Patent Description:
In general, bicycle exercise equipment, which is named bicycle trainer or bicycle roller, is the most widely used indoor exercise fitness equipment along with a treadmill. Here, a rider on a bicycle mounted on a rotating roller or a cradle strengthens lower body strength by pedaling the wheels to which rotational resistance (magnetic force, etc.) is applied.

Such related-art bicycle exercise equipment has an advantage in that a considerably high exercise effect is provided to a rider with only a relatively short time of exercise through the adjustment of rotational resistance applied to the wheels regardless of the weather.

However, the related-art bicycle exercise equipment simply continues the pedaling exercise to which rotational resistance is applied while facing the wall in a closed indoor space. Thus, there is a drawback in that it is difficult to continue the continuous pedaling exercise due to boredom from the inability to provide the rider with the pleasure of actually riding a bicycle.

In order to improve the above problem, prior art <NUM> (<CIT>) and prior art <NUM> (<CIT>) disclose technologies relating to cycle exercise equipment.

In prior art <NUM>, by replacing three or more roller portions each rotating about a fixed axis (center axis) and having different outer wall shapes, the rider may be provided with riding experiences under various road conditions similar to when riding a real bicycle, and through the interest induced thereby, the rider may continue the pedaling movement in a continuous manner.

In prior art <NUM>, an uneven portion capable of implementing a virtual road surface protrudes along the roller portion, thus providing a safer riding experience and natural change of the road surface to the rider. However, in prior art <NUM> and prior art <NUM>, one front roller is arranged to support the front wheel of the bicycle, whereas two rear rollers are arranged to support the rear wheel of the bicycle. Thus, a difference in height may occur between the front and rear wheels of the bicycle, and accordingly, even when implementing a flat virtual road surface, the rider may experience the same ride as actually riding an inclined portion having an ascent. In addition, the cycle exercise equipment presented in prior art <NUM> and prior art <NUM> only implements a flat virtual road surface, and is not capable of implementing an actual riding environment including a slope, such as mountain biking, and various ride modes according to the type of rider. <CIT> describes a bicycle training apparatus, which is mainly composed of a metal table frame, rollers, a belt, a magnetic powder brake and an electric appliance controlling apparatus, wherein, a front and a back sides on the metal table frame are respectively connected and provided with three rollers, one side of two drums at the front side is connected with the belt, the magnetic powder brake is arranged in a back roller, and the magnetic powder brake is connected with the electric appliance controlling apparatus to form an electromagnetic resistance device.

<CIT> describes a bicycle simulator comprising one front roller that supports a front wheel of a bicycle that is mounted, and rotates together with a rotation of the front wheel; one rear roller that supports a rear wheel of the bicycle, and rotates together with a rotation of the rear wheel, a base portion to which both ends of the front roller and both ends of the rear roller are connected; and a frame support portion connected to the base portion and arranged between the front roller and the rear roller and supporting a frame of the bicycle, wherein the front wheel is supported by one point by the front roller and the rear wheel is supported by one point by the rear roller, wherein a first support point at which the front roller supports the front wheel and a second support point at which the rear roller supports the rear wheel are arranged on a same plane, and wherein the front roller, the rear roller, and the frame support portion are movably coupled with respect to the base portion in a length direction of the base portion.

The present invention is directed to a bicycle simulator according to claim <NUM>. Additional features and embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

One or more embodiments provide a bicycle simulator in which, when implementing a flat virtual road surface environment, the front and rear wheels of a bicycle are supported on the same plane to coincide with the actual riding environment and thus, no unnecessary force is generated for the rider.

In addition, one or more embodiments provide a bicycle simulator that implements a riding state that has a slope such as mountain bike riding, and thus, a dynamic experience very similar to the actual riding situation may be achieved.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a bicycle simulator is provided, which includes a front roller that supports a front wheel of a bicycle that is mounted, and rotates together with a rotation of the front wheel, and a rear roller that supports a rear wheel of the bicycle, and rotates together with a rotation of the rear wheel, wherein a first support point at which the front roller supports the front wheel and a second support point at which the rear roller supports the rear wheel are arranged on the same plane.

The bicycle simulator further includes a base portion to which both ends of the front roller and both ends of the rear roller are connected, and a frame support portion connected to the base portion and supporting a frame of the bicycle. The front roller, the rear roller, and the frame support portion may be movably coupled with respect to the base portion in a length direction and thickness direction of the base portion.

The bicycle simulator may further include a base portion to which both ends of the front roller and both ends of the rear roller are connected, and a first elevating portion for moving a front end of the base portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground, and a second elevating portion for moving a rear end of the base portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground.

The bicycle simulator may further include a first driver for applying a driving force to the first elevating portion and the second elevating portion, and a controller for controlling the first driver.

The bicycle simulator may further include a display unit for visually providing a preset riding environment including an inclined portion to a rider. The controller may control the first driver to apply a driving force to at least one of the first elevating portion and the second elevating portion to correspond to an inclination angle of the inclined portion displayed on the display unit.

The bicycle simulator may further include a first speed measuring portion for calculating a ride speed from rotation of the front wheel, a second speed measuring portion for calculating a ride speed from rotation of the rear wheel, a (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver for applying a rotational force to the front roller, and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver for applying a rotational force to the rear roller.

When the first elevating portion or the second elevating portion moves the base portion in a vertical direction, at least one of the (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver may apply a rotational force to the front roller or the rear roller, wherein a rotation speed of the front wheel or the rear wheel is constant.

The bicycle simulator may further include a belt connected between the front roller and the rear roller and transmitting a rotational force of any one of the front roller and the rear roller to the remaining one.

The bicycle simulator may further include a base portion in which the front roller and the rear roller are rotatably arranged. The belt may be arranged on an outer side portion of the base portion and connect the front roller to the rear roller.

The bicycle simulator may further include an air-blowing device that provides wind, which is variable, to a rider according to a riding speed calculated by at least one of the first speed measuring portion and the second speed measuring portion.

The bicycle simulator further includes a frame support portion for supporting a frame of the bicycle, the frame connecting a front wheel of the bicycle to a rear wheel of the bicycle.

The bicycle simulator may further include an impact relief member arranged below the frame support portion and mitigating an impact applied to a rider.

The first elevating portion and the second elevating portion may each comprise a hollow cylinder, a piston inserted into the hollow cylinder and moving, and a fluid applying pressure to one end of the piston.

The bicycle simulator may further include an input unit for inputting a ride mode and a riding environment.

The input unit may be a terminal device that transmits a query and receives a response by using an artificial intelligence-based chatbot. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a bicycle simulator includes inputting a ride mode, visually providing a preset riding environment including an inclined portion to a rider according to the ride mode, applying a driving force to at least one of the first elevating portion and the second elevating portion to correspond to an inclination angle of the inclined portion provided in the riding environment, and vertically moving a front end or rear end of the base portion in a direction perpendicular to the ground by a driving force applied from at least one of the first elevating portion and the second elevating portion.

When the riding environment is a flat land, a driving force may not be applied to the first elevating portion and the second elevating portion, and a first support point at which the front roller supports the front wheel and a second support point at which the rear wheel supports the rear wheel may be arranged on the same plane.

The method may further include measuring a rotational speed of the front wheel or rear wheel of the bicycle, and when the first elevating portion or the second elevating portion moves the base portion in a vertical direction, applying a rotational force to the front roller or the rear roller so that a rotation speed of the front wheel or the rear wheel is constant.

The rotational speed of the front wheel or the rear wheel may be measured by a speed measuring portion, and the rotational force applied to the front roller and the rear wheel may be generated by a (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver.

According to the present disclosure, the front and rear wheels of a bicycle are supported on the same plane to match the actual riding environment, and thus, the same state as riding on the actual flat ground may be virtually experienced, and a realistic ride may be thereby enjoyed while excluding unnecessary power.

In addition, by raising or lowering the front end or rear end of a base portion supporting the front roller and the rear roller, the rider on the bicycle may virtually experience various road conditions including an inclined portion, and a dynamic and realistic riding may be thus enjoyed.

Further, when a controller, a speed measuring portion, an air blower, and a display device are organically combined with each other and controllably operated, the rider may be provided with a more realistic and interesting virtual riding environment.

Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout and a repeated description thereof is omitted.

As embodiments allow for various changes, example embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in in detail in the written description. Effects and features of the disclosure, and methods for achieving them will be clarified with reference to details described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments and may be embodied in various forms.

While such terms as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, such components are not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

In the following embodiments, an expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

In the following embodiments, the up (above), down (below), left and right (lateral), front (forward), rear (back), etc. that indicate directions are not intended to limit the rights, but are determined based on the drawings and a relative position between the components, for convenience of explanation. Thus, each direction described below is based on this, except for a case specifically limited otherwise.

In the present specification, it is to be understood that the terms "including," "having," and "comprising" are intended to indicate the existence of the features or components described in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

Sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation. In other words, since sizes and thicknesses of components in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a block diagram of the bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a frame support portion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In a bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the front wheel and rear wheel of a bicycle <NUM> supported by the bicycle simulator <NUM> are supported on the same plane to match the actual riding environment on the flat surface, and a rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may thus virtually experience the same state as actually riding on the flat ground, and a realistic ride may be thus enjoyed while excluding unnecessary power.

In addition, by raising or lowering the front end or rear end of a base portion <NUM> supporting the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>, various road surface conditions including an inclined portion may be virtually experienced and a dynamic and realistic ride may be thus enjoyed.

The bicycle <NUM> mentioned above not only is specially manufactured for only the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but also is a concept that encompasses all bicycles <NUM> currently available on the market by various manufacturers. The bicycle <NUM> may include a bicycle frame <NUM> constituting the body of the bicycle <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM> and a rear wheel <NUM>, which are rotatably mounted on the bicycle frame <NUM>, and a drivetrain (crank, chain, transmission, etc.) that converts the pedaling of the rider R to a rotational force of the rear wheel <NUM>.

The bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the base portion <NUM>, a frame support portion <NUM>, the front roller <NUM>, the rear roller <NUM>, a first elevating portion <NUM>, a second elevating portion <NUM>, a first driver <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, first and second speed measuring portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, an air blowing device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, a (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver <NUM>, and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver <NUM>, to implement the functions or actions as described above,.

Each of the configurations described above will now be described below in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a support member fixed to the ground and capable of supporting the bicycle <NUM>. As an example, the base portion <NUM> may be provided in the shape of a rectangular frame on which the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> to be described later may be mounted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be provided with an arbitrary support member on which the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> may be mounted. In addition, in the base portion <NUM> according to an example, a support frame <NUM> to which the frame support portion <NUM> may be fixed may be arranged across either side of the base portion <NUM>.

The frame support portion <NUM> is a support member that is detachably coupled to the bicycle frame <NUM> and stably fixes a position of the bicycle <NUM>. As an example, the frame support portion <NUM> may include a support bar <NUM> and a fixed support portion <NUM>, the support bar <NUM> being a linear rod-shaped support member extending in one direction.

A clamp device <NUM> is arranged at one end of the support bar <NUM> to be detachably coupled to one side (downtube) of the bicycle frame <NUM>. In this case, the clamp device <NUM> may include a first clamp <NUM> and a second clamp <NUM>, which may be detachably coupled to one side (downtube) of the bicycle frame <NUM>. As an example, the clamp device <NUM> may be provided in a detachable form. Accordingly, the clamp device <NUM> may be replaced according to the type of the bicycle <NUM> that is mounted, to support the bicycle <NUM>. In addition, the clamp device <NUM> may use an electromagnet, and a locking device having shapes that correspond to each other, or may be implemented as a screw locking device in a male and female form, to support one side of the bicycle frame <NUM> that is mounted. As an example, the clamp device <NUM> may be provided to have a specific magnetic force, for example, S-pole or N-pole magnetic force. In this case, a fitting portion (not shown) having a magnetic force different from that of the clamp device <NUM> may be arranged in the bicycle frame <NUM>. Accordingly, the bicycle frame <NUM> may be supported by the clamp device <NUM> in a non-contact manner. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the clamp device <NUM> may be implemented as a locking device of other types that is capable of supporting one side of the bicycle frame <NUM>.

The fixed support portion <NUM> may be provided in a hollow rod shape so that the other end of the support bar <NUM> may be inserted thereinto. As an example, one end of the fixed support portion <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the support frame <NUM> provided in the base portion <NUM>. In addition, the other end of the fixed support portion <NUM> is arranged such that the support bar <NUM> is inserted thereinto, so that the support bar <NUM> may be guided to move in the z-axis direction.

An impact relief member <NUM> may be arranged at the other end of the support bar <NUM> to mitigate the impact applied to the rider R. As an example, the impact relief member <NUM> may be provided as an elastic member and inserted into the fixed support portion <NUM>. At this time, one end of the impact relief member <NUM> may support the other end of the support bar <NUM>, and thus, the impact applied to the rider R in the z-axis direction may be mitigated.

The front roller <NUM> is a rod-shaped component that supports the front wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> and rotates together with the rotation of the front wheel <NUM>, wherein either end of the front roller <NUM> may be connected to the base portion <NUM> so that it may be freely rotate forward or backward based on the bicycle <NUM> that is mounted.

The rear roller <NUM> is a rod-shaped component that supports the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> and rotates together with the rotation of the rear wheel <NUM>, and either end of the rear roller <NUM> may be connected to the base portion <NUM> so that it may be freely rotate forward or backward based on the bicycle <NUM> that is mounted.

The front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> as described above may be of any shape that is capable of being in contact with the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> and rotating together as the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> rotate. Accordingly, the longitudinal sections of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> may be polygonal, elliptical, or circular. At this time, the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> may freely move on the upper surfaces of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>, respectively.

As an example, the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> according to the present disclosure may each include a circular longitudinal section so that smooth rotation is possible according to the rotation of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> without a heterogeneous feeling of ride given to the rider R who rotates the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>.

The first elevating portion <NUM> is a driving device capable of vertically moving the front end of the base portion <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the ground, for example, the z-axis direction. The second elevating portion <NUM> is a moving device that is capable of vertically moving the rear end of the base portion <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the ground, for example, the z-axis direction. In this case, the first elevating portion <NUM> and the second elevating portion <NUM> may receive driving force through the first driver <NUM> controlled by the controller <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may be rotated about a rotation axis O by the first elevating portion <NUM> and the second elevating portion <NUM> described above. Accordingly, an angle of inclination of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the base portion <NUM> may be adjusted in various ways. More details related to this will be described later below with reference to <FIG>.

The controller <NUM> may be hardware that controls the overall functions and operations of the bicycle simulator <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be implemented in the form of a single microprocessor module or may be implemented in the form of a combination of two or more microprocessor modules. That is, the controller <NUM> is not limited by any one implementation form.

The first speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> is a component that calculates a ride speed from the size of the circumference of the front wheel <NUM> and the number of revolutions of the front wheel <NUM> per unit time, and may be installed in a location adjacent to the front wheel <NUM> to accurately count the number of rotations of the front wheel <NUM>. The second speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> is a component that calculates a ride speed from the size of the circumference of the rear wheel <NUM> and the number of rotations of the rear wheel <NUM> per unit time, and may be installed in a location adjacent to the rear wheel <NUM> to accurately count the number of rotations of the rear wheel <NUM>.

The air blowing device <NUM> is a component for providing wind, which is variable, to the rider R according to a ride speed calculated in the first and second speed measuring portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and a pair of air blowing devices <NUM> may be provided at the upper left and right sides of the display device <NUM> to be described later below while being oriented toward the rider R. The ride speed calculated in real time from the first and second speed measuring portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> as described above may be ride information for a specific area or course of a bicycle competition selected by the rider R, and transmitted to the controller <NUM>. In addition, the controller <NUM> that receives the ride speed operates and controls the air-blowing device <NUM> with an intensity corresponding to the speed, thereby providing the rider R with a dynamic and realistic ride experience.

The display device <NUM> is a component that visually conveys a riding environment for a course of a bicycle competition or an operating system program to the rider R, and may be a display device <NUM> having a curved shape of a size that covers all of the front viewing angle of the rider R as shown in <FIG>, or a goggle-type display device (not shown) worn by the rider R. As an example, when the display device <NUM> realistically displays a preset riding environment, etc., the rider R may adjust, in various ways, an inclination angle of the bicycle <NUM> based on road condition information corresponding to the riding environment provided in real time.

An input unit <NUM> may receive an input of the rider R for controlling the bicycle simulator <NUM>. As an example, the input unit <NUM> may be a terminal that transmits a query and receives a response by using an artificial intelligence-based chatbot. Here, the input unit <NUM> may be implemented as a computer, which is capable of accessing a remote server or terminal through a network. Here, the computer may include, for example, a navigation, a notebook PC equipped with a web browser, a desktop, a laptop, and the like. In this case, the input unit <NUM> may be implemented as a terminal, which is capable of accessing a remote server or terminal through a network. The input unit <NUM> may be, for example, a wireless communication device in which portability and mobility is guaranteed, including a handheld wireless communication device of all types, such as navigations, Personal Communications System (PCS), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), Personal Handyphone System (PHS), Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT)-<NUM>, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-<NUM>, W-CDMA, wireless broadband Internet (Wibro) terminals, smartphones, smartpads, tablet personal computers (PC), and the like. In this case, the controller <NUM> may perform a function of a server of providing a web page, app page, program, or application for an intelligent chatbot-based interactive field support service. For example, the controller <NUM> may be a server that maps a plurality of scenarios to answers to each scenario in advance and stores them in a chatbot database. In addition, the controller <NUM> may be a server that, when the input unit <NUM> makes a question or request, analyzes the request or question and provides a preset answer, or may be a server that, when the chatbot database has no answer, transmits the request or question to an administration terminal. In addition, the controller <NUM> may be a server that performs training as to queries and answers after classifying and clustering them through collection, preprocessing, and analysis. In this case, the controller <NUM> may be a server that proceeds with data learning by using a deep learning artificial neural network algorithm.

In addition, the input of the rider R using the input unit <NUM> may include input to manipulate buttons, key pads, a mouse, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc., input to touch a touch pad or touch screen, voice input, motion input, biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the input unit <NUM> inputs an input signal by the voice input method, when the rider R is a visually-impaired person, or when two hands of the rider R are fixed to the handle bars and thus cannot be used, an input signal related to a ride mode, etc. may be transmitted to the controller <NUM>.

The (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver <NUM> are each a driving device capable of applying the rotational force to either the front roller <NUM> or the rear roller <NUM> according to the rotational speed of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> that are calculated in the first and second speed measuring portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. According to a ride mode to be described later below, an inclination angle of the bicycle <NUM> may be adjusted in various ways. At this time, the controller <NUM> operably controls the (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver <NUM> and (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver <NUM> such that the rotation speed of the front roller <NUM> is equal to that of the rear roller <NUM>, thereby providing a stable ride experience to the rider R.

<FIG> is a side view of the bicycle simulator, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial perspective view of the bicycle simulator shown in <FIG>.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a belt <NUM>, which connects the front roller <NUM> to the rear roller <NUM>, may be arranged between the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As an example, when the rider rotates the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> that is mounted, the rear roller <NUM> may also be rotated by the rotational force of the rear wheel <NUM>. At this time, the rotational force of the rear roller <NUM> may be transmitted to the front roller <NUM> through the belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotational speed of the front roller <NUM> is formed equal to that of the rear roller <NUM>, thus providing a stable ride experience to the rider R. As an example, the belt <NUM> may be arranged on an outer side portion of the base portion <NUM> for convenience of replacement and maintenance. At this time, by using a bearing portion <NUM> arranged along the outer circumferential surfaces of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>, the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> may rotate about the base portion <NUM> without a separate rotation axis. In addition, at this time, the belt <NUM> may be wound along the outer circumferential surfaces of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> and may transmit the rotational force to the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>.

A rotational speed detection portion <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a magnetic encoder including a magnetic flux sensor. As an example, permanent magnets <NUM> and <NUM> having different poles from each other are alternately magnetized along the outer circumferential surface of the front roller <NUM>. At this time, the permanent magnets <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of an integral type in which half of the front roller <NUM> is formed with an N pole <NUM> and the other half is formed with an S pole, or may be formed as a plurality of independent permanent magnets arranged at regular intervals along the outer circumferential surface. The rotational speed detection portion <NUM> may detect the flux linkage of the permanent magnets <NUM> and <NUM> with respect to the rotational speed detection portion <NUM> that regularly changes as the front roller <NUM> rotates, and output it as an electrical signal. Thereafter, the output signal is applied to the controller <NUM>, and the rotation of the front roller <NUM> may be detected. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotational speed detection portion <NUM> is exemplified as a magnetic encoder including a magnetic flux sensor, but present disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example, the rotational speed detection portion <NUM> may be implemented as an optical encoder including a light source and a light-receiving unit, wherein a reflective member capable of reflecting light incident from the light source may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the front roller <NUM>. In addition, the rotational speed detection portion <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the support frame <NUM> or may be implemented in a form detachably attached to the support frame <NUM> by a user. In addition, the rotational speed detection portion <NUM> according to an example may be arranged on the rear roller <NUM> as well as the front roller <NUM> or may be arranged on both the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>.

As described above, the first speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> may calculate a ride speed from the circumference sizes of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> and the number of revolutions of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> per unit time. The (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver <NUM> may apply the rotational force to the front roller <NUM> or the rear roller <NUM> by detecting the difference between the rotational speed of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> calculated by the first and second speed measuring portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the rotational speed of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> measured from the rotational speed detection portion <NUM>. At this time, the controller <NUM> may adjust the rotational speed of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM> to correspond to the rotational speed of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>, and thus, a stable ride experience may be provided to the rider R.

<FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator, according to the related art. <FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view of the bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to <FIG>, the front wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on a related-art bicycle simulator is supported by one point by using one front roller <NUM>. In addition, the rear wheel <NUM> is supported by two points by using two rear rollers <NUM> and <NUM> that rotate and support the rear wheel <NUM> from the lower side to the front and rear directions. At this time, while a support point M of the front wheel <NUM> is at the lowermost end of the front wheel <NUM>, support points N1 and N2 of the rear wheel <NUM> are not at the lowermost end of the rear wheel <NUM>, and thus, an inclined portion having a preset angle θ may be formed between the lowermost end of the front wheel <NUM> and the lowermost end of the rear wheel <NUM>. Thereby, the rider R may experience the same riding condition as if riding uphill that substantially has a preset angle θ instead of a flat ground.

On the other hand, referring to <FIG>, the front wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is supported by one point by using one front roller <NUM>. In addition, the rear wheel <NUM> is supported by one point by using one rear roller <NUM>. At this time, the support point M of the front wheel <NUM> may be at the lowermost end of the front wheel <NUM>, and a support point N of the rear wheel <NUM> may also be at the lowermost end of the rear wheel <NUM>. Accordingly, the lowermost end of the front wheel <NUM> and the lowermost end of the rear wheel <NUM> may be arranged on the same plane, and thus, the rider R may experience the same riding condition as if riding on a substantially flat ground. In addition, unlike the prior art, in the present disclosure, the rear wheel <NUM> is supported by one point instead of two points, and thus, loss of kinetic energy due to friction that may occur from the two points of support may be prevented.

As an example, the frictional resistance Ffric1 applied to the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the related-art bicycle simulator shown in <FIG> may be expressed as in Equation (<NUM>) shown below. Here, C is a coefficient of friction, W is a normal force, and α is an angle between the two points of support.

On the other hand, the frictional resistance Ffric2 applied to the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the related-art bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be expressed as in Equation (<NUM>) shown below. Here, C is a coefficient of friction and W is a normal force.

The frictional resistance Ffric applied to the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator may be proportional to the normal force W that is applied by the rear wheel <NUM> to the rear roller <NUM>. At this time, in the bicycle <NUM> mounted on a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the normal force may be reduced by about <NUM> % to about <NUM>% compared to the bicycle <NUM> mounted on a related-art bicycle simulator. Therefore, unnecessary frictional resistance may be reduced, and the sense of reality of riding may be thus improved.

As described above, when the support point M of the front wheel <NUM> is at the lowest end of the front wheel <NUM>, and the support point N of the rear wheel <NUM> is also at the lowest end of the rear wheel <NUM>, the frictional resistance Ffric applied to the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator may be minimized. However, the positions of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> vary depending on the size and type of the bicycle <NUM> to be mounted, and thus, the support point M of the front wheel <NUM> and the support point N of the rear wheel <NUM> may not be placed at the lowermost end of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>, respectively.

Taking into account such a problem, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the components on which the bicycle <NUM> is mounted and supported, for example, the front roller <NUM>, the rear roller <NUM>, and the frame support portion <NUM> supported on the support frame <NUM>, may move with respect to the base portion <NUM> in the length and thickness directions of the base portion <NUM>, for example, the x-axis and z-axis directions, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, by moving the positions of the front roller <NUM>, rear roller <NUM>, and the support frame <NUM> in one direction, for example, in the x-axis or z-axis, according to the size and type of the bicycle <NUM> that is mounted, the support point M of the front wheel <NUM> and the support point N of the rear wheel <NUM> may be placed at the lowermost ends of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>, respectively. Thus, the lowermost end of the front wheel <NUM> and the lowermost end of the rear wheel <NUM> may be arranged on the same plane, and thus, the rider R may experience the same riding condition as if riding on a substantially flat ground and the loss of kinetic energy due to unnecessary frictional force may be prevented. In addition, the front roller <NUM>, the rear roller <NUM>, and the structure below the support frame <NUM> may be repaired more easily.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along line A-A shown in <FIG>.

The bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may adjust an inclination angle δ of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> by rotating the base portion <NUM> about one axis O. Accordingly, the rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may experience the same riding condition as if riding downhill or uphill. As an example, as shown in <FIG>, the first elevating portion <NUM> may include a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> of a hollow type, a piston <NUM>, an elastic member <NUM>, and a fluid <NUM>. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is a cylinder member that is connected in fluid communication with the first driver <NUM> controlled by the controller <NUM>, for example, a hydraulic pump, so that the pressure of the fluid <NUM> transmitted from the hydraulic pump may be transmitted to one end of the piston <NUM>, and may guide a reciprocating movement of the piston <NUM> while maintaining a sealed state with the other end of the piston <NUM>. At this time, at least one elastic member <NUM> for elastically supporting the piston <NUM> inward with respect to the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be provided between the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and the piston <NUM>. When the operation of the first driver <NUM> is stopped, the elastic member <NUM> may return the piston <NUM> downward so as not to provide the fluid <NUM> into the hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

The second elevating portion <NUM> may include a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> of a hollow type, a piston <NUM>, an elastic member <NUM>, and a fluid <NUM>. The configuration and operation of the second elevating portion <NUM> are substantially the same as those of the first elevating portion <NUM>, and thus, the description thereof is omitted here for convenience.

As described above, the piston <NUM> provided in the first elevating portion <NUM> and the piston <NUM> provided in the second elevating portion <NUM> may rise or fall in a direction perpendicular to the ground, that is, in the z-axis direction, by the first driver <NUM> controlled by the controller <NUM>. Accordingly, the front end of the base portion <NUM> that is supported by the piston <NUM> provided in the first elevating portion <NUM> may also rise or fall in the z-axis direction. In addition, the rear end of the base portion <NUM> that is supported by the piston <NUM> provided in the second elevating portion <NUM> may also rise or fall in the z-axis direction. As the front end or the rear end of the base portion <NUM> rises or falls, the base portion <NUM> may rotate about the one axis O, thus adjusting the inclination angle δ of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM>.

Below, the bicycle simulator <NUM> in which, by adjusting the inclination angle δ of the bicycle <NUM> mounted in the bicycle simulator <NUM> in conjunction with the display device <NUM>, various riding conditions may be experienced not only visually but also with the whole body, and a more dynamic and exciting ride may be enjoyed is described in greater detail.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a display device in which a ride scene including an inclined portion is displayed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a display device in which a ride scene including an inclined portion is displayed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a side view of the bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a state of the rider R riding a bicycle on an inclined road with a first inclination angle δ1 may be displayed on the display device <NUM>. As an example, such a ride route may be an implementation of an uphill road of a mountain bike ride route. In this case, the controller <NUM>, after recognizing the riding condition implemented in the display device <NUM>, may manipulate the first driver <NUM> to respond to the riding condition. As an example, as shown in <FIG>, the piston <NUM> provided in the first elevating portion <NUM> may rise in the z-axis direction by the operation of the first driver <NUM>. Accordingly, the front end of the base portion <NUM> supported by the piston <NUM> may also rise in the z-axis direction, and thus, the base portion <NUM> may be inclined at the first inclination angle δ1 with respect to the ground. Accordingly, the bicycle <NUM> supported on the base portion <NUM> may also be arranged at the first inclination angle δ1 with respect to the ground, and the rider R may more safely enjoy a dynamic experience in an indoor space as if he or she is riding on a mountain road with an inclination angle.

In addition, when the bicycle <NUM> supported by the bicycle simulator <NUM> is arranged at a first inclination angle δ<NUM> with respect to the ground to implement an uphill ride as described above, the rotation speed of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> may not be constant. In this case, the first speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> may measure the rotation speeds of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> and transmit the measurement to the controller <NUM>. When the rotation speeds of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> do not match each other, the controller <NUM> may control the (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver <NUM> and (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver <NUM> to apply the rotational force to one or more of the front roller <NUM> or the rear roller <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotation speeds of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> may match each other, and the rider R may experience the same riding condition as the actual riding.

Referring to <FIG>, a state of the rider R riding a bicycle on an inclined road with a second inclination angle δ<NUM> may be displayed on the display device <NUM>. As an example, such a ride route may be an implementation of a downhill of a mountain ride route. In this case, the controller <NUM>, after recognizing the riding condition implemented in the display device <NUM>, may manipulate the first driver <NUM> to respond to the riding condition. The technical feature of implementing a downhill ride by using the controller <NUM>, the first driver <NUM>, and the second elevating portion <NUM> are substantially the same as the technical feature of implementing an uphill ride shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and thus a description thereof will be omitted herein.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method of operating a bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the rider R may input a ride mode to be ridden, by using the input unit <NUM>, in operation S110. As an example, when the input unit <NUM> is a terminal that transmits a query and receives a response by using an artificial intelligence-based chatbot, a ride mode according to any one of a plurality of scenarios that are pre-mapped according to a ride mode including the information on a mountain road to be ridden queried by the rider R may be selected. At this time, the input of the rider R using the input unit <NUM> may include input to manipulate buttons, key pads, a mouse, a trackball, a jog switch, a knob, etc., input to touch a touch pad or touch screen, voice input, motion input, biometric information input (e.g., iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the input unit <NUM> inputs an input signal by the voice input method, when the rider R is a visually-impaired person, or when two hands of the rider R are fixed to the handle bars and cannot be used, an input signal related to a ride mode, etc. may be transmitted to the controller <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may visually provide a preset riding environment including an inclined portion to the rider R according to the ride mode selected by the rider R, in operation S120. As an example, an actual mountain bike riding route input by the rider R may be displayed on the display device <NUM>. Accordingly, the rider R may visually experience various ride conditions including the inclination angle δ.

The controller <NUM> may apply the driving force to at least one of the first elevating portion <NUM> and the second elevating portion by using the first driver <NUM>, in operation S130. As an example, the controller <NUM>, after recognizing a ride condition implemented in the display device <NUM>, may manipulate the first driver <NUM> to respond to the ride condition. For example, the controller <NUM> may operate the first driver <NUM> to raise or lower the pistons <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the first elevating portion <NUM> or the second elevating portion <NUM> in the z-axis direction.

The front end or rear end of the base portion <NUM> may move vertically in a direction perpendicular to the ground by a driving force applied from at least one of the first elevating portion <NUM> and the second elevating portion <NUM>, in operation S140. As an example, when the pistons <NUM> and <NUM> respectively provided in the first elevating portion <NUM> or the second elevating portion <NUM> rise or fall in the z-axis direction, the base portion <NUM> supported by the pistons <NUM> and <NUM> may be accordingly inclined at an inclination angle δ. Thus, the bicycle <NUM> supported on the base portion <NUM> may also be arranged to have the inclination angle δ with respect to the ground, and the rider R may more safely enjoy a dynamic experience in an indoor space as if he or she is riding on a mountain road having an inclination angle.

The first speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> may measure the rotational speed of the front wheel <NUM> or the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM>, in operation S150. As an example, the first speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the second speed measuring portion <NUM>-<NUM> may measure the rotation speed of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> and transmit the measurement to the controller <NUM>.

When the first elevating portion <NUM> or the second elevating portion <NUM> moves the base portion <NUM> in the vertical direction to form the inclination angle δ, the controller <NUM> may apply a rotational force to the front roller <NUM> or the rear roller <NUM> so that the rotation speed of the front wheel <NUM> or the rear wheel <NUM> is constant, in operation S160. As an example, when the bicycle <NUM> supported on the base portion <NUM> is arranged to have an inclination angle δ with respect to the ground by the first elevating portion <NUM> or the second elevating portion <NUM>, the rotation speeds of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> may not match each other. At this time, the controller <NUM> may control the (<NUM>-<NUM>)st driver <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd driver <NUM> to apply a rotational force to at least one of the front roller <NUM> and the rear roller <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotation speeds of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> may be matched, and the rider R may experience the same ride condition as the actual ride condition.

Claim 1:
A bicycle simulator (<NUM>) comprising:
only one front roller (<NUM>) that supports a front wheel (<NUM>) of a bicycle (<NUM>) that is mounted, and rotates together with a rotation of the front wheel (<NUM>);
only one rear roller (<NUM>) that supports a rear wheel (<NUM>) of the bicycle (<NUM>), and rotates together with a rotation of the rear wheel (<NUM>),
a base portion (<NUM>) to which both ends of the front roller (<NUM>) and both ends of the rear roller (<NUM>) are connected; and
a frame support portion (<NUM>) connected to the base portion (<NUM>) and arranged between the front roller (<NUM>) and the rear roller (<NUM>) and supporting a frame of the bicycle (<NUM>),
wherein the front wheel (<NUM>) is supported by one point by the front roller (<NUM>) and the rear wheel (<NUM>) is supported by one point by the rear roller (<NUM>),
wherein a first support point at which the front roller (<NUM>) supports the front wheel (<NUM>) and a second support point at which the rear roller (<NUM>) supports the rear wheel (<NUM>) are arranged on a same plane, and
wherein the front roller (<NUM>), the rear roller (<NUM>), and the frame support portion (<NUM>) are movably coupled with respect to the base portion (<NUM>) in a length direction and in a thickness direction of the base portion (<NUM>).