DE102004023981A1 - Apparatus for exercise training - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for exercise training of living beings with a coupling element, one end of which is connectable to the living being and the other end is connected to an adjusting device, by the actuation of the effective length of the coupling element is adjustable.
In order not to burden a living being or parts of the living being higher than a predetermined maximum load value, it is proposed to connect the adjusting device to an electric motor controlled by an electronic control and via the control and at least one load sensor to transfer the current load of the coupling element to limit the setting of the electric motor to a target power value determined by the controller.

Description

The The present invention relates to a movement training apparatus of living beings with a coupling element, whose one end with the Living things connectable and the other end with an adjustment connected by its operation the effective length the coupling element is adjustable.

A generic device is for example from the Scriptures DE 102 43 198 A1 known. There it is proposed to use a shrink tube for weight relief of a person as part of a training as adjusting. The one end of the shrink tube can be fixed to a frame at a different height, whereby the effective length of the coupling element is shortened or lengthened accordingly. Furthermore, within a limited portion of its overall length, the heat shrink tubing allows for stepless flexibility, the heat shrink tubing reacting elastically due to its flexible construction as the subject reaches the limits of permitted movements.

When disadvantageous has been found that the shrink tube only limited is variable. The range of motion that one has to train Person available stands, is on the flexibility margin limited shrinking tube. Another disadvantage is that a Shrink tubing has certain mechanical properties, the not dynamically influenced are. In dynamic movements of a person to be trained can Therefore, it can not be ensured that the resulting loads do not exceed a predetermined limit.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention, a device for exercise training to create a high level of Having variability and which is easily adaptable to dynamic training operations. Especially should it be possible be, a living being or parts of the living being not to be trained higher than with a predetermined maximum load value.

The Task is for a generic device solved, by the adjusting device one of an electronic control has power-controlled electric motor, via an input device an amount for a maximum acting on the living organism target load value in the Control input, from the controller via at least one load sensor the current load of the coupling element can be determined by the living being, from the control, the nominal load value is comparable to the measured value of the load sensor, from the controller from the comparison, a target power value of the electric motor determined and the electric motor of the controller with the determined Target power value can be acted upon.

Of the Advantage of this solution according to the invention is to see that the Device is able to train a living being so far to relieve that one previously entered load value even with dynamic movements not exceeded becomes. The stress value can be a value for the entire body or a value only for a specific body part such as an arm or a leg or a specific joint or a certain bone. The device is in humans as applicable as in animals. If following from a training person As we speak, this applies equally to humans and animals.

From The controller is the electric motor by the applied power held in such a bias that thereby characterized previously in the Control sets the maximum set load value entered. For the controller It is of minor importance, whether in the control entered maximum nominal load value the amount corresponds to the training person by the electric motor should be relieved, or whether it is the entered nominal load value is the maximum amount that the trainee or a body part the training person after the discharge by the electric motor itself still to endure. For example, if the legs of a person, weighing 100 kg, to be loaded with a maximum of 25 kg, the electric motor carry a load of 75 kg in a static view. Everyone of the two values - discharge the person to a maximum of 25 kg load or discharge of the person by the electric motor by 75 kg - can be entered into the controller become. Instead of absolute magnitude values can be in the control as well relative, for example, percentage relief values, in the example case 25 % or 75%, are entered. The absolute reference of the relative Input data may additionally be entered manually, read from a memory or the absolute value is determined by a sensor and reported to the controller.

As load sensors quite different suitable sensors can be used. For example, strain gauges can be used which measure the material load by acting force, piezoresistive differential pressure sensors whose operation is based on the piezoelectric effect, or the load is based the current applied in the electric motor determined by calculation.

The Relief effect, which is generated by the electric motor and transmitted to the coupling element, must from this transferred to the training person become. The coupling element can be made of a wire, cable, rope, chain or the like. The training person can turn away from the electric motor End of the coupling element via Snap hooks or other suitable closures or fasteners be attached. The snap hook, the locks and / or the connecting elements are placed with the training person on carrying loops, Harnesses, straps or vests connected. The traction and the inside inherent discharge effect that generates the electric motor is so carry over to the training person.

Emotional the training person, so can across from the previous state changes with regard to the load of the training person and / or the electric motor result. For example, if the training person wants to get up, the training person would be very fast with full body weight charged when the effective length the coupling element would not shortened very quickly. Here, the solution according to the invention has a full effect: the discharge of the electric motor beginning with the onset of movement is detected by the load sensor and the corresponding sensor signals transmitted to the controller. At the same time, or almost simultaneously, the electric motor of the applied current moved against the remaining load from the training person, So that the effective length the coupling element follows the movement of the training person and thus the discharge is maintained by the electric motor. The movement of the electric motor continues for so long and so quickly as necessary is to move through the set ratio of relief through the electric motor and more permissible Carrying capacity of the training person to maintain. Depending on, how fast the training person moves, must also the working speed be adapted accordingly to the electric motor. Already delays in the order of magnitude of fractions of seconds cause that the entered nominal load values by sudden Load peaks significantly exceeded become. To such delays To avoid this, a controller with very high computing speeds used. Also the used power controllers and electric motors, Gear parts and the like must correspondingly short switching times without dead centers and as far as possible have little play in the powertrain. Finally, the coupling element should also little tensile elasticity exhibit.

in the opposed case - the Training person wants for example, from a standing crouch - the regulatory process is the other way around. By bending the legs of the training person increases the tensile load acting on the electric motor and the increasing tensile load is registered by the load sensor. Not for the training person completely to relieve itself must the electric motor turns in one direction, through which the effective length of the Enlarged coupling element.

Also In this case, the electric motor of the controller is exactly like that turned far, as required, to the previously entered To maintain target load value.

When Electric motor can be used in particular a servomotor. A servomotor is an electric motor provided with a device which allows to change the current rotational position Rotation angle with respect an initial position) of the anchor. The electric motor must do this to be able to move in both directions. The feedback takes place for example via a potentiometer. The electronic controller compares the signal from the potentiometer with a given setpoint. There is a deviation before, the motor is rotated in the direction that causes the Deviation reduced. Alternatively, the motor position can also be digital detected and by means of a suitable computer circuit with a setpoint be compared. When using a servo motor is the Control capable of determining the effective length of the coupling element and this value in the control and regulation of the electric motor flow in allow. Alternatively, a stepper motor can be used.

If the controller knows the respective effective length of the coupling element, the controller can, for example, calculate movements and regulate the movement of the electric motor, taking into account the expected movement sequences. Thus, with an approach of the effective length of the coupling element to defined limit values, the control can depart from the maintenance of the setpoint load value and carry out the movement of the electric motor according to other control strategies. Thus, a particularly long effective length of the coupling element - possibly in conjunction with a high speed of movement of the coupling element - indicate an impending fall of the training person. In this case, the controller may control the electric motor according to a strategy that results in a full load transfer by the engine with a more or less smooth transition. It is also possible to close with larger differences in the effective length of the coupling element to the normal length on imminent jump loads and to reduce load peaks from hard ground contacts, that of the electric motor In the short term, the load share to be accepted deviates from the preselected set load value.

Further Embodiments and advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent from the figurative Description, the drawings and the features of the subclaims.

The Invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to Ausführungsbesipielen. Show it:

1 : A schematic diagram of the device according to the invention

2 - 13 : various application examples of the invention

In 1 is a device 2 shown with their structure shown as a functional principle. A living thing 4 or a training person are about, for example, a harness 6 with the coupling element 8th connected. The coupling element 8th is over a pulley 10 to a drum 12 guided, on which it can be rolled up or unrolled again. The drum 12 is drivingly connected to the electric motor 14 , By the operation of the electric motor 14 the drum is spinning 12 , and the effective length L of the coupling element 8th changes accordingly. The pulley 10 can also be omitted depending on the arrangement of the device 2 in relation to the training person, or there are several deflections of the coupling element 8th ,

In the same way is the drum 12 or a comparable length memory is not required in every case. The coupling element 8th can also directly with the electric motor 14 be connected when a length memory for sections of the coupling element 8th is not required. This is the case, for example, if not the coupling element 8th is changed in length to cause the discharge of the training person and the effective length L of the coupling element 8th to change, but the coupling element 8th has a fixed length and the electric motor 14 itself by its movement, for example, along a mounting rail along, relocated. Due to the locomotion of the electric motor 14 with the BEFE stiffened, a fixed length having coupling element 8th changes the position of the connection point of the training person to the coupling element 8th and thus the effective length L of the coupling element 8th , A drum 12 or a length memory is also not required if the coupling element 8th for example, consists of a chain or a toothed belt, which can be moved back and forth via a positive drive means such as a gear. A possibly overshooting end can easily survive on one side of the positive drive means or hang down freely or be conveyed into a collecting container.

Pulls the electric motor 14 on the coupling element 8th with a certain force, even without the effective length L of the coupling element 8th changed, this results in a corresponding relief of the training person. The training person weighs 100 kg and pulls the electric motor 14 on the coupling element 8th with a pulling power of 75 kg, the training person himself has to carry only 25 kg.

In addition to the electric motor 14 has the device 2 a controller 16 on. The control 16 in turn has an arithmetic unit 18 on. Via an operating keyboard 20 can control commands and in particular target load values in the arithmetic unit 18 be entered. Instead of an operating keyboard 20 or in addition to this, a voice input can also be provided. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit gets 18 the controller 16 Measured values as sensor signals from a load sensor 22 , In the exemplary embodiment, the load sensor on the electric motor 14 shown grown because this determines its reading for the load of the device by the training person from the voltage applied in the electric motor current. The load sensor 22 could spatially also the power controller 24 be assigned. In other types of load sensors, which are based on a different measuring principle, these load sensors can be attached to another suitable location.

The arithmetic unit 18 determined from a comparison of the setpoint load value with the measured value of the load sensor 22 a desired power value for the electric motor 14 which is the one of the arithmetic unit 18 the controller 16 determined, required to comply with the target load value traction power of the electric motor 14 or another value given by the controller 16 to set, corresponds. The nominal power value of the electric motor 14 can be due to a change in the electric motor 14 applied current intensity can be changed. For this purpose, the controller 16 a power regulator 24 on top of that of the arithmetic unit 18 transmitted control commands converted into corresponding currents, with which the electric motor 14 via a power line 26 is charged.

Is sufficient to the current of the current equivalent train performance, to the coupling element 8th To move attached weight, the electric motor moves 8th not, and the effective length L of the coupling element 8th does not change either. Nevertheless, the training person by the tension of the electric motor 14 relieved by the amount of current equivalent amount.

A movement of the electric motor 14 can from the controller 16 be detected when the electric motor 14 has a corresponding sensor, as is the case for example with servomotors. Alternatively, the length of the drum 12 unwound coupling element 8th or the displacement of the electric motor 14 be measured with appropriate sensors. The measuring signal for a movement of the electric motor 14 For example, by means of a cable 28 or by means of an alternative radio link 28 to the computing unit 18 be transmitted. The corresponding sensor signals can be from the arithmetic unit 18 be taken into account in the calculation of the respective current target power value. About a comparison of the measured signals on the rotational speed of the electric motor 14 with other sensor data, such as the sensor value of the load sensor 22 , the controller can 16 via the arithmetic unit 18 recognize certain training conditions or movements and incorporate these findings in the calculation of the target performance value.

As further examples of complementary sensors connected to the arithmetic unit 18 the controller 16 is connectable, are in 1 a cable 28 for electromyographic sensor signals, a cable 32 for the signals of a video camera and a cable 34 represented for the signals of a pressure sensor plate. Of course, the data can also be transmitted here by radio or in another way. By the data supplied by the corresponding sensors, the controller 16 optimize the control processes, or additional training functions are possible. Thus, the data stream originating from the video camera can be continuously evaluated by means of an image analysis software. Depending on the programming of the controller 16 This can then be derived from the data of the image evaluation, the power control of the electric motor 14 influence on certain movements. Thus, if impermissible movements are detected, the electric motor could 14 be stopped, or the degree of the electric motor 14 Discharge generated is changed, and / or a warning signal is issued. On the basis of the electromyographic sensor values, muscle loads can be detected or strains of joints resulting from muscle tension can be detected and within the scope of regulation of the electric motor 14 be taken into account. The pressure sensor under the bottom plate can send signals to the controller 16 transmit, from which the respective soil load by the training person can be derived. The pressure sensor under the bottom plate is so far in its function of the load sensor 22 comparable and can alternatively as a load sensor or in addition to the load sensor 22 be used. The bottom-side pressure sensor can be used in particular to detect dynamic load peaks, for example resulting from jumps of the training person, and the discharge by the electric motor 14 to regulate accordingly.

The target load values do not always have to be via the control keypad 20 but may alternatively or additionally also from a memory 36 be read out. The memory can be permanently installed, the memory can consist of a mobile magnetic card, which contains previously stored there personal data of the training person or data on the training program, the magnetic card is inserted as needed in a magnetic card reader, or transponders are used for detection. Other suitable storage means may be used.

In the store 36 For example, certain training programs may be stored with one or more building blocks retrieved for training, individual training accounts of training persons may be stored in memory 36 be created in the target and actual data of the training of this training person are stored, or it can be stored there control curves on which the arithmetic unit 18 in the context of the regulation of the electric motor 14 can access. Finally, those in the store 36 stored data from there via appropriate output devices such as printers, display screens, displays or magnetic or optical electronic media can be output.

The control 16 with the electric motor 14 can work with their corresponding components in a common compact enclosure 38 be housed, which is indicated by the dotted line. Thus, the device would be salable as a modular unit, and existing training devices could be easily retrofitted with the device. Also new appliances can be offered as an option with the device according to the invention. In addition, it is possible to carry a unit with it in order to be able to connect it to various training devices, which are constructed in different fitness centers. In this way, a training person in the familiar environment with the usual equipment to train, and the unit is connected to the usual equipment to provide advice on a suitable training program. A physiotherapist does not have to hold his own equipment park for training purposes, but can use the infrastructure of, for example, fitness centers in order to be able to provide the mobile unit there with individual physiotherapy or targeted muscle-building training.

2 shows an exemplary arrangement of the device 2 in a portal frame. In 3 an embodiment is shown in which the device 2 on a boom 42 is attached. The position of the idler pulley 10 can along the boom 42 be relocated. The boom 42 is rotatable on a mast 44 attached. 4 shows a view from above on the in 3 shown embodiment. 5 shows an embodiment in which a boom 42 via a mounting plate 46 attached to a wall and the device 2 itself is arranged on the boom. 6 shows a portal system in which the portal bridge with the attached device 2 Is arranged longitudinally displaceable on rails.

The 7 to 13 show embodiments in which the device 2 is integrated as a module in various training devices. In these applications, the training resistance of the training device is from the electric motor 14 the device 2 simulated. By the given and by the control 16 Regulated discharge, the exercise person's movements can be trained in exact load limits.

In the exemplary embodiments, only examples are shown in which a single electric motor 14 intended to relieve a training person. Of course it is also possible to use several electric motors 14 from a controller 16 to control and regulate, or in a training device several devices 2 to be able to train in a training device several different muscles and / or movements with a targeted relief and compliance with maximum load values.

The device 2 can also be used as a traction device. It involves pulling on specific muscles, such as the legs, back or neck, with a certain force to achieve the desired training effect. It is advantageous, the device 2 to connect with a device for muscle measurement such as electromyography. The device 2 is set to a certain limit from the muscle measurement, up to the value of the muscle in question is charged. Instead of a specific measured value, the device 2 also set a maximum load value in kg or a relative value.

It is also beneficial to combine muscle training with vibration effects. During exercise, a force does not become static on the coupling element 8th but with a vibrating motion. In the muscles to be trained on the one hand results in a better power in the muscle, and the relaxation of the muscle is promoted. The vibration can be from the electric motor 14 be generated by this the coupling element 8th in short distances, for example 2 mm, moved back and forth. The amplitude, frequency, speed and direction of the vibration can be adjusted in any way the training purpose. In addition to the generation of the vibration by the electric motor 14 can also find another accessory use that generates the vibration and in the coupling element 8th brings. Also, the vibration function can be combined with an electromyography or a temperature measurement with an associated data evaluation to monitor the resulting training effect.

Finally, the device 2 Can also be used as protection or relief for suspended loads. Represents the controller 16 of the electric motor 14 If a dumbbell or a weight moves too fast, the movement can be slowed down or stopped altogether. This is advantageous if a dumbbell threatens to fall or threatens to collapse the weight of the training person under the lifted weight. By collecting these weights through the device 2 , whose coupling element 8th For security purposes, it is possible to avoid serious training injuries and overloads.

Claims (18)

Contraption ( 2 ) for movement training of living beings ( 4 ) with a coupling element ( 8th ), whose one end with the living being ( 4 ) and whose other end is connected to an adjusting device, by the actuation of the effective length (L) of the coupling element ( 8th ) is adjustable, characterized in that the adjusting device one of an electronic control ( 16 ) power-controlled electric motor ( 14 ) via an input device ( 20 ) an amount for a maximum acting on the living item target load value in the controller ( 16 ), from the controller ( 16 ) via at least one load sensor ( 22 ) the current load of the coupling element ( 8th ) by the living being ( 4 ), from the controller ( 16 ) the nominal load value with the measured value of the load sensor ( 22 ), from the controller ( 16 ) from the comparison a target power value of the electric motor ( 14 ) and the electric motor ( 14 ) from the controller ( 16 ) can be acted upon with the determined desired power value. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that as a coupling element ( 8th ) a cable, a chain, a toothed belt or a rope is used, which depends on one of the electric motor ( 14 ) driven drum ( 12 ) can be wound up. Contraption ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) via electronic memory ( 36 ) into which an entered nominal load value and / or operating data of the controller ( 16 ) and / or sensor values of the load sors ( 22 ) are storable and / or readable. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) via electronic memory ( 36 ) can be read into the external data and from there by the controller ( 16 ) are readable. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) Sensor data on the effective length (L) of the coupling element ( 8th ) are transferable. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load sensor ( 22 ) consists of a device which continuously monitors the ampere values in the windings of the electric motor ( 14 ). Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the control ( 16 ) a table and / or a map is accessible, in which for the values of the load sensor ( 22 ) and the input nominal load values an associated setpoint power value can be read out. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the control ( 16 ) Data on the size, weight and / or height of the attachment point of the coupling element ( 8th ) on the living being ( 4 ) can be entered. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) a bottom-side pressure sensor can be connected. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) a video camera with image analysis can be connected. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) electromyographic sensors can be connected. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor ( 14 ) is a servomotor. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of electric motors ( 14 ) from a controller ( 16 ) are controllable. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller ( 16 ) and the electric motor ( 14 ) are installed in a common housing. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 2 ) installed as a unit in a training device or as a mobile unit and / or mountable. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 2 ) can be used as a traction device, in particular in conjunction with a muscle measurement. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that via the electric motor ( 14 ) and / or an attachment on the coupling element ( 8th ) acting vibration is generated. Contraption ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 2 ) can be used as protection or relief of suspended weights.