JP2007082418A - Exercise-assisting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an exercise-assisting apparatus capable of being used for a running exercise to strengthen leg parts, etc., for both of a pet and human, and also provide a running exercise environment suitable for a person. <P>SOLUTION: This exercise-assisting apparatus 1 equipped with a running-driving part 12 having an endless belt 123 for running to assist the running exercise of a user is provided with a supporting body 13 raised at the front end side of the running-driving part 12 and having a grip part 132 capable of being gripped by the user under the exercise and a tying mechanism part 14 for tying the pet, which is provided below the grip part 132 of the supporting body 13, and the tying mechanism part 14 is constituted so as to be moved between a using position for tying the pet and a retreating position for assisting the running exercise of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an exercise support apparatus including a travel drive unit having a simulated travel path for supporting a user's travel motion.

Conventionally, various devices are known as this type of exercise support device. Patent Document 1 proposes, as a human exercise support device, a walking machine that, for example, drives a running belt around and performs a running exercise on its upper surface. Further, in Patent Document 2, as a dog exercise support device, for example, in a state where the dog is housed in a cage installed so as to surround the upper surface side of the running belt, the running belt is driven to drive the dog. Dog exercise equipment that supports running exercise has been proposed.
JP 2000-288144 A JP 2001-17017 A

  However, these exercise support devices are all provided for support of leg movement of only one person or pet, and if these are prepared and used individually, in an economical and installation space, etc. There is a problem that it is extremely wasteful and lacks versatility.

  In addition, in the above-described exercise equipment for dogs, there is a problem of whether or not the dog stored in the cage can perform a traveling exercise with peace of mind.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can be used by both a pet and a person for running exercise for strengthening legs, lack of exercise, maintaining health, etc., and is suitable for a person. An object of the present invention is to provide an exercise support device that provides a running exercise environment.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a running exercise environment suitable for pets such as dogs.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an exercise support apparatus including a travel drive unit having a pseudo travel path for assisting a user's travel motion. A support body having a gripping portion that can be gripped by a user inside, and a locking mechanism portion that is provided below the gripping portion of the support body and locks the pet. It is configured to be movable between a use position at the time of locking and a retreat position at the time of supporting the user's running motion.

  According to this configuration, the posture of the moving human body is stably maintained by performing the traveling motion while grasping the grip portion, while when the pet is allowed to perform the traveling motion, the locking mechanism portion at the use position is used. Since the pet is maintained on the travel path, the travel motion can be performed. Since the tethering mechanism is provided below the gripping part to tether the pet, it is moved to the retracted position when a person performs a running motion. A suitable exercise environment is provided without any trouble such as hitting a leg. The traveling referred to in the present invention includes a speed close to walking and a mode of walking in relation to the speed of the traveling path. With a structure that can be removed when not in use, the removal and installation work each time is troublesome. May be damaged, and there is a problem that a storage space, a storage box, and the like of the locking mechanism portion are required. However, the above configuration does not have such a problem.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the base has a base that supports the travel drive unit, and the travel drive unit has a substantially horizontal plane at front and rear ends of the base. It is characterized by comprising a pair of rollers arranged in parallel, an endless belt stretched between both rollers, and a drive source for rotating the endless belt. According to this configuration, since the traveling path is configured by the endless belt that rotates around, the traveling motion that is close to the actual travel is realized while being on the endless belt.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support apparatus according to the second aspect, the support is erected on both sides in the width direction of the front end portion of the base, and the grip is directed rearward at a suitable height direction. A connecting member for connecting a restraining string of a pet at a substantially central position in the left-right direction and provided between the pair of supporting columns at a lower portion of the gripping portion. It is characterized by having. According to this configuration, since the restraint string of the pet is connected to the connecting member at a relatively low position, it becomes possible to create an environment similar to a state where the owner actually walks with the restraint string (lead). Support for the running exercise is suitably performed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the attachment position of the tethering mechanism portion to the column can be adjusted in the height direction. According to this configuration, the height of the tethering mechanism can be adjusted by adjusting to the type and height of the pet, so that it is possible to support the pet's movement without giving excessive pulling force to the pet. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the tethering mechanism portion includes a pair of rotating arms supported by the both columns so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, A connecting member that connects the distal ends of the rotating arms; and a biasing member that biases the connecting member upward, and the connecting member is provided at a substantially center in the left-right direction of the connecting member. Features. According to this configuration, the connecting member is pivotable via the rotating arm, and is automatically positioned at the retracted position by being biased upward by the biasing member. Further, the connecting member is a case where the pet is connected via the connecting member and is running on the endless belt, and the pet suddenly delays or stops running from the front side or the center of the endless belt. Sometimes, since the connecting member elastically pivots backward against the upward biasing force of the biasing member, a sudden pulling force does not act on the restraining string of the pet, and the buffer function is fulfilled. A suitable running exercise environment for pets is provided. In addition, since the locking mechanism is automatically moved to the retracted position by the urging member, the urging member works as a function of buffering the pet. Become. In addition, the retracted position to the front side includes a mode in which the retracted position is relatively forward with respect to the use position. For example, when the use position is facing substantially rearward, the retracted position is between approximately upward and approximately forward. Is included.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the tethering mechanism unit includes a pair of rotating arms supported by the both supports so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, A connecting rod member for connecting the distal ends of the rotating arms, a lock member for locking the rotation of both the rotating arms at least at the retracted position, and a coiled spring member loosely fitted to the connecting rod member so as to be extendable and contractible The connecting member is made of an easily deformable string member having both ends connected to substantially both ends of the coiled spring member. According to this configuration, when the coiled spring is extended in an open state, the length component from the connecting rod member to the rear of the central portion of the connecting member, which is a string member, is small. However, when the connecting rod member is pulled backward by the pet, the connecting member, which is a string material, resists the extension force of the coiled spring and compresses the coiled spring, so that both ends of the string material approach each other. As a result, the length component of the central part of the string material from the connecting rod member to the rear becomes large. In this way, since a rapid pulling force does not act on the restraint string of the pet and the buffering function is fulfilled, the pet is elastically restrained and a suitable running motion environment is provided. In addition, during a person's running exercise, the connecting rod member and the connecting member are positioned at the upper position by the lock member, so that the user's running exercise is not hindered and a suitable running exercise environment is provided for the person. Is done.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the exercise support apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a control unit that controls driving of the travel drive unit. According to this configuration, since the driving operation of the travel drive unit is controlled by the control unit, it is possible to make the travel state of the endless belt suitable for each person and pet.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the exercise support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit is provided adjacent to the display unit capable of displaying the rotation speed of the endless belt, and the display unit. An operation unit capable of inputting a speed setting, and controlling the driving of the travel drive unit according to the operation content input by the operation unit. According to this configuration, the user can instruct a desired traveling motion state via the operation unit while referring to the rotation speed (traveling speed) of the display unit. In addition, the traveling state of the endless belt can be adjusted while observing the traveling state of the pet with respect to the traveling motion of the pet.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the control unit includes a housing with the display unit and an operation unit exposed on a front surface, the housing, and the front surface on a rear side. And a mounting portion that is mounted on the column so that the posture can be changed between a position that faces and a position that rotates 180 degrees and faces forward. According to this configuration, when used by a person, it becomes easy to input an operation to the operation unit while checking the contents of the display unit with the casing facing rearward and the face facing forward from the endless belt. When a pet is used, the owner turns the case 180 degrees so that the front faces forward, and changes the direction up and down, and the owner looks at the pet on the endless belt from the front side to the rear side. However, according to the running state of the pet, it is possible to easily confirm the display contents on the display unit and input the operation.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the pet on the endless belt is provided at the rear end position of the endless belt. It has a sensor to detect, and when the sensor detects the presence of a pet, the control unit outputs one command signal for decelerating and stopping the traveling drive unit to the control unit. According to this configuration, when the sensor detects that the pet is at the rear end position of the endless belt, it is determined that the pet is delayed with respect to the circumferential speed of the endless belt, and the traveling drive unit is decelerated or stopped. Adjusted. As a result, the endless belt is automatically run at a low speed or stopped according to the fatigue level of the pet, and the exercise support according to the fatigue level of the pet is continued. Similarly, speed control can be performed for a person.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support device according to the tenth aspect, the base includes a rear cover that covers a rear end portion of the endless belt. The possibility of accidental falling from the edge is reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent a running pet from being caught under the endless belt, or a third party pet from inadvertently approaching the apparatus to be caught in the endless belt.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the exercise support device according to claim 11, wherein the rear cover includes a cleaning tool for collecting pet hair on a surface facing the endless belt. Since the hair loss of the pet is scraped, for example, at the cover portion by the cleaning tool, the hair loss of the pet is not scattered on the endless belt, and the running motion of the pet can be supported in a clean environment. In addition, hair loss can be prevented from entering the motor unit or the like inside the apparatus.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the exercise support device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the base includes a front cover that covers a front end portion of the endless belt, and an upper surface of the front cover. It is characterized by the fact that a recess for food placement is formed in this, so if you put food directly or in a dish with food in this recess, pets will be effectively guided by the food. The In addition to the bait, a toy or the like that the pet is interested in may be placed in the recess.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the person performs a running motion with the present apparatus, the locking mechanism is moved to the retracted position, so the leg motion is used by both the pet and the person. It is possible to provide a suitable traveling exercise environment without causing troubles such as hitting the leg against the locking mechanism when a person is traveling.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the traveling path is constituted by the endless belt that rotates around, it is possible to realize a traveling motion that is close to the actual travel on the endless belt.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the restraint string of the pet is connected to the connecting member at a relatively low position, the environment is similar to the state where the owner actually walks with the restraint string (lead). This makes it possible to provide a running exercise environment suitable for pets.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the height can be adjusted by adjusting the locking mechanism portion to the type and height of the pet, so that the pet can be easily operated without urging the pet with excessive tension. Exercise support is possible.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the connecting member can be automatically positioned at the retracted position. In addition, the connecting member provides a buffering function without applying a sudden tensile force to the restraining string of the pet, and can provide a suitable running motion environment for the pet.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the coil-like spring does not apply a sudden tensile force to the restraint string of the pet and performs a buffering function to restrain the pet elastically, providing a suitable running motion environment it can. Is done. Further, since the connecting rod member and the connecting member are positioned at the upper position by the lock member during the person's running exercise, the user's running exercise is not hindered and a suitable running exercise environment can be provided to the person. .

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the driving operation of the traveling drive unit is controlled by the control unit, the traveling state of the endless belt can be made suitable for each person and pet.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the user can instruct a desired running motion state via the operation unit while referring to the rotating speed (running speed) of the display unit. In addition, the traveling state of the endless belt can be adjusted while observing the traveling state of the pet with respect to the traveling motion of the pet.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a human uses, the operation input to the operation unit is performed while checking the contents of the display unit with the casing facing backward and the face facing forward from the endless belt. On the other hand, when the pet is used, if the case is turned 180 degrees, the pet is on the endless belt facing the owner from the front side of the base and observing the pet on the endless belt. Thus, it is possible to easily check the display content of the display unit and input an operation.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the endless belt is automatically run at a low speed or stopped according to the fatigue level of the pet or the person, and the exercise support according to the fatigue level of the pet or the like is continued. be able to.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the possibility of accidental dropping from the rear end of the endless belt can be reduced.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to support the running motion of the pet in a clean environment. In addition, it is possible to prevent hair loss from entering the motor unit or the like inside the apparatus.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, pets can be effectively guided by being driven by food by placing food directly or in a dish in which food is placed in the recess.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing an embodiment of an exercise support apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, an exercise support device 1 includes a base 11 that serves as a base for placing the device 1 on a floor surface in a stable posture, and a leg that is attached to the base 11 and strengthens a leg by a running motion on a pseudo driving path. And the like, and a support 13 that stabilizes the posture of the exerciser, and a pet such as a dog is tied to the traveling path so that the pet travels on the pseudo traveling path. A tethering mechanism 14 is provided. Furthermore, the exercise support apparatus 1 includes a control unit 20 that performs operation instructions and drive control for the travel drive unit 12.

  The base 11 is for installing the apparatus 1 on the floor in a stable posture, and is arranged in parallel with a predetermined interval corresponding to a required width necessary for a person to be able to perform a running motion operation. The left and right frame portions 111, the front and rear frame portions 112 that fix the left and right frame portions 111 in the front and rear directions, and the like are provided.

  The traveling drive unit 12 is wound around the front roller 121 and the rear roller 122 (see FIG. 7) that are parallel to each other and supported by the front and rear portions of the left and right frame portions 111 and the front and rear rollers 121 and 122. Thus, the endless traveling belt 123 having a predetermined width that functions as a pseudo traveling path and a traveling belt that is not visible in FIG. 1 but applies a rotational force to one roller, here the front roller 121. A motor 124 (see FIG. 7) is provided as a drive source that causes the circuit 123 to perform a revolving operation. In addition, as a driving force transmission structure between the rotating shaft of the motor 124 and the front roller 121, a known technique such as meshing of gears fixed to a part of each of the rotating shafts and timing belt engagement is employed.

  In the base 11, front and rear covers 113 and 114 are attached to the front and rear portions of the traveling belt 123 (that is, the positions where the front and rear rollers 121 and 122 are disposed) covering the entire portion in the width direction. The front cover 113 also serves to cover the motor 124. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a concave portion 115 for pet food is formed at an appropriate position on the upper surface of the front cover 113, preferably substantially at the center. . The recessed portion 115 may directly put food, or may store the food tray S as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear cover 114 includes a base portion 114 a and a cover surface portion 114 b that is bent from the base portion 114 a and covers the rear half of the rear roller 122. For example, a brush-like cleaning tool 114c is provided on the inner surface side of the cover surface portion 114b and facing the traveling belt 123. For example, a brush-like cleaning tool 114c is provided in the left and right direction to scrape pet hair Ha and the like. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent scattering on the upper surface of the traveling belt 123 and intrusion and accumulation in the front and rear covers 113 and 114. The collected garbage may be collected by directly sucking the portion of the cleaning tool 114c with a vacuum cleaner or the like, or the rear cover 114 is pivotally attached to the left and right frame portions 111 with the base portion 114a. Occasionally, it may be closed (state of FIG. 3), and may be opened during cleaning. The fence 116 is erected symmetrically on the left and right frame portions 111 to prevent a pet traveling on the traveling belt 123 from dropping to the left and right.

  The support body 13 is erected on the base 11 from the front frame portion 112 in this case, and is connected to the top portion of the substantially inverted U-shaped support column 131. And a rod-shaped gripping part 132 extended by a required dimension. The gripping part 132 is intended to stabilize the posture during exercise by being grasped by a user during exercise. A control unit 20 having a predetermined shape, for example, a substantially flat plate-like device case (housing) 200 is mounted by a mounting tool 201 at an appropriate position of the support column 131, here, at a substantially central position on the left and right of the connecting portion at the top. The mounting tool 201 is connected to a rear surface of the device case 200 by a known connection structure including a sphere and a recess surrounding at least half of the sphere, for example, a universal joint structure. With the frictional load, the device case 200 can be rotated 360 degrees, at least 180 degrees (see the arrow in FIG. 4B), and tilted by the required angle (see the arrow in FIG. 4A). The posture is maintained at each position. Or you may employ | adopt the structure which provides a moderation feeling in a required position. The operation knob 201a is a known one that tightens and relaxes the support 131 by rotating. 4 shows the movement of the device case 200, FIG. 4 (a) shows a tilted state, and FIG. 4 (b) shows a rotated state.

  The tethering mechanism unit 14 is provided at a proper position in the height direction of the support column 131, for example, at a substantially central portion, and at a position below the gripping unit 132. As shown in detail in FIG. 5, the tethering mechanism unit 14 includes a rotating arm 141 having a predetermined length attached to the left and right support columns 131 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, and both the rotating arms 141. A connecting member 142 that connects the tips of the two, a spring 143 (corresponding to an urging member) that is locked between an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the column 131 and the rotating arm 141, for example, a substantially intermediate position, and a connecting member 142. And a connecting member 144 for holding the pet attached at the center position. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 144 includes a rod-shaped holding rod 144 a having a required length, and a holder 144 b that is attached to the distal end of the connecting member 144 and connects the pet restraint string (lead) 30. The pivot arm 141 is provided on a boss member 140a slidably fitted to the support column 131 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis. The boss member 140a is tightened and relaxed by rotation with the support column 131. There is a knob 140b (corresponding to a lock member) that performs height adjustment by sliding in the vertical direction and fixing at a required height position.

  Note that the boss member 140a may be long, and one end of the spring 143 may be locked by the boss member 140a. Since the height position of the anchoring mechanism 14 is adjusted by the knob 140b, the height can be adjusted according to the type of pet or the height. Further, in the state in which the pet is connected to the connecting member 144, when the rotational speed of the traveling belt 123 is relatively higher than the traveling speed of the pet, the rotating arm 141 is rotated backward by the elastic force of the spring 143, so that the pulling is performed. The force is buffered and the burden on the pet's body, particularly in the vicinity of the neck, can be reduced. Further, the connecting member 142 of the locking mechanism portion 14 is located substantially rearward when the pet is connected and exercising (in use), but in the spring open state where the pet is not connected, the spring 143 It is positioned at the retracted position rotated upward by the compression force. As described above, the spring 143 performs a buffer function and an automatic position movement function between the use position and the retracted position.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 includes a display unit 21 in which a liquid crystal panel or the like is exposed on the upper surface of the device case 200 and an operation unit 22 in which an operation member is arranged in an exposed state, and a control circuit unit therein. (See FIG. 7) is loaded.

  FIG. 6 shows details of the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22 of the control unit 20. The display unit 21 is arranged at substantially the center of the front part of the device case 200, and a time display area P1, a distance display area P2, and a speed display area P3 are formed on the screen in this order from the upper side (in FIG. 6). In the blank area, a basic screen on which an image G0 simulating a pet is displayed as necessary is formed. The mode selection result is a mode in which the display mode of the selected display area is distinguished from the other of “time” and “distance” of the display unit 21, for example, a frame image is displayed or the corresponding character is displayed. They are made different colors or blink. In FIG. 6, a frame image is displayed around the “time” display character so that the “time mode” is being selected. Furthermore, a display form (black / white inverted display in FIG. 6) is used to indicate that the corresponding character “speed” display area is being set during the “speed” setting, and the operation status is thereby displayed to the operator. Effectively easy to guide and confirm.

  An operation unit 22 and a speaker 23 are provided around the display unit 21. The operation unit 22 includes a button 221 as a power on / off switch, a selection / cancel button 222 for selecting an exercise mode and canceling setting contents, a determination / start button 223, a speed / setting up button 224, and a speed / setting. It consists of a down button 225 and a stop button 226. The operation buttons 221 to 226 include, for example, a known mechanical switch that includes a fixed terminal and a movable operation terminal, and detects the pressing operation by pressing the operation terminal so that the operation terminal contacts the fixed terminal. ing. The structure of each button is not particularly limited to the push button structure, and may be a contact electrostatic switch, a non-contact proximity switch, or the like.

  The sensor 40 is one of the left and right frame portions 111 and is disposed on the rear side of the traveling belt 123. The sensor 40 is preferably composed of a proximity switch, and includes, for example, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit using infrared as a medium, and detects the presence or absence of an object (mainly a pet) on the traveling belt 123. The arrangement position of the sensor 40 can be changed with respect to the front-rear direction of the left and right frame portions 111, and the position of the sensor 40 can be adjusted in accordance with the body length of the pet.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the control unit. In the figure, the arithmetic processing unit 24 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and stores the buttons 221 to 226 of the operation unit 22, fixed data necessary for processing programs and processing, and necessary image data (including character fonts). A memory unit 240 including a ROM to be used and a RAM to temporarily store data being processed is connected. The image processing unit 211 has a video RAM and a display scanning unit, develops information obtained by the arithmetic processing unit 24 as an image in the video RAM, and periodically guides the information to the display unit 21 by the display scanning unit. Similarly, the voice processing unit 231 generates a voice synthesis process for generating a voice for a required operation guide, a sound effect, a command or command sound for a pet, at the start or end of an exercise, or in response to detection by the sensor 40. Etc. and output to the speaker 23.

  The drive unit 25 outputs a drive signal to the motor 124 in accordance with a drive instruction signal (including a speed instruction) from the arithmetic processing unit 24. The speed adjustment varies depending on the type of motor, and a known method such as a power level adjustment, a duty ratio adjustment, or a drive pulse frequency adjustment can be adopted. The rotational speed of the running belt 123 can be set in advance from the relationship between the drive instruction signal and the actual peripheral speed. Alternatively, the motor rotation speed obtained by taking out the rotation pulse from the drive signal of the motor 124 or the encoder integrated with the motor output shaft and measuring this in the time axis direction by the arithmetic processing unit 24, that is, for traveling Any of the modes in which the circumferential speed of the belt is adjusted and set by feedback is possible.

  The arithmetic processing unit 24 includes an exercise mode setting unit 241, an exercise content setting unit 242, and an exercise monitoring unit 243, and includes a timer 244 for timing. The exercise mode setting unit 241 determines an instruction to set the exercise amount in the exercise time “time mode” or the travel distance “distance mode” in accordance with the operation input from the operation unit 22, and the designated mode The processing according to is performed. The exercise content setting unit 242 determines the exercise content in each mode according to the operation input from the operation unit 22, and outputs a drive signal and a stop signal to the motor 124 of the travel drive unit 12 according to the set content. It is. The motion monitoring unit 243 determines whether or not the travel distance and time have reached the set values in the setting mode, the operation input from the stop button 226 of the operation unit 22 while the motor 124 is being driven, and the detection state of the sensor 40. It is for monitoring.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the arithmetic processing unit 24. First, when the power on / off button 221 is pressed to turn on the power, the basic screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (step ST1), and then the operation status for mode selection on the selection / cancel button 222 is displayed. (Step ST3).

  If pressing of the selection / cancel button 222 is detected (YES in step ST3), the selection state of “time mode” and “distance mode” is changed (step ST5), and the currently displayed frame image is erased. Then, the frame image is displayed on the character side indicating the other mode (on the changed side). One of the initial basic screens may be initially set as a default, or the immediately previous use mode may be stored and displayed on the display unit 21 first.

  As the operation for mode selection, “time mode” and “distance mode” are alternately selected every time the selection / cancel button 222 is pressed. If the selection / cancel button 222 is not pressed in step ST3, the process proceeds to step ST5 while maintaining the currently selected mode. Now, the display 21 displays a screen indicating “distance mode”, and when pressing of the enter / start button 223 is detected in this state (step ST3), the screen is switched to the selection of “time mode” (step ST5). .

  Next, a determination is made as to whether or not the enter / start button 223 has been pressed (step ST7). If not, the process returns to step ST3, and if pressed, a mode confirmation process is performed (step ST7). ST9).

  When the selection mode is confirmed, it is determined whether either the speed / setting up button 224 or the speed / setting down button 225 has been pressed (step ST11). When “time mode” is selected, the setting is changed by up / down in units of 1 second. When “distance mode” is selected, it is changed by up / down in units of 0.1 km. It is set (step ST13). The setting operation may be facilitated as a mode in which it is detected that the button is continuously pressed and the numerical value is increased (or decreased) at a predetermined speed during that time.

  Subsequently, when pressing of the enter / start button 223 is detected (step ST15), a drive instruction signal is output to the drive unit 25, and the driving belt 123 (at an initial speed) is output by the motor 124 at a predetermined set speed (initial speed). 7) is started (step ST17), the initial speed is displayed in the speed display area P3 of the display unit 21. When the running belt 123 is started, it is preferable that the exercise content setting unit 242 perform a slow-up start process in which the speed gradually increases and reaches the initial speed.

  When the running belt 123 is started, the movement monitoring unit 243 calculates the running distance for each predetermined time from the circulation speed (speed displayed in the speed display area P3) and the timer 244, and the calculated value up to immediately before is calculated. Is added to the total travel distance (step ST19) and sequentially written in the memory unit 240.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not either the speed / setting up button 224 or the speed / setting down button 225 is pressed (step ST21). The setting is changed in the up and down directions in units of 1 km (step ST13), and the exercise content setting unit 242 outputs a drive instruction signal to the drive unit 25 according to the set content (step ST23).

  Next, the exercise monitoring unit 243 determines whether or not the set value in the setting mode has been reached (step ST25). That is, when the setting mode is “time mode”, whether or not the time counted by the timer 244 has reached a preset time, and when the setting mode is “distance mode”, the speed and the unit by the timer 244 It is determined whether or not the total distance traveled for each hour has reached a preset distance. If the set value has been reached, a driving instruction signal for slowing down the speed gradually decreasing is output to the driving unit 25 by the exercise content setting unit 242 (step ST27), and finally the running belt 123 is stopped. Is done. (Step ST29).

  On the other hand, if the set value has not been reached in step ST25, whether or not the stop button 226 has been pressed by the motion monitoring unit 243, or whether the sensor 40 has output a detection signal indicating that there is an obstacle (the exerciser or the pet If the determination is negative (step ST31), and if any determination is negative, the process returns to step ST21, and if any of the determinations are positive, Then, a driving command signal for slowing down the speed gradually decreasing is output to the driving unit 25 by the exercise content setting unit 242 (step ST33), and finally the running belt 123 is temporarily stopped (step ST33). ST29), the process returns to step ST15. In step ST15, when pressing of the enter / start button 223 is detected, a drive instruction signal is output again to the drive unit 25, and the motor 124 sets the predetermined initial speed or the setting at the time of the last running motion. The rotation operation of the running belt 123 is resumed at the speed (step ST17). This makes it possible to return to the original exercise after a temporary stop. Note that the temporary stop period can be set in advance to a predetermined time by using the timer 244, thereby enabling automatic restart.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the exercise support apparatus according to the present invention. In the same figure, similarly to FIG. 1, the locking mechanism portion 14 ′ is provided at a proper position in the height direction of the support 131, for example, at a substantially central portion, and at a position below the grip portion 132. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

  The tethering mechanism portion 14 'connects a pivot arm 141' having a predetermined length attached to the left and right support columns 131 so as to be pivotable around a horizontal axis, and the tips of both pivot arms 141 '. A rod-like, preferably column-shaped connecting rod member 142 '; a coiled spring 143' having a predetermined length and loosely fitted to the connecting rod member 142 'in an open state or a state close to an open state; And a connecting member 144 ′ for holding the pets connected to both ends of 143 ′. The connecting member 144 ′ is attached to the deformable string member 144 a ′ having both ends connected to both ends of the coil spring 143 ′ and the required length, and the center in the length direction, and is a pet restraint string (lead). 30 and a holder 144b 'for connecting 30.

  Even if the pet is not connected to the holder 144b 'or is connected to the holder 144b', the coiled spring 143 'is in the open state as shown in FIG. The coil spring 143 'is opened in the length direction of the connecting rod member 142'. On the other hand, in the state where the pet is swept backward by stopping the traveling speed of the traveling belt 123 or stopping traveling, as shown in FIG. 10, the string member 144a ′ receives the pulling force F to the rear, By this force F, a component force (indicated by arrow Fa in FIG. 10) in the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod member 142 ′ is generated at both ends of the coil spring 143 ′, and the coil spring 143 ′ is elastically compressed. Due to the elastic compression of the coil spring 143 ′, the holder 144 b ′ at the center of the string material 144 a ′ moves backward via the elastic force, so that an abrupt force acts on the pet via the restraining string 30. Will not.

  Further, the rotating arm 141 ′ is provided on a boss member 140a ′ slidably fitted to the support column 131, and the boss member 140a ′ is vertically moved by tightening and loosening with the support column 131 by rotation. It has a knob 140b '(corresponding to a lock member) that enables height adjustment by sliding to the position and fixation (lock) at a required height position. Since the height position of the locking mechanism portion 14 ′ is adjusted by the knob 140 b ′, the height can be adjusted according to the type and height of the pet.

  The pivot arm 141 ′ is pivotally attached to the boss member 140a ′ by a pivot shaft 141a ′ at the base end, and a convex stopper or the like is provided at an appropriate position on the side of the surface facing the boss member 140a ′. By providing, the turning arm 141 'is in contact with the stopper when turning, and the turning range is restricted. As a rotation range, it can be directed rearward (for example, horizontal) at the use position, that is, toward the traveling side, and upward or slightly forward (that is, an angular position where the posture can be gravitationally stabilized) or forward (for example, at the retracted position). It should be possible to turn to (horizontal). Alternatively, the rotary arm 141 ′ is provided with a knob (clamping member) that gives the boss member 140a ′ a relaxed state on the side facing the boss member 140a ′, thereby changing the position between the use position and the retracted position. And it is good also as a structure which can be locked in a change position. Various known methods can be employed as the tightening method. Further, only the retracted position side may be gravity or locked and the posture is stabilized at the position, and the use position may be free.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the exercise support apparatus according to the present invention. The exercise support apparatus of FIG. 11 is different from that shown in FIG. 9 in that the shape of the support 13 is slightly different and a transparent plate 116 a is added to the fence 116.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views showing how the exercise support apparatus shown in FIG. 11 is used. FIG. 12 shows a use manner in which a pet performs a running exercise. FIG. 13 shows a use manner in which a person runs. . As shown in FIG. 12, in the usage mode in which the pet performs a running motion, after putting the pet on the running belt 123, the tip of the pet restraint string 30 is connected to the holder 144b '. The control unit 20 is changed in posture so that the display unit 21 faces forward, and in this state, operations such as mode setting and speed setting according to the traveling state of the pet can be easily performed while observing the state of the pet. I can do it.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when a person performs a running exercise, the tether mechanism 14 'is not used, that is, is located at the retracted position, so that the athlete's knee or the like is inadvertently tethered. It is not possible to hit the mechanical part 14 ', and it is possible to support the exercise of strengthening the leg suitably by the same movement as the normal running operation, and the pet and the person can use the exercise support device 1 together, which is economical. In addition, there is no waste in installation space, and it is practical and versatile.

  In each of the above embodiments, the maximum traveling speed of the traveling belt may be set to, for example, 8 km / h in consideration of the safety when a pet, particularly a dog travels. When this maximum speed is also applied to humans, it can be used as a walking device for rehabilitation, for example.

The present invention can employ the following aspects.
(1) Although the position change between the use position and the retracted position of the locking mechanism portion 14 ′ has been described by rotation (turning), it is not limited to this, and the boss member 140 a (140 a ′) is directly below the grip portion 132. It is also possible to make this position slidable, and this position can be set as the retracted position. In this case, the rotation arm 141 (141 ′) may not be rotated.
(2) When the sensor 40 detects a pet, the motion monitoring unit 243 temporarily reduces the speed, monitors the output state of the sensor 40 in that state, and if the pet is not detected, the original set speed It may be returned to (via a slow-up process or the like). In this case, a predetermined time may be taken in consideration of recovery from fatigue and the like may be returned. Further, when the sensor 40 detects the pet again within a predetermined time, the stop process may be performed in consideration of fatigue or tiredness.
(3) In each of the above embodiments, the menus and the running functions are used for both humans and pets. However, a dog / human mode switching button is provided in the control unit 20 to switch between menus and tables for dogs / persons. May be.

It is a perspective view showing one embodiment of an exercise support device concerning the present invention. It is a partial perspective view which shows a front cover. It is a partial side view which shows a rear cover part. It is a figure which shows the mounting attitude | position of a control part, (a) is a figure explaining a tilting state, (b) is a figure explaining a rotation state. It is a perspective view explaining operation | movement of a securing mechanism part. It is a front view of a control part. It is a functional block diagram of a control part. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a control part. It is a perspective view which shows other embodiment of the exercise assistance apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view for explaining the movement of the tethering mechanism in the apparatus of FIG. 9. It is a perspective view which shows further another embodiment of the exercise assistance apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of use of the apparatus of FIG. 11 about a pet. It is a perspective view which shows an example of use of the apparatus of FIG. 11 about a person.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exercise support device 11 Base 111 Left and right frame part 112 Front and rear frame part 113 Front cover 114 Rear cover 114c Cleaning tool 115 Recessed part 12 Traveling drive part 121 Front roller 122 Rear roller 123 Endless traveling belt 124 Motor (drive source)
13 Support body 131 Post 132 Holding part 14, 14 'Locking mechanism part 140a, 140a' Boss member 140b, 140b 'Knob (lock member)
141, 141 ′ Rotating arm 142 Connecting member 142 ′ Connecting rod member 143 Spring (biasing member)
143 'Coiled spring 144, 144' Connecting member 144a Holding rod 144a 'String material 144b, 144b' Holder 20 Control unit 200 Device case (housing)
201a Operation knob 21 Display unit 211 Image processing unit 22 Operation unit 24 Operation processing unit 240 Memory unit 241 Exercise mode setting unit 242 Exercise content setting unit 243 Exercise monitoring unit 244 Timer 25 Drive unit 40 Sensor

Claims (13)

  A movement support apparatus having a travel drive unit having a pseudo travel path for supporting a user's travel motion, wherein the grip is installed on the front end side of the travel drive unit and can be gripped by a user during exercise A support body having a portion and a tethering mechanism part for tethering the pet, which is provided below the grip part of the support body, and the tethering mechanism part is used when the pet is tethered and the user. An exercise support apparatus configured to be movable between a retreat position when supporting the running exercise of the vehicle.   The travel drive unit has a base that supports the travel drive unit, and the travel drive unit includes a pair of rollers arranged in parallel on a substantially horizontal plane at the front and rear ends of the base, and a stretch between the rollers. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an endless belt provided and a drive source for rotating the endless belt.   The support body is provided with a pair of support columns that are erected on both sides in the width direction of the front end portion of the base and are formed with the gripping portions toward the rear at appropriate positions in the height direction. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a connecting member that is provided between the pair of support columns at a lower portion of the grip portion and connects a pet restraint string at a substantially central position in the left-right direction.   The exercise support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the attachment position of the tethering mechanism portion is adjustable in the height direction.   The anchoring mechanism includes a pair of pivot arms supported by the two columns so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis, a coupling member that couples the distal ends of the pivot arms, and the coupling member upward. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an urging member that urges, wherein the connecting member is provided at a substantially center in the left-right direction of the connecting member.   The tethering mechanism includes a pair of pivot arms supported by the pillars so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis, a connecting rod member for connecting tips of the pivot arms, and the pivot arms. A locking member that locks at least the retraction position in the retracted position, and a coiled spring member that is loosely fitted to the connecting rod member, and the connecting member is disposed at substantially both ends of the coiled spring member. 4. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the exercise support apparatus is made of an easily deformable string member having both ends tied to each other.   The exercise support apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls driving of the travel drive unit.   The control unit includes a display unit capable of displaying a circumferential speed of the endless belt, and an operation unit provided adjacent to the display unit and capable of inputting at least a setting of the circumferential speed, and is input by the operation unit. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the driving of the travel drive unit is controlled according to the operation content.   The control unit changes a posture between a case where the display unit and the operation unit are exposed on the front surface, a position where the front surface turns to the rear, and a position where the front turns to the front after rotating 180 degrees. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a mounting portion that is mounted on the support column.   The sensor is provided at a rear end of the base and detects that the pet on the endless belt is at the rear end position of the endless belt, and the control unit detects the presence of the pet when the sensor detects the presence of the pet. The exercise support apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein one command signal for decelerating and stopping the traveling drive unit is output to the control unit.   The exercise support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the base includes a rear cover that covers a rear end portion of the endless belt.   The exercise support apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the rear cover includes a cleaning tool that collects pet hair on a surface facing the endless belt.   The said base is provided with the front part cover which covers the front-end part of the said endless belt, The recessed part for food stands is formed in the upper surface of this front part cover, In any one of Claims 10-12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The exercise support apparatus described.

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