ITLT20100001A1 - MACHINE FOR THE PHYSICAL EXERCISE OF A USER - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present invention is generally applicable to the technical sector of physical exercise equipment, both for sports and medical purposes, and particularly relates to a machine for the physical exercise of a user, as well as a method for the realization of such machine from an existing exercise machine.

State of the art

Known machines for the physical exercise of a user, whether for a purely sporting or medical purpose, generally comprise a balance wheel that can be moved by a user to exert an effort and a load connected thereto capable of opposing the user's effort. "rocker arm is moved by the user along fixed trajectories indicated by the machine.

"load against which the user works is fixed and, generally, pre-set by the user before the exercise. This implies the need for a coach who follows the exercise, so as to verify the correct execution, and a high level of risks of physical damage, such as sprains, muscle tears or similar, due to loads etcses therein.

From the European patent EP-B1-1252915 an apparatus for the physical exercise of a user is known comprising a device for increasing or decreasing the load also during exercise. In particular, the athlete has at his disposal a control panel with a series of commands to be activated voluntarily, with the hands or feet, to increase or decrease the weight to be lifted.

This well-known machine must be used by experienced athletes or in any case with a trainer, since the variation of the weight lifted is subject to the user's will.

For the same reason, this well-known machine does not eliminate the danger of physical damage for the athlete.

Presentation of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks encountered above, by providing a machine for the physical exercise of a user which is simple to make and relative cheapness.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine for the physical exercise of a user that can be used by anyone, even without the aid of a trainer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine for the physical exercise of a user which minimizes or completely eliminates the dangers of physical damage for the user.

These aims, as well as others which will appear more clearly in the following, are achieved by a machine for the physical exercise of a user in accordance with the present invention.

Essentially. the second car will be able to

movable by a user to exert an effort and a load connected to it to oppose the user's effort. In other words, the user, acting on the balance wheel, performs work against the load.

In this document, the term "balance wheel" or derivatives means an element, or a set of elements linked to each other, with which a user interacts directly or indirectly to give him an alternative motion along any trajectory during exercise.

In this document, the term "load" or derivatives means an element, or a set of elements linked to each other, capable of generating the force against which the user makes the effort.

In this document, the term "user effort" or derivatives means the work done by the user against the load to move the barbell.

The rocker arm and / or the load may or may not be mounted on a load bearing support structure.

The machine according to the invention is configured to monitor the effort of the user and to automatically adjust the size of the resistant load according to the effort detected.

In particular, the machine according to the invention is adapted to automatically decrease the load in response to the detection of the increase in stress, and vice versa.

Thanks to these characteristics, the machine according to the invention can be used by anyone, even without the aid of a trainer.

The particular "adaptive" configuration of the machine according to the invention also minimizes or completely eliminates the dangers of physical damage for the user.

To perform this function, it will be necessary to monitor the user's effort instant by instant, and compare it with a desired effort value, automatically increasing or decreasing the load to bring the user to exercise the ideal effort value.

To this end, it will be possible to monitor the movement of the balance wheel, and in particular its speed or acceleration. A greater or lesser effort by the user during the exercise, in fact, is reflected in a movement of the barbell more or less fast, or more or less accelerated.

In this case, the machine can automatically adjust the load by comparing the detected speed value with one or more preset or predetermined ideal speed values. On the other hand, the user's effort can be monitored by checking his physical parameters, such as heart rate. In this case, the machine can automatically adjust the load by comparing the value of the detected parameter with an ideal value of the same parameter previously set or in any case predetermined.

<Regardless of the above, it may be expected>

which includes the balance wheel, the load connected to the balance wheel and control means configured to detect at predetermined time intervals the speed, respectively the acceleration, of the balance wheel following the user's effort, and to compare the speed value detected with at least a speed, respectively acceleration, safety value corresponding to an effort value that can be carried out safely by the user, locking means being provided which are operatively connected to the control means and acting on the rocker arm to automatically lock it in response to the detection of a value of speed equal to said at least one speed value, respectively of acceleration, of safety.

In this form of realization, the machine, regardless of the presence or absence of the means for adjusting the load to the user's effort, blocks the balance wheel if it detects an exercise speed value corresponding to a potentially dangerous effort for the user. .

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more evident in the light of the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a machine according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing tables in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the machine according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of some details of the machine according to the invention.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to the aforementioned figures, the machine according to the invention, generally indicated with the number 1, is particularly suitable for carrying out a physical exercise by a user, both for sports and for medical / rehabilitation purposes.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 show two embodiments of the machine 1 according to the invention. A first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is suitable for exercising the muscles of the user's upper body, and in particular the pectoral muscles, while the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 It is suitable for exercising the leg muscles of the user's body.

Unless otherwise specified, the characteristics set out in the following description must be understood as common to the two embodiments

ï¿1⁄2J '-,' <, according to the invention, and possibly they will be indicated with the same number.

The machine 1 according to the invention may comprise a support structure, in particular a supporting frame 10 with a base 11 resting on the ground G, on which a rocker 20 is mounted, which can be moved by a user to exert an effort, connected to a load 30, designed to oppose the user's effort.

In the illustrated embodiments, the movement of the rocker 20 is constrained. In particular, the latter may comprise a slider 21 mounted sliding along a guide rod 22, which defines the X axis along which the rocker arm moves, in the two directions indicated by the arrows F1 and F2. On the other hand, the balance wheel 20 may also be free, provided it is connected to the load 30, without thereby exceeding the limits of protection expressed by the content of the attached claims.

In particular, the supporting frame 10 of the first embodiment of the machine according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 1, may comprise a bench 12, which may be flat or inclined, on the upper surface 13 of which the user may lie down to grasp and move the slider 21 upwards or downwards. For this purpose, the rocker arm 20 may comprise a substantially horizontal rod 23, which can be grasped by the user to perform the exercise, rigidly constrained to the slider 21.

On the other hand, the rocker 20 of the second embodiment of the machine according to the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, may comprise a seat 24, on which the user can sit to move the cursor 21 along the rod 22. For this purpose, the supporting frame 10 may comprise a footrest plate 14, against which the user seated on the seat 24 or to point your feet to exercise.

Conveniently, the machine 1 may comprise motor means, generally indicated with 31, suitable for generating a torque which defines the load 30.

In practice, the user, by acting on the rocker arm 20, works against the torque generated by the motor means 31. The latter may comprise a brushless motor of the step-by-step type, so as to generate a torque even when stationary without danger of damage or breakage.

In order to rigidly and integrally transfer the motion between the rocker arm 20 and the motor means 31, means for transferring the motion of the closed-loop type may be provided.

The latter may comprise an annular motion transmission element 40, for example a cable, a belt, a belt or a chain or the like, connected to the motor 31 by means of a toothed wheel 42 keyed on the axis 32 of the same and to the rocker 20 by means of coupling means 41, for example a pair of clamps welded to the slider 21. One or more idle return pulleys 43 may also be provided.

<Machine 1 is configured to match>

of the user, so as to virtually eliminate the risk of physical damage during exercise.

For this purpose, control means may be provided to monitor the user's effort at predetermined time intervals, by detecting one or more parameters directly or indirectly connected to the effort itself, and to compare the detected value with one or more values. pre-set or predetermined reference points.

Adjustment means acting on the load 30 can be operatively connected to said control means to automatically adjust its entity in response to the detection of a change in the detected value from the preset or predetermined reference values.

Advantageously, the adjusting means can be configured to automatically decrease the load in response to the detection of the increase in effort and to automatically increase the same in response to the detection of the decrease in the effort.

In both the first and second embodiments of the machine 1 according to the invention, the parameter monitored by the control means for controlling the user's effort may be the speed and / or the acceleration that the rocker 20 assumes as a result of the user's effort. .

For this purpose, the control means can be operatively connected to the latter to control its displacement determined by the effort of the user against the load 30, or against the torque generated by the motor 31.

To this end, the control means may comprise an encoder 50, or an accelerometer, keyed onto the axis 32 of the motor 31 to detect the speed Vb, or the acceleration, of the rocker 20 in response to the effort of the user.

In the continuation of the present description, for the sake of simplicity, reference will always be made only to the encoder 50 and to the monitoring of the speed of the rocker 20, it being understood that the same also applies to the control of its acceleration by means of the accelerometer.

Advantageously, as visible in FIG. 3, the control means may also comprise a first microprocessor logic unit 51, operatively connected to the encoder SO, which can be set with at least one reference speed value Vr and capable of comparing the detected speed value Vb at predetermined time intervals. from encoder 50 with the reference value Vr to generate a first error signal 52 if the two values do not coincide.

The first logic unit 51 may also be capable of incorporating in the first error signal 52 a first information 53 relating to the deviation VÎ "between the detected speed Vb and the reference speed Vr, in other words if and how much the speed set by the user at barbell 20 is greater or less than desired.

The adjustment means may comprise a second microprocessor logic unit 60 operatively connected to the first unit 51 and to the motor 31, which can be activated by the first error signal 52 and capable of processing the first information 53 to generate a second error signal 61, intended for the motor. 31.

In the second error signal 61, a second information 62 relating to the offset torque CA, calculated by the second logic unit 60 and proportional to the offset speed VA, to be added or subtracted from that currently delivered by the motor 31, can be incorporated. second error signal 61 indicates whether and how much power to supply or subtract from the motor 31 to increase or decrease the load 30.

In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the first and second logic units 51 and 60 may belong to a single PLC control unit 70.

In this way, instant by instant, the machine adapts the load 30 to the effort made by the user, increasing it if the user is making an effort lower than the ideal one and decreasing it if he is sustaining an effort greater than the ideal one.

To do this, when the execution speed of the exercise Vb deviates from the ideal reference speed Vr, which can be preset before starting the exercise, the machine automatically acts on the load 30, in order to discharge power from the motor. 31 if V A = Vb-Vr is negative, since the user is getting tired and therefore the load is reduced to allow correct exercise, and to supply power to the motor 31 if VA is positive, since the user is working below the ideal effort and therefore increasing the load to allow correct exercise.

It follows that the speed of execution of the exercise by the user varies from moment to moment according to the adjustment of the load made by the machine.

In this way, the dangers of uncontrolled and dangerous efforts due to incorrect user behavior will be minimized, if not eliminated.

The speed values to be set are individual user parameters, and vary according to training. They are established on the basis of an equivalence given by the speed-power curve after having made the user work on the basis of a standard curve, according to methods known to the person skilled in the art.

In particular, the Vr value can be determined to correspond to the ideal effort value for the development of muscle mass and / or the user's instant power. Once this value has been determined, the PLC is set with this reference value Vr. so that the system adjusts the load every time the user works to deviate from this value.

Conveniently, it will be possible to set the PLC 70 unit with a plurality of reference values, so as to be able to choose from time to time the type of operation that best suits one's needs. In particular, two reference speed values can be set on the PLC 70, a first that corresponds to the ideal effort value for the development of muscle mass and a second that corresponds to the ideal effort value for the development of the user's instant power. . The machine will, from time to time, adjust the load in order to make the user work around one of these two values.

On the other hand, it is possible to program the PLC 70 in such a way as to induce the user to work in the speed interval between these two values, or in any case in an interval between two ideal speed values calculated so that the exercise is effective for the user, by decreasing the load 30 if the execution speed of the exercise detected by the encoder 50 is lower than the lower reference value between the two and increasing it if the detected speed Vb is higher than the higher reference value .

In the first case, in fact, the user makes an effort higher than the ideal maximum effort for the exercise to be effective, while in the second case the user makes an effort lower than the ideal minimum effort. Also in this case, therefore, the machine adjusts the load to induce the user to work in the ideal effort range for the effectiveness of the exercise.

Advantageously, it is also possible to set the first logic unit 51 with at least one safety speed value V., corresponding to an effort limit value that can be carried out <in safety> by the user. This value can also be determined according to methods known to the person skilled in the art. Advantageously, means 80 can be provided for locking the rocker 20, operationally connected to the logic unit 51, if the speed value Vb detected by the encoder 50 is equal to the value V <â € ¢.>

Even if in the example of embodiment illustrated here the control on the safety speed V. is carried out by the first logic unit 51 which also controls the reference speed Vr, this control can also be carried out by a third logic unit, connected with the locking means 80 and in cascade with the first unit 51, without thereby departing from the scope of protection expressed by the content of the attached claims.

The locking means 80, in response to the detection by the encoder 50 of a speed value Vb equal to the value Vs, can act on the motor means 31 to brake them, possibly progressively to avoid damage to the user. For this purpose, the locking means 80 may comprise a braking unit 81 capable of processing the error signal 82 coming from the first logic unit 51, generated in response to the detection of a speed value Vb equal to the value V., and send a braking signal 83, possibly progressive, to the motor means 31.

On the other hand, the locking means 80 may comprise alarm means 84 capable of processing the signal 82 coming from the first logic unit 51 and sending a signal 85 for the activation of an alarm 86, for example acoustic and / or visual, so as to the user of the danger.

Furthermore, the locking means 80 may comprise restoring means for returning the rocker 20 to the rest position. For this purpose, said reset means may comprise a unit 87 capable of processing a signal 88 coming from the braking unit 81 and sending a signal 89 to the motor means 31 to control the automatic repositioning of the rocker 20.

The signal 88 is sent by the braking unit 81 after a time t, for example 1-2 seconds, from the sending of the braking signal 83 to the motor means 31.

To make the machine 1 memorize the rest position of the barbell 20, it is possible to perform, before the exercise, a movement followed by a voluntary pause by the user with the muscle compressed first and then with the muscle extended. The rest position, therefore, can correspond to that of the extended muscle, and can be memorized voluntarily or automatically in the PLC 70.

This movement of the user corresponds to the maximum stroke of the cursor 21, and is variable from user to user. A pair of mechanical stops may also be provided that can be repositioned along the rod 22 in correspondence with the start and end positions of the slider 21.

The signal 89 will then command the motor 31 to reposition the rocker 20 in the rest position preset on the PLC 70.

In a first preferred but not exclusive embodiment, the safety speed value V. that can be set on PLC 70 may be the minimum speed value V., mln corresponding to the maximum effort that can be safely carried out by the user, above the which could cause physical harm to the user. On the other hand, it is possible, alternatively or together with the value V., mln, to set the PLC 70 with a maximum safety speed value V ..-, corresponding to the minimum effort that can be carried out safely by the user.

In the preferred but not exclusive embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first logic unit 51 will be able to double check the speed Vb detected by the encoder SO, a first to verify if it is equal to the value V., mln, or V ., max, and possibly to command the locking means 80 to lock the rocker arm 20 in the positive case, and a second to check the deviation from the reference value Vb, and possibly to command the second logic unit 60 to adapt the load 30.

On the other hand, the PLC 70 will be able to make two safety checks, the first to verify if the execution speed of the exercise is equal to V., m "" and the second to verify if the same is equal to V ., max, blocking the rocker 20 by means 80 in the positive case.

The choice between instantaneous or progressive braking commanded by signal 83 to motor 31 depends on various factors, and can be preset in unit 81. In a first preferred but not exclusive embodiment, instant or progressive braking can be set independently of the Vb value detected.

On the other hand, it is possible to set the braking according to whether the detected Vb value is equal to Vs, mln or to V. max.

In fact, if Vb is equal to V., mIR, it is possible to brake the motor instantaneously, since the speed of execution of the exercise by the user is inherently low, and an instantaneous braking cannot cause it. damage.

If, on the other hand, if Vb is equal to V., max, it is possible to carry out a progressive braking, since the speed of execution of the exercise by the user is in itself high, and an instantaneous braking. it can cause harm.

In order to progressively brake the motor 31, the signal 83 can command a more or less steep braking ramp to the motor 31 itself, according to methods known to those skilled in the art. Conveniently, the speed can be progressively reduced, for example first a tenth, then a fifth of the previous value and so on, until it corresponds to the value V., min, after which the unit 81, after the time t, sends the signal 88 to unit 87 to bring the balance wheel 20 back to the rest position at the same speed V., min.

From what has been described above, it is clear that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, and in particular that of providing a machine for physical exercise which can be used by any user, even the least expert, in complete safety.

Another advantage of the machine according to the invention is the simplicity of manufacture. It can also be made starting from an existing machine, of the type comprising a support frame, a rocker arm, a load, usually consisting of weights, and a motion transmission element, usually of the rope or belt type, having a first end constrained to the barbell and the other end constrained to the load.

To this end, it will be necessary to replace the existing load with the motor means 31, to replace the existing transmission element with the transmission means 40, to connect the control means and the load adjustment means to the motor 31, according to what has been seen. over.

The machine according to the invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept expressed in the attached claims. All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the requirements, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

R I V E N D I C AZ I O N I 1. A user's exercise machine, comprising: a rocker arm (20) movable by a user to exert an effort; a load (30) connected to said rocker arm (20) to oppose the effort of the user; control means (50, 51) for monitoring the user's effort at predetermined time intervals; adjustment means (60) operatively connected to said control means (50, 51) and acting on said load (30) to automatically decrease or increase its amount in response to the detection of respectively the increase or decrease of the force of the user by said control means (50, 51). 2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein said control means (50, 51) are operatively connected to said rocker arm (20) to control its displacement caused by the effort of the user against said load (30). 3. Machine according to claim 2, in which said control means (50, 51) are configured to detect at predetermined time intervals the speed (Vb), respectively the acceleration, of said rocker arm (20) following the effort of the user, and to compare said detected speed value (Vb) with at least one presettable or predetermined reference speed value (Vr). 4. Machine according to claim 3, wherein said load (30) comprises motor means (31) configured to generate a torque capable of opposing the effort of the user, said rocker arm (20) being rigidly connected to said motor means (31) by means of motion transmission means (40, 41, 42) of the closed-loop type, said control means (50, 51) comprising an encoder (50), respectively an accelerometer, operatively coupled to said motor means (31) to detect the speed (Vb), respectively the acceleration, of said balance wheel (20) following the effort of the user. 5. Machine according to claim 4, comprising at least a first logic control unit (51) operatively connected to said encoder (50), respectively to said accelerometer, and settable with said speed, respectively acceleration, reference value (Vr) , said adjustment means (60) being configured to automatically decrease or increase the amount of said load (30) in response to the detection of a speed value (Vb), respectively of acceleration, of said balance wheel (20) respectively lower or higher than said at least one speed, respectively acceleration, reference value (Vr) by said at least one first logic control unit (51). 6. Machine according to claim 5, wherein said at least one first logic unit (51) is capable of comparing at predetermined time intervals the speed value (Vb), respectively acceleration, detected by said encoder (50), respectively from said accelerometer, with said at least one reference value (Vr) to generate a first error signal (52) if the two values do not coincide, said at least one first logic unit (51) being also capable of incorporating in said first signal error (52) a first information (53) relating to the deviation (VA) between said speed values, respectively of acceleration, detected (Vb) and reference (Vr). 7. Machine according to claim 6, wherein said adjustment means comprise a second logic unit (60) operatively connected to said first logic unit (51) and to said motor means (31), said second logic unit (60) being activated from said first error signal (52) to process said first information (53) and generate a second error signal (61) incorporating a second information (62) relating to the offset torque (CA) calculated on the basis of said speed value, respectively acceleration, deviation (VA) to be added or subtracted from that delivered by said motor means (31) to increase or decrease said load (30). 8. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said control means (50, 51) can be set with at least one speed, respectively acceleration, safety value (V.) corresponding to an effort value that can be carried out safely by the user, locking means (80) being provided operatively connected thereto and acting on said rocker arm (20) to automatically lock it in response to the detection of a speed value (Vb), respectively acceleration, substantially equal to said at least one speed value, respectively of acceleration, safety (V,). 9. Machine according to claim 8, wherein said control means (50, 51) are capable of comparing at predetermined time intervals the speed value (Vb), respectively of acceleration, detected with said at least one safety value (V c) to generate a third error signal (82) in case the two values coincide, said locking means (80) comprising a braking unit (81) operatively connected to said control means (50, 51) to activate in response to said third error signal (82) and acting on said motor means (31) to brake them. 10. A method of making an exercise machine for a user in accordance with any one of claims 5 to 9, starting with an existing exercise machine that includes a barbell, load and a motion transmission element having a first end constrained to the rocker arm and the other end constrained to the load, the method comprising the steps of: - replacement of the existing load on said existing machine with motor means (31) for the supply of a torque; - replacement of the transmission element existing on said existing machine with motion transmission means (40, 41, 42) of the closed-loop type; - operative connection of said motion transmission means (40, 41, 42) to said motor means (31) and to the balance wheel existing on said existing machine; â € ¢ operative coupling of an encoder (50), respectively of an accelerometer, to said motor means (31) for detecting the speed (Vb), respectively acceleration, of said balance wheel following the effort of the user; - operational connection of said encoder (50), respectively of said accelerometer, to a first logic control unit (51) that can be set with at least one speed, respectively acceleration, reference value (Vr) for monitoring the user's effort and the comparison of the speed value (Vb), respectively of acceleration, detected with said at least one reference value (Vr); - operative connection of said first logic control unit (51) with adjustment means (60) acting on said motor means (31) to automatically decrease or increase the torque thereof in response to the detection of a speed value (Vb), respectively of acceleration, of said balance wheel respectively lower or higher than said speed, acceleration, reference value (Vr) by said first logic control unit (51).