EP0801963A1 - Training, diagnosis and rehabilitation apparatus of a bicycle ergonometric type - Google Patents

Abstract

The cycle ergonometer includes a program-controlled drive motor which is programmed to vary the pivot points of a carrier either continuously or stepwise. A seat or seat-leaning unit (SL) is mounted on a base frame via a carrier (4) pivotable about an axis (Z) parallel to the axle (3.1) of a pedal crank unit (3). The carrier can be fixed in a pivoted position. Different working pivot positions can be used. The carrier pivot axis is arranged on or near the pedal crank unit axle so that the mean distance between the seat surface (8) and the crank axle is essentially constant for the different pivot positions.

Description

The invention relates to a training, diagnostic and rehabilitation device in the manner of a bicycle ergometer with a seat or seat-backrest unit arranged on a base frame and a pedal crank unit, the former unit being attached to a carrier and being tiltable relative to the carrier and the carrier being pivotable about a pivot axis directed parallel to the axis of the pedal crank unit and being lockable in the pivot position.

In devices of this type, which have become known, for example, from DE 30 42 087 A1 (PHYSIA), the pivot axis of a support for the seat-backrest unit is located at a distance behind a pedal crank unit on a base frame. The carrier can be determined in a certain position for its use position. The seat-backrest unit can be moved lengthways on the carrier in the position of use. A pivoting of the carrier to a substantially horizontal position is provided for a medical emergency (e.g. the patient's weakness).

DE 42 03 917 C2 (BOHN et al) also discloses a device in the manner of a bicycle ergometer, in which the height of the seat-backrest unit can be adjusted and ascertained with the distance between the seat-backrest unit and the pedal crank unit remaining the same and the seat backrest unit can be moved below the level of the pedal crank unit.

However, a high level of construction and construction work is required here to accommodate the flywheel and brake units and the power transmission means to these, because these parts, together with the pedal crank unit, are arranged on or inside a support system which is pivotably mounted on the frame.

This also applies to the device according to US Pat. No. 5,342,261 (JOHNSTON), because in this case also the pedal crank unit together with the units actuated by it are arranged on a support body pivotably mounted on the frame.

DE 44 19 307 A1 (FISCHER) discloses a bicycle ergometer to be used in the medical field with a braking device in the manner of a hysteresis brake.

EP 0 403 295 A1 (PROPEL) discloses a collapsible bicycle trainer with a fixed position of use. The pedal crank unit is rigidly attached to the carrier here.

US Pat. No. 4,700,946 (BREUNIG) discloses a training device that allows arm and leg muscle movement against the body's own gravity. For this purpose, a seat slide is arranged on inclined parallelogram rails, which is pressed against a support for the arms and legs of the user by the slope downforce. The device can also be used as a bicycle trainer, the seat carriage then resting in its lowest position.

From DE-OS 20 21 130 (FORSMAN) a device designed in the manner of a bicycle ergometer is also known, in which the seat-backrest unit is vertically adjustable and lockable relative to a carrier, which in turn is horizontally adjustable and adjustable relative to the frame noticeable, but non-pivotably connected to the frame is. Accordingly, when changing the height of the seat-backrest unit to maintain the same distance between the seat-backrest unit and the pedal crank unit, a distance compensation must be carried out.

From EP 0 188 617 B1 (GO GIKEN) a so-called isokinetic, that is, motor-driven, bicycle ergometric device is known, in which the pedal crank unit is attached to a support body which is pivotably and fixably mounted on a base plate and which includes the drive motor the power transmission means. Accordingly, there is also a considerable amount of construction work, which is increased by the required supply line from the energy source through the swivel joint to the motor.

Another isokinetic device is shown in US Pat. No. 5,033,736 (HIRSCHFELD), in which there are no adjustment possibilities and in which a seat unit can be approached to the device in the manner of a wheelchair.

The following publications may be mentioned as further prior art: EP 0 152 995 (LOREDAN); DD 301 322 A7 (IRMLER et al); AT 397 033 B (WINTERSTEIGER); DE-PS 10 54 204 (JAEGER); DE 93 07 352 U1 (DAUM); U.S. Patent 5,342,265 (CREELMAN); U.S. Patent 5,342,261 (JOHNSTON); J.M.H. Cabri: Isokinetic movements as a diagnostic and rehabilitation principle, Med. Orth. Tech. 114 (1994, pp. 177-181); G. Seibert et al: Isokinetic systems - functional testing and calibration, medical technology, 111th year 5/91, pp. 165-172; and G. Eissing: Calibration device for bicycle ergometers, Biomed. Techn. 27 (1982), pp. 84-86.

The invention has for its object to provide a training, diagnostic and rehabilitation device that creates expanded training options and is relatively simple.

This object is achieved by a device according to the preamble of claim 1, which is characterized in that different use pivot positions are adjustable, and the pivot axis of the carrier is arranged in or near the axis of the pedal crank unit, so that the average distance of the seat to the axis of the pedal crank unit, the various use pivot positions of the carrier is substantially the same size.

The seat or seat-backrest unit can advantageously be locked in relation to the carrier, or it is advantageously held in a certain constant inclination by one of the means explained in more detail below, irrespective of the pivoting position. The distance from the seat surface to the axis of the pedal crank unit preferably means the distance from the center of the seat surface to the axis when the seat surface position is essentially horizontal. The arrangement of the pivot axis "in the vicinity of the axis of the pedal crank unit" means a distance from the axis of the pedal crank unit which is preferably less than 30%, particularly preferably less than 20% of the average distance of the seat surface (averaged over the various use swivel positions) to the axis of the pedal crank unit. By the fact that the average distance remains "essentially the same size" it is meant that the difference between the largest and smallest occurring distance from the seat surface to the axis of the pedal crank unit is preferably less than 20%, particularly preferably less than 10% of the average distance. The center of the seat can advantageously be used to define the distances.

Advantageous refinements of the subject matter of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

According to claim 2, a means is provided that the seat surface in the different use pivot positions automatically in the same inclination or, in other words, automatically holds in parallel. According to claim 3, this means for keeping the inclination constant is formed by a parallelogram-type steering system. Alternatively, an active drive (for example an electric motor) can be provided which, after each change in the inclination of the wearer, tracks the inclination of the seat so that it remains constant regardless of the inclination of the wearer.

According to claim 4 it is achieved that the pivoting of the seat or seat-backrest unit below the level of the pedal crank unit is made possible with little effort and at the same time a locking device is proposed, the stepless adjustment of the carrier for the seat with little effort. or seat-backrest unit, which can be carried out by the user with a simple actuation of a hand lever or the like.

Claims 5 to 11 relate to means for mechanically pivoting and locking the support of the seat or seat-backrest unit, furthermore to the displaceability of the seat surface relative to the support and to the formation of the outer shape of the device body.

According to claim 12, the use of the measures according to the invention in so-called isokinetic bicycle ergometers is proposed.

Different modes of operation of the isokinetic bicycle ergometer are the subject of claims 13 to 15, namely operation at constant speed, constant torque as well as combined speed and torque changes.

Claims 16 and 17 relate to configurations using so-called biofeedback methods.

Based on the attached schematic drawing, an exemplary embodiment of the training, Diagnostic and rehabilitation device explained in more detail, wherein a side view of the exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 and a top view in FIG. 2.

The device designated overall by G has a base frame which has a flat, approximately cuboid hollow base part 1, the slightly curved top surface 1.1 of which is composed of removable plates. The base part 1 continues upwards into a disk body 2, which has a substantially circular outline 2.1 in the side view according to FIG. 1 and an essentially rectangular outline 2.2 in the top view according to FIG. 2 and which acts as a bearing body for a pedal crank unit 3 , a carrier 4 and a handlebar 5 described below is used. The pedal crank unit 3 consists, as is customary with bicycles, of a bearing hub 3.1, two crank arms 3.2 projecting diametrically from this and two pedals 3.3 rotatably mounted on the crank arms, the bearing hub 3.1 being arranged in the vicinity of the center Z of the disk body 2. In other embodiments, it is arranged in the center Z.

The pedal crank unit 3 also includes an organ 6 housed in the base part 1, 1.1, which acts either as a brake or as a drive motor, depending on whether the device is operated as a conventional bicycle ergometer or as a so-called isokinetic bicycle simulator.

In the latter devices, the pedals 3.3 are driven externally via a transmission 6.1, which enables a force-free movement training of the leg muscles. The exerciser can also try to move the pedals faster or slower than the external drive. If an external drive with constant speed output is used, the patient can apply braking or acceleration forces at constant speed. With constant power consumption of the engine, however, the exerciser can Accelerate or slow down the rotation of the pedals within a certain speed range. Such a bicycle ergometer therefore has the advantage that the exerciser submits work under controlled kinematic conditions. This enables, for example, a continuously increased and at the same time verifiable training course in medical rehabilitation processes.

The above-mentioned carrier 4 is pivotally supported at one end in the area between the bearing hub 3.1 and the center Z of the disk body 2. Its storage is therefore in the immediate vicinity of the bearing hub 3.1. In other embodiments, the support of the carrier 4 is located in the bearing hub 3.1. The carrier 4 carries at its other free end a seat-back unit SL which is designed to be longitudinally displaceable as well as tiltable relative to the carrier 4. The pivot angle of the carrier 4 are chosen so that an adjustment from the usual sitting position to a quasl lying position is possible; compare the fully extended or dotted position in Fig. 1. This enables different muscle groups to be trained, depending on whether the seat SL is set high or low.

In the present embodiment, the pivoting and locking of the carrier 4 is not done manually, but by machine. For this purpose, the carrier 4 is equipped with a rocker arm 11 rigidly connected to it and projecting at an angle therefrom, the shape of which is adapted to the circular curvature 2.1 of the disk body 3. Its free end 11.1 is connected in an articulated manner to a motor-operated pull rod drive 12 with a drive 12.1 in such a way that the longitudinal movements of the drive 12.1 are converted into the pivoting movement of the carrier 4, the pull rod drive 12 also serving as a locking device for the carrier 4 when it is at a standstill. The tie rod drive 12 is housed together with its drive 12.1 in the base part 1, 1.1.

In the present case, the seat backrest unit SL is not attached directly to the free end of the carrier 4, but an extension piece 7 is interposed in such a way that it is articulated on the one hand on the carrier 4 and on the other hand carries the seat backrest unit. In order to adapt the distance from the seat backrest unit to the pedals 3.3 to the size of the user, the extension piece 7 has guides 7.1 for a longitudinal displacement of the seat backrest unit. In order to be able to adjust the level between the seat surface 8 of the seat-back unit SL compared to the extension piece 7, a device 7.2 for height adjustment of the seat-back unit is provided, which also acts as a locking device for the two adjustment processes mentioned.

The extension piece 7 is also connected at 5.1 to one end of the - here rod-shaped - handlebar 5. The handlebar 5 is articulated with its other end at 5.2 on the disc body 2. The dimensions of the handlebar 5 and the two articulation points 5.1, 5.2 are chosen so that a parallelogram system is formed with the carrier 4, which ensures a horizontal position of the seat 8 of the seat-backrest unit with all pivoting positions of the carrier, which is a safety measure the user is essential during the operation of the device; see. the dotted representation in Fig. 1st

In the present exemplary embodiment, provision is also made for the backrest 9 to be designed so that it can be pivoted and locked in relation to the seat 8, which is particularly desirable when the user assumes the quasi-lying position mentioned.

There are also pivotable and lockable armrests 10 which contribute to a safe sitting or lying position of the user.

In summary, in the case of the invention, there is always on average essentially the same distance between the user and the pedals 3.3 of the pedal crank unit 3 for all use pivot positions, with e.g. the middle area of the seat 8 is viewed. This extensive equality of distance is advantageous because otherwise the distance for one and the same user would have to be corrected each time the swivel angle, that is to say the level difference between user and pedals 3.3, which would require a considerable amount of work and time. This equality of distance is achieved by the above-mentioned relocation of the bearing hub 3.1 of the pedal crank unit 3 in the immediate vicinity of the pivot axis Z of the carrier 4; compare the eccentric arrangement of the bearing hub 3.1 in FIG. 1.

In addition to this idea, further measures briefly mentioned below are provided within the scope of the invention. This is the application of the so-called biofeedback process, in which on the one hand the working functions of the device and / or the user e.g. held with a computer and / or e.g. are checked on a screen and, on the other hand, the user is given specifications that he should reach certain values of kinematic or physical quantities (e.g. in the case of operation with constant torque, it can be specified that the user should achieve a higher speed). These predetermined values can also vary over time, e.g. increase or decrease periodically.

Claims (17)

Training, diagnostic and rehabilitation device in the manner of a bicycle ergometer with a seat or seat-backrest unit (SL) arranged on a base frame and a pedal crank unit (3), the former unit (SL) on a carrier (4) is fastened and can be tilted relative to the support (4) and the support (4) can be pivoted about a pivot axis (Z) directed parallel to the axis (3.1) of the pedal crank unit (3) and can be locked in the pivoted position,
characterized in that - Different use swivel positions are adjustable, and - The pivot axis (Z) of the carrier (4) in or in the vicinity of the axis (3.1) of the crank unit (3) is arranged so that the average distance of the seat (8) to the axis (3.1) of the crank unit (3) the different use pivot positions of the carrier (4) is essentially the same size. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which a means for automatically maintaining the inclination of the seat surface (6) is provided at the various use pivot positions. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the means for keeping the inclination constant is formed by a parallelogram system which comprises the support (4) and a link (5) which is articulated (5.2) on the base frame and is mounted on the seat or seat backrest unit (SL) or a part that carries this unit (SL). Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which, when the pivoting movements of the carrier (4) are carried out by means of a drive motor (6), the latter actuates a linear drive, preferably a tie rod drive (12), the pinion (12.1) of which is connected to the carrier (4 ) rigidly attached, projecting from this rocker (11) cooperates so that the linear movements of the driver (12.1) cause the pivoting movements of the carrier (4) about its pivot axis (Z). Apparatus according to claim 4, in which the drive motor (6) is program-controlled in such a way that it changes the pivoting positions of the carrier (4) continuously or batchwise. Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the seat or seat-backrest unit (SL) is longitudinally displaceable relative to the carrier (4) and can be fixed by means of a locking device. Device according to claim 6, in which an extension piece (7) is articulated to the support (4) at its area near the seat, which on the one hand has guides (7.1) for the longitudinal displacement of the seat or seat-backrest unit (SL) and means (7.2 ) for a height adjustment thereof with respect to the extension piece (7). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the backrest (9) can be pivoted and locked relative to the seat (8). Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which on the seat (8) or the backrest (9) opposite these pivotably lockable armrests (10) are provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base frame is equipped with a box-shaped base part (1, 1.1) and a disc body (2) with a circular circumference (2.1) projecting therefrom, the center of the circle being aligned with the pivot axis (Z ) of the carrier (4) coincides and the rocker (11) of the carrier (4) is adapted to the circumference. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 10, in which the linear drive (12, 12.1) together with the drive motor and the other installation parts of the device are accommodated in the base part (1), covered by easily removable plates (1.1). Apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the pedal crank unit (3) can be driven by a motor (6), preferably an electric motor, the speed and / or direction of rotation of the motor being adjustable and the arrangement being so made that the user can apply torques to or against the direction of rotation of the pedal cranks. Apparatus according to claim 12, in which the torques can be applied by the user either at a constant speed or at a constant torque of the pedal crank. Apparatus according to claim 12, in which an increase or decrease in the speed caused by the user is accompanied by an increase or decrease in the torque opposing its movement. Apparatus according to claim 12, in which an increase or decrease in the speed caused by the user is accompanied by a decrease or increase in the torque opposing its movement, in particular in such a way that the power provided by the user remains essentially constant. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, in which the working functions of the device, such as speed and / or power, and / or the user, such as blood pressure, pulse number and / or applied torque, are recorded during operation with the aid of a so-called biofeedback method - And / or are controllable, a computer or the like. Can be used to record the values and a screen to display the values. Apparatus according to claim 16, in which the biofeedback method is equipped in such a way that it allows the user to define requirements to be reached by the user, e.g. Makes minimum or maximum values, with respect to the functions mentioned, which can optionally be done in a time-varying manner.

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