EP1354612A1 - Method for controlling an electric treadmill - Google Patents

Method for controlling an electric treadmill Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1354612A1
EP1354612A1 EP02008676A EP02008676A EP1354612A1 EP 1354612 A1 EP1354612 A1 EP 1354612A1 EP 02008676 A EP02008676 A EP 02008676A EP 02008676 A EP02008676 A EP 02008676A EP 1354612 A1 EP1354612 A1 EP 1354612A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
operator
control console
treadmill
recited
control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02008676A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1354612B1 (en
Inventor
Leao Wang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP20020008676 priority Critical patent/EP1354612B1/en
Priority to DE2002609585 priority patent/DE60209585T2/en
Priority to ES02008676T priority patent/ES2259350T3/en
Publication of EP1354612A1 publication Critical patent/EP1354612A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1354612B1 publication Critical patent/EP1354612B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
    • A63B22/0235—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor
    • A63B22/0242—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills driven by a motor with speed variation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/0093—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/10—Positions
    • A63B2220/13—Relative positions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for controlling an electric treadmill, and more particularly, to a method through which the operator can instruct the control console to perform preset commands to the motor without touching the control console.
  • each electric treadmill is fitted with a transmission system of motor at the bottom end thereof for an in-place rotation of the continuous belt so that the operator can stand on the continuous belt to take in-place walking exercise.
  • This electric treadmill is normally provided with a control console at a proper place thereof, and a number of control keys are disposed at another proper place thereof to facilitate the setting of the desired rotational speed of the continuous belt.
  • the electric treadmill is provided with a stepper motor.
  • the supported angle of the base frame is adjustable by means of the forward and backward rotation of motor together with the lifting assembly. This adjustment is carried out by different control keys.
  • the electric treadmill 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an upright frame 11, two handrails 12, 13, a control console 20, a base frame 14, a continuous belt 15 and bottom supporting elements 16.
  • Two emission type sensor sets 30, 40 e.g. infrared, etc.
  • the control console 20 are fitted to the handrails 12, 13 of the electric treadmill 10, respectively.
  • air sensing fields 31, 41 covering a specific range are formed above both handrails 12, 13. Therefore, the operator can give any intentional signal that is detectable by the sensor sets during the walking exercise session.
  • the sensor orders the control console to perform a preset control action to the controlled motor (not shown) on receipt of the intentional signal of the operator. This is named by the inventor as air control mode.
  • the effective detection range (including width and height) of air sensing fields 31, 41 should be possibly set within the height of the treadmill and the operator for fear of interference by other objects.
  • Both above-mentioned emission type sensor sets 30, 40 are in control of opposite commands for motor, that is, one controls the acceleration of the motor while the other controls the deceleration thereof.
  • the motor is controlled to stop in consideration of user's safety and motor's protection.
  • the sensed state lasts for a longer time, it means a greater range of acceleration or deceleration.
  • the present invention can be controlled by swinging both hands in the air sensing fields 31, 41, thereby creating the convenience and the practicalness of the present invention.
  • the air control mode can also be used to control the supported angle of the base frame 14.
  • the control motor (not shown, and it's normally a stepper motor performing the forward and backward rotation) is different from the motor in connection with the continuous belt 15.
  • the air control mode can be designed as desired either to control the rotational speed of the continuous belt 15 or to control the supported angle of the base frame 14.
  • the air control mode can be designed to control both the rotational speed and the supported angle.
  • the air control mode can be fitted together with the control console 20 so that the operator can choose either of them for control.
  • the user can use either the conventional control keys to reach the expected control effect or the air control mode while no interference to each other will happen.
  • the air sensing fields 31, 41 won't interfere with the in-place walking exercise area.
  • the control of the present invention is completely carried out by the subjective will of the operator so that the use safety can be fully ensured.
  • a warning light 50 is switched on in order to remind others adjacent to the treadmill of the air control mode in operation state to avoid unexpected detection.
  • a hidden speaker (not shown) can be fitted to the air control mode so that a sound with certain volume can be given out to inform the user of the current operation state when any signals are sensed.
  • different operation states can be differentiated by giving a high or low sound for acceleration or deceleration and lifting or lowering, a long or short sound for the range of the acceleration or deceleration and lifting or lowering. This design is especially beneficial for the visually handicapped.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electric treadmill (10) which includes emission type sensor sets (30, 40) (e.g. infrared, etc.) arranged at two proper places of the treadmill and connected to the control console (20), thereby creating air sensing fields (31, 41) covering a specific range. Therefore, the operator can give any intentional signal that is detectable by the sensor during the walking exercise session. Thereafter, the sensor orders the control console (20) to perform a control action to the controlled motor on receipt of the intentional signal of the operator.

Description

  • The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electric treadmill, and more particularly, to a method through which the operator can instruct the control console to perform preset commands to the motor without touching the control console.
  • As well known, each electric treadmill is fitted with a transmission system of motor at the bottom end thereof for an in-place rotation of the continuous belt so that the operator can stand on the continuous belt to take in-place walking exercise. This electric treadmill is normally provided with a control console at a proper place thereof, and a number of control keys are disposed at another proper place thereof to facilitate the setting of the desired rotational speed of the continuous belt.
  • In addition, the electric treadmill is provided with a stepper motor. The supported angle of the base frame is adjustable by means of the forward and backward rotation of motor together with the lifting assembly. This adjustment is carried out by different control keys.
  • No matter where the control keys are situated, the operator has to look for the correct position of the control keys by sight and continuously or repeatedly press down the control keys for adjusting the rotational speed of the continuous belt or the supported angle of the base frame. These actions will divert the operator's attention and cause inconvenience due to strange walking position of the operator.
  • It is a primary object of the present invention to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a method for controlling an electric treadmill utilizing sensitive and effective emission type sensor sets and air sensing fields to carry out the control action without touching the control console.
  • The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawing of which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • First of all, referring to FIG. 1, the electric treadmill 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an upright frame 11, two handrails 12, 13, a control console 20, a base frame 14, a continuous belt 15 and bottom supporting elements 16. Two emission type sensor sets 30, 40 (e.g. infrared, etc.) connected to the control console 20 are fitted to the handrails 12, 13 of the electric treadmill 10, respectively. Thus, air sensing fields 31, 41 covering a specific range are formed above both handrails 12, 13. Therefore, the operator can give any intentional signal that is detectable by the sensor sets during the walking exercise session. Thereafter, the sensor orders the control console to perform a preset control action to the controlled motor (not shown) on receipt of the intentional signal of the operator. This is named by the inventor as air control mode.
  • Under the pre-condition that the walking exercise of the operator won't be influenced, the effective detection range (including width and height) of air sensing fields 31, 41 should be possibly set within the height of the treadmill and the operator for fear of interference by other objects.
  • Both above-mentioned emission type sensor sets 30, 40 are in control of opposite commands for motor, that is, one controls the acceleration of the motor while the other controls the deceleration thereof. When both emission type sensor sets 30, 40 detect something, the motor is controlled to stop in consideration of user's safety and motor's protection. When the sensed state lasts for a longer time, it means a greater range of acceleration or deceleration. Hence, the present invention can be controlled by swinging both hands in the air sensing fields 31, 41, thereby creating the convenience and the practicalness of the present invention.
  • The air control mode can also be used to control the supported angle of the base frame 14. However, the control motor (not shown, and it's normally a stepper motor performing the forward and backward rotation) is different from the motor in connection with the continuous belt 15. In brief, the air control mode can be designed as desired either to control the rotational speed of the continuous belt 15 or to control the supported angle of the base frame 14. Certainly, the air control mode can be designed to control both the rotational speed and the supported angle.
  • The air control mode can be fitted together with the control console 20 so that the operator can choose either of them for control. In other words, the user can use either the conventional control keys to reach the expected control effect or the air control mode while no interference to each other will happen. Moreover, the air sensing fields 31, 41 won't interfere with the in-place walking exercise area. And the control of the present invention is completely carried out by the subjective will of the operator so that the use safety can be fully ensured.
  • When the air control mode is activated, a warning light 50 is switched on in order to remind others adjacent to the treadmill of the air control mode in operation state to avoid unexpected detection.
  • Furthermore, a hidden speaker (not shown) can be fitted to the air control mode so that a sound with certain volume can be given out to inform the user of the current operation state when any signals are sensed. Moreover, different operation states can be differentiated by giving a high or low sound for acceleration or deceleration and lifting or lowering, a long or short sound for the range of the acceleration or deceleration and lifting or lowering. This design is especially beneficial for the visually handicapped.

Claims (7)

  1. A method for controlling an electric treadmill (10) providing emission type sensor sets (30, 40) arranged at two proper places of said treadmill and connected to a control console (20), thereby creating air sensing fields (31, 41) covering a specific range so that the operator can give any intentional signal which is detectable by said sensor during the walking exercise session, whereupon the sensor orders said control console (20) to perform a preset control action upon the controlled motor on receipt of the intentional signal of the operator.
  2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said air control mode is available and used together with said control console.
  3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a warning light is switched on when said air control mode is activated.
  4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein a hidden speaker is fitted to said air control mode so that a sound with certain volume can be given out to inform the user of the current operation state when any signals are sensed.
  5. A method for controlling an electric treadmill (10) comprising an upright frame, two handrails (12,13), a control console (20), a base frame (14), a continuous belt (15) and bottom supporting elements (16) and providing emission type sensor sets (30, 40) arranged at two proper places of said treadmill and connected to a control console, thereby creating air sensing fields (31, 41) covering a specific range so that the operator can give any intentional signal which is detectable by said sensor during the walking exercise session, whereupon said sensor orders said control console to perform a preset control action upon the controlled motor on receipt of the intentional signal of the operator.
  6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein a warning light (50) is switched on when said air control mode is activated.
  7. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein a hidden speaker is fitted to said air control mode so that a sound with certain volume can be given out to inform the user of the current operation state when any signals are sensed.
EP20020008676 2002-04-18 2002-04-18 Method for controlling an electric treadmill Expired - Lifetime EP1354612B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20020008676 EP1354612B1 (en) 2002-04-18 2002-04-18 Method for controlling an electric treadmill
DE2002609585 DE60209585T2 (en) 2002-04-18 2002-04-18 Method for controlling an electric treadmill
ES02008676T ES2259350T3 (en) 2002-04-18 2002-04-18 METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC WALKING MACHINE.

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20020008676 EP1354612B1 (en) 2002-04-18 2002-04-18 Method for controlling an electric treadmill

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1354612A1 true EP1354612A1 (en) 2003-10-22
EP1354612B1 EP1354612B1 (en) 2006-03-08

Family

ID=28459485

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20020008676 Expired - Lifetime EP1354612B1 (en) 2002-04-18 2002-04-18 Method for controlling an electric treadmill

Country Status (3)

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EP (1) EP1354612B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60209585T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2259350T3 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107174784A (en) * 2016-03-11 2017-09-19 乔山健康科技(上海)有限公司 Electric running machine capable of bidirectional movement
CN112999569A (en) * 2021-03-23 2021-06-22 泊康科技股份有限公司 Intelligent running board and running machine thereof

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3601184A1 (en) * 1986-01-17 1987-07-23 Bernd Blasberg Method and apparatus for controlling the running belt speed when running on a running belt with an adjustable angle of inclination
DE3933999A1 (en) * 1989-10-11 1991-04-18 Jaeger Erich Gmbh & Co Kg Exercising or sport training conveyor belt - has position detector for user generating speed control signal so that position remains constant
US5368532A (en) * 1993-02-03 1994-11-29 Diversified Products Corporation Treadmill having an automatic speed control system
US6135924A (en) * 1997-04-11 2000-10-24 Unisen, Inc. Treadmill with optical position sensing
DE10033564A1 (en) * 2000-01-20 2001-08-02 Jung Soo Lim Treadmill with moving belt with control system automatically adjusting motor speed to weight and pace of person exercising

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3601184A1 (en) * 1986-01-17 1987-07-23 Bernd Blasberg Method and apparatus for controlling the running belt speed when running on a running belt with an adjustable angle of inclination
DE3933999A1 (en) * 1989-10-11 1991-04-18 Jaeger Erich Gmbh & Co Kg Exercising or sport training conveyor belt - has position detector for user generating speed control signal so that position remains constant
US5368532A (en) * 1993-02-03 1994-11-29 Diversified Products Corporation Treadmill having an automatic speed control system
US6135924A (en) * 1997-04-11 2000-10-24 Unisen, Inc. Treadmill with optical position sensing
DE10033564A1 (en) * 2000-01-20 2001-08-02 Jung Soo Lim Treadmill with moving belt with control system automatically adjusting motor speed to weight and pace of person exercising

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107174784A (en) * 2016-03-11 2017-09-19 乔山健康科技(上海)有限公司 Electric running machine capable of bidirectional movement
CN112999569A (en) * 2021-03-23 2021-06-22 泊康科技股份有限公司 Intelligent running board and running machine thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60209585D1 (en) 2006-05-04
DE60209585T2 (en) 2006-12-14
ES2259350T3 (en) 2006-10-01
EP1354612B1 (en) 2006-03-08

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