DE102014004672B4 - Training device - Google Patents

Abstract

In the case of a training device with force introduction means (18) which can be moved by the training person by applying a training force and which are under the action of a resetting device (38) to be overcome to move the force introduction means (18), and with a feedback device (46) for checking and by means of output means of feedback of the training variable generated by the exercising person, the resetting device (46) has at least one contraction unit (39a, 39b) with a contraction hose (40a, 40b) experiencing a length contraction when fluid is applied to its hose interior, the hose interior being used to cause the Counterforce can be acted upon by a working fluid which is at a working pressure above atmospheric pressure, and a control device (45) for controlling the fluid loading of the contraction tube (40a, 40b) as a function of little at least one training size is provided.

Description

The invention relates to a training device with force introduction means which can be moved by the training person by applying a training force and which are under the action of a restoring device which has to be overcome to move the force introduction means, and with a feedback device for control and feedback of the training person by means of output means generated training size.

Such training devices have been known for a long time. For example, cross trainers or ergometers available in fitness studios that are suitable for cardiovascular training are frequently mentioned. Cross trainers or ergometers have force introduction means in the form of pedals and / or hand levers, by means of which the exercising person initiates force against resistance. The resistance can be changed, for example in the case of an ergometer the resistance when pedaling. Furthermore, such crosstrainers or ergometers have a feedback device with which the training size applied by the exercising person can be checked, for example the wattage in the case of an ergometer. Furthermore, it is also known to run stored training programs in which the resistance varies over the duration of the training program. However, these training programs are one-dimensional and follow a certain pattern of resistance changes. The person to be trained must always select a training program that he or a trainer may consider suitable. An analysis of the specific performance of the exercising person is made neither before the start of the training nor during the training.

Ultimately, isolated, uniform movement patterns occur with conventional training equipment. Although this approach grants to a certain extent the maintenance or increase of muscle mass through an increase in performance of specific muscle groups, it neglects the interaction between the human musculoskeletal system, the intrinsic body information about strength, posture and movement and the extrinsic multisensory information about the training environment.

The US 6,375,598 B1 describes a training device with foot pedals that can be set in motion by applying force. The training device has a pneumatic cylinder, which serves to provide a force that must be overcome when the foot pedals are moved forward.

The object of the invention is to provide a training device of the type mentioned at the outset which allows for a holistic, realistic, motivational training, including the cognitive abilities of the exercising person.

This object is achieved by a training device with the features of independent claim 1. Further developments of the inventions are presented in the subclaims.

The training device according to the invention is characterized in that the resetting device has at least one contraction unit with a contraction hose which experiences a length contraction when fluid is applied to its hose interior, wherein the hose interior can be acted upon by a working fluid which is at a working pressure above atmospheric pressure, and one Control device for controlling the fluid exposure to the contraction tube as a function of at least one training variable is provided.

The training device is therefore able to determine, control and analyze the body posture of the exercising person and the training quantities generated by him / her, and to react to this by transmitting the training quantities generated by the contraction unit on the musculoskeletal system of the training person the control device varies fluently. The training variables generated include kinematic training variables and dynamic training variables. The training variables include, for example, the force, energy, power, speed with which the force introduction means are applied to the force introduction means, the position of the trained body part of the exercising person, for example the knee angle of a knee or the bending angle of the trunk. Of course, combinations of the above-mentioned training sizes are also conceivable.

An important aspect of the invention is that the training includes the cognitive abilities of the person exercising. The exercising person must therefore actively activate the body part to be trained in order to achieve the training goal. The central nervous system and also the peripheral nervous system are trained. The training device thus enables neuromuscular training. The interaction between brain and body of the exercising person is promoted. The combination of strength, coordination and motor learning enables extensive training, which means that the training device can also be used for neurorehabilitation in particular.

The fluid pressure on the contraction tube allows the resistance to be infinitely adjusted. The system is also essentially inertia-free, so that the force application means respond directly to the exercising person or the body part engaging the force application means. The minimal inertia allows the exerciser to move more freely and thus simplifies or accelerates motor learning.

The feedback device provides the user with feedback on the training size generated, which he can then vary accordingly to achieve a training goal, which can be stored, for example, in the form of a training program, by activating the trained body part, for example increasing the training force applied. This variation can be reproduced essentially without delay using the contraction units. The feedback about the generated training size is essentially without delay. There is a bidirectional interaction between the exercising person and the training device. Furthermore, the feedback device is used for diagnostics, for example for determining different types of performance, coordination, symmetry, neuromuscular inequality between different parts of the body, for example left and right leg or the like.

In a particularly preferred manner, a processor or CPU is provided on which various training programs can be called up and which is coupled to the control device via an interface. The training programs can be loaded onto the processor and saved. Alternatively, storage in a cloud would also be conceivable. The interface can be, for example, a wireless interface, for example an infrared or radio interface. However, a wired interface is also possible. The processor is expediently on board the training device. However, it is also possible to use an external processor, which is, for example, part of an external computer, for example laptops.

The training programs or the training software are those which incorporate the cognitive abilities of the exercising person and / or those which train reflexes without involving the brains of the exercising person. In particular, these are not training programs of this type, in which only the resistance is varied over the duration of the training program and this can be understood by the exercising person, as is the case for example with ergometers or elliptical machines, but the training programs require active involvement of cognitive skills. For example, it would be possible to use the force introduction means as a kind of control means, with left force introduction means which can be actuated by the left arm or the left hand or the left leg for control to the left or alternatively to the right and by the right arm or the right hand or the right Leg-actuated right force introduction means can be used for steering to the right or alternatively to the left. The exercising person is thus actively controlled by actuating the correspondingly assigned force introduction means and additionally by the intensity, for example more strength or less strength, of the training variable generated. With these instruments it is then possible, for example, to work through a training program in which a change of direction is important.

In a development of the invention, the feedback device has measuring means for measuring the training variable generated by the exercising person. The measuring means can include sensors, in particular force sensors. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to use displacement sensors which measure, for example, the contraction in length of the contraction unit. It is also possible to form a force sensor by using an encoder or position transmitter, a pressure sensor and the mathematical model of the contraction unit.

The processor is particularly preferably set up to compare the training variable generated by the exercising person with a predetermined training task. A training result can then be derived from this.

In a particularly preferred manner, the microcontroller has a comparator for comparing the current actual training variable applied by the exercising person with a target training variable specified by the training program, the comparator with the output means for outputting a deviation of the actual training variable from the target Training size is coupled. This gives the exercising person feedback on the deviation of the actual training size from the target training size and therefore feedback on how far it is from the training target, for example the target training size. The actual / target training variable can be an actual / target position, for example.

It is possible that the target training variable currently stored by means of a training program is an absolute value or a range of values. In the latter case, if the actual training size is within the tolerance range, feedback can be given in such a way that the training goal has been reached.

In a particularly preferred manner, the processor contains a diagnostic module with diagnostic software, via which qualitative statements about the training of the exercising person with regard to training quality, performance and progress can be made.

In a development of the invention, the output means are designed as optical output means, which have a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface preferably having a monitor, in particular a touch screen monitor.

In a particularly preferred manner, the monitor is set up to display the currently running training program with a course of the target training size and a course of the actual training size as well as a measure for the deviation of the actual training size from the target training size. The monitor can be set up, for example, to display training videos in which the training person has to cover a training route visualized by video, which may be equipped with several changes of direction that can be generated via the force introduction means. Above all, the deviation and a measure of the deviation can be displayed, so that the exercising person is informed at all times whether the training goal has been reached or not. For example, a percentage can be displayed as a yardstick for deviations.

In a development of the invention, the force introduction means have two pedals which can be moved independently of one another and are each coupled to an associated contraction unit. Because each pedal is coupled to a separate, assigned construction unit, the pedals are decoupled from one another. Therefore, not only unilateral but also asymmetrical training protocols are possible. The pedals allow you to train the leg and foot muscles as well as the lower trunk area in every conceivable way. It is of course also possible to use other force introduction means other than pedals, for example those which serve to activate the hip, the spine, the large vertebral muscles or the shoulder girdle. When activating the front shoulder belt, for example, hand levers can be used, which are otherwise used in butterfly machines.

In a further development of the invention, the training device has a base frame on which the contraction units are mounted, which on the other hand are each coupled to the assigned pedals in particular via transmission means. The contraction units are thus suspended on the one hand on the base frame and on the other hand on the assigned pedal.

In a particularly preferred manner, the transmission means are designed as a transmission, a lever transmission preferably being provided.

For example, it is possible to equip the pedals with a swivel-mounted footplate. It is also possible to provide a pedal stroke limiter in order to limit the stroke of the pedal. It is possible to individually adjust the pedal stroke to the needs of the person training. For example, it is possible to provide an adaptive stopper system which is driven by a motor and which permits an automatic and individual adjustment of the amount of movement (extension-flexion) via the control device.

In a development of the invention, a seat which is adjustably mounted on the base frame by means of adjusting means is provided. The seat expediently has a backrest, the inclination of which can be adjusted. The position of the seat in relation to the pedals can also be adjusted along the base frame. Furthermore, a seat height adjustment is also provided. It is thus possible to set the optimal sitting position of the exercising person in relation to the pedals.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgeräts,
• 2 eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung von schräg oben des erfindungsgemäßen Trainingsgeräts von 1,
• 3 eine nochmalige perspektivische Darstellung des Trainingsgeräts mit Blickwinkel von links,
• 4 eine Seitenansicht des Trainingsgeräts von 1 und
• 5 eine Vorderansicht des Trainingsgeräts von 1.

A preferred embodiment is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

• 1 2 shows a perspective illustration of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the training device according to the invention,
• 2 a further perspective view obliquely from above of the exercise device of the invention of 1 .
• 3 another perspective view of the training device from the left,
• 4 a side view of the training device of 1 and
• 5 a front view of the training device of 1 ,

The 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention 11 , The training device 11 is explained below by way of example in the form of one for strength or resistance training of the legs of a exercising person. Of course, the lower torso area and the cardiovascular system are also trained via the active stress on the legs or feet of the exercising person. Furthermore, the reflexes and including cognitive skills the central and peripheral nervous system and thus the motor skills of the trainee are trained.

The training device 11 has a base frame 12 , on which several different functional units are arranged. The basic framework 12 is expediently constructed from square tubes into a rectangular basic shape. The base frame therefore advantageously consists of four frame parts fastened to one another in a rectangular shape 13a-d , It is a front frame part 13a provided on the spaced apart two transport rollers 14a . 14b are attached. About the transport rollers 14a . 14b the entire training device can be moved to a different position. On the front part of the frame 13a there is also a function module 15 which is a compressed air interface with a compressed air connection 16 and an electrical interface, for example a bus interface 17 , having. At the top of the first frame part 13a are force introduction means in the manner described in more detail below 18th attached, which are movable by the exercising person by applying a training force.

As especially in the 2 and 3 shown, close to the front frame part 13a two side frame parts 13b . 13c on. Between the two side frame parts 13b . 13c there is a cross member 19 , on the one hand with the one and on the other hand with the other side frame part 13b . 13c connected is. The cross member 19 divides the basic frame 12 in an active area 20th and a control area 21 , Between the front frame part 13a and the cross member 19 are parallel to the two side frame parts 13b . 13c aligned guide rods 22 arranged on which a seating unit 23 is linearly adjustable. The seat unit 23 includes a guide carriage 24 that of the guide rods 22 is enforced.

On the carriage 24 is a box-shaped seat support 25th attached to which a seat 26 is adjustable. The seat 26 includes a seat cushion 27 , a backrest 28 , a neck support 29 and a headrest 30th , There are also side guide elements on the backrest 31 , via which the exercising person experiences a lateral support or lateral guidance of the back. The seat 26 can be adjusted using a crank, for example 31 can include, adjust in height. The distance between the seat unit can also be adjusted 23 to the force application means 18th due to the linear displacement of the guide carriage 24 to adjust. It goes without saying that the design of the seat or the seat unit can also be carried out in a different way and that in the 1 to 5 seat unit shown is purely exemplary. Finally, the seat unit also includes an inclination adjustment, by means of which the inclination of the backrest and also the inclinations of the neck support and the headrest can be adjusted.

In the example, the force introduction means comprise 18th two independently movable pedals 32a . 32b , As especially in 5 shown, includes the right pedal shown there 32a a pedal lever 33a which rotatably by means of a bearing eye with a first output shaft 34a connected is. The pedal lever 33a is angled in itself and has a base section equipped with the bearing eye 35a and one with the base section 35a connected, in particular in one piece attached bearing section 36a , At the storage section 36a is a footplate 37a pivotally mounted. The training size of the exercising person introduced by means of the foot is thus applied to the output shaft via the pedal lever 34a transfer.

As especially in 5 shown is the left pedal 32b in a similar way to the right pedal 32a built up. The left pedal also consists of a pedal lever 33b which in turn is a base section 35b and a storage section 36b has. In contrast to the right pedal 32a is the pedal lever 33b of the left pedal 32b in one piece on a second output shaft 34b scheduled. The two output shafts 34a . 34b form a so-called shaft-in-shaft combination, the diameter of the second output shaft 34b is so large that it receives the first output shaft inside. Appropriate bearings allow the two output shafts to move relatively 34a . 34b guaranteed. The pedals 32a . 32b is a stopper system 50 assigned with which the pedal stroke of the pedals 32a . 32b , especially the pedal lever 33a . 33b limit. The pedal stroke of the pedals 32a . 32b can be limited independently. Each pedal can 32a . 32b a stopper must be assigned. The pedal stroke limitation is expediently carried out via a stop to which the assigned pedal lever 33a . 33b strikes. The stop can be infinitely adjusted over the total stroke of the pedal, which creates a stepless pedal stroke limitation. With the pedal stroke limitation, the freedom of movement of the trained body part of the exercising person can be deliberately limited in order to avoid damage caused by excessive movement on the body part. One example is the pedal stroke limitation to limit the knee angle, which prevents maximum extension and flexion of the knee, which is absolutely necessary, especially for people after cruciate ligament surgery, to avoid damage to the knee.

The force application 18th in the form of the pedals 32a . 32b are under the action of a resetting device which has to be overcome to move the force introduction means, that is to say the pedals 38 ,

In the example, the resetting device has two contraction units 39a . 39b , each a contraction hose which experiences a length contraction when its hose interior is pressurized with fluid 40a . 40b exhibit. The inner tube of the contraction tube 40a . 40b can be acted upon by a working fluid in the form of compressed air at a working pressure above atmospheric pressure in order to produce the counterforce. The compressed air is via the function module 15 and the compressed air connection 16 fed. As especially in the 1 and 2 shown is each pedal 32a . 32b a contraction unit 39a . 39b assigned. The two contraction units 39a . 39b of the embodiment have an identical structure. They each have one between a first and a second end piece 41a . 41b . 42a . 42b extending contraction tube 40a . 40b on, which is designed such that a fluid application by means of compressed air of its hose interior causes a length contraction of the associated contraction unit 39a . 39b and therefore a mutual approximation of the two end pieces 41a . 41b . 42a . 42b evokes.

The contraction tube 40a . 40b is in the embodiment of a hose made of rubber-elastic material 43a . 43b and one to the hose body 43a . 43b coaxial, preferably in the wall of the hose body 43a . 43b at least partially embedded tensile fiber arrangement (not shown) together.

During the hose body 43a . 43b for the hermetic sealing of the hose body 43a . 43b is responsible for the confined interior of the hose, the length contraction is largely based on the tensile fiber arrangement, which in the exemplary embodiment is composed of a large number of highly tensile but at the same time bendable fibers which have a crossover configuration, so that viewed in the radial direction, a type of lattice structure results. If a working fluid, for example compressed air, is applied to the interior of the hose, which is at a working pressure above atmospheric pressure, the lattice angle within the tensile fiber arrangement changes due to radial widening and consequently the inclination between the individual tensile fibers, which ultimately causes the desired length contraction. If the working pressure is reduced, the contraction tube stretches 40a . 40b and the length of the contraction unit increases again.

As especially in the 1 and 2 shown are a first contraction unit 39a , which is assigned to the right foot pedal, and a second contraction unit 39b assigned to the left foot pedal. The pedals 32a . 32b and their associated output shafts 34a . 34b are via transmission means in the form of lever gears with the corresponding contraction units 39a . 39b coupled. As especially in 2 shown is the outer, ie second contraction unit, the pedal on the left when viewed from the front 32b is assigned, with its first end piece 41b on a transmission lever 44b attached. The second tail 42b is on the rear frame part 13d attached. Between the two end pieces 41b . 42b As already mentioned above, the associated contraction tube extends 40b , The second contraction unit is in the state shown 39b , the contraction tube 40b , pressurized with compressed air, which results in a contraction in length and thus a shortening, that is, the approach of the two end pieces 41b . 42b , has resulted. The exercising person's foot pressure on the left pedal can be adjusted via the output shaft and the transmission lever 44b extend the contraction tube to its original position by overcoming a specific resistance. This is the basis of the resistance training of this training device.

The first contraction unit 39a is with its first and second end piece 41a . 42a also on the one hand on a transmission lever 44a and on the other hand a rear frame part 13d stored. The mode of operation is identical to that of the second contraction unit.

An essential element of the invention is a control device 45 to control the fluid exposure of the contraction tubes 40a . 40b depending on the training size. The control device can include, for example, control hardware that is in the control area 21 of the base frame is housed.

An essential element of the invention is a feedback device 46 for control and feedback by means of output means of the training variable generated by the exercising person. The feedback device 46 includes a processor that is on board the exercise machine 11 , for example also in the tax area 21 , is housed. Various training programs can be called up on the processor, the processor via an interface with the control device 45 is coupled. For example, wireless transmission using infrared or radio between the processor and the control device is suitable 45 ,

The feedback device comprises measuring means for measuring the training variable generated by the exercising person in the form of sensors. For example, it is possible to use force sensors that directly measure the force applied by the person exercising. Alternatively, however, it would also be possible to use displacement sensors that measure the change in length of the contraction tube.

The output means comprise an optical output in the form of a graphical user interface, which visualizes various training programs, results or information for the person training. In the example, there is a monitor 47 , for example a touch screen monitor is provided, which is attached to a linkage, which in turn is also on the front frame part 13a is stored. The display 47 expediently hangs in the field of vision of the exercising person. It is also possible to use a projector.

In order to ensure the best possible and most effective training for the exercising person, it is advisable to first determine the focus on which the training should be focused, e.g. building muscle, improving speed, training motor skills, reflexes or the like. Then the optimal sitting position of the exercising person is in the position with respect to the pedals by changing the seating unit accordingly 32a . 32b , the seat height and the back angle.

The next step is to determine which training program, which is tailored to the specific needs of the exercising person, should run. It is very important that the training program, which is already stored on the processor, for example, includes the cognitive skills of the person training. As an example, a training program in the form of a giant ski slalom visualized on the monitor and shown to the exercising person in a first-person perspective should be mentioned, in which the exercising person initiates the changes of direction using the pedals. To change the direction to the left, it is necessary to operate the right pedal, while to change the direction to the right, the left pedal 32b makes necessary.

The degree of change in direction is measured by the difference between the left and right pedal angle. In this case, the exercising person in a giant slalom goal must try to bypass this goal in the correct way by triggering a change of direction to the left or right, whereby the avoidance should of course be as close to the goal as possible. Through the feedback device, the exercising person immediately receives feedback on the success. It is possible, for example, to issue an error message if the gate is circumvented incorrectly, which may be acoustically highlighted. Because the processor has a comparator, the actual training variable, that is to say in the present case the extent of the change in direction, is compared with a target training variable specified by the training program, in the present case the ideal line, the comparator being compared with the output means for outputting a deviation is coupled. The deviation from the actual training size, for example actual line, from the target training size, for example ideal line, can, for example, be displayed immediately for the exercising person in a percentage or a number of points, the deviation of the actual line from the ideal line being all the greater in the latter case is, the smaller the score is. Of course, the actual and ideal line can also be visualized on the monitor.

Of course, it is also possible to run completely different training programs. There are no limits here. For example, it is possible to insert a so-called feed forward function, that is, to generate the training program only in-situ, for example by first determining which skills the exercising person has and thus, for example, by determining the training size applied by the pedals a neural network a training program tailored to it is created. It is therefore possible to use a self-learning system.

Claims (14)

Training device with force introduction means (18) which can be moved by the training person by applying a training force and which are under the action of a resetting device (38) to be overcome to move the force introduction means (18), and with a feedback device (46) for control and by means Output means for feedback of training quantities generated by the exercising person, characterized in that the resetting device (46) has at least one contraction unit (39a, 39b) with a contraction hose (40a, 40b) experiencing a length contraction when fluid is applied to its hose interior, the hose interior being used to cause this the counterforce can be acted upon by a working fluid which is at a working pressure above atmospheric pressure, and wherein a control device (45) for controlling the fluid loading of the contraction tube (40a, 40b) depending on at least one training variable is provided. Training device after Claim 1 , characterized in that a processor is provided on which various training programs can be called up and which is coupled to the control device (45) via an interface. Training device after Claim 2 , characterized in that the processor is on board the training device. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that measuring means are provided for measuring the training variables generated by the exercising person. Training device after Claim 4 , characterized in that the measuring means comprises sensors, in particular force sensors. Training device according to one of the Claims 2 to 5 , characterized in that the processor is set up to compare the training variable generated by the exercising person with a predetermined training task. Training device according to one of the Claims 2 to 6 , characterized in that the processor has a comparator for comparing the current actual training size applied by the exercising person with a target training size specified by the training program, the comparator with the output means for outputting a deviation of the actual training size from the target training size is coupled. Training device after Claim 7 , characterized in that the output means are designed as optical output means which have a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface preferably having a monitor (47), in particular a touch screen monitor. Training device after Claim 8 , characterized in that the monitor (47) is set up to display the currently running training program with a course of the target training size and a course of the actual training size as well as a measure of the deviation of the actual training size from the target training size. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force introduction means have two pedals (32a, 32b) which can be moved independently of one another and are each coupled to an associated contraction unit (39a, 39b). Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a base frame (12) on which the contraction units (39a, 39b) are mounted, which on the other hand are each coupled to the assigned pedals (32a, 32b) in particular via the transmission means. Training device after Claim 11 , characterized in that the transmission means are designed as a gear, preferably a lever gear is provided. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a seat unit (21) mounted adjustably on the base frame by means of adjusting means. Training device according to one of the Claims 10 to 13 , characterized in that a stopper system is provided to limit the pedal stroke.

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