Patent Description:
In general, bicycle exercise equipment known as bicycle trainers or bicycle rollers is the most widely used indoor exercise fitness equipment along with treadmills. Here, a rider on a bicycle mounted on a rotating roller or a cradle uses pedals to rotate the wheels to which rotational resistance (magnetic force, etc.) is applied, so as to strengthen the muscles of the lower body.

Such bicycle exercise equipment of the related art 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, with the bicycle exercise equipment of the related art, a pedaling exercise to which rotational resistance is applied is simply continued while facing the wall in an enclosed indoor space. Thus, there is a drawback in that it is difficult to continue the continuous pedaling exercise due to boredom as it is not possible to provide the rider with the pleasure of riding a real 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 a travel experience on various road conditions, similar to riding a real bicycle, and through the interest induced thereby, the rider may continue the pedaling movement in a continuous manner. However, the cycle exercise equipment presented in Prior Art <NUM> rotates three or more roller portions themselves back and forth, and due to the implementation of various road surfaces, the structure is complex, and manufacturing or maintenance difficulties are expected. Further, when the roller portions rotate for the sake of changing a road surface, the bicycle itself that is being pedaled inevitably moves largely in a vertical direction, which greatly impedes the safety of the rider on the bicycle and cannot realize natural changes in the road surface.

In Prior Art <NUM>, an uneven portion, which may implement a virtual road surface, protrudes along the roller portion, and thus, a safer riding experience and natural changes of the road surface may be provided to the rider. However, the cycle exercise equipment presented in Prior Art <NUM> only implements a flat virtual road surface, and cannot implement various travel modes according to an actual travel environment having a slope and the type of rider.

<CIT> discloses a bicycle trainer for mounting a bicycle and a method for comparative home training. The bicycle trainer comprises a roller for engaging with the rear wheel of the bicycle, the roller being adapted to transmit a driving force and a braking force to the rear wheel; a motor adapted to actively provide the driving and braking forces to the roller; and an electronics unit for controlling the motor, wherein when the bicycle is mounted to the trainer, the bicycle is at least in part supported by the roller.

The present disclosure to provide a bicycle simulator whereby a road surface having a slope is realized, while various travel modes enabling a steering range to be adjusted according to the type of rider are realized, and thus, a dynamic experience which is extremely similar to an actual riding situation may be possible.

The present invention provides a bicycle simulator as defined in the appended claims.

As the first support bar rotates with respect to the second support bar, the bicycle may be tilted at the same angle as a rotation angle of the first support bar.

The bicycle simulator may further include a front wheel support portion for supporting the front wheel of the bicycle and rotating together with rotation of the front wheel, and first and second rear wheel support portions that respectively support two points of the rear wheel of the bicycle and rotate together according to rotation of the rear wheel.

The bicycle simulator further includes a rotation controller for limiting a rotation angle of the first support bar with respect to the second support bar and restoring a position of the rotated first support bar.

The bicycle simulator may further include a weight-measuring portion for measuring the weight of a rider on the bicycle.

The connection portion may include a hinge housing provided on the first support bar and the second support bar, and a hinge shaft inserted into the hinge housing.

The one end portion of the first support bar may include a contact portion in contact with a portion of the bicycle frame, the contact portion being provided with an electromagnet to fix the bicycle frame to the contact portion.

The contact portion may have a first support surface and a second support surface, which are arranged to face each other with a preset distance therebetween, and a portion of the bicycle frame may be arranged to be inserted between the first support surface and the second support surface, and be in contact with and supported by the first support surface and the second support surface.

The bicycle simulator may further include a speed measuring portion for calculating a travel speed from rotation of the rear wheel, and an air-blowing device that provides variable wind to a rider according to a travel speed calculated by the speed measuring portion.

The bicycle simulator may further include a display device for visually providing a preset travel environment to a rider, and the first support bar may rotate about one axis with respect to the second support bar to match a slope of a travel environment provided in real time through the display device.

The bicycle simulator may further include a movement limiting portion arranged between the first support bar and the second support bar to prevent horizontal movement of the first support bar in the direction of the one axis with respect to the second support bar.

The bicycle simulator may further include a leg support portion arranged at opposite side portions of the base portion to support legs of a rider on the bicycle.

According to an embodiment not covered by the appended claims, a bicycle simulator includes a frame support portion for supporting a frame of a mounted bicycle, the frame connecting front and rear wheels of the bicycle, a slide guide fixed to the base portion and extending in a first direction, a slide portion fixed to the frame support portion and connected to be movable in the first direction in the slide guide, and a movement interval adjustment portion for adjusting a movement interval through which the slide portion is capable of moving in the slide guide, according to a travel mode.

In a first travel mode, the slide portion may move along by an interval of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, in a second travel mode, the slide portion may move along by an interval of more than <NUM> and <NUM> or less, and in a third travel mode, the slide portion may move along by an interval of <NUM> or more.

The bicycle simulator may further include an input unit for inputting the first to third travel modes, and a controller for adjusting a movement interval capable of being moved in the slide guide, according to a travel mode input to the input unit.

The bicycle simulator may further include a front wheel support portion for supporting the front wheel of the bicycle and rotating together with rotation of the front wheel, and first and second rear wheel support portions respectively supporting two points of the rear wheel of the bicycle and rotate together according to rotation of the rear wheel.

As the slide portion moves in the first direction, the front wheel of the bicycle may move on an upper surface of the front wheel support portion in the first direction, and the rear wheel of the bicycle may move on upper surfaces of the first and second rear wheel support portions in the first direction.

The bicycle simulator may further include a rotation slide guide portion arranged on an upper portion of the slide portion and extending along a circumferential direction around a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and a rotation slide portion which is arranged to be engaged with the rotating slide guide portion and rotates the frame support portion about the second direction with respect to the slide portion.

The bicycle simulator may further include a rotation restraint portion for limiting a rotation angle of the frame support portion with respect to the slide portion.

A rotation angle of the frame support portion with respect to the slide portion may be <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

According to the present disclosure, as a first support bar rotating about one axis with respect to a second support bar is provided on a frame support, a rider on the bicycle may virtually experience various road conditions having a slope and thus enjoy a dynamic and realistic ride.

In addition, a variety of travel modes, in which a steering range may be adjusted according to the type of rider, is provided, and thus, the exercise effect may be naturally maximized according to the type of the rider.

Further, when a weight measuring portion, a controller, a speed measuring portion, an air-blowing device, and a display device are organically coupled with each other, controlled, and operated, the rider may be provided with a more realistic and interesting virtual riding environment.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference symbols in the drawings denote like elements, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As embodiments allow for various changes, example embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. Effects and features of the present embodiments, and methods for achieving them will be clarified with reference to details described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present 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.

The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" as used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

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 plan view of the bicycle simulator shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a frame support portion, according to the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the frame support portion shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of a first support bar, according to another embodiment.

In a bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rider R on a bicycle <NUM> may virtually experience various road surface conditions having a slope, and thus, a dynamic and realistic ride may be enjoyed. In addition, a variety of travel modes, in which a steering range may be adjusted according to the type of the rider R, is provided, and thus, the exercise effect may be naturally maximized according to the type of the rider R.

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 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 includes a base portion <NUM>, a front wheel support portion <NUM>, a rear wheel support portion <NUM>, and a frame support portion <NUM>, which are 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> and <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a support member that may be fixed to the ground to support the bicycle <NUM>. As an example, the base portion <NUM> may be provided in the shape of a rectangular frame on which the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM> to be described later may be mounted. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and an arbitrary support member on which the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM> may be mounted may be provided. 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 the opposite side portions of the base portion <NUM>.

A leg support portion <NUM> may be arranged at opposite side portions of the base portion <NUM> to support legs of the rider R. As an example, when the rider R is stopped on the bicycle <NUM> before travelling, it may be difficult for the rider R to hold the center. At this time, the leg support portion <NUM> capable of supporting legs of the rider R may be arranged at both side portions of the base portion <NUM> so that the rider R may hold the center. For example, the leg support portion <NUM> having an inclined surface to support legs of the rider R may be provided, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The front wheel support portion <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 front wheel <NUM>, and the either end portions of the front wheel support portion <NUM> may form a shaft coupling with the base portion <NUM> so that the front wheel support portion <NUM> may freely rotate forward or backward based on the mounted bicycle <NUM>.

The rear wheel support portion <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 rear wheel <NUM>, and the either end portions of the rear wheel support portion <NUM> may form a shaft coupling with the base portion <NUM> so that the rear wheel support portion <NUM> may freely rotate forward or backward based on the mounted bicycle <NUM>.

The front wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM> as described above may be of any shape that may rotate together with the rotation of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> while contacting the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>. Accordingly, the longitudinal sections of the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM> may each 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 wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM>, respectively.

As an example, the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM> according to the present disclosure may each include a circular longitudinal section as shown in <FIG>, so that smooth rotation may be 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 that rotates the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>. In addition, the rear wheel support portion <NUM> according to the present disclosure may include two rear wheel support portions <NUM>, that is, a first rear roller <NUM> and a second rear roller <NUM>, which rotate while supporting the rear roller <NUM> back and forth from the bottom of the rear wheel <NUM>, for stable support of the rear wheel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the frame support portion <NUM> according to an embodiment is a support member for stably fixing a position of the bicycle <NUM> by being detachably coupled to the bicycle frame <NUM>, and may include a first support bar <NUM>, a second support bar <NUM>, a connection portion <NUM>, a rotation controller <NUM>, a weight measuring portion <NUM>, a movement limiting portion <NUM>, and a rotation slide guide <NUM>.

The first support bar <NUM> is a linear rod-shaped support member, which extends in one direction. As an example, one end portion of the first support bar <NUM> may include a (<NUM>-<NUM>)st support bar <NUM> and a (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd support bar <NUM>, which are provided so as to be detachable from each other. The (<NUM>-<NUM>)st support bar <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd support bar <NUM> may be separated from each other to be detachably coupled to one side (downtube) of the bicycle frame <NUM>. At this time, a clamp <NUM> structure, to which one side (downtube) of the bicycle frame <NUM> may be detachably coupled, may be formed by the coupling of the (<NUM>-<NUM>)st support bar <NUM> with the (<NUM>-<NUM>)nd support bar <NUM>. In addition, a connection structure that may be connected to the other end portion of the second support bar <NUM>, which will be described later below, may be provided at the other end portion of the first support bar <NUM>.

As an example, the clamp <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical shape, into which a portion of the bicycle frame <NUM> is inserted. At this time, the clamp <NUM> may be formed to fix a portion of the bicycle frame <NUM>, and thus, the bicycle <NUM> may be supported by the bicycle simulator <NUM>.

As another example, the clamp <NUM> may be provided in a horseshoe shape, into which a portion of the bicycle frame <NUM> is inserted, as shown in <FIG>. In this case, a contact portion <NUM> provided in the clamp <NUM> may include a first support surface <NUM> and a second support surface <NUM>, which are arranged to face each other with a certain interval therebetween. In addition, when the clamp <NUM> structure is provided in a horseshoe shape as described above, the first support bar <NUM> may be provided integrally. As an example, a portion of the bicycle frame <NUM>, for example, a downtube of the bicycle frame <NUM>, may be inserted between the first support surface <NUM> and the second support surface <NUM> via a bicycle entry portion <NUM>. In this case, the downtube of the bicycle frame <NUM> may be arranged to contact the first support surface <NUM> and the second support surface <NUM>. As an example, the contact portion <NUM> may be provided as an electromagnet, and the bicycle frame <NUM> may be fixed to the contact portion <NUM> according to driving of the electromagnet.

The second support bar <NUM> is a linear rod-shaped support member that extends in one direction, and the first support bar <NUM> is connected to the second support bar <NUM> so that it may rotate about one axis X with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. For example, one end portion of the second support bar <NUM> may be arranged to be rotatable with respect to the support frame <NUM> provided in the base portion <NUM>. A rotation slide portion <NUM> which may be staircase-shaped is provided at one end portion of the second support bar <NUM>, and the rotation slide portion <NUM> may rotate about the Z-axis while engaging with the rotation slide guide <NUM>, which will be described later below. At this time, in the second support bar <NUM>, a plurality of long holes <NUM>, for example, four long holes, for limiting a range of rotation about the Z-axis may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with a preset interval therebetween. A rotation restraint portion <NUM> is inserted into each of the plurality of long holes <NUM>, limiting a rotation of the second support bar <NUM> about the Z-axis. As an example, the rotation restraint portion <NUM> may be provided in a rod shape extending in one direction. In addition, a connection structure, which may be connected to the other end of the first support bar <NUM>, is provided at the other end portion of the second support bar <NUM>.

The connection portion <NUM> is a connection member for connecting the other end portion of the second support bar <NUM> to the other end portion of the first support bar <NUM> so that the first support bar <NUM> may rotate about the one axis X with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. As an example, the connection portion <NUM> includes a hinge shaft <NUM>, which is inserted into a first hinge ball <NUM> and a second hinge ball <NUM>, to hingeably couple the first support bar <NUM> to the second support bar <NUM>. At this time, the hinge shaft <NUM> may extend in the one axis X direction, and thus, the first support bar <NUM> may rotate about the one axis X with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. In the above-described embodiment, the connection portion <NUM> is implemented by hinged coupling, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any connection portion <NUM> that connects the first support bar <NUM> to the second support bar <NUM> such that the first support bar <NUM> may rotate about the one axis X with respect to the second support bar <NUM> may be used. A separate fastening portion <NUM> capable of restricting rotation of the first support bar <NUM> with respect to the second support bar <NUM> may be provided in the connection portion <NUM>. As an example, the fastening portion <NUM> may be provided in a screw shape and may detachably couple the first support bar <NUM> to the second support bar <NUM> to thereby restrict the rotation of the first support bar <NUM> with respect to the second support bar <NUM>.

The rotation controller <NUM> is an angle-limiting member that limits a rotation angle of the first support bar <NUM> with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. One end portion of the rotation controller <NUM> is arranged to be fixed to an end of the first support bar <NUM>, and the other end portion of the rotation controller <NUM> is arranged to be fixed to the base portion <NUM>. For example, the other end portion of the rotation controller <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the support frame <NUM> provided in the base portion <NUM>. In addition, as an example, the rotation controller <NUM> may be provided as a stretchable elastic member, and thus, the first support bar <NUM> may be restrained to be inclined by a preset angle with respect to the second support bar <NUM> within an elastic limit range of the rotation controller <NUM>. In addition, the first support bar <NUM>, which rotates about the second support bar <NUM> by an external force of the rider R, may receive a restoring force for returning to the initial position, from the rotation controller <NUM>.

The weight-measuring portion <NUM> is a sensor member for measuring a weight of the rider R on the bicycle <NUM>. As an example, the weight-measuring portion <NUM> may be implemented as a gravity sensor, etc., in which a weight of the rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may be measured. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any sensor member that may measure the weight of the rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may be used. As an example, the weight-measuring portion <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the support frame <NUM>, and at this time, the other end portion of the rotation controller <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the weight-measuring portion <NUM>. In addition, the rotation restraint portion <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to an insertion hole <NUM> arranged in the weight measuring portion <NUM> and may move along the plurality of long holes <NUM>.

The movement-limiting portion <NUM> is a movement restraint member, in which the first support bar <NUM> may be prevented from moving in one axial direction X with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. As an example, a certain spaced interval may be generated between the first support bar <NUM> and the second support bar <NUM> according to manufacturing tolerances. The movement-limiting portion <NUM> is arranged between the first support bar <NUM> and the second support bar <NUM> to eliminate a spaced interval between the first support bar <NUM> and the second support bar <NUM>, and thus, the movement in the x-axis direction of the first support bar <NUM> with respect to the second support bar <NUM> may be prevented.

The rotation slide guide <NUM> is a guide member that engages with the rotation slide portion <NUM> provided at one end portion of the second support bar <NUM> to guide a rotation of the second support bar <NUM>. As an example, the rotation slide guide <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed on the upper portion of the weight-measuring portion <NUM>, and may be provided in a guide shape that extends in a second direction, which is perpendicular to a first direction Y, for example, in a circumferential direction around the Z-axis. Accordingly, the second support bar <NUM> may rotate about the Z-axis with respect to the weight-measuring portion <NUM>, more specifically, the support frame <NUM> provided in the base portion <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the speed measuring portion <NUM> is a component that calculates a travelling speed from a 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> in order 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 the travelling speed calculated in the speed measuring portion <NUM>, and a pair of air-blowing devices <NUM> may be each provided at the upper left and right sides of the display device <NUM>, which will be described later below, while being oriented toward the rider R. The travelling speed calculated in real time from the speed measuring portion <NUM> as described above may be transmitted to a controller (not shown) as travelling information for a specific area or course of a bicycle competition selected by the rider R. In addition, the controller (not shown) that receives the travelling speed operably controls the air-blowing device <NUM> with an intensity corresponding to the speed so that a dynamic and realistic riding experience may be provided to the rider R.

The display device <NUM> is a component that visually conveys a travel environment for a course of a bicycle competition, an operating system program, or etc. 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 travel environment, etc., the rider R may adjust an inclination angle of the bicycle <NUM> in various ways based on road surface condition information corresponding to a travel environment provided in real time.

As described above, the rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may experience, not only visually but also with the whole body, various road surface conditions having an inclination angle as shown in <FIG>, in conjunction with the display device <NUM>, and thus, a more dynamic and exciting ride may be enjoyed in the indoor space.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a display device in which a travelling scene having a slope is displayed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a front view of a bicycle simulator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial schematic diagram of a frame support portion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a state of the rider R on a bicycle travelling on an inclined road having a first inclination angle θ<NUM> may be displayed on the display device <NUM>. As an example, such a travel route may implement a velodrome used in a cycling-only stadium or a mountain bike path. At this time, the rider R boarding the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may recognize a riding situation displayed on the display device <NUM> and then, manipulate the bicycle <NUM> to respond to the riding situation. As an example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the rider R may travel by tilting the bicycle <NUM> to have a second inclination angle θ<NUM> with respect to a plane parallel to the base portion <NUM>.

When the rider R travels on the tilted bicycle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the first support bar <NUM> supporting a portion of the bicycle <NUM> may rotate about the one axis X with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. In this case, a rotation angle δ of the first support bar <NUM> may be substantially the same as the second inclination angle θ<NUM>. In addition, at this time, the rotation controller <NUM>, which is arranged to be fixed to an end of the first support bar <NUM>, limits the rotation angle δ of the first support bar <NUM> so that the first support bar <NUM> does not incline more than a threshold rotation angle δ, for example, more than <NUM> degrees. As an example, when the rotation controller <NUM> is provided as an elastic member, the rotation controller <NUM> may extend as the first support bar <NUM> rotates with respect to the second support bar <NUM>. At this time, by the elastic restoring force of the rotation controller <NUM>, an inclination angle of the first support bar <NUM> may be limited so that the first support bar <NUM> may not rotate more than the threshold rotation angle δ. Thus, the rider R may more safely enjoy a bicycle ride. In addition, when an external force is not applied to the bicycle <NUM> by the rider R or an external force less than a preset threshold is applied to the bicycle <NUM>, the extended rotation controller <NUM> may be shortened, and thus, a position in which the first support bar <NUM> rotates may be restored. In the present embodiment, the rotation controller <NUM> is implemented as an elastic member. However, another restraint member capable of restraining the rotation of the first support bar <NUM> may be arranged. In addition, the rotation controller <NUM> may stepwise restrain the rotation angle δ of the first support bar <NUM> with respect to the second support bar <NUM>.

As described above, as the first support bar <NUM> rotates about the one axis X with respect to the second support bar <NUM> within a preset range, the rider R may more safely enjoy a dynamic experience in an indoor space as if travelling on a velodrome or a mountain bike path having an inclination angle.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a bicycle simulator, according to another embodiment. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of a bicycle simulator, according to another embodiment. <FIG> is a partial perspective view of a bicycle simulator, according to another embodiment. Configurations that are substantially the same as those described with reference to <FIG> are omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to <FIG>, the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include a slide guide <NUM> arranged in an upper portion of the base portion <NUM>, a slide portion <NUM> fixed to one end portion of the frame support portion <NUM> and connected to the slide guide <NUM> so as to move along the slide guide <NUM>, a movement interval adjustment portion <NUM> capable of adjusting a movement interval of the slide portion <NUM>, and a movement interval detection portion <NUM> capable of detecting a movement interval of the slide guide <NUM>.

The slide guide <NUM> may be formed as a slide rail that extends in a first direction Y. As an example, the slide guide <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the upper portion of the base portion <NUM>, more specifically, to an upper portion of the support frame <NUM>. The slide portion <NUM> may be fixed to one end portion of the frame support portion <NUM> to guide a movement of the frame support portion <NUM> in the first direction Y. As an example, the slide portion <NUM> may be arranged to be inserted into the slide guide <NUM>, and thus, the slide portion <NUM> may move along a route of the slide guide <NUM>. As an example, the weight-measuring portion <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the upper portion of the slide portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The movement interval adjustment portion <NUM> is an adjustment member that adjusts a movement interval at which the slide portion <NUM> may move from the slide guide <NUM>, according to a travel mode. As an example, the movement interval adjustment portion <NUM> may include a first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and a second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>, which are provided in a rod shape and arranged at opposite lateral sides. The first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> according to an example may be arranged so as to be inserted into a slide rail formed in the slide guide <NUM>. At this time, the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> may move along the slide rail (not shown) according to a pre-selected travel mode and restrain a movement interval at which the slide portion <NUM> may move in a first direction. In addition, when the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> are spaced apart by a preset movement interval, positions of the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> may be fixed onto the slide guide <NUM> by using a releasable fixing device (not shown).

The movement interval detection portion <NUM> may detect and track a movement interval that is generated by the movement of the slide portion <NUM> along the slide guide <NUM>. As an example, the movement interval detection portion <NUM> may be a time-of-flight camera (ToF camera), which is a type of depth camera. For example, when the movement interval detection portion <NUM> is implemented as a ToF camera, the movement interval detection portion <NUM> may include a light source <NUM> and a sensor unit <NUM>, wherein the light source <NUM> radiates certain light, and the sensor unit <NUM> detects reflected light, which is light that has been irradiated from the light source <NUM> onto a portion of the slide portion <NUM> and reflected. In the above-described embodiment, the ToF camera is described as an example of the movement interval detection portion <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The movement interval detection portion <NUM> according to an example may be implemented as an arbitrary detection device capable of detecting and tracking a movement interval of the slide portion <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>.

According to an example, the movement interval detection portion <NUM> may be arranged to be fixed to the base portion <NUM> or a device fixed to the base portion <NUM>, for example, the movement interval adjustment portion <NUM>. At this time, the movement interval adjustment portion <NUM> may be arranged so as to be detachable from the base portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the movement interval detection portion <NUM> may detect a movement range and left-and-right movement direction of the slide portion <NUM>, more specifically, the frame support portion <NUM>, with respect to the base portion <NUM>. A steering direction of the movement interval detection portion <NUM> may be detected according to a movement direction of the slide portion <NUM> detected by the movement interval detection portion <NUM>, and a degree of steering may be detected according to a movement range of the slide portion <NUM> detected by the movement interval detection portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the steering and movement of the bicycle <NUM> may be performed by rotating and moving the front wheel <NUM> by manipulating the handle bar by the rider R. At this time, the rider R must rotate the handle bar of bicycle <NUM> or maintain a position of the handle bar by using upper body muscles, in order to change or maintain the steering and movement range of the bicycle <NUM>. At this time, the type of the rider R may be various, such as children, the prime-aged, and the elderly, and the capability to change and maintain the steering and movement range of the bicycle <NUM> may vary according to the type of the rider R.

As described above, because the steering capability of the rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may vary, it is necessary to adjust the steering and movement range of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to the type of the rider R for the safety of the rider R.

<FIG> are schematic plan views of a bicycle simulator according to steering of a bicycle.

Referring to <FIG>, the rider R boarding a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure steers the bicycle <NUM> to rotate clockwise in the one axial direction X and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction Y, for example, the Z-axis, the front wheel <NUM> may first rotate clockwise before the rear wheel <NUM>. At this time, as shown in <FIG>, the rotation slide portion <NUM> provided at one end portion of the second support bar <NUM> may rotate in a clockwise direction around the Z-axis along the rotation slide guide <NUM>. At this time, the rotation restraint portion <NUM> may rotate along a plurality of long holes <NUM> provided in the second support bar <NUM>, and when the second support bar <NUM> rotates beyond a preset range, for example, beyond <NUM> degrees, the rotation restraint portion <NUM> may be supported at one end portion of the plurality of long holes to limit the rotation of the second support bar <NUM>. As the rotation slide portion <NUM> provided at one end portion of the second support bar <NUM> rotates about the Z-axis clockwise according to the rotation slide guide <NUM>, the frame support portion <NUM> supporting the bicycle frame <NUM> may also rotate about the Z-axis clockwise as shown in <FIG>. That is, the frame support portion <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the z-axis with respect to the slide portion <NUM> supported at the therebelow, and at this time, the frame support portion <NUM> may rotate at an preset angle, for example, at an angle of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less, by the rotation restraint portion <NUM>. As described above, the frame support portion <NUM> supporting the bicycle frame <NUM> rotates to correspond to the rotation of the front wheel <NUM>, and thus, the stress due to the relative positional error that may be applied to the frame support portion <NUM> according to the rotation of the front wheel <NUM> may be reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, the rear wheel <NUM> may also rotate according to the rotation of the front wheel <NUM> and the frame support portion <NUM>. As the rear wheel <NUM> rotates, the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> may be arranged in a straight line, and a position of the bicycle <NUM> may move along the Y-axis as compared to <FIG>.

<FIG> are schematic plan views of a bicycle simulator according to each travel mode.

Referring to <FIG>, in a first travel mode, the slide portion <NUM> may move from <NUM> or more to <NUM> or less in the first direction Y. At this time, the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other by the above-described first interval M1, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, on the slide guide <NUM>. Therefore, the slide portion <NUM> may be restrained in its movement range by the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>, and the bicycle <NUM> supported by the slide portion <NUM> may be steered and move only within a first movement range T<NUM> corresponding to the first interval M<NUM> of the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in a second travel mode, the slide portion <NUM> may move more than <NUM> and <NUM> or less along the first direction Y. At this time, the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other by the above-described second interval M<NUM>, for example, more than <NUM> and <NUM> or less, on the slide guide <NUM>. Therefore, the slide portion <NUM> may be restrained in its movement range by the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>, and the bicycle <NUM> supported by the slide portion <NUM> may be steered and move only within a second movement range T<NUM> corresponding to the second interval M<NUM> of the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in a third travel mode, the slide portion <NUM> may move more than <NUM> in the first direction Y. At this time, the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other by the above-described third interval M<NUM>, for example, more than <NUM>, on the slide guide <NUM>. Therefore, the slide portion <NUM> may be restrained in its movement range by the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>, and the bicycle <NUM> supported by the slide portion <NUM> may be steered and move only within a third movement range T<NUM> corresponding to the third interval M<NUM> of the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first to third intervals M<NUM>-M<NUM> of the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM> may increase. Accordingly, the first to third movement ranges T<NUM>-T<NUM> in which the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> may move in the first direction Y on the upper surfaces of the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the rear wheel support portion <NUM> may also increase.

As described above, the steering and movement of the bicycle <NUM> may be performed by a manipulation of the rider R to rotate and move the front wheel <NUM>. At this time, when adjusting a movement range T of the bicycle <NUM> to adjust a separation interval M of the first movement interval adjustment device <NUM> and the second movement interval adjustment device <NUM>, the steering and movement range of the bicycle <NUM> may be restrained within the movement range T described above. At this time, the rider R may select any one of the first to third travel modes by using an input unit <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> may adjust the movement interval M of the slide portion <NUM> that may move in the slide guide <NUM> according to a travel mode input to the input unit <NUM>, to adjust the movement range T of the bicycle <NUM>.

As an example, when the rider R is a beginner unfamiliar with the bicycle <NUM> or an elderly person with weak muscle strength, the first travel mode may be selected, and accordingly, the bicycle <NUM> is steered and moves only within the first movement range T<NUM>. Thus, a bike ride that is safer may be enjoyed. On the other hand, when the rider R is a person of intermediate level or a youth group familiar with the bicycle <NUM>, the second travel mode may be selected, and accordingly, the bicycle <NUM> is steered and moves only within a second movement range T<NUM>. Thus, a bike ride that is more natural may be enjoyed. In addition, when the rider R is an advanced or professional player who is familiar with bicycle <NUM>, the third travel mode may be selected, and accordingly, the bicycle <NUM> is steered and move within a third movement range T<NUM>. Thus, a bike ride that is more thrilling may be enjoyed.

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

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a belt <NUM> for connecting the front wheel support portion <NUM> to the first rear roller <NUM> may be arranged between the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the first rear roller <NUM>, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this case, the belt <NUM> is arranged to be wound along the outer circumferential surfaces of the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the first rear roller <NUM> so as to transmit rotational force to the front wheel support portion <NUM> and the first rear roller <NUM>.

As an example, when the rider R rotates the rear wheel <NUM> of the mounted bicycle <NUM>, the first rear roller <NUM> may also rotate by the rotational force of the rear wheel <NUM>. At this time, the rotational force of the first rear roller <NUM> may be transmitted to the front wheel support portion <NUM> through the belt <NUM>. Thus, the rotational speed of the front wheel support portion <NUM> is formed equal to that of the first rear roller <NUM>, thereby 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, the front wheel support portion <NUM>, the first rear roller <NUM>, and the second rear roller <NUM> may each rotate about the base portion <NUM> without a separate rotation axis, by respectively using bearing portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each arranged along the outer circumferential surfaces of the front wheel support portion <NUM>, the first rear roller <NUM>, and the second rear roller <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A bicycle simulator comprising:
a frame support portion (<NUM>) for supporting a bicycle frame, the bicycle frame connecting front and rear wheels of the bicycle; and
a base portion (<NUM>) supporting the frame support portion,
wherein the frame support portion (<NUM>) comprises:
a first support bar (<NUM>) having one end portion thereof fixed to the bicycle frame;
a second support bar (<NUM>) having one end portion thereof fixed to the base portion (<NUM>) and comprising a plurality of holes (<NUM>);
a connection portion (<NUM>) for connecting the other end portion of the second support bar (<NUM>) and the other end portion of the first support bar (<NUM>) and connecting the first support bar (<NUM>) to be rotatable about one axis with respect to the second support bar (<NUM>); and
a rotation controller (<NUM>) having one end fixed to one end of the first support bar (<NUM>) and other end fixed to the base portion (<NUM>) and limiting a rotation angle of the first support bar (<NUM>) with respect to the second support bar (<NUM>) and restoring a position of the rotated first support bar (<NUM>),
characterized by a rotation slide portion (<NUM>) disposed on one end of the second support bar (<NUM>);
a rotation slide guide (<NUM>) engaged with the rotation slide portion (<NUM>) provided at one end portion of the second support bar (<NUM>) to guide a rotation of the second support bar (<NUM>); and
a rotation restraint portion (<NUM>) inserted into each of the plurality of holes (<NUM>), limiting the rotation of the second support bar (<NUM>) about an axis normal to the base portion (<NUM>).