Exerciser with programmable resistance

Abstract

An exerciser includes a resistance mechanism which includes a control unit so that the users can input pre-set programs via a panel to a Micro Control Unit (MCU) so as to drive a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a motor, a reel and a cable reeves through the reel. The reel is driven by the motor so as to pull the cable by a desired force. A load detection device is connected between the cable and the control unit so as to detect the tension of the cable. When the load detection mechanism detects an unusual situation on the cable, the operation of the driving mechanism is stopped or slower to protect the users.

1 . An exerciser comprising: 
 a resistance mechanism which includes a control unit, the control unit including a panel and a circuit board on which a Micro Control Unit (MCU) is connected, the circuit board being operated by pre-set programs, and    a driving mechanism having a motor electrically connected with the control unit and, a driving device which includes a reel and a cable reeving through the reel, the reel being driven by the motor, and    a load detection device connected between the cable and the control unit so as to detect the tension of the cable and sending signals to the MCU on the circuit board.    
   
   
       2 . A method for controlling the resistance of an exerciser, comprising the following steps: 
 step (a) setting a load according exerciser status via a panel;    step (b) detecting a load detection device by an MCU on a circuit board and transmission parts and control parts being driven by programmable commands;    step (c) driving a reel  55  to rotate to release or pull a cable reeving through the reel so as to provide resistance;    step (d) sending signals to the MCU on the circuit board according to results of detection of the cable by the load detection device;    step (e) the MCU on the circuit board comparing the programmable commands and the results of the detection of the cable by the load detection device, sending controlling signals to a driving mechanism, and step (f) sending control signals to the driving mechanism to stop or to slower operation of the driving mechanism when the load detection mechanism detects an unusual situation on the cable.    
   
   
       3 . The exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the driving mechanism and the load detection device are received in a box.  
   
   
       4 . The exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is received in a box.  
   
   
       5 . The exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , the driving mechanism includes a gear box connected to the motor.  
   
   
       6 . The exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the load detection device includes a load cell which has one end connected to an axle of the pulley to form a point of force applying, the other end of the load cell is fixed to the exerciser to form a fixed point, the load cell is electrically connected to the control unit.  
   
   
       7 . The exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the load detection device includes a load cell which has one end connected to an axle of the pulley to form a point of force applying, the other end of the load cell is pivotably connected to a first end of a link, a second end of the link is pivotably connected to the exerciser, the link is pivotably connected to an axle of the pulley.  
   
   
       8 . The exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein consumption of calories, date, time, times of heart beats, and load setting are input and/or output by the MCU on the circuit board via the panel.