Patent Description:
In general, bicycle exercise equipment called a bicycle trainer or a bicycle roller is the most widely used indoor exercise equipment along with a treadmill and increases lower body strength in a manner in which a rider riding a bicycle mounted on a rotating roller or a cradle uses pedals to rotate wheels to which rotational resistance force (magnetic force, etc.) is applied.

Such conventional bicycle exercise equipment may provide a fairly high exercise effect to the rider even with a relatively short time of exercise, through adjustment of the rotational resistance force applied to the wheels regardless of the weather.

However, because conventional bicycle exercise equipment only continues a pedaling exercise in which rotational resistance force is applied while facing a wall, etc. in an enclosed indoor space, the rider may not have pleasure of actual riding a bicycle at all. Thus, due to the boredom or loss of interest, there has been a problem in which it is difficult for the rider to sustain a continuous pedaling exercise.

CO2019003436A1 discloses a platform suitable for simulating road cycling, and which provides appropriate inclines or declines to achieve a realistic simulation.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus to which bicycles may be attached for indoor training, which includes a pair of turntables rotatably mounted to a frame, each turntable being engaged by a respective tire of a bicycle mounted thereon.

The disclosure is to provide a bicycle simulator in which a dynamic experience extremely similar to an actual riding situation may be achieved by realizing a flat riding state using a treadmill and various driving modes for implementing left and right steering, acceleration, and deceleration of bicycle riding.

A bicycle simulator according to the invention includes a base portion having a frame shape; a frame support portion supported by the base portion and supporting a bicycle frame connecting a front wheel of a mounted bicycle to a rear wheel of the mounted bicycle; a first treadmill extending in a running direction of the bicycle, supporting the front wheel of the bicycle, and rotating according to rotation of the front wheel; and a second treadmill extending in the running direction of the bicycle, supporting the rear wheel of the bicycle, and rotating according to rotation of the rear wheel, wherein the frame support portion is disposed between the first treadmill and the second treadmill.

The bicycle simulator according to the invention further includes a first slide guide fixed to the base portion and extending in the running direction of the bicycle; and a first slide portion supporting the frame support portion and connected to the first slide guide to be slidable in the running direction of the bicycle in the first slide guide.

The first treadmill may include a plurality of first roller portions disposed to be apart from each other with a certain interval therebetween in the running direction of the bicycle; and a first belt disposed to surround outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of first roller portions.

The bicycle simulator may further include a plurality of first lifting portions disposed on each of the plurality of first roller portions, wherein the plurality of first lifting portions may be disposed at both ends of the first roller portion and move the first roller portion up and down in a vertical direction perpendicular to the running direction of the bicycle.

The second treadmill may include a plurality of second roller portions disposed to be apart from each other with a certain interval therebetween in the running direction of the bicycle; and a second belt disposed to surround outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of second roller portions.

The bicycle simulator may further include a plurality of second lifting portions disposed on each of the plurality of second roller portions, wherein the plurality of second lifting portions may be disposed at both ends of the second roller portion and move the second roller portion up and down in a vertical direction perpendicular to the running direction of the bicycle.

The bicycle simulator may further include a display device that visually provides a certain riding environment to a rider on the bicycle; and a controller that controls driving of the plurality of first lifting portions and the plurality of second lifting portions, wherein the controller may raise or lower each of the plurality of first roller portions and the plurality of second roller portions to match a riding environment provided in real time through the display device.

The bicycle simulator may further include an elastic member having one end supported by the base portion and the other end supported by the first slide portion, wherein the elastic member may be tensioned as the bicycle moves forward in the running direction of the bicycle.

The bicycle simulator may further include a damper member having one end supported by the base portion and the other end supported by the first slide portion, wherein the damper member may decelerate a moving speed of the bicycle when the bicycle moves backward in the running direction of the bicycle by an elastic force of the elastic member.

The bicycle simulator may further include a second slide guide supported by the base portion and extending in a left-right direction perpendicular to the running direction of the bicycle; and a second slide portion fixed to the frame support portion and connected to be movable in the left-right direction in the second slide guide.

A frame support module according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure includes a frame base including a frame and a side support portion disposed on a side surface of the frame; a support bar extending in one direction and supported by the frame base; and a support clamp disposed at one end of the support bar and supporting a bicycle frame connecting a front wheel of a mounted bicycle to a rear wheel of the mounted bicycle.

The frame support module of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may further include a third slide guide disposed on both side portions of the frame base and extending in a running direction of the bicycle; and a third slide portion supported by the support bar and connected to be movable along the third slide guide.

The frame support module of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may further include a fourth slide guide supported by the frame base and extending in a left-right direction perpendicular to a running direction of the bicycle; and a fourth slide portion fixed to one end of the support bar and connected to be movable along the fourth slide guide.

The frame support module of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may further include an elastic member having one end supported by the frame base and the other end supported by the third slide portion, wherein the elastic member may be tensioned as the bicycle moves forward in the running direction of the bicycle.

The frame support module of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may further include a damper member having one end supported by the frame base and the other end supported by the third slide portion, wherein the damper member may decelerate a moving speed of the bicycle when the bicycle moves backward in the running direction of the bicycle by an elastic force of the elastic member.

A bicycle simulator according to another exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure includes a base portion having a frame shape; a frame support portion module detachably supported by the base portion; and a third treadmill extending in a running direction of a bicycle, supporting a front wheel of the bicycle and a rear wheel of the bicycle, and rotating according to rotation of the front wheel and the rear wheel, wherein the frame support module includes a frame base having a frame and a side support portion disposed on a side surface of the frame; a support bar extending in one direction and supported by the frame base; and a support clamp disposed at one end of the support bar and supporting a bicycle frame connecting a front wheel of a mounted bicycle to a rear wheel of the mounted bicycle.

The third treadmill of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of third roller portions disposed to be apart from each other with a certain interval therebetween in the running direction of the bicycle; and a third belt disposed to surround outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of third roller portions, wherein the frame support module may be disposed on the third belt.

The bicycle simulator of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may further include a plurality of third lifting portions disposed on each of the plurality of third roller portions, wherein the plurality of third lifting portions may be disposed at both ends of the third roller portion and move the third roller portion up and down in a vertical direction perpendicular to the running direction of the bicycle.

The bicycle simulator of such exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may further include a display device that visually provides a certain riding environment to a rider on the bicycle; and a controller that controls driving of the plurality of third lifting portions, wherein the controller may raise or lower each of the plurality of third roller portions to match a riding environment provided in real time through the display device.

According to the disclosure, by disposing a treadmill supporting the front and rear wheels of a mounted bicycle, the same state as when the bicycle runs in a substantially flat state may be realized.

In addition, by changing a steering direction and relative position of the mounted bicycle according to the left and right steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the mounted bicycle, a dynamic experience extremely similar to an actual riding situation may be achieved.

In addition, because a bicycle support is detachably disposed on the treadmill, a bicycle simulator may be provided by using an existing treadmill.

The disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the following embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, and thus their description will be omitted.

Because the embodiments may have various modifications, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and characteristics of the disclosure, and methods of accomplishing them will be apparent by referring to embodiments described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

While such terms as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, such elements must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used to distinguish one element 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 terms upper, lower, left and right (lateral), front (anterior), and rear (ventral or posterior), which indicate directions, are determined based on the relative positions between the drawings and the configurations for the convenience of explanation, not for the purpose of limitation of rights. Each direction described below is based thereon, unless otherwise specifically limited.

It will be understood that the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", and/or "including" as used herein specify the presence of stated features or elements but do not preclude the addition of one or more other features or elements.

Sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation. In other words, because 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 disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle simulator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle simulator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a frame support portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view of a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a frame support portion according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a frame support portion according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

In a bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a rider R on a bicycle <NUM> may virtually experience various conditions of a road surface having an inclined portion, thereby allowing the rider R to enjoy dynamic and realistic riding. In addition, by providing various driving modes in which a steering range may be adjusted according to the type of the rider R, maximization of an exercise effect according to the type of the rider R may be made naturally.

The bicycle <NUM> stated above may be not only specially produced for the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, but also may include all bicycles commercially available from various manufacturers. The bicycle <NUM> may include a bicycle frame <NUM> constituting a body of the bicycle <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM> and a rear wheel <NUM> each rotatably mounted on the bicycle frame <NUM>, and a drive system (a crank, a chain, a transmission, etc.) that converts the pedaling of the rider R into a rotational force of the rear wheel <NUM>.

The bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a base portion <NUM>, a first treadmill <NUM>, a second treadmill <NUM>, and a frame support portion <NUM> in order to implement functions or actions as described above.

Hereinafter, each element described above will be described in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure is a support member fixed to the ground to support the bicycle <NUM>. As an example, the base portion <NUM> may be provided to have a frame shape on which the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM> to be described below may be seated, for example, a rectangular frame shape extending in one direction. As an example, the base portion <NUM> may further include an elastic member support portion <NUM> and a damper support portion <NUM> each extending between side portions <NUM> extending in a running direction (i.e., an X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and an arbitrary support member on which the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM> may be seated may be provided.

A leg support portion <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the base portion <NUM> to support the legs of the rider R. As an example, before the rider R starts to ride, when the rider R is stationary while getting on the bicycle <NUM>, the rider R may have a hard time finding the center of gravity. In this case, the leg support portion <NUM> that may support the legs of the rider R may be disposed on both sides of the base portion <NUM> so that the rider R may find the center. For example, although the leg support portion <NUM> may be provided to have an inclined surface to support the legs of the rider R, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first treadmill <NUM> is a support member that supports the front wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> and rotates according to the rotation of the front wheel <NUM>. As an example, the first treadmill <NUM> may include a plurality of first roller portions <NUM> arranged to be apart from each other with a certain interval therebetween in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>, a first belt <NUM> disposed to surround the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> and rotating in an endless track, and a plate-shaped deck (not shown) disposed between the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> and capable of supporting the load of the front wheel <NUM>. Both ends of each of the first roller portions <NUM> may rotate by forming an axial coupling to the base portion <NUM>, and may move in a direction (i.e., a Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>. The vertical movement of the first roller portion <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM> is described below with reference to <FIG>.

The second treadmill <NUM> is a support member that supports the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM> and rotates according to the rotation of the rear wheel <NUM>. As an example, the second treadmill <NUM> may include a plurality of second roller portions <NUM> arranged to be apart from each other with a certain interval therebetween in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>, a second belt <NUM> disposed to surround the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of second roller portions <NUM> and rotating in an endless track, and a plate-shaped deck (not shown) disposed between the plurality of second roller portions <NUM> and capable of supporting the load of the rear wheel <NUM>. Both ends of each of the second roller portions <NUM> may rotate by forming an axial coupling to the base portion <NUM>, and may move in the direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>. The vertical movement of the second roller portion <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM> is described below with reference to <FIG>.

As the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM> as described above include the first belt <NUM> supported by the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> and the second belt <NUM> supported by the plurality of second roller portions <NUM>, respectively, a support point M (see <FIG>) of the front wheel <NUM> and a support point N (see <FIG>) of the rear wheel <NUM> may be disposed on the same plane. On the other hand, the front wheel and the rear wheel of a bicycle mounted in a conventional bicycle simulator may be supported using a front wheel roller and a rear wheel roller, and accordingly, a supporting point of the front wheel and a supporting point of the rear wheel may not be the same. Accordingly, an inclined portion having a certain angle may be formed between the supporting point of the front wheel and the supporting point of the rear wheel. Accordingly, the rider R using a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may experience the same riding state as riding on a substantially flat ground and prevent loss of kinetic energy due to unnecessary frictional force.

A driving force transmission belt <NUM> may be disposed between the first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM> to transmit a driving force between the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>. As an example, the driving force transmission belt <NUM> may be formed to extend in one direction, and may be disposed between both ends of a first roller portion <NUM> and a second roller portion <NUM> disposed most adjacently among the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> and the plurality of second roller portions <NUM>, for example, between both ends of a first roller portion <NUM> disposed rearmost and a second roller portion <NUM> disposed frontmost, to transmit rotational force.

As an example, when the rider R rotates the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM>, the second treadmill <NUM> may also rotate by a rotational force of the rear wheel <NUM>. In this case, a rotational force of the second treadmill <NUM> may be transmitted to the first treadmill <NUM> through the driving force transmission belt <NUM>. Accordingly, the rotation speed of the first treadmill <NUM> and the rotation speed of the second treadmill <NUM> may be equal to each other, and thus, a stable riding experience may be provided to the rider R.

Also, as an example, the driving force transmission belt <NUM> may be disposed on the outer side of the base portion <NUM>, more specifically, the side portion <NUM>, for the convenience of replacement and maintenance. In this case, the first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM> may rotate with respect to the base portion <NUM> without a separate rotation shaft by using a bearing portion (not shown) arranged along the outer circumferential surfaces of the first roller portion <NUM> and the second roller portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the frame support portion <NUM> according to an embodiment is a support member for stably fixing the position of the bicycle <NUM> by supporting the bicycle frame <NUM>. As an example, the frame support portion <NUM> may include a support bar <NUM> and a support clamp <NUM>.

The support bar <NUM> is a support member in the shape of a straight rod extending in one direction. As an example, one end of the support bar <NUM> may be disposed to be fixed to a second slide portion <NUM>, which is described below, and may move in a left-right direction (i.e., a Y-axis direction) together with the second slide portion <NUM>. In addition, the support clamp <NUM> may be disposed at the other end of the support bar <NUM> to support the bicycle frame <NUM>. As an example, the support clamp <NUM> may be formed to fix a part of the bicycle frame <NUM>, for example, at least one of a down tube and a top tube of the bicycle frame <NUM>, and thus, the bicycle <NUM> may be supported by the bicycle simulator <NUM>.

The frame support portion <NUM> according to an embodiment may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> or the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>, and accordingly, the bicycle <NUM> supported by the frame support portion <NUM> may also move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> or the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>. Accordingly, when the bicycle <NUM> supported by the frame support portion <NUM> moves in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>, the rider R may experience acceleration and deceleration driving conditions. In addition, when the bicycle <NUM> supported by the frame support portion <NUM> moves in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>, the rider R may experience a rotational driving state according to the steering of the bicycle <NUM>.

The bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an example may further include a first slide guide <NUM> disposed on both sides of the base portion <NUM> and extending in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>, and a first slide portion <NUM> supporting the frame support portion <NUM> and connected to be slidable along the first slide guide <NUM>.

As an example, the first slide guide <NUM> may be disposed on inner surfaces of both side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In this case, the first slide guide <NUM> may extend in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>.

The first slide portion <NUM> is a slide member inserted into the first slide guide <NUM> to move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>. The frame support portion <NUM> is supported by the first slide portion <NUM>, and accordingly, the frame support portion <NUM> may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> together with the first slide portion <NUM>.

For example, the first slide portion <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> having a rectangular shape and a protrusion <NUM> that is disposed on both sides of the frame <NUM> and may be inserted into the first slide portion <NUM>. In this case, the frame support portion <NUM> is supported by the first slide portion <NUM> by using a second slide guide <NUM> that is described below.

The bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an example may further include the second slide guide <NUM> supported by the base portion <NUM> for movement in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the frame support portion <NUM> and extending in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>, and a second slide portion <NUM> fixed to the frame support portion <NUM> and connected to be slidable along the second slide guide <NUM>.

As an example, the second slide guide <NUM> may be disposed to be fixed inside the frame <NUM> included in the first slide portion <NUM>. In this case, the second slide guide <NUM> may extend in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-direction).

The second slide portion <NUM> is a slide member inserted into the second slide guide <NUM> to move in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-direction). As an example, the second slide portion <NUM> may be fixed to one end of the frame support portion <NUM>, and accordingly, the frame support portion <NUM> may move in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-direction) together with the second slide portion <NUM>.

A movement interval detector <NUM> may detect and track a movement interval generated as the second slide portion <NUM> moves along the second slide guide <NUM>. As an example, the movement interval detector <NUM> may be a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera, which is a type of depth camera. For example, when the movement interval detector <NUM> is implemented as a ToF camera, the movement interval detector <NUM> may include a light source <NUM> irradiating certain light, and a sensor portion <NUM> that detects reflected light returned when the light irradiated from the light source <NUM> is reflected by a part of the second slide portion <NUM>. In the embodiment described above, a ToF camera is disclosed as an example of the movement interval detector <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The movement interval detector <NUM> according to an example may be implemented as an arbitrary sensing device capable of detecting and tracking the movement interval of the second slide portion <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>.

According to an example, the movement interval detector <NUM> may detect a left-right movement range and a left-right movement direction of the second slide portion <NUM>, more specifically, the frame support portion <NUM>, with respect to the base portion <NUM>. A steering direction of the movement interval detector <NUM> may be detected according to a movement direction of the second slide portion <NUM> detected by the movement interval detector <NUM>, and a steering degree may be detected according to a movement range of the second slide portion <NUM> detected by the movement interval detector <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to another embodiment may further include a base frame <NUM> disposed to be fixed to both side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. According to an example, the first slide guide <NUM> may be disposed in the base frame <NUM>. For example, the first slide guide <NUM> may be disposed on inner surfaces of both side portions <NUM> of the base frame <NUM>. In this case, the first slide guide <NUM> may extend in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>. In this case, the bicycle simulator <NUM> may further include a first slide portion <NUM> supported by the frame support portion <NUM> and connected to be slidable along the first slide guide <NUM>.

For example, the first slide portion <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> having a rectangular shape and a protrusion <NUM> that is disposed on both sides of the frame <NUM> and may be inserted into the first slide portion <NUM>. In this case, the frame support portion <NUM> may be supported by the first slide portion <NUM> by using a second slide guide <NUM> that is described below. Detailed descriptions of the second slide guide <NUM>, the second slide portion <NUM>, and the movement interval detector <NUM> are substantially the same as those of the configurations shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted. By disposing the separate base frame <NUM> on an upper part of the base portion <NUM> as described above, the first slide guide <NUM> may extend in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> without interfering with the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>. Accordingly, the first slide portion <NUM> moving along the first slide guide <NUM> may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> in a wider driving range without interfering with the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to another embodiment, a first slide guide <NUM> may be disposed on both side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. For example, the first slide guide <NUM> may be disposed on inner surfaces of both side portions <NUM> of the base frame <NUM>. In this case, the first slide guide <NUM> may extend in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>. In this case, the bicycle simulator <NUM> may further include a first slide portion <NUM> supporting the frame support portion <NUM> and connected to the first slide guide <NUM> to be slidable along the first slide guide <NUM>.

For example, the first slide portion <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> having a rectangular shape and a protrusion <NUM> that is disposed on both sides of the frame <NUM> and may be inserted into the first slide portion <NUM>. In this case, the frame support portion <NUM> is supported by the first slide portion <NUM> by using a second slide guide <NUM> that is described below. Detailed descriptions of the second slide guide <NUM>, the second slide portion <NUM>, and the movement interval detector <NUM> are substantially the same as those of the configurations shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted. As described above, as the first slide guide <NUM> is disposed on the inner surfaces of both side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>, the first slide guide <NUM> may extend in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> without interfering with the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>. Accordingly, the first slide portion <NUM> moving along the first slide guide <NUM> may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> in a wider driving range without interfering with the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> is a component that visually transmits a riding environment or operating system program for the course of a bicycle competition to the rider R. As shown in <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may be a curved display device sized to cover all the front viewing angles of the rider R or a goggle-type display device (not shown) worn by the rider R. As an example, when the display device <NUM> realistically displays a certain riding environment, the rider R may variously adjust the inclination angle of the bicycle <NUM> based on road surface condition information corresponding to a riding environment provided in real time.

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

<FIG> and <FIG> are plan views of a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As described above, the bicycle <NUM> supported by the frame support portion <NUM> may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> by using the first slide portion <NUM>. As an example, when the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM> respectively supporting the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle operate in a non-motorized manner without including a separate driving portion, the first slide portion <NUM> supported by the bicycle <NUM> may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> as the speed of the bicycle <NUM> is accelerated or decelerated. As an example, when a sudden change in the speed of the bicycle <NUM> occurs, a risk may be posed to the safety of the rider R, and thus, a buffer member capable of preventing the sudden movement of the first slide portion <NUM> may be required.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to an example may further include an elastic member <NUM> having one end supported by the elastic member support portion <NUM> extending between the side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> and the other end supported by the first slide portion <NUM>, and a damper member <NUM> having one end supported by the damper support portion <NUM> extending between the side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> and the other end supported by the first slide portion <NUM>.

As an example, the elastic member <NUM> may apply an elastic force to the first slide portion <NUM> in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>. For example, one or more elastic members <NUM> may be provided. For example, the elastic member <NUM> may include a first elastic member <NUM> and a second elastic member <NUM>, which are disposed to be symmetrical in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). According to an example, as shown in <FIG>, when the first slide portion <NUM> advances by the acceleration of the bicycle <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> may be tensioned. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, when the bicycle <NUM> is decelerated, the tensioned elastic member <NUM> may apply an elastic force to the first slide portion <NUM>, and accordingly, the first slide portion <NUM> may automatically return to an original position in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>. Accordingly, when two or more riders R use the bicycle simulator <NUM> at the same time, the positions of the two or more riders R may be differently arranged in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> according to the acceleration and deceleration of the bicycle <NUM>. Accordingly, a riding experience similar to that of leading and trailing outdoor riding may be experienced.

As an example, the damper member <NUM> is a shock absorber for preventing the first slide portion <NUM> from rapidly moving according to the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the bicycle <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the first slide portion <NUM> is advanced by the acceleration of the bicycle <NUM>, the damper member <NUM> may apply a buffering force in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first slide portion <NUM>. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, when an elastic force is applied by the elastic member <NUM> to move the first slide portion <NUM> backward, the damper member <NUM> may apply a buffering force in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first slide portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the rider R may more safely move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> regardless of the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the bicycle <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to another example may further include an elastic member <NUM> having one end supported by a rear end <NUM> extending between the side portions <NUM> of the base frame <NUM> and the other end supported by the first slide portion <NUM>, and a damper member <NUM> having one end supported by a front end <NUM> extending between the side portions <NUM> of the base frame <NUM> and the other end supported by the first slide portion <NUM>. Detailed descriptions of the elastic member <NUM> and the damper member <NUM> are substantially the same as those of the configurations shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bicycle simulator <NUM> according to another example may further include an elastic member <NUM> and a damper member <NUM>, which are inserted into a receiving groove <NUM> formed in the inner surfaces of both side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. One end of the elastic member <NUM> according to an example may be supported by one end of the receiving groove <NUM>, and the other end of the elastic member <NUM> may be supported by the first slide portion <NUM>. In addition, one end of the damper member <NUM> may be supported by the other end of the receiving groove <NUM>, and the other end of the damper member <NUM> may be supported by the first slide portion <NUM>. Detailed descriptions of the elastic member <NUM> and the damper member <NUM> are substantially the same as those of the configurations shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The receiving groove <NUM> according to an example may be located above the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, the elastic member <NUM> and the damper member <NUM> accommodated in the receiving groove <NUM> may not interfere with the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>. Accordingly, the first slide portion <NUM> may not interfere with the first treadmill <NUM> and the second treadmill <NUM>, and may move in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> in a wider driving range.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a first roller portion according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a first roller portion according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a first roller portion <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a tube <NUM> having a cylindrical structure, a support shaft <NUM> extending through the tube <NUM>, a support cap <NUM> for supporting the support shaft <NUM>, and a bearing <NUM> for supporting the tube <NUM>.

As an example, the tube <NUM> may rotate about the support shaft <NUM> by using the bearing <NUM>. In addition, both ends of the support shaft <NUM> may be disposed to protrude from the support cap <NUM>. In this case, a plurality of insertion holes <NUM> extending in a vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) that is an up-down direction may be disposed in both side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. As an example, both ends of the support shaft <NUM> may be disposed to be inserted into the insertion hole <NUM> provided in the side portions <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. In this case, the insertion hole <NUM> may serve as a guide when the support shaft <NUM> moves in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). Accordingly, the support shaft <NUM> may move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) in an extension direction of the insertion hole <NUM>, and the tube <NUM> supported by the support shaft <NUM> may also move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and accordingly, the first roller portion <NUM> may move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>.

A second roller portion <NUM> according to an embodiment may also include a tube <NUM> having a cylindrical structure, a support shaft <NUM> extending through the tube <NUM>, a support cap <NUM> for supporting the support shaft <NUM>, and a bearing <NUM> for rotatably supporting the tube <NUM>. The support shaft <NUM> included in the second roller portion <NUM> may be disposed in the insertion hole <NUM> and move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and accordingly, the second roller portion <NUM> may also move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>. The technical features related thereto are substantially the same as the vertical movement of the first roller portion <NUM> and thus are omitted here for convenience of description.

As described above, each of the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> and each of the plurality of second roller portions <NUM> may move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>. As each of the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> and each of the plurality of second roller portions <NUM> move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with respect to the base portion <NUM>, the rider R on the bicycle <NUM> may experience the same riding condition as riding on a riding path having irregularities such as a mountain road, a downhill riding path, or an uphill riding path.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a first lifting portion according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a display device on which a driving scene having an inclined portion is displayed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first lifting portion <NUM> may include a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> having a hollow shape, a piston <NUM>, an elastic body <NUM>, and a fluid <NUM>. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be connected to be in fluid communication with a driver <NUM> controlled by the controller <NUM>, for example, a hydraulic pump, and thus, the pressure of the fluid <NUM> transmitted from the hydraulic pump may be transmitted to one end of the piston <NUM>. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may guide the reciprocating motion of the piston <NUM> while maintaining a closed state with the other end of the piston <NUM>. In this case, one end of the support shaft <NUM> included in the first roller portion <NUM> may be connected to one end of the piston <NUM> to be fixed thereto. Accordingly, as the piston <NUM> moves in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), the support shaft <NUM> may also move in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). Also, in this case, between the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and the piston <NUM>, at least one elastic body <NUM> for elastically supporting the piston <NUM> inward with respect to the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> may be provided. The elastic body <NUM> may return the piston <NUM> to its original position downward when the operation of the driver <NUM> is stopped so as not to provide the fluid <NUM> into the hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

As described above, by using the driver <NUM> controlled by the controller <NUM>, the piston <NUM> provided in the first lifting portion <NUM> may rise or fall in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and the support shaft <NUM> connected to be fixed to the piston <NUM> may also rise or fall in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). That the support shaft <NUM> provided in the second roller portion <NUM> is raised or lowered in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) by the second lifting portion <NUM> is the same as that the support shaft <NUM> provided in the first roller portion <NUM> is raised or lowered in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) by the first lifting portion <NUM>, and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may display the appearance of the rider R riding uphill and downhill paths. As an example, such a riding path may be implemented as a mountain riding path. In this case, after the controller <NUM> recognizes a riding road state implemented in the display device <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may operate the driver <NUM> to respond to a riding situation. As an example, the piston <NUM> provided in the first lifting portion <NUM> may rise in the Z-axis direction by the operation of the driver <NUM>. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, the support shaft <NUM> supported by the piston <NUM> may also rise in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and thus, one or more of a plurality of first roller portions <NUM>, for example, a first-second roller portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a first-third roller portion <NUM>-<NUM>, may rise in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). In this case, the rider R may move forward in the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> by riding at an increased speed. Accordingly, the bicycle <NUM> in which the front wheel <NUM> is supported by the first-second roller portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the first-third roller portion <NUM>-<NUM> may also rise in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction), and thus, the rider R may enjoy indoors a dynamic experience such as actually riding uphill.

Raising and lowering each of the plurality of second roller portions <NUM> in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) by using the second lifting portion <NUM> is substantially the same as raising and lowering each of the plurality of first roller portions <NUM> in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) by using the first lifting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, as the rear wheel <NUM> supported by the plurality of second rollers <NUM> also rises and falls, the rider R may enjoy indoors a dynamic experience such as riding uphill or downhill.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a bicycle simulator according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic block diagram of a bicycle simulator according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle simulator according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a frame support portion according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure.

A bicycle simulator <NUM>' according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure may include a base portion <NUM>, a frame support portion module <NUM>, a third treadmill <NUM>, and a third lifting portion <NUM>. For convenience of description, a description of a configuration substantially the same as the configuration in the embodiment described above will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure is a support member fixed to the ground to support a bicycle <NUM>. As an example, the base portion <NUM> may be provided to have a frame shape on which the third treadmill <NUM> to be described below may be seated, for example, a rectangular frame shape extending in one direction. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and an arbitrary support member on which the third treadmill <NUM> may be seated may be provided.

The third treadmill <NUM> is a support member that supports a front wheel <NUM> and a rear wheel <NUM> of the bicycle <NUM> mounted on the bicycle simulator <NUM>' and rotates according to the rotations of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>. As an example, the third treadmill <NUM> may include a plurality of third roller portions <NUM> arranged to be apart from each other with a certain interval therebetween in a running direction (i.e., an X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM>, a third belt <NUM> disposed to surround the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of third roller portions <NUM> and rotating in an endless track, and a plate-shaped deck (not shown) disposed between the plurality of third roller portions <NUM> and capable of supporting the loads of the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM>. Both ends of each of the third roller portions <NUM> may rotate by forming an axial coupling to the base portion <NUM>, and may move in a direction (i.e., a Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the running direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the bicycle <NUM> with respect to the base portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the frame support portion module <NUM> according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment is a support member for stably fixing the position of the bicycle <NUM> by supporting a bicycle frame <NUM>. As an example, the frame support portion module <NUM> may include a support bar <NUM>, a frame base <NUM>, and a support clamp <NUM>.

The support bar <NUM> is a support member in the shape of a straight rod extending in one direction. As an example, one end of the support bar <NUM> may be disposed to be fixed to a fourth slide portion <NUM>, which is described below, and may move in a left-right direction (i.e., a Y-axis direction) together with the fourth slide portion <NUM>. In addition, the support clamp <NUM> may be disposed at the other end of the support bar <NUM> to support the bicycle frame <NUM>.

The frame base <NUM> is detachably disposed on the base portion <NUM> and is a frame member capable of supporting the support bar <NUM>. As an example, the frame base <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> on which a third slide guide <NUM> and a fourth slide guide <NUM> to be described below may be seated, for example, a rectangular frame shape extending in one direction. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and an arbitrary support member on which the third slide guide <NUM> and the fourth slide guide <NUM> may be seated may be provided. In addition, the frame base <NUM> may include a side support portion <NUM> that is detachably supported by the base portion <NUM>. The side support portion <NUM> may be disposed on a side surface of the frame <NUM> and may extend in a vertical direction (i.e., a Z-axis direction) that is an up-down direction. The side support portion <NUM> may be detachably supported from a side portion <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>, and in this case, the frame <NUM> may be disposed on the third treadmill <NUM>.

The frame support portion module <NUM> according to an example may further include a third slide guide <NUM> disposed on both sides of the frame base <NUM> and extending in the running direction (i.e., the X direction) of the bicycle <NUM>, and a third slide portion <NUM> by which the support bar <NUM> is supported, the third slide portion <NUM> being connected to the third slide guide <NUM> to be slidable along the third slide guide <NUM>.

The frame support portion module <NUM> according to an example may further include a fourth slide guide <NUM> supported by the frame base <NUM> for movement in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the support bar <NUM> and extending in the left-right direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction), and a fourth slide portion <NUM> fixed to one end of the support bar <NUM> and connected to be slidable along the fourth slide guide <NUM>.

The frame support portion module <NUM> according to an example may further include a movement interval detector <NUM> capable of detecting and tracking a movement interval generated as the fourth slide portion <NUM> moves along the fourth slide guide <NUM>.

The frame support portion module <NUM> according to an example may further include an elastic member <NUM> having one end supported by the frame base <NUM> and the other end supported by the third slide portion <NUM>, and a damper member <NUM> having one end supported by the frame base <NUM> and the other end supported by the third slide portion <NUM>.

The third slide guide <NUM>, the third slide portion <NUM>, the fourth slide guide <NUM>, the fourth slide portion <NUM>, the movement interval detector <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM>, and the damper member <NUM>, described above, are substantially the same as the first slide guide <NUM>, the first slide portion <NUM>, the second slide guide <NUM>, the second slide portion <NUM>, the movement interval detector <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM>, and the damper member <NUM>, and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the frame support portion module <NUM> according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment is supported so as to be replaceable on the base portion <NUM> including th third treadmill <NUM>, and thus may be disposed to be compatible not only with a treadmill integrally implemented with the frame support module <NUM> but also with treadmills of different models, thereby improving user convenience.

<FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a display device on which a driving scene having an inclined portion is displayed, according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view of a bicycle simulator according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a third lifting portion <NUM> according to an exemplary unclaimed embodiment is a driving device capable of raising or lowering, in a vertical direction (i. e a Z-axis direction) that is an up-down direction, a support shaft <NUM> included in a plurality of third roller portions <NUM>. Because the third lifting portion <NUM> is substantially the same as the first lifting portion <NUM> described above, descriptions thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

Claim 1:
A bicycle simulator comprising:
a base portion (<NUM>) having a frame shape;
a frame support portion (<NUM>) supported by the base portion and supporting a bicycle frame connecting a front wheel of a mounted bicycle to a rear wheel of the mounted bicycle;
a first treadmill (<NUM>) extending in a running direction of the bicycle, supporting the front wheel of the bicycle, and rotating according to rotation of the front wheel;
a second treadmill (<NUM>) extending in the running direction of the bicycle, supporting the rear wheel of the bicycle, and rotating according to rotation of the rear wheel;
characterized in that it further comprises:
a first slide guide (<NUM>) fixed to the base portion and extending in the running direction of the bicycle; and
a first slide portion (<NUM>) supporting the frame support portion (<NUM>) and connected to the first slide guide (<NUM>) to be slidable in the running direction of the bicycle in the first slide guide (<NUM>);
wherein the frame support portion (<NUM>) is disposed between the first treadmill (<NUM>) and the second treadmill (<NUM>).