Resistance regulating device for wheel of training machine

• US 10,639,512 B2
• Filed: 03/19/2018
• Issued: 05/05/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dyaco International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Dyaco International Incorporated
• Inventors: Huang, Feng-Ren, Liu, Chih Chi, Murray, Brian, Gillespie, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Jimenez, Loan B
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kobylarz, Andrew M
• Application Number:
  US15/925,542
• Publication Number:
  US 20190262651A1
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0081 Stopping the operation of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00076 on the fly, i.e. varying the resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0056 using electromagnetically-controlled friction, e.g. magnetic particle brakes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/54 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

A resistance regulating device for a wheel of a training device is disclosed. The resistance regulating device comprises a rotary mechanism pivotally connected with a stationary mechanism and a motor with other components to rotate the rotary mechanism and hence a distance between magnets of the rotary mechanism and the wheel is changed. In addition, an optical detection device may be used to detect and define a minimum resistance and a maximum resistance and hence to adjust a resistance in a stepless manner. An emergency brake mechanism may be further employed.

Claims

1. A resistance adjusting device used for a wheel of a training machine, comprising:

a stationary mechanism being fixed with the training machine;

a rotary mechanism being pivoted to the stationary mechanism by a pivot and comprising a plurality of magnets for providing a resistance to the wheel;

a link member pivotally connecting to a first end of the rotary mechanism;

a motor being connected with the link member;

a screw having a first end connected to the motor and being rotatable by the motor;

a nut pivotally connecting with the stationary mechanism, a second end of the screw passing through the nut and being movably engaged with an inner thread of the nut; and

an optical detection device for detecting the resistance and defining a minimum resistance and a maximum resistance;

wherein the optical detection device comprises;

a control circuit board electrically connected to the motor;

a control member having a first end fixed to the rotary mechanism and a second end suspended above the control circuit board;

a first sensor located on the control circuit board for detecting the second end of the control member so as to determine a minimum resistance position of the screw; and

a second sensor located on the control circuit board for detecting the second end of the control member so as to determine a maximum resistance position of the screw;

whereby the motor drives the screw to rotate, causing the rotary mechanism to rotate about the pivot, and thereby changing a distance between the plurality of magnets and the wheel, so as to increase or decrease the resistance.

2. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an emergency brake mechanism for stopping the wheel.

3. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the emergency brake mechanism comprises:

a trigger fixed with the training machine;

a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cable being connected to the trigger;

a control block being pivoted to the stationary mechanism, the second end of the cable being connected to the control block;

a fixing piece fixed with the stationary mechanism;

a spring, the cable passing through the fixing piece and the spring, the spring having a first end connected to the control block and a second end connected to the fixing piece; and

a friction pad connected with the control block.

4. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the emergency brake mechanism comprises at least one friction pad located at least one side of the rotary mechanism, and the training machine comprises an emergency button for triggering a signal to instruct the motor driving the screw, causing the at least one friction pad to contact the wheel so that the wheel is stopped.

5. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein when the first sensor or the second sensor detects the second end of the control member, a stop signal is outputted to the motor, and the motor stops driving the screw according to the stop signal.

6. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein each the first sensor and the second sensor comprises an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver or comprises a light-emitting diode and a light receiver.

7. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein a number of revolutions of the screw is determined according to a required resistance corresponding to a position between the minimum resistance position and the maximum resistance position of the screw.

8. The resistance adjusting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein a self-lubricating bushing is provided between the pivot and the stationary mechanism.