechanism 1A shown in FIG. 1 so that the axial direction of the drive shaft 151 is approximately vertical. A connection part 7 is provided on the housing 22 to connect the load transmission mechanism 1B to the training apparatus 100. A cylindrical connection tube 8 is formed on the connection part 7, and a guide support 140 is inserted into the connection tube 8. The connection tube 8 is made of a material with low sliding resistance, such as fluororesin. The load transmission mechanism 1B is connected to the guide support 140 by inserting the guide support 140 into the connection part 7, and moves up and down and pivots around the guide support 140. The load transmission mechanism 1B moves up and down and pivots around the guide support 140 under the load of the tension 19 of the tension member 25.

[0041] <Operation of Training Apparatus Load Transmission Mechanism 1B According to Second Embodiment> The rotation of the grip portion 160 attached to the tip portion 151c of the main driving shaft portion 151 is transmitted as a force that attempts to rotate the orthogonal shaft portion 6 via the first rotation transmission portion 1K and the second rotation transmission portion 1M. Because a resistance force due to the tension 19 of the tension member 25 acts on the rotation of the orthogonal shaft portion 6 via the link mechanism portion 30, a force that moves the intermediate shaft portion 5 linearly in the same direction as the rotation of the grip portion 160 acts as a reaction to the force that attempts to rotate. The force that acts on the intermediate shaft portion 5 to move linearly is transmitted to the main driving shaft portion 151 via the connecting portion 23, and is ultimately transmitted to the grip portion 160, causing the grip portion 160 to move linearly.

[0042] <Regarding a Load Transmission Mechanism 1C for a Training Apparatus According to a Third Embodiment> A load transmission mechanism 1C for a training apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as load transmission mechanism 1C) will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 18. Figure 12 is a front view illustrating the configuration of load transmission mechanism 1C, Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of load transmission mechanism 1C, Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of link mechanism 37 of load transmission mechanism 1C, Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of sliding shaft portion 13 of load transmission mechanism 1C, Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of sliding bearing 50 of load transmission mechanism 1C, Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of first small piece portion 39 and third small piece portion 41 of load transmission mechanism 1C, and Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of first modified example 60 and second modified example 70 of sliding bearing 50 of load transmission mechanism 1C. 12 and 13, the housing 22 is drawn by imaginary lines in order to make it easier to see the internal configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1C.

[0043] Compared to the load transmission mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment, the load transmission mechanism 1C includes a link mechanism 37 and a sliding bearing 50 instead of the link mechanism 30 and sliding bearing 13a of the load transmission mechanism 1B. The load transmission mechanism 1C is attached to the training apparatus 100 as an elevation / swing unit 150 and receives input from the user's hand. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1C, components common to the load transmission mechanism 1B are denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of the load transmission mechanism 1B in Figures 12 to 14 and description thereof will be omitted, and only components different from the load transmission mechanism 1B will be described in detail.

[0044] The link mechanism 37 includes a first end 37a connected to the lower end of the sliding shaft 13, a second end 37b connected to the orthogonal shaft 6, and a plurality of small pieces 38 connecting the first end 37a and the second end 37b. The link mechanism 37 includes a plurality of small pieces 38 connecting one end connected to the orthogonal shaft 6 and the other end connected to the sliding shaft 13, and the small pieces 38 include a first small piece 39, a second small piece 40, a third small piece 41, and a fourth small piece 42.

[0045] The first small piece 39 and the third small piece 41 will be described with reference to Figure 17. The first small piece 39 and the third small piece 41 are rectangular parallelepipeds, and are called connecting rods or the like. They are manufactured by hot forging or the like to obtain high strength and toughness. The first small piece 39 and the third small piece 41 have a first through hole 39a and a second through hole 39b at both ends, respectively, and the first through hole 39a and the second through hole 39b extend in directions perpendicular to each other.

[0046] The first end 37a of the sliding shaft portion 13 has a through hole that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sliding shaft portion 13. The first end 37a and the first small piece portion 39 are connected via a pin 43 that is inserted into this through hole. The first end 37a and the first small piece portion 39 are connected so as to be rotatable around the pin 43 as a first central axis.

[0047] The second small piece portion 40 is provided between the first small piece portion 39 and the third small piece portion 41, and connects the first small piece portion 39 and the third small piece portion 41 by sandwiching the ends of the first small piece portion 39 and the third small piece portion 41 from the outside with two metal plates. The first small piece portion 39 and the second small piece portion 40 are connected to be rotatable about a second central axis, which is a pin 44 inserted into a second through hole 39b of the first small piece portion 39. Because the pins 43 and 44 are inserted into the first through hole 39a and the second through hole 39b formed in the first small piece portion 39, the first central axis and the second central axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0048] The second small piece 40 and the third small piece 41 are connected to be rotatable about a third central axis, which is a pin 45 inserted through the first through hole 39a of the third small piece 41. Since the pins 44 and 45 are parallel, the second central axis and the third central axis are parallel to each other. The fourth small piece 42 is provided between the third small piece 41 and the orthogonal shaft 6, and connects them by sandwiching the end of the third small piece 41 and a part of the orthogonal shaft 6 from the outside with two metal plates.

[0049] The third small piece 41 and the fourth small piece 42 are connected to be rotatable about a fourth central axis, which is a pin 46 inserted through the second through hole 39b of the third small piece 41. Because the pins 45 and 46 are inserted through the first through hole 39a and the second through hole 39b provided in the third small piece 41, the third central axis and the fourth central axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0050] The fourth small piece 42 and the orthogonal shaft 6 are connected to be rotatable about a fifth central axis, which is a pin 47 inserted through a through hole provided on the circumferential surface of the orthogonal shaft 6 perpendicular to the axial direction of the orthogonal shaft 6. The small piece 38, which has the first small piece 39, the second small piece 40, the third small piece 41, and the fourth small piece 42, curves vertically relative to the same plane including the first central axis (pin 43), the fourth central axis (pin 46), and the fifth central axis (pin 47), and also curves vertically relative to the same plane including the second central axis (pin 44) and the third central axis (pin 45). In other words, the small piece 38 curves in two orthogonal directions.

[0051] The horizontal movement and rotation of the orthogonal shaft 6 is gradually transmitted to the sliding shaft 13 as the small piece 38 of the link mechanism 37 bends and deforms, resulting in smooth movement of the sliding shaft 13. Therefore, the user operating the grip 160 can receive the load of the load-applying unit 130 transmitted via the tension member 25 without feeling any sudden fluctuations. This reduces unexpected load on the user's muscles, preventing muscle damage and reducing friction, wear, and impact on the training apparatus 100. Furthermore, by bending the small piece 38 in two orthogonal directions, the link mechanism 37 achieves a smooth connection between the orthogonal shaft 6 and the sliding shaft 13. Therefore, the link mechanism 37 can directly transmit the tension 19 to the user, and therefore can transmit the tension 19 to the user in a manner that immediately follows the user's operation of the grip 160, regardless of whether the user operates the grip 160 at high speed or slowly.

[0052] <Operation of the Link Mechanism 37> Referring to FIG. 14 , the operation of the link mechanism 37 when the drive shaft 151 in the load transmission mechanism 1C is rotated will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the link mechanism 37 of the load transmission mechanism 1C. As can be seen from FIG. 14 , the rotational motion of the orthogonal shaft 6 is converted into the reciprocating motion of the sliding shaft 13 by the sliding crank mechanism. The sliding crank mechanism is a system that converts the rotational motion of a crank pin into the reciprocating motion of a slider via a connecting rod. The crank pin of the sliding crank mechanism corresponds to the pin 45, which rotates around the orthogonal shaft 6. The connecting rod of the sliding crank mechanism corresponds to the second small piece 40 of the link mechanism 37. The slider of the sliding crank mechanism corresponds to the first small piece 39 of the link mechanism 37. The reciprocating motion of the first small piece 39 becomes the reciprocating motion of the sliding shaft 13.

[0053] The link mechanism 37 changes its shape by changing the angle between each of the small pieces 38 (39, 40, 41, 42) and the adjacent small pieces. The link mechanism 37 changes the angle between the second small piece 40 and the third small piece 41 in accordance with the horizontal movement and rotation of the orthogonal shaft 6, thereby changing the curvature of the curve and changing its shape.

[0054] <Configuration of the sliding bearing 50 and operation of the sliding shaft portion 13> Next, the configuration of the sliding bearing 50 of the load transmission mechanism 1C and operation of the sliding shaft portion 13 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the sliding shaft portion 13 of the load transmission mechanism 1C, and Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the sliding bearing 50 of the load transmission mechanism 1C, with Figure 16(a) being a perspective view of the sliding bearing 50 and Figure 16(b) being a cross-sectional view of the sliding bearing 50 cut at the cutting plane 50b shown in Figure 16(a) as viewed from the direction of arrow A. Figure 15 includes a cross-sectional view of the sliding bearing 50, and shows how the sliding shaft portion 13 oscillates while being supported by the sliding bearing 50. Figure 15(a) shows how the sliding shaft portion 13 is supported in the first bearing hole 50g, Figure 15(c) shows how the sliding shaft portion 13 is supported in the second bearing hole 50h, and Figure 15(b) shows an intermediate state of the sliding shaft portion 13 between the state shown in Figure 15(a) and the state shown in Figure 15(c), and shows how the sliding shaft portion 13 is supported in the constricted portion 50j.

[0055] The sliding shaft 13 swings to follow the direction of the tension 19 of the tension member 25. The direction of the tension 19 of the tension member 25 changes when the user rotates the lifting / oscillating unit (load transmission mechanism 1C) 150 around the guide support 140. By swinging to follow the rotation of the lifting / oscillating unit 150, the sliding shaft 13 can receive the tension 19 without any sudden changes. Therefore, the user can receive a load that responds immediately to the force input to the lifting / oscillating unit 150.

[0056] The sliding bearing 50, which supports the sliding shaft portion 13, has bearing holes (first bearing hole 50g, second bearing hole 50h) through which the sliding shaft portion 13, which oscillates in a plane with the axial direction of the orthogonal shaft portion 6 as the vertical direction, is inserted obliquely. As shown in FIG. 16 , the sliding bearing 50 has a first bearing hole 50g and a second bearing hole 50h. The sliding bearing 50 also has a side plane 50i, which forms a flat surface on its outer periphery. As shown in FIG. 16(b), the first bearing hole 50g and the second bearing hole 50h are formed obliquely penetrating the interior of the sliding bearing 50, and the first bearing hole 50g and the second bearing hole 50h intersect at the center of the sliding bearing 50. The first bearing hole 50g is formed by an upper conical side surface portion 50c and a lower conical side surface portion 50f. The second bearing hole 50h is formed by an upper conical side surface portion 50e and a lower conical side surface portion 50d. As shown in FIG. 16(b), the constricted portions 50j are formed at the boundary between the upper conical side surface portion 50c and the lower conical side surface portion 50d, and at the boundary between the upper conical side surface portion 50e and the lower conical side surface portion 50f.

[0057] <Regarding Modified Examples of Sliding Bearing 50> A sliding bearing 60, which is a first modified example of the sliding bearing 50, and a sliding bearing 70, which is a second modified example, will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the configurations of a first modified example (sliding bearing 60) and a second modified example (sliding bearing 70) of the sliding bearing 50 of the load transmission mechanism 1C. Fig. 18(a) is a perspective view of the sliding bearing 60, which is the first modified example, and Fig. 18(b) is a perspective view of the sliding bearing 70, which is the second modified example.

[0058] As shown in Figure 18(a), the sliding bearing 60 according to the first modified example has a bearing hole 60d in the shape of an inverted truncated cone. The bearing hole 60d has an oblique conical side surface 60e and a minimum diameter bearing hole portion 60f at its lower end. When the sliding shaft 13 is in a vertical state or an inclined state, the sliding shaft 13 is supported by the minimum diameter bearing hole portion 60f. When the sliding shaft 13 is in a maximally inclined state, the sliding shaft 13 abuts against the oblique conical side surface 60e and is supported by both the oblique conical side surface 60e and the minimum diameter bearing hole portion 60f.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 18( b), the sliding bearing 70 according to the second modification has a constricted portion 70g in the axial center. The sliding bearing 70 has a bearing hole 70d with an upper oblique conical side surface 70e and a lower oblique conical side surface 70f, resembling a drum. The constricted portion 70g is formed at the boundary between the upper oblique conical side surface 70e and the lower oblique conical side surface 70f. When the sliding shaft 13 is in a vertical or inclined state, the sliding shaft 13 is supported by the constricted portion 70g. When the sliding shaft 13 is in a maximally inclined state, the sliding shaft 13 abuts against the upper oblique conical side surface 70e or the lower oblique conical side surface 70f and is supported by the constricted portion 70g and the upper oblique conical side surface 70e or the lower oblique conical side surface 70f.

[0060] Even if the sliding bearing 50 is replaced with the sliding bearing 60 or the sliding bearing 70 in the load transmission mechanism 1C, the sliding shaft portion 13 can oscillate within a plane in which the axial direction of the orthogonal shaft portion 6 is the vertical direction. In the case of the sliding bearing 60 according to the first modification, the sliding shaft portion 13 oscillates while being supported by the minimum diameter bearing hole portion 60f inside the inverted truncated cone-shaped bearing hole 60d. In the case of the sliding bearing 70 according to the second modification, the sliding shaft portion 13 oscillates while being supported by the constricted portion 70g inside the drum-shaped bearing hole 70d. Even if the sliding bearings 60 and 70 according to the modifications are used instead of the sliding bearing 50, the sliding shaft portion 13 oscillates in a manner that follows the pivoting motion of the lifting and oscillating unit 150, thereby being able to receive the tension 19 without abrupt changes, and the user can receive a load that responds immediately to the force input to the lifting and oscillating unit 150.

[0061] <Overview of Training Apparatus 100> Training apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 11. Training apparatus 100 is equipped with a load transmission mechanism 1A that receives input from the feet and an elevation swinging unit 150 that receives input from the hands, and is a device that supports both lower and upper limb exercises. Note that elevation swinging unit 150 may use load transmission mechanism 1B or 1C.

[0062] Figure 6 is an oblique view of training device 100, Figure 7 is an enlarged oblique view of footrest portion 11 of training device 100, Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of footrest portion 11 of training device 100 when in use, Figure 9 is a side view showing a first state of training device 100 when in use, Figure 10 is a side view showing a second state of training device 100 when in use, and Figure 11 is a side view showing a third state of training device 100 when in use.

[0063] Training apparatus 100 includes a seat 110 on which a user sits, a load application unit 130 that applies a load, and a cylindrical guide support 140 that extends vertically. Training apparatus 100 also includes a lift-and-swing unit 150 that is connected to and guided by guide support 140 so as to be able to move up and down and to be able to rotate freely, and a grip 160 that is provided on lift-and-swing unit 150. Training apparatus 100 also includes a footrest 11 on which a user places their feet, slide rails 122a, 122b, a load transmission mechanism 1B, and a tension member 25. Grip 160 corresponds to footrest 11 of load transmission mechanism 1A and is an input unit that receives force input from the user's hands.

[0064] First, the structure of training apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In training apparatus 100 shown in Figure 6, seating section 110 is supported by framework 120, which serves as the basic frame of training apparatus 100. Framework 120 provides the skeleton of the entire training apparatus 100 and serves the function of stably placing training apparatus 100 on the floor. Frame 120 can be formed by processing rectangular prism pipe material or plate material made of a material with a certain level of rigidity or higher, such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or resin, and fixing it with bolts, welding, or the like.

[0065] The seating section 110 comprises a seat 111 on which a user sits and a seat support 112 that supports the seat 111. The seat support 112 is fixed to the frame 120. The seat support 112 holds the seat 111. Although not shown, the seat support 112 has a through-hole for allowing the tension member 25 to pass through in the front-to-rear direction. The seat 111 is where a user of the training apparatus 100 sits, and as shown in FIG. 6 , the seat 111 is a rectangle whose long side is in the left-to-right direction of the training apparatus 100. This is to allow the user to sit on either the right or left side of the seat 111, but the shape does not have to be rectangular, and may be square or circular as long as the user can sit comfortably.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6 , the seating section 110 may include a backrest 115, located behind the seat 111 and between the seat and the load-applying section 130, for supporting the user's body during use. The framework 120 is provided with a guide strut 140 extending vertically. As shown in FIG. 6 , the guide strut 140 is provided in a position forward of the load-applying section 130 and rearward of the seating section 110. As shown in FIG. 6 , the framework 120 includes a diverting pulley 181 a and a diverting pulley 181 b, located above the guide strut 140, for guiding the tension member 25 in the vertical direction. The diverting pulley 181 a and the diverting pulley 181 b are housed in an upper housing 125 located at the top of the framework 120. The guide strut 140 has a lower end connected to the framework 120 and an upper end connected to and fixed to the upper housing 125.

[0067] 6, the guide support 140 may be provided with a shock absorbing material 141. The shock absorbing material 141 is a member for absorbing the shock when the lifting and swinging part 150 comes into contact with the upper housing 125 and the framework 120. The shock absorbing material 141 may be realized by, for example, rubber, sponge, or the like.

[0068] An elevation swing unit 150 shown in FIG. 6 is attached to the guide support 140. As shown in FIG. 6, the elevation swing unit 150 is attached so as to be movable up and down relative to the guide support 140. The elevation swing unit 150 has a connecting tube 8 that serves as a through-hole for inserting the guide support 140 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the elevation swing unit 150 moves up and down along the guide support 140. The elevation swing unit 150 is attached to the guide support 140 so as to be rotatable relative to the guide support 140, with the guide support 140 as the central axis. Therefore, a certain level of rigidity is required for the guide support 140. Therefore, the guide support 140 may be made of stainless steel, for example.

[0069] 6, the load transmission mechanism 1A of the training device 100 slides along slide rails 122a and 122b. The slide rails 122a and 122b are suspended from a frame 120 of the training device 100 and a frame 121 disposed in front of the frame 120, and are fixed at both ends.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6 , the load application unit 130 comprises a pair of cylindrical weight guide posts 132 fixed at the top and bottom to the frame 120, and weights 133 that are movable up and down relative to the weight guide posts 132. The weights 133 have through-holes for inserting the weight guide posts 132. The load application unit 130 is configured to adjust the magnitude of the load it applies. Specifically, the weights 133, such as stack weights, are plate-shaped members, and the load can be adjusted by varying the number of weights. Therefore, the load application unit 130 may include a clamp (not shown) that adjusts the number of stacked weights 133 so that they can be connected and separated from one another. The weight guide posts 132 are also provided with shock-absorbing materials 131 to prevent the weights 133 from colliding with the frame 120 with a certain level of impact or greater.

[0071] One end of tension member 25 is connected to connection part 179 provided at first end 13b of sliding shaft part 13 of load transmission mechanism 1A, and the other end is connected to connection part 180b of lifting and swinging part 150. Tensile member 25 is inserted through direction-changing pulleys 181a and 181b stored in upper housing 125, direction-changing pulley 182 provided on the upper surface of weight 133, direction-changing pulley 183 arranged between backrest 115 and frame 120, direction-changing pulleys 184 and 186 arranged below seating part 110, and direction-changing pulley 185h arranged in front of seating part 110.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8 , the footrest 11 can reciprocate along the two slide rails 122 a, 122 b in the direction of arrow 190 in response to the bending and stretching of the user's legs, can reciprocate left and right as seen from the user (in the direction of arrow 192 in FIG. 8 ), and can also rotate (arrow 191 in FIG. 8 ) around the drive shaft 4. The reciprocating movement of the footrest 11 in the left and right directions (in the direction of arrow 192 in FIG. 8 ) induces the rotation of the footrest 11 (arrow 191 in FIG. 8 ), and the rotation of the footrest 11 (arrow 191 in FIG. 8 ) induces the reciprocating movement of the footrest 11 in the left and right directions (in the direction of arrow 192 in FIG. 8 ). In other words, the user can perform bending and stretching of the legs with their feet placed on the footrest 11, and can also rotate the footrest 11 (arrow 191 in FIG. 8 ) by reciprocating the footrest 11 in the left and right directions (in the direction of arrow 192 in FIG. 8 ). Furthermore, the user can perform leg bending and stretching exercises with their feet placed on the footrest 11, and can also move the footrest 11 back and forth in the left and right directions (directions of arrow 192 in FIG. 8) by rotating the footrest 11 (arrow 191 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the user can simultaneously exercise their legs in three different directions, and by using a wide range of the muscles in their legs, they can perform exercises that suppress muscle stiffness.

[0073] <Method of Using the Training Apparatus 100> A method of using the training apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. As an initial posture, the user bends their knee joint and places the top of their foot on the footrest 11 with the top of their foot pointing straight up (see Figure 9). In the user's initial posture, the footrest 11 is positioned closer to the user's body by bending the user's leg. Next, the user gradually straightens the knee joint from the initial bent position while rotating the leg by tilting the knee joint inward (see Figure 10). Then, with the knee joint in its maximum open position, the user tilts the knee joint inward as far as possible (see Figure 11). At this time, the footrest 11 rotates clockwise as seen from the user's perspective, and induces a rectilinear movement to the right as seen from the user's perspective.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, from a position where the legs are extended, the load transmission mechanism 1A is slowly slid back to its original position along the slide rails 122a and 122b. The load transmission mechanism 1A is subjected to the tension 19 of the tension member 25, so that the load transmission mechanism 1A tries to return to the initial position shown in Figure 9. This movement is repeated a certain number of times. In other words, the user repeats the postures between Figures 9 and 10 a predetermined number of times.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 11 , the user may twist their waist further than in the state shown in FIG. 10 to push the load transmission mechanism 1A further, thereby stretching their legs and strengthening their waist. This posture is possible because the footrest 11 is configured to be freely rotatable around the axis of the drive shaft 4 relative to the load transmission mechanism 1A body. The user may perform foot flexion and extension exercises between FIGS. 9 and 10 , or may perform foot flexion and extension exercises with waist twisting between FIGS. 9 and 11 . The leg flexion and extension exercises with leg twisting performed between FIGS. 9 and 10 and between FIGS. 9 and 11 simultaneously induce linear movement of the legs in the left and right directions, thereby increasing the freedom of movement of the user's lower limbs and allowing the user to move their legs in multiple directions simultaneously.

[0076] 9 to 11 (the far side of the paper in FIGS. 9 to 11). In other words, by sitting on the seat 111 with the load transmission mechanism 1A on the right side of the user and the backrest 115 on the left side, the user can exercise with their right leg.

[0077] Therefore, the user can use the training device 100 to perform bidirectional rotational exercises around the waist while strengthening both legs. Specifically, the user spreads their legs and pushes off the load transmission mechanism 1A in a kicking motion. This makes the device ideal for strengthening muscles around the hip joints, pelvis, thighs, knees, etc.

[0078] Each muscle group in the leg can achieve the timing of "relaxation-stretch-contraction" and perform movements in good coordination. Specifically, in the state shown in Figure 9, no load is applied to the left foot by the load application unit 130, and the muscles are in a "stretched" state. In addition, the state shown in Figure 9 is also a state in which the foot is simply placed on the footrest unit 11, and the overall state is relaxed, so it can also be said to be a "relaxed" state.

[0079] From this position, the user applies force to their foot, pushing against the load transmission mechanism 1A to which the load is being applied by the load application unit 130. That is, in the process shown in Figures 9 to 10 or 11, the load is applied to the user's left leg by the load application unit 130, causing the muscles of the user's left leg to enter a "shortened" state. Note that when the muscles of the user's left leg are in a "shortened" state, the load transmission mechanism 1A simultaneously applies a rectilinear movement in the left and right directions to the flexion and extension movement that involves twisting the leg, thereby increasing the freedom of movement of the lower limbs, releasing excess load applied to the muscles of the left leg, and suppressing stiffening of the muscles, thereby enabling the user to acquire flexible and elastic muscle strength.

[0080] 10 or 11 to the state shown in Fig. 9, returning the leg to the state shown in Fig. 9 can induce a "stretched" state in the muscle. Even in the process of causing a "stretched" state in the muscle, the load transmission mechanism 1A simultaneously adds a rectilinear movement in the left and right directions to the flexion and extension movement that involves twisting of the leg, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of movement of the lower limbs and suppressing abrupt changes in the load applied to the muscles of the left leg, making it possible to suppress hardening of the muscles, and enabling the user to acquire flexible and elastic muscle strength.

[0081] Therefore, by repeating the exercise cycle of moving the load transmission mechanism 1A from the state shown in Fig. 9 to the state shown in Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 and then returning to the state shown in Fig. 9, a "relaxation-extension-contraction" timing can be generated, allowing for well-coordinated movements. Regarding leg exercise, the state shown in Fig. 9 may be used as the initial state, or one cycle of exercise may be performed with the state shown in Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 as the initial state. However, since it is desirable to start exercise from a "relaxed" state, if exercise is to be started with the state shown in Fig. 10 or Fig. 11 as the initial state, it is desirable to start exercise from an unloaded state in the initial state with the cooperation of another person, etc.

[0082] 9 and 10, the user may perform the exercises while sitting on the seat 110 with the load transmission mechanism 1A facing forward and with the backrest 115 at their back.

[0083] The training device 100 is a device that appropriately trains leg muscles and the like through initial load training (registered trademark). Initial load training is defined as "training that utilizes a change in the body to a position that causes a reflex and the accompanying change in the center of gravity, etc., to promote the series of movements of agonist muscles, "relaxation-stretch-shortening," while preventing co-contraction of antagonistic muscles and muscles that act antagonistically." A reflex is an unconscious reaction. Initial load training is completely different from final load training, which applies load to the end, causing muscles to hypertrophy while maintaining a state of tension (hardening) in the muscles.

[0084] Initial load training of the lower limbs using the training device 100 simultaneously induces straight leg movements in the left and right directions during leg flexion and extension movements that involve twisting, thereby preventing excessive load from being applied to the muscles during the exercise process and alleviating muscle tension (stiffness).

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the load transmission mechanisms 1A, 1B, and 1C for training equipment according to the above-described embodiments, and the training equipment 100 using the same, but can be embodied in various other modified or applied examples as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0086] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A Load transmission mechanism for training equipment of first embodiment 1B Load transmission mechanism for training equipment of second embodiment 1C Load transmission mechanism for training equipment of third embodiment 1K First rotation transmission part 1M Second rotation transmission part 4 Main drive shaft part 4a Main drive bearing 4c Main drive shaft sprocket 4d Tip part 4e Moving direction 5 Intermediate shaft part 5a Intermediate bearing c Intermediate shaft sprocket 5d Intermediate shaft bevel gear 6 Orthogonal shaft part 6a Orthogonal bearing 6c Orthogonal shaft bevel gear 7a Connection part 7b Connection part 8 Connecting cylinder part 8a Connecting cylinder part 8b Connecting cylinder part 10 Transmission chain 11 Foot rest part 13 Sliding shaft part 13a Sliding bearing 13b First end part 13c Second end part 19 Tension 20 Guide part 20a First guide 20b Second guide 20c Slider part 20d Guide support base 22 Housing portion 22a Side surface 22b Lower housing portion 23 Connecting portion 23a First fixed piece 23b Second fixed piece 25 Tension member 30 Link mechanism portion 30a First link 30b Second link 30c First joint 30d Second joint 34 Slot 37 Link mechanism portion 37a First end portion 37b Second end portion 38 Small piece portion 39 First small piece portion 39a First through hole 39b Second through hole 40 Second small piece portion 41 Third small piece portion 42 Fourth small piece portion 43 Pin (first central axis) 44 Pin (second central axis) 45 Pin (third central axis) 46 Pin (fourth central axis) 47 Pin (fifth central axis) 50 Sliding bearing 50b Cut surface 50c Upper conical side portion 50d Lower conical side portion 50e Upper conical side portion 50f Lower conical side portion 50g First bearing hole 50h Second bearing hole 50i Side flat surface 50j Narrowed portion 60 Sliding bearing (first modified example) 60d Bearing hole 60e Oblique conical side portion 60f Minimum diameter bearing hole portion 70 Sliding bearing (second modified example) 70d Bearing hole 70e Upper oblique conical side portion 70f Lower oblique conical side portion 70g Narrowed portion 100 Training equipment 110 Seating portion 111 Seat 112 Seat support 115 Backrest 120 Frame 121 Frame 122a Slide rail 122b Slide rail 125 Upper housing 126 Direction change guide wheel 130 Load applying portion 131 Impact absorbing material 132 Weight guide support 133 Weight 140 Guide support 141 Impact absorbing material150 Lifting and swinging part 151 Main driving shaft part 151c Tip part 160 Grip part 163 Frame part 164 Grip bar 172 Bearing 173 Third rotating shaft 174a Side plate 174b Side plate 179 Connection part 180b Connection part 181a Direction changing pulley 181b Direction changing pulley 182 Direction changing pulley 183 Direction changing pulley 184 Direction changing pulley 185h Direction changing pulley 186 Direction changing pulley 190 Arrow 191 Arrow 192 Arrow

Claims

1. An input unit to which a user inputs force is connected, a driving shaft portion that rotates together with the input unit, an intermediate shaft portion that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the driving shaft portion, a first rotation transmission portion that interlocks between the driving shaft portion and the intermediate shaft portion and is used for transmitting rotation between the driving shaft portion and the intermediate shaft portion, a second rotation transmission portion that interlocks between the intermediate shaft portion and an orthogonal shaft portion orthogonal to the intermediate shaft portion and is used for transmitting rotation between the intermediate shaft portion and the orthogonal shaft portion, a sliding shaft portion that receives tension from the outside and reciprocates, a connecting portion that connects the driving shaft portion, the intermediate shaft portion, and the orthogonal shaft portion, a slider portion attached to the connecting portion, a guiding portion that guides the moving direction of the connecting portion via the slider portion, and a link mechanism portion having one end connected to the orthogonal shaft portion and the other end connected to the sliding shaft portion, which converts the rotation and linear movement of the orthogonal shaft portion into the linear movement of the sliding shaft portion. A load transmission mechanism portion for a training device, characterized by comprising these components.

2. The load transmission mechanism portion for a training device according to claim 1, wherein the guiding portion guides the slider portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the orthogonal shaft portion and the axial direction of the intermediate shaft portion.

3. The load transmission mechanism portion for a training device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a gripping portion gripped by a user or a footrest portion of the user.

4. The load transmission mechanism portion for a training device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a connecting portion for connecting to a training device.

5. The first rotation transmission portion is a transmission chain, a driving shaft sprocket is provided on the driving shaft portion, an intermediate shaft sprocket is provided on the intermediate shaft portion, and the load transmission mechanism portion for a training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission chain is suspended between the driving shaft sprocket and the intermediate shaft sprocket.

6. The second rotation transmission portion includes an intermediate shaft bevel gear provided on the intermediate shaft portion and an orthogonal shaft bevel gear provided on the orthogonal shaft portion and meshing with the intermediate shaft bevel gear. The load transmission mechanism portion for a training device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising these components.

7. The load transmission mechanism portion for a training device according to claim 1, wherein the tension is generated by a load applying portion that freely adjusts the magnitude of the load of the training device.

8. The load transmission mechanism for a training device according to claim 1, wherein the link mechanism portion includes a plurality of small pieces connecting one end side connected to the orthogonal axis portion and the other end side connected to the sliding axis portion.

9. The load transmission mechanism for a training device according to claim 8, wherein the link mechanism portion changes its shape by changing the angle formed between each of the plurality of small pieces and another adjacent small piece.

10. The load transmission mechanism for a training device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding bearing that pivotally supports the sliding axis portion has a bearing hole through which the sliding axis portion that swings in a plane with the axial direction of the orthogonal axis portion being the vertical direction is inserted obliquely.

11. The load transmission mechanism for a training device according to claim 10, wherein the bearing hole has a shape of an inverted conical frustum.

12. The load transmission mechanism for a training device according to claim 10, wherein the bearing hole has a constricted portion at the central portion in the axial direction.

13. A training device characterized by comprising the load transmission mechanism for a training device according to claim 1.

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