Physical training machine

Abstract

[Problem] In prior art, there is no disclosure or suggestion of the idea of purposefully providing a configuration or a structure that enables adjustment of the weight distribution for adjusting a moment load with respect to the center-of-gravity point of a lifting / lowering swing member. [Solution] The present invention is based on an entirely new idea of purposefully providing a configuration or a structure that enables adjustment of the weight distribution in order for adjusting a moment load with respect to the center-of-gravity point of an arm unit, and provides a training machine on which training is to be performed by holding, by using hands, arm units that are connected to one or more back weights via tensile members and that can vertically move along guide posts, and moving the arm units against the weight of the back weights. The training machine has a weight distribution adjustment unit for adjusting a moment load with respect to the center-of-gravity points of the arm units.

Description

training machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a training machine in which training is performed by gripping an arm unit, which is connected to one or more back weights via a cable or the like and can move up and down along a guide support, with the arm unit moving against the weight of the back weights.

[0002] In recent years, interest in training machines aimed at improving neuromuscular function 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, given the specificity of training, it is important to conduct training that takes into account the characteristics of human physical 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 accelerate 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 and transmits force to the ball with a whip-like flex. This coordination pattern is also found in daily activities, although to varying degrees of acceleration. Taking into account the specificity of training, training machines have been developed that directly improve this body usage, such as pull-down training machines.

[0003] One example of such a pull-down type training machine is the invention described in Patent Document 1. While pull-down type training machines are primarily intended to train the muscles of the back, shoulders, and upper arms, according to Figure 1 of Patent Document 1, for example, this invention includes a seat 10, an adjustable load-applying unit 30, two guide columns 40, a lifting and rocking member 50, a gripping unit 60, a tensioning member 80, a rotation transmitting unit 91, and a crank mechanism 92, and provides a training device that allows the user to pull down the gripping unit against the load while relaxing, stretching, or shortening their shoulders and arms, thereby improving muscle coordination, reducing muscle pain and fatigue, and developing flexible and resilient muscles.

[0004] Patent No. 4063821

[0005] However, in the prior art, the main focus is on training by pulling down the lifting and oscillating member 50 while grasping the gripping portion 60 with one's hand against the load of the load-applying portion 30, and the idea of ​​intentionally providing a configuration or structure that can adjust the weight distribution to adjust the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the lifting and oscillating member 50 has not been disclosed or suggested at all.

[0006] In light of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is based on the entirely new idea of ​​intentionally providing a configuration or structure in a training machine that allows adjustment of the weight distribution to adjust the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the arm unit, and aims to provide a training machine in which training is carried out by gripping an arm unit that is connected to one or more back weights via a tension member and that can move up and down along a guide pillar and moving it against the weight of the back weight, and which has a weight distribution adjustment unit that adjusts the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the arm unit.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention provides a training machine in which training is performed by manually gripping an arm unit that is connected to one or more back weights via a tension member and that can move up and down along a guide support and moving it against the weight of the back weight, and the training machine has a weight distribution adjustment section for adjusting the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the arm unit.

[0008] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides a training machine in which the arm unit is configured to be rotatable around the guide support as an axis, and the weight distribution adjustment unit has an inertia moment adjustment function that adjusts the inertia moment in rotational movement around the guide support as an axis.

[0009] Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned features, the present invention provides a training machine in which the weight distribution adjustment unit has a first front weight placement unit for placing a first front weight whose center of gravity is located closer to the center line of the guide support and / or a second front weight placement unit for placing a second front weight whose center of gravity is located farther from the center line of the guide support than the first front weight placement unit.

[0010] In addition to the above-mentioned features, the present invention also provides a training machine in which the second front weight placement section is composed of a first position placement section located on one side of the guide support pole, and a second position placement section located on the other side of the guide support pole.

[0011] In addition to the above features, the present invention also provides a training machine that further has a third position arrangement part that is arranged at a position other than the first position arrangement part and the second position arrangement part.

[0012] A training method for performing training using the training machine described in paragraph

[0007] or

[0008] above is provided.

[0013] A training instruction method is provided in which a user is trained using the training machine described in the above paragraphs

[0007] and

[0008] .

[0014] As described above, the present invention provides a training machine that is equipped with a weight distribution adjustment unit for adjusting the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the arm unit, thereby making it possible to adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and to adjust the centrifugal force that affects the rotation of the arm unit.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an overall view of a training machine according to embodiment 1; a partially enlarged view of the training machine according to embodiment 1; a schematic view of an arm unit portion of a training machine according to embodiment 2 when viewed from above; a schematic view of an arm unit portion of a training machine according to embodiment 3 when viewed from above; a diagram showing an example of frictional resistance of a training machine according to the present invention; a diagram showing an example of frictional resistance of a training machine according to the present invention; a schematic view of an arm unit portion of a training machine according to embodiment 4 when viewed from above; a schematic view of an arm unit portion of a training machine according to embodiment 5 when viewed from above; a diagram showing an example of conditions for weight balance of an arm unit of a training machine according to the present invention; a diagram showing an example of a center of gravity position on the long axis of an arm unit of a training machine according to the present invention; a diagram showing an example of a center of gravity position for each condition of a training machine according to the present invention; a diagram showing an example of a change in speed when an arm unit is lowered depending on added weight of a training machine according to the present invention; a diagram showing an example of a peak speed when lowered when weight is added to the tip / rear end of the arm unit of a training machine according to the present invention; Figure showing an example of a comparison of the peak velocity of the arm unit when lowering the arm unit with the additional weight when weight is added to the rear end of the arm unit (white circle) Figure showing an example of an arm unit weight and an example of weight adjustment for each part for each condition of the training machine in the present invention Figure showing an example of each subjective evaluation during the training movement of the training machine in the present invention Figure showing an example of a comparison of the peak acceleration value of the lowering movement, the peak acceleration value in the horizontal direction, and the peak angular velocity of the upper arm downward rotation during the training movement of the training machine in the present invention An explanatory diagram regarding the method of attaching sensors when conducting verification in the present invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The relationships between the embodiments and the claims are as follows: The description of embodiment 1 relates to claim 1, the description of embodiment 2 relates to claim 2, the description of embodiment 3 relates to claim 3, the description of embodiment 4 relates to claim 4, the description of embodiment 5 relates to claim 5, the description of embodiment 6 relates to claim 6, and the description of embodiment 7 relates to claim 7. The present invention should not be limited to these embodiments in any way, and may be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0017] <Embodiment 1 (mainly corresponds to claim 1)> <Outline of embodiment 1> The invention of this embodiment is based on the entirely new idea of ​​intentionally providing a configuration or structure that is adjustable in weight distribution to adjust the moment load with respect to the center of gravity of the arm unit, and is an invention of a training machine in which training is carried out by gripping an arm unit that is connected to one or more back weights via a tension member and that can move up and down along a guide pillar and moving it against the weight of the back weight, and the training machine has a weight distribution adjustment unit that adjusts the moment load with respect to the center of gravity of the arm unit.

[0018] 1 is an overall view of a training machine according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the training machine 100 includes a chair 101, a back weight 102, an arm unit 103, a grip 104, a guide support 105, a back weight guide support 106, a tension member 107, a pulley 108, and a pin 109.

[0019] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Chair> For example, the "chair" 101 is a chair on which a user sits during training. For example, the chair may be configured with an "adjustment mechanism" that allows the chair to be adjusted to an appropriate height, angle, and forward / backward position depending on the user's attribute information (e.g., height, weight, build, age, gender, years of training experience, etc.) and their current health condition. The chair also plays an important role in ensuring that the user trains in the correct posture and effectively trains specific muscle groups. In particular, for users who are beginners, elderly, or undergoing rehabilitation, the appropriate sitting posture changes depending on the learning process of training movements, changes in physical function, and the state and degree of recovery of an injury. Therefore, it is preferable that the chair 101 be adjustable to suit the current situation.

[0020] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Back Weight> For example, the "back weight" 102 is composed of multiple plates (weights) to serve as a load during training. For example, the back weight 102 may be composed of a weight stack (a stack of weights), with each plate (weight) being selectable from 1.0 kg, 2.5 kg, or 5.0 kg. The role of the back weight (weight stack) is to provide an appropriate load for the user during strength training. For example, typical plates (weights) are often made from the following materials: (1) Cast Iron - The most commonly used material, it is inexpensive and has high weight accuracy. - The surface is powder coated for rust prevention. (2) Steel - Used in high-priced machines. It has excellent strength and wear resistance and can be made thinner and more compact. (3) Urethane-Coated Iron - Cast iron or steel with a urethane coating on the surface. Used to prevent noise and scratches and improve durability. However, this is merely an example and is not limited to this.

[0021] Here, a pin (also called a stack pin) 109 is provided in advance as a "load adjustment means" for adjusting the weight (load) of the weight stack. This pin 109 is used to select the weight to be used from the weight stack (stack of weights). The weight to be used can be easily adjusted by inserting the pin 109 into a different position. Furthermore, the load can be changed simply by removing the pin 109 and reinserting it into the desired plate (weight) position, allowing for quick load changes before and after training. Furthermore, as long as the pin 109 is firmly fixed, only the selected plate (weight) can be lifted, ensuring safe training. The pin 109 is generally molded from stainless steel and has excellent corrosion resistance and strength. The tip of the pin 109 may also have a magnet or plastic cover attached to it, which enhances fixation and safety. These are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0022] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Arm Unit> For example, "arm units" 103 are provided at two locations, one on the left and one on the right, for training both arms, and are configured so that guide posts 105 (described below) are inserted therethrough and can move up and down along these guide posts 105. The arm units 103 also have two rotation axes, a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, and are configured to be rotatable around the guide post 105 as the vertical axis, and also rotatable around the horizontal axis. The role of these arm units 103 is to provide the user with the degree of freedom required to perform specific exercises and effectively accelerate the targeted upper limb girdle.

[0023] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Grip Unit> For example, the "grip units" 104 are located at two locations, one on the left and one on the right, for training with both arms. They are connected to the back weight 102 via a tensioning member 107 (described later) and are also connected to the arm unit 103, and are configured to be rotatable around the connected vertical axis. A user can perform training exercises by grasping the grip units 104 with their hands and moving the arm unit 103 up and down. Furthermore, because the grip units 104 are rotatable around the vertical axis, rotating the grip units 104 pulls the tensioning member 107, applying a load to the rotation of the grip units around the vertical axis. The role of the grip units 104 is to provide a stable grip for the user when exercising, supporting safe and effective training. In the present invention, the arm units 103 and the grip units 104 are collectively referred to as the "arm units," and may also be referred to as the "arm units." Also, for example, in the present invention, grasping the gripping portion 104 with one's hand may be expressed as "grasping," and since the arm unit 103 and the gripping portion 104 may be collectively expressed as the "arm unit" as described above, the "arm unit" may also be expressed as "grasping."

[0024] <Embodiment 1: Description of the Structure: Guide Columns> For example, the "guide columns" 105 are located at two locations, one on the left and one on the right. They are inserted into the arm unit 103 and serve to guide the arm unit 103 so that it can move up and down. The role of the guide columns 105 (also referred to as guide rods or guide poles) is to stabilize the machine structure and support its operation within a specific range of motion. For example, the guide columns 105 may be made of carbon steel (high strength and rigidity, with excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance), stainless steel (rust-resistant and highly corrosion-resistant), hard chrome-plated steel (low friction, resistant to scratches and abrasion), aluminum alloy (lightweight and easy to handle, with anodized surface for improved abrasion resistance), or the like. The shape of the guide columns 105 may be, for example, cylindrical in the longitudinal direction and circular in cross section. This is because it is believed that this provides higher mechanical strength, better abrasion resistance, and lower friction. In addition, any shape can be a candidate for adoption, such as a rectangular pillar, an elliptical pillar, or a pillar with a polygonal cross section, as long as it fulfills the function of the guide pillar described above. Note that these are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0025] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Back Weight Guide Columns> For example, "back weight guide columns" 106 are provided at two locations, one on the left and one on the right, and are inserted into the back weight 102. In other words, the back weight 102 (weight stack) is configured to move up and down along these back weight guide columns 106. The role of the back weight guide columns 106 is to stabilize the machine structure and safely and smoothly guide the up and down movement of the back weight 102. For example, typical back weight guide columns are often made of "chrome-plated steel" (which has a smooth surface and ensures wear resistance and functions as a rail for the plate (weight) to move up and down smoothly). One back weight guide column is installed on each side of the training machine and fixed to the frame of the training machine. Periodic application of lubricant can minimize friction. These are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0026] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Tensioning Member> For example, "tensioning members" 107 are provided at two locations, one on the left and one on the right, and serve to connect the back weight 102 and the gripping portion 104, which is rotatably connected to the arm unit 103, via a pulley 108, which will be described later. In other words, when an exercise is performed to pull the arm unit 103 downward, the back weight 102 is configured to be lifted upward via the pulley 108, which will be described later. Furthermore, the tensioning members 107 are members used to lift weights and apply resistance during exercise. These members play an important role in ensuring the functionality and safety of the machine. Here, for example, the tension member 107 may be appropriately selected from wire rope (steel coated with nylon, which has high strength and durability), Kevlar (registered trademark) cable (made of Kevlar (registered trademark) fiber or aramid fiber, which is lighter than metal wire but has high tensile strength, is flexible, and is more resistant to abrasion than metal), reinforced resin belt (made of polyester, nylon, polyurethane, etc., which is quiet, has little stretch, is relatively lightweight, and is easy to maintain), etc. Note that these are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0027] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Pulleys> For example, two "pulleys" 108 are provided on each side, and are configured to change the direction of the tensioning member 107 from the back weight 102 from a vertical direction to a horizontal direction, and then change the direction again to a vertical direction, thereby connecting the tensioning member 107 to the arm unit. In other words, the pulleys 108 play a role in allowing the tensioning member 107 to slide smoothly. Furthermore, the role of the pulleys 108 is to transmit resistance during exercise and to support smooth and effective movement.

[0028] <Embodiment 1: Description of Configuration: Weight Distribution Adjustment Unit> Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of the training machine according to this embodiment. For example, the "weight distribution adjustment units" 204 to 208 are configured to adjust the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the arm unit 201. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the training machine 100 is shown in which a user performs training by manually gripping a grip 202 connected to one or more back weights 102 via a tension member 107 and to an arm unit 201 that is movable up and down along a guide support 203, and operating the grip 202 against the weight of the back weight 102. Here, the weight distribution adjustment units 204 to 208 can adjust the complex weight distribution of the arm unit 201 by loading or unloading one or more weights onto or from each weight distribution adjustment unit.

[0029] For example, placing a weight on a specific one of these weight distribution adjustment units will cause the arm unit 103 to tilt relative to the guide support column 105, increasing the contact area between the guide support column 105 and the arm unit 103 and tending to increase frictional resistance. Similarly, placing a weight on a specific one of these weight distribution adjustment units will cause the arm unit 103 to tilt relative to the guide support column 105, tending to increase the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit 103 around the guide support column 105. Furthermore, by placing and removing weights on and from which of the weight distribution adjustment units, it is possible to adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit according to the user's experience and skill, and also to adjust the centrifugal force that affects the rotation of the arm unit.

[0030] <Effects of Embodiment 1> As described above, the present invention provides a training machine that is equipped with a weight distribution adjustment unit for adjusting the moment load with respect to the center of gravity of the arm unit, thereby making it possible to adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and to adjust the centrifugal force that affects the rotation of the arm unit.

[0031] <Embodiment 2 (mainly corresponds to claim 2)> <Outline of Embodiment 2> The invention of this embodiment is based on embodiment 1, and is an invention of a training machine in which the arm unit is configured to be rotatable around the guide column as an axis, and the weight distribution adjustment unit has an inertia moment adjustment function that adjusts the inertia moment in the rotational movement around the guide column as an axis. Note that detailed description of the same configurations and functions as embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0032] 3 is a schematic diagram of the arm unit portion of the training machine of this embodiment as viewed from above. This embodiment includes an arm unit 301, a guide support 302, a bushing 303, and weight distribution adjustment units 304 to 308 that have a moment of inertia adjustment function.

[0033] <Embodiment 2: Description of Configuration: Bush> For example, the "bush" 303 is a component provided at the insertion portion where the guide support 302 is inserted into the arm unit 301, and has the function of supporting the smooth movement of the moving parts of the machine. The roles of the bush 303 include the following. For example, by avoiding direct contact between metals and reducing friction, the machine moves smoothly. Furthermore, the bush protects parts that are prone to wear, thereby improving the durability of the entire machine. Furthermore, the bush absorbs shock and vibration, thereby reducing noise during operation. Furthermore, it provides stability to maintain accurate movement and positioning.

[0034] For example, typical bushings are often made from the following materials: (1) Polyacetal (POM): A typical industrial plastic with high strength and abrasion resistance. Low friction and self-lubricating properties (moves smoothly without lubrication). Excellent dimensional stability and temperature resistance. (2) Nylon (PA): A lightweight, moderately flexible engineering plastic. Relatively inexpensive and easy to process. (3) Oil-impregnated sintered bronze bushing: A metal with a porous structure impregnated with lubricating oil. Self-lubricating and long-lasting. (4) PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) coating: Extremely low friction and chemical resistance. Often coated on other materials rather than used alone. (5) UHMW-PE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene): Extremely high abrasion resistance and self-lubricating properties. Durable in high-load, high-impact environments. However, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0035] <Embodiment 2: Description of Configuration: Inertia Moment Adjustment Function> For example, the "weight distribution adjustment units" 304 to 308 are configured to have the function of adjusting the inertia moment in rotational motion about the guide support pillar as an axis, and the inertia moment can be freely adjusted by adding or removing weights to one or more of these weight distribution adjustment units. For example, by attaching one or more weights to weight distribution adjustment unit 305 (front side), the inertia moment in rotational motion about the guide support pillar as an axis can be increased, and conversely, by removing the weight, the inertia moment can be decreased. Similarly, the inertia moment can be increased or decreased in the other weight distribution adjustment units 304, 306 to 308 by adding or removing one or more weights.

[0036] Other possible means for adjusting the moment of inertia in a training machine include: (1) Moving the center of gravity of the arm unit away from the center increases the moment of inertia, and moving it closer to the center decreases it. For example, placing a weight on the tip of the arm unit or moving the weight to the rear end of the arm unit closer to the center line of the guide column is possible. (2) Changing the length of the arm unit changes the distance from the rotation axis and affects the moment of inertia. (3) Attaching a removable weight to a specific part of the arm unit adjusts the moment of inertia as needed. (4) Indirectly adjusting the effect of the moment of inertia by using a damper that provides resistance to rotational motion. (5) Introducing a feedback control system using sensors and actuators to correct the effect of the moment of inertia in real time. By appropriately combining these means, it is possible to appropriately adjust the moment of inertia for the rotational motion of the arm unit. However, these are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0037] <Effects of Embodiment 2> As described above, the present invention can provide a training machine that is equipped with an inertia moment adjustment function, and is therefore capable of adjusting the inertia moment in the rotational movement of the arm unit around the guide support pillar as its axis.

[0038] <Embodiment 3 (Corresponding mainly to claim 3)> <Outline of Embodiment 3> The invention of this embodiment is based on Embodiments 1 and 2, and is an invention of a training machine in which the weight distribution adjustment unit has a first front weight positioning unit that positions a first front weight whose center of gravity is closer to the center line of the guide support strut and / or a second front weight positioning unit that positions a second front weight whose center of gravity is farther from the center line of the guide support strut than the first front weight. Note that detailed description of configurations and functions similar to those of Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0039] 4 is a schematic diagram of the arm unit portion of the training machine of this embodiment, viewed from above. This embodiment includes an arm unit 401, a guide support 402, a bushing 403, a first front weight arrangement portion 404, and second front weight arrangement portions 405 to 408.

[0040] <Embodiment 3: Description of Configuration: First Front Weight Arrangement> For example, the "first front weight arrangement" 404 is configured to be able to arrange a first front weight whose center of gravity is located near the center line of the guide strut 402. Because the first front weight arrangement 404 has its center of gravity located near the center line of the guide strut 402, by placing or removing the first front weight, it is possible to affect the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit.

[0041] <Embodiment 3: Description of Configuration: Second Front Weight Arrangement> For example, as one example, the "second front weight arrangements" 405 to 408 are configured to allow arrangement of a second front weight whose center of gravity is located farther from the center line of the guide support than the first front weight, unlike the above-described first front weight arrangement 404. Because the second front weight arrangements 405 to 408 have centers of gravity located farther from the center line of the guide support 402 than the first front weight, it is possible to affect the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit by determining how much of the second front weight is placed on or removed from which part.

[0042] Fig. 5a is a diagram showing an example of frictional resistance of the training machine of the present invention. Fig. 5b is a diagram showing an example of frictional resistance of the training machine of the present invention. For example, Fig. 5a(B) or Fig. 5b(B) shows a case where a first front weight is placed on the first front weight placement portion 404 of Fig. 4. Since the first front weight (weight) is placed in a position close to the center line of the guide support, the inclination of the arm unit 501 is small relative to the guide support 502, which is inserted straight through, and therefore the effect of frictional resistance on the bushing 503 is small. 5a(A) and (C) or 5b(A) and (C) show the case where a second front weight is placed on the second front weight arrangement portion 405 to 408 of Fig. 4, and because the second front weight (weight) is placed in a position far from the center line of the guide support, the arm unit 501 tilts forward / backward or left / right relative to the guide support 502 via the bush 503, increasing the contact area between the bush 503 and the guide support 502 (the area surrounded by the dotted circle in Fig. 5a(A) and (C) or Fig. 5b(A) and (C)), thereby increasing the frictional resistance that affects the up / down movement of the arm unit 501. Furthermore, when the first front weight arrangement portion 404 and the second front weight arrangement portion 405 to 408 are combined, it is expected that the frictional resistance can be adjusted by a synergistic effect by placing the first front weight (weight) and the second front weight (weight).

[0043] In addition, by combining the first front weight placement section 404 and the second front weight placement sections 405 to 408 and loading or unloading the first front weight and the second front weight, it is expected that this will have a significant effect on the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit 501 around the guide support 502 as its axis.

[0044] <Effects of Embodiment 3> As described above, the present invention provides a training machine that can adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit by providing a first front weight arrangement portion and / or a second front weight arrangement portion.

[0045] <Embodiment 4 (Corresponding mainly to claim 4)> <Outline of Embodiment 4> The invention of this embodiment is based on Embodiments 1 to 3, and is an invention of a training machine in which the second front weight arrangement section is composed of a first position arrangement section located on one side of the guide pole and a second position arrangement section located on the other side of the guide pole. Note that detailed explanations of configurations and functions similar to those of Embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted.

[0046] 6 is a schematic diagram of the arm unit portion of the training machine according to this embodiment, viewed from above. This embodiment includes an arm unit 601, a guide support 602, a bushing 603, a first position arrangement portion 605 that is part of the second front weight arrangement portion 405 shown in FIG. 4, and a second position arrangement portion 606.

[0047] <Fourth Embodiment: Description of Configuration: First Position Arrangement Section> For example, as one example, the "first position arrangement section" 605 is configured to be located on one side of the guide support strut 602. The first position arrangement section 605 constitutes part of the second front weight arrangement section that arranges a second front weight whose center of gravity is located farther from the center line of the guide support strut 602 than the first front weight, and is located on one side of the guide support strut (the forward side indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6 ). Therefore, by placing or removing the second front weight on or from the first position arrangement section 605, it is possible to affect the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit about the guide support strut.

[0048] For example, as shown in Fig. 5a(A), by placing a second front weight (weight) on the first position arrangement portion 605 in Fig. 6, the arm unit 501 tilts forward relative to the guide support 502, and the contact area between the arm unit 501 and the bush 503 increases (the area surrounded by the dotted circle in Fig. 5a(A)). As a result, the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit 501 increases. Also, as shown in Fig. 5a, by placing a second front weight (weight) on the first position arrangement portion 605 in Fig. 6, the center of gravity is positioned away from the center line of the guide support 502, and the moment of inertia in the rotational movement of the arm unit 501 about the guide support 602 as an axis can be increased.

[0049] <Fourth Embodiment: Description of Configuration: Second Position Arrangement Section> For example, as one example, the "second position arrangement section" 606 is configured to be located on the other side of the guide support strut 602. The second position arrangement section 606 constitutes part of a second front weight arrangement section that arranges a second front weight whose center of gravity is located farther from the center line of the guide support strut than the first front weight, and is located on the other side of the guide support strut 602 (the rear side opposite to the arrow in FIG. 6 ). Therefore, by placing or removing the second front weight on or from the second position arrangement section 606, it is possible to affect the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit 601 and the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit about the guide support strut.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figure 5a(C), by placing a second front weight (weight) on the second position arrangement portion 606 in Figure 6, the center of gravity of the arm unit is shifted toward the guide support, thereby reducing the moment load when pulling the gripper at the tip of the arm unit downward, and therefore the inclination of the arm unit is reduced. As a result, the frictional resistance in the area surrounded by the dotted line in Figure 5a(C) is reduced, and the frictional resistance generated between the bushing 503 and the arm unit 501 is reduced. Also, as shown in Figure 5a, by placing a second front weight (weight) on the second position arrangement portion 606 in Figure 6, the center of gravity of the arm unit is closer to the center line of the guide support 502, but when the arm unit rotates horizontally around the guide support 502, the moment of inertia and centrifugal force increase by increasing the amount of weight placed on it. In other words, by placing or removing the second front weight on the first position arrangement portion 605 and the second position arrangement portion 606 in Figure 6, it is possible to adjust the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit in a balanced manner in the front-to-rear direction, and it is also possible to adjust the moment of inertia in the rotational movement of the arm unit.

[0051] <Effects of Embodiment 4> As described above, in the present invention, the second front weight positioning section is composed of a first positioning section located on one side of the guide support pillar and a second positioning section located on the other side of the guide support pillar, thereby making it possible to provide a training machine that can adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and can also adjust the centrifugal force that affects the rotation of the arm unit.

[0052] <Embodiment 5 (mainly corresponds to claim 5)> <Outline of Embodiment 5> The invention of this embodiment is based on Embodiments 1 to 4 and is an invention of a training machine having a third position arrangement unit that is arranged at a position other than the first position arrangement unit and the second position arrangement unit. Note that detailed description of the same configurations and functions as those of Embodiments 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0053] 7 is a schematic diagram of the arm unit portion of the training machine of the present invention as viewed from above. This embodiment includes an arm unit 701, a guide support 702, a bushing 703, and third position arrangement portions 707 and 708.

[0054] <Explanation of Configuration: Third Position Arrangement Section> For example, as one example, the "third position arrangement sections" 607 and 608 are configured to be arranged at positions other than the first position arrangement section 605 and the second position arrangement section 606 in Fig. 6. In other words, the third position arrangement sections 707 and 708 constitute part of the second front weight arrangement section that arranges the second front weight whose center of gravity is located farther from the center line of the guide support than the first front weight, and are arranged at positions other than the first position arrangement section 605 and the second position arrangement section 606. Therefore, by placing or removing the second front weight on or from the third position arrangement sections 707 and 708, it is possible to affect the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotational movement of the arm unit about the guide support.

[0055] 5b shows an example of frictional resistance in the training machine of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5b(A) and (C), placing a second front weight on either the third position arrangement portion 707 or 708 in FIG. 7 causes the arm unit 701 to tilt to the left or right relative to the guide support 702, increasing the contact area between the guide support 502 and the bushing 503 (the area surrounded by the dotted circle in FIGS. 5b(A) and (C)). As a result, the frictional resistance that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit 701 increases. For example, if we consider a case where the user is seated facing forward while performing training, the third position arrangement portion 707 in Fig. 7 is located on the left side as seen from the user, and therefore, as shown in Fig. 5b(A), placing the second front weight (weight) on the third position arrangement portion 707 tilts the arm unit 501 to the left, thereby increasing the contact area between the guide strut 502 and the bushing 503 (the area surrounded by the dotted circle in Fig. 5b(A)). Also, if we consider a case where the user is seated facing forward while performing training, the third position arrangement portion 708 is located on the right side as seen from the user, and therefore, as shown in Fig. 5b(C), placing the second front weight (weight) on the third position arrangement portion 708 tilts the arm unit 501 to the right, thereby increasing the contact area between the arm unit 501 and the bushing 503 (the area surrounded by the dotted circle in Fig. 5b(C)). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, by placing a second front weight on the third position arrangement portions 707 and 708, the center of gravity is positioned away from the center line of the guide pillar, and the moment of inertia in the rotational movement of the arm unit around the guide pillar as its axis can be increased.

[0056] In this embodiment, the third positioning unit is provided on the side of the arm unit as an example. However, various other cases are possible, such as providing the third positioning unit a little further forward or a little further rearward. Furthermore, depending on the user's experience and skill, the third positioning unit may be fixed to a position that does not overlap with the first and second positioning units, or the third positioning unit may be movable to a position that does not overlap with the first and second positioning units. In other words, any method or means may be adopted for the third positioning unit as long as it is located at a position that does not overlap with the first and second positioning units. However, this is not limited to these.

[0057] <Effects of Embodiment 5> As described above, the present invention provides a training machine that can adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotation of the arm unit by providing a third position arrangement section that is arranged at a position other than the first position arrangement section and the second position arrangement section.

[0058] From here on, we will explain the effects that changing the weight balance within the arm unit of the training machine has on the moment load of the arm unit, movements during training, and skin sensations, based on the configuration and functions of the training machine of the present invention described in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 5.

[0059] <Verification 1: Comparison of arm unit center of gravity position by weight position adjustment> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the weight balance conditions of the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the center of gravity position on the major axis of the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the center of gravity position for each condition of the training machine of the present invention.

[0060] <Verification details> We verified how the center of gravity position of the arm unit, which affects the moment load of the arm unit, changes when the weight or the weight position is changed.

[0061] <Verification Method> Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the weight balance conditions for the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention. Conditions 1 to 10 are set as examples. The weight was adjusted at three locations: the tip of the arm unit, which corresponds to the first position arrangement portion, which is part of the second front weight arrangement portion; the guide support portion, which corresponds to the first front weight arrangement portion; and the rear end of the arm unit, which is rearward of the guide support as viewed from the position of the grip portion, which corresponds to the second position arrangement portion, which is part of the second front weight arrangement portion. The weights at each location were combined in several patterns on CAD, and the resulting center of gravity positions were compared. The weight balance was adjusted by combining the weight of the tip and the weight around the guide support, or the weight of the rear end and the weight around the guide support, and adjustments were made by moving or adding weight.

[0062] For example, condition 1 was the normal weight balance, and conditions 2 to 5 investigated how the position of the center of gravity of the arm unit would shift when the weight around the guide support, which is thought to have the least effect on the moment load, was transferred to the tip of the arm unit (conditions 2 and 3) or the rear end of the arm unit (conditions 4 and 5). Here, conditions 2 to 5 did not change the weight of the entire arm unit. On the other hand, conditions 6 to 10 investigated how the position of the center of gravity of the entire arm unit would shift when additional weight was added to the tip (conditions 6 and 7) or rear end (conditions 8 to 10) of the original arm unit weight (21.5 kg). The additional weight was a 1 kg plate weight, and was added by stacking it all on top of the arm unit.

[0063] Here, the tip of the arm unit corresponds to the "first position placement portion" in embodiment 4, the guide support portion corresponds to the "first front weight placement portion" in embodiment 3, and the rear end of the arm unit behind the guide support portion corresponds to the "second position placement portion" in embodiment 4.

[0064] <Data analysis> The center of gravity position was determined as the distance from the center of the shaft (0 cm) with the tip end of the arm unit being "positive" and the rear end being "negative." In this verification, the purpose was to verify the center of gravity position that affects the moment load of the arm unit, so only the center of gravity position on the long axis of the arm unit was compared.

[0065] <Verification Results> Figure 9 shows an example of the center of gravity position on the longitudinal axis of the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention. Here, the guide support center (vertical dotted line) 901, the arm unit 902, the grip portion 903, and the distance 904 from the shaft center 901 to the center of gravity position are shown. Also shown are the guide support 904, a first position placement portion 905, which is part of the second front weight placement portion, and a second position placement portion 906, which is part of the second front weight placement portion. Figure 10 also shows an example of the center of gravity position for each condition of the training machine of the present invention. Here, the change in the center of gravity position due to changes in weight distribution from Condition 1 to Condition 10 is recorded. When the guide support center (vertical dotted line) is set to 0 cm, the center of gravity position of a normal arm unit was located 10.92 cm forward (toward the tip of the arm unit) from the shaft center (see Figure 10). When comparing under other conditions, the weight of the entire arm unit remained unchanged. When the weight around the guide support column was shifted by 1 kg to the tip of the arm unit (weight of the tip in Figure 10), the center of gravity shifted toward the tip to 12.71 cm (condition 2). When 2 kg was shifted, the center of gravity shifted further toward the tip to 14.37 cm (condition 3). Conversely, when 1 kg of the weight around the guide support column was shifted to the rear end of the arm unit (weight of the rear end in Figure 10), the center of gravity shifted to 10.64 cm (condition 4), and when 3 kg was shifted, the center of gravity shifted to 9.83 cm (condition 5). Next, adding more weight to the arm unit weight (21.5 kg) to examine the change in the center of gravity, the result was that adding 1 kg to the tip of the arm unit shifted the center of gravity to 11.74 cm (condition 6), and adding 2 kg shifted the center of gravity to 12.49 cm (condition 7). On the other hand, when weights of 1 kg, 3 kg, and 5 kg were added to the rear part of the arm unit, the center of gravity shifted to 9.77 cm (condition 8), 7.77 cm (condition 9), and 6.07 cm (condition 10).

[0066] Conditions 2 to 5 are the measurement results of the center of gravity position in the fore-and-aft direction (on the long axis) of the arm unit when the weight around the guide support section is moved to the tip or rear end of the arm unit with respect to the normal weight balance setting (condition 1), and conditions 6 to 10 are the measurement results of the center of gravity position in the fore-and-aft direction (on the long axis) of the arm unit when weight is added to the tip or rear end of the arm unit with respect to the normal weight balance setting (condition 1).

[0067] To summarize the results of Test 1, adjusting the center of gravity position relative to the normal weight balance shifted the center of gravity by a maximum of 3.44 cm toward the tip of the arm unit and 4.85 cm toward the rear end. Furthermore, adding just 1 kg of weight to the tip of the arm unit, which is farther from the center of the guide support, resulted in a 1.78 cm shift in the center of gravity position, while adding 1 kg of weight toward the rear, which is closer to the center of the shaft, resulted in a 0.55 cm shift. This may be due to the fact that the guide support weight was installed behind the shaft rather than directly to the side, and that the second position arrangement part was closer to the guide support than the first position arrangement part. In any case, it was found that the center of gravity position, which affects the moment load of the arm unit, changes depending on the weight and where that weight is placed. Furthermore, when comparing the case where the weight of the entire arm unit remains unchanged and the weight is transferred from around the shaft to the tip or rear end of the arm unit, and the case where weight is added to the tip or rear end of the arm unit, the latter case, in which the weight around the guide support remains unchanged, results in less shift in the center of gravity, and it was confirmed that even if the weight at the front and rear of the arm unit is adjusted, the change in the center of gravity position that affects the moment load is suppressed.

[0068] <Verification 2: Comparison of arm unit lowering speed depending on weight and weight position> Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of changes in arm unit lowering speed depending on added weight of the training machine of the present invention. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of peak lowering speed when weight is added to the front / rear end of the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of comparison of peak lowering speed when weight is added to the front (black circle) or rear (white circle) of the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention.

[0069] <Verification details> The arm unit has the freedom to move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate in the horizontal direction around the guide support part as an axis, and for the vertical movement, there is a distance from the guide support part to the grip part located at the bottom of the tip of the arm unit, so a moment load is applied when the user pulls downward. This moment load affects the friction resistance of the bushing attached to the mating part between the guide support part and the arm unit, so changing the weight and weight balance of the arm unit changes the speed of the downward movement. In other words, in Verification 2, we verified how changing the weight and weight balance of the arm unit changes the speed when it is lowered.

[0070] <Verification Method> This test was conducted using a pull-down training machine that allows for variable arm unit weight and balance. The arm unit weight of the training machine used for the test was originally set at 21.5 kg, as in Test 1. The downward velocity was verified when the overall arm unit weight and weight balance were changed by adding weight to the upper end of the arm unit and the rear end of the arm unit (rearward of the guide support). Weights of +0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, and +6 kg were added to the left and right arm unit ends or rear ends. Because the training machine used for the test was bilateral, the set weights were doubled when combined. The added weights were attached to the upper end or rear end of the left and right arm units and secured with bolts to prevent movement or detachment during training movements.

[0071] When lowering the arm unit under each additional weight condition and evaluating the resulting fall speed, the user normally grasps the grip at the bottom of the arm unit's tip and uses their own muscle strength to lower it, but this inevitably results in variations in the amount of force exerted, making it impossible to evaluate the fall speed of the arm unit under the same conditions. Therefore, to standardize the conditions, a 15 kg barbell plate was attached through an aluminum pole to the holes in the left and right grips of the arm unit, and the speed was evaluated when the arm unit was dropped using that weight.

[0072] The displacement of the arm unit in the downward direction was measured using a rotary encoder (model number: E6C3-AG5C, manufactured by Omron (registered trademark)). The rotary encoder was attached to the rotation axis of the pulley 108 closest to the guide support 105 in Figure 1 and measured the amount of rotation of the pulley 108 when the tension member 107 connecting the arm unit 103 to the back weight (weight stack) 102 moved as the arm unit 103 was lowered. The tester held the arm unit 103 at the top of the guide support 105 and released it at the same time as recording began, allowing the arm unit 103 to fall naturally. The arm unit 103 was then caught again by the lower end of the guide support 105, allowing it to fall a certain distance. Oil was applied to the surface of the guide support 105 to reduce frictional resistance. The oil was always applied using a dedicated oil coater before each trial to ensure that the conditions were as consistent as possible between trials. Under each condition, one preliminary measurement was carried out to check the state, and then one main measurement was carried out. The back weight 102 was set to no load.

[0073] <Data Analysis> When dropping the arm unit 103, the analysis range was set to 0.8 m (0.2 to 1.0 m from the bottom of the guide support 105, where the bottom of the guide support 105 is set to 0 cm). This range does not affect the measurement value due to factors such as how the arm unit 103 is released at the start of measurement or the braking or impact when the arm unit 103 is caught by the bottom of the guide support 105. Using analysis software, the displacement of the arm unit 103 measured by the rotary encoder (more precisely, the amount of rotation of the pulley accompanying the movement of the tension member 107 when the arm unit 103 is dropped) was first differentiated to calculate the maximum velocity within the analysis range (see the downward black wedge in Figure 11). When calculating the velocity using the measured waveform (raw waveform) as is, measurement noise would make it difficult to calculate an appropriate velocity value. Therefore, the waveform was smoothed using a 6 Hz low-pass filter for waveform processing.

[0074] <Verification Results> Figure 11 shows an example of the change in arm unit lowering speed depending on the added weight of the training machine of the present invention. This figure shows superimposed speed waveforms under each condition in which weights ranging from +0 kg to +6 kg are added to the rear end of the arm unit. The downward arrows in the figure indicate the position of the peak speed under each condition, and it can be seen that the peak speed increases as the added weight increases. Figure 12 also shows an example of the peak speed during lowering when weight is added to the front / rear end of the arm unit of the training machine of the present invention. As can be seen from this figure, the peak speed tends to increase as the added weight increases.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison of the peak velocity of the arm unit during downward control depending on the added weight when weight is added to the arm unit tip (black circles) or the arm unit rear end (white circles) of the training machine of the present invention. Here, FIG. 13 shows the peak velocity during downward control when weight is added to the arm unit tip (black circles in FIG. 13 ) and the arm unit rear end (white circles in FIG. 13 ). Naturally, it can be seen that the peak velocity increases in direct proportion with each 1 kg increase in added weight. Comparing the location of the added weight, the peak velocity was lower at the arm unit tip even when the same weight was added. This is because, as shown in the results of Verification 1 above, adding weight to the arm unit tip shifts the center of gravity toward the tip, and further increasing the added weight shifts it even more. This can be attributed to the lower peak velocity being due to a greater moment load being applied compared to the arm unit rear end. As described above, the results of Verification 2 clearly demonstrate that the peak velocity of the arm unit during downward control, which is affected by the moment load, varies depending on the location of the added weight.

[0076] <Verification 3: Comparison of skin sensation, acceleration, and angular velocity during training movements when weight position is changed> Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of arm unit weight and weight adjustment for each part under each condition of the training machine of the present invention. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of each subjective evaluation during training movements of the training machine of the present invention. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a comparison of downward movement acceleration peak value, horizontal acceleration peak value, and upper arm downward rotation angular velocity peak value during training movements of the training machine of the present invention.

[0077] <Verification details> We verified how the user's skin sensation during training, as well as the acceleration and angular velocity of the upper arm, change when the weight position is changed.

[0078] <Verification method> (1) Subjects The subjects were six adult males with no injuries or disabilities to the upper limbs or trunk. All subjects were selected on the condition that they understood the usage and purpose of this training machine, and were able to perform basic training movements, allowing comparison of the differences in training movements and skin sensations caused by differences in the weight and weight position of the arm unit.

[0079] (2) Measurement Contents Measurements were performed by measuring the acceleration and angular velocity of the arm unit while the subject was performing the training motion. After performing the training motion under each condition, the subject performed a subjective evaluation. There were nine trial conditions, as shown in Figure 14 . Condition 1 used an arm unit without adding any weight or adjusting the weight balance. Conditions 2 to 5 involved shifting the weight from the area around the guide support to the tip of the arm unit (conditions 2 and 3), or adding weight to the tip of the arm unit while leaving the weight around the guide support unchanged (conditions 4 and 5). Conditions 6 to 9 involved shifting the weight from the area around the guide support to the rear end of the arm unit (conditions 6 and 7), or adding weight to the rear end while leaving the weight around the guide support unchanged (conditions 8 and 9). These conditions were then compared.

[0080] Furthermore, the training movement started when the arm unit was at its lowest position, and then the arm unit was raised (the back weight was lowered) and pulled upward from there, and then a pulling movement was made in the downward direction, causing the arm unit to lower (the back weight was raised), and the arm unit returned to the starting position again, which was one cycle (one time), and each subject was asked to perform this eight times per condition. Furthermore, before performing the training movement for each condition, the subjects were asked to check the movement two to three times before performing the actual trial.

[0081] (3) Measurement Method Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the sensor attachment method used in the verification of the present invention. The acceleration and angular velocity of the arm unit were measured using an IMU sensor (IMS-SD, manufactured by Tech Gihan (registered trademark) Co., Ltd.). The IMU sensor was attached to the lateral side of the subject's right upper arm (midway between the line connecting the right acromion and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus). Regarding the orientation of the sensor, the X-axis was the line connecting the biceps and triceps, with the positive axis pointing in the direction of the biceps. The Y-axis was the longitudinal axis of the upper arm, with the positive axis pointing from the shoulder to the elbow. The Z-axis was the vertical axis from the sensor attached parallel to the lateral side of the upper arm, with the positive axis pointing away from the upper arm. The measured waveform was sent from the transmitter in the sensor to a receiver inserted into a PC and recorded in dedicated PC software. The sampling frequency was 100 Hz. For the subjective evaluation, subjects were asked to evaluate the following five skin sensations during the training movements using a visual analogue scale (VAS): A 10 cm scale was printed on paper, and subjects were asked to draw a diagonal line on the scale to indicate the degree of skin sensation at that time.

[0082] (A) "Resistance" when pulled in the downward direction Regarding the strength of resistance when pulling the arm unit in the downward direction, if no resistance is felt, it is rated as 0, if very strong resistance is felt, it is rated as 10, and the stronger the resistance, the higher the number.

[0083] (B) "Feeling of swinging" when the arm unit is opened outward When accelerating the upper limbs in the downward direction, the upper limbs are extended while twisting, and at this time the arm unit rotates horizontally around the guide support so as to open outward. If no swinging sensation is felt at all at this time, it is rated as 0, and if there is a very strong swinging sensation, it is rated as 10, with the stronger the swinging sensation, the higher the number.

[0084] (C) "Stretching sensation" when stretched upwards Regarding the stretching sensation when stretched upwards during a lifting movement, if there is a very strong stretching sensation, it is rated as 0, and if there is no stretching sensation at all, it is rated as 10. The weaker the stretching sensation, the higher the number.

[0085] (D) "Acceleration feeling" when pulling downwards Regarding the acceleration feeling when pulling downwards, if you feel a very smooth acceleration feeling, give it a score of 0, if you feel no acceleration feeling at all, give it a score of 10, and the weaker the acceleration, the higher the number.

[0086] (E) "Overall evaluation" For the overall evaluation, participants were asked to comprehensively evaluate the skin feel when performing the training movements under each condition, taking into account the evaluations of (A) to (D) above. If no evaluation was possible, a score of 0 was given, and if a very high evaluation was possible, a score of 10 was given, with the higher the evaluation, the higher the numerical value.

[0087] <Data Analysis> Analysis software was used to calculate the peak acceleration and peak angular velocity within one cycle, and the average values ​​for eight cycles were compared between trial conditions. The data compared were the peak upper arm acceleration in the downward direction (Figure 16(A)), the peak upper arm acceleration in the horizontal extension direction (Figure 16(B)), and the downward rotation angular velocity of the upper arm (Figure 16(C)). Each waveform was smoothed using a 6 Hz low-pass filter in the analysis software. Subjective evaluation was performed by measuring the distance from the leftmost side of the scale to the diagonal line drawn by the subject, and this value was used as the subjective evaluation value. Evaluation values ​​were rounded to one decimal place.

[0088] <Verification Results> Figure 15 shows an example of subjective evaluations during training movements using the training machine of the present invention. In other words, this figure summarizes the VAS values ​​evaluated immediately after the training movements were performed under each trial condition. Below is a summary of the differences in subjective evaluations that occurred when the weight balance was changed in several combinations.

[0089] <Comparison of Condition 2 and Condition 3, in which the weight of the guide support section was shifted to the tip of the arm unit> As a result of shifting the weight of the area around the guide support section, which has the least effect on the moment load and horizontal rotational movement of the arm unit, to the tip, the resistance felt when pulling down was stronger compared to Condition 1, which had a normal weight balance, but the feeling of swinging remained almost unchanged. On the other hand, the stretch feeling was weaker compared to Condition 1, and the smoothness of acceleration in the downward direction was also evaluated as worse. This tendency was also stronger in Condition 3, in which the weight was shifted by 2 kg, than in Condition 2, in which the weight was shifted by 1 kg. In summary, shifting the weight to the tip, which increases the moment load, resulted in a stronger resistance when pulling in the downward direction and a worsening of the smoothness of acceleration. The stretch feeling was also evaluated as being weaker, and the overall subjective evaluation was that the feel on the skin was worse than in Condition 1.

[0090] <Comparison of Conditions 4 and 5, in which weight was added to the tip of the arm unit> In Conditions 4 and 5, the weight around the guide support was left unchanged, but weight was added to the tip. As a result, the sense of resistance when lowering was not much different from Condition 1, and in Condition 5, in which 2 kg was added to the tip, the sense of swinging became slightly stronger, but not significantly different. The sense of stretching was weaker than in Conditions 2 and 3, while the sense of acceleration was worse than in Condition 1, but not worse than in Conditions 2 and 3. There was not much difference between Condition 4 (+1 kg) and Condition 5 (+2 kg), but the overall evaluation was worse than Condition 1, just like Conditions 2 and 3.

[0091] <Comparison of Conditions 6 and 7, in which the weight of the guide support was shifted to the rear end of the arm unit> Subjective evaluations of Condition 6, in which a 3 kg weight shift was made from the guide support to the rear end of the arm unit, and Condition 7, in which a 5 kg shift was made, showed that the sense of resistance during downstroke was weaker than Condition 1, and that increasing the weight shift to 5 kg further weakened the sense of resistance. The swing sensation was also stronger than in Condition 1, and increasing the weight shifted was considered to further increase this sense of resistance. Furthermore, when the weight of the guide support was shifted by 3 kg to the rear of the shaft, the sense of stretch and the sense of acceleration during downstroke did not change significantly compared to Condition 1, but when shifted by 5 kg, the sense of stretch increased and the sense of acceleration became smoother. Based on these results, the overall evaluation showed that, unlike Conditions 2 to 5, in which the weight of the tip was changed, Condition 6 was not significantly different from Condition 1, and Condition 7 was rated higher.

[0092] <Comparison of Condition 8 and Condition 9, in which weight was added to the rear end of the arm unit> When comparing Conditions 8 and 9, in which weight was added to the rear end of the arm unit by making the arm unit heavier, with Condition 1, the sense of resistance when pushing down was evaluated as being weaker than Condition 1, and the sense of swinging was also evaluated as being stronger. In addition, the sense of stretch was evaluated as being the strongest compared to the other conditions (Conditions 1 to 7), and the smoothness of acceleration in the downward direction was also evaluated as being better than Condition 1. On the other hand, when comparing Condition 8 and Condition 9, Condition 9, in which a heavier weight of 5 kg was added, was evaluated as having a stronger sense of resistance than Condition 8, and the smoothness of acceleration was also evaluated as being less good than Condition 8. Perhaps due to this influence, the overall evaluations for both Condition 8 and Condition 9 were higher than Condition 1, but Condition 8 received a higher evaluation.

[0093] <Comparative Verification Results of Upper Arm Acceleration and Angular Velocity Between Conditions> Figure 16 shows an example of a comparison of the peak acceleration values ​​of downward deceleration movements, peak acceleration values ​​in the horizontal direction, and peak angular velocity values ​​of the upper arm downward rotation during training movements using the training machine of the present invention. First, a comparison of the peak acceleration values ​​in the downward deceleration direction during the pull-down movement, which is the main training movement of the training machine of the present invention ( Figure 16(A) ) showed that, compared with the standard arm unit (condition 1), conditions 2 to 4, in which a weight was shifted or added to the tip of the arm unit, had almost the same peak acceleration values ​​in the downward deceleration direction. In contrast, condition 5, in which a 2 kg weight was added to the same tip, had a higher peak value (the sign is negative because it represents the acceleration when the upper arm was moved in the negative direction of the sensor's Y axis). On the other hand, conditions 6 to 9, in which a weight was shifted or added to the rear end of the arm unit, had lower peak acceleration values ​​compared to condition 1. Next, we compared the peak horizontal acceleration values ​​of the upper arm during pull-down movements. Compared to condition 1, only condition 5, in which a 2 kg weight was added to the tip, showed a decrease in peak value; all other conditions had higher peak values ​​than condition 1. In particular, conditions 6 and 7, in which a 1 kg or 2 kg weight was shifted from the guide support to the rear end, showed higher horizontal acceleration than the other conditions, indicating that weight balance is the factor that most affects the moment of inertia of the arm unit. Finally, compared to condition 1, of conditions 2 to 5, in which weight was shifted or added to the tip, only condition 2 showed a higher peak downward rotation angular velocity. Conversely, conditions 3 to 5 showed lower peak angular velocity values ​​than condition 1. Meanwhile, conditions 8 and 9, in which weight was added to the rear end, were almost the same as condition 1, while conditions 6 and 7, in which weight was shifted from the guide support to the rear end, showed a higher downward rotation angular velocity of the upper arm than the other conditions.

[0094] <Summary based on the results of Verifications 1 to 3> In the above, we verified what changes occur when the weight balance of the arm unit is changed by changing the weight or weight position of the arm unit. In Verification 1, we verified how the center of gravity position of the arm unit changes by adjusting the weight position of the arm unit, in Verification 2 we compared and verified the downward thrust speed affected by the moment load that tries to tilt the arm unit forward and downward by adding weight to the tip or rear end of the arm unit, and in Verification 3 we compared the downward thrust direction and horizontal acceleration of the upper arm and the shoulder joint adduction angular velocity during the training movement between trials, and also had the participants subjectively evaluate the sensation when training under each trial condition.

[0095] The arm unit of the pull-down type training machine used in the explanations of Embodiments 1 and 2 has a tip that is distant from the guide support. Therefore, when an attempt is made to pull downward on the grip attached to the underside of the tip, a force (moment load) is applied that tilts the arm unit forward and downward. The magnitude of this moment load can be changed by adjusting the weight and weight position of the arm unit, which can affect the user's skin feel and training movements during training. This adjustment not only makes it possible to set optimal training conditions based on the user's training skills, physical condition, etc., but also makes it possible to adjust the machine for changes over time.

[0096] As a result of conducting three tests, firstly, when the weight of the tip of the arm unit, which has the greatest effect on the moment load, was increased, the center of gravity shifted further towards the tip compared to an arm unit with a normal weight balance, and the amount of shift in the center of gravity was greater by making the weight of the tip heavier.Furthermore, shifting the weight of the guide support part, which has the least effect on changes in the moment load, to the tip resulted in a greater shift in the center of gravity forward.

[0097] In relation to this, as shown in Test 2, adding weight closer to the tip end of the shaft than the rear end decreased the peak velocity during downward compression. Furthermore, Test 3 revealed that compared to an arm unit with a normal weight balance, the sense of resistance during downward compression was stronger and acceleration was less smooth. These results revealed that shifting the weight balance toward the tip end of the arm unit increases the moment load due to the influence of the center of gravity, worsening the user's sense of sensation during downward compression. In addition, when comparing the peak acceleration values ​​of the upper arm in the downward compression direction between conditions using an IMU sensor, the peak acceleration values ​​were smaller in Conditions 6 to 9, in which weight was shifted or added to the rear end to reduce the moment load generated by the tilt of the arm unit, than in Conditions 2 to 5, in which weight was added toward the tip end of the arm unit, shifting the center of gravity toward the tip. This result is opposite to the results shown in Figure 15(D), in which subjects were asked to subjectively evaluate the sense of acceleration. One possible explanation for these contradictory results is that shifting / adding weight to the tip increased the moment load, potentially causing participants to pull the arm unit downward more than necessary with their arms rather than their core muscles. In fact, although this was a subjective evaluation, conditions 6 through 9, in which weight was shifted / added to the rear end, where the moment load was assessed to be small, were rated as having a high sense of stretch in the core muscles, suggesting that participants were able to pull the arm unit downward using their trunk rather than their arms. In fact, the downward rotational angular velocity of the upper arm, which is involved in the adduction of the shoulder joint, was highest in conditions 6 and 7, in which the weight was shifted to the rear end of the arm unit. Adjusting the weight balance at the rear end of the arm unit reduced frictional resistance between the bushing and the guide support, which likely made it easier to perform the pulldown movement using the core muscles rather than the arms, which can be considered to have contributed to the higher overall evaluation. This test revealed that adjusting the weight balance of the arm unit can have different effects on training movements and the user's skin sensations.

[0098] On the other hand, while the sense of horizontal swing caused by the arm unit was slight, conditions 6 to 9, in which weight was shifted or added to the rear end, were evaluated as having a stronger sense of swing, and similar results were obtained for the horizontal acceleration of the upper arm. Regarding factors affecting the arm unit's moment of inertia, both the first position (tip) and second position (rear) of the second front weight arrangements can serve the same purpose, but the results of this test revealed that adjusting the weight balance of the arm unit at the rear end has a greater impact on the moment of inertia. In this test, shifting / adding a heavier weight to the rear end than adjusting the weight at the tip may have affected the moment of inertia, but the tip of the arm unit has a longer distance (radius of rotation) from the guide support. While the structure of this arm unit makes a simple comparison difficult, it became clear that weight adjustment has a different effect on the moment of inertia, even between the first position and second position arrangements, which are distal to the guide support.

[0099] <Conclusion> Changing the weight and weight balance of the arm unit changes the center of gravity of the arm unit, which causes differences in the moment load and moment of inertia acting on the arm unit, resulting in changes in the kinematics of the training movements, such as the acceleration and angular velocity, and the user experience (tactile sensation). In other words, it was found that appropriate training conditions can be set by adjusting the weight balance of the arm unit according to the user's attribute information (e.g., height, weight, build, age, gender, years of training experience, etc.) and their current health condition. It was also found that it is possible to adjust the training machine to changes over time by changing the conditions.

[0100] Sixth Embodiment (Mainly Corresponding to Claim 6) Outline of Sixth Embodiment The invention of this embodiment is an invention of a training method for performing training using the training machine of the first or second embodiment.

[0101] Training Method in Sixth Embodiment First, the user sits in the correct posture on the chair, grasps the upper grip with his or her hand, and performs a forceful pull (downward movement) on the "structure" including at least the arm unit, thereby increasing the acceleration of upper limb movement. In order to increase the tension required to accelerate the upper limbs, (a) proactive postural adjustment of the trunk muscles and (b) force generation utilizing the muscle stretch reflex characteristics are important. Regarding (a), the trunk muscles perform the function of proactive postural adjustment, adjusting the trunk's posture prior to the acceleration of the upper limbs. This stabilizes the trunk's posture and creates a stable base, allowing the upper limbs to accelerate efficiently. In human physical exercise, the posture of the trunk and lower limbs is adjusted prior to the voluntary main movement (in the training movement of this embodiment, the acceleration of the upper limbs in the downward direction). This relationship allows for high-speed, stable exercise. The training machine of this embodiment is designed to facilitate the recruitment of trunk muscles by keeping the weight of the structure within a predetermined range. In fact, verification results showed that the peak acceleration and the initial force impulse during the downward movement that generates that acceleration were high. Furthermore, with regard to (a), greater tension can be generated by utilizing the stretch reflex, in which muscles are stretched like rubber and then shortened, as in a jump using recoil, rather than simply contracting (contracting) the muscles voluntarily. Here, the series of muscle contractions in which muscles stretch and shorten is called the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). In other words, to increase the tension generated to accelerate the upper limbs, it is important to utilize the SSC characteristics, which combine the stretch reflex and the shortening contraction caused by voluntary muscle contraction, which occurs when the muscles undergo eccentric contraction during the latter half of the fist-up movement and are stretched around the time of the change in movement (the moment when the direction of movement changes from fist-up to downward movement). Here, the "fist-up movement" is mainly the opposite movement of the "fist-down movement," and refers to the movement of returning the "structure" to its original position while stretching the muscles.

[0102] This allows for the instantaneous exertion of large muscle tension, and combined with a mechanism that makes it easy for the arm unit to physically accelerate in the downward depression direction, the force exerted is concentrated at the beginning of the downward depression movement, exerting high energy, and upper limb exercise can be performed smoothly without continuing to exert wasted force due to inertial motion caused by high acceleration.In this case, by providing a weight distribution adjustment unit for adjusting the moment load with respect to the center of gravity of the arm unit, it is possible to provide a training machine that can adjust the frictional force that affects the up and down movement of the arm unit and the centrifugal force that affects the rotation of the arm unit.

[0103] Next, explosive force exertion generates a highly accelerated movement of the arm unit and upper limbs. However, the downward movement of the arm unit slows down due to air resistance on the arm unit, frictional resistance at the insertion point where the guide pole passes through the arm unit, frictional resistance between the pulley and the tensioning member, and the weight of the back weight (weight stack). Eventually, the speed in the downward direction reaches zero (the end of the movement) and the arm returns to its original position, stretching the muscles. This repetition from the start of the downward movement to the end of the upward movement constitutes one cycle. By repeating this movement an appropriate number of times, effective training of the upper limbs can be achieved.

[0104] <Effects of Embodiment 6> From the above, by appropriately performing training using the training machine of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, it is possible to provide a training method that increases the acceleration of upper limb movement, refines the way the body is used, focusing on the trunk, and enables efficient and smooth physical exercise with less unnecessary force exertion and muscle tension.

[0105] Seventh Embodiment (Mainly Corresponding to Claim 7) Outline of Seventh Embodiment The invention of this embodiment is a training instruction method for having a user train using the training machine of the first or second embodiment.

[0106] <Embodiment 7 Training Instruction Method> In this training instruction method, one or more trainers (preferably trainers with specialized knowledge, such as trainers who can provide specific and detailed instruction on how to use the training machine) assist the user in teaching the training method described above. It is particularly important for users who are beginners, elderly, or undergoing rehabilitation, for the trainer to provide step-by-step instruction on how to properly use the training machine, providing assistance as needed. It is desirable for the user to eventually be able to properly use the training machine independently and maintain proper posture while training correctly by repeatedly performing the training movements under the trainer's guidance. For users who are intermediate or advanced trainers, it is also important to monitor the user to ensure that they do not use back weights of an inappropriate weight, which could result in muscle strain, joint inflammation, or other problems or injuries.

[0107] <Effects of Embodiment 7> From the above, it is possible to provide a training instruction method that teaches a user how to use the training machine in embodiment 1 or embodiment 2 appropriately and teaches the user how to perform the correct training method, thereby increasing the acceleration of upper limb movement, refining how the body, particularly the trunk, is used, and enabling efficient and smooth physical exercise with less unnecessary force exertion and muscle tension.

[0108] Training machine: 100 Chair section: 101 Back weight: 102 Arm unit: 103, 201 Grip section: 104, 202 Guide support: 105, 203 Back weight guide support: 106 Tension member: 107 Pulley: 108 Pin (stack pin): 109 Weight distribution adjustment section: 204, 205, 206, 207, 208

Claims

1. A training machine in which training is carried out by manually gripping an arm unit that is connected to one or more back weights via a tension member and that can move up and down along a guide support and moving it against the weight of the back weight, and the training machine has a weight distribution adjustment unit for adjusting the moment load relative to the center of gravity of the arm unit.

2. A training machine as described in claim 1, wherein the arm unit is configured to be rotatable around the guide support pillar as an axis, and the weight distribution adjustment unit has an inertia moment adjustment function that adjusts the inertia moment in rotational movement around the guide support pillar as an axis.

3. A training machine as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight distribution adjustment unit has a first front weight placement unit for placing a first front weight whose center of gravity is located closer to the center line of the guide support and / or a second front weight placement unit for placing a second front weight whose center of gravity is located farther from the center line of the guide support than the first front weight placement unit.

4. A training machine as described in claim 3, wherein the second front weight arrangement section is composed of a first position arrangement section located on one side of the guide support and a second position arrangement section located on the other side of the guide support.

5. The training machine according to claim 4, further comprising a third positioning section that is arranged at a position other than the first positioning section and the second positioning section.

6. A training method for performing training using the training machine according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A training instruction method for having a user train using the training machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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