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WO2003030337A1 - Unite d'application de charge - Google Patents

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Info

Publication number
WO2003030337A1
WO2003030337A1 PCT/EP2002/011012 EP0211012W WO03030337A1 WO 2003030337 A1 WO2003030337 A1 WO 2003030337A1 EP 0211012 W EP0211012 W EP 0211012W WO 03030337 A1 WO03030337 A1 WO 03030337A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ring
brake unit
eddy current
rotatable disk
disk
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2002/011012
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Karl John Drage
Original Assignee
Exertris Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Exertris Limited filed Critical Exertris Limited
Publication of WO2003030337A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003030337A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K49/00—Dynamo-electric clutches; Dynamo-electric brakes
    • H02K49/02—Dynamo-electric clutches; Dynamo-electric brakes of the asynchronous induction type
    • H02K49/04—Dynamo-electric clutches; Dynamo-electric brakes of the asynchronous induction type of the eddy-current hysteresis type
    • H02K49/046—Dynamo-electric clutches; Dynamo-electric brakes of the asynchronous induction type of the eddy-current hysteresis type with an axial airgap
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
    • A63B21/0051—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
    • A63B21/0052—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets induced by electromagnets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/10—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
    • H02K7/116—Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/009—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled in synchronism with visualising systems, e.g. hill slope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/17—Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/30—Maintenance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a unit or system for applying a load and, thus, a braking effect in exercise apparatus or sports apparatus.
  • the user performs some form of activity, over a period of time, against the resistance of the machine.
  • a user may pedal an exercise cycle, perform a stepping motion on. a stepper machine, a rowing " motion on a rowing machine, etc.
  • Many exercise machines have adjustable resistance levels, thus allowing the user to increase the level of exercise as their fitness increases.
  • This resistance is provided by means of a load applying device.
  • Such devices are typically belt-friction brakes, using a band around a large flywheel, or electromagnetic eddy current brakes.
  • the human body exercises at a relatively low number of cycles per minute, generally in the region of 40 - 100 cycles per minute.
  • Commonly used systems for offering resistance against an exerciser, in exercise machines are only effective at a high number of revolutions per minute, e. g. in the range of 500 to 6000, or, torque needs to be amplified in order for the brake to be effective.
  • the mechanism directly driven by the user e. g. the rotation of pedals, the movement of steps, etc. causes rotation of a shaft, and this rotation is then stepped up to the higher rotation required to operate the braking mechanism by means of a gear mechanism using, for example, a chain or belt drive connecting the driven shaft with appropriate gear wheels.
  • the present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art by producing a braking unit which is small and compact and leads to exercise equipment that is simple to maintain.
  • the present invention provides an eddy current brake unit comprising a rotatable disk or ring, at least part of which is formed from an electrically conductive material; and an electromagnetic assembly arranged to introduce eddy currents into the disk or ring as it rotates; characterised in that the electromagnetic assembly and the rotatable disk or ring are arranged relative to each other such that the diameter of the disk or ring defines the outer diameter of the brake unit and the electromagnetic assembly does not extend radially beyond that, diameter.
  • the rotatable disk or ring is rotated by means of a drive shaft connected to the rotatable disk or ring by means of a gear mechanism to cause the rotatable disk or ring to rotate at a rate greater than the rate of rotation of the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft, the gear mechanism, the rotatable disk and the electromagnetic assembly are all arranged in a unit having a maximum diameter corresponding to the diameter of the rotatable disk or ring.
  • the drive shaft rotates around the same axis as the axis of rotation of the rotatable disk or ring.
  • the drive shaft and rotatable disk or ring may also rotate about different axes, both being within the radial range defined by the outer circumference of the rotatable disk, and such an arrangement would still achieve the advantages of the present invention.
  • step-up or gearing mechanisms including, for example, a number of rotatable gear wheels connected by chains or belts. Again, all of these components are arranged such that they fit within a radially defined area defined by the outer circumference of the rotatable disk or ring.
  • the electromagnetic assembly preferably comprises one or more electromagnetic coils arranged, in an axial direction, on one side of the rotatable disk or ring and a ferric plate or ring arranged on the opposite side of the rotatable disk or ring such that magnetic flux is generated which is cut by rotation of the conductive disk or ring.
  • coils are used and these are arranged around an arch of a circle, preferably in a semicircle, having a radius smaller than that of the rotatable disk or ring.
  • an exercise machine comprising a driven mechanism operated by the user and a brake unit as described above, wherein the rotatable disk or ring is caused to rotate in response to operation of the driven mechanism, and wherein the electromagnetic assembly introduces eddy currents into the disk which exert a braking force on the disk, the braking, force being conveyed to the driven mechanism operated by the user to provide resistance to driving by the user.
  • the brake unit of the present invention finds application in a large range of leisure and exercise machines, in particular exercise cycles, stepping machines, rowing machines, skiing machines and the like.
  • the braking unit itself incorporated into a housing, could be merely provided with pedals connected to a drive shaft for causing rotation of the rotatable disk or ring and can be connected, via control circuitry, into, for example, a home computer or games console, such that rotation of the pedals by a user interacts with software in the computer or games console.
  • a single interface control circuit between a data processing machine and the brake unit comprising a . rogrammable integrated circuit located between a microprocessor serial port and a load circuit of the brake system.
  • Rotation of the rotatable disk or ring generates a tachometer signal which is communicated, via the PIC to a computer.
  • a load command is then provided by the computer, in response to the tachometer signal received, which is then communicated, via the PIC to the control circuitry for applying current to the electromagnetic assembly, and thus, to control the braking effect on the rotatable disk or ring.
  • the system can be arranged such that no current is supplied to the electromagnetic assembly when no motion is applied to the pedals, etc. to drive the rotatable disk or ring.
  • Figure 1 shows a simple schematic view of a braking unit according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the braking unit " ;
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of the unit, but not showing the gears and shafts.
  • the drive unit comprises a driven axle 1 driven by the user, via e. g. pedals or by a rowing or stepping motion etc.
  • the unit also comprises a conductive disk 2 or ring caused to rotate with the driven axle around the same axis.
  • This conductive disk 2 or ring is preferably made of conductive aluminium but may also be made of copper, some other conductive alloy or a complex conductive configuration for example.
  • the driven axle 1 causes the disk 2 or ring to rotate " via a gear mechanism.
  • the gear mechanism preferably comprises a number of different sized gear wheels 3 positioned on different axles or a plurality of step-up stages connected by small belts.
  • the gear ratio is approximately 1:45.
  • the ratio is preferably between 1:40 and 1:60 although other ratios may be used, according to the particular application and requirements of the apparatus.
  • a plurality, preferably six, magnetic coils 4 are located inside the outer circumference of the disk or ring, but spaced from its inner circumference.
  • the axes of the coils 4 are normal to the plane of the disk 2.
  • These coils are arranged around half of the inner circumference of the disk 2, in such a way that their pole faces adjacent the inner surface of the disk or ring alternate from coil to coil, i. e. the first coil may have a north face adjacent the ring; the next coil its south face; the next coil its north face, etc.
  • a ferric ring On the other side of the disk is provided a ferric ring. This ring, together with the alternating north, south, north etc. faces of the coils 4 on the opposite side of the conductive disk 2 forms a complete magnetic circuit.
  • the gap between the ferric ring and the faces of the coils is approximately 5mm, in a preferred arrangement and the conductive disk ring rotates within this gap.
  • the conductive disk cuts the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnets at the largest possible diameter within this compact arrangement.
  • the unit has a 20cm diameter and is in the form of a 10cm high cylinder.
  • the preferred gear ratio is between 1:40 and 1:60, i. e. one revolution of the pedal crank or crank driven by the rowing or stepping motion, etc. produces up to 60 revolutions of the conductive disk.
  • step-up stages or gear components such as 1:4, 1:4, 1:2 and 1:2.
  • gear components such as 1:4, 1:4, 1:2 and 1:2.
  • Such a configuration would give a total step-up of 1:64.
  • the ratios selected are 1:4, 1:4, 1:1,94 and 1:2, giving an overall step-up of 1 : 62.1.
  • the step-up stages are fixed steel gears 3.
  • other types of gear mechanism can also be used, for example toothed belts or chains and a combination of steel gears and toothed belts or chains.
  • a combination of steel gears and toothed belts is used, providing an overall step-up ratio of 1:45.
  • the conductive disk is 200mm .in diameter.
  • the centre line of the ring or disk apparent to the pole faces of the electromagnetic coils is of radius 85mm.
  • the conductive disk apparent to the centre line of the magnetic field generated in the coils, therefore travels at an equivalent linear speed of approximately 33m/s.
  • Eddy currents are induced in the conductive disk as it cuts the perpendicular magnetic field. According to Lenz's law, which states that an induced emf will tend to cause a current to flow in such a direction as to oppose the cause of the induced emf, a force is apparent on the disk to oppose the generation of the eddy currents, i. e. a braking force.
  • the brake when the user pedals at 60 revolutions per minute, the brake will sink approximately 500 Watts of input power. This power is converted to heat in the aluminium disk through joule heating by the eddy currents. The heat is dissipated away from the disk by airflow stimulated by detailing on the aluminium disk.
  • the electromagnetic coils are driven by a circuit which may apply a fixed current level or a number of fixed current levels, for example zero, medium and high.
  • a control circuit then switches these current levels on and off in order to achieve the appropriate average current. In this way, the system can be programmed to control the level of braking since changing the average current level across the coils changes the magnetic field generated by the coils, which changes the power- sunk by the brake.
  • the brake unit contains a fixed position tachometer which generates a signal related to disk speed by reflecting a beam, preferably an infrared beam onto the disk and detecting reflection of the beam from the disk.
  • the disk is provided with markings or pits etc. which interrupt the reflection of the beam and the reflection pattern is converted into an electronic signal used by the control circuitry of the system.
  • the brake unit is particularly reliable because of the design of the fixed gear box which contains a number of highly reliable individual components, assembled to precision engineering standards in factory conditions, with appropriate life-wear characteristics on each of these components and, where necessary, lubrication sealed in appropriate places.
  • the brake unit is comprised in a single compact unit, maintenance is greatly simplified since the unit can be removed in its entirety and replaced with a new unit without affecting the rest of the exercise machine, and thus minimising downtime of the machine.
  • control electronics and remaining structure of the machine are not integrated with the brake unit and are thus not affected by removal of the unit.
  • a tachometer can be incorporated into the brake unit and the control circuitry for the brake, in the preferred embodiment, is also novel.
  • the brake unit is controlled by means of a Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) chip located between a microprocessor serial port and the circuit which delivers the current supply to the coils in the brake unit.
  • PIC Programmable Integrated Circuit
  • the PIC reads the tachometer signal and sends it to a controlling computer.
  • the PIC acts as a serial interface and receives a load word from the computer and applies an appropriate pulse width modulated signal to the circuit which applies current to the coils.
  • the load current is only applied if there is rotary motion indicated from the tachometer.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Dynamo-Electric Clutches, Dynamo-Electric Brakes (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne une unité de frein pouvant être utilisée dans une machine d'exercice. Dans cette invention, un disque rotatif du frein définit le diamètre extérieur de l'unité de frein et l'ensemble électromagnétique ne s'étend pas radialement au-delà de ce diamètre, de manière que l'unité soit petite et compacte et permette d'obtenir un équipement d'exercice simple à entretenir.
PCT/EP2002/011012 2001-10-01 2002-10-01 Unite d'application de charge WO2003030337A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0123545.6 2001-10-01
GB0123545A GB2380331A (en) 2001-10-01 2001-10-01 Eddy current load unit for an exercise machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003030337A1 true WO2003030337A1 (fr) 2003-04-10

Family

ID=9923030

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2002/011012 WO2003030337A1 (fr) 2001-10-01 2002-10-01 Unite d'application de charge

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2380331A (fr)
WO (1) WO2003030337A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116617626A (zh) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-22 甲尚实业股份有限公司 阻力装置及阻力训练机

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11013952B2 (en) 2018-07-20 2021-05-25 Nautilus, Inc. Rowing machine

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB906635A (en) * 1958-08-08 1962-09-26 English Electric Co Ltd Improvements in and relating to eddy-current brake magnets
DE2650147A1 (de) * 1976-10-30 1978-05-03 Froude Eng Ltd Wirbelstrom-maschine
EP0255142A1 (fr) * 1986-08-01 1988-02-03 Mizuno Corporation Bicyclette de gymnastique pour exercices
US4828257A (en) * 1986-05-20 1989-05-09 Powercise International Corporation Electronically controlled exercise system
US4984986A (en) * 1989-11-07 1991-01-15 Vohnout Vincent J Apparatus and method for training oarsmen
US5072930A (en) * 1990-03-02 1991-12-17 Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Load applying device for an exercise bicycle
US5116294A (en) * 1990-10-10 1992-05-26 Inside Fitness Inc. Stair climbing exercise apparatus
US5656001A (en) * 1995-06-28 1997-08-12 Racer-Mate, Inc. Eddy current trainer for bicycles or other exercise equipment

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2913605A (en) * 1955-05-23 1959-11-17 Nat Pneumatic Co Inc Eddy current brake
US3064149A (en) * 1957-02-01 1962-11-13 Baermann Max Controllable flux permanent magnet systems, especially for eddy current brakes or couplings for power propelled vehicles
ES263564A1 (es) * 1960-12-24 1961-03-01 Gorostiza Zabalbeitia Telesfor Freno electrico mejorado
CA1230635A (fr) * 1983-07-08 1987-12-22 Shinroku Nakao Ergometre et frein magnetique pour bicyclette d'exercice
JPH0737642Y2 (ja) * 1990-03-09 1995-08-30 株式会社キャットアイ エクササイザ

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB906635A (en) * 1958-08-08 1962-09-26 English Electric Co Ltd Improvements in and relating to eddy-current brake magnets
DE2650147A1 (de) * 1976-10-30 1978-05-03 Froude Eng Ltd Wirbelstrom-maschine
US4828257A (en) * 1986-05-20 1989-05-09 Powercise International Corporation Electronically controlled exercise system
EP0255142A1 (fr) * 1986-08-01 1988-02-03 Mizuno Corporation Bicyclette de gymnastique pour exercices
US4984986A (en) * 1989-11-07 1991-01-15 Vohnout Vincent J Apparatus and method for training oarsmen
US5072930A (en) * 1990-03-02 1991-12-17 Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Load applying device for an exercise bicycle
US5116294A (en) * 1990-10-10 1992-05-26 Inside Fitness Inc. Stair climbing exercise apparatus
US5656001A (en) * 1995-06-28 1997-08-12 Racer-Mate, Inc. Eddy current trainer for bicycles or other exercise equipment

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116617626A (zh) * 2022-02-11 2023-08-22 甲尚实业股份有限公司 阻力装置及阻力训练机

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0123545D0 (en) 2001-11-21
GB2380331A (en) 2003-04-02

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