DE3031313A1 - Home training exercise machine - has preset threshold signal generator, comparator and visual audio warning if effort is below target - Google Patents

Abstract

This home training machine, e.g. bicycle, provides added incentive and interest by simulating a competitor whose performance one would attempt to beat, thus resulting in greater effort. This is achieved by using a threshold signal generator, a comparator and a visual display and audio source which emits a warning signal if the effort is below a pre-set target. Signals generated by a threshold signal generator represent pre-set speed and distance covered. A detector monitors actual effort and produces an analogue signal. The signals are compared in a comparator which is followed by a visual/acoustic warning signal source.

Description

Electronic competition simulator for a training device Die The invention relates to an electronic competition simulator for a home exercise device, such as exercise bike, exercise bike rowing boat or the like, with a sensor that generates an electrical signal representative of physiological performance, and one from the signal controlled display for the training performance.

For home exercise equipment, such as exercise bikes in particular, it is common to have display devices for the to apply the training performance, i.e. for an exercise bike the the current speed or the distance covered. In most In cases, the display works mechanically by placing on the axle of the driven wheel, which in turn is braked by a friction belt or by eddy current devices is connected to a flexible shaft leading to a mechanical speedometer display device Leads where the number of revolutions as the driving speed and the number of revolutions processed as a distance and reproduced on corresponding pointer and number displays will. In some more modern arrangements, the display is no longer mechanical, but electronically, but the principle of operation is the same.

In addition, a timer is often provided that points to a certain time of for example 30 min can be set and after expiry emits an acoustic signal during this time and thus gives the trainee a certain Training time certified.

The physiological performance required by the trainee is medium an adjustment lever can be varied in order to meet the needs of the service to be provided of the trainee to be able to adapt.

In the case of more expensive devices, an ergometer is also provided that each indicates the power achieved in watts at different speeds. Such a thing Training equipment is shown, for example, in Catalog 1, Exclusiv 79 "from Kettler, the i.a.

represents the type 7940 bicycle ergometer.

Despite these sometimes quite extensive fittings on the home exercise equipment For many users, prolonged training is quite monotonous and unsatisfactory in the long run. In contrast to training on conventional bicycles on appropriate bike paths or racetracks, in particular, there is a lack of the "competitive opponent" to be lapped seeks. This "competitor" can through the previously known facilities, even if they work with complicated electronic circuits, not supplied will.

The object of the invention is to create an electronically operating Competition simulator for exercise equipment such as exercise bike, exercise bike, boat or the like, through which the trainee is compared to a "competitor", which he has to trump in order to make training much more interesting and make it more fun.

This problem is solved according to the characterizing part of the main claim by a threshold signal generator, .ein the signals of the threshold signal generator and the comparators receiving the sensor and one connected downstream of the comparator optical and / or acoustic signaling device that sends a signal outputs when the power sensed by the probe is below that of the threshold signal generator delivered value is.

The "competitor" is thus formed by the threshold signal generator, according to developments of the present invention either a certain driving speed can specify, or a certain route section that z. B. in possible a short time - at least less time than entered - must be covered, so that the warning signal does not sound and indicates that the required performance is not was achieved.

Further embodiments of the present invention are made possible by further lent claims.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments he utters, which are shown in the drawings.

It shows Fig. 1 in a perspective view of an exercise bike, which is equipped with the electronic competition simulator according to the invention; 2 shows the electronic competition simulator in a block diagram; and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the housing of the competition simulator with the various Button, switching and display devices.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a conventional one Exercise bike 10, consisting of a stand 12 with saddle 14, pedals 16 and handlebars 18. The pedals are via a toothed chain transmission, not shown with a flywheel 20 in connection, which has a braking device not shown, braked adjustable like band brake or eddy current brake will. A dynamo, which cannot be seen in FIG. 1, is attached to the axis of the flywheel 20 22 (Fig. 2) driven, which generates an alternating voltage, the frequency of which is proportional to the speed of the flywheel 20 (the generated voltage is also of the speed dependent, but runs into a saturation value when a certain minimum speed is reached inside). The braking force is adjusted by means of an adjusting device 26, which has a lever 28, through which, for example, via a Bowden cable 24 the tightening force of a brake band is gradually adjustable. The lever 28 can but also an adjustable resistor to operate in this way over a electrical cable to set the eddy current braking force.

In addition to this braking force adjuster 26 is in the driver's field of vision another z. B. arranged on the handlebar 18 attached box 30, the inside contains the electronics of the competition simulator according to the invention and on his End face various buttons, switches and display devices shown in more detail in FIG. 3 wearing. The box is connected to the Dynamo 22 and possibly also connected to the braking force adjuster 26.

In Fig. 2, the circuit of the competition simulator according to the invention is schematically shown.

The dynamo 22, which, for example, has an alternating voltage of 6 V. a frequency of a few hertz to a few hundred hertz is about a cable 32, which leads to the housing 30 of the simulator, with a rectifier 34 connected, which can for example consist of a diode bridge. The diode bridge On the one hand, 34 supplies a direct voltage component, which may be interposed A rechargeable battery 36 is supplied by smoothing and regulating elements is, the operating supply connections not shown in detail 38 the individual components of the simulator with the necessary operating voltage supplied by, for example, a few volts. In addition, sockets 40 of the Housing 30, the battery 36 also by means of a external charger charge.

The DC voltage component output by the rectifier 34 is superimposed a ripple, the fundamental frequency of which is twice the frequency of the operating frequency of the dynamo 22 and which by means of known pulse shaping devices 42 can be converted into a pulse train whose pulse repetition frequency is the same for example twice the frequency of the alternating current generated by the dynamo 22 is. The pulse repetition frequency is thus essentially proportional to the speed of the flywheel 20 and thus to the "driving speed", which z. B. in "km / h" expresses.

It is clear that this is done instead of generating pulses with the help of an alternating current dynamo other pulse generating devices can also be used, such as the Generation of pulses by means of light barriers, which are controlled by openings in the wheel 20 will. Alternatively, it could also be secured by projections on the wheel 20 or on the wheel Magnets and corresponding pick-up devices attached to the frame 12 are speed-dependent Pulse sequence are generated.

The pulse train of the sensor, which is provided with the reference number 44 in FIG 22, 42 is fed to a control unit 46, the digital linking devices includes, on the one hand from the pulse train 44, but on the other hand from control buttons 48, 50 and 52 as well as by a clock signal 54 are influenced by a crystal oscillator 56 and divided down in a divider 58 to the desired clock frequency will.

Two counters 60, 62 are controlled by the control unit 46, the Counter 60 adds up the pulses 44 derived from the dynamo 22 and the counter contents at certain time intervals that are supplied by a control unit 46 via line 64 Clock signal are set, stored in a memory 66.

By the signal on clock line 64, which, for example, every half Second may occur, the counter will open at the same time "0" reset. A digital value is thus available in memory 66 every half second, which is proportional to the number of pulses per unit of time, d. H. proportional the speed of the wheel 20 or the driving speed. The memory contents will a decoding and driver stage 68 is supplied which, on the one hand, converts the Memory content (dual) in decimal numbers and on the other hand that to the driver stage 68 connected digital numeric display 70 actuated. This digital number display is located in the embodiment shown here, see Fig. 3, in the upper right corner of the Frontfläz of the box 30 and has three digits.

The output of the memory 66 is also fed to an encoder 72, which outputs an actual value A to a comparator 74.

A second input of the comparator is provided by an encoder 76 a signal B is supplied. The input of this encoder 76 is connected to the output of the already mentioned further counter 62 in connection, which inter alia. also by a pulse generator 78 is controllable. This pulse generator 78 generates with a certain pulse repetition frequency for example, two pulses per second control signals for the counter 62, as soon as the VorgalDetaste 80 for the driving speed is pressed. In the counter 62 is therefore continuously a speed-related when the key 80 is depressed The default value is increased in steps, the value arising in the memory 62 encoded via the encoder 76 and on a display 82, for example in the form of a Row of light emitting diodes 84, is shown. As soon as the default speed desired by the driver, z. B. 35 km / h is reached, which is indicated by the lighting of this speed value associated diode 84 is displayed, the driver releases the button 80 again and the counter content 62 is no longer changed. The specified target value "B" is also fed to comparator 74. Now the driver begins in the Pedals 16 and he then actuates the start button 48 is via line 86 the comparator made a between the two input values "A" and "B" Carry out comparison. If the actual value "A" is greater than the target value "B", it happens nothing. However, it is Actual value "A" smaller than the target value "B", a control signal is sent to a downstream alarm stage 88 whereupon this Stage 88 emits a signal in some form, for example an acoustic signal, whereby the driver is informed that he is driving at the specified speed has not reached or has fallen below. His "opponent" is then "faster" than he, d. That is, he has to keep his "speed" by stepping harder on the pedals increase until he has caught up with his opponent and the warning tone of alarm 88 ceases.

The comparison is made at regular intervals of, for example eier half a second carried out, controlled via line 8 so that the driver through Immediate reaction and "faster" driving quickly silence the alarm tone can bring.

It has shown that this simula- tion of a Ct, gner's training makes you extremely interested and amused on the home exercise machine.

The device according to the invention can be tert in various Einsich. For example, instead of a f @@@@@@@@ a value for the driving speed With the help of corresponding electronic circuits, a variable value can also be used as a reference value the the. This could be done, for example, with the help of a microprocessor 90, of the corresponding programs stored in it, the value of the counter 62 in such a way controls that the driver's speed to be reached is not constant, but changes in a certain way, for example sinusför term with a period of a few minutes by a certain value, for example that of the key 80 entered W (+ rt is, fluctuates, or also sawtooth-shaped around this value fluctuates, or changes in other ways.

The braking force adjuster 26 could also be equipped with the inventive Simulator 30 be linked in a certain way, e.g. B. such that the microprocessor 90 changes the braking force in a predetermined manner and thereby z. B. mountain climbs or Simulated headwind.

Conversely, the brake force adjuster could also use the microprocessor 90 influence and, if the braking force setting is high, cause him to switch to another program, than with a lower braking force setting.

The control unit 46 could also be designed so that by the Control unit several programs are realizable. For example, in addition to the Specification of the speed in km / h also entered a certain distance in km such as by means of the key 52. This key 52 can be used as shown in FIG. 3 also consist of two keys, by means of which the units digit and the tens digit a two-digit decimal kilometer specification can be keyed in and, for example are shown on a further digital display 92 (target value). For representation of the actual value (distance actually traveled) can be shown by another digital display be provided, or it is the display device for reasons of economy or space for the driving speed, reference numeral 70 in Fig. 3, is used, with a changeover switch 94, for example in the form of a small slide switch, determines whether the display 70 shows the distance traveled in km or the driving speed in km / h.

As a further alternative, the circuit could also be made in this way be that the predetermined number of kilometers, reference number 92, after the Los drive yourself according to the distance covered, until finally the value "O" is achieved. At the same time, the driver could then use the display 70 to determine his driving speed read off and thus ensure that it always exceeds the set target value, whereupon he pointed out the warning tone regardless of this display will.

Through these different possibilities, the use of the training becomes rades very versatile and interesting. The device can still be controlled by a timer expand, which can be controlled in a simple manner by the oscillator 56 and For example, the time in minutes and after pressing the start button 48 Seconds on the basis of a further luminous numeric display 96 reproduces.

To monitor the body functions of the driver would also still be It is advantageous to provide a heart rate counter, which is also simple can be operated by the already existing electronics. In addition is only a sensor that can be clamped onto the earlobe, for example, is also required, which the Heart rate scans and counting device controlled by a corresponding pointer to a display showing the heart rate per minute, see the Display 98 in FIG. 3.

To complete the description of FIG. 3, it should be mentioned that that a switch 100 is also provided on the front surface of the housing 30 to to be able to switch the overall arrangement on and off.

With the help of the timer, you can also do another training program realize, in which, for example, the time that the driver needs is measured, to cover an entered distance of e.g. 24 km. That can be for example the time shown in FIG. 3 of 16 minutes and 52 seconds.

These display devices enable the driver to use his to keep accurate records of achievements from day to day and so for example to make an increase in performance measurable.

The following programs have proven to be particularly effective: 1. A certain route and a certain travel time are specified, z. B. 20 km in 60 min.

2. There will be a minimum speed and a minimum travel distance specified (e.g. 20 km with at least 13 km / h).

3. There will be a certain travel time and a certain travel speed specified (e.g. 30 minutes at a driving speed of at least 20 km / h).

If the entered values are undercut or not reached, an acoustic warning signal occurs.

In order to be able to bring the entered values back to "0", the Reset button 50 is provided, with which all counters and other default values can be reset to "O".

It should also be mentioned that instead of a bicycle, of course other training devices can also be connected to the competition simulator according to the invention for example, an exercise bike rowboat could be provided with a pulse generator which, depending on the number of strokes of the oar, generates a pulse signal chain generated, which in turn is a measure of the "driving speed" or "driving distance" of the Boat is.

Claims (20)

Patent application: Electronic competition simulator for a Home exercise equipment, such as exercise bike, exercise bike rowboat or the like., With a sensor that measures the physiological performance (e.g. driving distance, driving speed) Generated representative electrical signal, and one controlled by the signal Display for training performance, characterized by a threshold signal generator (62, 78, 80; 90), one of the signals of the threshold value signal generator and that of the Sensor (22, 34, 42, 60) receiving comparator (74) and by a comparator (74) downstream optical and / or acoustic signaling device (88), which a Outputs a signal when the power sensed by the sensor is below that of the threshold signal generator delivered value is. 2. Competition simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that that the signals of the threshold value signal generator (62, 78, 80; 90) the driving speed represent. 3. Competition simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals of the threshold value signal generator (62, 52; 90) cover a section of the route represent. 4. Competition simulator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that that the signal emitted by the sensor (22) represents an analog signal whose Size the physiological power unit such as the current driving speed reproduces and that the sensor (22) is an analog-to-digital converter which digitizes the analog signal is downstream. 5. Competition simulator according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that that the signal emitted by the sensor (22) represents a pulse rate signal, at to which each impulse a certain physiological unit of energy such as the distance traveled represents. 6. Competition simulator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized characterized in that the home exercise device has the shape of a bicycle (10) and the driven wheel (20) is an ac dynamo constituting the sensor (22) drives whose frequency is proportional to the speed of the wheel (20) that the dynamo (22) is followed by a rectifier (34) and this is followed by a pulse shaper (42) whose output represents the actual value signal for the competition simulator. 7. competition simulator according to claim 6, characterized in that the rectifier (34) a supply voltage device (36) for the supply the competition simulator circuit with operating energy is connected downstream. 8. competition simulator according to claim 7, characterized in that the supply voltage device (36) has a buffer accumulator, which also can be charged by an external charger (40). 9. Competition simulator according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized characterized in that the braking force of the exercise bike (10) is adjustable in steps (28) and the pulse rate signal emitted by the sensor (22) is a frequency divider is supplied, the division ratio of which corresponds to the selected braking force of the exercise bike (10) is variable, such that a certain output pulse of the frequency divider a certain kilowatt-hour output produced by the trainee regardless of the set braking force. 10. Competition simulator according to claim 9, characterized in that that the braking force adjuster (26) influences the threshold value signal generator (90), in such a way that, depending on the braking force set, the threshold signal generator (90) show a different time course generated threshold signals. 11. Competition simulator according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized by a clock generator (56, 58), the clock signal of which via a control unit (46) storage devices (66) is supplied which, under control of this clock signal, contains the content of an upstream Retrieve and store counter (60), and that the clock signal then the counter (60) resets, and that the clock signal is also fed to the comparator (74), to cause this to the content (A) of the memory (66) with that in a further Counter (62) to compare the threshold value signal (B) stored as a digital value and to send a signal to an alarm device (88) when the first-mentioned value (A) falls below the second mentioned value (B). 12. Competition simulator according to claim 11, characterized in that that the second value (B, desired value) from a switch-operated (80) pulse generator (78) is delivered. 13. Competition simulator according to claim 11, characterized in that that the second value (B, desired value) from a switch-operated digital shift register (52, 46, 62) is generated. 14. Competition simulator according to claim 11, characterized in that that the target value is supplied by a programmed microprocessor (90). 15. Competition simulator according to claim 14, characterized in that that the microprocessor (90) also controls the brake force adjuster (26). 16. Competition simulator according to claim 14, characterized in that that the microprocessor (90) increases the nominal value by a value entered by means of the button (80) Fixed value sinusoidal or sawtooth with a period between 0.5 and let sway for 5 minutes. 17. Competition simulator according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that that for program control of the microprocessor (90) programmable read-only memory devices (PROM memory) are used. 18. Competition simulator according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized characterized in that the parts of the competition simulator connected downstream of the sensor (22) in a housing (30) that can be attached to the exercise bike (10) in the direction of view of the driver are housed, the setting switches or buttons on its front surface (48, 50, 52, 80; 94, 100) for setting and resetting as well as digital number displays (70, 92, 96, 98, 82) for displaying fictitious actual values of driving speed, Has driving time, driving distance and corresponding target values. 19. Competition simulator according to claim 18, characterized in that that the housing (30) is one of a number of indicator lamps (84) such as light-emitting diodes Existing display tape (82) for the target value of the driving speed (or driving distance) having. 20. Competition simulator according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a cardiac impulse is sent to the competition simulator the driver sensing sensor can be connected and that its signal by means of a clocked counter located in the competition simulator into a the number of pulses per Minute displaying digital signal converted and this a digital display (98) is fed. Description: