Exercise apparatus capable of resistance detection

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a machine body, a transmission device, and a resistance adjusting device. The transmission device is operably disposed on the machine body and includes a rotatable resistance load. The resistance adjusting device includes an adjusting member operably disposed on the machine body, a retarding member connected to the adjusting member and disposed to be brought into contact with the resistance load for retarding rotation of the resistance load, and a force sensor that is disposed between the adjusting member and the retarding member and that is operable to generate a sensor output dependent upon resistance to rotation of the resistance load applied by the retarding member as a result of operating the adjusting member.

1 . An exercise apparatus capable of resistance detection, said exercise apparatus comprising:
 a machine body;   a transmission device operably disposed on said machine body and including a rotatable resistance load; and   a resistance adjusting device including:
 an adjusting member operably disposed on said machine body, 
 a retarding member connected to said adjusting member and disposed to be brought into contact with said resistance load for retarding rotation of said resistance load, and 
 a force sensor disposed between said adjusting member and said retarding member, and operable to generate a sensor output dependent upon resistance to rotation of said resistance load applied by said retarding member as a result of operating said adjusting member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said adjusting member is mounted threadedly on said machine body. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a display device disposed on said machine body, coupled to said force sensor, and operable to generate a visual indication of the sensor output. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said force sensor is selected from a piezoelectric force sensor, a capacitive force sensor and a resistive force sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said force sensor is a piezoelectric force sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said resistance load includes a flywheel, and said transmission device further includes a pedal unit, a drive wheel driven to rotate via said pedal unit, and a belt trained between said drive wheel and said flywheel. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise apparatus capable of resistance detection, said exercise apparatus comprising:
 a machine body;   a transmission device movably disposed on said machine body; and   a resistance adjusting device including:
 a resistance load coupled to said transmission device and movable relative to said machine body, and 
 a force sensor disposed between said transmission device and said resistance load, and operable to generate a sensor output dependent upon resistance to movement of said transmission device applied by said resistance load. 
   
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , further comprising a display device disposed on said machine body, coupled to said force sensor, and operable to generate a visual indication of the sensor output. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said force sensor is a piezoelectric force sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said resistance load includes a stack of weight members. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein:
 said transmission device includes an operating component movably connected to said machine body, and a pulley mechanism coupled to said operating component; and   said resistance adjusting device further includes a coupler connected between said pulley mechanism and said resistance load.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said coupler is a hollow body with a top end, said pulley mechanism includes a pull cord extending into said coupler via said top end, said resistance adjusting device further includes a press block disposed in said coupler and connected to said pull cord, and said force sensor is disposed in said coupler between said press block and said top end of said coupler.