Training apparatus with progress indicator and unified base for different apparatus types

Abstract

A training apparatus having a progress indicator and unified base for different apparatus types, such as for an ergometer, speed bike, recumbent bike, home training bike, rowing apparatus, elliptical trainer, cross-trainer or treadmill. The fitness apparatus of every apparatus type is based on a structure which is unified in terms of technical design, according to which the frame or pedestal of the fitness apparatus has rollers which are arranged on the frame or pedestal such that a tilt-stable positioning of the frame with respect to the subsurface and a longitudinal displacement of the frame or of the frame together with the pedestal relative to the subsurface is enabled by means of an actuator depending on the measure of success of the user training.

Claims

1. A fitness apparatus (1) comprising: a drive device (27) for receiving a training performance generated by a user; a force transmission device (21) for transmitting the performance generated by the user during the training to the drive device (27); a frame (2, 2a, 2b), on which the drive device (27) and a force transmission device (21) are arranged, wherein the frame (2, 2a, 2b) is further designed to support the user of the fitness apparatus (1) while performing fitness exercises; a pedestal (3, 3) supporting the frame (2, 2a, 2b) for resting on a subsurface; at least one sensor (26) for determining the training performance generated by the user; a control device (6), which is formed to receive data from the at least one sensor (26), wherein the control device (6) cooperates with: a processing unit (7), which is formed to determine a measure of success from the training performance generated by the user, and a signal unit (8), which is formed to generate a signal (80) for a progress indicator, based on the determined measure of success, characterized in that the frame (2, 2a, 2b) or the pedestal (3) of the fitness apparatus (1) has rollers (47, 48, 49, 48, 49), which are arranged on the frame (2, 2a, 2b) or on the pedestal (3) in such a way that a tilt-stable positioning of the frame (2) with respect to the subsurface as well as a longitudinal displacement of the frame (2) or of the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3) relative to the subsurface is made possible, and wherein the fitness apparatus (1) further has at least one actuating drive (9), which is formed to displace the frame (2) relative to the pedestal (3) or the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3) relative to the subsurface in the longitudinal direction as a function of the signal (80) by means of the rollers (47, 48, 49, 48, 49) in a motorized manner.

2. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fitness apparatus (1) is formed as an apparatus of one of the below-mentioned different apparatus types, namely as an ergometer (1a), a speed bike (1a), a recumbent bike, a home training bike, a rowing apparatus (1b), an elliptical trainer (1c), a cross trainer (1d), or a treadmill (1e).

3. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fitness apparatus (1) of each of the different apparatus types (1a, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) is based on a base, which is unified in terms of technical design, for fitness apparatuses of different apparatus types (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e).

4. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one roller (47, 48, 49, 48, 49) is driven by an actuator (94) of the actuating drive (9), so that a longitudinal displacement of the frame (2, 2a, 2b) or of the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3) relative to the subsurface can be created.

5. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (26) for determining the training performance generated by the user is arranged on the drive device (27) and/or on the force transmission device (21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e).

6. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the roller (47, 48, 49, 48, 49) is embodied as a friction roller, a serrated roller, a toothed roller, a sliding roller and/or a running roller.

7. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fitness apparatus (1) is embodied as ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a), recumbent bike or a home training bike.

8. A fitness apparatus (1), namely ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a), recumbent bike or home training bike, according to claim 7, wherein the pedestal (3) is formed by two cross members (32, 33), on the ends of which a roller (48, 49, 48, 49) is arranged in each case, wherein the rollers (48, 49, 48, 49) rest on the subsurface, and wherein at least two rollers (49, 49) are driven by the actuator (94).

9. The fitness apparatus (1), namely ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a), recumbent bike or home training bike, according to claim 7, wherein: the pedestal (3) is formed by two cross members (32, 33), on the ends of which sliders (45) and/or rollers (48, 49, 48, 49) are arranged in each case, which rest on the subsurface, and the at least one roller (47, 49) driven by the actuator (94) is arranged either as steerable central roller (47) or as set of driven rollers (49, 49) on a beam.

10. The fitness apparatus (1), namely ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a), recumbent bike or home training bike, according to claim 7, wherein: the rollers (48, 49, 48, 49) are arranged on the frame (2, 2b) and run in or on guide rails (90) of the pedestal (3, 3a, 3b); and the at least one driven roller (49) is formed to displace the frame (2, 2a, 2b) relative to the stationary pedestal (3) and thus also relative to the subsurface.

11. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit (7) is formed to control the actuating drive (9) in a reversible manner.

12. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the signal unit (8) cooperates with an amplifier module (82), which is formed to consider an acceleration generated by the training performance for the progress indicator.

13. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein: the actuating drive (9) is provided with an end position detection (92, 92), which is formed to turn off and/or to reverse the actuating drive (9) when reaching an end position; and/or the actuating drive (9) is embodied in a form-fit manner.

14. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating drive (9) is a creep drive, which drives the at least one roller (49, 49) at a speed, which is lower than walking speed and maximally 1 m/s.

15. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating drive (9) has a traction control (93) for the at least one driven roller (49, 49), wherein a detected slip of the at least one driven roller (49, 49) is guided back to the processing unit (7).

16. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating drive (9) has a device for position detection (96, 97), which is formed to output a signal to the processing unit (7).

17. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 16, wherein the device for position detection has a sensor (97), which is formed to detect floor track markings (100), wherein the floor track markings (100) are formed as track markings with distance markings (102, 103).

18. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 17, wherein the floor track markings (100) are formed as marking tape, which is arranged on the subsurface.

19. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 17, further comprising an alignment module, which is formed to detect and display directional deviations by means of the floor track markings (100).

20. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 19, wherein the alignment module is formed to display a correction direction.

21. The fitness apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rollers (47, 48, 49, 48, 49) are arranged on the frame (2) or on the pedestal (3) in such a way that a crushing danger-minimizing longitudinal displacement of the frame (2) or of the frame (2) together with the pedestal (3) relative to the subsurface is made possible.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The invention will be described below in an exemplary manner with reference to the drawing on the basis of advantageous embodiments, in which:

(2) FIG. 1a, b show perspective general views of a base according to the invention, which is unified in terms of technical design, for fitness apparatuses of different apparatus types with concealed and open rollers;

(3) FIG. 1c-h show perspective general views of embodiments accordingly for the elliptical trainer, the rowing apparatus, the cross trainer, the speed bike, the ergometer, and the treadmill;

(4) FIG. 1i shows a perspective general view of a further embodiment for the ergometer;

(5) FIG. 2a, b show perspective illustration and sectional illustration for guiding a frame on a pedestal of the ergometer;

(6) FIG. 3a, b show an alternative for guiding the frame on the pedestal;

(7) FIG. 4a-c show views relating to a rear, central, and front position of an actuating drive of the ergometer;

(8) FIG. 5a, b show detail views relating to a displacement of the frame relative to the pedestal;

(9) FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram for the ergometer with actuating drive;

(10) FIG. 7 shows an ergometer according to a second embodiment with a separate track marking;

(11) FIG. 8a-c show illustrations relating to the second embodiment with an actuating drive acting on roller feet in position gain and position loss phases;

(12) FIG. 9 shows a frontal view of the second embodiment with illustration of a lateral oscillation;

(13) FIG. 10 shows an alternative for the second embodiment;

(14) FIG. 11a, b show further alternatives for the second embodiment;

(15) FIG. 12 shows an alternatively for FIG. 7 with a form-fit track marking; and

(16) FIG. 13a-c show illustrations for a plurality of ergometers in a fitness studio;

(17) FIG. 14a-e show perspective views of different actuating drives;

(18) FIG. 15a-c show illustrations of further actuating drives;

(19) FIG. 16a-c show schematic illustrations for a possible positioning of rollers of a frame and of a pedestal consisting of round tubes;

(20) FIG. 17a-c show schematic illustrations for a possible positioning of rollers of a frame and of a pedestal consisting of C-profiles;

(21) FIG. 18a, b show schematic illustrations for a possible positioning of rollers of a frame and of a pedestal consisting of rectangular profiles;

(22) FIG. 19a-e show illustrations of different types of rollers;

(23) FIG. 20a-d show illustrations of different embodiments of the pedestal of a fitness apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(24) FIGS. 1a and 1b show perspective general views of examples of a base or setup structure, respectively, which is unified in terms of technical design, for fitness apparatuses 1 of different apparatus types 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, namely structures with concealed (FIG. 1a) and open (FIG. 1b) rollers 48, 49, 48, 49.

(25) The fitness apparatus 1 comprises a drive device 27, for receiving a training performance (which can be synonymously called also a training output); generated by a user, and a force transmission device 21 for transmitting the performance generated by the user during the training to the drive device 27.

(26) The present invention thereby provides different types of fitness apparatuses 1, e.g. ergometers 1a, speed bikes 1a, recumbent bikes or recumbent ergometers, respectively, home training bikes, rowing apparatuses 1b, elliptical trainers 1c, cross trainers 1d, or treadmills 1e. The fitness apparatus 1 is embodied as apparatus of one of these different apparatus types 1a, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e. However, the technical design setup structure or base, respectively, is embodied uniformly, i.e. unified, for all apparatus types 1a, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e.

(27) FIGS. 1c to 1h show detailed views for the setup of the fitness apparatuses 1 of different apparatus types 1a, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e.

(28) The fitness apparatus 1 also comprises a frame 2, 2a, 2b, on which the drive device 27 and a force transmission device 21 are arranged, wherein the frame 2, 2a, 2b is further designed to support the user of the fitness apparatus 1 while performing fitness exercises, as well as a pedestal 3, 3 supporting the frame 2 for resting on a subsurface.

(29) As a rule, the drive device 27 has a controllable braking device, so that the user of the fitness apparatus 1 can either set his training load himself during the exercises or so that the fitness apparatus 1 can specify a training load, which is optimized for the training success, for the user.

(30) The force transmission device 21 can be embodied differently for apparatuses 1 of different apparatus types, e.g. as a pedal unit 21, 21a in the case of an ergometer 1a or a speed bike 1a, a pull rope 21b in the case of a rowing apparatus 1b, as running arms, including movable arms 21c, 21d and pedal arms 21c, 21d, in the case of an elliptical trainer 1c and a cross trainer 1d, or as running belt 21e in the case of a treadmill 1e.

(31) The frame 2 or the pedestal 3 of the fitness apparatus 1 formed by two cross members 32, 33 thereby has rollers 48, 49, 48, 49, which are arranged on the frame 2, 2b or on the pedestal 3, 3 in such a way that a tilt-stable positioning of the frame 2 with respect to the subsurface as well as a longitudinal displacement X, X of the frame 2 or of the frame 2 together with the pedestal 3, 3 relative to the subsurface is enabled.

(32) Such a longitudinal displacement X, X of the frame 2 relative to the pedestal 3 or of the frame 2 together with the pedestal 3 relative to the subsurface is thereby ensured with the help of at least one actuating drive 9 as a function of a measure of success of the user training.

(33) The fitness apparatus 1 furthermore has at least one sensor 26 for determining the training performance generated by the user and a control device 6, wherein the control device 6 is formed to receive data from at least one sensor 26. The control device 6 thereby cooperates with a processing unit 7, wherein the processing unit 7 is formed to determine a so-called measure of success from the training performance generated by the user. The fitness apparatus 1 also comprises a signal unit 8, which is formed to generate a signal 80 for a so-called progress indicator, based on the determined measure of success, whereby the above-mentioned longitudinal displacement X, X of the frame 2 relative to the pedestal 3 or of the frame 2 together with the pedestal 3 relative to the subsurface is controlled.

(34) The embodiments for the ergometers according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1i to 13 are bike ergometers. However, the invention is not limited thereto and can also be provided for other types of fitness apparatuses or other types of ergometers, respectively, in particular recumbent bike ergometers, treadmill ergometers, cross trainer and/or rowing apparatus ergometers.

(35) A bike ergometer according to a first embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1i, comprises a frame 2 as main component, on which a seat 20 for a user and a hand grip 22 embodied in the manner of a handlebar are arranged, as well as a pedestal 3, which supports the frame 2 and on which the frame 2 is arranged in a tilt-stable manner. The pedestal 3 is provided with feet 4, by means of which it stands firmly on a floor or another suitable support. A pedal unit 21 is further assigned to the seat 20 and is arranged so that a user sitting on the seat 20 can actuate the pedal unit 21 with his legs and can thereby support himself on the hand grip 22. The user uses the pedal unit 21 to apply the training performance (or synonymously training output, which is then received via the pedal unit 21 and is fed into the bike ergometer and is typically absorbed by a braking device 27. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the braking device 27 is embodied as a magnetic braking wheel, but other alternative types of braking devices known to the person of skill in the art are also possible, with braking bands or braking devices acting as a generator being mentioned representatively here as examples.

(36) The frame 2 is longitudinally displaceable with respect to the pedestal 3 by means of an actuating drive 9, which is installed so as to be largely concealed in the case of the illustrated embodiment (not illustrated in FIG. 1). Based on a central position, as it is illustrated in FIG. 1, the position of the frame 2 with the user located on the seat saddle 20 can thus be changed forward in the longitudinal direction (in FIG. 1 to the right) and preferably also in the opposite direction, thus backward in the longitudinal direction (in FIG. 1 to the left) on the pedestal 3 by means of actuating drive 9.

(37) Details relating to a guide of the actuating drive 9 are illustrated in FIGS. 2a and b. The guide comprises a pair of guide rails 90, which are formed in a U-shaped manner and which are arranged in opposite directions on the longitudinal sides of the pedestal 3. In opposite directions is thereby understood that in the case of the guide rails 90, the open side of the U are in each case both arranged inwards (see FIG. 2a) or both outwards (see FIG. 2b). Two rollers, the one roller 48 of which (not illustrated in FIG. 2) is not driven and the other roller 49 of which is driven by means of an actuating motor 94 of the actuating drive 9, run in the guide rails 90 on each side. In that the actuating drive 9 drives the roller 49 by means of the actuating motor 94, the roller 49 and thus also the non-driven roller 48 moves along the guide rails 90, whereby the frame 2 displaces accordingly relative to the pedestal 3, which is stationary.

(38) The embodiment alternatives according to FIGS. 2a and 2b differ only with regard to the orientation of the guide rails 90 and in whether the actuating motors 94 run on the inside or on the outside. The rollers 48, 49 can be embodied with a smooth jacket surface, wherein the traction between the driven roller 49 and the inner side of the guide rails 90 is based on friction; alternatively, at least the driven roller 49 can optionally be embodied as serrated roller with a corresponding complementary design of the inner side of the guide rails 90, whereby the drive effect is based on a form-fit connection.

(39) A further alternative for the actuating drive 9 and the guide thereof is illustrated in FIG. 3a, b. Instead of the guide rails 90, a guide spindle 90 is provided thereby, which is rotated by an actuating motor 94. A frame-mounted sliding block 95, which has a passage opening with an internal thread 95, is arranged on the spindle 90. The spindle is guided through said internal thread, wherein the internal thread 95 engages with the spindle 90. By rotating the spindle 90 by means of the actuating motor 94, the sliding block 95 and thus the frame 2 can be adjusted in a positionally accurate manner in the longitudinal direction. By rotating in one direction, the frame can be moved forward, and the frame 2, in turn, can accordingly be moved backward relative to the pedestal 3 by rotating the spindle 90 in the other direction. The spindle 90 can likewise be installed so as to be concealed, for example in the interior space of a U-profile with a respective opening pointing inward, as illustrated in FIG. 2a.

(40) Examples for the positions of the frame 2 relative to the pedestal 3, which can be reached by means of the actuating drive 9, are illustrated in FIGS. 4a to c. They show views of the frame 2 in the case of a rear (FIG. 4a), central (FIG. 4b), and front position (FIG. 4c) of the actuating drive 9 of the ergometer. It can be seen clearly, how the relative position of the frame 2 with the seat 20 of the user can be displaced forward or backward, based on the pedestal 3 standing on the support (floor). As a rule, the central position (FIG. 4b) thereby represents the starting point. Based on the FIG. 4b, a positive achievement of his training goal, in particular also an overachievement, can thus be shown directly and vividly to the user by means of an adjustment of the actuating drive 9 in the direction that the frame 2 and thus also the user is displaced further forward, as symbolized in FIG. 5b by means of the arrow pointing to the right. For generating a maximum performance or for generating the lead position, respectively, during a competitive competition, the frame 2 can thus accordingly be moved all the way to the front, as it is illustrated in FIG. 4c. The user can thus be positively reassured and encouraged in this way to generate his training performance. If, in contrast, the training performance of the user falls short of the provided training performance or his training goal, respectively, this can accordingly likewise be shown directly and vividly to the user by means of a backward movement of the frame 2 with the user sitting there, as it is symbolized by means of the arrow pointing to the left in FIG. 5b. When not generating the training performance or when remaining in last place of a competitive competition, respectively, the frame 2 with the user is then accordingly moved all the way to the back, as illustrated in FIG. 4a. The user can thus be encouraged in a silent yet nonetheless noticeably and intuitively comprehensible manner to increase his training performance.

(41) If the performance of the user lies within the average or expected range, the frame 2 can thus assume the central position again, as illustrated in FIG. 5a. This creates the basis for making it possible for the user to experience his training performance again in the further course with respect to overachieving/underachieving by corresponding adjustment of the position of the frame 2 (and thus also of the user located on said frame).

(42) The schematic setup and the functional contexts of the essential components will be described below on the basis of the block diagram according to FIG. 6. The control device 6 is the central unit for the basic function of the ergometer. An input device 23 as well as a display device 24 as operator display are connected to said control device via a user interface 25. A sensor 26, which is connected to the control device 6 and by means of which the control device 6 determines the training performance generated by the user, is further arranged on the pedal unit 21. The control device 6 is preferably further formed to determine signals, by using the data gathered by the sensor 26, in order to generate from the training performance generated by the user a measure for a distance s covered by the user, the speed v reached thereby, and optionally also possible acceleration/delay a.

(43) The control device 6 further cooperates with a processing unit 7. The signals from the control device 6 are applied to said processing unit, in particular the training performance generated by the user, the covered distance, speed as well as acceleration. A signal for a training reference, as it is set by the user via the input device 23, is further applied thereto. From the training performance generated by the user, the processing unit 7 determines, with respect to the training reference, a measure of success, which can be absolute and/or relative. For this purpose, the processing unit 7 cooperates with a signal unit 8, which is formed to generate a signal 80 for a progress indicator 81, based on the measure of success. The signal 80 is output and is applied as input signal to an actuating drive 9, which, depending on this signal 80, displaces the frame 2 with seat 20 and pedal unit 21 in the longitudinal direction in a motorized manner as a function of the generated training performance, as will be described below. Processing unit 7 and actuating drive 9 form the actual core of the invention.

(44) The actuating drive 9 has an actuating motor 94, which, for displacement by means of a driven roller 49, acts on the frame 3. A non-driven roller 48 is further illustrated, which is provided with a device for determining the rotation (encoder or resolver) 96. The signal generated by said device is a measure for the distance covered by the roller 48, thus a signal for the displacement of the frame 2 and is guided back to the actuating drive 9. The speed of the actuating motor 94 is preferably likewise monitored, from which a signal for the speed of the driven roller 49 can be generated. This signal is likewise guided back to the position drive 9. The latter comprises a traction control device 93, to which both the speed signals of the driven roller 49 as well as the speed signals of the non-driven roller 48 are applied. It can be determined therefrom whether and to what extent slip occurs on the driven roller 49, a corresponding compensation can further take place when slip is detected, in particular by means of additional actuation of the roller 49, which is subject to slip, by means of the actuating drive 9 and/orin the case of two or more driven rollersby means of complementary control of the actuating drive on the opposite side of the frame 2, in order to create symmetry in this way.

(45) The actuating drive 9 further comprises limit switches 92, 92, which are arranged in the region of the ends of the guide rails 90 (not illustrated in FIG. 6). They are connected to the actuating drive 9 via a stop switch device 91. The stop switch device 91 is formed to detect the approaching of the rollers 48, 49 to the respective end switch 92, 92 and to then turn off or to reverse the actuating drive 9. It can be prevented with this that the frame 2 is displaced too far and the danger of jumping out of the guide rail 90 can thus be minimized.

(46) The signal unit 8 further cooperates with an amplifier module 82. Signals for speed and/or acceleration, as they are determined by the control device 6 from the training performance generated by the user, are additionally applied to said amplifier module. Said signals can be considered as further parameters for the progress indicator. For example, a catching-up of the user based on a training reference as well as an exceeding of the training reference can thus be intensified, so that even small progress is intensified by the amplifier module 82 in this way and is made clear for the user thereby. This applies accordingly when the training reference is formed by further users on other ergometers 1, in particular when position struggles of two users result. If a user catches up, based on another user, even small progress while catching up is made visible more strongly by means of the amplifier module 82 in that the frame 2 of his ergometer is accordingly displaced forward more strongly by the actuating drive 9, in order to be approximately at the center position in the case of a tie, and to lastly be displaced significantly forward once again when passing the other user. Accelerations generated by the user by means of his training performance can be intensified in a corresponding manner by the amplifier module 82. As a whole, the faster user is thus given the impression of experiencing an actual passing maneuver in this way. The same applies vice versa when the user is passed by another user, and the passed user is then moved backward by the actuating drive 9.

(47) That said, the actuating drive 9 always uses a limiter 98 to consider that the adjustment speed of the frame 3, which is effected by the actuating motor 94, is a safe speed, which is permissible according to machine guideline, in order to thus avoid the danger of injury to the user. The limiter 98 is expediently formed so that, together with the actuating motor 94, it forms a creep drive, the adjustment speed of which is limited to maximally 1 m/s.

(48) To have sufficient energy for the actuating drive 9 as well as the control device 6 or processing unit 7, respectively, even network-independently, a separate energy storage 99 is provided on the frame 2 or on the pedestal 3, which energy storage is connected to the actuating drive 9, the control device 6, or the processing unit 7, respectively, via (non-illustrated) supply lines. The energy storage 99 is embodied as an accumulator and stores electrical energy, which is required for the displacement of the frame 2 according to the invention.

(49) In the case of the embodiment alternatives according to FIG. 7, the pedestal 3 is not embodied as rectangular frame, as in the case of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 but is formed by means of two cross members 32, 33. On their ends, feet 4 are arranged, by means of which the cross members 32, 33 stand on a support, in particular the floor of a fitness studio. Two of the feet 4 are thereby embodied as roller feet 42, 43, which each have rollers 49, 49 arranged on the ends of the front cross member 33. The rollers 49, 49 are driven by the actuating drive 9, as already described above. The pedestal 3 can thus be rolled. It is thus attained that the entire ergometer is displaced as a function of the signal 80 for the progress indicator calculated by means of the processing unit 7. This results in a larger adjustment distance, so that a more vivid experience is provided to the user when generating a training performance according to the training reference. It goes without saying that, as already described above, the training reference can, on the one hand, be an absolute value based on a set training unit or a relative value, which is based on other users on further ergometers 1.

(50) A networking unit 5 is provided for communication with the further users on other ergometers 1. It is formed to establish a connection to a data network (in particular the Internet) 50, in order to be able to communicate with the further users and their ergometers 1 in this way. The further users can thereby be anywhere, whether in the same or another room of the fitness studio or at home or at a completely different point in the world. The training data is exchanged with these further users, so that competitive competitions can take place virtually.

(51) A non-driven roller 48, which is expediently arranged on the other cross member 32, can act as device for position detection. As already described above in connection with an encoder 96, signals for the actually covered displacement distance can be acquired in this way and can be guided back to the actuating drive 9.

(52) Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the actuating drive 9 is provided with a tracking device 97. As illustrated in FIG. 7, said tracking device is formed to follow a floor track marking 100 on the floor, which is preferably embodied as a linear element and extends transversely through the room, in which the ergometer is arranged. In the case of several ergometers in a room, such as typically in fitness studios, several floor track markings 100 can be arranged next to one another without intersecting, in particular in parallel. The tracking device 97 is provided with an image sensor 97 for detecting the floor track marking 100. If the image sensor 97 detects a deviation to the left (or to the right), a corresponding signal is transmitted to the tracking device 97. Said tracking device is formed to detect a directional error on the basis of the deviation and to determine a correction direction and to optionally display it on the display device 24. It expediently further cooperates with the traction control 93 in such a way that it acts as correction device. The driven roller 49 is thereby driven by the actuating motor 5 at reduced speed, opposite to the side towards which a deviation has occurred (thus the right roller a deviation to the left), in order to thus guide the deviation of the ergometer 1 back to the floor track marking 100 again.

(53) The floor track marking 100 is preferably embodied to be adhesive, for example as a unilaterally acting adhesive tape. Distance markings 102 are expediently printed onto the top side thereof, which can additionally also be provided with intermediate markings 103. A marking for the starting point 105 as well as a target marking 106 is further expediently provided on the top side of the floor track marking 100. Expediently, the floor track marking 100 is shorter, so that a shortened version thereof can also be used in the home environment with the smaller room dimensions, which typically arise there. The edges 101 of the floor track marking 100 act as longitudinal guide for the tracking device 97.

(54) Moreover, an actuation of the driven roller 49, 49 takes place by means of the actuating drive 9 in a corresponding manner as described above with regard to the displacement of the frame 3 relative to the pedestal 2 of the first embodiment.

(55) If the user performs an overachievement based on the training reference (absolute or relative based on optionally virtual competitors on other ergometers 1), the frame 3 is moved forward along the floor track marking 100 by the actuating drive 9 by means of the driven rollers 49, 49 (see FIG. 8a). In the case of lasting overachievement or in the case of an overachievement with particularly high speed or acceleration, and/or by means of a position gain compared to another user as competitor on another ergometer 1, the ergometer 1 is displaced forward more strongly with its frame 3 by means of the amplifier module 82, in order to thus make the position gain directly tangible for the user (see FIG. 8b). On the other hand, the position drive 9 will reverse accordingly and the ergometer 1 will be displaced backward with its frame 2 by means of the driven rollers 49, 49 when the performance of the user decreases compared to the reference or when a virtual competitor, in turn, passes the user, in order to thus situationally clarify his underperformance to the user and the loss of position, which optionally took place thereby (see FIG. 8c).

(56) A special feature in the case of the second embodiment with driven rollers 49, 49 lies in that different vertical loads can result on the feet arranged on the left side, based on the feet arranged on the right side, under the effect of the oscillating pedaling force of the user on the pedals arranged on both sides of the ergometer 1. An example for this is visualized in FIG. 9, where, due to the driving force of the user acting on the pedal, the vertical load compared to the static normal case (black arrow) is increased on the right side (see the light-shaded arrow). The dynamic vertical load resulting from the pedaling force is therefore decreased (see shaded arrow) on the left side compared to the static normal case (black arrow). The different vertical loads on the left and on the right lead to a different contact pressure of the rollers 49, 49. As a result, different slip can also occur on the left and right side in the case of the same driving force by the actuating motor 94, whereby the ergometer is deflected to the side with the lower vertical load (this is the left side in FIG. 9). The traction module 82 is expediently formed to detect such an imbalance resulting from the effect of the drive force of the user on the pedal drive and slip difference effected therewith, and to balance them by controlling the traction control.

(57) Alternatives for the second embodiment with driven rolling foot are illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11a, b. In the case of the embodiment alternative according to FIG. 10, a driven central roller 47 is thus provided, which is arranged on a beam between the cross members 32, 33. The cross members 32, 33 themselves are provided with sliders 45 on their underside, which are dimensioned so that the central driven roller 47 absorbs a majority of the vertical load at least of the rear cross member 32. This central driven roller 47 can optionally be embodied to be steerable, in order to thus compensate for a directional deviation, for example from the track marking 100, by pivoting the driven central roller 47.

(58) Transport rollers 41 can optionally be provided on the rear side on the cross member 32 on both sides. They are arranged so that in the case of the position of the ergometer 1 illustrated in FIG. 10, they do not rest on the floor, but are arranged slightly higher. If the ergometer 1 is tilted backward via the rear cross member 32, for example for putting it away, the transport rollers 41 come into contact with the floor and the ergometer 1 can be rolled away easily.

(59) In the case of the embodiment alternative according to FIG. 11a, a second set of driven rollers 49, 49, instead of the centrally driven roller 47, is arranged on an axle beam, which is likewise fastened to the beam. The function largely corresponds to the function according to FIG. 9, wherein a compensation of directional deviations can additionally take place (as described above) by systematically driving the driven roller 49, 49 on the one side. The same applies for the embodiment alternative according to FIG. 11b, where the driven rollers 49, 49 are provided on a front cross member and non-driven rollers 48, 48 on a rear cross member.

(60) An alternative for FIG. 7 is illustrated in FIG. 12. It differs from the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 in that a track marking 100, which acts in a form-fit manner, is provided. On its top side, it is provided with a toothing in the manner of a toothed rack. The teeth preferably have a rectangular profile, in order to thus create a well-accessible surface even in the region of the toothing. The rollers 48, 48 on the cross members are not driven thereby. Instead, the actuating motor 94 of the actuating drive 9 acts on a serrated wheel 46. On its outer circumference, it has a toothing, which is designed to be complementary to the toothing of the track marking 100. The serrated wheel 46 is mounted in the lower region of the frame 2, namely in such a way that it engages in a form-fit manner with the toothing of the track marking 100 by means of its toothing on the outer circumference. A form-fit drive is formed in this way, which effects a reliable and positionally accurate displacement of the frame 2 even in the case of contamination with fluids (sweat). This is particularly suitable for the use in fitness studios or other sports training centers, in which the users generate a maximum of physical performance.

(61) A use of this type in fitness studios is visualized in FIG. 13 with different views. FIG. 13a shows several bike ergometers 1, 1 according to the invention, which are set up next to one another in a fitness studio with their floor track markings 100 parallel to one another. At the start, they stand next to one another, and they are displaced by the actuating drive 9 as a function of the training performance of the respective user during the training.

(62) The relative positioning is thereby also shown. If two users compete with one another for a position (for example the lead position), it can be highlighted thanks to the amplifier module 82 for clarification purposes, which user is in front right now, even if the lead is only a few centimeters. The competition for the positions can thus be made to be clearly tangible, namely even if the simulated competition distance of 10 or 100 km is shortened to a typically 5 to 15 m short displacement along the floor track marking 100. The invention thereby also utilizes that the position loss of a user compared to another user then optionally also results in a reversing of the actuating drive 9, i.e. the user who fell behind in the position order then does not only move relative to the other users, but also absolutely backward. This is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 13b, where the user of the ergometer 1 falls behind and is passed by the user of the other ergometer 1. This change in the relative positioning is converted by the respective actuating drive 9 into a forward movement of the ergometer 1 and a backward movement of the ergometer 1. This takes place independently of whether the ergometers 1, 1 are located in one place (in the indoor cycling room of a fitness studio) or at a distance from one another (and only connected via the Internet 50). A significantly more intensive competitive atmosphere can be created therewith and the experience value for the users can be increased, which results in an encouragement for further training performances.

(63) An example for an alignment of the bike ergometers 1, 1 on the floor track markings 100 is illustrated in FIG. 13c. This is in particular significant when several bike ergometers 1, 1 are to be operated next to one another, in order to thus ensure a parallel operation and to avoid collisions with the adjacent apparatus. For this purpose, the tracking module expediently cooperates with an alignment module, which displays deviations detected by the tracking device 97 on the display device 24, in order to thus support a quick and correct alignment.

(64) FIGS. 14a-e show perspective views of different actuating drives 9. These are, e.g., an actuating drive 9 with a toothed rack 61 and a toothed roller 62 (FIG. 14a), an actuating drive 9 with one or several friction rollers 63 (FIGS. 14b and 14c), an actuating drive 9 with a cable 64 (FIG. 14d), and an actuating drive 9 with a chain 65 (FIG. 14e). Such actuating drives 9 can be accommodated easily below the casing of the frame (2, 2a, 2b) of a training apparatus 1, so that they do not become very dirty and are thus also low-maintenance. Such actuating drives 9 are furthermore cost-efficient and reliable.

(65) FIGS. 15a-c show schematic illustrations of further possible actuating drives 9, e.g. of an alternative chain drive (FIG. 15a), an axle drive with two rollers 48, 48 (FIG. 15b) as well as a drive for individual rollers 49, 49 (FIG. 15c). These actuating drives 9 are also cost-efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance.

(66) A possible positioning of rollers 48, 49, 48, 49 of a frame 2 and of a pedestal 3 consisting of round tubes 71 is shown in FIGS. 16a to 16c. FIGS. 17a to 17c are schematic illustrations for a possible positioning of rollers 48, 49, 48, 49 of a frame 2 and of a pedestal 3 consisting of C-profiles 72 or guide rails 90, respectively. Lastly, FIGS. 18a and 18b show a possible positioning of rollers 48, 49, 48, 49 of a frame 2 and of a pedestal 3 consisting of rectangular profiles 73. The rollers 48, 49, 48, 49 of the frame 2 can be positioned vertically, horizontally, or obliquely thereby on or accordingly in the tubes 71 or profiles 72, 73, respectively. All of these embodiments have in common that the user can exchange fitness apparatuses of different apparatus types easily, e.g. by pushing the fitness apparatus 1 into the pedestal 3 or by assembling the fitness apparatus 1 on the pedestal 3.

(67) FIGS. 19a to 19e thereby show different types of rollers 48, 49, 48, 49, e.g. rectangular (FIG. 19a), convex (FIG. 19b), concave (FIG. 19c) rollers or also so-called H-rollers (FIG. 19d) and so-called L-rollers (19). Each type of rollers 48, 49, 48, 49 is particularly well suited for a certain construction of the pedestal 3, for instance concave rollers for pedestals 3 of round tubes 71 or H- and L-rollers for pedestals 3 of rectangular profiles 73.

(68) FIGS. 20a-d show different embodiments of the pedestal 3 of a fitness apparatus 1, for example a large pedestal 74, a telescopic pedestal 75, wherein the telescopic capability is not only possible in the pedestal length but also in the pedestal width, a foldable pedestal 76 as well as a plug-in part pedestal 77 formed from assembled parts.

(69) The pedestals 3 can thus be adapted to the particular features of respective apparatus types 1a, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e by the user, e.g. lengthened for a rowing apparatus 1b or widened for a treadmill 1e.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(70) fitness apparatus (1) of a different apparatus type, e.g. ergometer (1a), speed bike (1a), rowing apparatus (1b), elliptical trainer (1c), cross trainer (1d), or treadmill (1e) frame (2), e.g. two-piece frame (2a, 2b) pedestal (3, 3), e.g. telescopic pedestal (3a, 3b) networking unit (5) control device (6) processing unit (7) signal unit (8) actuating drive (9) seat (20) or seat saddle (20), respectively force transmission device (21), e.g. pedal unit (21a) of an ergometer (1a), pull rope (21b) of a rowing apparatus (1b), running arms of an elliptical trainer (1c) or cross trainer (1d), including movable arms (21c, 21d) and pedal arms (21c, 21d), running belt (21e) of a treadmill (1e) hand grip (22) input device (23) display device (24) user interface (25) sensor (26) drive device (27), e.g. braking device (27) cross member (32, 33) transport rollers (41) slider (45) serrated wheel (46) rollers (47, 48, 49, 48, 49) central roller (47) Internet (50) toothed rack (61) toothed roller (62) friction roller (63) cable (64) chain (65) round tube (71) C-profile (72) rectangular profile (73) large pedestal (74) telescopic pedestal (75) foldable pedestal (76) plug-in part pedestal (77) signal (80) traction module (82) or amplifier module (82), respectively guide rails (90) spindle (90) end position detection (92, 92) traction control device (93) actuating motor (94) sliding block (95) internal thread (95) device for position detection (96, 97) tracking device (97) energy source (99) track marking (100, 100) or marking tape, respectively track markings with distance markings (102, 103)