EP2162197B1 - Portable training device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable training device (1) for monitoring the execution of a sequence of movements, comprising a handle part (2, 3) for gripping the training device (1) in one hand, at least one sensor (11; 13, 14, 15) and a signal device (12) coupled to the sensor (11; 13, 14, 15) for signaling a discrepancy and/or agreement between the measuring data for the actual sequence of movements detected by the sensor (11; 13, 14, 15) and the desired sequence of movements, wherein the sensor (11; 13, 14, 15) is an angle and/or acceleration sensor for detecting the angular position or acceleration of the training device (1) in at least one first degree of freedom.

Description

The present invention relates to a portable exercise device for monitoring the execution of a movement in a Nordic Walking-like athletic activity, which a grip part for gripping the exercise device in one hand, at least a first sensor in the form of an angle and / or acceleration sensor for detecting the angular position and / or acceleration of the training device in at least a first degree of freedom and a signaling device coupled to the first sensor, wherein the signaling device is used to signal a deviation and / or coincidence between the measurement data acquired by the sensor and the actual movement sequence and a desired movement sequence.

The exercise device according to the invention should therefore be used in a sporting activity that has certain similarities with that of the so-called "Nordic Walking".

"Nordic Walking" refers to both in competitive athletes as well as inexperienced beginners in recent years, increasingly popular sporting activity in which the sportsman is more or less brisk pace and while walking the training effect through targeted use of sticks using two hiking poles (so-called Nordic Walking sticks) increases. The torso and arm operation, which takes place through the arm swing and pole insert, provides for a significantly increased training effect and an additional stimulation of the circulation compared to simply walking. In the broadest sense, there is the movement sequence to be carried out during Nordic Walking a certain similarity to cross-country skiing, with the cross-country skis being omitted. In order to achieve the desired training success, Nordic Walking requires a special and well-coordinated movement sequence with regard to the arm swing with the sticks, so that the exercise does not degenerate into a mere "walking with two sticks" and a correspondingly reduced training success. Beginners, in particular, often struggle with this and need guidance or supervision. Corresponding training courses offered by trained instructors are well received. Particular attention is paid in particular to the correct use of the Nordic walking poles, which are placed alternately on the ground as part of the desired sequence of movements, whereupon you can if necessary. Subsequently, by means of a certain repulsive movement from the ground can press.

To monitor the execution of the pole use in Nordic Walking is in the DE 102005036740 A1 and the CA 2450687 A1 (or the WO 03/002218 A1 ) already proposed a training device in the form of a Nordic walking pole or walking stick, which is equipped with a pressure or force sensor for determining the force exerted during placement of the stick force. According to a generic training device pointing CA 2450687 A1 Alternatively, this force can also be determined by means of a motion sensor which measures the relative displacement of two mutually axially movable elements of the walking stick, namely the handle and the pole tube, when the stick is placed on the ground. However, the two documents mentioned above have in common that, as a result of the selected sensor design, only one force occurring when the stick is set up can be determined. The athlete will have a match or deviation between the measured data and the force to be achieved for a desired training success on the stick in a suitable manner.

However, the above-described hiking poles and the associated training concept have certain disadvantages.

First, it should be noted that the said walking sticks are not particularly reliable with regard to the reproducibility and validity of the measured values obtained. For example, even a soft ground will give a different result than on a hard ground, such as on a hard surface. a tarred road. The reproducibility in the monitoring of the training success is thus dependent on the respective soil conditions, which is unfavorable. Furthermore, only the force exerted on the pole during pole use can be monitored, which is not yet a sufficient basis for a reliable monitoring of the overall achieved training success.

In addition, the known from the prior art hiking poles, even if the pole tube is telescopic, still in a sense bulky, unwieldy and not easy to stow. A smaller and more compact training device is desirable.

In addition, the result of Nordic walking for others sometimes perceived as funny or even amusing impression that the athlete when walking on a flat surface requires support by walking poles, which for some a psychological inhibition threshold in connection represents with the training concept of Nordic Walking. If potential persons interested in Nordic Walking are not completely deterred by this sport, a certain amount of inhibition in carrying out the arm swing with the sticks can often be observed. Such deviations from the desired sequence of movements are not recognizable with the training devices known from the prior art. Overall, in addition to an improved detection of deviations and the reduction of the inhibition threshold explained above should be sought.

And finally, the repetitive positioning of the stick and the resulting repulsion movement ensures a certain vibration of the joints of the athlete, which proves to be disadvantageous in intensive and long-lasting training. This applies even if the Nordic Walking poles used are equipped with elastic pole tips on the bottom for reasons of joint protection.

From the prior art according to the US 7,034,694 B2 However, a wearable exercise device in the form of a wristwatch is already known with which the arm swing of an athlete can be monitored using an acceleration sensor, compared with a desired movement pattern, and a match between actually performed and desired movement pattern signaled by a signaling device.

Other training devices for monitoring a performed movement are from the US 6,778,866 B1 , of the US 2002/0077189 A1 and the US 2006/0240959 A1 known. Finally shows the EP 1 736 072 A1 a handle for a stick, in which a means for interchangeable receiving electronic modules is provided.

The document EP 1908 499 It belongs to the state of the art according to Article 54 (3) EPC and discloses a portable training device for monitoring the performance of a movement in Nordic walking, which is a handle part, one or more sensors for detecting the angular position and / or acceleration of the training device in at least one Degree of freedom and coupled to the first sensor display of a deviation between the detected measurement data to the actual and a desired movement sequence comprises

Even with the aid of the abovementioned training devices or devices, however, the objective pursued in the context of the present invention, namely the provision of a training device for the purposeful monitoring of the training success in a novel sports activity which is very similar to Nordic walking, can not be achieved completely.

Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to provide a novel and compact exercise device of the type mentioned, with the one hand, the training effect can be better monitored in a Nordic Walking similar exercise and on the other hand, the aforementioned disadvantages of the previous training concept of Nordic Walking be largely avoided.

This object is achieved with a training device according to claim 1.

The fact that in the portable exercise device according to the invention the at least one first sensor for monitoring the training success in the form of an angle and / or acceleration sensor for detecting the angular position or acceleration of the training device is configured in at least one degree of freedom, the actual movement, unlike that at the previously known Nordic walking sticks was known, especially over the entire period of performed Movement be monitored. A ground contact of the training device is not required for this purpose. On the contrary: It is according to the invention even expressly provided that the desired (and actual) movement does not require contact with the ground of the training device.

With the invention, a training device for monitoring the movement is realized in a similar Nordic walking exercise, which is easy to hold in the hand and is not designed in the form of a walking stick. A floor pipe aufzusetzendes pole is therefore not provided to achieve a compact design. The vibrations of the joints that occur due to repeated repeated settling of the poles on the floor can thus be completely avoided. In addition, the psychological inhibition threshold resulting from the carrying of walking sticks is eliminated. The held in the hand exerciser is barely visible to third parties. Also, the otherwise caused by the cyclic putting on of a stick noise can be avoided. The easy to hold in hand training device is used, inter alia, to monitor the arm swing, with a match with the desired movement and / or a deviation thereof can be signaled in a suitable manner.

The handle part according to the invention consists of an elongate handle body and a fingerboard, which on the one hand ergonomically useful and on the other hand allows a secure gripping the exercise machine. Due to the fact that the finger bow is pivotable relative to the handle body, preferably against a spring force, the training effect can be increased by means of a coordinated with the arm swing closing and opening movement of the hand. The caused by cyclic closing and opening of each holding an inventive training device hands pumping movement of each hand counteracts static everyday stress and brings a higher muscle activity and circulation load during training with it. If the opening and / or closing movement of the hand takes place against a spring force, this leads in addition to an improvement of the tendons and muscles of the gripping hand.

Also, the above-described movement of the hand is to coordinate according to the invention with the arm swing. The training device according to the invention includes a second sensor for detecting the pivoting of the fingerboard, which is also coupled to monitor the desired movement with the signal unit, wherein linking the various sensor measurement data (ie the data of the first and second sensor) in the context of monitoring the movement sequence a Deviation and / or agreement with the total desired movement pattern detected and in a suitable manner, eg is signaled by subtle beeps. The aim is in particular a movement, in which during the arm swing forward the handle (against a spring force) is strengthened, while it is loosened backwards during arm swing.

The training device according to the invention thus makes it possible for the first time to completely monitor the entire movement sequence contributing to the training success in a Nordic Walking (with the exception of a touchdown of a Training sticks) comparable sporting activity, to which in addition to the arm swing also hereby coordinated opening and closing of the exercise device on the handle body and fingerboard grabbing hand belongs.

For the specific embodiment of the at least one acceleration or angle sensor provided according to the invention, it should first be noted that in principle any embodiment is to be regarded as being according to the invention, which - without requiring ground contact - provides information about the actual movement of the training device and thus about the movement of the training device holding hand allows.

However, it is particularly preferably an acceleration sensor measuring the acceleration along a predetermined reference direction, wherein the reference direction is the longitudinal axis or a transverse axis of the handle body which is perpendicular thereto. By continuously or at predetermined intervals measuring the - relative to the handle body - longitudinal or lateral acceleration can be done in the context of monitoring the sequence of motion a good comparison with such reference data, which in carrying out a proper, i. desired movement are to be expected.

The cyclically occurring back and forth oscillation of the arm holding the exerciser generates - in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction of the grip body - a characteristic course of the acceleration values occurring in the respective degree of freedom for this movement pattern.

Advantageously, however, exactly two or even three acceleration sensors are provided, of which the first detects the acceleration in the longitudinal axis and the at least one other detects the acceleration in a transverse axis perpendicular thereto. By analyzing the respective sensor measured values or a suitable linkage (for example, a vector addition) thereof, a more complete overall picture of the movement actually carried out is obtained, by which means e.g. An undesired dangling of the arm can be detected and signaled to the user of the exercise device.

In the case of the use of an angle sensor, the angular position of the longitudinal axis of the grip body is preferably measured relative to the direction of gravitational attraction, which represents a preferred direction present at each location and can be drawn for angle measurement. By means of an angle sensor can be monitored in particular in a simple manner, whether the performed arm swing within the considered degree of freedom takes place within a predeterminable angular range.

Again, in a preferred embodiment of the invention for even better monitoring of the training success, two angle sensors may be provided which measure the angular position in two mutually perpendicular planes of the handle portion, respectively relative to the direction of gravitational force. Likewise, a combination of at least one angle sensor and at least one acceleration sensor and a suitable combination of the measured values obtained are conceivable and useful. The second sensor for detecting a pivoting of the fingerboard can be configured preferably and in a particularly simple manner as a contact or pushbutton, which detects whether the fingerboard - with the handle closed - the handle body or advantageously thereto or disposed therein sensor abuts or in contrast - when the hand is open - is pivoted. Already this allows the inference as to whether the cyclic opening and closing of the hand is coordinated with the arm swing in the manner predetermined by determining the desired movement sequence. It is thus in a sense realized a fingerboard actuation sensor, which detects only two switching states. Even a more complex sensor structure, with the addition of the instantaneous pivot angle between the handle body and the finger guard can be detected, can be used in principle and improve the monitoring of the training success again in terms of accuracy.

In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that both the at least one sensor and the signal device coupled thereto in a suitable manner are integrated into the grip part, as a result of which a particularly compact design can be achieved.

In a training device according to the invention, it is also particularly preferred, especially when the coupling between sensor and signal unit is realized microelectronically, that the desired motion sequence to be used for monitoring purposes be present in the form of reference data, which preferably consists of a continuously repeating reference data cycle. This reference data cycle In this case, it preferably corresponds to those acceleration and / or angle values which are to be expected during the continuously repeating arm swing backwards and forwards (or vice versa) on the exercise device, linked to those sensor data from the second sensor when the movement sequence of the arm and armament is coordinated as intended Hand movement are to be expected. These reference data can be predetermined and suitably adaptable to the respective user of the training device, however, the training device is preferably equipped with a software implemented learning program or learning mode, in which the actual sensor data is measured in a preferably supervised by an expert person performing the desired movement and recorded in a memory unit and used to determine the reference data or a reference data cycle.

It also proves to be advantageous if the reference data cycle starts and ends with a maximum of the respective acceleration or angle values. This allows a particularly simple detection of the periodic movement cycle from the associated measurement data of the sensors, which are then compared in a comparator with the reference data cycle. As part of the learning mode, the beginning of a reference data cycle can first be determined by the first occurring maximum of the sensor values obtained. In the case of an acceleration sensor measuring acceleration along the handle body, this corresponds, for example, to the time of a cyclic arm swing in which the exerciser is held forward in the highest position, ie the highest point of the front arm swing (with reference to the reference system) the athlete) disappearing speed and maximum acceleration of the training device. Subsequently, the longitudinal acceleration decreases and changes its sign until the arm swing back then - again at the highest point of the arm swing - a second acceleration maximum occurs with the opposite sign, which at approximately synchronous forward and backward swing of the counter-swinging hands in about the middle of the reference data cycle represents. From there, the motion cycle is continued until the training device is again - in a next maximum of the acceleration value with a changed sign - in the highest point of the front arm swing. This represents the end of the reference data cycle. From a plurality of such motion cycles, a reference data cycle can be calculated by automatically detecting the periodicity, by suitable averaging of the achieved values and the inclusion of suitable error tolerances, with which in the monitoring mode of the exercise device a comparison between currently executed motion sequence (resp the corresponding sensor measurement data) and desired motion sequence (or the corresponding reference data) can be performed. In that regard, it is expediently provided that the reference data is assigned a predefinable tolerance range with respect to the deviation from the predeterminable movement pattern that is just tolerable for determining a match.

Also, the timing of the operation of the fingerboard can be used in a simple way to determine the start and end of a data cycle.

Unacceptable deviations from the desired course of motion are then emitted by the signal unit by outputting an acoustic or optical signal, e.g. in a display, signaled. Depending on the preference, however, an acknowledgment signal can also be output, for example, if the sequence of movements carried out corresponded to the desired movement pattern. By a proper use of the training device according to the invention can thus ensure a professional athletes that he does not leave the optimum training range for him over a longer training period in terms of the sequence of movements carried out.

According to a again preferred embodiment of the invention can be provided that in the handle body of the handle part, an additional weight is integrated, which if necessary. Against a spring force from its rest position around in opposite directions can be deflected. The inertia of the additional weight, together with the spring force counteracting a deflection, causes a delayed effect during acceleration and deceleration of the exerciser, which increases the training effect.

Also, by using a permanent magnetic material for the displaceable additional weight and a suitable conductor arrangement, a voltage or a current flow can be induced, with which the electronic components of the training device can be operated or a rechargeable battery integrated into the training device according to the invention can be charged.

Furthermore, a light source can be integrated in the training device at a suitable location, which allows a better recognition of the athlete in the dark. Advantageously, an alarm device integrated into the exercise device, e.g. be in the form of an activatable by means of a control siren. Many athletes, especially in large cities, run at dusk, so that such an alarm device increases their objective and subjective safety. Furthermore, it can be concluded from the measured sensor data on the step number, so that a pedometer is feasible. In addition, a data interface can be provided on the training device in order to transmit the measurement data obtained after completion of the training to a computer for evaluation and documentation of the training. Furthermore, a control button that switches the monitoring mode on and off and, if necessary, other operating elements with a different function (for example for starting and terminating the learning mode) are advantageous.

Four embodiments of a training device according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Each shows FIGS. 1 to 4 a cross section through a separate embodiment of the invention.

This in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment of a training device 1 according to the invention consists of an elongate handle body 2 and a finger strap 3, where the training device 1 can be grasped in one hand. For this purpose, the handle body 3 is gripped by hand, with index, middle and ring fingers, if necessary. Also the little finger, come to rest on an inner surface 4 of the finger strap 3. The finger strap 3 is by means of a spring 5 in his in Fig. 1 shown biased rest position and can be pivoted by closing the hand against the spring force according to arrow A about the pivot axis 6 to the handle body 2 out, the finger strap 3 due to the spring tension when opening the hand returns to its rest position. The function of the (optional) spring 5 is therefore mainly to bias the finger strap 3 in an initial position. An increased training effect may be secondary depending on the spring force. The operation of the fingerboard 3 can be detected by means of the actuating sensor 21 shown in the form of a push-button. The above-described construction of a training device 1 according to the invention is in all embodiments of the Fig. 1 - 4th executed in the same way, which is illustrated by matching reference numerals. Only the sensor 21 for detecting a pivoting of the fingerboard is in the Fig. 2-4 the sake of clarity no longer shown, although still available.

The embodiments of the Fig. 1-3 also have a powered by at least one battery 7 and a rechargeable battery 8, arranged on a circuit board electronic circuit 9, which with (programmable) microprocessors 10, acceleration and / or angle sensors 11 for measuring the acceleration or the angle in at least one degree of freedom and an acoustic signaling device 12 is equipped. Since acceleration or angle sensors are sufficiently known as such from the prior art, a detailed discussion of their is unnecessary exact functioning. The person skilled in the art will select the sensors suitable for the present purpose.

In the embodiments of the Fig. 1-3 the sensors 11, 21 and the signal device 12 are coupled by means of the electronic circuit 9 such that sensor data measured by the sensors can be compared with reference data recorded in a learning mode and stored in the microprocessors 10 in the sense according to the invention, whereupon when the monitoring mode is switched on a - a deviation or agreement indicating - acoustic signal can be output from the signaling device.

Unlike the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment include in the Fig. 2-4 illustrated exercise equipment 1 in the longitudinal direction of the handle 2 linearbewegliches, cylindrical additional weight 13 which is integrated into the handle 2 and from its rest position shown in the respective figures against the force of two coil springs 14, 15 can be deflected upwards or downwards.

In the embodiments according to Fig. 3 and 4 is further provided that the additional weight 13 consists of a permanent magnetic material. Preferably, this is a strong rare earth permanent magnet is selected, wherein the coil springs 14, 15, then preferably consist of a non-magnetizing stainless steel. Within the handle body 2, an induction coil 16 of copper wire surrounding the additional magnetic weight, so that by means of induction, a current can be generated, via a charging electronics, not shown for charging the each provided batteries 8 can be used. The deceleration of the movement of the additional weight 13 by the induction process is also advantageous in terms of the training effect.

While in the embodiments of the Fig. 1-3 In the embodiment, acceleration and / or angle sensors 11 arranged on the board are used Fig. 4 an acceleration sensor acting in the longitudinal axis of the grip body 2 for detecting an acceleration value lying above a predefinable maximum value by electro-mechanical means. For this purpose, above and below the movable against the springs 14 and 15 additional weight 13 depending on a contact by the additional weight activating switching contact 17, 18 is provided. These switching contacts thus serve to detect an acceleration of the training device 1 in the longitudinal direction of the grip body 2, wherein the absolute acceleration value from which a detection is present for both deflection directions of the respective spring force of the coil spring 14,15, the mass of the additional weight 13 and the respective Distance between rest position of the additional weight 13 and switching contact 17, 18 results. This acceleration sensor is coupled to a powered by the battery 8 with power acoustic signal unit 12 for outputting a beep when reaching or exceeding the acceleration required for triggering the switch contact.

A desired movement sequence can then be defined by the fact that both during the arm swing forwards and during the arm swing towards the rear, a specific, separately adjustable for both longitudinal directions of the handle body 2 Acceleration value is exceeded, and that in addition to fixed (relative) times a coordinated with the arm swing actuation of the fingerboard takes place. To set these acceleration values, two externally accessible thumbscrews 19, 20 are provided on the exercise machine, with which the distance between the respective switching contact 17, 18 and the at-rest additional weight 13 can be varied and thus the detectable acceleration threshold for both longitudinal directions can be set separately.

Claims (12)

1. A portable training device (1) for monitoring the execution of a sequence of movements in a sporting activity similar to Nordic Walking, with said training device comprising a handle part (2, 3) for gripping the training device (1) in one hand, at least a first sensor (11; 13, 14, 15, 17, 18) in the form of an angle and/or acceleration sensor for detecting the angular position and/or acceleration of the training device (1) in at least a first degree of freedom, and a signaling device (12) that is coupled to the first sensor (11; 13, 14, 15, 17, 18) and serves for signaling a deviation and/or agreement between the measuring data for the actual sequence of movements detected by the at least one sensor and a desired sequence of movements, wherein
   the handle part (2, 3) consists of an elongated handle body (2) and a finger enclosure (3) that can be pivoted relative to the handle body (2),
   and wherein the training device (1) furthermore comprises a second sensor (21) that serves for detecting the pivoting of the finger enclosure (3) and is also coupled to the signaling device (12)
   such that the different sensor measuring data can be logically linked and a deviation and/or agreement between the measuring data for the actual sequence of movements detected by the sensors (11; 13, 14, 15, 17, 18; 21) and a desired sequence of movements is signaled by means of the signaling device (12),
   with the desired sequence of movements comprising a closing movement of the hand that is coordinated with the arm stroke and requiring no ground contact of the training device (1).
2. The training device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in
   that the sensors (11; 13, 14, 15, 17, 18; 21) and the signaling device (12) are integrated into the handle part (2, 3).
3. The training device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in
   that the finger enclosure (3) can be pivoted relative to the handle body (2) against a spring force that is exerted by a spring (5).
4. The training device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in
   that the first sensor (11; 13, 14, 15, 17, 18) is an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration along a reference direction, wherein the reference direction is the longitudinal axis of the handle body (2) or a lateral axis of the handle body that extends perpendicular thereto.
5. The training device (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in
   that exactly two acceleration sensors are provided, wherein one acceleration sensor detects the acceleration in the longitudinal axis and the other acceleration sensor detects the acceleration in the lateral axis.
6. The training device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in
   that the first sensor (11) is an angle sensor that measures the angular position of the longitudinal axis of the handle body relative to the direction of the force of gravity.
7. The training device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in
   that two angle sensors are provided and measure the angular position of the handle part relative to the direction of the force of gravity in two planes that lie perpendicular to one another.
8. The training device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in
   that the desired sequence of movements is present in the form of reference data that consists of a continuously repeating reference data cycle.
9. The training device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in
   that the reference data cycle begins and ends with a maximum value of the acceleration or the angular position, respectively.
10. The training device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in
    that the training device (1) can be switched into a learning mode in order to record the pattern of movements to be specified, wherein the measured sensor data stored in a storage unit (10) is used for determining the reference data in said learning mode.
11. The training device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in
    that a tolerance range with respect to the deviation from the specified pattern of movements that is just barely tolerable for the determination of an agreement can be specified and is assigned to the reference data.
12. The training device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in
    that the sensor (21) for detecting the pivoting of the finger enclosure (3) is a contact switch or a touch contact.

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