DE102017010163A1 - Stationary pedelec ergometer system - Google Patents

Abstract

A stationary ergometer system consisting of a standard bicycle with electric drive (pedelec) (6), commercial roller trainer (7), sensors (8,9), specific control unit (1) and optional data connection to a planning, documentation and evaluation system (2 ), characterized in that the control unit controls the system components as a function of a programmed training course and or an intelligent, sensor - dependent control so that typical ergometer training such as heart rate or power controlled training can be realized. In this case, methods are used to transmit and use the sensor technology of the pedelec, such as power and rotational speed measurement (8) and vital parameters sensor technology, such as heart rate measurement (9), preferably wirelessly to control unit and preferably to control the support levels of the pedelec according to the desired training course , In order to optimize the training success, the parameters of the individual trainings can be transferred to an online portal in order to carry out corresponding evaluations by the user (3) himself, by third parties (4) or an online assistant (5) and to carry out training adjustments, which then be transferred back to the control unit.
The system is suitable for rehabilitation as well as for prevention and general physical activity and can be combined well with existing stationary ergometers and or mobile ergometer systems to form a training network.

Description

The invention relates generally to a computer and motor-based training device and to the methods for its control and evaluation of the training done.

Specifically, it is a stationary, pedelec-based ergometer system with roller trainer, sensor and control unit or control unit, typically implemented as an app on a smartphone / tablet or PC and method for support or brake control depending on a programmed training course and or an intelligent, sensor-dependent control.

The app can display the received and processed training parameters and transmit them to an online data portal. Through the portal further evaluations and also consultations by third parties and or an automated assessment by an online assistant can be made.

(State of the art) Due to the comprehensive, proven in many studies training advantages, the ergometer has established itself both in the field of rehabilitation and as a home trainer. It offers excellent cardiovascular training and is especially suitable for those who are recovering after rehab and for seniors. The body is supplied with more oxygen, the blood circulation is improved and the blood pressure can be lowered. The exerciser feels physically and mentally fitter. The round movement offers, as in normal cycling, a very joint-gentle training. Especially for seniors, the ease of handling and training while seated is well suited and safer, such as walking. the treadmill training.

Commercially available good ergometers offer from the manual setting of the pedaling performance to the computer-controlled pulse and / or speed-dependent, automatically controlled pedaling resistance, so that e.g. trained in his optimal pulse range or the predetermined performance complies with a wide range of possibilities and both ready-made training programs and or individual settings, each with different characteristics, the sensor signals used for control.

As an alternative to the fixed, integrated ergometer, roller coaches have become established, where the user can harness his "normal bike", with which he is also out of the house, for "indoor training". Here again, analogous to the ergometer, there is a wide range of roller trainers with manually adjustable tread resistors, up to the sensor-dependent control of the braking effect, which are partly implemented via apps and wireless interface (for example Bluetooth).

In recent years, the pedelec (colloquially usually referred to as e-bike) has become more and more a "normal bike" and has received in particular for seniors, still the primary clientele for exercise bikes, a broad agreement.

(Problem description) There are many ergometers with ingenious control possibilities and evaluation programs and there are simple to feature role trainer systems for bicycles, to train in bad weather "indoor" on his usual bike.

Meanwhile, there are also a growing number of pedelecs on the bike market, but usually mothballed in the winter / bad weather period, e.g. standing in the basement. So far, there is no suitable system to make these pedelecs usable for an integrated training experience and to optimally realize the health benefits of the associated movement.

(Solution description) The goal of the invention is to optimally use these pedelecs, which have already been ergonomically and individually adapted to the user when they are purchased, as a "stationary pedelec ergometer" at home and integrate them into a more comprehensive health management system. Thus, even with a relatively simple role typical ergometer profiles can be trained and the training values for further evaluations are stored.

Central element is the data processing and control of the system elements via a control unit, typically an app that is installed on a smartphone, PC or tablet.

With the degree of control of the system components, even more complex training scenarios can be mapped.

A pedelec ergometer consists of at least the components pedelec, roller trainer and app and can be extended by the components Vitalparameter Sensorik und Datenportal. In the following, all system components are introduced briefly.

System components:

Pedelec (Fig 1)

With the common pedelecs (like in 1 There are various configurations of the drive system such as mid-engine or rear wheel motor ( 2 ) with matching battery ( 3 ) and various gear shifting systems ( 8th ). A manually controlled training, analogous to bicycles without motor and minimal training protocol is possible in principle with all Pedelectypen.

In order to realize a "pedelec ergometer" according to the invention with a standard roller trainer, a suitable pedelec should be capable of communication and control, that is to say it must offer the possibility, by means of an interface, eg Bluetooth, to be transmitted through a control unit (FIG. 1 ) at least the support level and at best all recorded pedelec data, such as pedaling power ( 4 ), Engine power ( 5 ) etc. to the Control Unit.

The normal ergometers and roller trainers on the market increase or decrease the braking performance of the brake unit, while the pedelec ergometer increases or decreases the assistance of the engine in order to shape the dynamics of the training.

At the gearshift ( 8th ) there are also variations. Typical here are derailleurs, where the translation is varied by selecting a corresponding chainring and thus a control variable for the pedaling resistance is given. Also possible are electronic switching systems where the ratio and thus also the pedaling power to be applied (for a given cadence frequency) can be automatically selected or adjusted via a switching command from the Control Unit.

In Pedelec drive systems, there are some with recuperation (engine in braking generator mode and charging the battery) and systems without recuperation.

Both systems are in principle suitable for the pedelec ergometer, although the drive systems with recuperation have a higher control bandwidth, i. by the appropriate control of the engine, the load on the driver can be reduced (positive control = drive) or increased (negative control = generator operation, additional braking effect) and are therefore most suitable for the pedelec ergometer.

In addition to the already mentioned function blocks of the Pedelec, a holder for the Control Unit ( 7 ), a cadence sensor ( 6 ), as well as further pedelec data, such as wheel speed ( 9 ) or torque typical components of a suitable Pedelecs.

Roller Trainer (Fig 2)

The popular roller trainers ( 11 ) work on the principle that the resistance of the brake unit ( 12 ) can be set variably via different mechanisms. In 2 is a manual setting via a control unit ( 13 ) shown schematically. For more advanced models, this operation can also be programmatic via an interface.

In the invention discussed here, a simple roller trainer is sufficient in which a base resistance is preselected as a function of the individual fitness state, and then the further dynamics of the training are defined by the corresponding motor drive. The pedaling resistance is thus modulated by the control of the motor.

Only when large dynamics of training are required, such as In competitive athletes, if necessary, the other settings for the pedaling resistance (translation of the circuit and braking resistance of the brake unit) by the controller in the control unit must be taken into account.

Control Unit (App) _ (Fig 2)

The Control Unit ( 1 ) is responsible for the control of the system components and for the data communication and processing and also represents the user interface. It is typically implemented as an app on a smartphone, PC or tablet.

In this system configuration, the term "app" includes the corresponding hardware, the communication interfaces and the user interface and is used synonymously with the term control unit or control unit.

With the help of the app training can be configured or adapted, or preconfigured trainings via an appropriate interface, e.g. over the Internet, to be received. During a training session, the app receives and processes the corresponding sensor data, informs the user of training status and progress, and controls the system components, e.g. the Pedelec engine in a way that the desired training process is implemented.

Sensor technology (Fig 2)

With the help of appropriate sensors, the app receives the data necessary for the individual control of the pedelec ergometer and for the documentation of the training.

The Pedelec Controler provides data from the integrated Pedelec sensor system such as engine power ( 4 ), Pedaling ( 5 ), Torque ( 10 ), Wheel speed ( 8th ) etc. and the user-oriented vital sensor system ( 15 ) provides data that provide information about the load situation of the user, such as heart rate, ECG etc.

This data, as well as certain user settings such as height, weight, fitness condition etc. ( 14 ) are relevant for the individual and real-time control of the defined training profiles. For example, for heart rate controlled training, the heart rate is measured and monitored, and the app controls the motor assist to vary the pedaling resistance so that the resulting strain on the pedal moves the heart rate within the target range.

Online Portal (Fig 3)

Via the online portal ( 2 ), the training parameters (all sensor values and results) are stored and are available for further evaluations and training optimizations for the user himself, but also for third parties (training partner, training group, trainer, therapist, service provider, etc.) or an online assistant (Computer Assisted Training, CAT).

Illustrated training successes and comparisons with others are essential factors for the motivation to train. Necessary or desired training adjustments are detected and can be transferred from the portal back to the app, where they are available for further training control.

In order to complete possible home training scenarios, other training systems, such as the traditional ergometer ( 10 ) or the mobile ergometer ( 11 ), as in DE 10 2016 003 784 A1 described in claim 12, via the control unit ( 1 ).

Training control and documentation:

By means of the illustrated system components, the stationary pedelec ergometer system can be set up and by means of the control unit a large number of common or possible ergometer training courses can be stored, adapted, executed, logged and, if necessary, synchronized with settings on the portal.

• - Herzfrequenzgesteuertes Training
• - Leistungsgesteuertes Training
• - Intervall Training
• - Vergleichs Training etc.

Typical training settings are:

• - Heart rate controlled training
• - Performance-based training
• - Interval training
• - Comparison training etc.

In each case after the appropriate program, by the control unit, the pedal load is set or varied so that the set training parameters are met.

(Embodiment) An embodiment of the disclosed invention of a stationary pedelec ergometer, as in 2 is a commercial pedelec with derailleur and rear-wheel motor, which can be operated both in positive (drive) and in negative (recuperation) support level. The rear wheel of the pedelec, which is already equipped at the factory (or via a retrofit option) with a suitable axle or corresponding axle nuts for inclusion in the roller trainer, is firmly placed in a commercial roller trainer, with manual adjustment of the brake resistor. A smartphone mount is mounted on the handlebar, into which a corresponding smartphone with a specific app can be plugged in and represents the control unit.

A trainer, who wants to complete a heart rate controlled training, still puts on a suitable, commercially available heart rate chest strap with sensor and selects on the smartphone the desired training, which was previously configured either on the smartphone or on the Internet, connected portal.

In another presetting, he has selected a suitable pedaling resistance via the brake unit of the roller trainer, which he no longer needs to change in the further course of the training and chooses a suitable gear, which he usually does not have to change for his selected training. The inserted gear defines the pedal ratio. Thus, as an alternative to a cadence meter, the displayed pedelec speed, which is derived from the wheel speed, serve as the cadence rate and can be displayed from a corresponding conversion in the control unit or read from a corresponding conversion table.

In principle, the pedaling resistance can be changed by the selected gear, by the setting on the brake unit of the roller trainer and by the control of the electric motor.

The exemplary embodiment is to be understood as an example and should by no means limit the scope of the invention. There are various combinations of different pedelecs, roller trainers and sensors, which may be controlled differently by the control unit and may be optimally used in the training programs and can not be shown here in full. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the claims below.

(Advantages) A pedelec driver can be, usually quite expensive and individually adjusted bicycle, very simply and inexpensively on stationary ergometer or winter training mode convert and use thus year-round, weather-independent for training purposes. Ideally, he has already paid attention to this stationary ergometer option when purchasing and his pedelec has both an external communication and control function as well as a compatible with the roller trainer recording axis or appropriate axle nuts, so that it can be clamped in the trainer without further ado. He can simply start the appropriate tax app on his smartphone and start with the desired training program. Via the data interface, all relevant performance parameters of the pedelec are available to the control unit. For the usual training programs a simple, cost-effective roller trainer is sufficient.

If the app is not yet on the smartphone, it can simply be downloaded to the smartphone via an App Store (for example Google Play Store) and configured accordingly.

(Further design) For the storage of the training data, further evaluations and optimal training adaptations the app can synchronize the data with a portal. This allows the training to be shared with third parties, compared with partners or groups, and further optimized.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102016003784 A1 [0032]

Claims (6)

The invention consists in making a commercially available, equipped with communication interface pedelec on a commercial roller trainer by means of an intelligent control unit as a stationary ergometer ergometer training so usable that program-controlled and or sensor-dependent training and their documentation are simple, inexpensive and comfortable possible. In general use, smart phone apps have established, which is why the preferred implementation of the control unit is an app on a smartphone and the control unit is also referred to below as an app. As usual with today's technology, the app is loaded onto the smartphone from the corresponding app store and managed via the app store. The app can also be implemented on tablet or PC. Overall, the key advantage of the invention is that the user can combine his individual and control-compatible pedelec with a commercial roller trainer and must specify no solid support performance, but his desired. individual load, such as defined by the pulse rate, preselected, which is maintained by the automatic adjustment of the support power (PLUS or MINUS) even with static braking resistors. This brings a decisive comfort advantage for the normal user and offers the sporty user up to the high performance athlete new possibilities to make the training much more interesting and effective. The invention is characterized by the following features: 1.1. The app receives the pedelec status and sensor information, such as engine power, pedaling, speed, etc. continuously via a suitable interface, such as Bluetooth 1.2. The app can drive the electric motor of the pedelec, in contrast to the usual manual selection of support for the normal pedelec, in very fine tuning or continuously via the interface as in 1.1. drive. This is an important feature to be able to regulate the support according to the training profiles. 1.3. The app can also take values of vital parameters sensors, such as z, B. Receive heart rate in order to adapt or regulate training sequences according to individual exercise requirements. 1.4. Corresponding algorithms are implemented in the app to automatically adjust the braking effect of the Pedelec Motor and / or Roller Trainer system components via suitable control commands. Especially here is the intelligent control of the Pedelec engine, which modulates the brake resistance experienced by the user (eg more motor drive, less braking resistance) to enable a specific training sequence or training regulation. 1.5. The app recognizes from the training program and the present sensor values whether the load of the driver must be increased or reduced and controls the system components accordingly. For example, the Pedelec motor can be switched to a certain drive level to reduce the load or to a certain Rekuperationsstufe (braking effect) to increase the load. If necessary, the app can also give switching recommendations to extend the value range of the treadmill resistance. 1.6. In order to realize the possibly required training dynamics in more intensive training sessions, the app can also vary the derailleur ratio, and thus another manipulated variable for the pedaling resistance. This can be done by a request to the user the appropriate gear or in the case of an electronic switching system, via a switching command from the control unit also be carried out automatically. 1.7. App can also control and document certain training profiles, such as performance-based interval training or level training, without measured vital signs (performance, speeds, distances, etc.), where specific services can be requested over certain time courses. 1.8. With appropriate vital parameters, such as heart rate, which are preferably transmitted to the app via a wireless interface (eg Bluetooth), the app allows to carry out further individual training profiles such as heart rate controlled training, where depending on the burden of the user (determined in the example Pulse rate) the support or braking effect is controlled so that the load is kept within a defined range. In the example, the pulse rate is the control variable for controlling the support level, but other vital parameters are analogously conceivable and, if necessary, combined with other parameters in the control algorithm. This type of training is particularly suitable for cardiac patients who need to adjust their load slowly and in a controlled manner to their rehabilitation progress. 1.9. The app provides the user interface to inform the user about status and current values or warnings, and allows user input such as configurations, training goals, personal values such as body weight, fitness level, selected gear (treadle ratio) etc. to be made. 1.10. The app can be configured according to the different pedelec version and in particular distinguish between pedelecs with and without recuperation and with center or rear wheel motor. In a special version, the app can also incorporate interface-equipped "mobile pedelec ergometers" and traditional, stationary ergometers alike. 11.1. The app can be configured according to the different role trainers and in particular distinguish between role trainers with and without control interface. 1.12. The app can manage various users who identify themselves via a login or suitable technical aids or sensors (eg fingerprint, RFID chip, etc.). This allows the use of the system in families and other organizations. 1.13. The app can communicate with an online portal to save training data for documentation and further evaluations and receive training recommendations or training programs. 1.14. The app can be used in a version with medical approval for patients and appropriate rehabilitation programs. In order to make the stationary pedelec ergometer easily accessible even for the technical layman, the suitable pedelec is optionally equipped by the manufacturer with roller compatibility, i. either a corresponding rear axle or suitable axle nuts, which fit into the suspension of the roller trainer, installed. The cadence relevant to the training execution or control is measured in 2 alternative ways and optionally displayed in the app a. Derivation and representation of the cadence from the dynamically fluctuating torque curve b. Derivation and representation of the cadence from the translation (gait) and the correlating speed Trainings can be configured and customized within the app, but they can also be configured on an online portal and transferred to the app via the online connection. In a further expansion stage, the stationary pedelec ergometer will be integrated with a compatible online portal into a comprehensive training and health management system, where both the individual progress and achievements can be assessed and where further, corresponding services are integrated. Illustrated training successes and comparisons with others are essential factors for the motivation to train. Necessary or desired training adjustments are detected and can be transferred from the portal back to the app, where they are available for further training control. Other possibilities, which are already well-known in the literature and known to define training with computer-assisted distance and / or stress profiles, can be integrated in order to design the training according to individual preferences. Elementary functions of this portal are: • Bidirectional data connection over the internet with the app • Storage of all trainings and their data • Management and presentation of data according to different criteria • Analysis of the data and presentation of progress or deviations relative to one's own trainings and / or to the training of partners, group members, relevant age group, etc. • Training planning, training documentation and reports • sharing of shared data with third parties, such as Training partner, training group, trainer, therapist, service provider etc. • Integration of additional consulting services, also from third parties and service providers • Intelligent and automatic online assistant that evaluates the training progress based on defined parameters and gives training recommendations (Computer Assisted Training, CAT) • Integration of mobile pedelec ergometers and or traditional ergometers via the same app In a further development, the controller may also include other control parameters, e.g. automatically adjust the pedaling resistance of the pulley and or automatically actuate the pedelec gearshift.

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