EP4378548A1 - Drive unit for a training device and training device having same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive unit (4) for driving a wheel (31) of a training device (3a; 3b) by means of a pedal force of a user (P) of the training device, wherein the drive unit is designed in such a way that it translates a path described by the human foot when walking or running into an elliptical path (55) for the foot, wherein the drive unit comprises a left and a right L-shaped or V-shaped drive arm (9, 10), a left and a right roller system, each comprising at least one roller (12), wherein the roller systems are rotatably connected to the drive arms, wherein the rollers can be received in guide rails (2a) of the drive unit or a frame (2) of the training device in a linearly displaceable manner back and forth, a coupling (50) for transmitting the pedal force of the user to the wheel, and a left and a right foot pedal (17, 18) for entering the pedal force into the drive unit. The invention further relates to a training device (3a, 3b) designed as an elliptical trainer with a drive unit (4) according to the invention.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a drive unit for driving a wheel of a training device by means of a user's pedal force and a training device with such a drive unit, according to the respective independent claim.

background

Training equipment for physical exercise is well known and available in countless variations depending on the part of the body being trained. One category of training equipment is aimed at training the leg muscles, for example. There are training devices that also train stamina, for example. Such training devices can be further subdivided, with some of them being similar to bicycles and, as stationary devices, only having a rear wheel that is driven in place using leg muscle power, and as mobile devices using two wheels. A subtype of the latter devices are so-called elliptical trainers, which are designed as mobile devices. These usually have a rear wheel, a front wheel, a frame, a steering unit and a drive unit. They differ from conventional, bicycle-like training devices primarily in the modified path described by the pedals during a full rotation. While the pedals on conventional bicycle-like devices describe a circular path, elliptical trainers are characterized by a modified path, which is mainly due to a modified drive unit.

It has been found that an elliptical track is easier on the joints because the foot and leg movement is more fluid and allows for a smoother transition between the highest and lowest positions of the pedals.

The drive unit of a WO2008063499 The well-known elliptical trainer with elliptical track comprises two elongated pedal platforms as drive arms, which are connected to a crank unit at the back and attached to guide rails provided in the frame of the elliptical trainer at the front by means of rollers. Due to the circular movement of the crank unit at the back and a linear movement of the rollers at the front in the guide rails, an elliptical path of the pedals is created during use. During use, the person stands on these pedal platforms and transfers the leg power to the crank unit, which transfers this power to the rear wheel for propulsion.

In a WO2013120126 The known solution attempts to replicate the natural path of the feet when running or jogging, which does not correspond to an ellipse but has a kind of teardrop shape, with the teardrop curved upwards. This solution explicitly avoids the elliptical path. The teardrop-shaped path used here is the result of the special design of the drive arms in a U-shape. The aim here is also to protect the joints, but the typical path of the foot when walking is replicated.

Some disadvantages of this solution are explained below using the example of the mobile elliptical trainer with elliptical track. In this mobile elliptical trainer, these pedal platforms are generally relatively long and bulky because the connection to the crank drive is typically located either behind or above the rear wheel. This results in a high step-on height for the user with a relatively high center of gravity, which makes riding at slow speeds and start/stops difficult. The long pedal platforms also require long Guide rails, which in turn leads to a long wheelbase. The long wheelbase also means that only small wheels with a diameter of 20 inches are used, making it unsuitable for use off-road. Due to the high and long design, it is therefore not possible to design the conventional type of elliptical trainer for a sitting position. A device of this type is therefore bulky and heavy and difficult to transport. Furthermore, due to the high position of the user on the elliptical trainer, balance is also more demanding.

Description of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a training device that is compact, versatile and gentle on the joints.

• einen linken und einen rechten L-förmigen oder V-förmigen Antriebsarm,
• ein linkes und ein rechtes Rollensystem die jeweils mindestens eine Rolle umfassen, wobei das linke Rollensystem mit dem linken Antriebsarm und das rechte Rollensystem mit dem rechten Antriebsarm jeweils im Bereich einer vorderen Extremität des jeweiligen Antriebsarms drehbar verbunden sind, wobei die mindestens eine Rolle jedes Antriebsarms jeweils in mindestens eine Führungsschiene der Antriebseinheit oder in mindestens eine Führungsschiene eines Rahmens des Trainingsgeräts hin und her linear verschieblich aufnehmbar ist,
• eine Kupplung mit einer linken und einer rechten Kurbel zur Übertragung der Tretkraft des Benutzers an das Rad, wobei die Kupplung mit der linken und der rechten Kurbel in einem jeweiligen Kurbelpunkt starr verbunden ist, wobei die linke Kurbel mit dem linken Antriebsarm und die rechte Kurbel mit dem rechten Antriebsarm jeweils im Bereich einer hinteren Extremität des jeweiligen Antriebsarms drehbar verbunden sind,
• ein linkes und ein rechtes Fusspedal zum Eintragen der Tretkraft in die Antriebseinheit, wobei das linke und das rechte Fusspedal am linken bzw. am rechten Antriebsarm drehbar befestigt sind.

This object is achieved in a first aspect of the invention with a drive unit for driving a wheel of a training device by means of a pedal force of a user of the training device. The drive unit is designed in such a way that it translates a path described by the human foot when walking or running into an elliptical path for the foot. The drive unit comprises the following:

• a left and a right L-shaped or V-shaped drive arm,
• a left and a right roller system, each comprising at least one roller, wherein the left roller system is rotatably connected to the left drive arm and the right roller system is rotatably connected to the right drive arm in the region of a front extremity of the respective drive arm, wherein the at least one roller of each drive arm can be accommodated in at least one guide rail of the drive unit or in at least one guide rail of a frame of the training device in a linearly displaceable manner back and forth,
• a clutch with a left and a right crank for transmitting the pedal force of the user to the wheel, wherein the clutch is rigidly connected to the left and the right crank at a respective crank point, wherein the left crank is rotatably connected to the left drive arm and the right crank is rotatably connected to the right drive arm in the region of a rear extremity of the respective drive arm,
• a left and a right foot pedal for transmitting the pedal force into the drive unit, whereby the left and right foot pedals are rotatably attached to the left and right drive arms respectively.

• einen Rahmen mit mindestens einer Kettenstrebe und einem Rahmensegment, wobei ein vorderes Ende der Kettenstrebe an einem unteren Ende des Rahmensegments befestigt ist,
• ein an einem hinteren Ende der Kettenstrebe befestigtes Hinterrad,
• eine an einem oberen Ende des Rahmensegments befestige Lenkeinheit oder Halteeinheit, und
• eine Antriebseinheit nach dem ersten Aspekt der Erfindung.

The object is achieved in a second aspect of the invention with a training device. The training device comprises

• a frame having at least one chain stay and a frame segment, wherein a front end of the chain stay is attached to a lower end of the frame segment,
• a rear wheel attached to a rear end of the chainstay,
• a steering unit or holding unit attached to an upper end of the frame segment, and
• a drive unit according to the first aspect of the invention.

The frame segment has at least one guide rail on the left and right sides, in which the at least one guide roller of the left or right drive arm of the drive unit can be accommodated in a linearly displaceable manner parallel to a longitudinal axis of the down tube. The coupling of the drive unit is rotatably attached to the frame between the frame segment and the rear wheel. The training device also includes a power transmission element, by means of which a user's pedal force can be transferred to the rear wheel and causes it to rotate. The In embodiments, the power transmission element is preferably a chain or a belt.

Due to the L-shaped or V-shaped design of the drive arms in combination with the pedals that are not integrated into the drive arms but are arranged to the side of them, it is possible to provide a drive unit that allows a compact design of the training device and thus enables improved use in stationary situations as well as on the road and off-road. Due to the shorter wheelbase, the training device is easy to transport and can be manufactured not only in a version where the user has to stand, as in the case of an elliptical trainer with pedals integrated into the arm, but also in a seated version.

In embodiments, the left and right roller systems of the drive unit according to the invention each comprise a lowering arm. The lowering arm is rotatably attached to the at least one roller at an upper end and rigidly attached to the respective drive arm at the lower end in the area of a front extremity, so that the front extremity of the respective drive arm is always lowered in relation to the at least one roller. This advantageously extends the horizontal elliptical path of the pedal without having to change the length of the cranks. The elliptical path extended in this way results in a smoother pedaling movement of the user in general and thus helps to protect the joints. It is preferred if the attachment between each lowering arm and the respective drive arm is adjustable in such a way that a distance between the front extremity of the drive arm and the at least one roller can be changed by the user. This longer horizontal stroke of the elliptical path enables a more optimal flow of force from the user on the device. This also allows the user to adjust the height of the Adjust the pedals from the ground depending on your body size and preferences.

In embodiments, the attachment between each crank and the respective drive arm is adjustable such that a distance between the rear extremity of the drive arm and the respective crank point can be changed by the user. In addition to the extension of the horizontal elliptical path resulting from the above-mentioned lowering of the front extremity of the drive arm, an extension of the drive arm (greater distance between the rear extremity of the drive arm and the coupling point) also contributes to the longer horizontal elliptical path for the pedals. Shortening the drive arm (smaller distance between the rear extremity of the drive arm and the coupling point) results in an advantage in a mobile training device, namely the possibility of using a front wheel with off-road equipment such as off-road tires and a corresponding suspension fork, since the shortening creates more distance between the drive arm and the front wheel.

It is preferred if the clutch is designed as a gear for a chain drive or as a pulley for a belt drive and can be mounted on a frame of the training device. The drive unit according to the invention can thus be easily adapted to existing frames and rear wheels. It is preferred if the clutch can be mounted in front of the wheel of the training device to be driven.

In embodiments, the left and right drive arms each comprise a clutch-side leg, to which the respective left or right crank is rotatably attached, and a roller-side leg, to which the respective left or right roller system is rotatably attached. This creates the above-mentioned L-shape or V-shape of the drive arm. It is preferred if the clutch-side leg is longer than the roller-side leg. This contributes to the compactness of the training device. by making the guide rail shorter, thereby reducing the overall length of the training device. For example, the coupling-side leg and the roller-side leg can be rigidly connected to one another or made in one piece. To create an L-shape or V-shape, the legs are angled to one another according to the respective shape. This design has the advantage that the two legs can be manufactured independently of one another and the drive arm can then be adapted to different frames for different training devices and user needs by varying the connection angle. Alternatively, the coupling-side leg and the roller-side leg can be bent into one another and made in one piece. This has the advantage that the drive arm is more rigid and therefore more stable. It also reduces the assembly effort and the number of connections, such as welding points.

In embodiments, the left and right drive arms each have a reinforcing leg, which additionally rigidly connects the clutch-side leg to the roller-side leg. The reinforcing leg thus forms a triangle with the clutch-side leg and the roller-side leg and increases the stability of the drive arm. It can be straight or curved. It can be attached to the respective free extremity of the clutch-side leg and the roller-side leg, or it can be attached at any point along one or the other or both legs. It can also be manufactured in one piece with the two legs.

The pedals are preferably each pivotally attached to the clutch-side leg of the associated drive arm. This has the advantage that their position closer to the rear wheel also allows the use of a seat for the training device, since the pressure surface for the pedals is essentially under the body's center of gravity, which is particularly advantageous for a mobile training device, as the seat also offers the opportunity to rest on longer journeys. This is not possible, for example, with the elliptical trainer mentioned at the beginning with pedals integrated in the drive arm, due to the pedal surfaces being positioned towards the front wheel, and accordingly this device does not have a seat. The fact that the pedals on the drive arm can be rotated also results in better ergonomics when pedaling. Finally, the design is more compact, as the pedals are mounted relatively close to the coupling point.

• horizontal wird dies durch Verstellung des Befestigungspunkts der Pedale entlang der Längsachse des jeweiligen kupplungsseitigen Schenkels erreicht.
• vertikal wird dies dadurch bewerkstelligt, dass die Antriebseinheit weiter ein zusätzliches Verbindungsstück zwischen dem kupplungsseitigen Schenkel und dem zugeordneten Pedal umfasst. Mittels diesen Verbindungsstücken ist eine vom Benutzer vornehmbare Verstellung eines Abstands des Pedals zum kupplungsseitigen Schenkel bewirkbar. Zur Implementierung dieser Funktion ist es besonders bevorzugt wenn das Verbindungsstück einen am kupplungsseitigen Schenkel befestigten und im Wesentlichen parallel zu diesem verlaufenden Bügel mit Befestigungsmittel für das Pedal ist. Der Bügel ist bevorzugt an beiden Enden des kupplungsseitigen Schenkels befestigt, wobei er aber auch an anderen Stellen entlang dem kupplungsseitigen Schenkel befestigbar ist. Er könnte aber auch einstückig als Teil des kupplungsseitigen Verstärkungsschenkels ausgebildet sein. Alternativ kann auch ein vertikales Verbindungsteil verwendet werden, welches nur in einem Punkt am kupplungsseitigen Schenkel befestigbar ist. Diese Lösung ist zwar einfacher, bietet jedoch im Gegensatz zum Bügel nur eine verminderte Stabilität.

It is particularly preferred if the position of the pedals is adjustable horizontally and vertically, which offers the user a further degree of freedom to adapt to his body mass and preferences:

• Horizontally, this is achieved by adjusting the attachment point of the pedals along the longitudinal axis of the respective clutch-side leg.
• vertically, this is achieved by the drive unit further comprising an additional connecting piece between the clutch-side leg and the associated pedal. By means of these connecting pieces, a user-adjustable adjustment of the distance between the pedal and the clutch-side leg can be effected. To implement this function, it is particularly preferred if the connecting piece is a bracket attached to the clutch-side leg and running essentially parallel to it with fastening means for the pedal. The bracket is preferably attached to both ends of the clutch-side leg, but it can also be attached at other points along the clutch-side leg. However, it could also be formed in one piece as part of the clutch-side reinforcing leg. Alternatively, a vertical connecting part can also be used. which can only be attached at one point on the coupling-side leg. Although this solution is simpler, it offers only reduced stability in comparison to the bracket.

In embodiments, the roller systems each have at least one guide roller and at least one counter roller, which are offset from one another in such a way that each roller can be accommodated in a linearly displaceable manner back and forth in its own guide rail of the frame of the training device. The guide roller on the drive arm takes the main weight of the user and slides back and forth on the guide rail. The counter roller absorbs the counter forces and serves to stabilize the drive arm and prevents the drive arm from slipping off the guide rail. It is preferred if the guide roller and the counter roller of a roller system have different diameters, with the diameter of the guide roller being particularly preferably larger than the diameter of the counter roller, since the guide roller bears the main weight. This saves material and the guide rail can be made smaller.

The preferred embodiments of the training device according to the invention with a drive unit according to one or more of the features described above are explained in the context of the description of the figures.

Short description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 die typische Bahn des menschlichen Fusses beim Gehen,
• Fig. 2 die typische Bahn des Fusses beim Fahrradfahren,
• Fig. 3 die Bahn des Fusses bei der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemässen mobilen Trainingsgeräts in einer ersten Stellung der Pedale,
• Fig. 5 eine Seitenansicht des mobilen Trainingsgeräts nach Fig. 4 in einer zweiten Stellung der Pedale,
• Fig. 6 eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemässen stationären Trainingsgeräts,
• Fig. 7 eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Antriebseinheit,
• Fig. 8-11, drei Ausführungsformen des Antriebsarms der Antriebseinheit aus Fig. 7, und
• Fig. 12 eine Kupplung mit Kurbeln der Antriebseinheit nach Fig. 7.

Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and from the following description based on the figures.

• Fig.1 the typical path of the human foot when walking,
• Fig.2 the typical path of the foot when cycling,
• Fig.3 the trajectory of the foot in the present invention,
• Fig.4 a side view of a mobile training device according to the invention in a first position of the pedals,
• Fig.5 a side view of the mobile training device after Fig.4 in a second position of the pedals,
• Fig.6 a side view of a stationary training device according to the invention,
• Fig.7 a side view of a drive unit according to the invention,
• Fig.8-11 , three embodiments of the drive arm of the drive unit from Fig.7 , and
• Fig. 12 a clutch with cranks of the drive unit to Fig.7 .

Ways to implement the invention

Positional terms such as left and right or up and down refer to the usual meaning in connection with a bicycle.

Terms related to the elliptical orbit refer to the mathematical definitions of an ellipse.

The term "path" refers to a path actually described by the pedal, e.g. the contour of an ellipse. On the other hand, the term "path" refers to the horizontal or vertical projection of the path or, in general, to a linear path.

In the present context, a clutch is defined only as a drive-side part, e.g. as a rack/chainring of the drive unit, in order to distinguish between the drive unit assembly and the rest of the training device, which includes the counterpart (pinion/hub) arranged on the rear wheel.

Fig.1 shows a schematic representation of the typical path that a human foot describes when walking. Here, x indicates the walking direction and y the lifting height of the foot in relation to the heel. The leg position of the right leg of person P is shown schematically and is intended to illustrate the position, in particular in relation to a ground center line b between the feet. The movement or the path begins with a so-called initial swing IS, in which the leg is raised for the step. This is followed by a so-called middle swing MS in which the leg is moved forwards until the so-called final swing TS. Immediately after this, a so-called heel strike HS follows, after which the foot is on the ground for the period of the movements already described with the other foot. This is followed by a so-called toe push-off TO while the other foot is now in contact with the ground, followed by a so-called forward swing PS while the other foot is completely on the ground. During the forward swing, the foot is raised until it reaches the initial swing position, after which the process is repeated. The Fig.1 The path drawn is referred to in the present context as an upwardly curved drop-like path and was already mentioned initially in the context of a prior art document.

Fig.2 shows schematically the typical path that a human foot describes when riding a bicycle. This path is a simple circular path that is determined by the bicycle's gear wheel, also called the chainring.

Fig.3 shows an elliptical path that a human foot describes when using the training device according to the invention. The training device is also referred to below as an elliptical trainer. It is characterized in that a pedal describes an elliptical path during a complete pedal rotation, in which in the case of the present invention (see Fig.5 ) a front vertex of the ellipse is higher than a rear vertex of the ellipse (black dots in the figure). It is generally preferred and the dimensions of the elements of the drive arm and the guide rail are chosen such that the main axis of the ellipse, which connects the two vertices shown, is longer than twice the length of the cranks and/or longer than a clutch-side leg of the drive arm. The main axis of the ellipse corresponds to a linear path that the drive arm travels on the guide rail during a complete pedal rotation. This enables an ergonomic elliptical movement sequence despite the smallest space.

From the overview of Fig. 1 to 3 It can easily be deduced that the load on the feet or the ankle and leg joints is different due to the different trajectory. When walking in Fig.1 It is generally known that this track is a natural track for the feet, but the load can vary greatly due to various misalignments of the feet, etc. and is therefore not always the most gentle alternative for the joints when training. With the circular track made of Fig.2 the "fall height" between the highest point of the track and the lowest point of the track is very high and results in a correspondingly high braking force during the transition between the highest position and the lowest position, which may cause a high load on the knees. The elliptical track from Fig.3 This results in a smoother transition between the highest position and the lowest position and therefore a smaller force gradient, which is gentler on the joints. This aspect is particularly important when training.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a side view of a mobile training device, where in Fig.4 a first Position of the pedals and in Fig.5 a second position of the pedals are shown. The first position corresponds to the position in the frontmost position of the right pedal 18 and the second position corresponds to an intermediate position of the pedals. Furthermore, in Fig.4 A saddle 53 is drawn in to illustrate this option as an example. The saddle can also be used for a stationary training device.

The training device 3a comprises a frame 1 with a frame segment 2 and two chain stays 2b to the left and right of a rear wheel 31 attached to both chain stays. A front end of the chain stays 2b is attached to a lower end of the frame segment 2. Depending on the design of the mobile training device 3a, the frame segment 2 can correspond, for example, to a down tube or a top tube of the frame, with the names corresponding to technical terms for a bicycle. In the present case, the chain stays are attached to the lower end of the frame segment via a cross brace. Direct attachment is of course also possible if the frame is designed accordingly, e.g. in the form of a monocoque frame.

Furthermore, a steering unit or holding unit is provided which is fastened to an upper end of the frame segment 2 and which comprises a handlebar 40 and a handlebar 41 which are connected to a front wheel 30.

The training device further comprises a drive unit 4 ( Fig.7 ) . The drive unit 4 comprises a clutch 50 on which in a coupling point Z ( Fig.7 ) a left and a right crank 20, 21 are attached. A left and a right drive arm 9, 10 are attached to the cranks 20, 21 in a crank attachment point 16. Each drive arm has on its front extremity a guide roller 12 and a counter roller 13 attached via a lowering arm 8 in a lowering arm attachment point 11. Each roller is held in its own associated guide rail 2a and can linearly along the longitudinal axis of the frame segment that runs obliquely upwards towards the front. The drive arms each have a clutch-side leg 22 and a roller-side leg 23, which in this embodiment are one-piece and L-shaped. Pedals 17, 18 are provided on the left and right, which are each attached to the associated drive arm in pedal attachment points 14 or 15. The elliptical path 55 described by the pedals is in Fig.5 with the dashed ellipse. Details of the individual elements of the drive unit 4 for the specific embodiments shown in the figures are described in the context of Fig.7-11 described.

The frame segment 2 therefore has two guide rails 2a on the left and right sides, in each of which a guide roller 12 and a counter roller 13 of the left and right drive arm 3b of the drive unit are accommodated so that they can be moved back and forth in a linear manner parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame segment 2. However, only one guide rail could be provided for the guide roller per side of the frame segment. In a variant of the invention, the at least one guide rail 2a is part of the drive unit 4. In this case, the frame segment 2 of the training device is designed such that the guide rail 2a can be fastened to it, so that the frame segment 2 and the guide rail 2a form a solid structural unit. Appropriate fastening means are provided for this purpose. The drive unit can therefore advantageously be adapted to a conventional frame segment 2 with little effort. In another variant of the invention, the at least one guide rail 2a is part of the training device and not part of the drive unit 4. This advantageously eliminates any connecting devices and the construction of the frame 1 with the guide rails is more stable.

The clutch 50 of the drive unit 4, designed as a gear, is arranged between the frame segment 2 and the The rear wheel 31 is rotatably attached to the frame 1 and is connected to a pinion 51 and a hub of the rear wheel via a chain 52 as a power transmission element to drive the rear wheel 31. Instead of a chain drive, a belt drive could also be provided. With this construction, the pedal force of the user of the training device is transferred to the rear wheel and this is set in rotation.

Fig.6 shows a side view of a stationary training device 3b. This figure shows a further third position of the pedals, in which the right pedal 18 is in the rearmost position and which also applies to the mobile training device. In other words, the rollers 12, 13 describe a linear movement between the uppermost extremity of the guide rails ( Fig.4 ) and the lowest extremity of the guide rails ( Fig.6 ) . The stationary training device 3b differs from the mobile training device in that it does not have a front wheel. Instead, a support device for the ground is provided. Furthermore, no steering unit is provided, but only a holding unit with a support rod and a holding rod (not shown) for supporting the user's hands. Finally, a holding device 6 is provided for the rear wheel, which carries it raised off the ground so that the rear wheel can rotate on the spot without contact with the ground.

Fig.7 shows a side view of a drive unit 4 with the elements already described. In this figure it is clearly visible that the drive unit has many adjustment options. They are advantageously designed to offer the user the optimal setting for his specific preferences and body mass. The drive unit shown here is the version without its own guide rails. The guide rails are in this case part of the training device.

A first possibility is to adjust the crank attachment point 16 to adjust the step length. A second possibility is to adjust the pedal height by selecting either pedal attachment points 15 on the clutch-side leg of the drive arm or pedal attachment points 14 on the reinforcement arm 5 (bracket). The pedal position can also be adjusted horizontally by selecting one of the various attachment points on the respective leg. Finally, the lowering height of the drive arm 8 can be adjusted by selecting one of the lowering arm attachment points 11. It is noted that the lowering arm 8 is optional and, in particular, is supplied but can be attached and removed again at any time. The different levels of lowering the drive arm using the lowering arm 8 serve to adjust the height for different body sizes and also for adjustment on steep terrain for more ground clearance. In addition, the elliptical path for the foot pedal is extended, which in connection with Fig. 12 is given using an example.

As already mentioned, the legs 22, 23 of the drive arms in the embodiments shown have an L-shape, which corresponds to the 90° angle from Fig.7 Other angles where the legs form a V-shape are also possible.

Fig.8-11 show four different embodiments of a right drive arm of the drive unit 4 from Fig.7 .

As mentioned, it is preferable to use a guide roller 12 and a counter roller 13. The counter roller is offset inwards towards the frame segment, as can be seen from the figures. It can be offset inwards on the same axis as the guide roller or, as shown in the figures, on its own axis inwards. be offset. The frame segment has two guide rails on the left and right sides, whereby in one of the guide rails the at least one guide roller of the left or right drive arm of the drive unit can be accommodated so that it can be moved back and forth in a linear manner parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame segment, and in the other guide rail at least one counter roller of the left or right drive arm of the drive unit, which is axially offset from the guide roller, can be accommodated so that it can be moved back and forth in a linear manner parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame segment. Fig. 8 and 10 show such a configuration, while Fig.9 shows another variant in which two guide rollers and a counter roller are provided. The two guide rollers 12 run in the same guide rail.

Of course, it is also possible to use only one or more guide rollers and no counter roller. In order to prevent the guide roller from slipping off the guide rail, the guide rail could be designed as a U-profile, for example, so that the outer U-leg prevents this. The rollers are preferably made of rubber or polyurethane with or without a nylon core, whereby different shore hardnesses can be used, depending on the weight of the user. Rubber hardnesses are known and will not be described further here.

Fig.8-10 also show various exemplary embodiments of the reinforcing leg 7, which can be straight ( Fig.10 ) or bent ( Figs. 8, 9 ). Show more Figs. 8, 10 Drive arms with coupling-side leg 22 and roller-side leg 23 which form an L-shape, while in Fig.9 form a V-shape. Furthermore, in the embodiment of Fig.8 a lowering arm 8 is provided, while in the embodiments of Figs. 9 and 10 no such arm is provided.

In Fig. 11 Another variant of the arrangement of the rollers is shown. Here, two counter rollers 13 and a guide roller 12 arranged centrally above the two counter rollers and offset vertically upwards inwards. The three rollers are attached to the lowering arm 8. This distributes the resulting torsional forces over two levels.

Of course, features of the embodiments from Fig.8-11 be combined within the scope of what is technically reasonable.

Fig. 12 shows a clutch with cranks 20, 21 of the drive unit according to Fig.7 . The cranks are attached to the chainring at coupling point Z. The coupling of the cranks to the respective clutch-side drive arm can be varied at the crank attachment points 16, the number of which can of course be greater than shown. For example, the distance between the crank attachment points 16 and the coupling point Z can be varied in a range between 20cm and 25cm. The closer the clutch-side leg is attached to the coupling point Z, the "shorter" it becomes, i.e. the lever up to point Z becomes shorter. This means that the distance of the roller-side leg to the front wheel is greater (in the mobile training device variant). Conversely, the clutch-side leg becomes longer if it is attached further away from point Z. This means that the distance of the roller-side leg to the front wheel is smaller (in the mobile training device variant). For example, if the length of the clutch side arm is 46 cm and the crank length is 25 cm, shortening the clutch side arm by 6 cm from 46 cm to 40 cm and lowering the front extremity of the roller side arm by 10 cm will increase the pedal travel on the elliptical track by 5%-10%. Such a shortening is advantageous for taller users.

The geometric arrangement and alignment of the guide rails in the frame, the positioning of the crank drive and the flexible drive arms, which are designed so that the depth of the lowering, the length of the drive arm and the pedal attachment can be flexibly adjusted, enable the installation of shorter guide rails, drive arms and cranks. Nevertheless, an optimally long horizontal elliptical path of the foot pedal is achieved and thus an optimal flow of power is possible for the user.

The advantage of installing the drive unit in a mobile elliptical trainer is that it is more compact, easy to transport, can be adjusted to different body sizes and can be used both on and off road. This concept can also be used for a standing or sitting version.

While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the following claims. In this context, terms such as "preferred", "particular", "advantageous", etc. used in the description refer only to optional and exemplary embodiments.

List of reference symbols:

1

= Frame

2

= frame segment

2a

= Guide rail

3a

= mobile training device

3b

= stationary training device

4

= drive unit

5

= bracket

6

= Holding device for the rear wheel

7

= Reinforcing leg

8th

= lowering arm

9

= left drive arm

10

= right drive arm

11

= Lowering arm attachment point

12

= leadership role

13

= Counter role

14

= Pedal attachment points on reinforcement legs

15

= Pedal mounting points on drive arm

16

= Crank attachment points

17/18

= left/right pedal

20/21

= Left/right crank

22

= clutch-side leg of the drive arm

23

= roller side leg of the drive arm

30

= front wheel

31

= rear wheel

40

= Steering rod/support rod

41

= Handlebar/handlebar

50

= clutch

51

= Translation

52

= Chain or timing belt

55

= Ellipse of the pedal path

IS

= initial swing

MS

= middle swing

TS

= final swing

HS

= heel strike

TO

= toe push

PS

= forward swing

b

= ground centerline

P

= Person/User

Z

= coupling point

53

= saddle

Claims (15)

Drive unit (4) for driving a wheel (31) of a training device (3a; 3b) by means of a pedal force of a user (P) of the training device, wherein the drive unit is designed such that it translates a path described by the human foot when walking or running into an elliptical path (55) for the foot, wherein the drive unit comprises the following: - a left and a right L-shaped or V-shaped drive arm (9, 10), - a left and a right roller system, each comprising at least one roller (12), wherein the left roller system is rotatably connected to the left drive arm and the right roller system is rotatably connected to the right drive arm in the region of a front extremity of the respective drive arm, wherein the at least one roller of each drive arm can be accommodated in a linearly displaceable manner back and forth in at least one guide rail (2a) of the drive unit or in at least one guide rail of a frame (2) of the training device, - a coupling (50) with a left and a right crank (20, 21) for transmitting the pedal force of the user to the wheel, wherein the coupling is rigidly connected to the left and the right crank at a respective crank point (Z), wherein the left crank is rotatably connected to the left drive arm and the right crank is rotatably connected to the right drive arm in the region of a rear extremity of the respective drive arm, - a left and a right foot pedal (17, 18) for transmitting the pedal force to the drive unit, wherein the left and the right foot pedal are rotatably attached to the left and the right drive arm respectively. Drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the left and right roller systems each comprise a lowering arm (8), wherein the lowering arm is rotatably attached to the at least one roller at an upper end and is rigidly attached to the respective drive arm at the lower end in the region of a front extremity of the latter, so that the front extremity of the respective drive arm is always lowered relative to the at least one roller. Drive unit according to claim 2, wherein the attachment between each lowering arm and the respective drive arm is adjustable such that a distance between the front extremity of the drive arm and the at least one roller can be changed by the user. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment between each crank and the respective drive arm is adjustable such that a distance between the rear extremity of the drive arm and the respective crank point can be changed by the user. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling is designed as a gear for a chain drive or as a pulley for a belt drive and can be mounted on a frame of the training device,
in particular, it can be mounted in front of the driven wheel of the training device. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the left and right drive arms each comprise a clutch-side leg (22) to which the respective left or right crank is rotatably attached, and a roller-side leg (23), to which the respective left or right roller system is rotatably attached, in particular wherein the coupling-side leg is longer than the roller-side leg, wherein either the coupling-side leg and the roller-side leg are rigidly connected to each other or are one piece and are angled to each other, or the coupling-side leg and the roller-side leg are one piece and merge into one another in a curved manner. Drive unit according to claim 6, wherein the left and right drive arms each have a reinforcing leg (7) which additionally rigidly connects the clutch-side leg to the roller-side leg. Drive unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the pedals are each rotatably attached to the coupling-side leg of the associated drive arm, in particular wherein a position of the pedals along the longitudinal axis of the respective coupling-side leg is adjustable by the user. Drive unit according to one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising an additional connecting piece (5) between the clutch-side leg and the associated pedal, by means of which connecting piece a user-adjustable adjustment of a distance of the pedal to the clutch-side leg can be effected, in particular wherein the connecting piece is a bracket attached to the clutch-side leg and running substantially parallel thereto with fastening means for the pedal. Drive unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller systems each have at least one guide roller (12) and at least one counter roller (13), which are offset from one another in such a way that each roller can be accommodated in a linearly displaceable manner back and forth in its own guide rail, in particular wherein the guide roller and the counter roller of a roller system have different diameters, wherein in particular the diameter of the guide roller is larger than the diameter of the counter roller. Training device (3a, 3b), comprising a frame (1) with at least one chain stay and a frame segment (2), wherein a front end of the chain stay (2a, 2b) is attached to a lower end of the frame segment, a rear wheel (31) attached to a rear end of the chainstay, a steering unit 40, 41) or holding unit attached to an upper end of the frame segment, and a drive unit (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame segment has at least one guide rail (2a) on the left and right sides, in which the at least one guide roller (12) of the left and right drive arm of the drive unit can be accommodated in a linearly displaceable manner back and forth parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame segment, wherein the coupling (50) of the drive unit is rotatably mounted on the frame between the frame segment and the rear wheel, further comprising a power transmission element, in particular a chain (52) or a belt, by means of which a pedal force of a user of the training device can be transferred to the rear wheel and causes it to rotate. Training device according to claim 11, wherein the training device (3a) is mobile and further comprises a front wheel (30) which is steerable with the steering unit, or
wherein the training device (3b) is stationary and comprises the holding unit for supporting the hands of the user, and further comprises a holding device (6) for the rear wheel so that it can rotate without contact with the ground. Training device according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the length of the coupling-side leg is smaller than the length of the at least one guide rail. Training device according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the coupling of the drive unit is arranged on the frame of the training device in front of the rear wheel of the training device to be driven and above the axis of rotation of the rear wheel. Training device according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, in the case that the at least one guide rail is part of the drive unit, the frame segment is designed such that the guide rail can be fastened thereto, so that the frame segment and the guide rail form a solid structural unit.

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