EP2549970B1 - Apparatus for muscle stimulation - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for muscle stimulation with at least one motor and two motor-driven transmissions, each of these transmissions comprises a frame and each mounted in the frame tread plate, each of which is a circulatory four-bar mechanism, wherein each of the driven gear member in the frame is mounted crank and wherein in each case a crank and a respective tread plate element are articulated by means of a coupling member.

From the US 3,540,436 A1 is a device with two treadplates known. The single gear is a three-pieced cam gear with full turn. This requires, inter alia, due to the special machines required for this purpose, a high production cost. To prevent lifting of the tread plate, this is pressed by means of a tension spring on the rotating cam. A high stroke frequency can lead to the lifting of the footboard and rattle.

From the DE 20 2006 012 056 U1 is a device with a single rocker is known, which is driven by a motor via a kinematic chain. It is also proposed to control two common-mode kinematic chains by means of a motor. The only rocker is then controlled by means of two gearboxes, but the rocker is not part of this gearbox.

The EP 0 285 438 A2 discloses a device with two right and left of a motor console arranged tread plates, which are mounted by means of plain bearings. With this device, only the engine speed is adjustable.

From the US 5,176,598 A a device with two two-piece rockers is known, wherein the two parts of a rocker are coupled together by means of a pivot joint. The longer rocker arm is mounted by means of a further pivot joint on a housing, the shorter rocker arm is slidably mounted in a sliding joint. On a freely projecting stub shaft of the drive shaft, a plug-in sleeve is fixed, in which an eccentrically arranged pivot pin is inserted. On this pivot pin sits a sliding sleeve of a coupling bearing. Due to the high inertia of the four-way rocker parts and the person standing thereon and the high bending moment acting on the plug-in sleeve, only a low stroke frequency is possible with this device.

The present invention is therefore based on the problem to develop a device for muscle stimulation, which can be operated both with low and with high strobe frequencies.

Figur 1:

Gerät zur Muskelstimulation;

Figur 2:

Seitenansicht des Geräts;

Figur 3:

Seitenansicht nach einer halben Kurbelumdrehung;

Figur 4:

Querschnitt des Getriebes;

Figur 5:

Querschnitt der gestellseitigen Trittplattenlagerung;

Figur 6:

Einstellbarer Exzenter;

Figur 7:

Exzenter mit Stirnkappe;

Figur 8:

Lagerung der Trittplatte mit Elastomerkörper;

Figur 9:

Lagerung der Trittplatte mit Tellerfedern;

Figur 10:

Trittplattenlagerung ohne Wälz- oder Gleitlager;

Figur 11:

Lagerung der Trittplatte mit Blattfeder;

Figur 12:

Teilschnitt durch Figur 11;

Figur 13:

Lagerung mit Sensoren.

This problem is solved with the features of the main claim. For this purpose, the coupling member is mounted in a supported by means of a seated on the drive shaft continuously or in stages adjustable eccentric ring bearing plate bearing. The storage of each tread element in the frame comprises at least one elastically deformable element. In addition, the tread plate elements include tread plates whose distance from one another is less than two millimeters, wherein the user stands with one foot on a tread plate during operation of the device. Further details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of schematically illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1:

Apparatus for muscle stimulation;

FIG. 2:

Side view of the device;

FIG. 3:

Side view after half a turn of the crank;

FIG. 4:

Cross-section of the gearbox;

FIG. 5:

Cross section of the frame-side tread plate storage;

FIG. 6:

Adjustable eccentric;

FIG. 7:

Eccentric with end cap;

FIG. 8:

Bearing of the tread plate with elastomer body;

FIG. 9:

Bearing the tread plate with disc springs;

FIG. 10:

Tread plate bearing without rolling or plain bearings;

FIG. 11:

Bearing of the foot plate with leaf spring;

FIG. 12:

Partial cut through FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13:

Storage with sensors.

The FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a device (10) for muscle stimulation. The device (10) comprises a bottom plate (11) on which a motor (20) and two by means of this motor (20) and in each case a transmission (30, 130) driven tread plates (81, 181) are arranged. In this FIG. 1 are the controls of the device (10) and the panel is not shown.

The attached to the bottom plate (11) e.g. screwed motor (20) is a frequency-controlled three-phase motor in the embodiment. By varying the drive frequency of the magnetic field of the motor (20) increases or decreases synchronous to this frequency speed of the motor (20). The device (10) can also have two motors (20). Each of the two motors (20) then drives a tread plate (81, 181) by means of a gearbox (30, 130). The two servo motors (20) can be synchronized with each other.

The single motor (20) may be a geared motor which is directly connected e.g. drives a reduction gear. The output speed of the geared motor is then, for example, less than the synchronous speed described. The reduction gear is a gear train with parallel, intersecting or intersecting axes.

The use of one or two DC motors with adjustable speed is conceivable.

In the presentation of the FIG. 1 the motor (20) is connected to the gears (30, 130) by means of a traction mechanism drive (21). In the exemplary embodiment, the traction mechanism drive 21 is a belt drive, which has a belt pulley 23, a belt 24 and a belt pulley 25 on the output shaft 41 of the coupling mechanism 30 ). The belt drive (21) may have a V-belt, a flat belt, etc. The traction mechanism drive (21) can also be a chain drive.

The two pulleys (23, 25) are in the exemplary embodiment V-ribbed discs (23, 25), wherein the driven-side disc (25), for example, 2.2 times the diameter of the motor side Washer (23) has. The V-ribbed belt (24) may, for example, have a steel insert.

To adjust the belt tension, the motor (20), for example, in the longitudinal direction of the device (10) to be displaced. It is also conceivable to tension the traction means (24) by means of a self-tensioning device, cf. the FIGS. 2 and 3 , This then includes, for example, a tension roller (26) and a spring (27).

In the FIGS. 2 and 3 the device (10) is shown in a side view with different gear positions. In the FIG. 2 is the viewer facing front tread plate (81) in its upper end position and the rear tread plate (181) in its lower end position. In the FIG. 3 the gears (30, 130) are moved so far that the front tread plate (81) in its lower end position and the rear tread plate (181) is in its upper end position.

The individual transmission (30, 130), cf. the Figures 1 - 5 , a rotatable four-bar linkage comprising a frame (31; 131), a crank (32; 132), a coupling (33; 133) and a through the tread plate (81; 181) and their bearing flanges (82, 83; 182, 183 ) formed further transmission element (34, 134). This transmission element (34, 134) is referred to below as a tread plate element (34, 134). The single frame (31; 131) is formed in the embodiment by the bottom plate (11), a front bearing block (12) and a rear bearing block (13). The bearing flanges (82, 83, 182, 183) and the bearing blocks (12, 13) can be made in several parts. In the frame (31, 131), on the one hand, the crank (32, 132) is rotatably mounted in the crank joint (35, 135) and, on the other hand, the tread plate element (81, 181) is rotatably mounted in the frame joint (38, 138). After the Figures 1 - 5 are the pan and rotation axes of all joints (35-38; 135-138) are arranged normal to the vertical center longitudinal plane of the device (10).

The crank (32; 132) is formed by the drive shaft (41) with an eccentrically located bearing seat (42; 142). The drive shaft (41), according to the sectional view of the FIG. 4 connecting both gears (30; 130), carries at one end the pulley (25). It is mounted for example by means of two deep groove ball bearings (43, 44) in the front bearing block (12). The inner rings (45) of the bearings (43, 44) bear against a shaft shoulder (46) and are fixed axially on the shaft (41) by means of a securing ring (47). In the exemplary embodiment, the outer rings (48) on the bearing block (12).

Outside the bearings (43, 44) are in the embodiment, the eccentrically arranged bearing seats (42, 142). For example, these are offset in a direction normal to the imaginary center line (49) of the drive shaft (41) against each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the phase angle of the extremes of the two eccentrically arranged bearing seats (42, 142) relative to one revolution of the drive shaft (41) is 180 degrees. The length of the individual crank (32, 132) is the center line distance measured normal to the center line (49) of the drive shaft (41) between the bearing seats (51) of the drive shaft (41) and the eccentrically arranged bearing seat (42, 142) of the respective linkage ( 30, 130). In the in the Figures 1 - 5 illustrated embodiment, the sum of the diameter of an eccentrically arranged bearing seat (42, 142) and the double eccentricity smaller than the diameter of the bearing seat (51) of the drive shaft (41).

The eccentrically arranged bearing seats (42, 142) bear in the illustration of FIG. 4 each a rolling bearing (52; 152), which in turn carries a respective bearing plate (53; 153). This forms the coupling member (33, 133) which is rotatably mounted by means of the coupling joint (36, 136) on the crank (32, 132). A second bearing seat (54; 154) of the bearing plate (53, 153) receives by means of a further rolling bearing (55, 155) a pivot pin (59, 159) of the front tread plate bearing (84, 184). The distance between the two mutually parallel pivot axes of the bearings (52, 55, 152, 155) is the length of the coupling member (33, 133). The rolling bearings (43, 44, 52, 55, 152, 155) are in the embodiment sealed on both sides deep groove ball bearings. But it can also roller bearings, angular contact ball bearings, needle roller bearings, etc. are used.

The tread plate element (34; 134) is mounted in the coupling element (33; 133) by means of a pivoting joint (37; 137) and in the frame (31; 131) by means of a pivoting joint (38; 138). The average in the FIG. 5 Frame supports (38, 138) each comprise a sliding sleeve (85, 185) made by means of two, for example, multipart bearing flanges (83, 183) and pivot pins (86, 186) mounted in the rear bearing block (13).

The two tread plates (81, 181) are arranged axially symmetrically to the vertical center longitudinal plane of the device (10). The example, constant distance between the two tread plates (81, 181) to each other is less than two millimeters. The single tread plate (81, 181) is an at least approximately rectangular plate made, for example, of an aluminum alloy. In the exemplary embodiment, its length is 490 millimeters, its width is 200 millimeters and its thickness is 10 millimeters. Its upper side (87, 187) has a recessed surface into which a non-slip rubber mat (88, 188), for example, is glued. Optionally, at the top (87, 187) of the tread plates (81, 181) each one or several eyelets or hooks can be arranged. In this example, each a thimble of a rope can be hung with handle.

During assembly, for example, first the bearing blocks (12, 13) and the motor (20) are mounted on the base plate (11). In the front bracket (12), the drive shaft (41) is inserted and pushed from both shaft ends depending on a deep groove ball bearings (43, 44) on the bearing seats (51) and secured by means of a respective retaining ring (47). After placing the bearing plates (53, 153), the deep groove ball bearings (52, 152) are pushed onto the eccentrically arranged bearing seats (42, 142) and secured, for example, by means of retaining rings (58, 158). After inserting the bearings (55, 155), the tread plates (81, 181) are placed. A collar bolt (59, 159) is inserted in each of the tread plate bearings (37, 137) and is e.g. secured by a hex nut (61, 161). In the frame (31; 131), the single tread plate (81; 181) is secured by means of the bolt (86; 186).

After mounting and securing the pulleys (23, 25) and the belt (24), the belt (24) is e.g. tensioned by moving the motor (20).

During operation of the device (10), the user stands with one foot on a tread plate (81, 181). The motor (20) drives the two coupling gears (30, 130) by means of the traction mechanism drive (21). Here, each crank (32, 132) is rotated by one revolution with one revolution of the drive shaft (41). The two couplings (33, 133) are forcibly guided by means of the cranks (32, 132), so that the tread plate bearings (37, 137) are raised and lowered from an eg neutral starting position. During a cranking reaches the associated Support plate bearing (37; 137) a maximum and a minimum. The total stroke of a support plate bearing (37, 137) is for example seven millimeters. For example, the stroke frequency of a tread plate (81, 181) is between 3 hertz and 30 hertz.

During the oscillatory lifting movement, each of the two tread plates (81, 181) pivots about their frame-side mounting (38, 138). For example, the swivel angle from the neutral position is +/- an angular degree.

In a change of the output speed of the motor (20) changes proportionally to the stroke frequency of the tread plates (81, 181). This affects the stimulation of the user's muscles.

In the FIG. 13 a tread plate (81) with a bearing flange (83) is shown, wherein between the two components (81, 83), a pressure-sensitive sensor (89) is arranged. If, for example, at a high stroke frequency, the foot of the user lifts off from the footplate (81) in places, the sensor (89) is relieved of load and loaded abruptly upon the return of the foot. The example electrical output signal of the sensor, which is designed for example in the form of a pressure cell or a Dehnmessstreifens changes. This signal change causes in the control of the motor (20), for example, a reduction in the engine speed. Only when the feet of the user are again fully on the tread plate, the original signal level of the sensor responsive to deformations (89) is reached again.

Such sensors (89) can be arranged both in or on the frame-side (38) and in or on the coupling-side tread plate bearing (37). The sum signal of the Both sensors (89) is then largely independent of whether the user is further forward or further back on the tread plates (81, 181).

For the evaluation, it is also conceivable to generate a desired signal as a function of the mass or the moment of inertia of the user and the signal changes only after an intake operating time of e.g. 10 seconds to determine.

The FIG. 6 shows a partial section of a device (10) in the region of a drive shaft formed from coaxial cylindrical sections (41). On the drive shaft (41) sits a bearing plate bearing (52) supporting eccentric ring (71) which rests against a shaft shoulder (72) and is secured, for example by means of a shaft nut (73) with locking plate (74). Optionally, the eccentric ring (71) on the mother and / or shaft shoulder side have a planer toothing, which engages positively in a counter-toothing of the shaft shoulder (72) or a locking ring (74) of the shaft nut (73). The eccentric ring (71) can be positioned, for example, by means of a feather key on the drive shaft (41). For example, it can be exchangeable for an eccentric ring with different eccentricity.

To adjust the eccentricity and thus the length of the crank (32), the shaft nut (73) is released. The eccentric ring (71) can now be continuously rotated, for example, using a scale. As soon as the new crank length is set, the shaft nut (73) is reset. In a positive connection, for example, between the eccentric ring (71) and the shaft shoulder (72) a stepwise adjustment of the crank length is possible. With an adjustment of the eccentricity of the coupling joint (36), the stroke of the tread plate (81) is adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, a stroke adjustment between two and seven millimeters is possible.

The two gears (30, 130) can have different crank lengths. For this purpose, the eccentric rings (71) can be set differently. Thus, the lift amount of both tread plates (81, 181) may be unequal.

It is also conceivable to set the two gears (30, 130) so that the phase shift of the two maxima and / or minima is not equal to 180 degrees. For this purpose, the two tread plates (81, 181) are adjusted so that the maximum of one tread plate (81, 181) does not coincide in time with the minimum of the other tread plate (181, 81). Optionally, the drive shaft (41) in this case comprise an imbalance mass for mass balance.

The FIG. 7 shows a drive shaft (41) with an eccentric ring (71) which is fixed by means of an end cap (75). The end cap (75) is fastened, for example, by means of a screw (76) on the end face (77) of the drive shaft (41). Optionally, an attachment by means of two screws, a positive element, such as a pin and a screw (76), etc. is conceivable. Also in this case, for example, a scale can be mounted on the end cap (75), on which by means of a counter mark the eccentric ring (71) can be adjusted.

It is also conceivable to fix the eccentric ring (71) by means of a quick-release device. Here, for example, the eccentric ring (71) is operated from the outside of the device (10) by loosening or tensioning an operating handle. The eccentric adjustment can for example be done from the outside by means of a tool.

In the FIG. 8 the storage of two tread plates (81, 181) with elastically deformable elements (90, 190) is shown. This comprises in each case two composite bodies (101, 201) made of an elastomeric body (102, 202) and metal plates (103, 104, 203, 204) which are vulcanized on the front side. For example, the upper metal plate (103; 203) has a threaded bore (105; 205). The lower metal plate (104; 204) carries a threaded pin (106; 206) facing away from the elastomeric body (102; 202), which is screwed into the respective bearing block (13). A fastening screw (107, 207) for the tread plate (81, 181) is screwed into each of the threaded bores (105, 205). The elastomeric body (102, 202), for example, has a hardness between 40 and 60 Shore. The composite body (101, 201) thus prevents abrupt stresses on the user, which could occur at the reversal points of the footboard movement.

During operation of the device (10) with such a frame-side (38) and / or coupling-side tread plate mounting (37), the elastomer body (102, 202) allows a skewing of the two metal plates (103, 104, 203, 104) to one another at an angle of eg three degrees. The composite body (101, 201) can thus the example in the FIGS. 4 and 5 shown sliding or rolling bearings of the tread plates (81, 181) replace. But it can also be arranged in addition to these.

The FIG. 9 shows a coupling-side tread plate bearing (37), which comprises two plate spring packets (111) as elastically deformable elements (90, 190). For example, from below each screw (112) through the bearing flange (82) and the plate spring package (111) is screwed into the tread plate (81). By means of screws (112) is the Preload the cup spring packs (111) adjustable. Thus, the tread plate storage (37) can be made harder or softer.

In the presentation of the FIG. 9 is in each case a plate spring (113) of a plate spring package (111) upwards and the plate spring (114) fitting to this oriented downwards. But it is also conceivable, for example, each two superimposed upward (113) and in each case two superimposed downward disc springs (114) to combine.

In the presentation of the FIG. 9 can the coupling-side tread plate bearing (37) instead of a rolling bearing (55) be performed with a leaf spring. This is then attached to the bearing plate (53) and the bearing flange (82). The bending line is then, for example, parallel to the bottom plate (11).

The screw head (115) can for example rest on a curved washer (116) with a slot, cf. FIG. 10 , The latter can have a surface with a low static coefficient of friction. In an embodiment of the tread plate bearings (37, 38) without sliding and / or roller bearings, the bearing described can take over the joint function.

The use of a composite body made of an elastomeric body and frontal metal plates with a through hole instead of the disc spring assemblies (111) is conceivable.

The FIGS. 11 and 12 show a device (10) whose coupling-side treadle joints (37) comprise leaf springs (121). In the FIG. 11 the pulley (25) and the support bearing (64) are removed. The FIG. 12 shows a partial section of FIG. 11 in the area of the bearing plate (53). The single one elastically deformable element (90; 190), that is, the single curved leaf spring (121; 221), for example, is fixed at least approximately vertically to the bearing plate (53). In addition, it is secured here by means of a retaining plate (122). In the exemplary embodiment, the bearing plate (53) by means of a guide pin (62) in the front bearing block (12) is guided in the vertical direction.

On the tread plate side, the leaf springs (121, 221) on the underside of the tread plates (81, 181) are e.g. each mounted in two guide rails (123; 223). An adjustment plate (124) which can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the tread plate (81; 181) is pressed onto the leaf spring (121) by means of the guide elements (123) so that it retains its position relative to the tread plate (81; 181). By axial adjustment of the adjusting plate (124), the resilient length of the leaf spring and thus its spring stiffness can be adjusted. The shorter the resilient length, the higher the spring stiffness of the storage.

Optionally, a multilayer leaf spring package can be used. To increase the rigidity of the bearing, two or more leaf springs (121) can be arranged side by side.

Such a coupling-side tread plate bearing (37) can for example be combined with a frame-side tread plate bearing (38) with a composite body (101).

In the presentation of the FIG. 12 For supporting a tread plate (81, 181) three identical rolling bearings (43, 52, 63) are used. The running as a floating bearing bearing (64) in the embodiment has a relation to these camps smaller inner and outer diameter. But it is also conceivable for use all rolling bearing identical bearing elements.

Also, in such a device (10), the crank length and / or the phase angle difference can be adjustable.

The traction mechanism drive (21) can be arranged between the two transmissions (30, 130). Optionally, each transmission (30, 130) by means of its own traction drive (21) to be driven. The device (10) can also be designed without traction mechanism drive (21).

Combinations of the various embodiments are conceivable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Device for muscle stimulation

11

baseplate

12

Bearing, front

13

Bearing block, rear

20

engine

21

Traction drive, belt drive

22

motor shaft

23

Pulley, drive side; V-ribbed pulley

24

Traction means, belts, V-ribbed belts

25

Pulley, output side; V-ribbed pulley

26

idler

27

feather

30

Transmission, coupling gear

31

frame

32

crank

33

Coupling, coupling link

34

Gear element, tread element

35

Crank joint, swivel bearing

36

Coupling joint, pivot bearing

37

Footboard joint; Footplate bearing, front; Swivel bearing, coupling-sided footplate bearing

38

Frame joint, swivel bearing

41

drive shaft

42

Bearing seat, arranged eccentrically

43

Rolling bearings, deep groove ball bearings

44

Rolling bearings, deep groove ball bearings

45

inner rings

46

shaft shoulder

47

circlip

48

outer rings

49

Centerline of (41)

51

Bearing seats of (41)

52

Rolling bearings, deep groove ball bearings

53

bearing plate

54

bearing seat

55

Rolling bearings, deep groove ball bearings

58

circlip

59

threaded stud

61

Hex nut

62

guide pins

63

roller bearing

64

support bearings

71

eccentric ring, eccentric ring

72

shaft shoulder

73

shaft nut

74

Locking plate, circlip

75

end cap

76

screw

77

Front side of (41)

81

Tread plate, transmission element

82

Bearing flange front

83

Bearing flange, rear

84

Tread plate bearing, front

85

sliding sleeve

86

pivot pin

87

top

88

rubber mat

89

Pressure-sensitive sensor

90

elastically deformable element

101

composite body

102

elastomer body

103

metal plate

104

metal plate

105

threaded hole

106

Set screw

107

fixing screw

111

Cup springs

112

screw

113

Belleville spring

114

Belleville spring

115

screw head

116

washer

121

leaf springs

122

Halteblech

123

guide rail

124

adjusting plate

130

transmission

131

frame

132

crank

133

Coupling, coupling link

134

Gear element, tread element

135

crank joint

136

coupling joint

137

Footboard joint

138

frame joint

142

Bearing seat, arranged eccentrically

152

Rolling bearings, deep groove ball bearings

153

bearing plate

154

bearing seat

155

Rolling bearings, deep groove ball bearings

158

circlip

159

threaded stud

161

Hex nut

181

footboard

182

Bearing flange, front

183

Bearing flange, rear

184

Tread plate bearing, front

185

sliding sleeve

186

pivot pin

187

top

188

rubber mat

190

elastically deformable element

201

composite body

202

elastomer body

203

metal plate

204

metal plate

205

threaded hole

206

Set screw

207

fixing screw

221

leaf spring

223

guide rail

Claims (7)

1. An apparatus (10) for muscle stimulation, comprising a motor (20) and a pair of motor-driven transmission units (30, 130) each comprising a frame (31; 131) and a stepping plate element (34; 134) mounted in said frame (31; 131), said transmission units (30; 130) interconnected by a drive shaft (41),

   - with each said transmission units (30; 130) constituting a 4-bar linkage capable of rotation,

   - with each driven transmission member comprising a crank (32; 132) mounted in the frame (31; 131) and a stepping plate element (34; 134),

   - each crank (32; 13) being articulated to a stepping plate element (34; 134) by means of a coupling member (33; 133), and

   - with the coupling member (33; 133) mounted in a mounting plate bearing (52; 152) by means of an excentric ring (71) seated on the drive shaft (41) and adjustable infinitely or in steps;
   characterized in that

   - the mounting arrangement of each stepping plate element (34; 134) in the frame (31; 131) comprises at least one resiliently deformable element (90; 190);

   - the stepping plate elements (34; 134) comprise stepping plates (81; 181) having a mutual distance smaller than two millimeters; and that,

   - with the apparatus in use, the user stands with one foot on one stepping plate.
2. Apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that both cranks (32; 132) are adjustable in length.
3. Apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the phase angle position of both cranks (32; 132) is relatively adjustable.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the rate of rotation of each transmission unit (30, 130) is adjustable.
5. Apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each coupling element (33; 133) is connected to an associated stepping plate element (34; 134) by means of a resiliently deformable element (90; 190).
6. Apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the stiffness of the resiliently deformable element (90; 190) is adjustable.
7. Apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in in that at least one mount (37; 38; 137; 137) of each stepping plate element (34; 134) includes a sensor (89) reactive to deformation.

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