200303776 玖、發明說明 (發明說明應敘明:發明所属之技術領域、先前技術、内容、實施方式及圖式簡單說明)200303776 发明 Description of the invention (The description of the invention shall state: the technical field to which the invention belongs, the prior art, the content, the embodiments, and a brief description of the drawings)
【發明所屬之技術領域I 發明領域 本發明係有關運動設備,且更特別在於一種自供電源 5 之固定式運動設備,其包括一貯存電池,用以引動該運動 設備之某些組件,以便令使用者在使用該裝置期間所感覺 到的阻力大體上維持不變。 C先前技44^ 發明背景 1〇 5主冊商標為 EFX(Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®),且 由華盛頓州布什艾爾(Bothell)市之Precor有限公司所販售 ’ 一種能夠模擬廣泛範圍之踏步運動(包括滑雪、走路、 慢跑、跑步與攀登)的固定式運動裝置係為人所熟知。 Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®之某些實施例係於美國專 15 利第6,146,313號中加以說明,其係明確地以參考方式併入 本文之中。 參考第1圖,簡單而言,一 Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®機器包括一結合一前柱12之地板嚙合框架 10、一對飛輪14a與14b(其彼此重疊,故因此僅顯示飛輪 20 14a)係位於該框架10之後方,用以繞著一水平橫軸16旋轉 。足部連桿18a與18b之後尾端係樞轉地附接到對應飛輪 14a與14b,以便隨著飛輪轉動而繞著軸線16之環形路徑移 動。足部連桿18a與18b之前尾端係適合順著導件20騎乘, 以便隨著足部連桿18a與18b之後尾端繞著軸線16旋轉而沿 200303776 玖、發明說明 著導件前後往復運動,致使藉由該足部連桿承載之足部踏 板(或是足部支架)22a與22b沿著不同的橢圓路徑移動。具 體而言,第1圖顯示足部踏板在導件20對應一舉升系統24 之不同高度的三個不同角方位之移動路徑。在最小角方位 5 (鬲出水平大約10。)係顯示對應之足部踏板移動路徑26,此 通常對應一滑翔或是越野滑雪運動。導件2〇係顯示位於一 較陡峭之第二方位(高出水平大約2〇。),以及對應之足部踏 板移動路徑28 ,此移動路徑通常係對應一步行運動。第工 圖亦顯示導件20之一第三角方位(其甚至更為陡峭,高出 1〇水平大約30。),以及對應之足部踏板移動路徑30 ,此移動 路徑通常對應一攀登運動。額外或另擇地改變導件2〇之角 方位,改變導件20相對於框架之高度亦會導致足部踏板的 移動路徑改變。此種類之Elliptical Fitness 機器係能夠連接到一標準安培數之交流電源。 15 【^^明内容】 發明概要 本發明旨在提供一種自身供電之健身設備,諸如一自 身供電之Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®機器。 更具體而§,本發明係提供一種自身供電,以模擬各 20種踏步運動之健身裝置。該裝置包括一框架、一導件,其 可移動地與該框架結合、以及至少一個連接到該導件之足 支架’该足部支架係構造成接受使用者之足部。該裝置 進一步包括一發電機,其可驅動地連接到該足部支架。該 务電機係藉由使用者施加於足部支架上之踏步運動加以引 200303776 玖、發明說明 動,以便產生電力。該裝置亦包括一電池,其連接到該發 電機,以便貯存至少一部份由發電機所產生之電力。最後 ,該裝置包括一舉升系統,用以自動地改變至少導件相對 於框架之高度與角方位其中一者。由於該舉升系統係藉由 5發電機與電池供應電力,故引動舉升系統將不會改變使用 者在運動期間踩踏足部支架之阻力。 根據本發明之一觀點,該裝置能夠構造成即使在使用 者停止踩踏之後,使電池能夠供應該裝置一段預定時間的 電力。 1〇 如同熟諳此技藝之人士的體認,使用一電池引動一健 身裝置之引動器(例如一舉升系統),以便對使用者維持大 體上固定的阻力能夠適用於各種之健身設備,且不限定於[Technical field to which the invention belongs I. Field of the invention The present invention relates to sports equipment, and more particularly to a self-powered stationary sports equipment 5 that includes a storage battery for driving certain components of the sports equipment for use. The resistance that a person feels during use of the device remains largely unchanged. CPRIOR ART 44 ^ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The 105 booklet is trademarked as EFX (Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®) and is sold by Precor Co., Ltd. in Bothell, Washington. A type that can simulate a wide range of stepping exercises ( Stationary sports devices including skiing, walking, jogging, running and climbing are well known. Some embodiments of Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining® are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,146,313, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Referring to Figure 1, in brief, an Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining® machine includes a floor engaging frame 10 combined with a front pillar 12, a pair of flywheels 14a and 14b (which overlap each other, so only the flywheel 20 14a is shown) is located in the Behind the frame 10 is used to rotate about a horizontal horizontal axis 16. The rear ends of the foot links 18a and 18b are pivotally attached to the corresponding flywheels 14a and 14b so as to move around the circular path of the axis 16 as the flywheel rotates. The front and rear ends of the foot links 18a and 18b are suitable for riding along the guide 20, so that as the rear ends of the foot links 18a and 18b rotate around the axis 16, along the 200303776 发明, the invention explains the guide back and forth The movement causes the foot pedals (or foot supports) 22a and 22b carried by the foot link to move along different elliptical paths. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the movement paths of the foot pedal at three different angular positions of the guide 20 corresponding to different heights of the lifting system 24. At the minimum angular position of 5 (the scoop level is about 10), the corresponding foot pedal movement path 26 is displayed, which usually corresponds to a gliding or cross-country skiing sport. Guide 20 shows a relatively steep second position (about 20 ° above the level), and a corresponding foot pedal movement path 28, which usually corresponds to a walking motion. The third drawing also shows a third angular orientation of one of the guides 20 (which is even steeper, about 30 above the 10 level), and a corresponding foot pedal movement path 30, which usually corresponds to a climbing movement. Additionally or alternatively, the angular orientation of the guide 20 is changed. Changing the height of the guide 20 relative to the frame will also cause the movement path of the foot pedal to change. This type of Elliptical Fitness machine can be connected to a standard amperage AC power source. 15 [^^ Description] Summary of the Invention The present invention aims to provide a self-powered fitness equipment, such as a self-powered Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining® machine. More specifically, the present invention provides a self-powered fitness device that simulates each of 20 steps. The device includes a frame, a guide member movably coupled to the frame, and at least one foot support connected to the guide member. The foot support is configured to receive a user's foot. The device further includes a generator driveably connected to the foot support. The service motor is induced by the user's stepping motion applied to the foot support 200303776, invention description, in order to generate electricity. The device also includes a battery connected to the generator to store at least a portion of the power generated by the generator. Finally, the device includes a lifting system for automatically changing at least one of the height and the angular orientation of the guide relative to the frame. Since the lifting system is powered by a 5 generator and battery, the lift system will not change the user's resistance to stepping on the foot support during exercise. According to an aspect of the present invention, the device can be configured to enable the battery to supply power to the device for a predetermined period of time even after the user stops stepping. 10 As recognized by those skilled in the art, using a battery to activate an actuator of a fitness device (such as a lifting system) in order to maintain a substantially fixed resistance to the user can be applied to various fitness equipment and is not limited to
Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®機器。 圖式簡單說明 15 本發明之前述觀點以及許多伴隨的優點將藉由參考以 下詳細說明,並參考所附圖式而變得更為能夠立即體認與 更加理解,其中·· 第1圖係為一以簡圖形式顯示之Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining⑧機器的側面正視圖,其顯示使用者之足部 2〇在導件對於足部踏板的不同角方位之路徑,如同先前技藝 所知者; 第2圖係為根據本發明所形成之自供電力的EUipticai Fitness Crosstraining®機器之立體圖;及 第3圖係為一區塊圖,其顯示根據本發明所形成之自供 200303776 玖、發明說明 電力的Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining⑧機器之電子組件。 【貧方式]1 較佳實施例之詳細說明 參考第2圖,根據本發明,一自身供電以便模擬各種 5 踏步運動之健身裝置包括一框架10、一導件20,其可移動 地與該框架相結合、以及一對足部踏板(足部支架)22&與 22b ’其藉由細長之足部連桿18a與18b加以承載,該等足 部連桿18a與18b之前尾端係藉由導件2〇可移動地加以支撐 。該裝置進一步包括一舉升系統24(密封於一前罩25之中) 1〇 ,用以選擇性且自動地改變導件20相對於框架10之高度與 角方位至少其中一者。 因此’使用者能夠立即調整導件2〇,以模擬範圍廣泛 之踏步運動。這些組件一般係等同於以上在發明背景段落 中所參考之美國專利第6,146,313號中所揭 露的組件。 15 另外參考第3圖,根據本發明,自身供電之健身裝置 、v匕括务電機3 2 (後、封於一後罩3 4之中),其可驅動 連接到亥第與第一足部連桿1 8a與1 8b。當使用者之足 IM系位於第與第一足部踏板22a與22b之中時,發電機32 係藉由使用者之踏步運動加以引動,以便產生電力。在一 〇貝施例中,發電機32係為一包括一直流電永久磁性交流發 電機之二相父流電發電機,其產生與轉速⑻pM)成正比之 一正弦。欲藉由使用者之踏步運動引動發電機^,該 電機係可驅動地與飛輪14a以及⑷相連接,該等飛輪係 使用任何適當之傳動構件(諸如H傳動m是 200303776 玖、發明說明 皮π (未顯示))連接到足部連桿18&與1 8b(參看第1圖)。發電 機32係設計成即使當使用者以非常低的速度踩踏時亦能夠 產生黾壓,使用者踏板上之阻力係藉由一阻力控制器3 6基 於發電機32所需要之電流量加以控制,亦即,發電機32需 5要之電流愈多,則驅動該發電機32所需要的扭矩強度愈高 ,且踏板上之阻力愈大。例如,如此能夠藉由一中央處理 器(CPU)/微處理器60判定發電機32所需求之電流量,並傳 送一對應之命令訊號到阻力控制器36加以達成。該阻力控 制器36傳送一對應之場電流訊號(例如脈波寬調變訊號)到 10务電機:3 2作為反應。場電流訊號之變化改變了發電機3 2中 之父流發電機的場電流,亦即,增加交流發電機電場中之 電流會傾向增加其磁場的強度,從而增加了交流發電機對 於使用者之阻力;且降低該交流發電機電場中之電流會傾 向k低其磁%的強度,從而降低了交流發電機對於使用者 15之阻力。場電流訊號能夠藉由使用者之程式加以改變,以 便對使用者給予一所需程度之阻力。發電機32所產生之電 壓係用以供應該自供電源健身裝置的各種組件之電力,以 下將更為完整的加以說明。 此佈置之唯一限制為··每當實質上發電機32需要更多 20電流,用以引動此範例中之導件20時,踏板上對使用者之 阻力將會增加。當使用者希望持續運動,同時對於其踏歩 運動維持大體上固定之阻力時,如此情況並不令人滿意。 因此,仍然芩考第3圖,本發明提供一電池48的嶄新 佈置,用以引動舉升系統24上下移動導件2〇,以便在運動 10 200303776 玖、發明說明 期間使其對於使用者之阻力保持大體上固定,而無論該導 件20是否引動。具體而言,根據本發明,發電機”之電壓 係加以整流,並經由一交流電-直流電整流器38轉換成為 直流電壓,其接著供應一通用電力供應4〇之電力。該通用 5電力供應40將產生一絕緣之電力供應42(例如18伏特)、以 及一非絕緣電力供應44(例如12伏特)。為求安全規範起見 ,該18伏特絕緣電力供應42係連接到一數位接地線,其係 與連接到一類比接地線之非絕緣電力供應44相隔絕,以便 令使用者可能接觸到之那些任何由AC發電機32直接驅動 10的組件完全絕緣(參看第3圖中之「絕緣障礙」線)。該非絕 緣電力供應44係用以操作阻力控制器36。 在一實施例中,18伏特之絕緣電力供應42接著係轉換 成供電池充電器46使用之14.5伏特,用以對電池48充電, 該電池係用以供應DC導件舉升馬達(引動器)24之電力,以 15 便在舉升控制器52之控制下使導件20上下移動。如同熟諳 此技藝之人士的體認,其能夠使用任何種類之電能貯存媒 體代替一習用的電池。絕緣之電力供應42係亦經由一直流 電-直流電整流器54轉換成為8伏特,以便供應健身裝置之 顯示面板56的電力(同樣參看第2圖)。如同先前技藝中所熟 20 知者,該顯示面板56包括一個或更多顯示螢幕、以及一個 由一些可壓按按鈕所構成之指令操作台。該等顯示螢幕係 用以顯示各種對於使用者有用的資訊,而指令操作台係用 以令使用者能夠啟動或是程式化控制該健身裝置。來自於 DODC整流器54之8伏特電壓係進一步經由一線性調節器 200303776 玖、發明說明 58轉換成為5伏特,以便供應一 CPU(t央處理器)或是其他 週邊60之電力。該中央處理器6〇調節舉升控制器52、上顯 示器56,以及阻力控制器36之運作。 重要的是’由於電池48係用以供應導件2〇電力,故引 5動該導件2〇將不會令使用者感覺到踏板223與221)上產生阻 力變化(除了當使用者之程式化設定改變了發電機32所需 要的電流以外)。正常之導件負荷週期運作典型係為ι6·6% 表示引動(「啟動」)導件2〇每一分鐘,該導件2〇將會停 止引動(「關閉」)5分鐘。因此,電池48係構造成在「關閉 1〇」週期期間加以充電,且接著在「啟動」週期期間,來自 於電池充電器46之14.5伏特電力係供應某些電流,用以引 動該導件20,而電池48將提供其餘部份之電力。結果,當 使用者踩踏之同時,整個系統係完全利用使用者所提供之 能量供應電力,且即使當導件2〇引動時,踏板上之阻力將 15不會改蜒。另外,電池48能夠用以供應導件20之電力,且 同時在使用者停止踩踏之後維持cpu 6〇與顯示器面板56最 長達20〜30秒。 儘管已經顯示且說明本發明之較佳實施例,體認到的 是能夠進行各種修正,而不會脫離本發明之精神與範疇。 20例如,儘官本發明之自供電源健身裝置係特別參考美國專 利第 6,146,313 號中所說明之 E1Uptical FitnessElliptical Fitness Crosstraining® machine. Brief description of the drawings 15 The foregoing viewpoints of the present invention and many of the accompanying advantages will become more immediately recognizable and understandable by referring to the following detailed description and referring to the attached drawings, where the first picture is: A side elevational view of the Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining machine shown in simplified form, which shows the path of the user's foot 20 at different angular orientations of the guide to the foot pedal, as known in the art; Figure 2 is A perspective view of a self-powered EUipticai Fitness Crosstraining® machine formed according to the present invention; and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a self-powered 200303776 (formerly Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining) machine formed according to the present invention Electronic components. [Poor mode] 1 Detailed description of the preferred embodiment Referring to FIG. 2, according to the present invention, a fitness device that powers itself to simulate various 5-step exercises includes a frame 10 and a guide 20 that are movably connected to the frame Combination, and a pair of foot pedals (foot support) 22 & and 22b 'which are carried by slender foot links 18a and 18b, the front and rear ends of these foot links 18a and 18b are guided by guides Piece 20 is movably supported. The device further includes a lifting system 24 (sealed in a front cover 25) 10 for selectively and automatically changing at least one of the height and the angular orientation of the guide 20 relative to the frame 10. Therefore, the user can immediately adjust the guide 20 to simulate a wide range of stepping movements. These components are generally equivalent to those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,146,313 referred to above in the background section of the invention. 15 Referring also to FIG. 3, according to the present invention, a self-powered fitness device, a v-bracket motor 32 (rear, enclosed in a rear cover 34), can be drivingly connected to the Heidi and the first foot The connecting rods 18a and 18b. When the user's foot IM is located in the first and first foot pedals 22a and 22b, the generator 32 is activated by the user's stepping motion to generate electricity. In the 10-beam example, the generator 32 is a two-phase parent galvanic generator including a DC permanent magnetic AC generator, which produces a sine that is proportional to the rotational speed ⑻pM). The generator is intended to be driven by the user's stepping motion. This motor system is drivably connected to the flywheel 14a and ⑷. These flywheel systems use any suitable transmission member (such as H transmission m is 200303776). (Not shown)) are connected to the foot links 18 & 18b (see Fig. 1). The generator 32 is designed to generate pressure even when the user steps on at a very low speed. The resistance on the user's pedal is controlled by a resistance controller 36 based on the amount of current required by the generator 32. That is, the more current the generator 32 requires, the higher the torque intensity required to drive the generator 32 and the greater the resistance on the pedal. For example, this can be achieved by a central processing unit (CPU) / microprocessor 60 determining the amount of current required by the generator 32, and sending a corresponding command signal to the resistance controller 36 to achieve this. The resistance controller 36 transmits a corresponding field current signal (such as a pulse width modulation signal) to the 10 motor: 32 as a response. The change of the field current signal changes the field current of the father current generator in the generator 32, that is, increasing the current in the alternator's electric field tends to increase the strength of its magnetic field, thereby increasing the alternator's And reducing the current in the electric field of the alternator tends to lower the intensity of its magnetic%, thereby reducing the resistance of the alternator to the user 15. The field current signal can be changed by the user's program so as to give the user a desired degree of resistance. The voltage generated by the generator 32 is used to supply power to various components of the self-powered fitness device, which will be described more fully below. The only limitation of this arrangement is that whenever the generator 32 actually needs more 20 currents to drive the guide 20 in this example, the resistance on the pedal to the user will increase. This situation is unsatisfactory when the user wishes to continue exercising while maintaining a substantially fixed resistance to his stepping motion. Therefore, referring to Fig. 3, the present invention provides a brand new arrangement of a battery 48 for inducing the lifting system 24 to move the guide 20 up and down in order to make it resist the user during the movement 10 200303776 (the invention description). It remains substantially fixed regardless of whether the guide 20 is activated. Specifically, according to the present invention, the voltage of the generator is rectified and converted into a DC voltage through an AC-DC rectifier 38, which then supplies a universal power supply 40 of power. The universal 5 power supply 40 will generate An insulated power supply 42 (e.g. 18 volts) and a non-insulated power supply 44 (e.g. 12 volts). For safety regulations, the 18 volt insulated power supply 42 is connected to a digital ground wire, which is connected to The non-insulated power supply 44 connected to an analog ground wire is isolated in order to completely insulate any components that may be accessed by the user directly driven by the AC generator 32 (see "Insulation Barrier" wire in Figure 3) . This non-insulated power supply 44 is used to operate the resistance controller 36. In one embodiment, the 18 volt insulated power supply 42 is then converted to a 14.5 volt for the battery charger 46 to charge the battery 48, which is used to supply a DC guide lift motor (actuator). With the power of 24, the guide 20 is moved up and down under the control of the lift controller 52 at 15. As those skilled in the art realize, they can use any kind of electrical energy storage medium instead of a conventional battery. The insulated power supply 42 is also converted to 8 volts by a DC-DC rectifier 54 to supply power to the display panel 56 of the exercise device (see also FIG. 2). As is known in the art, the display panel 56 includes one or more display screens, and an instruction console composed of pressable buttons. These display screens are used to display various information useful to the user, and the command console is used to enable the user to activate or programmatically control the fitness device. The 8 volt voltage from the DODC rectifier 54 is further converted to 5 volts by a linear regulator 200303776 发明, invention description 58 in order to supply a CPU (t central processing unit) or other peripheral 60 power. The central processing unit 60 regulates the operation of the lift controller 52, the upper display 56, and the resistance controller 36. The important thing is that 'the battery 48 is used to supply the guide 20 power, so moving the guide 20 will not cause the user to feel the resistance change on the pedals 223 and 221) (except when the user ’s program The setting is changed in addition to the current required by the generator 32). The normal duty cycle operation of the guide is typically ι6.6%, indicating that the guide 20 is activated ("activated") every minute, and the guide 20 will stop activated ("closed") for 5 minutes. Therefore, the battery 48 is configured to be charged during the "off 10" cycle, and then during the "on" cycle, the 14.5 volt power system from the battery charger 46 supplies some current to actuate the guide 20 The battery 48 will provide the rest of the power. As a result, when the user steps on, the entire system uses the energy provided by the user to supply power, and even when the guide 20 is actuated, the resistance on the pedal will not change. In addition, the battery 48 can be used to supply the power of the guide 20 while maintaining the CPU 60 and the display panel 56 for up to 20 to 30 seconds after the user stops stepping. Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is recognized that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 20 For example, the self-powered fitness device of the present invention makes special reference to the E1Uptical Fitness described in U.S. Patent No. 6,146,313.
Cfosstraining⑧機器類型加以說明,本發明能夠併入具有 一可引動組件(例如一導件)之其他類型的自供電源健身裝 置,以便令其對於使用者之阻力大體上固定,而無論該組 12 200303776 玖、發明說明 件是否引動。因此,任何令使用者能夠將身體任何部份之 運動經由一發電機轉換成為電力的裝置(例如划船機、跑 步機、爬梯機、舉重機、運動腳踏車等等)皆可併入本發 明之中。 5 【圖式簡單說明】Cfosstraining⑧ Machine type description, the present invention can be incorporated into other types of self-powered fitness equipment with a moveable component (such as a guide), so that its resistance to the user is generally fixed, regardless of the group 12 200303776 玖2. Whether the description of the invention is activated. Therefore, any device (such as rowing machine, treadmill, ladder climbing machine, weight lifting machine, exercise bike, etc.) that enables the user to convert the movement of any part of the body into electricity through a generator can be incorporated into the invention . 5 [Schematic description]
第1圖係為一以簡圖形式顯示之Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining®機器的側面正視圖,其顯示使用者之足部 在導件對於足部踏板的不同角方位之路徑,如同先前技藝 所知者; 10 第2圖係為根據本發明所形成之自供電力的EmpticalFigure 1 is a side elevational view of the Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining® machine, shown in simplified form, showing the path of the user's foot at different angular orientations of the guide to the foot pedal, as known to those skilled in the art; 10 Figure 2 is an Emptical of the self-powered power formed according to the present invention.
Fitness Crosstraining®機器之立體圖;及 第3圖係為一區塊圖,其顯示根據本發明所形成之自供 電力的Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining⑧機器之電子組件。A perspective view of a Fitness Crosstraining® machine; and Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electronic components of a self-powered Elliptical Fitness Crosstraining machine formed in accordance with the present invention.
13 200303776 玖、發明說明 【圖式之主要元件代表符號表】 10…框架 12…前柱 14a、14b···飛輪 16…水平橫軸 18a、18b···足部連桿 20…導件 22a、22b···足部踏板/支架 2 4…舉升系統 25…前罩 26、28、30···足部踏板移 動路徑 32…發電機 3 4…後罩 36…阻力控制器 3 8…交流電-直流電整流為 40…通用電力供應 42…絕緣電力供應 44…非絕緣電力供應 46…電池充電器 48…電池 52…舉升控制器 5 4…直流電-直流電整流裔 56…顯示面板 58…線性調節器 60…微處理器與週邊13 200303776 发明 Description of the invention [Representative symbols of main components of the drawing] 10 ... Frame 12 ... Front pillars 14a, 14b ... Flywheel 16 ... Horizontal horizontal axis 18a, 18b ... Foot link 20 ... Guide 22a 22b ... foot pedal / bracket 2 4 ... lifting system 25 ... front cover 26, 28, 30 ... foot pedal moving path 32 ... generator 3 4 ... rear cover 36 ... resistance controller 3 8 ... AC-DC rectification is 40 ... universal power supply 42 ... insulated power supply 44 ... non-insulated power supply 46 ... battery charger 48 ... battery 52 ... lift controller 5 4 ... DC-DC rectifier 56 ... display panel 58 ... linear Regulator 60 ... Microprocessor and peripherals
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