EP4046693B1 - Ergometer training device, especially a bicycle ergometer, with a progress indicator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an ergometer training device, in particular a bicycle ergometer. It is particularly suitable for use at home as an exercise bike or in a gym.

Increasing interest in physical activity to maintain health and increasing urbanization of societies mean that more and more people are exercising indoors on fitness equipment, be it in gyms or at home. At the same time, the range and variety of training equipment that can be used in the gym or at home has increased. Despite the wide range of options, it has been shown that users find training at home, perhaps even in the basement, or in a more elaborately designed fitness studio, to be quite monotonous in the long run.

An attempt was made to counteract the monotony by setting up television screens or similar entertainment devices. However, this is not always successful as it is essentially just a distraction. This can even create risks, as concentration on the actual sporting activity is reduced. Depending on the sport being practiced, reduced alertness can also pose a safety risk ( EP 3 327 597 A1 ). Furthermore, it is known to display a virtual competitor on the screen of the training device in order to be able to give the user a benchmark for the services provided by him and thus create a kind of artificial competitive atmosphere. The virtual competitor can be computer-generated or can display the actual performance of other users, for example You can train in an indoor cycling group in the same room and compete with each other, or you can train somewhere else remotely and have contact with them via an internet data connection ( US 8,409,057 B2 ).

In another type of training device that has a stand for holding a regular bicycle on its rear axle, it is known to place it on a platform-like substructure ( US 10,434,394 B2 ). The platform can be tilted and is also mounted on the substructure in a longitudinally movable manner using a curved roller conveyor. The bending of the roller conveyor creates a stable central position around which the platform can exert a passive oscillating longitudinal movement; The same applies to a back and forth movement as a side tilt. This gives the user a certain illusion of movement and promotes the user's ability to balance.

KR 2019 0029151 A discloses an ergometer with an actuator which is intended to move the frame with the seat and pedal unit in the longitudinal direction by motor.

Overall, however, the problem remains that simply training on the training device is relatively monotonous and offers the user little feedback about their training performance.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved training device with which the said disadvantages can be reduced.

The solution according to the invention lies in the features of independent claims 1 and 13. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In an ergometer, in particular a bicycle ergometer, with a tilt-stable frame on which a seat for a user and a pedal unit to be operated by the user are arranged, and a stand carrying the frame with feet for resting on a surface, the pedal unit being on a braking device acts, and a control device is provided which controls the braking device and to which at least one sensor is connected for detecting a training performance provided by the user, it is provided according to the invention that the control device interacts with a computing unit which is designed to use the training performance provided by the user to determine a measure of success in relation to a training reference, as well as with a signal unit which generates a signal for a progress indicator based on the measure of success, and an actuator is provided which motorically moves the frame with seat and pedal unit in the longitudinal direction (so that its relative position changes changes to the ground), whereby the actuator is automatically controlled by the computing unit depending on the signal for the progress indicator.

Some terms used are explained below:
An ergometer is understood to be a training device that is designed for use in an interior space (gym, room in the user's home) and is typically in the type of sports equipment, such as a stationary bicycle or bicycle trainer, an indoor cycling bike (especially without freewheel ), a rowing machine, a treadmill (band) training machine, cross trainer or similar.

A pedal unit is the device in relation to which the user predominantly exerts his training strength. This usually happens with the lower extremities such as legs or feet, for example with a stationary bicycle or bicycle trainer, indoor cycling bike (especially without a freewheel), treadmill training device or cross trainer. However, this term should be understood in a broader sense and also refer to the upper extremities, such as them can be used in particular with rowing machines or similar training devices to exercise training strength.

A stand is understood to mean that component of the supporting structure of the ergometer with which the ergometer stands on a surface, in particular the floor of the room or the fitness studio.

The longitudinal direction is a direction that is predominantly oriented parallel to the base (horizontally), approximately along a longitudinal axis of the ergometer.

Depending on the type of ergometer, the training force applied by the user results in a specific training work, with the quotient of this resulting in the training performance over time.

The training force applied by the user and the resulting training performance cannot be easily dissipated on an ergometer located inside, unlike, for example, a bicycle that is moved outdoors in nature, where the training performance is used to increase the driving speed and overcome air resistance becomes. These natural resistances are replaced by a braking device on an ergometer. It can be designed in various, known ways, for example as a friction braking device, as a magnetically acting braking device, as a generator for generating electrical energy or as a braking device acting against a fluid (e.g. a fan or elements rotating in a water vessel).

A measure of success is a quantifiable measure that provides an image of the training performance provided by the user. This can be the case with a bicycle ergometer, for example it can be the speed and/or the distance traveled, for a treadmill training device it is the speed and/or the incline height reached, for a rowing machine it is the rowing distance traveled or the boat speed reached, etc. It can be an absolute measure or a relative measure compared to a selectable and/or predetermined training reference. The training reference can be created artificially, for example calculated by a computer on the ergometer, it can result from stored processes (for example the user's previous training performance), and / or it can also result from training performance of other users who have previously used the same device or who use or have used another similar device, which is connected to the ergometer via a (remote) data connection, in particular the Internet.

The progress indicator is a measure that is calculated from the measure of success based on a selectable reference. For example, in the case of a bicycle ergometer or a running (band) training device, it can be the ratio of the distance traveled to a previously determined target distance as a reference, for example which part of a 10,000-meter run has already been completed or which part of a 50 km bicycle training. However, it can also be a relative measure, for example the progress achieved relative to another training, for example your own previous training (race against yourself) or against the training performance of another user on another training device.

The motor-driven displacement of the frame with seat and pedal unit in the longitudinal direction is understood to mean that, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the training unit, the relative position of the frame with seat and pedal unit to the surface on which the ergometer training device is arranged changes.

An actuator is understood to be a servo drive with a control unit which changes the position of a component of the ergometer training device (possibly the entire device) by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction (due to the design of the ergometer) in a controlled or regulated manner . Typically there is a position feedback in which the change in position caused by the servo drive is detected and fed back to a control unit of the servo drive. The energy required for the servo drive can preferably be taken from the ergometer training device's own energy storage device or generated using a generator (e.g. auxiliary generator on the braking device or generator as a braking device); However, supply from outside via a power cable or similar should not be ruled out.

The invention ensures that the user on the ergometer moves slowly but noticeably depending on his training performance. In this way, the result of their effort is made directly clear to the user, which has a motivating effect on the user. This creates an incentive to continue providing the training performance by allowing the user to intuitively determine what and how much they have achieved based on the movement caused by the actuator. This applies to an individual user, for whom the completed part of a predetermined training spectrum is clarified and made tangible in this way. This is particularly true for increasing comparability among multiple users, for example in a fitness studio, where the user with the highest training performance slowly moves ahead of the other users with lower training performance. However, if this user slacks off and thus loses his leadership position and slips to the back, this can be made clear to him by the actuator no longer moving any further (while the other, now faster users are moved forward) or even moved back. In this way, a competitive atmosphere can be created in the gym or in the home studio, which can effectively counteract the risk of monotony that otherwise occurs with prolonged use or training.

Thanks to the invention, the user can immediately and physically see how he stands in relation to a training task and/or what his position is in relation to other participants, with the increase (or deterioration) in his training performance being made clear to him by adjusting the actuator.

This improves the user experience and also creates a physically tangible comparability with the training performance of other users (or yourself, for example based on a previous exercise by the same user). This increases motivation and maintains the enjoyment of the activity.

The actuator is advantageously controlled reversibly, in particular by the computing unit. This means that, depending on his training performance, the user can not only move forward, but can also move in the opposite direction, i.e. backwards. The latter makes it clear to the user that their training performance has decreased. The reference here can be the user's previous performance, a given reference and in writing, or the training performance of other users.

The signal unit expediently interacts with an amplifier module which is designed to take into account further parameters for the progress indicator, in particular an acceleration caused by the training performance and/or speed. For example, by evaluating the acceleration, i.e. the increase in a user's training performance, by the amplifier module in addition to the position reached, the user's most recent increase in performance can, so to speak, be depicted on a larger scale through a stronger movement of the actuator. This creates a kind of magnifying glass effect in which the positional battles between two users are clearly highlighted and even small progress is made clear by the magnification caused by the amplifier module, resulting in a special motivational effect. For example, if one user is 1 m behind another over a distance of 10 km, this essentially has a barely noticeable effect on the actuator (the difference in position is only 0.1 ‰). But if this user now increases his speed significantly and can now manage to get 1 m ahead of the others, this performance can be emphasized by the amplifier module by adjusting the actuator more strongly (e.g. by a 10 or even 50 fold reinforcement); If the other user catches up again, the same applies or the first user is moved back again. This means that positional battles or other small changes are clearly visible even when long distances are involved.

The amplifier module is preferably also designed to carry out compression in the time domain. The adjustment can not only take place continuously, but may even take place discontinuously. With the discontinuous adjustment, for example, the user adjusts forward in a pulse-like manner when the user's training performance is appropriate. The resulting acceleration enhances the effect experience for the user. If the user's training performance remains constant, it can then be (imperceptibly) slowly reset in order to subsequently be able to adjust it forward again with an impulse if necessary. If there is a drop in performance, it may also be quickly adjusted back again.

The actuator is advantageously provided with an end position detection, which is designed to switch off and/or reverse the actuator when an end position is reached. This avoids exceeding a maximum deflection of the actuator, which benefits the operational and/or stability of the ergometer.

It is useful if the actuator is designed to be form-fitting. Although it cannot be ruled out that it also works in a non-positive manner, an actuator with a positive fit makes it easier to precisely reach a predefined position. In this way, incorrect positioning due to slip, as can occur with actuators based on friction, can be practically eliminated.

Preferably, the actuator is arranged between the frame and the stand, so that the frame is displaceable relative to the stand. This opens up the possibility of integrating the actuator into the stand to save space. This also results in a low center of gravity. On the other hand, however, it should not be ruled out that the actuator is arranged on the displaceable frame. This design can be useful if relatively large adjustment paths are provided for the actuator and/or the actuator includes long guides, in particular telescopic guides.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the stand is provided with roller feet and the actuator is arranged on the stand, with the actuator driving at least one of the roller feet. A roller foot is understood to be a foot with which the stand rests on the floor, whereby the foot is not a rigid body but is provided with a roller. Thus, by driving at least one of the rolling feet, the ergometer as a whole with the entire frame be moved by the actuator. The actuator is expediently designed as a creep drive which drives the at least one of the roller feet at a low speed which is lower than walking speed, preferably at most 1 m/s or at most at a safe speed, as defined according to the relevant machinery directive. This counteracts any danger caused by the ergometer moving too quickly in the confined environment of a room or a room within a building.

All feet of the stand are expediently designed as roller feet, of which at least one, preferably two, are driven by the actuator. With two powered roller feet, one is preferably arranged on the left and one on the right of the stand, viewed in the longitudinal direction.

The actuator advantageously has a traction control device for the roller foot, preferably detected slip of the at least one driven roller foot being fed back to the computing unit. Especially on the smooth floor often found in fitness studios, there is a risk that actuating the actuator will lead to slippage on the roller foot, as a result of which the desired displacement in the longitudinal direction is not achieved or is only achieved incompletely. The risk of slippage is exacerbated by the fact that when the user exerts a lot of effort, sweat accumulations or puddles of sweat typically form on the floor in the area of the ergometer, which makes the floor slippery and increases the risk of slippage. In order to achieve the desired displacement despite slip, the slip is expediently recorded and returned to the computing unit, which is expediently designed to be able to compensate for the slip. It is useful to record the slip by comparing the slip-free operation the displacement distance resulting from the actuator with the displacement distance actually covered. Preferably, several roller feet are driven and any slip detected is compensated for. For this purpose, it is in particular provided that the roller foot in which slip has occurred is additionally driven in order to achieve the desired slip compensation.

The roller feet are advantageously spring-loaded. This ensures that even if the surface is not entirely flat, as is often the case in the home, the roller feet remain firmly on the floor and thus enable low-slip or slip-free operation of the actuator.

The actuator is expediently provided with a position detection device, the signal of which is fed back to the computing unit. With such feedback, a precisely defined displacement distance can be safely set and achieved by the actuator. For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the position detection device is provided with a sensor which is designed to detect floor markings. This means that the floor of the room or the gym can be conveniently used for position detection.

The floor markings are preferably designed as a marking tape, which can also preferably be glued to the base. This means that the required marking of the floor can be easily created in any room or room, namely by simply rolling out the tape on the floor and, if necessary, attaching it by gluing it.

It is particularly advantageous if the floor markings are designed as a lane marking with distance markings. In this way, the displacement distance achieved can be recorded using the distance markings the straightness of the displacement route can be ensured by means of the track marking. Ensuring the straightness of the displacement path is particularly important in cases when several ergometers are arranged relatively close to one another, as is typically the case in fitness studios. By aligning the ergometers in parallel, an overlap in the displacement distance can be avoided, but only if the displacement distance of the respective ergometer is straight and there are no deviations from this. This can be achieved by using the floor markings as track markings for the respective ergometer.

An alignment module can advantageously be provided, which is designed to recognize and display directional deviations based on the floor markings, with a correction direction preferably also being displayed. Using such an alignment module, it can be recognized if the actual resulting displacement does not exactly follow the intended trajectory according to the floor markings. This can be displayed to the user. If necessary, he can then manually correct the position and/or orientation of the ergometer, or this can be done automatically, in particular by driving the roller feet on one side. This can be done in such a way that the displacement caused by the actuator along a straight line is monitored and, if necessary, automatically corrected. For this purpose, the correction device preferably acts on at least two roller feet and controls them with a differential speed that depends on a desired correction effect. This means that the desired straight course of the displacement path can be achieved automatically.

Advantageously, the ergometer has its own energy source provided for the actuator, in particular a memory and/or (auxiliary) generator. In this way, the ergometer becomes independent of an external energy supply. This is especially for The variant with rolling feet is a considerable advantage, as otherwise there would be a risk that the power supply cable would be too short depending on the displacement distance or pose a tripping hazard for users. A wireless supply is also an advantage when several ergometers are set up next to each other in order to avoid mutual interference.

It is advisable to provide transport rollers on the stand, which are preferably not driven. The transport wheels allow the user to easily move the ergometer after training to put it away. The transport rollers are preferably arranged so that they only reach the floor when the stand is raised on one side and thus allow it to roll away, while when the stand is completely on the floor they are spaced from the floor so that the stand cannot roll away but remains immovably in place .

The ergometer can in particular be a bicycle, a rowing machine or a treadmill. In the first two mentioned, the user's place is formed by a seat, while the treadmill naturally does not have a seat but instead of the seat is the user's place, which is defined by the place on the treadmill where, according to the design, the user sits during operation on the treadmill. In the case of a rowing machine or treadmill, the term pedal unit refers to the corresponding operating actuators (the rowing handles or the moving treadmill).

The invention further extends to a corresponding method for operating the ergometer, in particular controlling the actuator. It also relates to a method for operating an ergometer, in particular a bicycle ergometer, with a tilt-stable frame on which a seat for a user and a pedal unit are arranged, and a stand carrying the frame with feet for resting on a surface, the pedal unit acting on a braking device, comprising actuation of the pedal unit by the user, detecting a training performance provided by the user by means of a sensor and controlling the braking device by means of a control device, to which the sensor is connected, the invention further providing for determining a measure of success from the training performance provided by the user in relation to a training reference, generating a signal for a progress indicator based on the measure of success and automatically controlling an actuator depending on the signal for the progress indicator , whereby the actuator motorically moves the frame with the seat and the pedal unit in the longitudinal direction.

The method further includes exchanging data, in particular comprising training data and/or data for the measure of success, with other ergometers via a networking unit. Preferably, provision can also be made for the training reference to be generated based on users on the other ergometers. The other ergometers can be located locally, for example in the same gym when networked, particularly via LAN, WLAN or Bluetooth, or remotely, when networked particularly via a WAN (Wide Area Network) or the Internet. Further preferably, the actuator of the respective ergometers is adjusted so that the ergometers are positioned according to the relative placement of the users. By comparing the respective measure of success and/or progress indicator of the participating users, a relative ranking can be determined, optionally including the amplifier module as described above. In this way, virtual competitions can be held with other users on other ergometers. Depending on the performance, the user can be moved forward by the actuator if it is better (has a higher level of success) than the other users, or he can be moved back if he is worse, i.e. falls behind relative to the other users. With the method, this can be experienced very vividly for the user, which increases motivation and thus also training performance.

Furthermore, with regard to the further explanation of the method in order to avoid repetitions, reference is made to the above description of the device, which also applies accordingly to the method.

Preferably, it can also be provided for the device and method that the other ergometers are substations and communication signals, such as receiving training instructions and sending corresponding feedback, are exchanged via the networking unit. This offers advantages in particular if one of the ergometers acts as a master, for example it is a trainer or trainer station from where one or more substations with training users are controlled.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Gesamtansicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform für das Ergometer;

Fig. 2a, b

perspektivische Darstellung und Schnittdarstellung zur Führung eines Rahmens an einem Ständer des nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ergometers;

Fig. 3a, b

eine Variante für die Führung des Rahmens am Ständer;

Fig. 4a-c

Ansichten zu einer hinteren, mittleren und vorderen Position eines Stellantriebs des nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ergometers;

Fig. 5a, b

Detailansichten zu einer Verschiebung des Rahmens relativ zum Ständer

Fig. 6

ein schematisches Blockdiagramm für das Ergometer mit Stellantrieb;

Fig. 7

ein erfindungsgemäßes Ergometer gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit einer gesonderten Spurmarkierung;

Fig. 8a-c

Darstellungen zu der zweiten Ausführungsform mit einem auf Rollfüße wirkenden Stellantrieb in Positionsgewinn- und Positionsverlustphasen;

Fig. 9

eine Frontalansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform mit Darstellung einer seitlichen Schwingung;

Fig. 10

eine Variante zu der zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 11a, b

weitere Varianten zu der zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 12

eine Variante zu Fig. 7 mit einer formschlüssigen Spurmarkierung; und

Fig. 13a-c

Darstellungen zu einer Mehrzahl von Ergometern in einem Fitnessstudio.

The term “exchange” in this case is understood to mean both unidirectional and bidirectional data traffic. The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the drawing using advantageous embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective overall view of an embodiment for the ergometer not according to the invention;

Fig. 2a, b

Perspective view and sectional view for guiding a frame on a stand of the ergometer not according to the invention;

Fig. 3a, b

a variant for guiding the frame on the stand;

Fig. 4a-c

Views of a rear, middle and front position of an actuator of the ergometer not according to the invention;

Fig. 5a, b

Detailed views of a displacement of the frame relative to the stand

Fig. 6

a schematic block diagram for the ergometer with actuator;

Fig. 7

an ergometer according to the invention according to a second embodiment with a separate track marking;

Fig. 8a-c

Representations of the second embodiment with an actuator acting on roller feet in position gain and position loss phases;

Fig. 9

a front view of the second embodiment showing a lateral vibration;

Fig. 10

a variant of the second embodiment;

Fig. 11a, b

further variants of the second embodiment;

Fig. 12

a variant too Fig. 7 with a positive lane marking; and

Fig. 13a-c

Illustrations of a number of ergometers in a fitness studio.

The embodiments of the ergometers according to the invention shown in the figures are bicycle ergometers. However, the invention is not limited to this and can also be intended for other types of ergometers, in particular recumbent ergometers, treadmill ergometers, cross trainers and/or rowing machine ergometers.

A bicycle ergometer according to a first embodiment of the invention, as in Figure 1 shown, comprises as main components a frame 2, on which a seat 20 for a user and a handle 22 designed in the manner of a handlebar are arranged, as well as a stand 3, which carries the frame 2 and on which the frame 2 is arranged in a tilt-stable manner. The stand 3 is provided with feet 4, by means of which it stands firmly on a floor or other suitable surface. Furthermore, a pedal unit 21 is assigned to the seat 20 and arranged so that a user sitting on the seat 20 can operate the pedal unit 21 with his legs and can support himself on the handle 22. The user applies the training power to the pedal unit 21, which is then recorded via the pedal unit 21 and fed into the bicycle ergometer and is typically recorded by a braking device 27. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the braking device 27 is designed as a magnetic brake wheel, but other alternative types of braking devices known to those skilled in the art are also possible, examples of which are brake bands or generator-acting braking devices.

The frame 2 is installed by means of an actuator 9, which is largely concealed in the embodiment shown (in Figure 1 not shown), longitudinally displaceable relative to the stand 3. Starting from a middle position, as in Figure 1 is shown, the position of the frame 2 with the user located on the seat saddle 20 can thus be seen on the stand 3 in the longitudinal direction forward (in Figure 1 to the right) and preferably also in the opposite direction, i.e. backwards in the longitudinal direction (in Figure 1 to the left), can be changed using the actuator 9.

In Figure 2a and b Details of a guide for the actuator 9 are shown. The guide comprises a pair of U-shaped guide rails 90, which are arranged in opposite directions on the long sides of the stand 3. The term opposite is understood here to mean that in the case of the guide rails 90, the open side of the "U" is both inwards (see Figure 2a ) or both are arranged outwards (see Figure 2b ). Two rollers run in the guide rails 90 on each side, one of which is 48 (in Figure 2 not shown) is not driven and the other roller 49 is driven by means of a servomotor 94 of the actuator 9. As the actuator 9 drives the roller 49 by means of the servomotor 94, the roller 49 and thus also the non-driven roller 48 move along the guide rails 90 , whereby the frame 2 shifts accordingly relative to the stand 3, which is stationary.

The design variants according to Figures 2a and 2b differ only in terms of the orientation of the guide rails 90 and whether the servomotors 94 run inside or outside. The rollers 48, 49 can be designed with a smooth outer surface, the adhesion between the driven roller 49 and the inside of the guide rails 90 being based on friction; alternatively, at least the driven roller 49 can optionally be designed as a serrated roller with a corresponding complementary design of the inside of the guide rails 90, whereby the drive effect is based on positive locking.

Another variant for the actuator 9 and its guidance is in Figure 3a, b shown. Here, instead of the guide rails 90, a guide spindle 90 'is provided, which is rotated by a servomotor 94. A frame-mounted sliding block 95 is arranged on the spindle 90' and has a through opening with an internal thread 95'. Through this is the spindle guided, with the internal thread 95 'engaging in the spindle 90'. Thus, by turning the spindle 90 'by means of the servomotor 94, the sliding block 95 and thus the frame 2 can be adjusted in a precise position in the longitudinal direction. By turning in one direction, the frame can be moved forward, and by turning the spindle 90 'in the other direction, the frame 3 can be moved backwards relative to the stand 3. The spindle 90' can also be installed concealed, for example in the interior of a U-profile with an inward-facing opening, as in Figure 2a shown.

Examples of the positions of the frame 2 relative to the stand 3 that can be achieved using the actuator 9 are shown in the Figures 4a to c shown. They show views of frame 2 with a rear ( Figure 4a ), middle ( Figure 4b ) and front position ( Figure 4c ) of the actuator 9 of the ergometer. It can be clearly seen how the relative position of the frame 2 with the user's seat 20 can be moved forward or backward in relation to the stand 3 standing on the base (floor). As a rule, the middle position ( Figure 4b ) represents the starting point. Starting from the in accordance with Figure 4b The positive fulfillment of his training goal, in particular overfulfillment, can therefore be immediately and vividly demonstrated to the user by adjusting the actuator 9 in the direction that the frame 2 and thus also the user are moved further forward, as in Figure 5b is symbolized by the arrow pointing to the right. In order to achieve top performance or to achieve the leadership position in a competitive competition, the frame 2 can be moved to the very front, as shown in Figure 4c is shown. In this way, the user can be positively confirmed and encouraged to achieve their training performance. - However, the user's training performance remains behind intended training performance or his training goal, this can be illustrated to the user just as directly and vividly by a backward movement of the frame 2 with the user sitting there, as in Figure 5b is symbolized by the arrow pointing to the left. If the training performance is not provided or if you remain in last place in a competitive competition, the frame 2 with the user will then be moved all the way back, as in Figure 4a shown. This allows the user to be encouraged to increase their training performance in a silent, yet noticeable and intuitive way.

If the user's performance is within the average or expected range, the frame 2 can assume the middle position again, as in Figure 5a shown. This creates the basis for the user to be able to experience his training performance again in terms of over/underperformance by appropriately adjusting the position of the frame 2 (and thus also of the user on it).

The schematic structure and the functional relationships of the essential components are shown below using the block diagram Figure 6 explained. The central unit for the basic function of the ergometer is the control device 6. Connected to this via a user interface 25 are an input device 23 and a display device 24 as an operator display. Furthermore, a sensor 26 is arranged on the pedal unit 21, which is connected to the control device 6 and by means of which the control device 6 determines the training performance provided by the user. The control device 6 is preferably further designed to use the data determined by the sensor 26 to determine signals in order to derive from the training performance provided by the user Measurement of a distance s traveled by the user, the speed v achieved and, if necessary, also possible acceleration/deceleration a.

The control device 6 also interacts with a computing unit 7. The signals from the control device 6 are applied to these, in particular those for the training performance provided by the user, the distance traveled, speed and acceleration. A signal for a training reference, as set by the user via the input device 23, is also applied to it. The computing unit 7 determines a measure of success from the training performance provided by the user in relation to the training reference, which can be absolute and/or relative. The computing unit 7 works together with a signal unit 8, which is designed to generate a signal 80 for a progress indicator 81 based on the measure of success. The signal 80 is output and is applied as an input signal to an actuator 9, which, depending on this signal 80, motorically moves the frame 2 with seat 20 and pedal unit 21 in the longitudinal direction, depending on the training performance provided, as explained below. Computing unit 7 and actuator 9 form the actual core of the invention.

The actuator 9 has a servomotor 94, which acts on the frame 3 for displacement by means of a driven roller 49. Also shown is a non-driven roller 48, which is provided with a device for rotation detection (encoder or resolver) 96. The signal it generates is a measure of the distance covered by the roller 48, therefore a signal for the displacement of the frame 2, and is fed back to the actuator 9. The speed of the servomotor 94 is preferably also monitored, from which a signal for the speed of the driven roller 49 can be generated. This signal is also sent to the position drive 9 returned. This includes a traction control device 93, to which both the speed signals of the driven roller 49 and the speed signals of the non-driven roller 48 are applied. From this it can be determined whether and to what extent slip occurs on the driven roller 49; furthermore, if slip is detected, a corresponding compensation can be made, in particular by additionally actuating the slip-afflicted roller 49 by means of the actuator 9 and/or - in the case of two or more driven rollers - by complementary control of the actuator on the opposite side of the frame 2 in order to create symmetry.

Furthermore, the actuator 9 includes limit switches 92, 92 ', which are in the area of the ends of the guide rails 90 (in Figure 6 not shown) are arranged. They are connected to the actuator 9 via a stop switching device 91. The stop switching device 91 is designed to detect the approach of the rollers 48, 49 to the respective limit switch 92, 92 'and then to switch off or reverse the actuator 9. This can prevent the frame 2 from being moved too far and thus minimize the risk of it jumping out of the guide rail 90.

The signal unit 8 also interacts with an amplifier module 82. In particular, signals for speed and/or acceleration, as determined by the control device 6 from the training performance provided by the user, are additionally applied to this. They can be taken into account as further parameters for the progress indicator. For example, a user catching up with respect to a training reference and exceeding the training reference can be amplified, so that even small progress can be amplified by the amplifier module 82 and thereby made clear to the user. This applies accordingly if the training reference is created by other users on other ergometers 1', especially when two users fight for position. If a user catches up with another user, even small progress in catching up is made more visible by the amplifier module 82 in that the frame 2 of his ergometer is moved forward by the actuator 9 in order to be approximately in the middle position in the event of a tie , and finally being moved significantly forward again when overtaking the other user. In a corresponding manner, accelerations achieved by the user through his training performance can be amplified by the amplifier module 82. Overall, the faster user is given the impression of a “real overtaking maneuver”. The same applies vice versa if the user is overtaken by another and the user overtaken in this way is then moved backwards by the actuator 9.

In all of this, the actuator 9 always takes into account by means of a limiter 98 that the adjustment speed of the frame 3 caused by the servo motor 94 is a safe speed that is permissible according to the Machinery Directive, in order to avoid the risk of injury to the user. The limiter 98 is expediently designed in such a way that, together with the servomotor 94, it forms a creep drive whose adjustment speed is limited to a maximum of 1 m/s.

In order to have sufficient energy for the actuator 9 and the control device 6 or computing unit 7 available independently of the mains, a separate energy storage 99 is provided on the frame 2 or on the stand 3, which is connected via supply lines (not shown) to the actuator 9, the control device 6 or the computing unit 7 is connected. The energy storage 99 is designed as an accumulator and stores electrical energy that is required for the displacement of the frame 2 according to the invention.

For the design variants according to Figure 7 the stand 3` is not designed as a rectangular frame like the one in Figure 1 illustrated first embodiment, but is formed by means of two crossbars 32, 33. At the ends of these feet 4 are arranged by means of which the crossbar 32, 33 stand on a surface, in particular the floor of a fitness studio. Here, two of the feet 4 are designed as roller feet 42, 43, each of which has rollers 49, 49 'arranged at the ends of the front crossbar 33. The rollers 49, 49 'are driven by the actuator 9, as already described above. The stand 3 can therefore be rolled. This ensures that the entire ergometer shifts depending on the signal 80 for the progress indicator calculated by the computing unit 7. This results in a greater adjustment distance, so that the user is given a more impressive experience when performing a training performance in accordance with the training reference. It is understood that, as already described above, the training reference can, on the one hand, be an absolute one, based on a set training unit, or a relative one, which is based on other users of other ergometers 1'.

A networking unit 5 is provided for communication with other users on other ergometers 1`. It is designed to establish a connection to a data network (in particular the Internet) 50 in order to be able to communicate with other users and their ergometers 1'. The other users can be anywhere, be it in the same or a different room of the gym or at home or in a completely different place in the world. The training data is exchanged with these other users so that competitive competitions can take place virtually.

A non-driven roller 48, which is expediently arranged on the other crossbar 32, can function as a position detection device. In this way, as already described above in connection with an encoder 96, signals for the displacement distance actually covered can be obtained and fed back to the actuator 9.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the actuator 9 is provided with a tracking device 97. As in Figure 7 shown, it is designed to follow a floor track marking 100 on the floor, which is preferably designed as a linear element and extends across the room in which the ergometer is arranged. With several ergometers in one room, as is typically the case in fitness studios, several floor track markings 100 can be arranged next to each other, in particular parallel, without crossing. The track following device 97 is provided with an image sensor 97 'for detecting the ground track marking 100. If the image sensor 97' detects a deviation to the left (or to the right), a corresponding signal is transmitted to the tracking device 97. This is designed to detect a directional error based on the deviation and to determine a correction direction and, if necessary, to display it on the display device 24. Furthermore, it expediently interacts with the traction control 93 in such a way that it functions as a correction device. Here, the driven roller 49 'opposite to the side towards which a deviation has occurred (i.e. the right roller has a deviation to the left) is driven at a reduced speed by the servomotor 5, so that the deviation of the ergometer 1 is back to the ground track marking 100 attributed.

The floor track marking 100 is preferably designed to be adhesive, for example as a single-sided adhesive tape.

Distance markings 102 are expediently printed on the top, which can also be provided with intermediate markings 103. Furthermore, a marking for the starting point 105 and a target marking 106 are expediently provided on the top of the ground track marking 100. The floor track marking 100 is expediently shorter, so that it can also be used in a shortened version in the home area with the smaller room dimensions that typically occur there. The edges 101 of the ground track marking 100 act as a longitudinal guide for the tracking device 97.

Otherwise, the driven roller 49, 49' is actuated by means of the actuator 9 in a corresponding manner as described above for the displacement of the frame 3 relative to the stand 2 of the first embodiment.

If the user exceeds the training reference (absolutely or relatively relative to any virtual competitors on other ergometers 1'), the frame 3 is moved forward by the actuator 9 by means of the driven rollers 49, 49' along the ground track marking 100 ( please refer Figure 8a ). In the event of persistent overcrowding or in the event of overcrowding at a particularly high speed or acceleration, and/or by gaining a position compared to another user as a competitor on another ergometer 1', the ergometer 1 with its frame 3 is moved more forward by means of the amplifier module 82 in order to in order to make the position gain directly tangible for the user (see Figure 8b ). In return, if the user's performance decreases compared to the reference or if a virtual competitor overtakes the user, the position drive 9 will reverse accordingly and the ergometer 1 with its frame 2 will be moved backwards by means of the driven rollers 49, 49 ', thus the user's reduced performance and to illustrate the resulting loss of position depending on the situation (see Figure 8c ).

A special feature of the second embodiment with driven rollers 49, 49' is that under the effect of the user's oscillating pedal force on the pedals arranged on both sides of the ergometer 1, there are different contact forces on the feet arranged on the left compared to those arranged on the right feet can come. An example of this is in Figure 9 visualizes where, due to the user's driving force acting on the pedal, the contact force is increased compared to the static normal case (black arrow) on the right side (see the light shaded additional arrow). Correspondingly, on the left side, the dynamic contact force created by the pedal force is reduced compared to the static normal case (black arrow) (see shaded arrow). The different contact forces on the left and right lead to different contact pressure on the rollers 49, 49`. As a result, even with the same driving force from the servomotor 94, different slippage can occur on the left and right sides, as a result of which the ergometer is deflected to the side with the lower contact force (in Figure 9 this is the left side). The traction module 82 is expediently designed to detect such an unbalance and the resulting slip difference caused by the effect of the user's driving force on the pedal drive and to compensate for it by activating the traction control.

In Figure 10 and Figure 11 a, b Variants for the second embodiment with a powered roller foot are shown. This is the case with the embodiment variant Figure 10 a driven central roller 47 is provided, which is arranged on a boom between the crossbars 32, 33. The crossbars 32, 33 themselves are provided with sliders 45 on their underside are dimensioned so that the central driven roller 47 absorbs a large part of the contact force of at least the rear crossbar 32. If necessary, this central driven roller 47 can be designed to be steerable in order to compensate for a directional deviation, for example from the track marking 100, by pivoting the driven central roller 47.

Optionally, transport rollers 41 can be provided on the back of the crossbar 32 on both sides. They are arranged in such a way that they are in the Figure 10 The position of the ergometer 1 shown does not rest on the floor, but is arranged slightly higher. If, for example, the ergometer 1 is tilted backwards over the rear crossbar 32 to tidy up, then the transport rollers 41 come into contact with the floor and the ergometer 1 can easily be rolled away.

In the embodiment variant according to Figure 11a Instead of the centrally driven roller 47, a second set of driven rollers 49, 49 'is arranged on an axle support which is also attached to the boom. The function largely corresponds to that specified Figure 9 , whereby directional deviations can also be compensated for on the one hand by specifically driving the driven roller on 49, 49 ' (as described above). The same applies to the embodiment variant according to Figure 11b , where the driven rollers 49, 49 'are provided on a front crossbar and non-driven rollers 48, 48' on a rear crossbar.

In Figure 12 is a variant of Figure 7 shown. It differs from that in Figure 7 illustrated second embodiment in that a form-fitting track marking 100 'is provided. It has teeth on its top like a rack. The teeth are preferably rectangular in profile, so to create a surface that is easy to walk on, including in the area of the teeth. The rollers 48, 48 'on the crossbars are not driven. Instead, the servo motor 94 of the actuator 9 acts on a serrated wheel 46. It has teeth on its outer circumference that are designed to complement the teeth of the track marking 100 '. The serrated wheel 46 is mounted in the lower region of the frame 3 in such a way that its teeth on the outer circumference positively engage with the teeth of the track marking 100 '. In this way, a positive drive is formed, which causes a reliable and precise displacement of the frame 3 even in the event of contamination with liquids (sweat). This is particularly suitable for use in fitness studios or other sports performance centers where users achieve the highest level of physical performance.

Such use in fitness studios is in Figure 13 visualized with different views. Figure 13a shows several bicycle ergometers 1, 1 'according to the invention, which are set up next to each other in a fitness studio with their floor track markings 100 parallel to one another. At the start they stand next to each other and during training they are moved by the actuator 9 depending on the training performance of the respective user.

The relative positioning is also shown here. If two users are competing for a position (e.g. the leadership position), thanks to the amplifier module 82 it can be highlighted to make it clear which user is currently in the lead, even if the lead is only a few centimeters. In this way, the competition for places can be clearly experienced, even if the simulated competition route is shortened from 10 or 100 km to a typically 5 to 15 m short movement along the ground track marking 100. The invention also makes use of this: that the loss of position of a user relative to another user may then also result in a reversal of the actuator 9, ie the user falling behind in the position sequence then moves not only relative to the others, but also absolutely backwards. This is shown, for example, in Figure 13b, where the user of the ergometer 1 falls behind and is overtaken by the user of the other ergometer 1 '. This change in relative positioning is converted by the respective actuator 9 into a forward movement of the ergometer 1 'and a backward movement of the ergometer 1. This happens regardless of whether the ergometers 1, 1' are in one place (in the indoor cycling room of a fitness studio) or away from each other (and only connected via the Internet 50). This can create a significantly more intense competition atmosphere and increase the experience for users, which is subsequently an incentive for further training achievements.

In Figure 13c an example of aligning the bicycle ergometers 1, 1' on the ground track markings 100 is shown. This is particularly important if several bicycle ergometers 1, 1' are to be operated next to each other in order to ensure parallel operation and avoid collisions with the neighboring device. For this purpose, the tracking module expediently works together with an alignment module, which displays deviations recognized by the tracking device 97 on the display device 24 in order to support rapid and correct alignment.

Claims (15)

1. An ergometer (1), especially exercise bike, with

   a tipping stable frame (2), to which

   a seat (20) for a user and a pedal unit (21) to be operated by the user are arranged, and

   a pedestal (3) supporting the frame (2) with feet for resting on a surface, wherein:

   the pedal unit (21) acts on a braking device (27), and a control device (6) is provided, which controls the braking device (27), and to which at least one sensor (26) for detecting a training performance generated by the user is connected,

   the control device (6) cooperates with a processing unit (7), which is adapted to determine a measure of success from the training performance generated by the user with regard to a training reference,

   the control device (6) cooperates with a signal unit (8), which is formed to generate a signal (80) for a progress indicator based on the measure of success,

   an actuating drive (9) is provided, which displaces the frame (3) with seat (20) and pedal unit (21) in the longitudinal direction in a motorized manner, and

   the actuating drive (9) is controlled automatically by the processing unit (7) as a function of the signal (80) for the progress indicator, characterized in that

   the pedestal (3) has roller feet (42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 48', 49, 49') and the actuating drive (9) is arranged on the pedestal (3),

   wherein the actuating drive (9) is formed to drive at least one of the roller feet (49, 49').
2. The ergometer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing unit (7) is formed to reversibly control the actuating drive (9).
3. The ergometer (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal unit (8) cooperates with an amplifier module (82), which is formed to consider further parameters for the progress indicator, especially an acceleration and/or speed generated by the training performance.
4. The ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating drive (9) has an end position detection (92, 92'), which is formed to turn off and/or to reverse the actuating drive (9) when reaching an end position; and/or the actuating drive (9) is embodied in a positive fitting manner.
5. The ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating drive (9) is arranged between frame (2) and pedestal (3), so that the frame (2) is displaceable relative to the pedestal (3).
6. The ergometer (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating drive (9) is embodied as a creep drive, which drives the at least one of the roller feet (49, 49') at a low speed, which is lower than walking speed, preferably is maximally 1 m/s, especially maximally at a safe speed according to machine guideline.
7. The ergometer (1) according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the actuating drive (9)

   has a traction control (93) for the roller foot (49, 49'), wherein a preferably detected slip of the at least one driven roller foot (49, 49') is guided back to the processing unit (7),

   wherein several roller feet (49, 49') are further preferably driven and detected slip is compensated.
8. The ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating drive (9) has a device for position detection (96, 97), the signal of which is guided back to the processing unit (7).
9. The ergometer (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the device for position detection has a sensor (97'), which is formed to detect floor track markings (100), wherein the floor track markings (100) are preferably embodied as a track marking with distance markings (102, 103).
10. The ergometer (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the floor track markings (100) are embodied as a marking tape, which can preferably be adhered to a support.
11. The ergometer (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an alignment module (97), which is formed to detect and indicate directional deviations by means of the floor track markings (100), wherein a correction direction is preferably further displayed.
12. The ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating drive (9) has its own energy source (99), and/or
    the pedestal (3) has transport rollers (41), which are preferably not driven.
13. A method for operating an ergometer (1), especially exercise bike, with a tipping stable frame (2), on which a seat (20) for a user and a pedal unit (21) are arranged, and a pedestal (3) supporting the frame (2) with feet for resting on a surface, wherein the pedal unit (21) acts on a braking device (27), comprising:

    operating the pedal unit (21) by the user,

    detecting a training performance generated by the user by means of a sensor (26),

    controlling the braking device (27) by means of a control device (6), to which the sensor (26) is connected,

    determining a measure of success from the training performance generated by the user with regard to a training reference,

    generating a signal (80) for a progress indicator based on the measure of success, and

    automatically controlling an actuating drive (9) as a function of the signal (80) for the progress indicator, whereby the actuating drive (9) displaces the frame (3) with the seat (20) and the pedal unit (21) in the longitudinal direction in a motorized manner,

    wherein the pedestal (3) has roller feet (42, 43, 46, 47, 48, 48', 49, 49') and the actuating drive (9) is arranged on the pedestal (3), and

    driving at least one of the roller feet (49, 49') by means of the actuating drive (9).
14. The method according to claim 13, characterized by

    exchanging data, especially comprising training data and/or data for the measure of success, with other ergometers (1') via a networking unit (5),

    wherein the other ergometers (1') can preferably be arranged locally and/or spatially at a distance,

    wherein the actuating drive (9) of the respective ergometer is further preferably adjusted so that the ergometers (1, 1') are positioned according to a relative placement of the users.
15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the other ergometers are substations and the communicating comprises a receiving of training instructions at the other ergometers and/or sending responses from the other ergometers.

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