JP2007176462A - Bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide high training effect without applying excessive burden to a knee and a waist. <P>SOLUTION: The bicycle 1 of the present invention is provided with a pair of step parts 21a, 21b alternately stepped-on by a left leg and a right leg of a user respectively; a pair of reciprocation slide mechanisms 22a, 22b linearly reciprocating the individual step parts 21a, 21b while sliding the pair of step parts 21a, 21b in a predetermined inclination direction of ascending/descending different from each other (A1-A2 direction) associating with the alternate stepping-on action by the left leg and the right leg respectively; and a pair of power conversion mechanisms 23a, 23b for converting the reciprocation linear motion of the respective step parts 21a, 21b acted by the reciprocation slide mechanisms 22a, 22b to the rotary motion for rotating a front wheel 2 (arrow B1 direction). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bicycle.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stationary training bicycle, which is also called a so-called exercise bike, is known which has a bicycle appearance and aims to burn body fat and consume calories (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this training bicycle, improvement of physical strength, diet, elimination of lack of exercise, and the like are easily realized by exercise of legs and feet for rotating the pedal.
JP 2002-85584 A

  However, the above-described training bicycle that exercises simply by continuing the rotation of the pedal does not necessarily have a sufficient training effect that can be expected from the exercise, so there is a structural improvement in consideration of the purpose of the training. Is required. In addition to such training applications, we have developed a new bicycle that has a transport function as a bicycle's original vehicle and that can continue training without placing an extra burden on the knees and waist. There is also a request to do.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle capable of obtaining a high training effect without placing an extra burden on the user's knees and waist.

  In order to achieve the above object, a bicycle according to the present invention includes a pair of step portions that are alternately stepped on by the left foot and the right foot, and a pair of step portions that correspond to an alternate stepping operation by the left foot and the right foot. A reciprocating slide mechanism that linearly reciprocates each of the step portions while sliding in predetermined tilt directions different in ascending / descending directions, and a reciprocating linear motion of each step portion operated by the reciprocating slide mechanism, And a power conversion mechanism that converts the rotary motion into a rotational motion.

  That is, in this invention, by continuing the operation in which the user steps on each step portion alternately with the left and right feet, this operation changes from the reciprocating sliding motion of each step portion to the rotational motion that further rotates the wheel. The bicycles are converted sequentially, so that the bicycle can go straight. Furthermore, in the present invention, since a linear depression of the step portion is used as a driving force source, for example, a relatively large amount of momentum is required for a straight traveling of the bicycle as compared with a bicycle having a structure where the rotation of the pedal is a driving force source. As a result, a high training effect can be expected, and when the bicycle is operated (training), moderate exercise can be continued for a long time without placing an excessive burden on the knees and waist. More specifically, according to the present invention, aerobic exercise equivalent to so-called foot-lifting exercise or staircase exercise, which is effective for psoas muscle diet, can be suitably performed, and the front and rear muscles of the thigh are trained simultaneously. can do.

In the bicycle according to the present invention, the reciprocating slide mechanism further includes a step position adjusting mechanism for adjusting a movable position of the pair of step portions to be reciprocated.
In this invention, since the movable position of the step portion can be adjusted according to the height of the user who uses the bicycle and the length of the foot, users of all physiques can obtain a sufficient exercise effect. Further, in the present invention, for example, by adjusting the movable position of the step portion so that the knee rises higher than the position of the user's waist, the iliopsoas muscle, psoas muscle, iliac muscle, etc. are sufficiently relaxed. It is possible to perform a contraction exercise, and thereby the inner muscle can be trained. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is difficult to raise the knee to a high position physically, for example, by adjusting the movable position of the step portion so that the knee moves at a position relatively lower than the position of the user's waist. Persons can also exercise comfortably.

In the bicycle according to the present invention, the power conversion mechanism drives a front wheel.
In the present invention, a driving force transmission member such as a chain or a sprocket can be eliminated, and the driving wheel can be rotated with a relatively simple structure.

Furthermore, the bicycle of the present invention further includes a base that holds the bicycle body in an upright posture while rotatably supporting the drive wheels.
According to the present invention, training can be performed in a room such as a so-called fitness club without moving the bicycle body.

In addition, the bicycle according to the present invention further includes a folding mechanism that allows the frame of the bicycle body to be folded.
According to this invention, since the portability of the bicycle body can be improved, the bicycle can be carried and used in an outdoor environment such as a remote place.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bicycle capable of obtaining a high training effect without imposing an extra burden on the user's knees and waist.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a bicycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bicycle shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment rotates in a frame 20 that constitutes the framework of the bicycle body, a front wheel 2 that is a drive wheel attached to the frame 20, and a follower. The rear wheel 3, the saddle 5, and the handle 8 are mainly provided. The frame 20 is connected so as to be orthogonal to the rear wheel support frames 6 and 7 that support the rear wheel 3 from the left and right via the rotation shaft 43, the saddle support frame 9 that supports the saddle 5, and the handle 8, and The front wheel support frame 10 supports the front wheel 2 from the left and right via a rotating shaft 42, and the substantially horizontal support frames 11, 12 spanned between the front wheel support frame 10 and the saddle support frame 9. In addition, joint portions 14a, 14b, 15, 16, and 17 configured to correspond to the shape of the connecting portion are interposed in the connection between these members.

The rear wheel support frames 6 and 7 and the front wheel support frame 10 are formed so that the front end side (each wheel side) is bifurcated so as to avoid the outer shapes of the front and rear wheels. Here, the joint portion 17 is rotatable with respect to the substantially horizontal support frames 11 and 12 with respect to the front wheel support frame 10 (a single shaft-like portion in front of the bifurcated branch) with reference to the axis. And a bearing mechanism for supporting. Also, brake levers 18 for forcibly stopping the rotation of the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 are attached to the left and right of the handle 8.

Here, a power transmission system provided in the bicycle 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
That is, the bicycle 1 moves the pair of step portions 21a and 21b up / down in correspondence with the pair of step portions 21a and 21b that are alternately stepped on by the user's left foot and right foot, and the alternate stepping motion by the left foot and the right foot, respectively. A pair of reciprocating slide mechanisms 22a, 22b that linearly reciprocate the individual step portions 21a, 21b while sliding in different predetermined inclination directions (A1-A2 directions), and the reciprocating slide mechanisms 22a, 22b. A pair of power conversion mechanisms 23a and 23b that convert the reciprocating linear motion of the operating step portions 21a and 21b into a rotational motion that rotates the front wheel 2 (in the direction of arrow B1) are provided.

  The reciprocating slide mechanisms 22a and 22b include, for example, thin cylinder portions 24a and 24b in the form of flattened cylinders in the radial direction, pistons 25a and 25b that are movable in the axial direction inside the thin cylinder portions 24a and 24b, Piston shafts 26a and 26b each having one end fixed to the pistons 25a and 25b are provided. Step portions 21a and 21b are supported on the other end portions of the piston shafts 26a and 26b through swinging support shafts 27a and 27b so as to be swingable.

  The power conversion mechanisms 23a and 23b include a pair of connecting rods 28a and 28b and a pair of crankshafts 29a and 29b. The pistons 25a and 25b and the base ends of the connecting rods 28a and 28b are connected to each other via support shafts 30a and 30b so as to be rotatable. The distal ends of the connecting rods 28a and 28b and the base ends of the crankshafts 29a and 29b are connected to each other via support shafts 31a and 31b so as to be rotatable. On the other hand, the rotation shaft 42 is fixed to the central portion of the front wheel 2 so as to protrude right and left, and the rotation shaft 42 is provided at the front end portion of the front wheel support frame 10 that is bifurcated. It is rotatably supported via 45. In the bearing mechanism 45, a ratchet mechanism that rotates the front wheel 2 when the crankshafts 29a and 29b are to rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow B1 direction is provided. Here, considering the movement trajectory of the connecting rods 28a and 28b, the thin cylinder portions 24a and 24b are arranged so as to avoid interference (contact) between the outer portions of the thin cylinder portions 24a and 24b and the connecting rods 28a and 28b. A notch or a groove is formed in the inner wall portion or the outer shape portion.

  Furthermore, the front ends of the crankshafts 29a and 29b and the ends of the rotation shaft 42 at the center of the front wheel 2 are fixed. As a result, the crankshafts 29a and 29b are projected in the longitudinal direction of the connecting rods 28a and 28b as the pistons 25a and 25b (step portions 21a and 21b) slide in the directions of arrows A1-A2. The connecting rods 28a and 28b are rotated repeatedly while sequentially taking the posture (see FIG. 2) where the rods overlap one another. More specifically, the reciprocating slide mechanisms 22a and 22b are configured so that the pair of step portions 21a and 21b are different in the upward (arrow A2 direction) / downward (arrow A1 direction) in correspondence with the alternate stepping operation by the left foot and the right foot. The individual step portions 21a and 21b are reciprocated linearly while being slid in predetermined inclination directions (arrow A1-A2 directions).

  Here, the pair of crankshafts 29a and 29b extend in different peripheral edge directions on the front wheel 2 on the base end sides of the crankshafts 29a and 29b (respectively in the direction of 0 ° and 180 ° from the central portion of the front wheel 2). In this way, the respective distal end portions are fixed to the respective end portions of the rotating shaft 42. That is, the right foot crankshaft 29a and the left foot crankshaft 29b are rotated so that the phase is shifted by 180 ° with respect to one rotation of the front wheel 2 (one reciprocation of the pistons 25a and 25b). With the above mechanism, the power conversion mechanisms 23a and 23b rotate the front wheels 2 in the direction of the arrow B1 by the reciprocating linear motion of the step portions 21a and 21b operated by the reciprocating slide mechanisms 22a and 22b in the directions of the arrows A1-A2. Convert to rotational motion.

  Next, the step position adjusting mechanism provided in the bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 in addition to FIGS. Here, FIG. 3 shows a case where the angle between the body axis (back muscle) of the user's upper body and the thigh (thigh) and the knee (angle between the thigh and shin) are less than 90 °. It is a figure which shows the state by which the position adjustment of the step part was performed so that an attitude | position may be taken periodically. On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the position of the step portion is adjusted so that the angle between the body axis of the user's upper body and the thigh and the knee angle are always 90 ° or more. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the step portion is stepped on from the state shown in FIG.

  That is, the reciprocating slide mechanisms 22a and 22b of the bicycle 1 according to this embodiment include step position adjusting mechanisms 35a and 35b that adjust the movable positions of the pair of step portions 21a and 21b to be reciprocated. The step position adjusting mechanisms 35a and 35b do not change the stroke of the reciprocating linear motion of the step portions 21a and 21b in the directions of arrows A1-A2, for example, the step portions 21a and 21b with respect to the position of the saddle 5 in a fixed state. It is possible to relatively change the movable position. Specifically, the piston shafts 26a and 26b have a two-piece structure including cylindrical shafts 36a and 36b having hollow interiors, and insertion shafts 37a and 37b configured to be insertable / removable with respect to the interiors of the cylindrical shafts 36a and 36b. It has become. Further, a predetermined amount of insertion into the cylindrical shafts 36a and 36b is set in the outer peripheral portions of the cylindrical shafts 36a and 36b so that the insertion amount (protrusion amount) of the insertion shafts 37a and 37b with respect to the cylindrical shafts 36a and 36b can be set. Fixing knobs 20a and 20b for fixing the insertion shafts 37a and 37b by screws or the like are provided at the positions.

  The step position adjusting mechanisms 35a and 35b realized by the cylindrical shafts 36a and 36b, the insertion shafts 37a and 37b, and the fixing knobs 20a and 20b have a structure capable of adjusting the total length of the piston shafts 26a and 26b. Note that the bicycle 1 of the present embodiment is also provided with a height adjustment function of the saddle 5. The joint portion 15 has a hollow cylindrical structure that allows the saddle support frame 9 to be inserted and removed. The saddle support frame 9 is fixed to the joint portion 15 at a predetermined insertion position by screwing or the like so that the insertion amount (protrusion amount) of the saddle support frame 9 with respect to the joint portion 15 can be set in the outer portion of the joint portion 15. A fixing knob 5a is provided. Further, a height adjustment mechanism for the handle 8 may be added to the bicycle 1 so that the inclination of the body axis of the user who sits on the saddle 5 and operates the bicycle 1 can be adjusted.

Here, in the bicycle 1 including such step position adjusting mechanisms 35a and 35b, as shown in FIG. 3, the angle θ ₁ formed by the body axis 62 of the user 61 and the thigh 63 and the knee angle θ ₂ are as follows. In a state where the movable positions of the step portions 21a and 21b are adjusted so that the posture of the body that is less than 90 ° is periodically taken (that is, for example, the knee is raised higher than the position of the user's waist). As shown in FIG. 5, by continuing the operation of alternately stepping on the left and right step portions 21a and 21b, training to sufficiently relax and contract the iliopsoas muscle, psoas muscle, iliac muscle, etc. The inner muscle is trained. As described above, the angle between the body axis and the thigh and the knee angle is preferably less than 90 °, and most preferably 25 ° to 40 °.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle θ ₁ formed between the body axis 62 of the upper body of the user 61 and the thigh 63 and the knee angle θ ₂ are always 90 ° or more (that is, for example, the waist of the user). Adjusting the movable position of the step portions 21a and 21b, etc., so that elderly people who are difficult to physically raise the knee to a high position can exercise comfortably. It can be performed. Furthermore, according to the bicycle 1 provided with the step position adjustment mechanisms 35a and 35b, the movable positions of the step portions 21a and 21b can be adjusted according to the height of the user and the length of the feet. An effect can be obtained.

  As described above, in the bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation of the user alternately depressing the step portions 21a and 21b with the left and right feet is continued, and this operation is performed in the step portions 21a and 21b. From the reciprocating sliding motion to the rotational motion for further rotating the front wheel 2, whereby the bicycle 1 can be moved straight. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the linear depression of the step portions 21a and 21b is used as a driving force source, for example, compared to a bicycle having a structure in which the rotation of a pedal is used as a driving force source, the bicycle 1 is relatively more straight ahead. As a result, a high training effect can be expected. In addition, when the bicycle 1 is operated (training), moderate exercise can be continued for a long time without placing an excessive burden on the knees and hips. Can be made. Therefore, according to the bicycle 1, aerobic exercise equivalent to so-called leg raising exercise or staircase exercise, which is effective for the diet of the psoas major, can be suitably performed, and the front and rear muscles of the thighs can be trained simultaneously. Can do.

  In detail, in the bicycle 1, the psoas major muscles such as the abdominal transverse muscle, multifidus muscle, diaphragm, pelvic floor muscle group, iliac muscle, and further, the quadriceps, abdominal / back muscles, You can train great muscles. By training the inner muscle, tightening around the waist, distorting the center of the body, and sagging can be eliminated, while maintaining the position of the internal organs and preventing the O leg by stabilizing the hip joint. it can. In particular, when the psoas muscle is trained, the posture is improved and the waist is tightened.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, FIG. 6 is a front view of the bicycle 51 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same components as those provided in the bicycle 1 of the first embodiment described above are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle 51 of the present embodiment has a base 52 that holds the bicycle 1 main body in an upright posture while rotatably supporting the front wheel 2 of the bicycle 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is configured. The base 52 includes a rear wheel support portion 53 that supports the rear wheel 3 from the left and right sides, and a pair of outer peripheral surface sliding contacts that are in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the front wheel 2 in order to rotatably support the front wheel 2. A pair of side surface sliding rollers 56 and 57 that are in sliding contact with the left and right side surfaces of the rollers 54 and 55 and the front wheel 2 are provided.
Therefore, according to the bicycle 51 according to this embodiment, training can be performed in a room such as a so-called fitness club without moving the bicycle 1 main body.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, FIG. 7 is a front view of the bicycle 71 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state in which the bicycle 71 of FIG. 7 is folded. 7 and 8, the same components as those provided in the bicycle 1 of the first embodiment described above are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  That is, the bicycle 71 of this embodiment is replaced with the saddle support frame 9, the substantially horizontal support frames 11 and 12, and the rear wheel support frames 6 and 7 of the frame 20 provided in the bicycle 1 according to the first embodiment. 7 and 8, a frame 75 having a saddle support frame 72, a substantially horizontal support frame 73, and a rear wheel support frame 74 is provided. Here, a joint portion 76 is provided at a connecting portion of the saddle support frame 72, the substantially horizontal support frame 73 and the rear wheel support frame 74. The joint portion 76 rotatably supports the saddle support frame 72 and the rear wheel support frame 74 with respect to the substantially horizontal support frame 73 (see FIG. 8).

Further, support pins 77, 78, and 79 are provided at the end portions of the respective frames in the vicinity of the joint portion 76. Frame support shafts 81 and 82 can be attached to these support pins 77, 78 and 79. In a state where the frame posture holding shafts 81 and 82 are attached to the support pins 77, 78, and 79, a predetermined connection posture of the saddle support frame 72 and the rear wheel support frame 74 is held with respect to the substantially horizontal support frame 73. That is, in the bicycle 71 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when the frame posture holding shafts 81 and 82 are attached to the support pins 77, 78, and 79, the bicycle 71 can run and train, As shown in FIG. 8, when the frame posture holding shafts 81, 82 are removed from the support pins 77, 78, 79 and the saddle support frame 72 and the rear wheel support frame 74 are folded, the bicycle 71 can be easily carried. It can be.
Therefore, according to the bicycle 71 including the folding mechanism 83 realized by the frame 75, the support pins 77, 78, 79 and the frame posture holding shafts 81, 82, the portability of the bicycle 71 itself can be improved. For example, the bicycle 71 can be carried and used in an outdoor environment such as a remote place.

Moreover, it replaces with the bicycle 71 shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, and as shown in FIG.9 and FIG.10, this invention can also be implement | achieved by the bicycle 91 provided with the folding mechanism 85. FIG. 9 is a front view of the bicycle 91, and FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which the bicycle 91 of FIG. 9 is folded.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle 91 has a substantially X-shaped frame in the use state, and in the folded state (non-use state), the scissors are opened to the maximum to be substantially linear. The layout of the frame is changed. That is, instead of the saddle support frame 9, the substantially horizontal support frames 11, 12 and the rear wheel support frames 6, 7 of the frame 20 provided in the bicycle 1 according to the first embodiment, shown in FIGS. As described above, a frame 86 having a saddle support combined front wheel support frame 96 and a handle combined rear wheel support frame 97 is provided. Here, a joint portion 87 is provided at a connecting portion between the saddle support combined front wheel support frame 96 and the handle combined rear wheel support frame 97. The joint portion 87 supports the saddle support / front wheel support frame 96 and the handle / rear wheel support frame 97 so as to be rotatable (see FIG. 10).

Further, support pins 92, 93, 94 and 95 are provided in the vicinity of the joint portion 87. Further, these 92, 93, 94, and 95 have a frame posture holding for holding the connection posture (substantially X-shaped) of the saddle support frame 72 and the rear wheel support frame 74 with respect to the substantially horizontal support frame 73. Shafts 98 and 99 are configured to be attachable.
That is, in the bicycle 91 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the frame posture holding shafts 98, 99 are attached to the support pins 77, 78, 79, training by the bicycle 91 is possible. As shown in FIG. 10, when the frame posture holding shafts 98, 99 are removed from the support pins 92, 93, 94, 95 and the saddle support front wheel support frame 96 and the handle rear wheel support frame 97 are folded, the bicycle It is possible to make the posture 91 easy to carry. The bicycle 91 is preferably used indoors by applying the base 52 described in the second embodiment.

  The present invention has been specifically described above with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the driving wheel is the front wheel. However, for example, a power transmission mechanism such as a sprocket or a chain may be used, and the driving wheel may be the rear wheel. Thereby, the freedom degree on component layout at the time of arrange | positioning step part 21a, 21b, a pair of reciprocating slide mechanism 22a, 22b, and power conversion mechanism 23a, 23b can be raised.

1 is a front view of a bicycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The rear view of the bicycle shown in FIG. The figure which shows the state which the position of the step part was adjusted so that the posture of the body in which the angle which a user's body axis and a thigh part make is less than 90 degrees is taken periodically in the bicycle of FIG. The figure which shows the state in which the position of the step part was adjusted so that the angle which the user's upper body axis | shaft and thigh may always be 90 degrees or more in the bicycle of FIG. The figure which shows the state by which the step part was stepped on from the state shown in FIG. The front view of the bicycle which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The front view of the bicycle which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows the state by which the bicycle of FIG. 7 was folded. The front view of the bicycle provided with the folding mechanism of a structure different from the bicycle of FIG. The front view which shows the state by which the bicycle of FIG. 9 was folded.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 51, 71 ... Bicycle, 2 ... Front wheel, 3 ... Rear wheel, 6, 74 ... Rear wheel support frame, 8 ... Handle, 9, 72 ... Saddle support frame, 10 ... Front wheel support frame, 11, 12, 73 ... Substantially horizontal support frame, 20, 75, 86 ... frame, 10 ... front wheel support frame, 21a, 21b ... step part, 22a, 22b ... reciprocating slide mechanism, 23a, 23b ... power conversion mechanism, 24a, 24b ... thin cylinder part, 25a, 25b ... piston, 26a, 26b ... piston shaft, 28a, 28b ... connecting rod, 29a, 29b ... crankshaft, 35a, 35b ... step position adjusting mechanism, 42 ... rotating shaft, 45 ... bearing mechanism, 52 ... base 53, rear wheel support portions, 54, 55, outer peripheral surface sliding contact rollers, 56, 57, side surface sliding contact rollers, 76, 87, joint portions, 77. 78, 79, 92, 93, 94, 95 ... support pins, 81, 82, 98, 99 ... frame posture holding shafts, 83, 85 ... folding mechanism, 96 ... saddle support / front wheel support frame, 97 ... handle / rear wheel Support frame.

Claims (5)

A pair of step portions that are alternately stepped on by the left foot and the right foot,
A reciprocating slide mechanism that linearly reciprocates each of the step portions while sliding the pair of step portions in predetermined upward and downward different inclination directions corresponding to the alternate stepping action by the left foot and the right foot. When,
A power conversion mechanism that converts the reciprocating linear motion of each step portion operated by the reciprocating slide mechanism into a rotational motion that rotates a wheel;
The bicycle characterized by comprising.   The bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating slide mechanism further includes a step position adjusting mechanism for adjusting a movable position of the pair of step portions to be reciprocated.   The bicycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power conversion mechanism drives a front wheel.   The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a base for holding the bicycle main body in an upright posture while rotatably supporting the drive wheels.   The bicycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a folding mechanism that allows the frame of the bicycle body to be folded.

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