Training machine

Abstract

[Problem] During a lowering exercise according to the prior art, changes in upper-limb (forearm, elbow joint, and shoulder joint) movement are such that, since the rotation axis of a grip part is fixed in the vertical direction, the hand rotates around the vertical axis together with the grip part as the lowering exercise is executed, and the shoulder joint continues to internally rotate. As a result, the forearm keeps inclining forward, thereby restricting subsequent extension acceleration slightly rearward of the body. [Solution] Provided is a training machine with which training is performed by moving an arm unit against the weight of a back weight, the arm unit being connected to at least one back weight via a cable and vertically movable along a guide column. A grip part of the arm unit is configured to rotate around an axis substantially orthogonal to the guide column axis. A training machine can thus be provided which can accommodate changes in the inclination angle of the hand and does not restrict extension movement when the upper limb is extended while being lowered.

Description

Training machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a training machine for training by gripping an arm unit connected to one or more back weights via a cable or the like and capable of moving up and down along a guide support with the hand and moving it against the weight of the back weight. In particular, the present invention relates to a pull-down type training machine that effectively generates energy flow from the trunk to the limbs, which is one of the important elements for humans to move their bodies efficiently, and enables training in how to use the body to greatly accelerate the extremities (fingers).

[0002] In recent years, interest in training machines aimed at improving the function of the neuromuscular system has grown. It is known that the human neuromuscular system adapts to the amount and content of exercise performed, and the effects of training also depend on the actual training conditions, such as the speed and angle of the training movements. Therefore, considering the specificity of training, it is important to conduct training that takes into account the characteristics of human movement in order to improve training efficiency. One example is the trunk-limb coordination pattern, in which energy generated in the trunk is transferred to the limbs, which then accelerates the limbs. This coordination pattern is found in movements such as pitching, batting, running, and jumping. For example, in pitching, the trunk leads translational and rotational movements, and the energy generated there is transferred to the throwing arm via the shoulder joint, which then accelerates the throwing arm like a whip, imparting force to the ball. Although the degree of acceleration varies, such coordination patterns are also included in daily life activities, and training machines have been developed that take into account the specificity of the training and aim to directly improve this way of using the body, one example of which is the pull-down type training machine.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device including a seating portion, a load applying portion capable of adjusting the magnitude of the load, two guide posts extending in the vertical direction at a predetermined interval, two lifting and swinging members each fitted at one end to the guide posts so as to be movable up and down and rotatable in the horizontal direction, a gripping portion connected to a vertical shaft fixed to the other end of the lifting and swinging member and rotatably provided below the lifting and swinging member, and a pulling portion connected at one end to the load applying portion and at the other end to the lifting and swinging member further to the end where the guide posts are fitted. The document describes a pull-down type training machine that includes a tension member and a load transmission unit that is connected to the other end of the tension member within the lifting and swinging member and that applies a load to the rotation around the axis of the gripping unit using the load-applying unit. It claims that when a user of this training machine pulls down the gripping unit against the load while relaxing, stretching, and shortening their shoulders and arms, this increases muscle coordination, reduces muscle pain and fatigue, and allows for the development of flexible and elastic muscles.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-187317

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 does not include any idea of ​​using the training machine described therein to train coordination patterns between the trunk and limbs. In other words, from the perspective of trunk-limb coordination, it is desirable for the training to include a movement in which energy generated in the trunk is transmitted to the upper limbs via the shoulder joints, and that energy is used to extend the upper limbs. When a user performs a lowering exercise using a pull-down training machine, tilting the wrist slightly horizontally when extending the elbow joint on the side of the body is a natural movement, which effectively accelerates the extension of the elbow joint (as will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 3). Therefore, if a pull-down training machine is used to train coordination patterns between the trunk and limbs, it is necessary to avoid interfering with this natural movement, thereby effectively generating energy flow from the trunk to the limbs and training how to use the body to greatly accelerate the extremities (fingers). However, in the training machine described in Patent Document 1, the rotation of the grip part is limited to (1) rotation about a guide column that extends vertically and to which the lifting and swinging member is fitted, and (2) rotation about a vertical axis that is provided below the lifting and swinging member for attaching the grip part, both of which are rotation about a vertical axis. This prevents the natural movement of tilting the wrist slightly horizontally during elbow joint extension, and does not allow training in how to use the body to effectively generate energy flow from the trunk to the limbs and greatly accelerate the extremities (fingers).

[0006] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the changes in the movement of the upper limbs (forearm, elbow joint, and shoulder joint) during a depressing exercise in the prior art, including the training machine described in Patent Document 1. (a) shows this movement as viewed from the sagittal plane (left side in this figure), showing the state in which the depressing exercise extends in the order indicated by the circled numbers. (b) shows the same movement as in (a) as viewed from the frontal plane (dorsal in this figure) (however, the state indicated by circled number 5 in (a) (hereinafter, the "circled number" will be omitted and the figure will be simply written as a number) is not shown). (c) also illustrates the movement of the upper limbs at each time point in (b).

[0007] In the prior art shown in this figure, the rotation of the gripping part is limited to around a vertical axis, so the hand holding the gripping part rotates only around the vertical axis, and the shoulder joint continues to internally rotate (a movement that rotates the shoulder inward) (see 2 to 4 in (c) of this figure). As a result, the forearm constantly tilts forward during the movements shown in 2 to 4 in (a) of this figure. Meanwhile, the elbow joint, after initially flexing (see 2 to 4 in (a) of this figure), extends slightly backward and to the side of the body (see 5 in (a) and 3 and 4 in (c) of this figure). However, the above-mentioned movements of the shoulder joint and forearm (the shoulder joint continues to internally rotate and the forearm constantly tilts forward), which are caused by the rotation of the gripping part being limited to around a vertical axis, restrict the acceleration of elbow joint extension. In particular, because the physiological energy exerted by the limbs is smaller than that of the trunk, when movements such as those shown in this diagram are performed, unnecessary force is applied to the forearms, which are limbs, causing excessive muscle tension, making it difficult to perform an accelerating extension movement by bending the forearms like a whip.

[0008] That is, in conventional training machines, including the lat pulldown machine for muscle training described in Patent Document 1, the grip can only rotate around a vertical axis, and therefore cannot accommodate the natural change in the angle of the hand when extending a flexed elbow joint during lowering of the upper limbs, restricting the free acceleration of extension of the elbow joint. As a result, conventional pulldown-type training machines needed further improvement to acquire the coordination pattern in which energy generated in the trunk is transmitted to the upper limbs, causing the upper limbs to accelerate.

[0009] In order for the upper limbs, including the fingers, to accelerate efficiently using the energy exerted by the trunk, two things are important: (1) the shoulder joints and upper limb girdles, which have a large degree of freedom and connect the upper limbs to the trunk, have a large range of motion (the freedom of a training machine that does not restrict the shoulder joints, upper limb girdles, or upper limb movement when performing upper limb extension movements); and (2) the upper limbs must be able to easily extend when accelerated by the transmitted energy (assisting the extension movement).

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a pull-down type training machine that can respond to natural changes in the tilt angle of the hands when extending a flexed elbow joint while holding down the upper limbs in a pull-down exercise, and that does not restrict natural acceleration of extension, thereby making it easy to learn how to use the body in a coordinated pattern in which energy generated in the trunk is transmitted to the upper limbs, accelerating them.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present invention provides a pull-down type training machine that is connected to one or more back weights via a cable and that performs training by operating an arm unit that can move up and down along a guide pole against the weight of the back weight, and in which the gripping portion of the arm unit is configured to be rotatable around an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide pole.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the grip portion is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the guide support pole.

[0013] A third invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the first invention, wherein the grip portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the grip portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation.

[0015] The fifth invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the first or second invention, in which the grip portion is configured to be rotatable around an axis that is approximately parallel to the axis of the guide support.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the grip portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation.

[0017] The seventh aspect of the present invention provides a training method using a pull-down type training machine based on the first aspect of the present invention.

[0018] The eighth aspect of the present invention provides a training method using a pull-down type training machine based on the second aspect of the present invention.

[0019] The ninth aspect of the present invention provides a training method using a pull-down type training machine based on the third aspect of the present invention.

[0020] The tenth aspect of the present invention provides a training method using a pull-down type training machine based on the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0021] An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a training method using a pull-down type training machine based on the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0022] A twelfth aspect of the present invention provides a training method using a pull-down type training machine based on the sixth aspect of the present invention.

[0023] According to the present invention, by configuring the grip of the pull-down type training machine to be rotatable about an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support, it is possible to provide a pull-down type training machine that can accommodate natural changes in the tilt angle of the hands when extending a flexed elbow joint while holding down the upper limbs in a downward extension exercise, and that does not restrict natural acceleration of extension.As a result, it is possible to provide a pull-down type training machine that makes it easy to learn how to use the body in a coordinated pattern in which energy generated in the trunk is transmitted to the upper limbs, causing them to accelerate.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an example of the overall configuration of a training machine in embodiment 1; FIG. 2 is a view for explaining an example of the configuration of an arm unit of a training machine in embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining a newly generated coordination pattern of upper limb movement by adding horizontal axis rotation; FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining changes in the movement of the upper limbs (forearm, elbow joint, shoulder joint) during lowering exercise in the prior art; FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing that the grip part is configured to be rotatable around an axis line substantially perpendicular to the guide support axis; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating that the grip portion of embodiment 3 is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around an axis that is orthogonal to the guide column axis. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating that the grip portion of embodiment 4 is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the guide column axis. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating that the grip portion of embodiment 4 is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the guide column axis. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating that the grip portion of embodiment 4 is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the guide column axis.

[0025] 0100 Training machine 0101a Frame (pillar) 0101b Frame (beam) 0101c Frame (base) 0110 Chair 0111 Seating section 0112 Support 0120 Weight stack 0130, 0230 Arm unit 0131, 0231 Vertical cylinder 0132, 0232 Horizontal cylinder 0140, 0240 Grip 0150, 0250 Arm unit guide support 0160 Weight stack guide support 0170, 0270 Wire 0180, 0280 Pulley 0190 Back pad 0233 First gear 0234 Second gear 0235 Wire connection section

[0026] The following describes embodiments of each invention. The relationship between the following embodiments and the claims is as follows: Embodiment 1 mainly relates to claim 1, etc.; Embodiment 2 mainly relates to claim 2, etc.; Embodiment 3 mainly relates to claim 3, etc.; Embodiment 4 mainly relates to claim 4, etc.; Embodiment 5 mainly relates to claim 5, etc.; Embodiment 6 mainly relates to claim 6, etc.; Embodiment 7 mainly relates to claims 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc. However, the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments in any way and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the "cable" described in claim 1 is explained as a "wire" as an example, but it may be any other member such as a rope or chain as long as it is a member that can transmit tension.

[0028] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "weight stack" is synonymous with the "back weight" in the claims. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "arm unit guide support" is synonymous with the "guide support" in the claims. Hereinafter, in this specification, the "back weight" may be expressed as the "weight stack that is the back weight" and the "guide support" as the "arm unit guide support that is the guide support." <Embodiment 1: Mainly relates to claim 1, etc.>

[0029] <Outline of First Embodiment>

[0030] The pull-down type training machine of this embodiment is characterized in that the gripping portion of the arm unit is configured to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (an axis approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support column), and the purpose of this configuration is to enable smoother upper limb extension exercises.

[0031] <Configuration of First Embodiment: Example of Overall Configuration>

[0032] The pull-down type training machine of the first embodiment comprises a cable, a back weight, a guide pole, an arm unit, and a grip portion of the arm unit.

[0033] First, an example of the overall configuration of a training machine according to this embodiment, which includes optional components in addition to the above configuration, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a training machine (0100) according to this embodiment. In the following description, the Y direction in the diagram is defined as upward, the X direction as forward, and the Z direction as left.

[0035] The training machine (0100) shown in this figure has a frame that serves as a skeleton for supporting the entire structure and is made up of pillars (0101a), beams (0101b), and a base (0101c).

[0036] The frame is provided with two guide pillars, one on the front side and one on the rear side. The front guide pillar (0150) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "arm unit guide pillar") is inserted into the arm unit (0130) and supports it so that it can move up and down. As an example in this embodiment, as will be described later, the arm unit (0130) consists of a vertical cylinder (0131) and a horizontal cylinder (0132) connected to it by an axis, and the guide pillar is inserted into the arm unit (0130) at the vertical cylinder part. Details of the arm unit (0130) will be described later.

[0037] The rear guide pillar (0160) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "weight stack guide pillar") is inserted into the back weight (0120) and supports it so that it can move up and down.

[0038] The back weight (0120) is a weight that serves as a load during training, and is made of a metal such as cast iron or steel. The back weight is configured as a weight stack, which is a stack of multiple plates (weights), so that the weight of the load can be adjusted freely. Furthermore, the back weight may be configured so that one of different weights can be selected, such as 1.0 kg, 2.5 kg, or 5.0 kg per plate (weight).

[0039] The arm unit and the back weight are connected by a wire (0170). That is, one end of the wire (0170) is connected to the arm unit (0130) on the front side, and the other end is connected to the back weight (0120) on the rear side. The wire (0170) is configured to be movable along a pulley (0180), and when the horizontal cylinder (0132) of the arm unit (0130) moves downward as the user presses down, the wire (0170) moves toward the arm unit (0130) along the pulley (0180), and the back weight (0120) connected to the other end of the wire (0170) is lifted.

[0040] Furthermore, in the example shown in this figure, a chair (0110) is provided for the user of the training machine to sit facing forward while training. This chair (0110) consists of a seat (0111) and a support post (0112) supporting the seat, and is mounted on a frame (0101c) that constitutes a base so as to be centrally located between the two arm unit guide posts (0150). In addition, a back pad (0190) is provided at the rear (backward direction) of the chair (0110) to allow the user to adjust their seating position and posture.

[0041] <Configuration of First Embodiment: Configuration of Main Parts>

[0042] Next, the configuration of the arm unit and the gripping portion provided thereon, which are the main components that characterize the training machine of this embodiment, will be described in detail.

[0043] <Configuration of First Embodiment: Configuration of Main Parts: Arm Unit>

[0044] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the arm unit (0230) of the training machine (0200) in this embodiment.

[0045] The arm unit is connected to one or more back weights via a cable and is configured to be movable up and down along a guide support.

[0046] The role of the arm unit is to provide the key elements for the user to perform a specific exercise and provide the necessary degrees of freedom to effectively accelerate the targeted upper limb girdle.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 2(a), arm units (0230) are located at two locations, one on the left and one on the right, for training both arms. Each arm unit has a shape that combines two members, a vertical cylinder 0231 and a horizontal cylinder (0232). The vertical cylinder (0231) is disposed at one end of the arm unit (0230) (the side indicated by arrow A in the figure) with its end surface facing up and down. The horizontal cylinder (0232) is disposed at the other end of the arm unit (0230) (the side indicated by arrow B in the figure) with its end surface facing forward and backward, and is connected to the vertical cylinder by an axis.

[0048] Note that the shapes of the two members shown in this figure are merely examples, and their respective shapes are not limited to cylinders. For example, one or both of the two members may be approximately square prisms (approximately rectangular parallelepipeds) or other approximately polygonal prism shapes. In other words, the arm unit according to the present invention may be a single, integrally formed member or a combination of two or more members. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the shapes of the members in these cases. Figure 15 shows an example of a shape other than a combination of two cylinders, in which an arm unit (1530) has a shape formed by combining two approximately rectangular parallelepipeds (1531, 1532).

[0049] The arm unit is inserted into an arm unit guide support (0250) at the vertical cylindrical portion, and is capable of moving up and down along the arm unit guide support, which is a guide support.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2(a), the arm unit is configured to be rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow L around the guide support axis in the vertical columnar portion. The arm unit is rotatable within a range in which it can move up and down, and this is common throughout the present invention. The "guide support axis" refers to the axis that passes vertically through the center of the arm unit guide support (0250), which is the guide support.

[0051] In Figure 2(a), the left hand arm unit (0230) is shown with its cover removed, and Figure 2(b) is a detailed view of the arm unit (0230) also with its cover removed.

[0052] The function of the arm unit (0230) will be explained below with reference to Figure 2(b). A wire (0270) is drawn from the weight stack (0220) through a pulley (0280) into the arm unit (0230), and is attached to one end of the first gear (0233) by a wire connecting part (0235) made of a bolt and a washer. A gripping part (0240) is attached to the rotation axis of the second gear (0234).

[0053] <Configuration of the First Embodiment: Configuration of Main Parts: Grip Part>

[0054] The grip part (0240) shown in Fig. 2(a) is for a user to grasp with their hand and perform training exercises by moving the arm unit (0230) up and down. The role of the grip part is to support safe and effective training by providing a stable part for the user to hold when performing exercises.

[0055] The gripping portion (0240) is present at two locations, for example, on the left and right, in accordance with the configuration of the arm unit that includes it.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2(a), each gripping portion (0240) is connected to the bottom of the horizontal column (0232) of the arm unit (0130) via a connecting shaft (0241) which is a vertical shaft.

[0057] The grip portion is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide column.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows that the gripping portion is configured to be rotatable around an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide column axis. In the example shown in this figure, the axis (X) substantially perpendicular to the guide column axis (Y) is an axis that passes horizontally through the center of both end faces of the horizontal column (0532) of the arm unit. In this case, the horizontal column (0532) has a horizontal axis (0533) located on the "axis substantially perpendicular to the guide column axis" (hereinafter referred to as "the axis" in this paragraph and the next paragraph) and is journaled to the vertical column (0532). Therefore, the horizontal column (0532) is configured to be rotatable around the axis. Furthermore, because the horizontal column (0532) of the arm unit (0530) is configured in this manner, the gripping portion (0540) provided on the horizontal column (0532) of the arm unit is also configured to be rotatable around the axis in the same direction as the horizontal column (0532) (the direction indicated by arrow C).

[0059] "Approximately perpendicular" means that the axis does not need to be strictly perpendicular to the guide column axis, as long as it is roughly perpendicular. The range refers to a tilt of 20 degrees or less from the axis when the axis is strictly perpendicular in any direction, up, down, left, or right. More preferably, the gripper provided on the arm unit is rotatable around an axis that is perpendicular to the guide column axis. Here, "perpendicular" means that the axis does not need to be strictly perpendicular to the guide column axis, but the range is narrower than that of approximately perpendicular. A specific range refers to a tilt of 10 degrees or less from the axis when the axis is strictly perpendicular in any direction, up, down, left, or right.

[0060] <Effects of First Embodiment>

[0061] According to the present embodiment, the gripping portion is configured to be rotatable around three rotation axes. In other words, in addition to the two configurations found in conventional training machines, namely (a) a configuration that allows rotation around the guide column axis, i.e., an axis that passes vertically through the center of the arm unit guide column (configuration specific to claim 2), and (b) a configuration that allows rotation around an axis that is substantially parallel to the guide column axis (configuration specific to claim 5), it is possible to further include (c) a configuration that allows rotation around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the guide column axis (configuration related to claim 1). This makes it possible to provide a pull-down type training machine that can accommodate natural changes in the tilt angle of the hand when extending a flexed elbow joint while holding down the upper limb in a downward extension exercise, thereby enabling a natural extension acceleration exercise. As a result, it is possible to provide a pull-down type training machine that makes it easy to learn how to use the body in a coordinated manner in which energy generated in the trunk is transmitted to the upper limb, accelerating the upper limb.

[0062] <Effect of the First Embodiment: Inclination Angle of the Grip>

[0063] To aid in a more concrete understanding of the above effects, the following describes how the ability to form an inclination angle in the gripping portion makes it easier to accelerate the extension of the upper limbs.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the newly generated coordination pattern of upper limb movement when horizontal axis rotation is added, and is a diagram for explaining the meaning and effect of the tilt angle of the gripping part (hereinafter, this angle will be explained as θ).

[0065] As shown in (A) in the figure, by adding horizontal axis rotation of the arm unit (0330) to the horizontal rotational movement of the arm unit (0330), it was possible to create a tilt angle θ of the gripper rotation axis and the arm unit (0330) with the gripper rotation axis as the center of rotation.

[0066] This tilt angle θ causes ulnar flexion of the wrist (bending the wrist toward the little finger), which allows the shoulder joint to be externally rotated.

[0067] By adding this new freedom of movement of ulnar flexion + external rotation of the shoulder joint, the forearm can be tilted backward, which is in harmony with the direction of extension of the upper limb slightly backward to the side of the body, making it possible to perform smooth extension movements with high coordination.

[0068] By combining the rotational movement of the arm unit (0330) on the horizontal plane with a rotation mechanism around a horizontal axis, a remarkable effect was achieved in that it was possible to exhibit characteristics not found in the past.

[0069] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, with reference to FIG. 2(b), a configuration has been described in which when the gripping portion (0240) is rotated in the direction of pronation (a rotational movement of the forearm such that the thumb moves inwardly of the body), the gears (0234, 0233) rotate, causing the wire connecting portion (0232) to deviate inward, generating tension in the direction of the wire (0270).

[0070] In the first modification, the tension of an elastic member (not shown) is used instead of the tension of the wire 0270. The elastic member may be, for example, a rubber material or a coil spring.

[0071] One end of the elastic member is attached to the wire connecting portion (0232) in place of the wire (0270). When the gripping portion (0240) is rotated in the pronation direction, the gears (0234, 0233) rotate, displacing the wire connecting portion (0232) inward, and tension is generated in response to the stretching of the elastic member. This tension then generates a force that tilts the upper portion of the arm unit (0230) outward, and the tilt angle θ of the gripping portion (0240) is easily generated by the action of a horizontal rotation axis attached to the arm unit (0230) that is configured to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the guide support (0250), as in the first embodiment. <Embodiment 2: Mainly relates to claim 2, etc.>

[0072] <Outline of Second Embodiment>

[0073] The present invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the first embodiment, but with a grip portion configured to be rotatable about the axis of the guide column. The following describes in detail the grip portion being rotatable about the axis of the guide column. The remaining configuration is the same as that described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] <Configuration of Embodiment 2: Grip>

[0075] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating that the gripping portion of this embodiment is configured to be rotatable around the guide support axis. This diagram shows the arm unit guide support, which is a guide support of the training machine according to this embodiment, and the arm unit, as viewed from above. In this example, the vertical cylinder (0631) of the arm unit is rotatably inserted into the arm unit guide support (0650), which is a guide support. Furthermore, a horizontal cylinder (0632) is connected to the vertical cylinder (0631) via a horizontal shaft (0633). Furthermore, the gripping portion (0640) is attached to the horizontal cylinder (0632) via a connecting shaft (0641). With this configuration, since the vertical cylinder (0631) is rotatable around the guide support axis (Y), the gripping portion (0640) is also rotatable in the direction of arrow D around the guide support axis (Y).

[0076] <Effects of Second Embodiment>

[0077] As described in the first embodiment, the grip portion of the training machine is configured to be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide support axis, thereby enabling a natural acceleration of extension exercises when the user extends a bent elbow joint while lowering the upper limb. Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the user can perform upper limb extension exercises by rotating the hand grasping the grip portion around the vertical axis of the guide support axis as the axis of rotation. This allows the user to not only tilt the hand at a natural angle, but also to exercise by whipping the forearm like a whip. As described above, this embodiment provides a training machine that allows the user to perform more effective upper limb exercises. <Embodiment 3: Mainly relates to claim 3, etc.>

[0078] <Outline of Third Embodiment>

[0079] The present invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the first or second embodiment, in which the grip portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the rotation direction about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide column. The rotation direction here refers to the direction of rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide column. The configuration in which the grip portion is biased in a direction opposite to the rotation direction will be described in detail below. The remaining configuration is the same as that described in the first or second embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0080] <Configuration of Embodiment 3: Grip>

[0081] As already described with reference to Fig. 5, the grip portion is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide column, but this embodiment is characterized in that the grip portion is further configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction. An example of this specific configuration will be described below with reference to Figs. 7A to 7E.

[0082] Figures 7A to 7E are diagrams illustrating that the gripping portion of this embodiment is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the rotation direction about an axis approximately perpendicular to the guide support axis. Of these, Figure 7A is a detailed view of the arm unit with the cover removed, and is similar to the view shown in Figure 2(b). The arm unit (0730) shown in this figure is the arm unit on the left side when the training machine is placed with its back to the user, i.e., the arm unit that is usually grasped by the left hand, out of the two arm units present on the left and right sides as shown in Figure 2(a) and other figures. This figure shows the state in which the connecting shaft (0741) of the gripping portion (0740) is oriented vertically.

[0083] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the arm unit shown in Figure 7A as seen from the front. Figure 7C is a schematic diagram of the arm unit as seen from the front, similar to Figure 7B, but shows a state in which the user has begun a downward movement from the state shown in Figure 7B and spread their hands outward holding the gripping portion (0740), causing the gripping portion to rotate outward (in the direction of arrow C) about an axis (X) approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide pillar. Figure 7D is a schematic diagram of Figure 7B, and Figure 7E is a schematic diagram of Figure 7C as seen from above (note that the guide pillar (0750) has been omitted from Figures 7B and 7D to avoid clutter).

[0084] As already explained in the first embodiment, the gripping portion (0740) is connected to the horizontal column (0732) of the arm unit (0730) via a connecting shaft (0733). The horizontal column (0732) is provided with a wire connecting portion (0735), to which the wire (0770) is connected. The other end of the wire is connected to a weight stack (not shown), which serves as a back weight. Furthermore, when the gripping portion (0740) rotates about an axis (X) substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide column, the relative positional relationship between the gripping portion (0740) and the wire connecting portion (0735) does not change. Therefore, as shown in Figures 7C and 7E, when the gripping portion (0740) rotates outward (in the direction of arrow E) about the axis (X) substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide column, the wire connecting portion (0735) also rotates in the same direction (in the direction of arrow F). As a result, the wire connected to the wire connecting part (0735) is pulled in the same direction, and this force is transmitted to the weight stack (not shown) attached on the opposite side via the wire, causing the weight stack to rise. As a result, the grip part is biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction by the weight of the weight stack.

[0085] <Configuration of Third Embodiment: Effects>

[0086] As described in the first embodiment, the grip portion of the training machine is configured to be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide support axis, thereby enabling a natural acceleration of extension when the user extends a flexed elbow joint while holding down the upper limb during a lowering exercise. Furthermore, according to the training machine of this embodiment, the grip portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the rotational direction about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide support axis. As a result, the wire connecting portion (0735) rotates outward (in the direction of arrow F) when the elbow joint is extended, as shown in Figures 7C and 7E. This rotation pulls the wire outward, slightly further lifting the back weight (which is typically suspended in midair during training). This increases the tension on the wire in the direction pulling it toward the back weight. This applies a load to the rotational exercise. From the user's perspective, it is possible to perform an extension exercise while receiving this load.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration in which the grip portion can be rotated about an axis substantially perpendicular to the guide column axis, as described above, it is possible to add a configuration in which the grip portion can be rotated about the guide column axis and about an axis substantially parallel to the guide column axis, so that with these configurations, when the user extends the elbow joint, the wire connecting portion shifts outward and forward. The forward shift is brought about by the rotation of the gear when the grip portion is rotated in the pronation direction about an axis substantially parallel to the guide column axis (specifically, the connecting shaft that attaches the grip portion to the arm unit). As a result, the arm unit tilts outward and the gripping part tilts inward relative to the horizontal axis, making it possible to extend the upper limbs with the back of the hand facing upwards and accompanied by external rotation of the shoulder joint and ulnar flexion of the wrist; with this new freedom of movement of ulnar flexion + external rotation of the shoulder joint, the forearm tilts backward, enabling smooth extension movements with high coordination that are in harmony with the extension of the upper limbs slightly backward to the side of the body.

[0088] As described above, according to this embodiment, a training machine that allows the user to perform more effective upper limb exercises can be provided (note that a training method using the training machine according to the present invention will be described in detail in another embodiment (see embodiment 7)). <Embodiment 4: Mainly relates to claim 4, etc.>

[0089] <Outline of Fourth Embodiment>

[0090] The invention of this embodiment provides a pull-down type training machine that is based on embodiments 1 to 3, but in which the gripping portion is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the guide support axis.

[0091] The following will explain in detail how the gripping portion is biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the guide support axis. The rest of the configuration is the same as that described in the first to third embodiments, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0092] <Configuration of the Fourth Embodiment: Grip Portion>

[0093] 8A to 8C are diagrams for explaining that the grip part of this embodiment is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the guide support axis. The arm unit (0830) shown in these figures is one of two arm units on the left and right sides of the training machine as shown in Figure 2(a) and shows the arm unit on the left side, i.e., the arm unit on the side where the grip part is grasped with the left hand, and is a detailed diagram of the arm unit with the cover removed.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8A , the gripping unit (0840) is attached to the horizontal column (0832) of the arm unit (0830) via a connecting shaft (0841), which is a vertical shaft. A wire connecting portion (0835) is provided within the horizontal column (0832). Therefore, when the gripping unit is rotated around the guide column axis (Y), the horizontal column (0832) and the wire connecting portion (0835) provided therein also rotate in the same manner. A wire (0870) is connected to the wire connecting portion (0835). The other end of the wire (0870) is connected to a weight stack (not shown), which serves as a back weight, via a pulley. In the example shown in this figure, three pulleys are provided, including a first pulley (0880a) (shown by a dashed rectangle) adjacent to the wire connecting portion (0835) and a second pulley (0880b) adjacent to the first pulley. Of these, the first pulley (0880a) is provided inside the vertical cylinder (0831), and the second pulley (0880b) is provided outside the arm unit (0830).

[0095] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram showing the arm unit of Figure 8A as seen from above, and Figure 8C is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the gripper (0840) has been rotated in the direction D around the guide support axis (Y) from the state of Figure 8B.

[0096] When the gripping part (0840) is rotated in this manner, the horizontal cylinder (0832) and the wire connecting part (0835) fixed therein also rotate together with the gripping part (0840). The vertical cylinder (0831) connected to the horizontal cylinder (0832) by the connecting shaft (0833) also rotates in the same manner, and at that time, the first pulley (0880a) fixed inside the vertical cylinder (0831) also rotates together. Therefore, the relative positions of the wire connecting part (0835) and the first pulley (0880a) do not change due to this rotation. On the other hand, in the state of (b), the second pulley (0880b) adjacent to the first pulley (0880a) is located directly above the first pulley (0880a) in the example of this figure, and the wire (0870) is connected vertically from the first pulley (0880a) to the second pulley (0880b) through a wire insertion hole (0836) that is a hole drilled in the upper end surface of the vertical cylinder (0831). In contrast, in the state of (c), the first pulley (0880a) moves as the vertical cylinder (0831) rotates, but the second pulley (0880b) does not change position, so the distance of the wire (0870) between the first pulley (0880a) and the second pulley (0880b) increases and it is pulled in the direction of the wire connecting part (0835).

[0097] 9 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the wire is pulled toward the wire connecting portion as the gripping portion rotates. (a) and (b) are reprints of (a) and (b) in FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C for ease of reference, and (c) and (d) are views of (a) and (b) from the front (in the direction of arrow G in the figure).

[0098] When the arm unit (0830) rotates from state (c) to state (d), the second pulley (0880b) is fixed to the outside of the arm unit (0830), while the wire connecting portion (0835) is pulled outward, causing it to deviate outward, away from the second pulley (0880b). As a result, the wire connected from the second pulley (0880b) to the wire connecting portion (08035) via the wire insertion hole (0836) of the vertical column (0831) and the first pulley (0880a) is pulled by the wire connecting portion. This force is transmitted via the wire to the weight stack (not shown), which is a back weight attached to the opposite side, causing the weight stack to lift. As a result, the gripping portion is biased by the weight of the weight stack in the direction opposite to the rotational direction around the guide support axis.

[0099] <Effects of Fourth Embodiment>

[0100] Because the grip of the training machine is rotatable about the guide support axis, when the user extends the bent elbow joint while holding down the upper limb during the lower limb extension exercise, the hand grasping the grip can be rotated around the vertical guide support axis as a rotation axis to extend the upper limb. This allows the user to not only tilt the hand at a natural angle, but also to perform the exercise while flexing the forearm like a whip, as described in embodiment 2. Furthermore, according to the training machine of this embodiment, the grip is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction about the guide support axis. Therefore, when the user extends the bent elbow joint as described above, the wire is pulled outward, slightly further lifting the back weight, thereby increasing the tension on the wire in the direction pulling it toward the back weight. This applies a load to the rotational movement. Then, under this load, the user can perform this extension exercise by twisting their forearm in a pronation direction (here, this refers to the forearm moving outward from the training machine, and in the example of the arm unit shown in FIG. 8A , this refers to the clockwise direction when viewed from above (counterclockwise when viewed from below) with the left hand grasping the gripping portion (0840)) against this load, while increasing the acceleration. As described above, this embodiment can provide a training machine that allows the user to perform more effective upper limb exercises. <Embodiment 5: Mainly relates to claim 5, etc.>

[0101] <Outline of Fifth Embodiment>

[0102] The present invention provides a pull-down type training machine based on the first to fourth embodiments, in which the grip part is configured to be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the guide support pole. The fact that the grip part is configured to be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the guide support pole will be described in detail below. The remaining configuration is the same as that described in the first to fourth embodiments, and therefore will not be described again.

[0103] <Configuration of Embodiment 5: Grip>

[0104] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gripping unit of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the gripping unit (1040) of this embodiment is configured to be rotatable around an axis (YY) that is approximately parallel to the guide column axis (Y). The term "approximately parallel" means that the axis does not need to be strictly parallel to the guide column axis, as long as it is roughly parallel. The range refers to a tilt of 20 degrees or less from the axis when the axis is strictly parallel. More preferably, the gripping unit provided on the arm unit is rotatable around an axis that is parallel to the guide column axis. Here, "parallel" means that the axis does not need to be strictly parallel to the guide column axis, but the range is narrower than approximately parallel. A specific range refers to a tilt of 10 degrees or less from the axis when the axis is strictly parallel. In FIG. 1A, the gripping portion (1040) is attached to the horizontal column (1032) by a connecting shaft (1041), which is a vertical shaft located approximately in the center of the width (W) of the gripping portion (1040), and is configured to be rotatable around this connecting shaft. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, the connecting shaft (1041) also serves as the rotation shaft of the second gear (1034) inside the horizontal column (1032), and the gripping portion (1040) is configured to be rotatable around the connecting shaft (1041) by rotating this second gear (1032). Alternatively, unlike the example in FIG. 1A, the axis (YY) approximately parallel to the guide support axis does not have to be approximately in the center of the width (W) of the gripping portion (1040), but it is desirable that it be located within the width (W) of the gripping portion (1040).

[0105] Figure 10(b) shows the user grasping the grip portion. The grip portion (1040) shown in this figure, like (a), is shown on the left side of the training machine, i.e., the side to be grasped with the left hand, but is viewed from the opposite side to (a), i.e., from the left outside of the training machine. As is clear from this figure, it is desirable and sufficient for the axis line approximately parallel to the guide support axis to be within the width (W) of the grip portion, which is the range within which the user can rotate the grip portion by rotating their wrist around the connecting shaft (not shown), which is the rotation axis on the axis line. Note that while the shape of the grip portion shown in (b) is different from the shape shown in (a), both shapes are examples, and the shape of the grip portion is not particularly limited as long as it can be grasped and rotated by hand.

[0106] <Effects of Fifth Embodiment>

[0107] Since the grip portion of the training machine is configured to be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the guide support, when the user extends the bent elbow joint while lowering the upper limb during the lower limb extension exercise, the hand grasping the grip portion can be rotated about the connecting axis to perform the upper limb extension exercise. Therefore, the user can perform the exercise by rotating the forearm around the wrist, rather than simply tilting the hand portion to a natural angle. As described above, according to this embodiment, a training machine that allows the user to perform more effective upper limb exercises can be provided. <Embodiment 6: Mainly relates to claim 6, etc.>

[0108] <Outline of Sixth Embodiment>

[0109] The invention of this embodiment provides a pull-down type training machine that is based on embodiments 1 to 5, but in which the gripping portion is configured to be biased in the opposite direction to the rotation direction about an axis that is approximately parallel to the axis of the guide support.

[0110] The following will explain in detail how the gripping portion is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the rotation direction about an axis that is approximately parallel to the guide support axis. The rest of the configuration is the same as that described in the first to fifth embodiments, so explanations will be omitted.

[0111] <Configuration of Sixth Embodiment: Grip Portion>

[0112] The grip part of this embodiment is configured to be biased in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation about an axis approximately parallel to the guide support axis, and an example of the specific configuration will be described below with reference to Figure 11. Note that the arm unit (1130) shown in this figure also refers to the arm unit on the left side of the training machine, i.e., the arm unit on the side where the grip part is grasped with the left hand, of the two arm units present on the left and right sides as shown in Figure 2(a) and other figures.

[0113] As shown in this figure, the gripping part (1140) is attached to the arm unit (1130) via a connecting shaft (1141), which is a vertical shaft. This connecting shaft (1141) is inserted into a second gear (1134) provided in the arm unit (1130) and serves as its rotation axis. Therefore, when the gripping part rotates around the connecting shaft (1141) as its rotation axis, the second gear also rotates in the same direction as the gripping part.

[0114] The arm unit (1130) is also provided with a first gear (1133) attached via a vertical shaft, which meshes with a second gear and rotates in the opposite direction when the second gear rotates.

[0115] A wire 1170 is connected to this first gear by a bolt and washer wire connection 1132. As mentioned above, this wire is pulled from the weight stack (not shown) through a pulley 1180 into the arm unit 1130.

[0116] With the above configuration, when the grip portion is rotated around the connecting shaft, the weight of the weight stack attached to the other end of the grip portion biases the grip portion in a direction opposite to the rotational direction around an axis substantially parallel to the guide support axis. For example, in FIG. 11 , when a user performs a lowering motion, the user rotates the grip portion in the direction of arrow H, which is counterclockwise when viewed from above (clockwise when viewed from below in this figure), in order to internally rotate the shoulder joint and pronate the forearm. When the grip portion rotates in the direction of arrow H, the second gear (1134) also rotates in the same direction, direction I, and the first gear rotates in the opposite direction, direction J. This pulls the wire connection portion attached to the first gear in the direction of arrow K. This force is transmitted via the wire to the weight stack attached to the opposite side, lifting it up. The weight of the weight stack then biases the grip portion.

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, the tension applied to the wire by the rotation of the gripping portion is transmitted to the weight stack (back weight) via the wire and pulley, and a combination of gears is used as the transmission mechanism for this purpose. In particular, the engagement of the first gear and the second gear converts the rotational motion transmitted from the gripping portion into reciprocating motion and transmits it to the weight stack (back weight). Other possible mechanisms for converting rotational motion into reciprocating motion include a crank mechanism, and the transmission mechanism in this embodiment is not particularly limited. However, a transmission mechanism using a combination of gears has the advantage of high transmission accuracy and is a more desirable configuration for the tension transmission mechanism in the present invention.

[0118] <Effects of Sixth Embodiment>

[0119] As described in the fifth embodiment, the grip portion of the training machine is configured to be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the guide support axis. When a user extends a bent elbow joint while lowering the upper limb during a lowering exercise, the user can extend the upper limb by rotating the hand grasping the grip portion around the connecting shaft. This allows the user to perform the exercise not only by tilting the hand to a natural angle, but also by rotating the forearm around the wrist. Furthermore, according to the training machine of this embodiment, the grip portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the rotational direction about an axis substantially parallel to the guide support axis. Therefore, when extending the bent elbow joint, the user is subjected to a load in the form of the wire being pulled toward the back weight. This allows the user to perform the extension exercise by twisting the forearm in a pronation direction and increasing acceleration against this load. As described above, this embodiment provides a training machine that allows the user to perform more effective upper limb exercises. <Verification Results>

[0120] From here on, in order to clarify the effect of the greatest feature of the present invention, "the gripping portion is configured to be rotatable around an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support pillar," when training is performed based on the configuration and functions of the training machine of the present invention described in embodiments 1 to 6, we have verified how the presence or absence of rotation of the gripping portion around an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support pillar affects the user's skin sensation, and we will now explain the results.

[0121] <Verification method>

[0122] The verification was carried out using the following method.

[0123] <Verification method: Subjects>

[0124] The subjects were seven adult men and women (five men, two women) with no injuries or disabilities in the upper limbs or trunk. All subjects understood the purpose of the training machine according to the present invention as explained in each embodiment and the training method described below, and had experience using the training machine for at least three months.

[0125] <Verification method: Verification conditions>

[0126] FIG. 12 shows the shape of the arm unit (1230) of the training machine used in the verification. The arm unit (1230) shown in this figure, like those illustrated in each embodiment, consists of two parts: a part that can rotate around the guide support axis (Y) (hereinafter referred to as the "first part" (1231) in the <Verification Results> section), and a part that is connected to the first part and can rotate around an axis (X) that is approximately perpendicular to the guide support axis (hereinafter referred to as the "second part" (1232) in the <Verification Results> section). However, unlike the two connected cylinders illustrated in each embodiment, the arm unit is formed by connecting two roughly rectangular parallelepipeds (note that, as already mentioned in the first embodiment, the arm unit according to the present invention may be a single, integrally formed unit or a combination of two or more members, and there are no particular limitations on the shape of the members in these cases).

[0127] Using this training machine, subjects were asked to perform training movements under two conditions: rotation around the (1) axis approximately perpendicular to the guide support axis, (2) the guide support axis, and (3) an axis approximately parallel to the guide support axis (in this test, the axis of the connecting shaft (not shown) connecting the gripping portion to the second section). The subjects were asked to perform training movements under two conditions: rotation around the (1) axis approximately perpendicular to the guide support axis was either present or absent (the other (2) and (3) rotations were always present). The guide support axis of the training machine was oriented vertically, while the axis approximately perpendicular to this axis was oriented horizontally. When rotation around the (1) axis was absent, a fixture was attached to the arm unit to prevent rotation around the (1) axis.

[0128] <Verification method: Evaluation method>

[0129] After performing the training movements under each condition, the subjects were asked to subjectively evaluate the sensations of acceleration and stretching during the training movements depending on whether or not there was rotation around an axis that was approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support.

[0130] When a subject performs a lowering exercise, they grasp the gripping portion with their hands and pull the gripping portion and the connected arm unit downward so that their palms are perpendicular to the floor and facing each other, i.e., the backs of their hands are facing outward. To extend the elbow joint, i.e., to rotate the forearm and upper arm so that the hands move away from each other and the backs of their hands gradually point toward the ceiling, the entire arm unit is rotated horizontally away from each other around the guide support axis. In this case, because the gripping portion is fixed to the second portion of the arm unit, the second portion of the arm unit rotates with the gripping portion during this movement. Furthermore, (1) the movement of the backs of the hands gradually pointing toward the ceiling is achieved by rotation about an axis approximately perpendicular to the guide support axis. Additionally, (2) the presence of three rotation axes, namely the guide support axis and an axis approximately parallel to it, allows for a high degree of freedom in the movement of the shoulder joint and scapula during the training exercise. As a result, there is no restriction on the movement of the upper limbs around the scapula, allowing for increased acceleration in the lowering exercise direction. In this verification, two conditions, "yes" and "no," were set for the rotation (1), and the effect of the rotation around an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support (1) was verified.

[0131] <Verification method: Training movement guidelines>

[0132] The starting position for the training movements was when the arm unit was at its lowest position. From there, the subjects were first asked to perform a lifting movement. With this movement, the arm unit moved upward and the back weight moved downward. Next, they were asked to perform a lowering movement. With this movement, the arm unit moved downward and the back weight moved upward. One cycle (one time) was defined as the time until the arm unit returned to the starting position, and each subject was asked to perform this eight times for each condition of the rotation described above in (1). Before performing the training movements for each condition, the subjects were asked to check the movements two to three times before performing the actual trial.

[0133] <Verification method: subjective evaluation method>

[0134] The subjective evaluation was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for the five items shown in (1) to (5) below. Specifically, the subjects were asked to rate the skin sensations they felt during the training movements for each of these items on a scale of 0 to 10, and after training, they were asked to mark the corresponding position on a 10-centimeter scale (representing 0 to 10) printed on paper by drawing a diagonal line and checking it. The distance from the leftmost mark (0) on the scale to the diagonal line drawn by the subject was then measured, and this value was used as the subjective evaluation value. The evaluation value was rounded to one decimal place.

[0135] (1) Sensation of tightness around the shoulder joints and shoulder blades Participants were asked to rate the tightness (difficulty of movement) around the shoulder joints and shoulder blades during training movements, with a score of "0" if they felt "very tight" and a score of "10" if they felt "no tightness at all," with the number increasing as the feeling of tightness decreased (the results of the rating are shown in graph A in Figure 14 below).

[0136] (2) Ease of opening the arm outward When pulling the arm unit downward during the downward movement in the training movement, the gripping part can rotate around three rotation axes, so the subject who grasped it would open their arm outward while extending it. The subjects were asked to rate the ease of opening at this time as "0" if they felt it was "not smooth at all" and "10" if they felt it opened very smoothly, with the number increasing the smoother the arm opening (the evaluation results are shown in graph B in Figure 14 below).

[0137] (3) Stretching sensation around the shoulder blades and sides Regarding the stretching sensation around the shoulder blades and sides, participants were asked to rate it as "0" if they "did not feel any stretching at all" and "10" if they "felt a very strong stretching sensation," with the stronger the stretching sensation, the higher the number (the results of the rating are shown in graph C in Figure 14 below).

[0138] (4) Acceleration sensation when pulled downwards Regarding the acceleration sensation when pulled downwards, participants were asked to rate it as "0" if "I don't feel any acceleration sensation at all" and "10" if "I feel a very smooth acceleration sensation," with the number increasing as the smoothness of the acceleration (acceleration sensation) increases (the evaluation results are shown in graph D in Figure 14 below).

[0139] (5) Overall Evaluation Furthermore, an item called "Overall Evaluation" was provided as an item independent of the evaluations of (1) to (4) above, and participants were asked to comprehensively evaluate the skin feel when performing training movements under each condition. The reason for providing this item separately from (1) to (4) above is roughly as follows. That is, which of the skin feel elements such as (1) to (4) above is emphasized may vary from person to person, and a user who feels a poor skin feel for a particular element may immediately perceive the training machine as a poor skin feel overall and dislike using it. In order to provide a machine that is easy for many users to use, it is important to evaluate whether the skin feel is good overall. However, this overall skin feel cannot be determined simply by evaluating the skin feel for each element such as (1) to (4) above, and can only be determined by directly asking about the overall skin feel as an independent item. For this overall evaluation, participants were asked to rate the product with a "0" for "not at all rated" and a "10" for "highly rated," with the higher the rating, the higher the numerical value (the evaluation results are shown in graph E in Figure 14 below).

[0140] <Verification results>

[0141] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the verification results, showing an example of a comparison of the position of the arm unit when training is performed with and without rotation of the second part (1332) of the arm unit (indicated by the white arrow) about an axis (X) approximately perpendicular to the guide support axis. In the figure, (a) shows the case with rotation, and (b) shows the case without rotation. Both (a) and (b) show the end position of one training cycle, i.e., the state when the arm unit has reached the lowest position.

[0142] When the subject was asked to perform the training movements under each condition, if we look at the arm unit in its lowest position (shown in this figure as the position of the second part (1332) of the arm unit), in the "with rotation" condition, as shown in (a), the second part (1332) of the arm unit is tilted backward (if the direction the subject is facing is defined as forward) (represented by the tilt angle θ in the figure), allowing the upper limbs to be smoothly extended at the side of the body, and it can be seen that the arm is lowered further than in the case where there is no tilt angle as shown in (b) (the second part (1332) is fixed so that it cannot rotate around an axis (X) approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support).

[0143] As already explained, when performing a push-down exercise using a pull-down training machine, as the arm unit moves downward with the push-down movement, the gripping part is pulled downward mainly by the adduction of the shoulder joint and the adduction of the scapula, and this downward pulling movement generates high acceleration in the arm unit. Then, when this acceleration is used to extend the elbow and stretch the upper limb, adding an inward twisting movement (internal rotation of the shoulder joint, pronation of the forearm) like in a pitching motion makes it possible to move the upper limb smoothly and extend it while twisting.

[0144] As explained in the first to sixth embodiments, in the pull-down type training machine according to the present invention, the gripping portion is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support, so that the shoulder joint rotates outward at the end of the extension movement of the upper limbs (the end of the training movement). This degree of freedom allows the arm to be smoothly extended at the side of the body while tilting the hand holding the gripping portion outward, even though the range of movement of the arm unit around the guide support axis is limited to the same extent as in conventional machines of the same type (i.e., limited to the radius from the guide support to the tip of the arm unit), and it can be seen clearly from FIG. 13 that this demonstrates that smooth acceleration of the upper limbs is facilitated.

[0145] That is, comparing (a) and (b) in Figure 13, it can be seen that in (a) (with rotation), the wrist is slightly ulnar flexed (tilted toward the little finger) compared to (b) (without rotation). Moving the forearm toward the little finger while keeping it in a pronated position causes external rotation of the shoulder joint. Actions that accelerate the upper limbs, such as pitching a baseball, spiking a volleyball, and serving in tennis, also involve swinging the upper limbs with an inward twist during the acceleration phase, but then twisting outward during the follow-through. The exercises using the machines in each embodiment involve a similar flow of upper limb acceleration movement, and this is believed to be substantiated by Figure 13 and the results of the subjective evaluation described below.

[0146] <Subjective evaluation>

[0147] Figure 14 shows a summary of the subjective evaluations made by the subjects when they performed the training movements under each of the above conditions. In the figure, A indicates the feeling of tightness around the shoulder joints and shoulder blades, B indicates the ease of opening the arms outward, C indicates the feeling of stretching around the shoulder blades and flanks, and D indicates the feeling of acceleration when pulling downward. E indicates the overall evaluation of these.

[0148] The evaluation results were as follows. Regarding the feeling of tightness around the shoulder joint and shoulder blades (A), the condition with rotation about an axis approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support column of the second part of the arm unit was evaluated as having almost no feeling of tightness. Similarly, regarding the ease of opening the arms outward when bending down (B), the condition with rotation was highly rated, with the user stating that it was easier to open the arms with rotation. Regarding the feeling of stretching (C), a strong pull does not necessarily improve the user's skin sensation, and in terms of VAS evaluation, a score of around the middle (5 points) indicates a moderate feeling of stretching. In this sense, the feeling of stretching was rated as slightly stronger with rotation, but since both conditions were rated near the middle, it can be said that there was not a significant difference. Regarding the feeling of downward acceleration (D), the condition with rotation was rated as having a smoother feeling of acceleration, and the overall evaluation (E) was also higher with rotation.

[0149] In summary, the rotation condition, which allowed for almost no restriction on movement around the shoulder joint and scapula, and made it easier to open the arm outward when lowering, was rated as providing a strong sense of downward acceleration, and the subject's skin sensation was rated higher than the no-rotation condition, in which the rotation of the second part of the arm unit was fixed. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the sense of stretching between conditions compared to other items. This may be due to the fact that the sense of stretching is felt when the training movement switches from lifting to lowering, and at this time the arm unit faces forward, maintaining the same posture between conditions, so no difference occurred. Nevertheless, the rotation condition, which was rated as providing almost no sense of stretching, suggests that the upward movement of the arm unit was smooth, and the lack of restriction on upward acceleration may have contributed to a slightly stronger sense of stretching. <Conclusion>

[0150] From the above, it has been demonstrated that configuring the gripping portion and the arm unit connecting it to be rotatable around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the guide support column improves the user's skin sensation. <Embodiment 7: Mainly relates to claims 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc.>

[0151] <Outline of Seventh Embodiment>

[0152] The present invention relates to a training method performed using the pull-down type training machine described in the first to sixth embodiments. An example of this training method will be described below. Note that in this example, the starting position of the training movement in the above-mentioned verification (when the arm unit is at the lowest position) is described as a state in which the arm unit is in an upper position. Therefore, in this example, one cycle of upper limb exercise is from the start of the lowering movement to the end of the fist-up movement.

[0153] First, the user sits in the correct position on the chair, grabs the grip at the top with their hands, and pulls the arm unit forcefully (downward movement) to increase the acceleration of upper limb movement. This movement helps to increase the muscle tension exerted to accelerate the upper limbs. When performing this movement, rather than simply contracting (contracting) the muscles voluntarily, it is better to exert force by taking advantage of the stretch reflex, in which the muscles are stretched like rubber and then contract, as in a jump using recoil, to exert more tension, which helps to increase the muscle tension exerted to accelerate the upper limbs.

[0154] Here, a series of muscle movements in which the muscle stretches and shortens is called a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). In other words, to increase the muscle tension required to accelerate the upper limbs, it is desirable to pull the arm unit strongly with a recoil during the lowering movement. This stretches the muscle like a rubber band and then shortens it, which increases the muscle tension required to accelerate the upper limbs.

[0155] Next, in the latter half of the lowering movement, the user extends the elbow joint, which was once bent, slightly backward toward the side of the body. At this time, in the training machine according to the present invention, the grip part is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support, so that the grip part can be tilted in response to changes in the natural tilt angle of the hand, preventing restrictions on the natural acceleration of extension. This extension marks the end of the lowering movement, after which the lifting movement begins. This fist-up movement is primarily the reverse of the lowering movement, and refers to the movement of returning the arm unit to its original position while stretching the muscles.

[0156] During the latter half of the lift, muscles undergo an eccentric contraction while being stretched just before the transition point (the moment when the direction of movement changes from lifting to lowering). This results in a combination of a stretch reflex and a shortening contraction due to voluntary muscle contraction, which is the key to the flow of muscle movement. The effective stretching is achieved by physically suppressing the lifting movement of the arm unit, making it easy to take advantage of the characteristics of the stretch-shortening cycle. The lifting movement ends when the arm unit reaches the starting position, completing one training cycle. By repeating this cycle an appropriate number of times, users can effectively train their upper limbs. Through this training method, users can easily learn to use their bodies in a coordinated manner, where energy generated in the trunk is transferred to the upper limbs, accelerating them.

Claims

1. A pull-down type training machine in which training is performed by operating an arm unit that is connected to one or more back weights via a cable and can move up and down along a guide support against the weight of the back weight, and the gripping part of the arm unit is configured to be rotatable around an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support.

2. A pull-down type training machine according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the guide support.

3. A pull-down type training machine as described in claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation about an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the guide support.

4. A pull-down type training machine according to claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation about the guide support axis.

5. A pull-down type training machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gripping portion is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is approximately parallel to the axis of the guide support.

6. A pull-down type training machine according to claim 5, wherein the gripping portion is configured to be biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation about an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the guide support column.

7. A training method using the pull-down type training machine according to claim 1.

8. A training method using the pull-down type training machine according to claim 2.

9. A training method using the pull-down type training machine according to claim 3.

10. A training method using the pull-down type training machine according to claim 4.

11. A training method using the pull-down type training machine according to claim 5.

12. A training method using the pull-down type training machine according to claim 6.

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