Work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus

Abstract: The present invention relates to a work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus (10). A plurality of circuit board sets (40) corresponding to magnetic resistance elements (18) are positioned around a flywheel (16). Each circuit board has several sensing elements (41) and light-emitting elements (43) (e.g.monochromatic or polychrome LED). Each sensing element corresponds to a magnet set (17) of the magnetic resistance elements in order to detect the resistance voltage value produced by the flywheel in unit time in cooperation with the magnetic resistance elements. Thereafter, the resistance voltage is used to actuate the light-emitting elements. Accordingly, the work of exercise in unit time is learned by means that the light-emitting elements light up or go out.

Description: The present invention relates to a work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus. A magnetic control exercise apparatus is an exercise apparatus (e.g. an exercise bike, a rowing exercise apparatus, a treadmill, etc.) which makes use of magnetic resistance elements in cooperation with the rotation of a flywheel in order to impose an exercise resistance. As an example, the operation of a conventional exercise bike will be described. By treading the pedals, the user rotates a pedal wheel which is connected to a chain wheel, e.g. by means of a chain. A unidirectionally driven flywheel is mounted beside the chain wheel. Accordingly, the flywheel rotates with the chain wheel due to the coaxial arrangement. The flywheel has an adjustable magnetic resistance element with magnet sets. A proper resistance is created by adjusting the clearance between the magnetic resistance elements and the flywheel. For a given rotational speed a greater clearance between magnetic resistance elements and the flywheel imposes smaller exercise resistance (or work of exercise). A conventional product for indicating the work of exercise is fitted with a detecting device. After receipt of the work value of exercise, i.e. the voltage value created between the flywheel and the magnet sets, it will be transmitted through wiring to a microprocessor of the control panel. Then, the value will be converted by the built-in program into the Watt value to show on the control panel. However, the Watt value is a professional term for the normal operators so that it just offers them a "value" without significance. Moreover, the trainers in gyms have to look at the console to learn the work of exercise. It's much unpractical for trainers and trainees. Document US-6 102 834 discloses an exercise apparatus comprising a generator contacting the rim of a flywheel. Bulbs are electrically connected to the generator so that when the user rotates the crank, the generator is operated by the flywheel and therefore turns the bulbs on. The level of the brightness of the bulbes varies based on the current generated by the generator. Thus, the level of work is only indicated by the brightness of the bulbs. It is a primary object of the present invention to remove the above-mentioned drawbacks and to provide a work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus in which the voltage created during the exercise session is used to actuate the light-emitting elements to light up or go out so that the work of exercise in unit time is learned by means that the light-emitting elements light up or go out. The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which: Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a prior art magnetic control bike exerciser having conventional work-indicating means; Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a circuit board included in the work indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus; Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of a first embodiment of the work-indicating unit mounted to the flywheel of a bike exerciser as shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the work-indicating unit mounted to a flywheel; and Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of the work-indicating unit mounted to a flywheel. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the work-indicating unit for usage with an exercise bike 10 is shown. A plurality of circuit board sets 40 corresponding to magnetic resistance elements 18 are positioned around a flywheel 16. Each circuit board 40 has several sensing elements 41, an electronic control loop 42, and several light-emitting elements 43. Each sensing element 41 corresponds to a magnet set 17 of the magnetic resistance elements 18. The sensing elements 41 detect the resistance voltage value produced by the flywheel 16 in unit time in cooperation with the magnetic resistance elements 18. Thereafter, the resistance voltage is transmitted through the preset wiring to the electronic control loop 42 which is programmed to control the light-emitting elements 43 of certain color. The action of each of the light-emitting elements 43 is powered by the same resistance voltage. Accordingly, the work of exercise in unit time is learned by means that the light-emitting elements 43 light up or go out. In other words, the light-emitting elements 43 of different colors light up or go out in accordance with the difference of the measured resistance voltage value by means of the electronic control loop 42 and the built-in program. For example, when the measured resistance voltage value in unit time is within a preset range, a light-emitting element 43 of certain color light up while the others are not actuated. Likewise, each of the circuit board sets 40 immediately actuates the light-emitting element 43 of different color in accordance with different values of the measured resistance voltage. Therefore, when the flywheel 16 is forced to rotate, each of the circuit board sets 40 immediately actuates the light-emitting element 43 of certain color in accordance with preset value so that a bright light ring is created for distinguishing different powers. Moreover, a beautiful brightness is formed in addition to the exercise fun. In order to reach the brightness of the light-emitting elements 43, a transparent chain cover (not shown) is used to cover the transmission elements and to protect the personal safety and the components. Alternatively, the chain cover can be fitted with openings for reaching the expected goal. This is a simple application principle so that no further descriptions are given. In fact, the electronic control loop 42 is not absolutely necessary for the circuit board 40. If the circuit board 40 doesn't have the electronic control loop 42, the brightness of the light-emitting elements 43 can be made to correspond to the resistance voltage value so that the expected effect is also reachable. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the flywheel 16 and the magnetic resistance elements 18 of different exercise apparatuses can be different from that of the present invention. Besides, the circuit board 40, the sensing elements 41, the electronic control loop 42 and the light-emitting elements 43 are correspondingly changed in shape and position for a new embodiment. Finally, the present invention can make use of a light coupling or a sensing carbon brush (not shown) to read the measured voltage value. Thereafter, the light-emitting elements 43 are installed at an obvious position of the exercise apparatus (e.g. on the control panel) to reach the same effect.

Claims: A work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus (10) said work-indicating unit comprising a plurality of circuit board sets (40) which correspond to magnetic resistance elements (18) and are positioned around a flywheel (16), each of said circuit board having several sensing elements (41) and light-emitting elements (43), wherein each of said sensing element corresponds to a magnet set (17) of said magnetic resistance elements in order to detect the resistance voltage value produced by said flywheel in unit time in cooperation with said magnetic resistance elements, whereupon the resistance voltage is used to control the action of said light-emitting elements. A work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said light-emitting elements (43) are monochromatic. A work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said light-emitting elements (43) are polychrome. A work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said circuit board sets (40) include an electronic control loop (42). A work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1 or 4, including means for reading the measured voltage value and having said light-emitting elements installed at an obvious position. A work-indicating unit for a magnetic control exercise apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said means for reading the measured voltage value is a light coupling or a sensing carbon brush.

Inventors: WANG LEAO, WANG, LEAO
Applicants: WANG LEAO, WANG, LEAO
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A63B21
IPC codes: A63B21, A63B24