RU2574981C2 - Simulator for performing power physical exercises by user - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: sports.

SUBSTANCE: simulator for performing the power physical exercise by the user, containing a rocking lever (20) moved by the user to perform the work, and the load (30) connected to it to counteract the work of the user. There are control devices (50, 51) for current control of work (V_b; F_b) of the user and to compare it with at least one reference value (V_r; F_r) set manually or automatically. The simulator comprises, in addition, the adjusting device (60) connected operatively to the control devices (50, 51) and which influences the load (30) so that it initiates its automatic increase in case if the identified work is greater than the recommended work, and the automatic load reduction (30) in the case if the identified work is less than the recommended work.

EFFECT: reduced risk of injury during training.

21 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates, in General, to the field of simulators for performing strength physical exercises, for playing sports, as well as for medical purposes and, in particular, relates to a simulator for the user to perform strength physical exercises.

The invention also relates to a kit for modification and a method for obtaining such a simulator based on an existing simulator for performing strength physical exercises.

The invention also relates to a method and software product for controlling a simulator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known simulators for performing physical exercises by the user, simply for playing sports or for medical purposes, usually contain a swinging lever, moved by the user to perform work, and a load connected to the swinging lever, designed to counteract the work performed by the user. The swinging lever is moved by the user along certain routes defined by the simulator.

The load, the counteraction of which the user overcomes when performing work, is fixed and is usually pre-set by the user before proceeding with the exercise. This entails the need for a trainer who monitors the physical exercise to make sure it is correctly and efficiently performed, and implies a high degree of danger of bodily injury, such as deformation, muscle strain, etc., due to excessive loads .

Japanese Patent JP 2185272 discloses a simulator for rehabilitating a user after personal injury. This known simulator has a device for blocking the load in case the user exceeds the safety threshold of the load.

From the international patent application WO 2009107904, a simulator for performing physical exercises by a user is known, which allows displaying several training programs of only the isokinetic or isotonic type on the display.

A device for performing physical exercises by a user is known from European patent EP 1252915B1, comprising a device that increases or decreases the load even during the exercise. In particular, the user has at their disposal a control panel having a number of controls that the user actuates with his hands or feet at his discretion in order to increase or decrease the lifting weight.

This well-known simulator is designed for trained users or, in any case, for the participation of a trainer, because a change in the magnitude of the load lifted depends on the user's desire. For the same reason, this well-known simulator does not exclude bodily harm to the user.

Summary of the invention

The main objective of the present invention is to eliminate, at least partially, the above disadvantages, by creating a simulator for the user to perform power physical exercises, easy to manufacture and relatively cheap.

Another objective of the invention is the creation of a simulator for the user to perform strength physical exercises, which can be used by each person even without assistance from the trainer.

The next objective of the invention is the creation of a simulator for the user to perform power physical exercises, which minimizes or completely eliminates the risk of personal injury to users.

These and other goals, as follows from the text of the description of the invention, are achieved by using a simulator to perform physical exercises by the user that has one or more of the features disclosed in this description of the invention and / or in the claims.

The simulator may essentially comprise a swing arm that is moved by the user to do work, and a load coupled to the swing arm that counteracts the user's work. In other words, the user acting on the swing arm at a certain time performs work against the action of the load force.

The expression “swinging lever” and its derivatives as used in this description of the invention is used to denote an element or assembly of assembled elements connected to each other with which the user interacts directly or indirectly to perform muscular work.

The expression “load” or its derivatives in the meaning used in this description of the invention serve to designate an element or assembly of assembled elements connected to each other, suitable for creating the effort that the user overcomes when performing work.

The expression “user work” or its derivatives in the meaning used in this description of the invention are used to denote the work of moving the swing arm, performed by the user per unit time against the action of the load force. In other words, the user's work determines the force with which the user counteracts the load force.

The swing arm and / or load can either be mounted or not mounted on the load bearing support structure.

The simulator can be designed so that it monitors the user's work and automatically adjusts the opposing load in accordance with the identified work.

In particular, the simulator according to the invention is intended to respond to a detected increase in work by automatically increasing the load and vice versa.

To this end, the simulator comprises a device for detecting at certain time intervals, which can be of any size, at least one first value of at least one parameter corresponding to muscular work performed by the user against the action of the load force.

The detected parameter may be, for example, the speed or acceleration with which the physical exercise is performed, or the force exerted by the user to perform the physical exercise.

On the other hand, the current control of the user's work can be carried out by controlling physical parameters, for example, heart rate or contraction rate - muscle relaxation.

It is obvious that the measuring transducer can have different forms of execution, depending on the detected parameter.

It is possible to identify a number of parameters, simultaneously or not, for example, strength and speed.

The simulator may also contain at least one logical control unit, tunable to at least one second value of at least one parameter corresponding to the training work recommended by the user.

Similarly to the aforementioned, the given parameter can be, for example, the “ideal” working speed or acceleration with which the exercise is performed, or the “ideal” force with which the user must perform the physical exercise so that the training is carried out in the best way.

These values, varying from one user to another, can be determined in a manner known per se by the so-called “force – speed curve”, which indicates to each user the characteristics of muscle work as a function of the strength and speed of physical exercises at a given moment.

On the other hand, an “ideal” heartbeat, which can be obtained using an electrocardiogram, can also be set.

In addition, it is also possible to set the frequency of contraction - muscle relaxation, which can be determined by electromyography.

The task can be carried out manually, for example, using the touch screen, or automatically.

Automatic task can be carried out using a system program that reads from the memory block, which can be built into the simulator, one or more values of one or more user parameters that can be preloaded into the memory block when the same user is working under standard conditions, and thereby setting the task of the first logical block in accordance with a predetermined algorithm.

For example, a simulator can be programmed in such a way that before performing a physical exercise or, in any case, with a certain frequency, it sets the values of interest, for example, values corresponding to the force-speed curve, or heart rate values when the user is working in certain standard conditions suitable for identifying such parameters.

This data can then be loaded into the simulator’s memory and can be used by a system program that analyzes and applies it to determine the “ideal” reference value or reference values that the user must adhere to during the exercise. The determination of these values can be carried out using one or more specific algorithms, periodically selected by the user, based on his needs.

For example, it is possible to choose a program for the development of muscle mass, instead of another program for the development of explosive strength.

Thus, the simulator is fully automatic, as well as extremely safe for the user.

The first logical control unit may be appropriately functionally connected to the sensor to compare the work it detects with the recommended work.

Of course, there is no need for the first detected value to be interconnected with the second setpoint. If, for example, the measuring transducer is configured to detect the force with which the user performs a physical exercise, for example, using a mechanical load sensor, it is possible to set a second value for the ideal operating speed. In this case, the first logical control unit converts, by means of the values corresponding to the aforementioned force-velocity curve, the predetermined “ideal” velocity value into the “ideal” force value so as to correlate the interconnected values with each other.

The simulator may preferably comprise a regulating device, which can be functionally connected to the first logic control unit, acting on the load so that it automatically increases if the work detected by the transmitter is greater than the specified recommended work and automatically decreases in if the identified work is less than the specified recommended work.

Thanks to these features, the simulator is completely safe to operate for any user, even in the absence of assistance from the trainer. In fact, at every moment of time, the user's muscular work tends to approach the “ideal” training muscle work.

It is enough for the user to set the correct “ideal” work, which can be predefined as mentioned above, and begin training. In the case of an automatic task, the user only has to follow the instructions for the simulator, because the simulator itself sets the “ideal” parameters that it should focus on when performing the physical exercise.

Unlike traditional simulators of the isotonic or isokinetic type, the simulator according to the present invention independently adapts to the user's work at any time.

This is precisely the “adaptive” configuration of the simulator that, moreover, minimizes or completely eliminates the risk of bodily harm in those who use it, and allows you to conduct the training extremely efficiently.

There can be two suitable values corresponding to “ideal work” in order to set the “ideal interval” within which the user can train. In this case, the simulator automatically “adapts” the load if the user works outside the ideal work interval, that is, below the minimum work level or above the maximum work level.

The simulator may advantageously comprise a unit for electromagnetic stimulation of human muscles, which includes at least one inductor placed near at least one user muscle, at least one power source connected to the inductor to generate at least one electromagnetic field and a generator pulse current, designed to generate current pulses of a certain frequency and duration supplied to the inductor in order to cause involuntary The reduction and relaxation of the human muscle, in the vicinity of which an inductor is installed.

The first logical control unit, preferably, can be functionally connected to the electromagnetic stimulation unit so that it automatically turns off the power source if the work detected by the transducer coincides with the value of at least one parameter corresponding to a dangerous given work.

In this case, the simulator may either need the control device described above or not need it.

Preferred, but not solely possible, embodiments of the invention are determined by the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description of several preferred embodiments of the simulator according to the invention, which are described as non-limiting examples using the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a simulator 1;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a simulator 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of some features of the simulator 1 shown in FIG. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a simulator 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a simulator 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of some features of the simulator 1 shown in FIG. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of a simulator 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a sixth embodiment of a simulator 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of a simulator 1.

Detailed Description of Preferred Examples

the implementation of the invention

The simulator according to the invention shown in the above-mentioned figures of graphic materials, which is indicated by a general numerical position 1, is intended, in particular, for performing a strength exercise by a user, for playing sports, as well as for medical purposes or for rehabilitation.

FIG. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9 explain seven embodiments of the simulator.

The first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is intended to train the muscles of the upper body of the user, and in particular the pectoral muscles, while the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, is designed to train the user's leg muscles.

The embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and 5 are similar to those shown in FIG. 1 and 2, and differ from them in the way that the simulator 1 continuously adapts the load to the user's work.

The fifth embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, is designed to train the user's leg muscles and is conceptually similar to the classic “exercise bike”, which continuously adapts the load to the user's work.

The sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is intended to train the muscles of the upper body of the user, in particular the pectoral muscles, and is different from the embodiment of FIG. 1, since it includes block 90 for electromagnetic stimulation of human muscles.

The seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is for training the muscles of the upper body of the user, in particular the pectoral muscles, and is different from the embodiment of FIG. 1 because it needs a regulating device 60.

Unless otherwise indicated, features that are common to simulator embodiments are denoted by the same numeric position.

The simulator 1 may include a support structure, in particular a supporting frame 10 with a base 11 lying on the floor G, on which the swing arm 20 is mounted, moved by the user to perform work, connected to the load 30, designed to counteract the user's work.

In the embodiments illustrated by the figures, the movement of the swing arm 20 is guided. In particular, the latter may include a slider 21 that is slidably mounted along the guide rod 22, which defines the X axis, along which the swing arm moves in two directions, indicated by arrows F ₁ and F ₂ . On the other hand, the swing arm 20 may also be free, provided that it is connected to the load 30, which does not go beyond the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

In particular, the supporting frame 10 in the first, third, sixth and seventh embodiments of the simulator shown in FIG. 1, 4, 8 and 9, may include a bench 12 located horizontally or obliquely, on the upper surface 13 of which the user can lie, grabbing the slider 21 and moving it up and down. For this purpose, the swing arm 20 may comprise a substantially horizontal antenna 23, for which the user grabs to perform physical exercises, rigidly connected with the slider 21.

On the other hand, in the second and fourth embodiments of the simulator shown in FIG. 2 and 5, the swing arm 20 may include a seat 24 on which the user can sit by moving the slider 21 along the bar 22. To this end, the supporting frame 10 may include a footrest 14, pressing on which the user sitting on the seat 24 can exercise .

In addition, the rocker arm 20 of the fifth embodiment of the simulator shown in FIG. 7 may comprise a group of 25 pedals with cranks, which the user can set to rotate about the Y axis. To this end, the supporting frame may comprise an exercise bike, not shown in the figure, because it is essentially known on which the user can sit performing training exercises.

The simulator 1 is designed so that it automatically adapts to the user's work, which almost completely eliminates the risk of bodily harm during the exercise.

For this purpose, a control device may be provided, which may include a measuring transducer 50 for monitoring the user's work at certain intervals by identifying one or more parameters directly or indirectly associated with the same work, and a control logic unit 51 designed to compare the detected value with one or more reference training values set by the user manually, for example, using a display or automatically set program.

A control device 60 may be operatively connected to this control logic unit 51, which acts on the load 30 so that it automatically adjusts it in response to detecting a deviation of the detected value from predetermined or predetermined values or values.

It is advisable to design the control device 60 in such a way that it automatically increases the load 30 if the work detected by the measuring transducer 50 is more than the “ideal” recommended work specified on the control logic unit 51 and automatically reduces the load 30 if the detected less work than specified recommended work.

Thus, the simulator continuously strives to bring the user's muscular work closer to the training muscular work, adapting to the user's work at every next moment of time.

Moreover, the simulator minimizes the risk of bodily harm to the user, because if the work detected by the transducer 50 is less than the recommended work, the simulator automatically reduces the load.

Accordingly, the simulator 1 may include a motor device, indicated by a common position 31, designed to create a torque that determines the load 30.

In the first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments of the simulator shown in FIG. 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, the user, acting on the swing arm 20, performs work directly against the action of the torque created by the motor device 31.

The latter can be made in the form of a stepless brushless motor in order to create torque also in the absence of movement in the absence of danger of damage or breakage.

To ensure rigidity and integrity in the transmission of motion between the swing arm 20 and the motor device 31, a motion transmission device such as a closed ring may be provided.

The latter can be made in the form of an annular element 40 for transmitting movement, for example, a cable, belt, belt or chain and the like, connected to the engine 31 by means of a gear wheel 42 fixed with a key to its axis 32, and with a swinging lever 20 by means of a connecting device 41, for example by means of a pair of clamps welded to the slider 21. One or more return tension rollers 43 may also be provided.

In the first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments of the simulator shown in FIG. 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9, the parameter, the current control of which is carried out by the control device to ensure automatic control of the user, may be the speed and / or acceleration reported to the swing arm 20 as a result of the user.

To this end, the measuring transducer 50 can be operatively connected with the swinging lever 20 to control its movement, determined by the user's work against the action of the load force 30, that is, against the action of the torque created by the engine 31.

For this purpose, the specified transducer may include a decoder 50ер or an accelerometer fixed with a key to the axis 32 of the engine 31 to detect the speed V _b, or the acceleration of the swinging arm in response to the user's work.

Despite the fact that in order to simplify this description of the invention, reference is always made to the decoder 50΄ and to the current control of the speed of the swing arm 20, it should be understood that the same is true also for the automatic control of its acceleration using an accelerometer.

Advantageously, as seen in FIG. 3, the control device may also include a first control logic unit 51 operably connected to a decoder 50΄, manually or automatically adjusted to at least one speed reference value V _r and acting so that it compares the speed value V _b at certain time intervals detected by the decoder 50΄, with the reference value V _r and in case the two values do not match, generates the first error signal 52.

The embodiments shown in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8, relate to control carried out by two logical blocks 51, 60, functionally connected to each other. Logic blocks 51, 60 can interact with software, which can be represented by one system program 100, designed to interact with these blocks 51 and 60. In particular, the first logical block can interact with the system routine 101 and the second logical block can interact with the system subroutine 102. Also, exactly each logical unit 51, 60 can have one system program implemented on it.

Obviously, in these embodiments, the simulator can also be controlled by a single logic unit 51, as is the case in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 4, 5 and 6, which does not go beyond the scope of the invention expressed by the attached claims.

The first logic unit 51 may also respond to the first information 53 contained in the first error signal 52 regarding the deviation V _{Δ of the} detected speed V _b from the reference speed V _r , in other words, determine whether the speed communicated by the user to the swing arm 20 is different from the ideal speed and if so, how much higher or lower is it.

The control device may comprise a second microprocessor logic unit 60, operatively coupled to the first unit 51 and the engine 31, triggered by the first error signal 52 and responsive to it, generating the first information 53 to generate the second error signal 61 sent to the engine 31.

The second error signal 61 may include second information 62 regarding the torque deviation C _∆ calculated by the second logic unit 60 based on the speed deviation V _∆ summed or deducted from the speed currently set by the motor 31. In other words, the second error signal 61 indicates whether the power of the engine 31 should increase or decrease to increase or decrease the load 30, and if so, by what amount.

In a preferred, but not the only possible, embodiment of the invention, the first and second logical units 51 and 60 may belong to one programmable logic controller (PLC) 70. On the other hand, the first logical unit 51 and the control device 60 may belong to the same control card.

Thus, at each moment of time, the simulator adapts the load 30 to the work performed by the user, increasing it if the user does work beyond the ideal job, and reduces it if the user does less work than the ideal job.

For this, at the moment when the working speed V _{b of} the physical exercise deviates from the ideal reference speed V _r , the simulator automatically acts on the load 30 so as to lower the engine power 31 if V _∆ = V _b - V _r has a negative value, because the user gets tired and, therefore, the load is reduced to allow him to perform the physical exercise correctly, and to increase the engine power 31 if V _∆ has a positive value, because the user works above the level of ideal work and, therefore, heats up narrow increases to ensure the correct exercise.

Therefore, the working speed of the physical exercise by the user changes at any given time due to the regulation of the load carried out by the simulator.

Thus, the risk of uncontrolled and hazardous work due to improper user actions is minimized or can be completely eliminated. In particular, the risk of muscle damage at the end of the exercise when the user is more tired due to the work originally done is minimized.

The set speed values are individual parameters of the user and are very dependent on training. For example, they can be fixed based on the equivalence given by the “speed - force” curve, after the user has been given the opportunity to work on the basis of a standard curve, according to methods known to specialists in this field of technology.

As already mentioned above, this task can be set manually, for example using the touch screen, or automatically, as mentioned above.

In particular, the value of V _r can be set so that it corresponds to the value of the ideal work for the development of muscle mass and / or explosive effort of the user. Once this value is set, the PLC should be set to a reference value V _r, so that the system adjusts the load each time when a user deviates from this value.

Accordingly, the ability to configure the PLC 70 to a number of reference values, for example two, to ensure each time the choice of the type of physical exercise that is most suitable for your own needs.

In particular, PLC 70 can be set to two speed reference values, with the first value corresponding to the value V _{r, min of} ideal work for developing muscle mass and the second value corresponding to the value V _{r, max of} ideal work for developing explosive user effort. The simulator will adjust the load each time so that the user can work in the vicinity of one of these two values.

On the other hand, it is possible to program the PLC 70 so that the user is forced to work in the range of speeds between these two values of V _{r, max} , V _{r, min} , or, in any case, in the interval between two values of the ideal speed, calculated in such a way that physical exercise effectively to the user, the load 30 is reduced, if the operating speed of the physical exercises identified decoder 50 ^'is lower than the lower of the two reference _values, V _{r, min,} and increases if the identified velocity V _b is higher Th upper reference value V _{r, max.}

In this latter case, the user actually does more work than the maximum work performed by the user so that the physical exercise is effective, while in the first case, the user does less work than the minimum ideal work. Therefore, in this case, the simulator also adjusts the load so as to force the user to work within the interval of work, ideal for the effectiveness of physical exercise, while avoiding muscle damage.

Advantageously, also possible to configure the first logic block 51 by at least one dangerous speed value V _s corresponding to the limit value of work, the user can perform in a safe manner. This value can be determined according to methods known to a person skilled in the art. Advantageously, a device 80 can be provided to lock the swing arm 20 operably connected to the logic unit 51 if the speed value V _b detected by the decoder 50 ^´ is equal to the value V _s .

Even if in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8, the automatic regulation of the dangerous speed V _s is performed by the first logical unit 51, which automatically also regulates the reference speed V _r , this regulation can be performed using the third logical unit connected to the blocking device 80 and following by the first block 51, or by using the system program 100, as shown for the embodiments of FIG. 4, 5 and 6, which does not go beyond the scope of the invention defined by the attached claims.

When the decoder 50´ detects the value V _{b of the} speed equal to the value V _s , the locking device 80 can act on the motor device 31 so that it causes braking, in this case gradually, so that the user does not receive bodily harm. For this purpose, the locking device 80 may include a braking unit 81, which operates in such a way that it processes the error signal 82, which is output from the output of the first logic unit 51, generated by detecting the speed value V _b equal to the value V _s , and sends a signal 83 of possible gradual braking to the propulsion device 31.

On the other hand, the blocking device 80 may include an alarm device 84, which acts so that it processes the signal 82 coming from the output of the first logical unit 51, and provides a signal 85 for actuating the signaling device 86, for example, acoustic and / or visual type, thereby warning the user of the danger.

In addition, the locking device 80 may include a reset device designed to set the swing arm 20 back to its original position. To this end, such a reset device may comprise a unit 87 that acts to process a signal 88 from the output of the braking unit 81 and sends a signal 89 for actuating the automatic adjustment of the position of the swing arm 20 to the motor device 31.

The signal 88 is issued by the braking unit 81 after a period of time t has elapsed, for example, 1-2 seconds from the moment of applying the braking signal 83 to the motor device 81.

In order for the simulator 1 to remember the suspension position of the rocking arm 20, before performing the physical exercise, a movement can be made, followed by an arbitrary suspension in the user's work, first with a contracted muscle and then with a stretched muscle. The starting position may therefore correspond to the stretched position of the muscle, and may be optionally or automatically stored in the PLC 70.

This movement of the user corresponds to the maximum stroke of the slider 21 and varies from one user to another. Two mechanical locks may also be provided, the position of which along the rod 22 may vary in accordance with the beginning and end of the stroke of the slider 21.

The signal 89 in this case gives the engine 31 a command to change the position of the swinging arm 20 in the initial position previously set on the PLC 70.

In a first preferred but not the only possible embodiment dangerous value V _s velocity, given by the PLC 70 can be minimized dangerous value V _{s, min} speed corresponding to the minimum work whose execution by the user is not dangerous, below which the user can receive injury . On the other hand, it is possible to tune the PLC 70 to the maximum dangerous value V _{s, max} , corresponding to the maximum work that the user is safe to perform, alternately or together with the setting to V _{s, min} .

Accordingly, the first logical unit 51 can carry out double automatic control of the speed V _b detected by the decoder 50 ′, while the first automatic control provides verification of the equality of the speed V _{b to the} value of V _{s, min} or the value of V _{s, max} and, therefore, the output a locking device 80 commands to lock the oscillating lever 20 in the case of a positive result and a second automatic control ensures checking for deviations from the reference values V _b and, therefore, issuance of a D Uhlir adjustment device 60 commands the load 30.

On the other hand, PLC 70 can carry out two safety controls, the first of which ensures that the working speed of the physical exercise is equal to the value of V _{s, min} and the second provides that it is equal to the value of V _{s, max} , while it locks the swing arm 20 by means of the device 80 in the case of a positive result.

The choice between an instantaneous and gradual stop, which is made by a command received with a signal 83 to the engine 31, depends on various factors and can be predefined in block 81. In the first preferred, but not the only possible embodiment, it is possible to set an instantaneous or gradual inhibition regardless of the detected value of V _b .

On the other hand, braking can be set based on the equality of the detected value of V _b or the value of V _{s, min} or the value of V _{s, max} .

In fact, if V _b is equal to V _{s, min} , engine braking can be immediately caused, because the operating speed of the exercise by the user is essentially low, and instant braking cannot cause him any damage.

If, on the contrary, V _b is equal to V _{s, max} , gradual braking is possible, because the working speed of a user performing a physical exercise is essentially high, and instantaneous braking can cause him damage.

Gradual braking of the engine 31 can be accomplished by sending directly to the engine with a signal 83 the braking command according to a linear law with a greater or lesser slope of the braking characteristics, according to methods known to specialists in this field of technology.

Accordingly, the speed can gradually decrease, for example, first by one tenth, then by one fifth from the previous value, and so on until it matches the value of V _{s, min} , after which block 81, after a period of time t, gives a signal 88 to block 87 to return the swing arm to its original position at the same speed V _{s, min} .

In the third and fourth embodiments of the simulator 1 shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the user, acting on the swing arm 20, does not directly perform work to overcome the torque created by the motor device 31.

To this end, for transmitting movement between the engine 31 and the swing arm 20, an endless screw 45 may be provided, secured with a key to the axis 32 of the engine 31. The endless screw 45 is operatively connected to the gear 46, which is rigidly connected to the swing arm 20 with a metal rod 47.

Thus, the user performs work against the action of the frictional force arising between the gear 46 and the endless screw 45, that is, against the action of mechanical force.

In this case, the parameter, the current control of which is carried out by the control device that controls the user's work, may be the force with which the user acts on the swing arm 20.

For this purpose, the transmitter may comprise a mechanical load sensor 50´´, which may either be connected or not connected to the swing arm 20. Indeed, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the mechanical load sensor 50´´ is connected to the swing arm 20, while in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the mechanical load sensor 50´´ is not connected to the swing arm 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, in contrast to the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the load control 30 is based on the values of force, and not the values of speed or acceleration.

In this case, the control is carried out using one logical block 51, which interacts with the system program 100.

Except for these differences, the operation of these embodiments is equivalent to the operation of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1 and 2.

Therefore, it is advisable that the first control logic unit 51, functionally connected with the mechanical load sensor 50´´, can be automatically or manually configured for at least one force reference value F _r and that it operates so that it compares the value F at certain time intervals _{b of the} force detected by the mechanical load sensor 50´´, with the reference value F _r, and actuated the control device 60, defined by subroutine 102 and computer program 100, in case of mismatch of the two values.

Subroutine 102 calculates the deviation F _{Δ of the} detected force F _b from the reference force F _r , in other words, determines whether there is a deviation and how much the force with which the user acts on the swing arm 20 is greater or less than the ideal force.

Subprogram 102, in addition, calculates the deviation C _{Δ of the} torque, including it in the second error signal 61, directed to the engine 31.

At the moment when the force F _b , with which the physical exercise is performed, deviates from the ideal reference force F _r , the program 100 automatically acts on the load 30 in order to ensure the selection of power from the engine 31, if F _∆ = F _b - F _r a negative value when the user gets tired and, therefore, the load is reduced to allow for the proper performance of physical exercise, and to ensure supply extra power to the engine 31, if F _Δ is positive, because the user performs ra ota more than perfect job, in this connection, the load is increased to allow for the proper performance of physical exercise.

In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments of the simulator 1 shown in FIG. 4 and 5, it is possible to adjust the PLC block 70 to a number of reference values, for example, to the maximum reference force F _{r, max} and the minimum reference force F _{r, min} , and set up the simulator so that the user operates within this interval.

It is also possible to configure the first logical unit 51 for at least one dangerous force value F _s and to configure the locking device 80 so that it blocks, in particular, gradually, the swing arm 20, functionally connected with the logical unit 51, if the value F _{b of} force, detected by the mechanical load sensor 50´´ is equal to the value of F _s .

Even if, in the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and 2, load control 30 is carried out using two control logic units 51 and 60 and in the third and fourth embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the regulation is carried out using one logical unit 51, it is clear that for all embodiments of the simulator 1, the load control 30 can be carried out in any way within the scope of the invention defined in the attached claims.

In particular, in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1 and 2, it is possible to adjust the load 30 using a system program 100 that interacts with one control unit 51, or in the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and 5, it is possible to adjust the load 30 using a system program 100 that interacts with two logical control units 51 and 60.

The operation of the fifth embodiment of the simulator 1 shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the operation of the first and second embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and 2. Also in this case, in fact, the simulator adjusts the load based on the speed values detected by the decoder 50´, mounted with a key on the axis of the engine 31, the user directly overcomes the counteraction when performing work.

The only difference is that in this case the swing arm 20 is set to rotate about the Y axis, and not to slide along the X axis. The operation of the transducer 50, the first logic unit 51 and the control device 60 is identical, as can be seen from FIG. 7.

Accordingly, the simulator 1 may include a block 90 for electromagnetic stimulation of human muscles.

In FIG. 8 depicts, by way of example, not limiting the scope of the invention, an embodiment of the simulator 1, similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, which includes block 90. However, it is obvious that block 90 can be included in any configuration of simulator 1 and, in particular, in the configuration of FIG. 2-7, which does not go beyond the scope of the invention expressed by the attached claims.

In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the simulator including the block 90 may not contain a regulating device 60. In other words, the simulator, which includes the block 90, can be made so that it will not adjust the user's work to perfect operation. In this case, the recommended job, set automatically or manually on logic block 51, is a dangerous job.

Block 90 may include at least one inductor 91 located near at least one user's muscle, at least one power source 92 connected to the inductance coil to generate at least one electromagnetic field, and a pulse current generator 93 for supplying current pulses having a certain frequency and duration to the inductor 91 to cause involuntary contraction and relaxation of the human muscles, in the vicinity of which the inductor 91 STI.

For example, block 90 may be located as described in US patent US 6652443 and / or in international patent application WO 0225675, referred to here for reference.

Thus, it is possible to train the user with maximum efficiency.

Using electromyography, you can actually find out the current frequency and current intensity, suitable for contracting and relaxing one or more muscles of interest. Placing the inductor 91 next to the muscle or group of muscles of interest will make it possible to provide compression and relaxation by induction even beyond the will of the user, which makes the training especially effective.

In order to avoid damage to the user, the first control logic unit 51 is operatively connected to the electromagnetic stimulation unit 90 to automatically turn off the power supply 92 if the operation detected by the transducer 50 coincides with the operation set as dangerous, whether it is V _s or F _s .

In addition, it is possible to configure the block 90 so that the current pulse generator 93 generates current pulses of various frequencies and durations, depending on whether the user raises the swing arm or lowers it.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling a load 30 in a simulator 1, which can be implemented using a software product, in particular using a system program 100.

The software product may include one or more memory support devices, which may be fixed, for example, one or more hard disks, or removable, for example, one or more floppy disks, CDs or DVDs, on which the program 100 is fixed. Memory support devices may interact with the logical control unit 51 to control the load 30.

The software product may further comprise one or more integrated circuits belonging to the control logic unit 51.

In the case of a simulator with two logical blocks 51, 60, the system program 100 can interact with both of these blocks, or each block 51, 60 can be provided with its own system program.

The program 100 may comprise a first subroutine 101 operating such that it interacts with the transducer 50, while it reads the first value V _b or F _b detected by the transducer 50 and compares this first value V _b or F _b with the second reference value of V _r or F _r .

The program 100 may also comprise a second work routine 102 activated by the first work routine 101 if the compared values do not match. The second working routine can be designed so as to generate first information 53 regarding the deviation or V _Δ F _Δ first value V _b or F _b of the second values V _r and F _r.

The second work routine 102 may also process the first information 53 and generate the second information 62 regarding the deviation C _∆ added to or subtracted from the load 30.

In particular, the second information 62 can be represented as a positive deviation C _∆ if the first information 53 includes a positive deviation V _∆ or F _∆ , that is, if the identified work is larger than the recommended work, and a negative deviation C _∆ if the first information 53 includes a negative deviation V _∆ or F _∆ , that is, if the first information 53 includes a negative deviation, that is, if the identified job is less than the recommended job.

The second work routine 102 may also process the second information 62 to cause an increase in load 30 if the second information 62 includes a positive deviation C _∆ , and cause it to decrease if the second information 62 includes a negative deviation C _∆ .

In the case of a simulator with one logic unit 51, the second operating routine 102 practically defines the regulating device 60. In other words, the regulating device 60 can be represented by a subroutine 102.

Obviously, in the case of controlling two logical units 51 and 60, as for the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8, the first subroutine 101 may interact with the logical unit 51 or it may be implemented in it, while the second subroutine 102 may interact with the second logical unit 60 or may be implemented in it.

Advantageously, the system program 100 may further comprise a third subprogram 103, operating so that it compares the first value V _b or F _b detected by the transmitter 50 with the third value V _s or F _s corresponding to a hazardous operation for the user.

The third operating routine 103 may also interact with the locking device 80, activating it, if the two compared values do not match.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for obtaining a simulator 1 by modifying an existing standard simulator for performing strength exercises, which includes a swing arm, a load usually including a number of barbell disks of a certain weight, and a motion transmission element, usually of a cable or belt type, having a first end connected to the swing arm and a second end connected to the load.

The kit may include an engine 31, which can replace the existing load, a device for rigidly connecting an existing swing arm to the engine 31, to replace an existing motion transmission element, a transducer 50, a first control logic unit 51 and a control device 60.

Modification of an existing simulator may, in addition, include the connection with it of the measuring transducer 50, the first logical control unit 51 and the regulating device 60.

In a preferred, but not the only possible, embodiment, the first logical unit 51 and, if present, the second logical unit 60 mainly belong to one PLC control unit 70.

The kit may advantageously include a computer program 100.

Using the kit described above, you can simplify and quickly modify one or more existing standard simulators to perform strength physical exercises, for example, standard simulators located in the gym or in the fitness center.

The above detailed description of the invention clearly shows that the invention meets the requirements of the intended areas of application, in particular the field of creating a simulator for performing strength physical exercises, which can be used by any user, even inexperienced, is completely safe.

Another advantage of the simulator according to the invention is the ease of manufacture.

A further advantage of the simulator according to the invention is the extremely high training efficiency.

The invention admits numerous changes and variations within the scope of the inventive concept expressed in the attached claims. All parts can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can vary depending on the needs, without going beyond the scope of the invention defined by the attached claims.

Claims (21)

1. A simulator for the user to perform strength physical exercises, comprising:
- a swinging lever (20), moved by the user to perform muscular work;
- a load (30) connected to the specified swing arm (20) to counter the muscular work of the user;
- a measuring transducer (50) for detecting at certain intervals of at least one first value of at least one parameter (V _b ; F _b ) corresponding to the muscular work performed by the user to overcome the load of said load (30);
- at least one logical control unit (51), functionally connected with the specified measuring transducer (50), comparing the specified at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) detected by the last with at least one second value (V _r; F _r) of at least one parameter corresponding to the recommended operation, which is for user training;
- a control device (60), functionally connected with the specified at least one first logical control unit (51) and acting on the specified load (30) so that it automatically increases if the work detected by the specified transducer (50) more than recommended work;
while the specified control device (60), in addition, is intended to automatically reduce the specified load (30) in case the work detected by the specified transducer (50) is less than the recommended work, and at least one logical unit ( 51) the control acts so that it calculates the first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ) of the operation detected by the specified measuring transducer (50) from the recommended work, and the specified control device (60) is configured to calculate walking from the indicated first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ), the second deviation (C _Δ ), summed with the specified load (30) or subtracted from it to increase or decrease, the specified second deviation (C _Δ ) is positive if said first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ) is positive and negative if said first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ) is negative. 2. A simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one logical control unit (51) acts so that it activates said regulating device (60) in case the operation detected by said measuring transducer (50) differs from recommended work. 3. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one logical control unit (51) is configured to compare said at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) detected by said measuring transducer (50), with two second values (V _{r, max} , V _{r, min} ; F _{r, max} , F _{r, min} ) of the specified at least one parameter corresponding to the maximum and minimum training work recommended for the user, and said control device (60) is intended to automatically increase y the specified load (30) if the work detected by the specified transducer (50) is equal to the maximum recommended work or exceeds it, and to automatically reduce the specified load (30) if the work detected by the specified transducer (50), equal to the minimum recommended job or less. 4. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one logical control unit (51) is also intended to compare said at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) detected by said measuring transducer ( 50), at least one third value (V _s; F _s) of at least one parameter corresponding to the work, which poses a risk to the user, wherein entered locking device (80) operatively associated with said at least one logic unit (51) pack The pressure and acting on said rocker arm (20) and / or to said load (30) so that it causes the automatic locking if the identified work is a dangerous operation, in order to allow the user to continuously perform the work safely. 5. A simulator according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one logical control unit (51) is intended to compare said at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) detected by said measuring transducer (50), s two third values (V _{s, max} , V _{s, min} ; F _{s, max} , F _{s, min} ) of the specified at least one parameter corresponding to the maximum and minimum safely performed work, and the specified locking device (80) is configured to automatically lock the specified swing yeah (20) and / or the specified load (30) if the work detected by the specified measuring transducer (50) is equal to the maximum safe operation or greater than it, the specified locking device (80), in addition, is designed to automatically lock the specified swing lever (20) and / or the specified load (30) in case the work detected by the specified measuring transducer (50) is equal to the minimum safe operation or less. 6. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that said load (30) comprises a motor device (31) configured to create a torque acting so that it counteracts the user's work to overcome the efforts of said load (30), moreover said swing arm (20) and said propulsion device (31) are mutually connected. 7. The simulator according to any one of paragraphs. 4-6, characterized in that the said locking device (80) comprises a braking unit (81) functionally connected with said at least one logical control unit (51) for activating it under the action of said third error signal (82) and acting on the specified motor device (31) so that it causes its braking. 8. The simulator according to any one of paragraphs. 4-6, characterized in that said measuring transducer (50) is functionally connected to said swing arm (20) in order to detect its movement, reported by the user, as a result of the work to overcome the efforts of the specified load (30). 9. The simulator according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a closed ring type motion transmission device (40, 41, 42) for interconnecting said measuring transducer (50), said motor device (31) and said swing arm (twenty). 10. The simulator according to claim 8, characterized in that said measuring transducer comprises a descrambler (50 ′), respectively an accelerometer operatively connected to said motor device (31) to detect speed (V _b ), respectively, acceleration of said swing arm ( 20) as a result of the user's work. 11. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that said measuring transducer (50) is designed to detect the force with which a user moves said swinging arm (20). 12. The simulator according to claim 11, characterized in that said measuring transducer (50) is connected to said swing arm (20). 13. The simulator according to claim 12, characterized in that said measuring transducer comprises a mechanical load sensor (50 ″) detecting the force (F _b ) with which the user moves said swing arm (20). 14. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a block (90) of electromagnetic stimulation of human muscles, which includes at least one inductor (91) located near at least one user muscle of at least one source ( 92) a power supply connected to said inductor (91) to create at least one electromagnetic field, and a pulse current generator (93) generating current pulses of a certain frequency and duration supplied to the specified inductor (91) under of which involuntary contraction and relaxation of the human muscle occurs, near which the indicated inductor is located (91). 15. The simulator according to claim 14, characterized in that said at least one first logical control unit (51) is operatively connected to said electromagnetic stimulation unit (90) so that it automatically shuts off said at least one power source (92) if the operation (V _b ; F _b ) detected by the specified transmitter (50) coincides with the hazardous work (V _s ; F _s ). 16. The simulator according to claim 14, characterized in that said regulating device (60) and said at least one first logical control unit (51) are not included in the composition for comparing said at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) detected by the indicated transmitter (50), exclusively with the indicated third value (V _s ; F _s ) corresponding to the hazardous work, and not with the indicated at least one second value (V _r ; F _r ) corresponding to the training work . 17. The simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second value (V _r ; F _r ) of at least one parameter corresponding to the training work recommended for the user is manually set by the user, respectively, automatically set by a computer program that interacts with the specified at least one first logical unit (51). 18. The method of adjusting the load (30) in the simulator (1) for the user to perform strength physical exercises according to claim 1, including the following operations:
- the identification at certain time intervals of at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) of at least one parameter corresponding to muscular work to overcome the user's effort load (30);
- comparing said at least one first detected value (V _b ; F _b ) with at least one second value (V _r ; F _r ) of at least one parameter corresponding to a training session recommended for a user;
- calculating the first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ) of the specified first value (V _b ; F _b ) from the specified at least one second value (V _r ; F _r ) if the specified at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) differs from said at least one second value (V _r ; F _r );
- calculation based on the specified first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ), the second deviation (C _Δ ), summed with the load (30) of the simulator (1) or subtracted from this load to increase or decrease, while the specified second deviation (C _Δ ) is positive if said first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ) is positive and negative if said first deviation (V _Δ ; F _Δ ) is negative;
- regulation of the specified load (30) based on the specified second deviation (C _Δ );
wherein said load control operation (30) includes increasing it if said second deviation (C _Δ ) is positive, and decreasing it if said second deviation (C _Δ ) is negative. 19. The method according to p. 18, characterized in that it includes, in addition, the following operations:
- comparing said at least one first detected value (V _b ; F _b ) with at least one third value (V _s ; F _s ) of at least one parameter corresponding to a hazardous operation for a user;
- blocking the load (30) and / or the swing arm (20) of the simulator (1), if the specified at least one first detected value (V _b ; F _b ) is essentially equal to the specified at least one third value (V _r ; F _r ). 20. The method according to p. 19, characterized in that the said comparison operation of the specified at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) with the specified at least one third value (V _s ; F _s ) is performed before comparing the specified at least one first value (V _b ; F _b ) with the specified at least one second value (V _r ; F _r ). 21. The method according to p. 19, characterized in that said detection operation includes an interaction operation with a simulator measuring transducer (50), said load adjustment operation (30) includes an interaction operation with a simulator motor device (31).

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