DE102005025444A1 - Treadmill for walking and running exercise includes a pedometer system with a sensor that monitors speed on a running belt and a processor that detects the number of steps done based on instant variations - Google Patents

Abstract

A treadmill (1) includes a base (2), a motion assembly (3) and a pedometer system. The motion assembly has a motor (24), a transmission device (26), two rollers (28) and a running belt (30).The pedometer system has a sensor (32) mounted on the base to monitor speed of an element of the motion assembly. A processor mounted on the base detects instant variations of the speed and counts the number of instant variations in speed. The result is shown on the display (22) for the user to know the number of steps he or she has done on the running belt. An independent claim is included for a method of counting the number of steps in a treadmill.

Description

Background of the invention

Field of the invention

The The present invention relates generally to an exerciser, and more particularly a treadmill with the function the number of runs on it by the user or to count gone steps.

A treadmill represents a common one Device for practicing and Exercising. Previous treadmills only provide the user with the speed of the band and the total miles, etc. ready. The new treadmill continues to provide the user with some of his / her physiological Data such as heartbeats, respiratory rate and calorie consumption ready. This information tells the user the exercise state and his / her physiological state with, so the user the desired exercise

Summary the invention

The The main object of the present invention is to provide a treadmill, the indicating to the user the number of steps he / she is running on her or leave.

According to the task According to the present invention, a treadmill comprises a base, a movement assembly and a pedometer system. The pedometer system has a sensor which is attached to the base to a To monitor the speed of an element of the movement arrangement, a processor attached to the base to instantaneous speed changes to determine the element of movement and a number of the momentary changes to count and an indicator attached to the base to indicate the number the current changes display.

Short description of drawings

1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

2 Fig. 10 is a block diagram of the pedometer system of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

3 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the sensor of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

4 Fig. 10 is a front view of the sensor of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

5 Fig. 12 is a plan view of the carrier of the sensor of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

6 Fig. 12 is a graphical representation of the sampled angular velocity;

7 is a perspective view of the sensor of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

8th is a perspective view of the sensor of a third preferred embodiment of the invention;

9 is a perspective view of the sensor of a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

10 and 11 are plan views of the sensor of the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention;

12 is a perspective view of the sensor of a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention; and

13 is a perspective view of the sensor of a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention.

Full Description of the invention

As in 3 shown includes a treadmill 1 The first preferred embodiment of the invention, a base 2 , a movement arrangement 3 that are at the base 2 attached and a pedometer system. The base 2 includes a base frame 10 , two upright frames 12 attached to the base frame 10 are attached, two handles 14 attached to the upright frame 12 are attached, a deck 16 attached to the base frame 10 is attached and a control panel 18 with buttons 20 and an ad 22 standing on the tops of the upright frame 12 is attached. The movement arrangement 3 includes a motor 24 , a transmission device 26 , two rolls (in 1 only the front roller is shown) and a treadmill 30 , The roles 28 are on a front and a back side of the base frame 10 hinged and the treadmill 30 is on the rollers 28 appropriate. The transmission device 26 represents a band that drives the engine 24 and the front roll 28 connects, so the engine 24 the treadmill 30 drives that over the transmission device 26 and the front roll 28 running.

2 shows the step counter system according to the invention, which is a sensor 32 , a processor 34 and an ad 22 having. The sensor 32 monitors the speed of an element of the movement assembly 3 , The processor 34 detects instantaneous changes in speed and counts a number of instantaneous speed changes. And then the result is on the display 22 shown so that the user learns how many steps he / she is on the treadmill 30 goes or runs.

As in 3 to 5 shown, the sensor includes 32 According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, a light-emitting device 36 , a receiver 38 and a photocell 40 , The light-emitting device 36 and the receiver 38 are manufactured in a single element and the element has a holder 42 on, the / at the frame 10 adjacent to the front roller 28 should be attached. The light-emitting device 36 emits infrared rays to the receiver 38 out. The photocell 40 represents a disc that is attached to the front roller 28 is attached, so that together with the role 28 is rotated synchronously. The photocell 40 has some openings on one edge of it 44 at the same distance. The light-emitting device 36 and the receiver 38 are on opposite sides of the light barrier 40 arranged and the photocell 40 is turned so that the openings 44 to an infrared ray path from the light-emitting device 36 have to be moved so that the receiver 38 receives a series of intermittent light signals and converts the light signals into electrical signals and sends them to the processor 34 transfers. The photocell 40 is on opposite sides thereof with two weight or weighing elements 46 provided.

The processor 34 is connected to a processing circuit and a counter circuit (not shown) in the control panel 18 built-in. The processing circuit receives from the receiver 38 the electrical signals and detects or determines a time between two signals (.DELTA.t). The between the openings 44 included angle (α) are known, so that by dividing α by Δt the angular velocity (ω) of the light barrier 40 is obtained. The angular velocity (ω) is also an indication of the speed of the roll 28 the movement arrangement 3 , In practice, a frequency of the signals may be taken as an indication of the speed.

As in 6 As shown, while the moving assembly is rotated at a substantially constant speed, the angular velocity (ω) is also substantially constant. However, if a person on the treadmill 30 runs or walks and the moment the foot on the treadmill 30 occurs, the movement arrangement becomes 3 provided a load that controls the speed of all elements (including the treadmill 30 that rolls 28 , the transmission device 26 and the engine 24 ) slows down, leaving the sensor 32 detects an instantaneous change in angular velocity (ω). The instantaneous change in angular velocity (ω) is essentially a sinusoid. The processor 34 registers a "one step" while an instantaneous change in angular velocity (ω) is detected.

One method of identifying the instantaneous change in angular velocity (ω) is to calculate the change in angular velocity (ω) (ie, angular acceleration). Practically, the processor is provided with a filter to remove extreme values. The remaining values are calculated for the angular acceleration. As long as an angular acceleration greater than 0.02 degrees / sec. ² or the acceleration greater than 0.15 km / h. ² , it is considered to be "one-step".

The counter circuit of the processor 34 counts the number of "one-steps" and shows the number on the display 22 at.

Of the Sensor may be provided such that it controls the speed each element of the moving assembly, including the motor, the transmission device, the treadmill or the rollers, also for evidence or Detecting the instantaneous speed changes monitored.

7 shows a sensor 50 the second preferred embodiment of the invention, the light barrier 52 , a light-emitting device 54 and a receiver 56 having. The photocell 52 lies as teeth on an edge of a treadmill 58 in front. The light-emitting device 54 and the receiver 56 are on opposite sides of the teeth 52 associated treadmill 58 arranged. Running the treadmill 58 causes the receiver 56 receives a series of interrupted light signals as mentioned above. 8th shows a sensor 62 the third preferred embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the sensor 50 the second preferred Embodiment is, except that the light barrier 64 Openings on one edge of the treadmill 66 having. The sensor 52 or 62 is preferably at a position adjacent to the roll 60 or 68 attached, which can reduce the effect of vibration of the treadmill.

As in 9 shown includes a sensor 70 the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, a rotor 72 and a switch 74 , The rotor 72 is present as a disk on the magnets 78 attached in a circular pattern. The magnets 78 have the same distance. The desk 74 has a housing 80 and two conductive plates therein 82 on. The plates 82 point to the housing 80 attached ends and have free hanging ends 84 on. The free ends 84 the plates 82 overlap. The plates 82 are electrically connected to the processor via a wire (not shown). While the magnet 78 of the rotor 72 the plates 82 is approached, the free ends occur 84 the plates 82 in contact ( 11 ). While the magnet 78 from the plates 82 The free ends are moved away 84 the plates 82 separated ( 10 ). In other words, the rotor 72 Provides a periodic magnetic field with a frequency that matches the speed of the rotor 72 is directly proportional. The magnetic field causes the plates 82 of the switch 74 repeatedly touch and disconnect. As a result, the switch generates 74 a series of (serious) digital signals on and off. As mentioned above, the angular velocity (ω) of the rotor 72 between two on-signals or two off-signals, or only the frequency of the digital signals indicating the speed of the rotor 72 detected. If the processor detects an instantaneous speed change, it will register a "one step".

As in 12 the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention provides a sensor 86 ready, a rotor 88 with magnets on it 90 and a coil 92 includes. The rotor 88 creates a periodic magnetic field. With the electromagnetic induction generates the coil 92 a current under the periodic magnetic field. As the user steps on the treadmill, the load slows down the movement assembly as well as the rotor 90 , If the magnetic field is suddenly changed so that the induction current also undergoes an instantaneous change. While the instantaneous change in current is detected, the processor registers a "one-step".

The sixth preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method of counting the number of steps a user takes on a treadmill or running. The current in the motor is monitored, to indicate the speed of the movement arrangement. During the User enters the treadmill, the power in the motor is increased to the Increase torque output. During the Current in the engine is detected with an instantaneous change As a result, the processor registers it as a "one step".

As in 13 shown includes a sensor 94 the seventh preferred embodiment of the invention a wheel 96 , a holder 98 and a speedometer 100 , The wheel 96 is on the bracket 98 hinged and the speedometer 100 is by bike 96 connected to determine the rotational speed thereof. The holder 98 has two elongated slots 102 and two spots or screws 104 put on in the slots and put in a frame 106 the treadmill are screwed, leaving the bracket 98 is mobile to the wheel 96 on a treadmill 108 to press. The wheel 96 runs together with the treadmill 108 and the speedometer 100 monitors the speed of the wheel 96 , While an instant change in the speed of the wheel 96 is detected, the processor registers a "one step".

The Treadmill according to the invention can, Apart from the sixth preferred embodiment, a non-electric treadmill be. In other words, the movement arrangement includes only the rollers and the treadmill, but not the motor and the transfer device.

Claims (15)

Treadmill, full: One Base; a movement arrangement, the two Having roles that are hinged to the base and a Treadmill mounted for rotation on the rollers; one Sensor to a speed of an element of the movement arrangement to monitor; one Processor to instantaneous speed changes of the element Determine movement and count the instantaneous changes; and a Display to show a number of the current changes. A treadmill according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a light-emitting device, a receiver and a light barrier, and further wherein the light-emitting device is attached to the base to radiate rays to the receiver and the light barrier is connected to the element of movement rotate synchronously with the element having openings that emit to a beam path of the light the device is to be moved so that, while the light barrier is rotated, the receiver receives interrupted light signals and transmits the signals to the processor to detect a time between two of the signals. treadmill according to claim 2, wherein the light barrier is a disc with a attached weighing element is. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a light-emitting device, a receiver and a light barrier and wherein furthermore the light emitting Device and the receiver on opposite sides of the treadmill are attached to the base, and the light-emitting device emits radiation to the receiver and the photocell has openings on the treadmill so that while the treadmill is running, the recipient receives interrupted light signals and sends the signals to the processor at a time to detect between two of the signals. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a light-emitting device, a receiver and a light barrier, and further wherein the light emitting Device and the receiver On opposite sides of the treadmill are attached to the base and the light emitting device emits radiation to the receiver and the photocell teeth has at the edge of the treadmill so that while the treadmill is running the receiver receives interrupted light signals and sends the signals to the processor at a time to detect between two of the signals. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a rotor and a switch wherein the rotor on which magnets are provided, connected to the element of the movement arrangement, whereby the Magnets while the rotor is rotated to generate a periodic magnetic field and the switch repeatedly turned on by the periodic magnetic field and turned off to produce a series of digital signals. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a rotor and a coil, wherein the rotor on which magnets are provided to, while the Rotor is rotated to produce a periodic magnetic field with connected to the element of the movement assembly, causing the coil generated by the periodic magnetic field, an induction current and a value of the induction current is used as an indication of the speed the movement arrangement considered. treadmill according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is hinged to the base Wheel has and press of the treadmill together with the treadmill and a tachometer, which is connected to the wheel for detecting a speed of the wheel. Method of counting a number of steps a person runs or walks on a treadmill being the treadmill a base and a movement arrangement and the movement arrangement a barrel and two rollers, comprising the steps of: Monitor a speed of an element of the movement arrangement of Treadmill; Determine instantaneous speed changes; Counting the instantaneous speed changes, and Show a number of the instantaneous speed changes. The method of claim 9, wherein a method of monitoring the speed of the element of the movement arrangement of the treadmill the Steps covered by: Radiating rays to a light barrier, the photocell together with the element of the movement arrangement is moved synchronously and the light barrier has openings leading to a Beam path should be moved so that while the photocell is rotated is, the rays through the photocell interrupted signals become; Receiving the signals, and Capture a time between two of the signals to a speed of the light barrier to calculate the speed of the light barrier as a Indicated the speed of the element of the movement arrangement becomes. The method of claim 9, wherein a method of determining instantaneous speed changes comprises the steps of: calculating a speed change of the element of the mover, and registering the speed change as an instantaneous change as long as the speed change is greater than 0.02 degrees / sec. ² or 0.15 km / h. ² is. The method of claim 9, wherein a method of monitoring the speed of the treadmill travel assembly member comprises the steps of: providing a periodic magnetic field to a switch, wherein a frequency of the periodic magnetic field is directly proportional to the velocity of the element of the mover assembly and wherein the switch repeats is turned on and off to generate a series of on and off signals, and detecting a time between two of the on signals or between two of the off signals to calculate the velocity of the element of the motion assembly. The method of claim 9, wherein a method to monitor the speed of the element of the movement arrangement of the treadmill the Steps covered by: Providing a periodic magnetic field a movable plate, wherein a frequency of the periodic magnetic field The speed of the element of the movement arrangement is directly proportional and wherein the switch repeats through the periodic magnetic field generates a series of digital signals, and Capture a frequency the digital signals to the speed of the element of the movement arrangement to calculate. The method of claim 9, wherein a method of monitoring the speed of the element of the movement arrangement of the treadmill Step includes by providing a periodic magnetic field a coil, wherein a frequency of the periodic magnetic field of Speed of the element of the movement arrangement directly proportional and the coil is an induction current through the periodic magnetic field and wherein a method for determining the instantaneous speed changes the step of detecting instantaneous changes in the induction current includes. The method of claim 9, wherein a method of monitoring the speed of the element of the movement arrangement of the treadmill Step of detecting a current of a motor of the movement assembly, wherein a value of the stream as an indication of the speed of the movement assembly and a method of determining the instantaneous speed changes comprises the step of determining instantaneous changes in the current.