FR3040888A1 - MUSCLE APPARATUS WITH CHARGE COMPENSATION - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a weight training apparatus comprising a chassis and at least one load (5) which the user moves back and forth, the apparatus comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder which provides a load compensation during at least one a portion of the movement. According to the invention, the apparatus further comprises a load movement detection system which controls the compensation applied by the ram as a function of motion detection.

Description

MUSCLE APPARATUS WITH CHARGE COMPENSATION

The present invention relates to a weight training apparatus with load compensation, and a method of controlling the compensation provided.

The bodybuilding, gymnastics or rehabilitation apparatus comprise a frame and at least one element intended to be mobilized with respect to this frame by a user of the apparatus in a return movement allowing to exercise successively muscles or muscle groups. In general, these devices do not make it possible to modify the load, either during a movement, or between the eccentric movements (a controlled elongation of the worked muscle) and concentric movements (a shortening of the worked muscle). The current training in bodybuilding, especially with weight machines compared to free weights, is actually to push and retain the same weight load. Thus, the resistance does not vary between the eccentric movement and the concentric movement. The variables of the training with the conventional apparatuses concern the quantity of movements carried out, the number of series and the number of repetitions of each series, the speed of execution, the amplitude of the movement, the time of rest between series and the load each series, increasing or decreasing the load.

However, bodybuilding devices have been developed that allow to change the load between the eccentric movement and the concentric movement, usually to obtain a higher load when the user works in eccentric mode, because physiologically, the muscles have a greater force in eccentric phase than in concentric phase.

Some practices apply this principle in order to optimize the user's work in both modes or for the needs of muscle rehabilitation or injury prevention, compared to a conventional device where eccentric muscle power is limited by the maximum possible load for the user in concentric phase. In general, the concentric load is 60% of the eccentric load, but this percentage may vary according to need.

Means have been developed to apply this principle of difference in load to the weight machines. One way to do this is to add an electric motor that exerts a pulling force to the load of the weight stack, but such a solution is very expensive and can annoy users. Another implementation inclines the concentric phase weight stack which reduces the load and resets the cell vertically in eccentric phase. On the other hand, such a solution is also expensive, complex to implement technically, and poses problems of safety and reliability.

FIG. 1 shows a weight training device 1 as described by patent EP 2 263 759. The apparatus 1 comprises a frame 2 comprising slides 3 (3-1, 3-2), a stack 4 of weight 5, a selector 6 weight load, and a key 7. Cylinders 8 (8-1, 8-2) are fixed vertically on the frame 2 of the apparatus 1. Each cylinder 8 (8-1, 8-2) a a respective body 9 (9-1, 9-2) and shaft 10 (10-1, 10-2), the shaft being retracted into the body in the deactivated mode (i.e., when the cylinder compensation is is not desired) and pressing the selector 6 in the activated mode (ie when the cylinder compensation is desired) to push the selector 6 upward, providing assistance in mounting the load of weight. The activation and deactivation of the operation of the jacks 8 can be accomplished by means of a control 11 fixed to the frame 2, the jacks 8, a handlebar 12, or near the limbs not involved in the exercise (for example). example, if the exercise is for the arms, the control 11 will be located at the level of the feet and vice versa). The apparatus further includes a compressed air source and a power source (not shown) for operating the cylinders.

To use the apparatus 1, the user uses the key 7 to select a load of weight comprising at least one weight 5 of the stack 4, sits on a bench 13, and catches the handlebar 12 which is coupled to the weights 5 by a strap and pulleys (not shown). The user presses with his foot (or with the hand following the exercises) on the control 11 to activate the cylinders 8 and pulls the handlebar 12 down in concentric mode, with the help of the jacks. Once the downward movement is completed, the user releases the control 11 to deactivate the jacks and allows the handlebar 12 to return upwards, under the effect of gravity, by retaining it in eccentric mode.

The thrust of the cylinders 8 is a function of the pressure sent into the cylinders, which can be selected more or less strong, which allows to adjust the compensation to the lifting of the load. For example, if the user wishes to work 60 kg in concentric mode (pull the handlebar 12 down by lifting the weights 5), he can select 100 kg on the weight stack 5, and the cylinders 8 will provide compensation equivalent to 40 kg during the concentric phase, so that the user feels a load of 60 kg.

Once the concentric work is completed and the control 11 released, the rods 10-1, 10-2 retract into the bodies 9-1, 9-2 of the cylinders by simple gravity, provide no compensation and do not interfere with the return of the weight to the initial position. As a result, the user sees a load of 60 kg during the concentric phase, and a load of 100 kg during the eccentric phase.

On the other hand, it happens that some users may find it difficult to synchronize the support / release of the control 11 with the concentric and eccentric phases. If the user forgets to release the control before the start of the eccentric phase, the cylinders are opposed to the movement of the rods back into the body, which hampers the fluidity of the exercise and can be a source of frustration for the user. 'user. In addition, focusing on synchronization of movements and control may decrease focus on the exercise itself.

It is desired to find a solution to overcome these disadvantages.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a weight training apparatus comprising a frame and at least one load that a user moves back and forth, the apparatus comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder which provides load compensation during the period of time. least a portion of the movement.

According to the invention, the apparatus further comprises a system for automatically detecting the movement of the load, and controlling the compensation of the load supplied by the jack or cylinders according to the detection of the movement.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises at least one transmitter, and at least one receiver, at least one of which is configured to be moved with the movement of the load.

According to one embodiment, the load comprises a stack of at least two weights, the apparatus comprises a key for selecting a weight from the stack, the transmitter is arranged on the key, and the system further comprises a module comprising a plurality of receivers arranged near the transmitter and in the direction of movement of the key.

According to one embodiment, the system is configured to further detect the selected weight by means of the key.

According to one embodiment, the emitter is a magnet and the receivers are reed switches arranged on an electrical module.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for selecting a training program, the training program concerning the percentage of compensation provided by the jack or cylinders, the supply or not of the compensation in a given direction of movement. and / or a modification of the compensation provided along a direction of movement.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for activating and deactivating the compensation by the jack or cylinders.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for modifying the percentage of the compensation provided by the jack or cylinders.

Embodiments of the invention further relate to a method of controlling the compensation provided by at least one jack of a weight training apparatus according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of automatically detecting the movement of a loaded load. in movement back and forth by a user, and control the compensation provided by the cylinder or cylinders according to the motion detection.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of detecting the selected load by a user, and controlling the compensation provided by the one or more jacks as a function of the selected load.

According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of detecting a chosen training program and controlling the compensation provided by the cylinders according to the detected program.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a non-transitory computer readable medium incorporating a code configured to perform the steps of the procedure according to the invention.

Embodiments of a system and a method according to the invention will be set forth in the following description, given as a non-limiting example in relation to the appended figures in which: FIG. 1, previously described, represents a device for bodybuilding of the prior art equipped with a load compensation; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a load motion detection and charge compensation control system according to one embodiment; and FIG. 3 represents a view from above of the system of FIG. 2.

Figures 2 and 3 show a perspective view and a top view of a load sensing and load compensation control system, the system being for equipping a conventional apparatus as described in relation to with Figure 1. Compared with the apparatus shown in relation to Figure 1, the same elements have retained the same references.

The detection and control system 15 comprises a vertical electrical module 16 with a plurality of receivers 17 and a transmitter 18 arranged on the key 7. The transmitter 18 can be arranged in the handle of the key 7, with the module 16 arranged in front of the weight stack 4, or on the contrary, the transmitter 18 can be arranged at the end of the key 7, with the module 16 arranged behind the stack of weight 4. The solution chosen depends on the device, preferences from the manufacturer, etc. Here, the first solution is shown.

Each weight 5 comprises a through hole 19 which opens on its upper face and on its lower face to allow a selector rod 20 to be introduced vertically into the stack 4 of the weights 5. Each weight 5 further comprises a hole 21 on its front face to receive the key 7 horizontally in a cavity 22 (shown in Figure 3). The through-hole 19 and the recess 22 intersect, allowing the end of the key to be inserted into a receiving hole 23 of the stem 20 to select the load (the weight and the weights above, the case appropriate), and so select the desired number of weights 5 that will be worked.

The receivers 17 are fixed and electrically connected to the module 16 which is arranged longitudinally in front of the front face of the battery 4, next to the key 7 so that the movement of the key with the rise and the descent of the weights goes along the path of the receivers 17 of the module 16. The transmitter 18 is here a magnet and the receivers 17 are open / closed contacts arranged in the magnetic field of the transmitter 18, to ensure the detection by one or more receivers 17 of the proximity of the transmitter 18 during its displacement.

More specifically, the receivers 17 may be soft reed switches comprising two magnetizable and elastic contacts that magnetize in the presence of a magnetic field. The contacts are attracted to each other, come closer and touch each other, establishing a current. Once the magnetic field is no longer present, the magnetization stops and the contacts are no longer attracted and separate, cutting off the current. Each switch is connected to a detection circuit by a specific electronic circuit so that its state, open or closed, can be discerned individually.

Consequently, the movement of the key 7 along the Z axis causes the magnetic field of the emitter 18 to cause the contacts to close and then reopen gradually. These changes of state are detected by the detection circuit which makes it possible to detect the movement of the key, and by inference the selected weight and the movement of the weight.

The total number of receivers 17, as well as the distance between each receiver, depends on the desired accuracy and the total length of the maximum path traveled by the key. Several receivers can be "operated" at a time, depending on the distance between them, the speed of movement, etc.

It should be noted that the motion detection technology described in the example is not limiting. Any technology (mechanical, optical by means of a laser installed on the key and optical sensors installed on the module, etc., inductive) using the principle described here, where the mobile key is emitting and the receiver is fixed and consists of a set of detectors is included in the present invention.

Moreover, the opposite is also possible, that is to say a receiver on the key and one or more fixed transmitters is also possible, as well as a mobile transmitter and one or more mobile receiver (s) ), but may be more expensive and / or more difficult to implement. It would further be possible to install a detection and control system with respect to the selector rod 20, for example a means arranged with respect to each receiving hole 23 to detect the insertion of the end of the key 7 to deduce therefrom the weight. Then, a means for detecting the movement of the key 7, for example a means of counting the number of rotations of a pulley, would make it possible to determine the displacement of the weights.

The module 16 is connected to a power supply, and can be connected to a digital-to-analog converter that makes the module compatible with any other detection and control system, including a paper printer, a computer, a touch screen, etc. . The apparatus according to one embodiment allows the user to choose a particular training mode, according to his needs and objectives. For this, the device can be equipped with several push buttons on its front panel, or a screen for example.

In addition, the apparatus provides security in that the charge compensation provided can not be greater than the charge selected by the use because it detects the selected charge. As a result, the load can not move under the action of the cylinders, which presents a risk for the user and can reduce the operation of the device.

Standard concentric / eccentric mode

In this embodiment, the user selects a weight for the eccentric phase or a weight for the concentric phase, and the system determines the weight for the other phase, depending on the applicable percentage, for example 40% as described above. . This percentage can be fixed, variable thanks to a touch screen, or with several corresponding pushbuttons (30%, 40% and 50% only, for example). It is possible for a trainer to determine the weights to use, in which case a password may be required. The device applies the selected assistance as soon as the movement is detected by the system for the concentric phase. Once the system detects that the weight changes direction, the jacks are disabled.

Vibration mode

In this mode of use, the load is continuously varied, forcing the user to adjust his strength and continuously compensate. The compensation offered by the cylinders is then modified during movement, either according to a specific program, or randomly. In this case, load displacement detection is used to control the compensation offered by the jacks.

Startup Assistance Mode

In this mode of use, the compensation offered by the cylinders varies, it is generally more important at the beginning of movement, and less important at the end of the movement. This mode of use can be advantageous for exercises where the user has more trouble starting the movement, for example for ergonomic reasons. The compensation provided may be, for example, 70% during the first quarter of movement, and once the system detects that the movement has exceeded a quarter, the compensation is reduced to 40%.

Stato-Dynamic Mode

In this mode of use, the compensation offered by the cylinders varies, so that it is important on one part of the movement and zero or almost zero on the other part of the movement. This mode of use makes it possible to move the load without much effort on a part of the movement, to stop and to retain all the charge statically for a moment, then to push the load by accelerating by soliciting the compensation.

Support mode

In this mode of use, the device can detect that the amplitude of the movement is reduced, and can deduce that the user is tired. In this case, the system provides compensation (for example 10 to 20% of the load) to lighten the load and allow the user to finish the series.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention described can be implemented differently, with different ways of detecting the movement of the load, of processing the information, of controlling the jacks, of modifying and controlling the compensation. etc. The number of jacks is not limited to two, but can be more or less depending on their capabilities and the needs of the device.

It is not necessary that a plurality of weights can be selected. It is possible that only one load is used. For example, the apparatus may comprise a non-modifiable load or "monoblock" of 100 kg. In order to choose the load to be worked, the user indicates the working weight on a screen and the system provides a permanent compensation so that the residual load corresponds to the chosen value.

In addition, it is also not necessary to detect the value of the selected load, but simply the movement of the load, in order to control (activate, deactivate, increase, decrease, vary, etc.) automatically the compensation provided by the cylinders.

In one embodiment, the weight training apparatus comprises a microcomputer comprising a memory that stores a code configured to execute the different modes of use, with the motion detection and the provision of the charge compensation as a function of the chosen mode of use and motion detection. This code can be stored on a non-transitory medium.

Claims (11)

A weight training apparatus (1) comprising a frame (2) and at least one load (5) that a user moves back and forth, the apparatus comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder (8, 8-1, 8 -2) which provides load compensation during at least a portion of the movement, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a system (15) of: - automatic detection of the movement of the load, and - compensation control the load provided by the cylinder or cylinders according to the motion detection. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system (15) comprises: - at least one transmitter (18), and - at least one receiver (17), at least one of which is configured to be moved with the movement of the load. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the load comprises a battery (4) of at least two weights (5); the apparatus comprises a key (7) for selecting a weight from the stack; transmitter (18) is arranged on the key, and - the system further comprises a module comprising a plurality of receivers (17) arranged in proximity to the transmitter and in the direction of movement of the key. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the emitter (18) is a magnet and the receivers (17) are reed switches arranged on an electrical module (1¾). 5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means for selecting a training program, the training program concerning: - the percentage of compensation provided by the cylinder or cylinders (8, 8-1, 8 -2), - providing or not compensation in a given direction of movement, and / or - a change in compensation provided along a direction of movement. 6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising means for activating and deactivating the compensation by the cylinder or cylinders (8, 8-1, 8-2). 7. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising means for changing the percentage of the compensation provided by the cylinder or cylinders (8, 8-1, 8-2). 8. A method of controlling the compensation provided by at least one jack of a weight training device according to one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the steps of: - automatically detecting the movement of a load (5) put in movement back and forth by a user, and - control the compensation provided by the cylinder or cylinders according to the motion detection. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of - detecting the load selected by a user, and - controlling the compensation provided by the one or more jacks as a function of the selected load. The method according to one of claims 8 or 9, further comprising the steps of: - detecting a chosen training program, the training program concerning: - the percentage of the compensation provided by the jack, - the compensation or no load in a given direction of movement, and / or a change in compensation provided along a direction of movement, - check the compensation provided by the jacks as a function of the program. 11. Non-transitory computer readable medium incorporating a code configured to perform the steps of the procedure according to one of claims 8 to 10.