FR2517547A1 - Indoor cycle training machine with electronic processor - has roller driven electric brake providing programmed resistance to cyclist simulating ride on various slopes, and programmable course - Google Patents

Abstract

The trainer includes a frame with two rollers (R1) supporting the back wheel of the bicycle. Inside one of the rollers is an electrically controlled motor brake, and an opto-electronic device for measuring the speed of rotation of the roller in order to determine the comparable real speed of the cyclist. The front wheel of the bicycle is driven by a belt driven roller attached to the back roller. The unit is linked to a programmable calculator (5,6) with a keyboard for control and a tv type display. The unit which uses a microprocessor is able to simulate a route over various slopes, varying the load according to the slope, and monitoring the effort force applied to the pedals. Data entered into the processor include the combined weight of the cyclist and bicycle, and the derived operating mode.

Description

 The invention relates to a method and device for simulating the pedaling efforts according to any type of course, intended in particular for training for cyclists and reeducation on bieyciettes.

 The object of the invention is related to the technical sectors of simulation apparatus and training apparatus for cyclists.

These devices for the training of cyclists or
for general rehabilitation, are better known as "home-trainers". Two types of apparatus are distinguished from one another - the apparatuses which eat in stable support on the ground, by means of feet and which do not include wheels, but only handlebars, saddles and pedals acting on a transmission system. to simulate pedaling; - the "home-trainers" themselves, which consist of rollers on which is placed the bicycle mounted by the user.

 Generally, the trainers have no brakes, so that the pedaling effort increases very little when you turn your legs faster, as opposed to what really happens on a road. Fixed devices cases are equipped with an adjustable brake to create a more or less resistant resistance, but the resistance to the pedaling remains constant.

 To remedy these drawbacks, it has been proposed in particular, a simulation apparatus which was the subject of a Brsvet n 7.503.349. This apparatus mainly implements a hometrainer of which one of the rollers is connected to an alternator which provides a variable electric current depending on the speed of rotation of the rollers. Part of this current is fed back to the alternator to brake it and consequently, braking the roller of the corresponding home-trainer by means of a belt and a regulating disc.

 This resistant torque created is proportional to the speed but neither wind nor inertia is taken into account. however, the coefficient of penetration into the air may be taken into consideration.

 the means described in this patent are limited to reproduce only the running resistance of a bicycle ring can be displayed on a screen. So we simulate a pedaling effort on the "flat" but in any case it is possible to simulate pedaling efforts on any road course with climbs and descents. In addition, this apparatus requires a significant mechanical kinematics which considerably increases the cost of manufacture.

 The aim of the invention is to provide, in a particularly simple, economical, reliable and extensive manner, the development and implementation of a method and a device applicable mainly but not exclusively, to apparatus of the type home-trainer, without excluding fixed devices, to reproduce and simulate exactly a pedaling effort resulting from any road profile with dishes, climbs and descents. The profile of the course may, at the discretion of the user be any and variable in its length and its relief.

 For this purpose, the device according to the invention is remarkable in that it essentially comprises: a microprocessor system capable of containing any path profile programmed by the user, or any pre-programmed path; a sensor which takes the information on one of the rollers of the home-trainer coupled to a brake motor, for the purpose of determining the distance traveled and its derivatives, said sensor sending this information to the microprocessor system, the control signals delivered by the microprocessor system are transformed by an interface circuit and are applied to the brake motor which is slaved to switching means to create either a variable resisting torque opposing the rotation of the armature5 in the case of dishes and climbs, or a variable engine torque, in the case of descents; display and display means being provided.

 These and other characteristics will be apparent from the rest of the description.

To fix the object of the invention, without however limiting it, in the appended drawings
Figure 1 is an algorithm or flow chart showing the different steps of the method according to the invention.

 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device.

 Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the roll of the home-trainer, showing the mounting of the brake motor.

 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

 Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the means for implementing the method according to the invention.

 FIG. 6 is an example of an electrical circuit diagram of an electronic commutation and regulation for the brake motor.

 the figure ? is a graph showing any profile of course that we come to simulate, with dishes, odds and descents.

 FIG. 8 is a graph corresponding to FIG. 7, showing the forces applied to the wheel, as a function of the profile of the path.

 In order to make more concrete the object of the invention, it is now described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the embodiments of the figures of the drawings.

 FIG. 2 shows an apparatus of the "home-trainer" type comprising, in a known manner, rollers mounted for free rotation in a support frame (O) for supporting the ground. Generally one of the rollers supports the front wheel of the bicycle (B) whose rear wheel is centered in support on the other two rollers.

The front roller (R) is, in a known manner, driven by the first rear roller (R1) by means of a belt (C).

 According to the invention, one of the two rear rollers, but preferably, the first roller (R1), that is to say the one which directly cash the pedaling forces, is coupled to a brake motor (MF) electrically controllable. This brake motor (MF) supplied with safety voltage is of any known type and suitable for reproducing the effects of the resistant and motor torques resulting from the ups and downs of any road course.

 This engine brake (MF) is integrated inside the roller (R1). For this purpose, a part of the motor casing (MF) is fixed in a casing (1) housed in the roller (Ri), said casing (1) having a circular bearing (la) projecting beyond the flange of the roller. On this bearing surface (la) are mounted the rolling members (2) of the roller (R1), while the free end of the bearing (la) is fixed in the thickness of a portion of the support frame (O ) by being immobilized in rotation and in translation (Figure 3).

The engine-brake (MF) is thus maintained positioned inside the roller.

 The output shaft (M1) of the motor (MF) is coupled end to a circular disk (3) fixedly mounted on the inner periphery of the roller (R1) to thereby rotate, said roller (R1) when the engine is running and vice versa. For example, the disc (3) can be fixed by a known method of magnetoforming, without thereby excluding other appropriate means (gluing, press fit ...).

 A sensor (4), electronic opto or other, translates the rotation of the roller (Ri) into an electrical signal. For example, the sensor (4) which is mounted inside the roller on a fixed part such as the motor casing, the casing (1) ..., counts the number of revolutions in order to determine a distance and its derived.

For this purpose, the coupling disk (3) may have, opposite the sensor (4), two distinct zones (3a) and (3b) corresponding to an electrical state O or i (FIG. 4).

 The power supply of the brake motor (MF) and of the sensor (4) is effected through the positioning casing (1) whose circular bearing (1a) is for this purpose, axially pierced from one side to the other, by the passage of the conductors (Figure 3).

 According to an important feature of the invention, a keyboard assembly (5) - display (6), allows the exchange of information between the user and a microprocessor system that controls the operation of the device and makes it programmable.

 A device interface adapter (7) allows in a known manner, this communication with the microprocessor system. On the interface circuit (7), in addition to the keyboard (5) and the display (6), are mounted the rotation sensor (4) which sends its signals to the microprocessor system and the brake motor (MF) with its means and switching circuit and regulation, which receives the information from the microprocessor, to transmit to the roller (Ri) a motor or resistant torque, variable value according to the profile of the course, as indicated in the following description .

The microprocessor system (FIG. 5) comprises, in addition to the central unit (8), at least one read-only memory (9) (RoMpar ex.) Which contains the necessary software, that is to say the program, and at least one random access memory (io) (RAM for example) which contains the data entered by the keyboard (5), the results of the calculations and the description of the program run by the user. This RAM (10) may optionally also contain stored programs
on cassettes.

HRS @
In the case of typical probes programmed in advance, the description of the darac @ eristics of these courses sarait contained in additional plug-in memories, not shown in the electropopic diagram of Figure 5. It is emphasized that in this synoptic, the bus The address field is assigned the mark (d), while the address cod is assigned the mark (a).

He invites @@ main @ en @@ to analyze the eloquence of the dispo
utive according to the invention. In particular, in the drawings, in order to accurately reproduce the selected resistors and motors in any variable manner.

The first step A @ corresponds to the generation of the data, that is to say the display on the weight of the user, including the key of the bicycles. ptor that the mioroprocessor system breads das @@ l @@ offorts c. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@ 'in
to go through our preprogram. Ga @ ph @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

@@ supra (C) is one at a time, ie the roll of the rolls are of the rolls, not @ of the roll (R1 ), by the rose gold @@@@ r is @@ bieyeletts the motaur
The brake (MF) is easily reached by means of the roller (R1).

 @e sensor (4) count @ le@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @t @@@@ rfaes (7). the mienoproee @ seur (8) counts the denisecment impulses provoked on (4), it is the étaps (D).

In the step (G), the microprocessor processes the information and displays it on the digital display (6). Indeed, as soon as the user @@ mmence to be paced, information speed instantaneous and average, tomps elapsed, distance traveled, appear in the display (@)
After step (E). we proceed to a tent (F) to check if the number of inpuleions counted by the microprocessor, is a multiple of the number of pulses corresponding to a predetermined distance. If this is not eas, we return to the input of step (D). Conversely, if the condition posed by the test (F) is satisfied, the next step (G) is reached in which the microprocessor reads the value of the slope (α) at the con sidered position. This slope (α) corresponds to the percentages of climbs or descents of the programmed or preprogrammed route entered in the microprocessor system (Figure 7).

 It is therefore conceivable that step (G) should normally be followed by a test (H) asking whether the slope (O <) is positive or negative, which corresponds respectively to a rise (possibly a flat). or a descent. If (&alpha;) is positive, the brake motor (MF) is switched to the "brake" position (step J) to create a resistant torque on the roll (Rj), while if (&alpha;) is negative, the brake motor is switched to the "motor" position (step K) to create a motor torque on said roller (R1).

 Both @ tapes (J) and (K) result in a common step (L) in which the microprocessor calculates the value of the brake or motor drive signal (MF), from the slope (&alpha;), or weight and data generally entered initially (supra step (A)).

 For this purpose, reference is made to part of the block diagram of FIG. 5, showing the principle of switching and regulating the brake motor (MF). Referring to the linear grafcet illustrated, the block (11) is relative to the power supply of the brake motor, the block (12) symbolizes the adjustment of the value of the force, that is to say the regulation, while that the block (13) shows the commutation for motor (line 13a) or brake (line 13b) operation.

 The control signals delivered by the microprocessor are transformed by the power interface (IP) and are applied by the line (14) to the control means (12) and by the line (is) to the switching means (13). ). Figure 6 provides an electrical schematic diagram for the regulation and switching of the brake motor (MF).

 In this diagram, the brake motor (MF) is symbolized by two windings (16) and (17) correspoidresponse respeetivemens. to the inductor and the armature (in the brake position) or to the stator and rotor (in the motor position). the regulation and switching are essentially performed, in a known manner, by four transistors (T1), (T2), (T3) and (T4) PNP or SIPMOS type.

 the emitter of the transistor (T1) is connected to the power supply (11), while its collector is connected to the inductor (16) whose other terminal is connected to ground. In series with the collector of the transistor (T1) is mounted the emitter of the transistor (U9) whose collector is connected to the armature (17) whose other terminal is connected to ground. the emitter of the transistor (T3) is connected in series with the collector of the transistor (T2), the collector of (T3) being connected to ground via a load symbolized by a resistor (r). the base of (T3) is connected to the collector of the transistor (T4) whose emitter is connected to the emitter of the transistor (T1). the bases of (T2) and (T4) are connected together and are connected to the line (14) of the interface of the microprocessor system. the base of the transistor (T1) is connected to the link (15) of the interface.

 Let us now analyze the operation by reconciling this schematic diagram with the algorithm of FIG.

Suppose that the answer to the test (H) is: (&alpha;) positive: this means that one is on flat or uphill. In this case, the signal (14) is at a "high" level, which corresponds to a logic state 1. the transistors (m24 and (T4) are off, there is no voltage between the transmitter and the terminal the stator (1G) is no longer supplied, the transistor (T3) is saturated and the rotor (17) functions as the armature of an alternator supplying the load (r). 17) and a resisting torque opposes the rotation of the motor which thus functions as a brake.

 the transistor (T1) regulates the intensity in the inductor according to the information of the effort, that is to say the value of (&alpha;) essentially (step (L) of the algorithm) . The resisting torque therefore varies in intensity according to the slope (&alpha;) in particular.

If the answer to the test (H) is: (&alpha;) not positive: it means that, at the moment considered, one is in a descent. In this case, the signal (t4) is at the low level (logical state
O), the transistors (T2) and (T4) are saturated and the transistor (T3) is blocked. The inductor and the armature are therefore in parallel ee which corresponds to a conventional motor operation. the regulation is always effected by means of the transistor (T1) which varies the speed as a function of the value of the negative slope (&alpha;).

 After step (T), an end-of-course test (M) is carried out. If the path is not completed, it returns to the input of step (D) corresponding to the counting by the microprocessor displacement pulses from the sensor (4) (Figure 1).

 If the course is finished, it is necessary to carry out a test (N) to see if one wishes to begin again or not the programmed or preprogrammed course. If so, we go back to the entry of step (B) relating to the connection of the program to the selected operating mode and a new cycle starts again.

If not, the program is finished, this is the FIN (P) step.

 As a result, the output signal is a function of the pre-established information data from the motion sensor and the deseription in a table or matrix of one per course. the value read from this table corresponds to the slope ("(,)) and not to the position that is detected by the sensor.

 Figure 7 shows the graph of an example of any course that can be programmed. The ordinates are graduated the percentages corresponding to the profile of the course, hence the value of the slope (&alpha;) which is positive (flat-mounted) or negative (descent) and on the abscissa, the distances in metric unit in particular. In correspondence with FIG. 7, reference should be made to the graph of FIG. 8 which shows the intensity of the forces applied to the rear wheel of the bicycle, as a function of the profile and the distances of the course of FIG. This shows the different values of the resistive torque as a function of the positive values of (o () as well as those of the motor torque as a function of the negative values of (i).

Indeed, as soon as one begins to pedal, information instantaneous speed and average, elapsed time, distance traveled, appear in the display (6). At constant distance traveled, constant (m) (Fig. 7), the value of braking or acceleration of the brake motor (MF) is modified according to the slope (c <) of the path from which the corresponding values of the resistant torque or motor applied to the bicycle wheel (Figure 8).

 As a variant, it is possible to carry out the end-of-course test (bob) just before carrying out the test (H) on the situation of (O (), that is to say after step (G).

 It goes without saying that the algorithm that has just been described is orchestrated by the central unit of the microprocessor system, which constantly checks the various stages for validity at all times for the duration of the process. of the chosen course.

 It is obvious that the keyboard assembly (5) - display (6), the microprocessor system and the control electronics can be integrated in a single housing. -Or well, the keyboard and the display can be an independent block that can be positioned in a removable manner, on the handlebars of the bicycle for example.

The device can advantageously be completed by a video screen or connected to a television by connecting an interface card to display the course of the profile of the course; a bright spot indicating the relative position
Advantageously, a cardiac rhythm sensor of any known and appropriate type may be connected to any point of the user and connected to a programmable part of the microprocessor system, for example on the internal circuit. terface where the position sensor is connected for display.

 Likewise, there can be a servocontrol of the resistance resistant to the heart rate for an effective training, without dan ~ ger, allowing to reduce the effort and possibly to switch to position "downhill" then, if there is place, to stop l? entire device.

 It is also possible to install a fan running at constant speed or controlled by the brake motor to complete the simulation. A loudspeaker creating sound effects, can also be connected.

 It is obvious that the device according to the invention can be easily transposed on a fixed bicycle for rehabilitation. The advantages lie in the continuous and precise trimming of the resistant force and in the enslavement to the heart rhythm.

 Likewise, the flexibility of use of electronics and computers makes it possible, on the basis of this basic design defined and described above, to display other information such as instantaneous and mpyenne power or else by the system of interface, for connection to commercially available computers.

 The advantages are apparent from the description, in particular, that the training and / or the re-education on bicycles in the hall, undergoing the same efforts as on any road course, with dishes, climbs and descents - the possibility of to choose at will "its course" which can be either in ROM, or on cassette, or in plug-in memory modules - reliability - the large number of extensions such as courses, various displays, sound effects and visual ... conferred by the flexibility of use of the electronics - the reduced cost price, the mechanical kinematics being reduced to the maximum.

 The invention is in no way limited to that of these modes of application, nor to those of the embodiments of these various parts which have more especially been indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all variants.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS neral returned initially (step (L)); - test (M) end of course. according to the value of the slope (oye) and the data in ge of the profile of the course (step (G)), depending on the test (F) - test (H) on the value of the slope (C> (); calculation of the value of a braking torque or a motor cycle torque (step (D)) - processing and display of information (step (E)) - test (F) on the number of counted pulses - reading the value of the slope (at the position considered  ~ 1- A method for simulating the pedaling efforts according to any type of course, intended in particular for training for cyclists and room rehabilitation on bicycle, said method being characterized in that it comprises essentially the steps following - data organization (step (A) - connection of the program to the chosen mode (step (B) - waiting for the start by the cyclist (step (C)) ;; - counting of the times as a function of the distance traveled by the -2- Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step (A) of organization of the data, one enters the weight of the cyclist including the weight of the bicycle and the mode of operation or the type of course chosen which is likely to be either programmable or preprogrammed.  -3- Method according to claim 1, characterized in that with respect to the test (F), it is checked whether the number of pulses counted is a multiple of the number of pulses corresponding to a predetermined distance: in the negative, returns to the step (D) of counting the time as a function of the distance traveled; in the affirmative, the following step (G) is validated. -4- A method according to claim 9, characterized in that with respect to the test (M), if the slope (&alpha;) is positive, it validates a step (J) in which one creates a resistant torque on the wheel of the bicycle, if the slope (&alpha;) is negative, a step (K) is validated according to which a motor torque is created on the wheel of the bicycle. -5- A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in respect of the test (M), if the end of course is validated, one proceeds to a test (N) according to which one starts or not the course; if so, return to the entry of step (B), if NO, validate a step FIN (P); if the end of course is not validated, it returns to the input of step (D). Apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, essentially comprising a home-trainer apparatus on which the bicycle is placed, at least one of the rollers (Ri) of said apparatus, which bears the driving wheel of the bicycle, being slaved to a motor member which can be rotated by said roller, for exerting on the wheel of the bicycle a variable torque, said device being characterized in that it essentially comprises a microprocessor system managing the various steps of the method and capable of containing any profile programmed by the user or any preprogrammed course; a sensor (4) which takes the information on the roller (R1) of the home trainer coupled to a brake motor (MF), for the purpose of determining the distance traveled and its derivatives, said sensor sending these information to the microprocessor system; the control signals delivered by the microprocessor system are transformed by an interface circuit and are applied to the brake motor (MF) which is slaved to switching means to create either a variable resistive cutter opposing the rotation of the armature, in the case of flats and climbs, or a variable motor torque, in the case of descents; display and display means (5 - 6). -7- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the brake motor (MF) is integrated within the roller (Rl) by being held therein, regardless of the rotation of said roller; the motor output shaft (MF) being coupled end to a disk (3) fixedly mounted within the inner periphery of the roller (R1) for rotational driving. -8- Device according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the motion sensor (4) is mounted inside the roller (Rl) with a fixed angular position, and is shaped to count the number of turns of the coupling disk which is arranged for this purpose. -9- Device according to claims 6, 7 and 8 together, characterized in that a part of the carcass of the motor is fixed in a housing (l) which has a circular bearing (la) dbbant of the flange of the roller (Rl) and allowing mounting of the rolling members (2) of said roller (R1); this span (la) fixed in the thickness of a beam of the frame (Q) of the home-trainer being pierced right through for the passage of the motor supply conductors (MF) and of the sensor (4). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control signals delivered by the microprocessor system are transformed by the power interface circuit and are applied by a line (14) to a control means (12). motor or resistive torque, and, by a line (15) to a switching means (13) shaped to ensure, as a function of the value of the slope (&alpha;), in particular, a motor operation (in the case of (&alpha;) negative, which corresponds to a descent) or a brake operation (in the case of (&alpha;) positive, which corresponds to a rise or a flat).  Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that the resistance to the cardiac rhythm is enslaved, making it possible to reduce the said effort. Device for carrying out the method according to claims 1 and 11 together, characterized in that a heart rate sensor is connected at any point of the user and connected to a programmable part of the system at microprocessor. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the microprocessor system comprises, in addition to the central unit (8), at least one read-only memory (9) which contains the necessary software; at least one random access memory (10) which contains the data entered by the keyboard (5), the results of the calculations, the description of the route programmed by the user and possibly programs stored on cassettes; optionally, additional plug-in memories containing the description of the features of the preprogrammed course; an interface adapter (7) with peripherals in particular, the keyboard (5), the display (6), the motion sensor (4), possibly the heart rate sensor and the control circuits and means and switching the enginefrein (MF). -14- Device according to claim 6, characterized in that alternatively, said device can be completed by the following provisions, taken separately or in combination - connection to a television, by connecting a diinterface card, in view display the course profile and the cyclist's instantaneous position. - a fan rotating at constant speed or controlled by the motorfrein (MF), to pair the simulation. - a speaker to create sound effects. -15- A method according to claim 1, characterized in that as soon as one begins to pedal, instantaneous and average speed information, elapsed time, distance traveled, appear in the display (6); at constant distance traveled, the braking or acceleration value of the engine-brake (MF) is modified according to the slope (&alpha;) of the course from which the corresponding values of the engine-resistant torque applied to the rear wheel of the bicycle.