U.S. patent application number 11/779339 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for balanced magnetic brake assembly for exercise cycling apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELITE S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Almerigo Sartore.
Application Number | 20090029832 11/779339 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40275093 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090029832 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sartore; Almerigo |
January 29, 2009 |
Balanced magnetic brake assembly for exercise cycling apparatus
Abstract
A brake assembly for exercise cycling apparatus comprises rotor
means (2) with at least one pair of magnetic elements (4, 4')
adapted to be rotated about a longitudinal axis (X) by a user who
applies a driving torque thereon, stator means (3) adapted to
cooperate with the at least one pair of magnetic elements (4, 4')
to generate a resistance torque adapted to oppose the above driving
torque, guide means (7) associated to the rotor means (2) to cause
translation of the magnet elements (4, 4') along respective
directions (d, d') having at least one radial component to cause
variation of the resistance torque proportionally to the driving
torque. The magnetic elements (4, 4') are reciprocally coupled to
make the displacement thereof along directions (d, d') mutually
dependent and with substantially the same length (l, l').
Inventors: |
Sartore; Almerigo;
(Fontaniva, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Themis Intellectual Property Counsel
7660 Fay Ave Ste H535
La Jolla
CA
92037
US
|
Assignee: |
ELITE S.R.L.
Fontaniva
IT
|
Family ID: |
40275093 |
Appl. No.: |
11/779339 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0051 20130101;
A63B 21/22 20130101; A63B 2069/167 20130101; A63B 2069/164
20130101; A63B 69/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/63 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 18, 2006 |
IT |
VI2006A000227 |
Claims
1. A brake assembly for an exercise cycling apparatus, comprising:
rotor means (2) with at least one pair of magnetic elements (4, 4')
designed to be rotary driven about a longitudinal axis (X) by a
user exerting a driving torque thereon, stator means (3) designed
to cooperate with said at least one pair of magnetic elements (4,
4') to generate a resistance torque opposing said driving torque;
guide means (7) associated to said rotor means (2), to allow
translation of said magnetic elements (4, 4') along respective
directions (d, d') having at least one radial component, to cause
said resistance torque to change proportionally to said driving
torque, characterized in that said magnetic elements (4, 4') are
reciprocally coupled o male their displacements along said
directions (d, d') mutually dependent and with substantially the
same length (l, l').
2. Assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said
magnetic elements (4, 4') are reciprocally coupled by a kinematic
chain (8).
3. Assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said
kinematic chain (8) is of the closed type.
4. Assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said
kinematic chain (8) comprises at least one prismatic pair (14,
14').
5. Assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said at
least one prismatic pair (14, 14') comprises a pair of
substantially radial slots (16, 16') formed in a substantially
rigid plate (17, 17) integral with said rotor means (2), and pins
(15, 15') associated to said magnetic elements (4, 4') slidably
guided within said slots (16, 16').
6. Assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that said plate
(17) is rotatably mounted to a shaft (5) defining said longitudinal
axis (X), to rotate freely about said axis (X) integrally with said
magnetic elements (4, 4').
7. Assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said slots
(16, 16') extend along directions (D, D') are substantially
parallel to each other and inclined with respect to said
translation directions (d, d') of said magnetic elements (4,
4').
8. Assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said slots
(16, 16') are formed in substantially radial appendices (18, 18')
of said plate (17) which extend from a central portion (19).
9. Assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotor means (2)
include a support disc (11) which is rotatably mounted to said
shaft (5) characterized in that said guide means (7) include at
least one pair of arms (12, 12') pivoted on said disc (11) and
rigidly coupled to said magnetic elements (4, 4').
10. Assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that each of
said arms (12, 12') pivots on said disk (11) at one longitudinal
end (13, 13') for rotating radially outwards in response to the
centrifugal force induced by said driving torque.
11. Assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said
guide means (7) further include elastic means (20, 20'), acting on
said arms (12, 12') to counteract the centrifugal force and cause
opening thereof in response to a predetermined value of such
force.
12. An exercise cycling apparatus comprising a support frame (B)
for the rear wheel of a bicycle, a roller (C) designed to contact
the bicycle wheel to be rotated by a user through the application
of a driving torque, braking means to generate a resistance torque
adapted to oppose said user-applied torque, characterized in that
said braking means include a brake assembly as claimed in one or
more of the preceding claims.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention finds application in the field of
sport and leisure accessories, and particularly relates to a
balanced magnetic brake assembly for exercise cycling
apparatus.
[0002] The invention further relates to an exercise cycling
apparatus incorporating such assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Exercise cycling apparatus are known which essentially
comprise a support frame having a bolt for locking the hub of the
rear wheel of a bicycle so that the latter can rotate by contact
engagement with a horizontally extending roller by applying a
driving torque which is variable according to the pedaling force
exerted by the user.
[0004] Such roller is braked by a brake assembly suitable to
generate a resistance torque opposing the applied driving torque to
simulate a more or less difficult route, thereby training the
muscular and cardiovascular systems of the user. The resistance
torque is typically generated by various types of means:
mechanical, hydraulic, electric and/or magnetic elements.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,607 discloses a brake assembly of the
type with magnetic elements, which comprises a disc with a
plurality of permanent magnet elements mounted to corresponding
helical springs in respective guide grooves, to control radial
displacement thereof upon rotation of the support disc on which
they are mounted.
[0006] One drawback of this prior art solution is that the disc
with the magnetic elements mounted thereon tends with time to
produce vibrations of variable intensity, thereby causing
malfunctioning and unbalancing of the roller which, in the worst
cases, may involve the mechanical collapse of the whole
structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The object of this invention is to overcome the above
drawbacks, by providing a brake assembly for a training roller that
is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.
[0008] A particular object is to provide a brake assembly of the
magnetic type that is well balanced.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a magnetic
brake assembly that is not subjected to vibrations even after may
hours of use.
[0010] These and other objects, as better explained hereafter, are
fulfilled by a brake assembly for exercise cycling apparatus as
defined in claim 1, comprising rotor means with at least one pair
of magnetic elements adapted to be rotary driven about a
longitudinal axis by a user applying a driving torque, stator means
adapted to cooperate with said at least one pair of magnetic
elements to generate a resistance torque adapted to counteract said
driving torque and guide means associated to said rotor means to
cause translation of said magnet elements along respective
directions having at least one radial component to cause variation
of said resistance torque proportionally to said driving
torque.
[0011] According to the invention, the magnetic elements are
reciprocally coupled to make displacements thereof along said guide
means mutually dependent and with substantially the same
length.
[0012] Thanks to this particular configuration, the brake assembly
of the invention is well balanced and vibration-free unlike prior
art assemblies.
[0013] As a consequence of the mutual coupling of the magnetic
elements, which causes their displacements to be mutually dependent
and of substantially equal length, the point of application of the
moment of the resistance torque will be substantially fixed and
substantially coincident with the point of application of the
moment of the driving torque, thereby providing a well-balanced
long-life assembly, free of vibration and part misalignment
problems.
[0014] Advantageously, the magnetic elements may be reciprocally
coupled by a kinematic chain, to make easier the construction of
the present invention.
[0015] The term "kinematic chain" as used herein is intended to
mean an assembly of mechanical elements interconnected by kinematic
pairs in which each mechanical element has such a motion, relative
to any other element, that its points have uniquely determined
paths, thereby forming a system with only one degree of
freedom.
[0016] The term "kinematic pair" as used herein is intended to
indicate two mechanical parts in contact with each other, which are
so interconnected to transmit motion to each other and such that
one mechanical part moves relative to the other with only one
degree of freedom.
[0017] Conveniently, the kinematic chain for connecting the
magnetic elements may be of the closed type.
[0018] The term "closed kinematic chain" as used herein is intended
to indicate a kinematic chain in which the mechanical parts at the
ends are connected to each other.
[0019] Preferably, the kinematic chain may include at least one
prismatic pair.
[0020] The term "prismatic pair" as used herein is intended to
indicate a kinematic pair in which a mechanical part moves within
another mechanical part with a rigid translational motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
more apparent upon reading the detailed description of a preferred,
non-exclusive embodiment of a brake assembly according to the
invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the
help of the annexed drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the assembly of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of certain details of the
brake assembly of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 2, in which
the disc 12 is depicted by dashed lines;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 2, in which
the magnetic elements 4 are in their start point positions;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 2, in which
the magnetic elements 4 are in their end point positions;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an axonometric view of a exercise cycling
apparatus incorporating the assembly of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] Referring to the above figures, the brake assembly of the
invention, generally designated by numeral 1, will be
advantageously fitted, as shown in FIG. 7, to a exercise cycling
apparatus A.
[0030] The exercise apparatus comprises a support frame B for the
rear wheel of a bicycle, attaching means M for securing the wheel
hub to the frame B, a roller C designed to come in contact with the
wheel to be rotated by a user through the application of a torque
and the brake assembly 1 designed to generate a resistance torque
opposing the user-applied driving torque.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the assembly 1 basically comprises rotor
means and stator means, generally designated with numerals 2 and 3
respectively, which are enclosed in two protective casings G and
G', which also contain the roller C.
[0032] A pair of magnetic elements 4, 4' are associated to the
rotor means 2, which include a support disc 11, and are designed to
be rotated about a longitudinal axis X through the action of a user
on the roller C; this latter is connected to the rotor means 2 by a
control shaft 5, defining the axis X. The disc 11 is rotatably and
rigidly mounted to shaft 5 to move integrally therewith.
[0033] Each of the magnetic elements 4, 4' has two permanent
magnets 9, 9' mounted to respective magnet holding plates 10. It
will be understood that the magnetic elements may include any
number of magnets, permanent or not, without departure from the
inventive scope as defined in the annexed claims.
[0034] The stator means 3 include a ferromagnetic disc 6 designed
to cooperate with the magnetic elements to generate the resistance
torque which opposes the above user-applied driving torque.
[0035] The exercise apparatus A, the support frame B, the roller C,
the rotor means 2 and the stator means 3 may be configured, by way
of example only and without limitation to the invention, according
to the teachings of patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,254.
[0036] Guide means, generally designated by numeral 7, are
associated to the rotor means, to allow translation of the magnetic
elements along respective substantially radial directions d, d'
with opposite orientations V, V' to cause the resistance torque to
change proportionally to the driving torque.
[0037] For this purpose, the guide means 7 include a pair of arms
12, 12' pivoted on disc 11, as shown in FIG. 1 and rigidly coupled
to the magnetic elements 4, 4' (through rigid fastening to the
magnet holding plates 10) proximate to a respective longitudinal
end 13, 13' to rotate radially outwards in the direction of arrows
F, F', in response to the centrifugal force induced by the driving
torque.
[0038] Thus, as the user increases the driving torque, hence the
pedaling rate, he/she will encounter an increasing resistance, with
apparent exercise benefits.
[0039] The magnetic elements 4, 4' are interconnected by a closed
kinematic chain, generally designated by numeral 8, so that their
displacements along axes d, d' are mutually dependent and have
substantially the same length l, l'.
[0040] For this purpose, the kinematic chain 8 will include two
prismatic pairs 14, 14', composed of pins 15, 15', each associated
to a respective magnetic element 4, 4', and sliding in respective
substantially radial slots 16, 16' formed in a substantially rigid
plate 17.
[0041] The rigid plate 17 will be pivotally mounted to the shaft 5
to freely rotate about the axis X integrally with the magnetic
elements 4, 4'. Due to size requirements, the slots 16, 16' will be
formed in substantially radial appendices 18, 18' of the plate 17
which extend from a central portion 19.
[0042] Advantageously, the slots 16, 16' extend along substantially
parallel directions D, D' which are appropriately inclined by an
angle .alpha. with respect to the displacement directions d, d' of
the magnetic elements 4, 4', to guide the circular motion of the
arms 12, 12' about fulcrum 13, 13'.
[0043] In order to counteract the centrifugal force, the guide
means 7 further comprise elastic means 20, 20', which include, in
the preferred but non exclusive embodiment hereof, as shown in the
figures, a pair of helical springs acting on the arms 12, 12' to
allow this latter to open in response to a predetermined value of
said force.
[0044] Proper selection of the spring size will enable opening of
the arms 12, 12' and translation of the magnets 14, 14' from a
given value of the driving torque.
[0045] For this purpose, each spring 20, 20' will have a first end
21, 21' connected at a first point 22, 22' at the fulcrum end 13,
13' of the arms 12, 12' and a second end 23, 23' connected at a
second point 24, 24' at the opposite end 25, 25' of the same arms
12, 12'.
[0046] Suitably, cooling means are provided, including a fan 26
associated to the plate 17 at the central portion 19.
[0047] The operation of the brake assembly 1 is shown in FIGS. 5 to
6.
[0048] FIG. 5 shows a first operating position of the assembly 1 in
which the magnetic elements 4, 4' are in the rest position,
corresponding to the minimum resistance torque. As soon as the disc
11 starts to rotate at a speed .omega., the centrifugal force will
induce the arms 12, 12' to rotate about the fulcrum points 13, 13'
on the direction of arrows F, F'. Due to such rotation, the
magnetic elements 4, 4' start to translate along the axes d, d' in
the directions V, V' guided by the pins 15, 15' in the slots 16,
16'.
[0049] FIG. 6 shows the end point of the elements 4, 4'
corresponding to the maximum resistance torque. Also, in such
position, the springs 20, 20' have the greatest elongation. Thus,
the translational displacement of the magnetic elements 4, 4' along
d, d' has a maximum length l, l'.
[0050] The above disclosure clearly shows that the assembly of the
invention fulfills the intended objects and particularly meets the
requirement of providing a well balanced magnetic brake
assembly.
[0051] The interconnection of the magnetic elements 4, 4', which
causes their translational displacements along the directions d, d'
to be mutually dependent and have substantially the same length,
provides a well balanced and long-life assembly, free of vibration
and part misalignment problems.
[0052] The assembly of this invention is susceptible of a number of
changes and variants, within the inventive principle disclosed in
the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by
other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary
depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of
the invention.
[0053] While the assembly has been described with particular
reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in
the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better
intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit
the claimed scope in any manner.
* * * * *