US20090233767A1

US20090233767A1 - Fitness cycle

Info

Publication number: US20090233767A1
Application number: US12/133,915
Authority: US
Inventors: Chia-Te Huang
Original assignee: IWATE International Developing Co Ltd
Current assignee: IWATE International Developing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-13
Filing date: 2008-06-05
Publication date: 2009-09-17
Also published as: TWM341528U

Abstract

The fitness cycle of the present invention is equipped with a DC motor along with a control circuit, enabling the users to drive the trampling set via the DC motor. Multiple speeds can be adjusted via a control device to generate a steering effect. Conversely, if the users need an increased movement resistance load, the fitness cycle allows for free switching to generate resistance by the same DC motor through current control. The resistance value to generate a multi-speed resistance movement effect is adjustable. With the configuration of the seating unit, the users flexibly adjust and adapt themselves to an optimum ergonomic posture.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
cycleThe present invention relates generally to a fitness cycle, and more particularly to an innovative cycle with electric driving and resistance functions, allowing for multi-speed adjustment, cycle
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
cycleA conventional fitness cycle can be referred to as a track stepper, which allows a user to set a damping value for a damping device, this value being adjustable when necessary. The user will sense the resistance as if stepping on a trampoline, having to drive the stepper with greater force to achieve the desired fitness purpose. So, a fitness cycle is an piece of active fitness equipment for healthy users.
For physically disabled users, a self-driven fitness cycle is also developed for driving force against resistance. When the user steps on the equipment, a switch button is pressed to activate the trampoline-like stepping movement, thereby achieving the purpose of fitness or rehabilitation. So, this fitness cycle is a piece of passive fitness equipment for physically disabled users.
However, the aforementioned structures are unavailable with a dual motion mode that can be switched between active and passive motions. Thus, there is still a room for improvement in this industry.
Moreover, the seating unit of existing fitness cycles is generally equipped with an adjustment mechanism. However, such adjustment mechanisms have a single position or height configuration that does not allow the user to adjust in dual directions. So, the motion angle cannot be adapted efficiently to meet customized ergonomic demands.
Thus, to overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art, it would be an advancement in the art to provide an improved structure that can significantly improve efficacy.
Therefore, the inventor has provided the present invention of practicability after deliberate design and evaluation based on years of experience in the production, development and design of related products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

cycleWith the configuration of a control circuit, the fitness cycle, users drive along with a DC motor to generate a multi-speed steering effect, when intended for passive movement. Conversely, if the users need resistance, the control circuit allows for free switching into the resistance training with foot movements on a trampling unit, so as to generate resistance by the same DC motor through current control, The resistance value is adjusted to generate a multi-speed resistance movement effect.
Thus, the present invention is suitable for physically healthy users or disabled users, who can physically exercise through manual or automatic switching between a fitness purpose or recovery purpose.
With the configuration of the seating unit, users flexibly adjust the guide device and slide device via the chair seat in a manual or automatic adjustment mode. An optimum ergonomic movement gesture is adapted for each user. For example, the included angle between two legs and feet can be set at 45° when the feet step on the footplate.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

cycle FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of an illustration of the flow control of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts another schematic view of an illustration to the flow control view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of the circuit of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a side elevation view of the chair adjustment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a side elevation view of the usual chair adjustment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

cycleThe features and the advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood upon a thoughtful deliberation of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1-7 depict preferred embodiments of the fitness cycle of the present invention. The embodiments are provided for only explanatory purposes with respect to the patent claims.
The fitness cycle A comprises a carriage 1, a trampling unit 2 on the carriage 1, a control device 3 as an operating display panel, and a seating unit 4.
The trampling unit 2 is composed of DC motor 20, trampling set 21 and secondary drive unit 22. The secondary drive unit 22 is composed of a big pulley, fly wheels 23, 24 and drive belt 25. The DC motor 20 is driven by a power supply and also connected with the control device 3. The control device 3 comprises a circuit control unit 30 and an output module 31 connected to the circuit control unit 30. A signal control and switching unit 32 connects with output module 31. A vector compensation module 33 connects with the signal control and switching unit 32. A resistance control loop 34 and a steering control loop 35 connect with the signal control and switching unit 32. A brake module 36 connects to resistance control loop 34.
When the control device 3 inputs a signal to the circuit control unit 30 enabling the power supply to feed an output power to DC motor 20 for generating a rated voltage, the signal is transmitted via the output module 31 to the signal control and switching unit 32. Next, the signal is read and computed along with vector compensation module 33, and then output to the steering control loop 35, enabling DC motor 20 to drive the trampling set 21 so as to form an electric steering system. Conversely, if the trampling set 21 is applied to drive DC motor 20 when the input voltage of trampling set 21 is greater than the rated voltage of DC motor 20, the signal will be detected by circuit control unit 30 and fed back reversely to output module 31, then being transmitted to signal control and switching unit 32 for reading and computation. Finally, output to the resistance control loop 34 and the damping value is output by the brake module 36, so as to shape a motion resistance system.
Said seating unit 4 is equipped with a mobile unit 40, a lifting unit 41 and a chair seat 42. The mobile unit 40 is composed of a slide device 43 and a mobile motor 44. The mobile motor 44 is adapted onto the front end of the carriage 1, and also provided with a shifting axle 45 mated with the slide device 43. The lifting unit 41 is coupled with the mobile unit 40, and also provided with a support frame 46, a guide device 47 and a lifting motor 48. The support frame 46 is fastened onto the slide device 43, and the guide device 47 is mounted onto the support frame 46. The lifting motor 48 is mounted onto the slide device 43, and also provided with a lifting shaft 49. The chair seat 42 is coupled with the lifting unit 41. The back of the chair seat 42 is coupled with the guide device 47 of lifting unit 41, and the bottom of the chair seat 42 coupled with the lifting shaft 49 of lifting motor 48.
DC motor 20 is a brush motor or brushless motor.
The circuit control unit 30 is operated through the control device 3 to change the revolution number of DC motor 21, allowing for multi-speed variation.
The signal control and switching unit 32 is an OP AMP (operation amplifier).
The circuit control unit 30 is equipped with an A/D converter to detect the change of rated voltage.
The control device 3 is available with a manual mode or a manual/auto switching mode. The control device is provided with a startup key, a manual switching key, an auto switching key, a mode switch key and a stop key, all of which are connected with the circuit control unit 30.
Based upon above-specified structures, the present invention is operated as follows:
FIGS. 3 and 4 depict flow control views of the present invention, which are read in conjunction with the schematic view of the circuit of FIG. 5. Since DC motor 20 is used as a drive motor, the drive power of the DC motor is power supply E, and the operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q2 is applied to control the feedback circuit. According to the relational expression of Vref2=Vo×R4/(R4+R3), rated voltage will be generated at both ends of DC motor 20, the positive and negative electrodes.
Generally, the output of operation amplifier (OP AMP) is switched through Pulse Width Modulation circuit (PWM), and Tr1 (FET or IGBT) switched via drive unit. Then, the rated voltage Vo will be generated. Referring to FIG. 4, although the input of operation amplifier (−) is switched through a circuit at both ends of the DC motor, the input is performed through a low-pass filter in an actual circuit. Additionally, given the fact that the rated voltage Vo of Tr1 is higher than the potential of grounding end (GND), the basic potential of operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q2 is the potential of grounding end (GND), and the drive level of Tr1 must be switched. A High Side Driver and optical coupler shall be required. Subsequently, Vref2 is controlled by a microcomputer (MPU). Due to a proportional relationship between revolution number of controlled motor and the rated voltage Vo, there is also a proportional relationship between revolution number and Vref2, and the revolution number of DC motor 20 can be set randomly via microcomputer (MPU). In such a case, since the growing load of DC motor 20 leads to increase of current, the motor current must be controlled, thus forming a rated current circuit controlled by operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q3. The upper limit of motor current could be determined as the voltage of Vref3×(R2/R1) generated at both ends of Re2 is measured from the current. When the fitness cycle A is used as a DC motor 20, the revolution number obtained from Vref2 and maximum torque could be determined, and the torque load for the feet is also set for the safety of the elderly users and physically disabled users.
If the user steps on the footplate more energetically, namely, making the rotational speed faster than the revolution number decided by Vref2, the generating voltage of DC motor 20 will be bigger than the aforementioned rated voltage Vo. The feedback circuit controlled by operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q2 will be switched off, while the output voltage of operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q2 will be smaller than the feedback circuit. The voltage change is detected by an A/D converter of microcomputer (MPU). The output voltage of operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q2 will make Tr1 in an OFF state.
The aforementioned describes the principle of generating electricity by stepping on the footplate, whereby electricity is generated by DC motor 20, and whereby voltage is generated from the positive and negative electrodes as shown in FIG. 5. In the feedback circuit of operation amplifier (OP AMP) Q1, the electric energy generates via Tr2 a rated current Io from the positive electrode of the DC motor to Re1, and finally back to the negative electrode of DC motor. The current of power supply (E) does not flow to the DC motor when Tr1 is in OFF state. The rated current Io is determined by Vref1 controlled by microcomputer (MPU). The load of fitness cycle A is caused from trampling set 21 since there is a proportional relationship between rated current value Io and torque of DC motor. This torque will increase the footplate torque for the gear ratio of the big pulley and fly wheel 23, 24.
It is thus learnt that, this circuit can be applied to the fitness cycle. Since the DC motor can be switched smoothly from a drive motor to a generator, it is possible to increase Vref1 from 0V, and also to convert the current in reverse, thereby achieving an active/passive switching mode to meet customer demands.
FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the application view of seating unit 4 of the present invention, which controls the mobile unit 40 and lifting unit 41 of seating unit 4 through chair seat controller 50, so that the chair seat 42 moves forward/backward and lifts up/down in the carriage 1 along with the slide device 43 and guide device 47, allowing flexible adjustment according to the stature of users and achieving a most comfortable and appropriate motion angle.
Additionally, said chair seat controller 50 could be arranged at a preset location of the chair seat 42 by manual adjustment or onto the control device 4 by electrical adjustment.
With the use of the electric steering/resistance switching system, a bigger resistance ratio may be set when a healthy user starts to step on the footplate. After the foot muscles gradually adapt, the resistance ratio may be reduced by an automatic electric switching system, and the stepping motion of user is driven by a DC motor for a better movement effect. As for female users, the muscle of legs could also be trimmed.
When a physically disabled user starts the fitness movement, the DC motor is used to drive the movement along with the trampling set. When the legs gradually recover, a resistance ratio may be set through the control device 4, enabling the user to step continuously via the user's own force for better recovery efficacy.

Claims

1. A fitness cycle structure, comprising

a carriage;

a trampling set unit on said carriage, said trampling set unit being comprised of a DC motor, secondary drive unit, and trampling set;

a seating unit on said carriage; and

a control device also being connected said trampling set, said control device comprising:

a circuit control unit;

an output module, connected with said circuit control unit;

a signal control and switching unit, connected with said output module;

a vector compensation module, connected with said signal control and switching unit;

a resistance control loop, connected with said signal control and switching unit;

a steering control loop, connected with said signal control and switching unit; and

a brake module, connected with said resistance control loop wherein said control device inputs a signal to said circuit control unit enabling a power supply to feed an output power to said DC motor generating a rated voltage, said signal being transmitted via an output module to said signal control and switching unit, said signal being read computed along with a vector compensation module, and then output to said steering control loop, enabling said DC motor to drive said trampling set so as to form an electric steering system, and wherein if said trampling set is applied to drive said DC motor when input voltage of said trampling set is bigger than a previous rated voltage of said DC motor, said signal being detected by said circuit control unit and fed back reversely to said output module, and then transmitted to said signal control and switching unit for reading and computation, and finally output said resistance control loop, damping value being output by said brake module, shaping a motion resistance system.

2. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 1, wherein said DC motor is a brush motor or brushless motor.

3. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 1, wherein said circuit control unit is operated through said control device, changing revolution number of said DC motor, allowing for multi-speed variation of DC motor.

4. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 1, wherein said signal control and switching unit is an operation amplifier (OP AMP).

5. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 1, wherein said circuit control unit is equipped with an A/D converter to detect the change of rated voltage.

6. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 1, wherein said secondary drive unit is composed of a pulley, fly wheel and drive belt.

7. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 1, wherein said control device is available with a manual switching mode or an automatic switching mode.

8. A fitness cycle structure, comprising:

a carriage;

a seating unit on said carriage, said seating unit having a mobile unit, a lifting unit and a chair seat, said mobile unit being comprised of a slide device and a mobile motor, said mobile motor being adapted onto a front end of said carriage and being provided with a shifting axle mated with said slide device said lifting unit being coupled with said mobile unit and being provided with a support frame, a guide device and a lifting motor, said support frame being fastened onto said slide device, said guide device being mounted onto said support frame, said lifting motor being mounted onto said slide device and being provided with a lifting shaft, said chair seat being coupled with said lifting unit, said chair seat having a back coupled with said guide device of said lifting unit and a bottom coupled with said lifting shaft of said lifting motor; and

a control device being connected with said trampling set, said control device comprising:

a circuit control unit;

an output module, connected with said circuit control unit;

a signal control and switching unit, connected with said output module;

wherein said control device inputs a signal to said circuit control unit enabling a power supply to feed an output power to said DC motor generating a rated voltage, said signal being transmitted via an output module to said signal control and switching unit, said signal being read computed along with a vector compensation module, and then output to said steering control loop, enabling said DC motor to drive said trampling set so as to form an electric steering system, and wherein if said trampling set is applied to drive said DC motor when input voltage of said trampling set is bigger than a previous rated voltage of said DC motor, said signal being detected by said circuit control unit and fed back reversely to said output module, and then transmitted to said signal control and switching unit for reading and computation, and finally output to said resistance control loop, damping value being output by said brake module, shaping a motion resistance system.

9. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein DC motor is a brush motor or brushless motor.

10. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said circuit control unit is operated through said control device, changing a revolution number of said DC motor, allowing for multi-speed variation of said DC motor.

11. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said signal control and switching unit is an operation amplifier (OP AMP).

12. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said circuit control unit is equipped with an A/D converter, detecting change of rated voltage.

13. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said secondary drive unit is comprised of a pulley, fly wheel and drive belt.

14. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said control device is available with switching between manual and automatic.

15. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein the mobile unit and lifting unit of the seating unit moves up/down or forward/backward via a chair seat controller.

16. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said chair seat controller is placed at a preset location of said chair seat.

17. The fitness cycle structure defined in claim 8, wherein said chair seat controller is placed onto said control device.